Broadcast Signal Access Control for Non-Encoded Content Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies, such as CA systems and macrovision, are insufficient for meeting the requirements of public broadcasting and 'free-to-air' providers, as they do not allow for non-encoded processing and storage of contents, and are costly to implement in consumer devices, while CPCM systems are not acceptable for public broadcasting as they restrict recording of unencoded content.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating special access authorization data that remain linked to sound and picture contents throughout the distribution path, ensuring decoding at the end of the transmission cascade, even during repeated encoding and decoding, to allow non-encoded content availability to the end user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPCM systems are used to control copying and operations of contents, then copying control and operational control are improved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control function from complex CPCM systems by using a simple macrovision signal embedded in the broadcast stream. This signal contains control information that selectively enables or disables recording functionality, eliminating the need for complex signal processing while maintaining effective copying control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive macrovision signal instead of complex CPCM systems. This disposable-like signal is easily implemented in existing TV receivers and provides sufficient control functionality without requiring expensive or complex device modifications
2Reliability
If CA systems are used for pay TV access control, then access control is improved, but the ability to process and store contents non-encoded is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic control mechanism where the macrovision signal can change the operational state of the receiver. When the signal indicates recording is prohibited, the system dynamically switches to encoded mode for display but blocks recording. When recording is permitted, the system switches to non-encoded mode, providing flexible adaptability while maintaining access control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the broadcast reception system multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both encoded and non-encoded modes depending on the macrovision signal. This allows a single system to serve multiple purposes: pay TV access control, free-to-air reception, and flexible content processing/storage, eliminating the need for separate systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If contents are encoded for wireless transmission to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the ability to process and store contents non-encoded is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the macrovision control signal in the broadcast stream before transmission. This pre-established signal contains advance information about the intended usage (encoded vs. non-encoded mode), allowing the receiving device to be pre-configured accordingly and eliminating the need for complex real-time decisions or post-processing
Data Source
AI summary
A special instruction for not encoding a content is incorporated into access authorization data contained in the received signal, so that within a unified system for transmitting and receiving of encoded or non-encoded sound and/or picture contents, it is possible to meet the requirement of public broadcasting and “free-to-air” program providers for a non-encoded processing and/or display and/or storage of freely accessible contents for the end user. The instruction signalizes that the sound and/or picture contents, once received, must be available in the non-encoded form to the end user. The access authorization data remain added to the sound and/or picture contents, even in cases of a cascading, encoded retransmission, or remains logically linked thereto by suitable means, even if transmitted physically separate along with the picture and/or sound contents. During the processing and/or display and/or storage of the picture and/or sound contents retransmitted in the encoded form, the special instruction triggers a decoding of the picture and/or sound contents, at least at the end of the retransmission cascade.