Controlled-access broadcast signal receiving system

Abstract

An apparatus and method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in data. A signal indicating the limited reproduction right is transmitted by the broadcaster and stored by the receiver with the data. The receiver reproduces and processes the data as a function of this signal.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. Apparatus for receiving, recording, and reproducing data signals, comprising: 
       receiving means for receiving said data signals and an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals;  
       processing means, coupled to said receiving means, for processing said data signals to produce processed data signals;  
       control means for controlling said processing means in response to said access-control signal;  
       storage means for storing said processed data signals and for storing said access-control signal;  
       means for reproducing said stored processed data signals to produce reproduced data signals and for retrieving said stored access-control signal; and  
       reprocessing means coupled to said control means for reprocessing said reproduced data signals in response to said retrieved access-control signal.  
     
     
       2. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said data signals are digital video data signals. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means receives said data signals and said access-control signal from a broadcasting station. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means further comprises a tuner for receiving broadcast signals. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said receiving means further comprises a modem for receiving said access-control signal. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means further comprises a modem for receiving said access-control signal. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said receiving means further comprises a user interface for receiving said access-control signal from a user. 
     
     
       8. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processing means comprises a descrambler. 
     
     
       9. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processing means comprises a descrambler and an encipherer and wherein said reprocessing means comprises a decipherer. 
     
     
       10. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processing means comprises an encipherer and wherein said reprocessing means comprises a decipherer. 
     
     
       11. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processed data signals are stored on a record medium and said access-control signal is stored in a separate storage medium. 
     
     
       12. Apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein said record medium is a video tape. 
     
     
       13. Apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein said separate storage medium is an integrated circuit memory. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said processed data signals and said access-control signal both are stored on a common record medium. 
     
     
       15. Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a clock, coupled to said receiving means and to said control means, for supplying a clock signal to said control means; 
       wherein said data signals include a clock reference signal; and  
       wherein said clock signal is synchronized with said clock reference signal.  
     
     
       16. Apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a decoder, coupled to said reprocessing means, for decoding said reprocessed data signals. 
     
     
       17. Apparatus for receiving and recording data signals, comprising: 
       receiving means for receiving said data signals and an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals;  
       processing means, coupled to said receiving means, for processing said data signals to produce processed data signals;  
       control means for controlling said processing means in response to said access-control signal; and  
       storage means for storing said processed data signals and said access-control signal.  
     
     
       18. Apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein said processing means comprises a descrambler. 
     
     
       19. Apparatus according to  claim 18  wherein said processing means further comprises an encipherer. 
     
     
       20. Apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein said processing means comprises an encipherer. 
     
     
       21. Apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein said storage means comprises a storage cassette. 
     
     
       22. Apparatus according to  claim 21  wherein said storage cassette contains a record medium on which said processed data signals are recorded and an integrated circuit memory in which said access-control signal is stored. 
     
     
       23. Apparatus for reproducing processed data signals, comprising: 
       means for reproducing stored processed data signals to produce reproduced data signals and for retrieving a stored access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals;  
       reprocessing means for reprocessing said reproduced data signals to produce reprocessed data signals; and  
       control means for controlling said reprocessing means in response to said retrieved access-control signal.  
     
     
       24. Apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein said reprocessing means comprises a descrambler. 
     
     
       25. Apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein said reprocessing means comprises a decipherer. 
     
     
       26. Apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein said processed data signals and said access-control signals are stored in a storage cassette. 
     
     
       27. A method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in data, comprising the steps of: 
       transmitting from said broadcaster to said receiver an access-control signal generated by a remote provider and said data, said access-control signal indicating said limited reproduction right;  
       receiving, at said receiver, said access-control signal and said data;  
       processing, at said receiver, said data in response to said access-control signal to produce processed data;  
       storing, at said receiver, said processed data and said access-control signal;  
       retrieving, at said receiver, said stored access-control signal;  
       reproducing, at said receiver, said stored processed data to produce reproduced data; and  
       reprocessing, at said receiver, said reproduced data in response to said retrieved access-control signal.  
     
     
       28. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said limited reproduction right is the right to reproduce said data N times. 
     
     
       29. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said limited reproduction right is the right to reproduce said data until date Y. 
     
     
       30. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said limited reproduction right is the right to reproduce said data until time T. 
     
     
       31. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said data is transmitted in scrambled form and said step of processing said data comprises descrambling said data. 
     
     
       32. The method, according to  claim 31 , wherein said step of processing said data further comprises enciphering said data; and 
       wherein said step of reprocessing said reproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data.  
     
     
       33. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said step of processing said data comprises enciphering said data; and 
       wherein said step of reprocessing said reproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data.  
     
     
       34. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said data is transmitted and stored in scrambled form, and said step of reprocessing said reproduced data comprises descrambling said reproduced data. 
     
     
       35. The method, according to  claim 27 , wherein said processed data and said access-control signal are stored on a storage cassette. 
     
     
       36. A method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in prerecorded data, comprising the steps of: 
       transmitting from said broadcaster to said receiver an access-control signal generated by a remote provider, said access-control signal indicating said limited reproduction right;  
       receiving, at said receiver, said access-control signal;  
       reproducing, at said receiver, said prerecorded data; and  
       processing, at said receiver, said reproduced data in response to said access-control signal.  
     
     
       37. The method, according to  claim 36 , wherein said step of processing said reproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data. 
     
     
       38. The method, according to  claim 36 , wherein said step of processing said reproduced data comprises descrambling said reproduced data. 
     
     
       39. A method for reproducing prerecorded data comprising the steps of: 
       reproducing an access-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said data signals from a first storage medium;  
       reproducing processed data from a second storage medium in response to said access-control signal to produce reproduced data; and  
       reprocessing said reproduced data in response to said access-control signal.  
     
     
       40. A method for erasing prerecorded data stored on a record medium in response to an access-control signal stored in a separate memory, comprising the steps of: 
       retrieving said access-control signal from said separate memory;  
       determining that said access-control signal is an ERASE signal; and  
       erasing data stored on said record medium in response to said ERASE signal.  
     
     
       41. An apparatus for receiving one or more encrypted data signals to be recorded on a recording medium, comprising: 
       
         a receiver for receiving said one or more encrypted data signals;  
       
       
         a decryptor, coupled to said receiver, for decrypting said one or more received encrypted data signals; and  
       
         an encryptor coupled to said decryptor for re - encrypting said one or more decrypted data signals to produce re - encrypted data signals that are reproducible based upon a received access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to produce said data signals.   
     
     
       42. The apparatus of  claim 41 , further comprising: 
         a reproducing device for reproducing said one, or more re - encrypted data signals; and    
         a second decryptor for decrypting said reproduced one or more re - encrypted data signals.   
     
     
       43. The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein said one or more re- encrypted data signals are recorded on said recording medium.   
     
     
       44. The apparatus of  claim 43 , further comprising: 
         a reproducing device for reproducing said one or more re - encrypted, data signals from said recording medium;    
         a second decryptor for decrypting said reproduced one or more re - encrypted data signals; and    
         a playback device for playing back said decrypted one or more re - encrypted data signals.   
     
     
       45. The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein said reproducing device reproduces said one or more re- encrypted data signals from said recording medium in accordance with an instruction received by said apparatus for receiving encrypted data signals.   
     
     
       46. A method for receiving one or more encrypted data signals to be recorded on a recording medium, comprising the steps of: 
       
         receiving said one or more encrypted data signals;  
       
       
         decrypting said one or more received encrypted data signals; and  
       
         re - encrypting said one or more decrypted data signals to produce re - encrypted data signals that are re - producible based upon a received access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to produce said data signals.   
     
     
       47. The method of  claim 46 , further comprising the steps of: 
         reproducing said one or more re - encrypted data signals; and    
         decrypting said reproduced one or more re - encrypted data signals.   
     
     
       48. The method of  claim 46 , further comprising the step of recording said one or more re- encrypted data on said recording medium.   
     
     
       49. The method of  claim 48 , further comprising the steps of: 
         reproducing said one or more re - encrypted data signals from said recording medium;    
         decrypting said reproduced one or more re - encrypted data signals; and    
         playing back said decrypted one or more re - encrypted data signals.   
     
     
       50. The method of  claim 49 , wherein said re- encrypted data is reproduced from said recording medium upon receipt of an instruction directing such reproducing.   
     
     
       51. A method for controlling reproduction of data signals stored on a recording medium, comprising the steps of: 
       
         retrieving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce said data signals and which represents the number of times said data signals are permitted to be reproduced;  
       
       
         reproducing said data signals from said recording medium, wherein said data signals are stored in an encrypted form;  
       
       
         decrypting said reproduced data signals; and  
       
       
         controlling the reproduction and decryption of said data signals in response to said retrieved access control signal. 
       
     
     
       52. The method of  claim 51 , wherein said data signals are compressed signals and further comprising the step of decoding the decrypted data signals. 
     
     
       53. The method of  claim 51 , wherein the access control signal is retrieved over a communication channel. 
     
     
       54. The method of  claim 51 , wherein the access control signal is retrieved by reproducing said access control signal from said recording medium. 
     
     
       55. The method of  claim 51 , wherein the access control signal is rewritable. 
     
     
       56. A method for controlling reproduction of data signals stored on a recording medium, comprising the steps of: 
       
         retrieving an access control signal generated by a remote provider which grants a user rights to reproduce said data signals and which represents a temporal limit on which said data signals are permitted to be reproduced;  
       
       
         reproducing said data signals from said recording medium, wherein said data signals are stored in an encrypted form;  
       
       
         decrypting said reproduced data signals; and  
       
       
         controlling the reproduction and decryption of said data signals in response to said retrieved access control signal. 
       
     
     
       57. The method of  claim 56 , wherein said data signals include clock reference data for adjusting the time of a clock used in reproducing said data signals. 
     
     
       58. The method of  claim 56 , wherein said data signals are compressed signals, and further comprising the step of decoding the decrypted data signals. 
     
     
       59. The method of  claim 56 , wherein the access control signal is retrieved over a communication channel. 
     
     
       60. The method of  claim 56 , wherein the access control signal is retrieved by reproducing said access control signal from said recording medium. 
     
     
       61. A method for transferring and receiving data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         transferring said data signals to a receiver;  
       
       
         transferring an access control signal generated by a remote provider to said receiver, the access control signal granting a user rights to reproduce said data signals at the receiver and representing the number of times said data signals are permitted to be reproduced;  
       
       
         receiving said transferred data signals at the receiver;  
       
       
         storing said received data signals in an encrypted form;  
       
       
         receiving said transferred access control signal at the receiver; and  
       
       
         storing said received access control signal. 
       
     
     
       62. The method of  claim 61 , wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said receiver from the same remote provider. 
     
     
       63. The method of  claim 61 , wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said receiver over different communication paths. 
     
     
       64. The method of  claim 61 , wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said receiver over the same communication path. 
     
     
       65. A method, for transferring and receiving data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         transferring said data signals to a receiver;  
       
       
         transferring an access control signal generated by a remote provider to said receiver, the access control signal granting a user rights to reproduce said data signals at the receiver and representing a temporal limit on which said data signals are permitted to be reproduced;  
       
       
         receiving said transferred data signals at the receiver;  
       
       
         storing said received data signals in an encrypted form;  
       
       
         receiving said transferred access control signal at the receiver; and  
       
       
         storing said received access control signal. 
       
     
     
       66. The method of  claim 65 , wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said receiver from the same remote provider. 
     
     
       67. The method of  claim 65 , wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said receiver over different communication paths. 
     
     
       68. The method of  claim 65 , wherein said data signals and said access control signal are transferred to said receiver over the same communication path. 
     
     
       69. A method for controlling reproduction of data signals stored on a recording medium, comprising the steps of: 
       
         retrieving a first access control signal generated by a remote provider and stored on said recording medium together with said data signals, said first access control signal granting a user rights to reproduce the data signals from the recording medium;  
       
       
         rewriting said first access control signal to produce a second access control signal; and  
       
       
         reproducing said data signals from said recording medium. 
       
     
     
       70. The method of  claim 69 , wherein at least one of said access control signals represents the number of times said data signals are permitted to be reproduced. 
     
     
       71. A method for transferring data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         receiving from a receiver a request for a desired data signal;  
       
       
         receiving from said receiver a request for limited rights to use said requested data signal at the receiver;  
       
       
         transferring said requested data signal to said receiver; and  
       
       
         transferring to said receiver an access control signal that is generated as a function of said requested limited rights. 
       
     
     
       72. The method of  claim 71 , wherein said access control signal represents the number of times said data signals are permitted to be used. 
     
     
       73. The method of  claim 71 , wherein said access control signal represents a temporal limit on which said data signals are permitted to be used. 
     
     
       74. A method for receiving data signals comprising the steps of: 
       
         requesting a desired data signal;  
       
       
         requesting limited rights to use said requested data signal;  
       
       
         receiving said requested data signal;  
       
       
         receiving an access control signal that is generated by a remote provider as a function of said requested limited rights;  
       
       
         using said received data signal;  
       
       
         controlling the use of said data signal in response to said received access control signal; and  
       
       
         storing said received data signal in an encrypted form. 
       
     
     
       75. The method of  claim 74 , wherein said access control signal represents the number of times said data signals are permitted to be used. 
     
     
       76. The method of  claim 74 , wherein said access control signal represents a temporal limit on which said data signals are permitted to be used. 
     
     
       77. The method of  claim 74 , wherein said access control signal defines one or more of the number of times said data signals are permitted to be used and a temporal limit on which said data signals are permitted to be used. 
     
     
       78. The method of  claim 74 , wherein said step of using said received data signal comprises decrypting said received data signal. 
     
     
       79. A method for controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         storing data signals received via a signal transmission medium;  
       
       
         storing an access control signal received via said signal transmission medium, said access control signal being generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals, and said access control signal defining one or more of the number of times said stored data signals are permitted to be reproduced and a temporal limit on which said stored data signals are permitted to be reproduced;  
       
       
         checking the stored access control signal prior to reproducing the stored data signals to determine if said data signals are permitted to be reproduced;  
       
       
         reproducing said stored data signals dependent upon said access control signal; and  
       
       
         outputting to a monitor, in recognizable form, said reproduced data signals. 
       
     
     
       80. A method of controlling the use of data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         receiving and storing data signals;  
       
       
         receiving and storing a first access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals;  
       
       
         checking the stored first access control signal prior to decrypting the stored data signals to determine if said data signals are permitted to be used;  
       
       
         receiving and storing a second access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals if said first access control signal does not grant said user rights to use said stored data signals, said second access control signal defining one or more of the number of times said stored data signals are permitted to be used and a temporal limit on which said stored data signals are permitted to be used;  
       
       
         decrypting said stored data signals; and  
       
       
         outputting said decrypted data signals. 
       
     
     
       81. A method of controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         receiving and storing data signals in an encrypted form;  
       
       
         receiving a request to reproduce said stored data signals;  
       
       
         determining, in response to said received request, whether said stored data signals are permitted to be reproduced;  
       
       
         connecting to a remote location to receive an access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals if said request does not permit said stored data signals to be reproduced;  
       
       
         decrypting said stored data signals; and  
       
       
         reproducing said decrypted data signals. 
       
     
     
       82. A method of controlling access to data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         receiving a request from a user to use data signals;  
       
       
         determining whether said user is a subscriber to use said data signals;  
       
       
         determining if said request defines one or more of the number of times said data signals are permitted to be used and a temporal limit on which said data signals are permitted to be used; and  
       
       
         transmitting to said user an access control signal determined by said request, if said user is determined to be a subscriber, said access control signal being generated by a remote provider to grant said user rights to use said data signals. 
       
     
     
       83. The method of  claim 82  wherein said step of transmitting said access control signal to said user includes the step of satisfying terms of payment for said use of said data signals. 
     
     
       84. The method of  claim 83  wherein said terms of payment are prepayment by said user for the use of said data signals. 
     
     
       85. The method of  claim 83  wherein said terms of payment are immediate payment by said user for the use of said data signals. 
     
     
       86. A method of erasing stored data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         storing an erase control signal which establishes a time on which said stored data signals are to be erased;  
       
       
         receiving an access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to use said stored data signals; and  
       
       
         erasing said stored data signals at the time established by said erase control signal upon satisfying conditions of use of said stored data signals determined by said access control signal. 
       
     
     
       87. A method of controlling the reproduction of data signals, comprising the steps of: 
       
         receiving and storing data signals;  
       
       
         receiving and storing a first access control signal generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to reproduce a selected portion of said stored data signals;  
       
       
         permitting reproduction of only said portion of said stored data signals, consistent with said first access control signal;  
       
       
         transmitting a request to reproduce at least the remainder of said stored data signals;  
       
       
         receiving a second access control signal generated by a remote provider in response to said request to grant a user rights to reproduce said stored data signals, said second access control signal defining one or more of the number of times said stored data signals are permitted to be reproduced and a temporal limit on which said stored data signals are permitted to be reproduced; and  
       
       
         reproducing said stored data signals consistent with said second access control signal. 
       
     
     
       88. A method for controlling access to data signals stored in an encrypted form, comprising the steps of: 
       
         receiving via a signal transmission medium a first access control signal;  
       
       
         receiving, subsequent to the reception of said first access control signal, a second access control signal, said first and second access control signals being generated by a remote provider to grant a user rights to access said stored data signals, and said second access control signal representing a temporal limit on which said stored data signals are permitted to be accessed;  
       
       
         replacing said first access control signal with said subsequently received second access control signal prior to using said stored data signals; and  
       
       
         decrypting said stored data signals if said second access control signal indicates that said stored data signals may be used.