초록 ▼

Reproduction of a multi-media data signal which is stored on a source media or distributed via a communication network is controlled by inserting master tag data and control tag data into the data signal. A player/recorder inserts an additional generation of control tag information each time a copy

Reproduction of a multi-media data signal which is stored on a source media or distributed via a communication network is controlled by inserting master tag data and control tag data into the data signal. A player/recorder inserts an additional generation of control tag information each time a copy of the media is made. If the number of generations of the control tag information is above a threshold value, reproduction of the data signal may be inhibited. For example, if the data signal comprises video data, the player/recorder may only allow playing of the video signal on a display but will not allow recording. The playing and recording of associated signals, such as an audio signal which accompanies a video signal, may also be controlled. The master tag data and control tag data may be provided as spread spectrum signals which are spectrally shaped and power-adjusted according to the data signal to render them imperceptible in the data signal. With encrypted frames of multi-media data, encryption keys may be carried in a key layer with the encrypted data signal or another data signal for use in decryption on a frame by frame basis.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [49.] Apparatus for controlling the reproduction of a primary multi-media data signal using an auxiliary multi-media data signal, where master tag information is embedded in at least one of said primary and auxiliary multi-media data signals, and at least one of said primary a

[ What is claimed is:] [49.] Apparatus for controlling the reproduction of a primary multi-media data signal using an auxiliary multi-media data signal, where master tag information is embedded in at least one of said primary and auxiliary multi-media data signals, and at least one of said primary and auxiliary multi-media data signals is adapted to carry control tag information embedded therein, comprising:a receiver for receiving and detecting said master tag information embedded in said at least one of said primary and auxiliary multi-media data signals, detecting said control tag information, if any, embedded in said at least one of said primary and auxiliary multi-media data signals, and determining the number of generations of said control tag information;an encoder for providing an additional generation of control tag information in said at least one of said primary and auxiliary multi-media data signals; anda data output stage responsive to the number of said generations of control tag information for selectively reproducing said primary multi-media data signal.