Method and system of transmitting/receiving service information and receiving apparatus

• US 6,204,774 B1
• Filed: 03/02/1998
• Issued: 03/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cyclovision Technologies Incorporated, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Kishimoto, Kazuhiro, Miwa, Kenji, Matsumoto, Yasumasa, Tochihara, Katsuhiro, Kawamoto, Kosei, Hayashi, Kousou
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman, Brian
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dalencourt, Yves
• Application Number:
  US09/034,028
• Time in Patent Office: 1,114 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 714/746, 714/25, 348/5.5, 705/16, 380/23, 380/25, 379/93.02
• US Class Current: 340/5.2
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1235 with control of digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/34 using an out-of-band subcarrier signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/70 characterised in that receivers can be addressed
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/15 on receiving information

Abstract

A system provides service information through a restricted broadcasting using an FM teletext multiplex broadcasting. When providing a reception authorization code that enables each receiver terminal to receive the service information, terminal unique information such as a production number is stored in a user file at the provider'"'"'s end, such as an FM broadcast station. Further, a processing circuit encodes reception authorization information showing an expiration date of a reception authorization period or contract contents after appending an error detection sign using the terminal unique information, which is notified to the user via mail of the like. Upon input of the notified reception authorization code through an input device, a processing circuit at the receiver terminal'"'"'s end decodes the reception authorization code using the terminal unique information stored in its memory and corrects an error. Then the processing circuit makes the restricted broadcasting available only when the decoded reception authorization information shows reception authorization and no error is detected therein, so that the decoded teletext information is displayed on a display service.

Claims

1. A method of transmitting/receiving of service information in which the service information from a transmitter is received only by a receiver terminal authorized by the transmitter, comprising the steps of:

generating a reception authorization code at a transmitter end by appending an error detection code to reception authorization information indicating reception authorization of said service information, and synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with the error detection code and terminal unique information unique to each receiver terminal to be authorized;

providing said reception authorization code to each receiver terminal from said transmitter;

inputting said reception authorization code at said each receiver terminal end;

obtaining said reception authorization information by decoding said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information pre-stored in said each receiver terminal;

detecting whether or not an error exists in said reception authorization information; and

enabling said each authorized receiver terminal to receive said service information when said reception authorization information indicates the reception authorization and no error is detected, wherein;

in said reception authorization code generating step, said reception authorization code is generated by synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with the error detection code, said terminal unique information, and transmission information which changes periodically; and

said reception authorization code decoding step includes the sub-steps of,

transmitting a current value of said transmission information from said transmitter, and

receiving the current value of said transmission information at said each receiver terminal,

so that said reception authorization code is decoded using said terminal unique information and the current value of said transmission information received.

2. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein said reception authorization code generating step includes the sub-step of encoding at least one of said reception authorization information and said terminal unique information.

3. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein said reception authorization code generating step includes the sub-step of encoding said reception authorization code.

4. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein a transmitting medium of said service information is restricted broadcasting using a teletext multiplex broadcasting in a frequency modulation broadcasting.

5. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein said transmission information indicates a current date including day, month and year.

6. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein said transmission information includes a program index information which is updated periodically and is contained in said service information.

7. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein:

in said reception authorization code decoding step, said reception authorization code is decoded using said terminal unique information, the current value of said transmission information received, and one of (1) value of the transmission information computed from the current value of the transmission information and (2) a value of the transmission information used in preceding periodic cycles, up to a predetermined number.

8. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein:

said reception authorization code generating step includes the sub-steps of,

generating a unit reception authorization code by synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with the error detection code, said terminal unique information, and a value of the transmission information of each kind within a certain period later, said transmission information changing periodically and such a change being known at least to said transmitter, and

generating said reception authorization code by combining the unit reception codes for more than one period;

said reception authorization code decoding step includes the sub-step of decoding said reception authorization code using said terminal unique information and the current value of said transmission information received after separating said reception authorization code into said each unit reception authorization code.

9. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein, in said reception authorization code providing step, said reception authorization code is provided to said each receiver terminal not by using a medium for transmitting/receiving said service information, but by transporting a reception authorization code recording medium to said each receiver terminal having the terminal unique information corresponding to said reception authorization code, said reception authorization code recording medium recording said reception authorization code in a manner recognizable by said each receiver terminal.

10. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 9, wherein, in said reception authorization code providing step, said reception authorization code recording medium is sent to said each receiver terminal via mail.

11. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 9, wherein, in said reception authorization code providing step, a paper medium is used as said reception authorization code recording medium.

12. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 9, wherein, in said reception authorization code providing step, a telephone line is used as said reception authorization code recording medium.

13. The method of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 1, wherein, in said reception authorization code providing step, said reception authorization code is notified to said each receiver terminal having the terminal unique information corresponding to said reception authorization code, not by using a medium for transmitting/receiving said service information, but by notifying means selected from a group consisting of personal computer communications, a computer inter-network, a telephone, and a facsimile.

14. A method of transmitting/receiving of service information, in which the service information from a transmitter is received only by a receiver terminal authorized by the transmitter, comprising the steps of:

generating a reception authorization code at a transmitter end by appending an error detection code to reception authorization information indicating reception authorization of said service information, and synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with the error detection code and terminal unique information unique to each receiver terminal to be authorized;

providing said reception authorization code to each receiver terminal from said transmitter;

inputting said reception authorization code at said each receiver terminal end;

obtaining said reception authorization information by decoding said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information pre-stored in said each receiver terminal;

detecting whether or not an error exists in said reception authorization information; and

enabling said each authorized receiver terminal to receive said service information when said reception authorization information indicates the reception authorization and no error is detected, wherein;

said reception authorization code generating step includes the sub-steps of,

incorporating an expiration date of a reception authorization period into said reception authorization information, and

transmitting time information showing a current time including day and hour from said transmitter; and

said service information receiving step includes the sub-steps of,

receiving said time information at said each receiver terminal end, and

comparing said current time shown by said time information with said expiration date of the reception authorization period, said each receiver terminal being enabled to receive said service information when said current time shown by said time information is before said expiration date of the reception authorization period, said each receiver terminal being disabled to receive said service information when said time shown by said current time information exceeds said expiration date of the reception authorization period.

15. A system of transmitting/receiving service information, in which the service information from a transmitter is received only by a receiver terminal authorized by the transmitter,

said transmitter comprising:

an information generating source of the service information to be transmitted;

transmitting means for transmitting said service information after adding service identification data indicating that only a predetermined receiver terminal is authorized to receive said service information;

a user file for storing terminal unique information unique to said each authorized receiver terminal and service contents that said each authorized receiver terminal is authorized to receive; and

reception authorization code generating means for generating and providing a reception authorization code to said each receiver terminal by reading out said terminal unique information and said service contents stored in said user file to generate reception authorization information corresponding to said service contents, and for synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with an error detection code and said terminal unique information, and

said each receiver terminal comprising;

receiving means for receiving the service information whose service identification data matches service identification data of receivable service information;

input means for inputting said reception authorization code;

storage means for storing said terminal unique information unique to said each authorized receiver terminal; and

reception authorization code decoding means for decoding said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and for detecting whether or not an error exists in decoded reception authorization information, said reception authorization code decoding means also for authorizing reception of said service information by said receiving means when said decoded reception authorization information indicates reception authorization and no error is detected wherein;

said reception authorization code generating means generates said reception authorization code by synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with the error detection code, said terminal unique information stored in said user file, and transmission information which changes periodically;

said transmitting means transmits a current value of said transmission information from said transmitter;

said receiving means receives the current value of said transmission information; and

said reception authorization code decoding means decodes said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and the current value of said transmission information received.

16. The system of transmitting/receiving service information of claim 15, wherein:

said transmitter further comprises first encoding means for encoding at least one of said reception authorization information and said terminal unique information; and

said each receiver terminal further comprises first decoding means for decoding said reception authorization information and/or terminal unique information encoded by said first encoding means.

17. The system of transmitting/receiving service information of claim 15 wherein:

said transmitter further comprises second encoding means for encoding said reception authorization code; and

said each receiver terminal further comprises second decoding means for decoding said reception authorization code encoded by said second encoding means.

18. The system of transmitting/receiving service information of claim 15, wherein a transmitting medium of said service information is restricted broadcasting using a teletext multiplex broadcasting in a frequency modulation broadcasting.

19. The system of transmitting/receiving service information of claim 15, wherein said transmission information indicates a current date including day, month, and year.

20. The system of transmitting/receiving service information of claim 15, wherein said transmission information includes program index information which is updated periodically and is contained in said service information.

21. The system of transmitting/receiving service information of claim 15, wherein:

said reception authorization code generating means generates said reception authorization code by synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with the error detection code, said terminal unique information stored in said user file, and said transmission information which changes periodically, such a change being known to both said transmitter and said each authorized receiver terminal;

reception authorization code decoding means decodes said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means, the current value of said transmission information received, and one of (1) a value of the transmission information computed from the current value of said transmission information and (2) a value of the transmission information used in preceding periodic cycles, up to a predetermined number, and

detects whether or not an error exists.

22. The system of transmitting/receiving service information of claim 15, wherein:

said reception authorization code generating means generates a unit reception authorization code by synthesizing said input reception authorization information appended with the error detection code, said terminal unique information stored in said user file, and a value of the transmission information of each kind within a certain period later, said transmission information changing periodically and such a change being known at least to said transmitter, and generates said reception authorization code by combining said unit reception authorization codes for more than one period;

said reception authorization code decoding means, after separating said reception authorization code into said each unit reception authorization code, decodes said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and the current value of said transmission information received,

detects whether or not an error exists.

23. The system of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 15, wherein said reception authorization code generating means gives said reception authorization code to said each receiver terminal not by using a medium for transmitting/receiving said service information, but by transporting a reception authorization code recording medium to said each receiver terminal having the terminal unique information corresponding to said reception authorization code, said reception authorization code recording medium recording said reception authorization code in a manner recognizable by said each receiver terminal.

24. The system of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 23, wherein said reception authorization code generating means sends said reception authorization code recording medium to said each receiver terminal via mail.

25. The system of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 23, wherein said reception authorization code generating means uses a paper medium as said reception authorization code recording medium.

26. The system of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 23, wherein said reception authorization code generating means uses a telephone line as said reception authorization code recording medium.

27. The system of transmitting/receiving of service information of claim 15, wherein said reception authorization code generating means notifies said reception authorization code to said each receiver terminal having the terminal unique information corresponding to said reception authorization code not be using a medium for transmitting/receiving said service information, but by notifying means selected from a group consisting of personal computer communications, a computer inter-network, a telephone, and a facsimile.

28. A system of transmitting/receiving of service information in which the service information from a transmitter is received only by a receiver terminal authorized by the transmitter,

said transmitter comprising:

an information generating source of the service information to be transmitted;

transmitting means for transmitting said service information after adding service identification data indicating that only a predetermined receiver terminal is authorized to receive said service information;

a user file for storing terminal unique information unique to said each authorized receiver terminal and service contents that said each authorized receiver terminal is authorized to receive; and

reception authorization code generating means for generating and providing a reception authorization code to said each receiver terminal by reading out said terminal unique information and said service contents stored in said user file to generate reception authorization information corresponding to said service contents, and for synthesizing said reception authorization information appended with an error detection code and said terminal unique information, and

said each receiver terminal comprising;

receiving means for receiving the service information whose service identification data matches service identification data of receivable service information;

input means for inputting said reception authorization code;

storage means for storing said terminal unique information unique to said each authorized receiver terminal; and

reception authorization code decoding means for decoding said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and for detecting whether or not an error exists in decoded reception authorization information said reception authorization code decoding means also for authorizing reception of said service information by said receiving means when said decoded reception authorization information indicates reception authorization and no error is detected wherein;

said transmitting means sends time information showing a current time including day and hour;

said reception authorization code generating means incorporates an expiration date of a reception authorization period into said reception authorization information;

said receiving means receives said time information;

said reception authorization code generating means compares said current time shown by said time information with said expiration date of the reception authorization period, and authorizes reception of said service information when said current time shown by said time information is before said expiration date of the reception authorization period, and inhibits the reception of said service information when said current time shown by said time information exceeds said expiration date of the reception authorization period.

29. A receiving apparatus for receiving service information having service identification data indicating that reception of said service information is authorized to only a certain receiver terminal in advance, comprising:

receiving means for receiving the service information whose service identification data matches service identification data of receivable service information;

input means for inputting a reception authorization code, said reception authorization code being provided to each receiver terminal to be authorized, said reception authorization code being generated by synthesizing reception authorization information indicating reception authorization of said service information and appended with an error detection code, and terminal unique information unique to said each receiver terminal;

storage means for storing said terminal unique information unique to said each receiver terminal; and

reception authorization code decoding means for decoding said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and for detecting whether or not an error exists in decoded reception authorization information, said reception authorization code decoding means also for authorizing reception of said service information by said receiving means when said decoded reception authorization information indicates reception authorization and no error is detected, wherein;

said receiving means receives a current value of transmission information which is transmitted from said transmitter and changes periodically; and

said reception authorization code decoding means decodes said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and the current value of said transmission information.

30. The receiving apparatus of claim 29, wherein said transmission information indicates a current date including day, month, and year.

31. The receiving apparatus of claim 29, wherein said transmission information includes program index information which is updated periodically and is contained in said service information.

32. The receiving apparatus of claim 29, wherein:

said receiving means receives the current value of said transmission information which is transmitted from said transmitter and changes periodically; and

said reception authorization code decoding means decodes said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means, the current value of said transmission information, and one of (1) a value of the transmission information computed from the current value of said transmission information and (2) a value of the transmission information used in preceding periodic cycles, up to a predetermined number, and

detects whether or not an error exists.

33. The receiving apparatus of claim 29, wherein:

said receiving means receives the current value of said transmission information which is transmitted from said transmitter and changes periodically;

said reception authorization code decoding means decodes said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and the current value of said transmission information after separating said reception authorization code into each unit reception authorization code and

detects whether or not an error exists.

34. A receiving apparatus for receiving service information having service identification data indicating that reception of said service information is authorized to only a certain receiver terminal in advance, comprising:

receiving means for receiving the service information whose service identification data matches service identification data of receivable service information;

input means for inputting a reception authorization code, said reception authorization code being provided to each receiver terminal to be authorized said reception authorization code being generated by synthesizing reception authorization information indicating reception authorization of said service information and appended with an error detection code, and terminal unique information unique to said each receiver terminal;

storage means for storing said terminal unique information unique to said each receiver terminal; and

reception authorization code decoding means for decoding said input reception authorization code using said terminal unique information stored in said storage means and for detecting whether or not an error exists in decoded reception authorization information, said reception authorization code decoding means also for authorizing reception of said service information by said receiving means when said decoded reception authorization information indicates reception authorization and no error is detected, wherein;

said receiving means receives time information which is transmitted from said transmitter and shows a current time including day and hour; and

said reception authorization code decoding means compares said current time shown by said time information with an expiration date of a reception authorization period incorporated into said reception authorization information, and authorizes reception of said service information when said current time shown by said time information is before said expiration date of the reception authorization period, and inhibits the reception of said service information when said current time shown by said time information exceeds said expiration date of the reception authorization period.