Method and apparatus for controlling the distribution of digitally encoded data in a network
First Claim
1. In an access device attached to a network, a method for controlling distribution of data from the device to another device via the network, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a digital signal representative of program content, the digital signal having an authorization field indicative of a first transport mode authorizing distribution of the digital signal outside the network, and of a second transport mode inhibiting distribution of the digital signal outside the network;
determining whether a destination device to which the digital signal is to be distributed is outside the network;
determining whether the authorization field is indicative of the first or second transport mode by parsing the authorization field at the access device; and
inhibiting transmission of the digital signal from the access device to the destination device in response to determining that the authorization field is indicative of the second transport mode and the destination device is outside the network, otherwise, transmitting the digital signal to the destination device.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for controlling distribution of digital content from an device attached to a network to another device outside the network. The device receives a digital signal containing content, the digital signal having an authorization field indicative of a first transport mode authorizing the content for distribution outside the network, and of a second transport mode wherein the content is not authorized for transmission outside the network. The method comprises the steps of receiving location information of a router on the network for routing content to devices outside the network, receiving destination data indicative of location information associated with a destination device to which the device intends to distribute the content, determining whether the destination device is outside the network based on the router location information and the received destination data examining the authorization field and, inhibiting transmission of the content if the destination device is outside the network and the digital signal is in the inhibit mode.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. In an access device attached to a network, a method for controlling distribution of data from the device to another device via the network, the method comprising the steps of:
-
receiving a digital signal representative of program content, the digital signal having an authorization field indicative of a first transport mode authorizing distribution of the digital signal outside the network, and of a second transport mode inhibiting distribution of the digital signal outside the network; determining whether a destination device to which the digital signal is to be distributed is outside the network; determining whether the authorization field is indicative of the first or second transport mode by parsing the authorization field at the access device; and inhibiting transmission of the digital signal from the access device to the destination device in response to determining that the authorization field is indicative of the second transport mode and the destination device is outside the network, otherwise, transmitting the digital signal to the destination device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. An access device coupled to a network and adapted to distribute data to other devices connected to the network, the device comprising:
-
means for receiving a digital signal representing program content, to digital signal including an authorization field indicative of a first transport mode wherein distribution of the digital signal outside of the network is authorized, and of a second transport mode wherein distribution of the digital signal outside of the network is inhibited; memory encoded with computer code for executing a send operation for transmitting data on the network; a processor for controlling data receiving and transmitting operations of the access device, the processor including data storage means for storing address information of devices connected to the network; and data interface means, coupled to the network, for receiving data from devices attached to the network, and for distributing the digital signals on the network, wherein the processor is configured to parse the authorization field at the access device and the processor inhibits transmission of the digital signal on the network from the access device to the destination device in response to a determination that a destination device is outside the network and that the authorization field is indicative of the second transport mode, otherwise, the processor enables transmission of the digital signal on the network. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification