Method and apparatus for scrambling and unscrambling data streams using encryption and decryption
First Claim
1. A method of scrambling and unscrambling a plurality of data streams having differing data on a plurality of signal channels, where each data stream has discrete and recognizable synchronizing information contained therein, which is periodically or aperiodically transmitted, and where there are at least as many signal channels, each having a fixed carrier frequency, as there are differing data streams to be scrambled and unscramble;
- comprising the steps of;
(a) synchronizing all of said plurality of data streams;
(b) generating an encryption key code and imposing said encryption key code onto said plurality of data streams;
(c) generating a data package which contains an identifier code for each data stream and a routing code by which said plurality of data streams are routed at any instant of time, so that each said data stream is assigned at that instant of time to a specific one of said plurality of signal channels;
(d) encrypting said data package in each of said data streams by inserting the same in said data stream at a specific place therein relative to said synchronizing information;
(e) transmitting said assigned routed data streams on their respective assigned signal channels;
(f) receiving said assigned routed data streams at any receiver equipped to receive and de-modulate the same;
(g) at any authorized receiver, capturing said encryption key code and utilizing said encryption key code to decrypt said encrypted data package so as to decode said identifier codes and said routing code; and
(h) utilizing said identifier codes and said routing codes so as to track a given data stream, no matter on which transmitted channel it appears at any instant of time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for scrambling and unscrambling a plurality of data streams having differing data, on a plurality of signal channels, are taught. The data streams may be television programs or other signal information, transmitted in a frame-by-frame manner with discrete synchronizing information, and where some of the data streams may be high priority such as pay-TV program material. All of the data streams are synchronized, an encryption key code is imposed on them, and a data package containing an identifier code for each data stream and a routing code is generated, so that each data stream is assigned at any instant of time to a specific one of the plurality of signal channels. The data package is encrypted in each data stream by being inserted at a specific place therein relative to the synchronizing information. At any authorized receiver the encryption key code is captured and used to decrypt the encrypted data package so as to decode the identifier and routing codes thereof, whereby a given data stream may be tracked no matter on which transmitted channel it appears at any instant of time. Several embodiments for controlling a local oscillator so as to track a given data stream, are taught.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method of scrambling and unscrambling a plurality of data streams having differing data on a plurality of signal channels, where each data stream has discrete and recognizable synchronizing information contained therein, which is periodically or aperiodically transmitted, and where there are at least as many signal channels, each having a fixed carrier frequency, as there are differing data streams to be scrambled and unscramble;
- comprising the steps of;
(a) synchronizing all of said plurality of data streams; (b) generating an encryption key code and imposing said encryption key code onto said plurality of data streams; (c) generating a data package which contains an identifier code for each data stream and a routing code by which said plurality of data streams are routed at any instant of time, so that each said data stream is assigned at that instant of time to a specific one of said plurality of signal channels; (d) encrypting said data package in each of said data streams by inserting the same in said data stream at a specific place therein relative to said synchronizing information; (e) transmitting said assigned routed data streams on their respective assigned signal channels; (f) receiving said assigned routed data streams at any receiver equipped to receive and de-modulate the same; (g) at any authorized receiver, capturing said encryption key code and utilizing said encryption key code to decrypt said encrypted data package so as to decode said identifier codes and said routing code; and (h) utilizing said identifier codes and said routing codes so as to track a given data stream, no matter on which transmitted channel it appears at any instant of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
- comprising the steps of;
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18. Apparatus for scrambling a plurality of data streams having differing data on a plurality of signal channels, where each data stream has discrete and recognizable synchronizing information contained therein which is periodically or aperiodically transmitted, and where there are at least as many signal channels, each having a fixed carrier frequency , as there are differing data streams to be scrambled comprising:
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means for generating data stream identifier codes, one for each data stream; means for generating a signal for synchronizing all of said data streams; means for selecting any of said data streams for transmission on any one of said signal channels; means for generating a routing code; means for generation an encryption key code and inserting the same in said data streams; means for generating data packages by combining said synchronizing signal, said data stream identifier codes, said routing code, and any other data intended for encryption in each of said data streams; means for encrypting said data packages in said data streams; and means for transmitting said data streams with said encrypted data packages; whereby said data streams are transmitted, at any instant of time, on their respective assigned signal channels according to said routing code and in a specific place relative to said synchronizing signal. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. Apparatus for unscrambling a plurality of data streams having differing data, from a plurality of signal channels, where each data stream has discrete and recognizable synchronizing information which is periodically or aperidocially contained therein;
- where said data streams contain an encryption key code, and each data stream has a data package encrypted therein at a specific place relative to said synchronizing information; and
where each data package includes data stream identifier codes and a routing code therefor;
comprising;means for receiving said plurality of signal channels, and for selecting one of said data streams to be tracked; tuning means for tuning to any one of said signal channels; demodulating means for demodulating said any one of said signal channels; means for capturing said encryption key code; means for utilizing said encryption key code to decrypt said encrypted data package from said data stream on said signal channel being tuned and demodulated; means for capturing said identifier codes and said routing code; and means for controlling said tuner so that said tuner tracks said selected data stream from one signal channel to another as it is moved under control of said routing code. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
- where said data streams contain an encryption key code, and each data stream has a data package encrypted therein at a specific place relative to said synchronizing information; and
Specification