Method and apparatus for marking the information content of an information carrying signal
First Claim
1. A method for processing a coded information signal, which coded information signal is transmitted from a signal source to a signal receiver, in order to mark the information content of the information signal and thereby to permit tracing of unauthorized copying of said information signal, the method comprising:
- decoding the information signal at a signal receiver during reception;
obtaining an indentification information and unique modification information from a data carrier, said identification information comprising personal identification information in the form of a personal code comprising a bit sequence of a given number of bits;
modifying the decoded information signal receiver by introducing into the decoded information signal said identification information;
said identification information being a characteristic of at least one of said signal receiver and its possessor; and
said identification information being introduced into at least one of time and frequency spaces of the decoded information signal such that the information content of said information signal is essentially unchanged.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An information signal (INF) which is transmitted in coded form (CINF) from a signal source (RC) to a signal receiver (4, 5) is decoded at the receiver and at the same time marked (MINF) by the introduction of an identification information (ID) which is characteristic of the receiver or its possessor. The signal from a video disc (RC) carrying a coded programme is decoded and marked before it is supplied to a television set (6). Via said identification information of so-called pirate copy is directly traceable to its originator. Thereby a protection against such copying is obtained. A device for the playback of a video disc of this type comprises a decoding and modification unit to which the necessary decoding information and identification information may be supplied from a personal data carrier (ID).
-
Citations
14 Claims
-
1. A method for processing a coded information signal, which coded information signal is transmitted from a signal source to a signal receiver, in order to mark the information content of the information signal and thereby to permit tracing of unauthorized copying of said information signal, the method comprising:
-
decoding the information signal at a signal receiver during reception; obtaining an indentification information and unique modification information from a data carrier, said identification information comprising personal identification information in the form of a personal code comprising a bit sequence of a given number of bits; modifying the decoded information signal receiver by introducing into the decoded information signal said identification information; said identification information being a characteristic of at least one of said signal receiver and its possessor; and said identification information being introduced into at least one of time and frequency spaces of the decoded information signal such that the information content of said information signal is essentially unchanged. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. Apparatus for processing a coded information signal, which coded information signal is transmitted from a signal source to a signal receiver, in order to mark the information content of the information signal and thereby to permit tracing of unauthorized copying of said information signal, comprising:
-
means for decoding the information signal at a signal receiver during reception; modifying means coupled to said decoding means for modifying the decoded information signal at said signal receiver by introducing into the decoded information signal an identification information, said identification information being a personal code in the form of a bit sequence having a given number of bits; a source of modification information comprising said bit sequence having a given number of bits; and means at said receiver for generating said identification information as a characteristic of at least one of said signal receiver and its possessor; said modifying means being coupled to said identification information means for introducing said identification information into at least one of time and frequency spaces of the decoded information signal such that the information content of said information signal is essentially unchanged. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
-
Specification