United States Patent (19)
`Platte et al.
`
`54 MEMORY DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE
`MEMORY REGIONS FOR A RECORDING
`DEVICE
`
`75 Inventors: Hans-Joachim Platte, Hemmingen;
`Ernst F. Schröder, Hannover, both of
`Germany
`
`73 Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH,
`Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
`
`*
`
`Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`154(a)(2).
`
`21 Appl. No.: 08/625,433
`22 Filed:
`Mar. 26, 1996
`Related U.S. Application Data
`63 Continuation of application No. 08/211.999, Jul. 11, 1994.
`30
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Oct. 26, 1991 DEI Germany ............................. 4135419
`Oct. 19, 1992 WO WIPO ...................... PCT/EP92/O2399
`(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... G11B 15/04
`52 U.S. Cl. ................................................. 360/60; 360/27
`58 Field of Search ............................... 360/60, 69, 72.2,
`360/74.4, 74.5, 13, 14.1, 27, 132, 137,
`5, 31; 235/462, 375, 380; 395/425, 469;
`380/30, 2, 3, 4, 5
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4.338,644 7/1982 Staar ..................................... 360/69 X
`4,383.285 5/1983 Staar .....
`4,426,684 1/1984 Sechet et al. ......................... 360/13 X
`
`
`
`USOO61281.48A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,128,148
`*Oct. 3, 2000
`
`4.593,337 6/1986 Leong et al........................ 360/74.4 X
`4,644,436 2/1987 Unno ....................................... 360/137
`4.930,158 5/1990 Vogel .......................................... 380/5
`5,060,219 10/1991 Lokhoff et al. ........
`... 360/60
`5,083.224
`1/1992 Hoogendoorn et al. .................. 360/60
`5,130,864 7/1992 Shimada .................................... 360/60
`5,142.579 8/1992 Anderson
`... 380/30
`5,214,556 5/1993 Kilbel ..........
`... 360/137
`5,262,905 11/1993 Takagi et al.
`... 360/53
`5,291.346 3/1994 Baekgaard ................................ 360/60
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2943409 of 0000 Germany.
`1-162286 of 0000 Japan.
`63-136379 of 0000 Japan.
`62-157391 7/1987 Japan ............................. G11B 27/10
`891.0615 of OOOO WIPO.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 13, No. 430, p. 937, and Japan
`Patent 1-162286 (listed above).
`Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 12, No. 396, p. 774, and Japan
`Patent 63–136379 (listed above).
`Primary Examiner Andrew L. Sniezek
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Joseph S. Tripoli; Joseph J. Laks;
`Francis A. Davenport
`57
`ABSTRACT
`An electronic memory apparatus for a device containing a
`recording medium for Storing information. The device coop
`erates with a recording or reproducing instrument when Said
`device is disposed therein, and is controllable by a data
`processing and control circuit. The memory apparatus has a
`first, programmable memory Section, which is alterable by a
`user of the device, for Storing data pertaining to the use of
`the device, and a Second, programmable memory Section for
`Storing data pertaining to the characterization of the infor
`mation which may be recorded on Said recording medium.
`
`2 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1028, Page 0001
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 3, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`6,128,148
`
`x00
`OO
`
`Fixed data
`Usage, here: blank cassette
`Data records, still empty
`
`Fig. 1
`
`
`
`Fig. 2
`
`Fixed data
`Usage, here private, Camcorder
`Start Illin
`SeC
`Finish Illin
`SeC
`Additional data, here: free access allowed
`Additional data, here: empty
`Start min
`SeC
`Finish min
`SeC
`Additional data, here: overwrite blocked
`Additional data, here: empty
`Start Illin
`SeC
`Finish II in
`SeC
`Additional data, here: playback blocked
`Additional data, here : indentification
`for playback
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1028, Page 0002
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 3, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`6,128,148
`
`Fixed data
`Usage, here : prerecorded cassette
`Serial number, list byte
`Serial number, 2nd byte
`Usage authorization, here: playback allowed
`Start Illin
`SeC
`Finish Illin
`Sec
`Additional data
`Additional data
`Start Illin
`Sec
`Finish Illin
`SeC
`Additional data
`Additional data
`
`Fig. 3
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`
`
`Fig. 4
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`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1028, Page 0003
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`

`

`1
`MEMORY DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE
`MEMORY REGIONS FOR A RECORDING
`DEVICE
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/211,
`999 filed Jul 11, 1994.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The invention concerns an electronic memory device for
`a magnetic tape cassette and a recording and/or reproducing
`apparatus Suitable for this, in particular a Video recorder with
`digital processing of digitally coded Video/audio signals.
`The magnetic tape cassette has a housing containing one or
`more reels of magnetic tape as well as the electronic memory
`device which can be connected via connecting means to the
`recording and/or reproducing device and which can be
`controlled by this in the sense of an evaluation of the
`information Stored, and which contains information for
`preventing and/or enabling certain operating States of the
`recording and/or reproducing device.
`A magnetic tape cassette having an electronic memory
`device, electrical connecting means and a possibility for
`being controlled through a recording and/or reproducing
`device, in the Sense of an evaluation of the information
`stored, is known from DE-PS 29 43 409. In this case there
`is provision for Storing the respective current tape position
`and, if applicable, additionally characteristic data which
`concern the magnetic tape cassette itself and/or the magnetic
`tape of the cassette itself, for example, the type of cassette
`or the advantageous level of the bias. (premagnetization).
`The first data are variable data in the Sense of a tape counter
`which merely Serve for defining the momentary position of
`the tape. The additional data are fixed data which are Stored
`just once and for all, reflecting tape or cassette parameters
`Such as the nonvariable mechanical or magnetic properties
`of the cassette. There is no provision for altering these data
`or using them to directly influence or block the recording
`and/or reproduction functions.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The object behind the invention consists of reliably block
`ing undesired or unallowed operating States of the recording
`and/or reproduction device, in conjunction with a certain
`recording medium or a certain magnetic tape cassette, and
`enabling only desired or allowed operating States when this
`magnetic tape cassette is inserted into the recording and/or
`reproduction device. An undesired operating State can be, for
`example, the recording function if the cassette already
`contains recordings and these are not to be overwritten or
`erased.
`Unallowed operating States can appear in connection with
`the reproduction (playback) function. For example, it may
`be of interest to a private user to only permit the reproduc
`tion of information recorded by him/herself by authorized
`perSons and not just anyone, for example, by entering a
`password or a pass cipher. Thus, for example, a childproof
`lock may be realized. Further non-permitted operating States
`arise in the field of commercial usage, for example, in the
`Sale or loan of prerecorded magnetic video tape cassettes
`(video hire store). The vendor or lender of such cassettes
`may be interested in that, for example, Stolen cassettes can
`in no way be played back, and that cassettes for which a
`certain hire price has been paid can only be played back a
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`certain number of times or that only certain parts of the
`recorded information can be played back.
`The task is Solved according to the invention by means of
`a memory device with the features according to claim 1.
`Advantageous further developments and embodiments of
`the invention are described in the Subclaims.
`In the following the invention is explained in more detail
`by means of embodiment examples, with reference to the
`drawing FIG. 1 through FIG. 3. The drawings illustrate:
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 An embodiment example for the memory content
`of the electronic memory device into which information has
`been written described in the case of an empty (blank)
`CaSSette.
`FIG. 2 An embodiment example for the memory content
`of the electronic memory device into which information has
`been written described in the case of a cassette used by a
`private user for the first time.
`FIG. 3 An embodiment example for the memory content
`of the electronic memory device into which information has
`been written described in the case of a cassette destined to
`be loaned or Sold.
`FIG. 4. A magnetic tape cassette with a memory device
`contained within it.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`The electronic memory illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 is
`divided into connected units of differing lengths, for
`example, into bytes each with a length of 8 bits, or into
`groups of bytes.
`The first byte contains, in a manner actually already
`known, information about the cassette itself, the type of
`cassette, the length of magnetic tape contained therein or the
`type of the magnetic tape, for example, X3f (X for hexadeci
`mal representation) in this case. This information does not
`change.
`Information on the use of the cassette is Stored in the
`Second byte. This information can be altered just once when
`the cassette is first used, afterwards this information too
`cannot be altered.
`With the memory content of a blank cassette shown in
`FIG. 1, 00 is, for example, entered here, whereby this
`identification at the same time permits a one-off alteration of
`the entry. In a blank cassette the remainder of the memory
`content is unimportant and therefore arbitrary; it may
`remain, for example, constant at 00.
`The memory content of a cassette used for the first time
`in a camcorder by a private user shown in FIG. 2 is
`characterized at the Second position, for example, by the
`entry 01. A cassette used for the first time in a video recorder
`could then, for example, be characterized by 02, a cassette
`used for the first time in an audio recorder by 03.
`The following memory section in FIGS. 1 and 2 serves for
`the characterization of a combination of the Starting point,
`finishing point and duration of a respective recording. Here,
`for example, a data record consisting of the Starting time in
`minutes and Seconds, the finishing time in minutes and
`Seconds and Several bytes for additional information is
`represented. Such a data record is provided for each record
`ing on the magnetic tape. On the other hand, for example, a
`prerecorded cassette, destined to be loaned or Sold, can be
`characterized by Xff at the Second position. The memory
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`content illustrated in FIG. 3 for the case of a prerecorded
`cassette deviates in that further information positions are
`inserted between the first two bytes and the following data
`records. These contain, for example, a Serial number with
`which the cassette on which a certain program has been
`recorded can be unambiguously identified, and, for example,
`information on the type of playback authorization at another
`memory position.
`In the following the various functions are now described
`which lead to preventing undesired or unallowed operating
`StateS.
`1. Blank Cassette
`The memory content in the case of an unused blank
`cassette is illustrated in FIG.1. The identification "00” in the
`Second memory Section permits this to be altered once upon
`first recording on the cassette.
`2. Personally Recorded Cassette
`If the identification in the Second memory Section indi
`cates that it is a cassette in private use, then the Subdivision
`of the following memory Sections is defined.
`2.1 Recording Protection
`Protection against unwanted overwriting or erasure of
`already existing recordings is achieved in that a recording
`device always performs a comparison between the current
`tape position and the entries in the memory. Only when this
`comparison indicates no possible overwriting is then the
`recording function released. If, however, a possible over
`write is detected, then the recording function can be com
`pletely blocked or only released after inquiry followed by
`confirmation. Furthermore, a complete blocking of the
`recording function for each individual recording can also be
`effected through a corresponding entry in the memory
`position 201 provided for additional data. This entry can be
`carried out and deleted again by the user with the aid of a
`corresponding function on the recorder or camcorder. This
`function described in this way thereby replaces, in an
`essentially more flexible form, the mechanical erasure
`blocking in the form of a break-off tab or a slider usual up
`until now.
`2.2 Childproof Lock
`A further possible function is the Selective release or
`blocking of the playback for each individual recording. This
`can also be carried out through an entry at the position 202
`provided for additional data. In this way, the playback by
`unauthorized perSons, for example, in the form of a child
`proof lock, can be prevented. In order to prevent simple
`alteration of these entries, a password/cipher can be agreed.
`This can also be stored in location 203 together with the
`other data in the memory device.
`3. Prerecorded Cassette
`In the case of a cassette marked as being prerecorded, it
`is possible in principle, for example, to only release the
`playback, thus reliably preventing an unwanted erasure.
`In order to reduce the risk of theft for Such cassettes, a
`Special entry may be necessary at the position provided for
`the usage authorization So that the playback function of a
`reproduction device is released at all. This entry might not,
`for example, be present on cassettes displayed on the shelves
`of a Video hire Store and might be first carried out at the
`check-out. However, as Such an entry can be manipulated
`with the aid of Suitable devices, it is even more advisable to
`delete all data records relating to the content in the case of
`the cassettes displayed on the shelves. Such a cassette is
`practically worthleSS. Only at the check-out is the cassette
`then identified by means of the serial number and the data
`records are reloaded, for example, from the memory of a
`computer.
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`Not only is it possible to generally authorize the playback
`of a cassette by means of an appropriate entry. Furthermore,
`just certain functions can be authorized for the playback.
`With compatible HDTV/TV recordings, it is, for example,
`possible to just permit the TV playback with lower resolu
`tion; for recordings with Stereo Sound and Surround Sound,
`the playback of the surround sound can be blocked. Further,
`it is also possible to design a memory position within the
`memory device as a counter for the number of playbacks
`permitted.
`In addition to the typical entries for a prerecorded
`cassette, individual playback blockS can also be activated by
`the user as in the case of a cassette recorded personally by
`him/herself. After the cassette has been returned, Such
`blocking entries, if necessary with pass cipher, may have
`remained in the memory device. However, it is also possible,
`without any further ado, to remove these from the memory
`device entirely with a total block after return or upon
`renewed authorization at the check-out.
`4. Prerecorded Cassette with Increased Protection
`(Comparison with Subcode)
`It is conceivable that using Suitable resources the content
`of the memory device could be altered by unauthorized
`perSons, and in particular the content of the memory posi
`tions characterizing the authorization. Increased protection
`can be created in that with a prerecorded cassette, the entire
`content of the memory device or parts thereof is continu
`ously recorded as a So-called Subcode along with the record
`ing of the wanted Signal. If the playback is then only released
`when the content of the memory device coincides with the
`recorded Subcode, then it is Sufficient to alter Specifically the
`content of the memory device at one or a few positions in
`order to block playback.
`Such a cassette is then also worthless as long as the Stored
`information at those positions only known to the authorized
`perSon is again corrected by Said perSon. Advantageous is
`the fact that it is not necessary to encipher the content of the
`memory device or to allocate an enciphering unit to the
`memory device.
`FIG. 4 shows a magnetic tape cassette 7 with a housing.
`The magnetic tape cassette contains two reels of magnetic
`tape 8 and 9 onto which a magnetic tape 10 is wound. Apart
`from that, the magnetic tape cassette contains a memory
`device 11 as described in the foregoing which can be
`connected or coupled to a read and/or write facility provided
`in a magnetic tape device on the Side 12 facing the outer wall
`of the magnetic tape cassette. The read and/or write facility
`Serves here as an interface or rather as a means of transmit
`ting Signals from the memory device to the magnetic tape
`device or vice versa. In the magnetic tape device (not
`illustrated), the Signals received from the memory device are
`processed, or rather evaluated, in a data processing and/or
`control unit. This data processing and/or control unit con
`trols a operating mode block as described in the foregoing.
`However, use of the invention allows other blocks or
`releases of the magnetic tape device and the cassette with
`memory to be carried out.
`For example, a general recording block can-be triggered
`by a specific (blocking) bit in the memory, whereby this bit
`replaces mechanical sliders/break-off tabs. The bit can be set
`or released by the user. An undesired recording can be
`generally blocked by a bit identification for the cassette, for
`example, cassette for rental/sale, Stored in the memory.
`Furthermore, Specific blocking modes are conceivable
`which trigger a recording block with inquiry upon conflict
`between the tape status and existing entries in the UTOC
`(User Table Of Contents). This blocking mode can also be
`designated as a “Safe record' function.
`
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`recording and/or reproduction equipment, the Storage device
`A Specific recording block can also be set or released by
`is connectable thereto by a signal transmitting means and
`the user inputing a new entry into the UTOC.
`A general playback block is only executed if an entry
`can be controlled by means of a data processing and control
`circuit for evaluating the Stored items of information and
`exists in the UTOC and no additional blocks are set.
`The user can generally block the entire cassette with/ 5 wherein unalterable items of data, which characterize the
`without password (adult Video) or trigger specific blocks for
`cassette and the magnetic tape contained therein themselves
`each entry in the UTOC with/without password.
`or the parameters thereof, are written into a first SubSection
`A cassette-specific block offers itself especially in the case
`of the Storage device and a Second SubSection of the Storage
`of cassettes for hire/Sale. Here, playback in the reproduction
`device contains items of data which are dependent on the
`items of information Stored on the magnetic tape, the Storage
`device is then only executed when the use of the cassette is
`device comprising:
`permitted, i.e. when the bit for “video hire store paid” has
`been Set.
`(a) in the case of a blank magnetic tape cassette and
`A further possibility for blocking is rendered possible by
`during a first recording on the magnetic tape, items of
`the comparison of the memory content with the Subcode
`data can be written once into the Second SubSection of
`Stored on the magnetic tape.
`the Storage device where partitioning and utilization of
`For example, playback is then only executed if a certain
`a further recordable SubSection of the Storage device is
`part of the Subcode coincides with a certain entry in the
`defined and wherein the further Subsection is provided
`memory. It is of course advantageous if each cassette is
`for the Storage of items of information regarding the
`numbered, this number is available in the memory on the
`Starting and end points of the recordings and also
`one hand and, on the other, is recorded in the Subcode with
`contains items of control data for controlling a data
`each recording. Thus, the cassette housing (=memory) and
`processing and/or control device of the recording and/
`the recorded tape then belong together.
`or reproduction equipment for Selective blocking of
`In the following, blocking/release procedures with enci
`operational modes of the recording and/or reproduction
`phering are described.
`equipment; and
`Let it be assumed that generally a cassette number and
`(b) in the case of a prerecorded magnetic tape cassette, the
`Some further information, for example, the bit for “video
`Second SubSection of the Storage device contains items
`hire store paid”, are present and this with 64 bits, i.e. 2 * 10
`of information regarding the identity of, and/or an
`eXp 19 variations. Furthermore, an enciphering procedure
`authorization for reproduction from the magnetic tape
`with trapdoor and/or avalanche function is provided and
`cassette, the items of information may be, compared
`each recorder contains a chip which can perform the enci
`with data recorded in a Subcode part of the Signal
`phering. Trapdoor means that the coded text f(x) can be
`recorded on the magnetic tape, the recorded Subcode
`easily calculated from the plain text X. In contrast, X cannot
`has at least one alteration at a predetermined tape
`be calculated from F(x) with justifiable effort. Avalanche
`location, which when compared with the items of
`means that Small changes in the plain text lead to major
`information control the data processing and/or control
`alterations in the coded text.
`device of the recording and/or reproduction equipment
`Playback is only released if the coded text f(x) read from
`to Selectively block an operational mode until the
`the subcode coincides with the coded text f(x) currently
`control data in the Storage device is altered, a further
`enciphered from the plain text of the memory. Thus, even
`SubSection contains items of information regarding the
`Small changes at the relevant positions in the memory make
`Starting and end points of the recordings.
`playback immediately impossible.
`2. An apparatus for recording and reproducing Signals
`With the recording block, the enciphering means a clear
`Stored on a magnetic tape cassette comprising:
`improvement to the known Serial copy management. The
`a transmitting and receiving means for communicating
`plain text X from the memory and the coded text f(x) from
`with Said magnetic tape cassette to facilitate reading
`the Subcode of the playback cassette are transmitted via the
`from and writing information from a memory device
`digital interface to the recorder doing the recording, for
`contained there with;
`example, 2 * 64 bits.
`a Subcode Separating means for Separating Said Subcode
`The recorder doing the recording only Switches to record
`from a wanted information Signal recorded on Said
`if the coded text f(x) calculated anew from the transmitted
`magnetic tape cassette;
`X coincides with the coded text f(x) transmitted likewise.
`a data processing device for receiving Said information
`Simple forms of intervention in the transmission of X and
`from Said transmitting and receiving means and Said
`f(x), for example, reversal of one bit, cannot lead to a
`Subcode from Said Separating means, and,
`recording which is not actually permitted being rendered
`an operational mode controller coupled to Said data pro
`possible. The recorder doing the recording now records a
`cessing circuit for controlling an operational mode of
`new coded text in the Subcode which belongs to the current
`Said reproducing apparatus,
`cassette number, and to the current and, if applicable,
`modified blocking bits.
`wherein Said information from Said memory device and
`Said Subcode are compared by Said data processing
`Thus, an original cassette may contain the information
`“one copy permitted” in the memory and unenciphered in
`device and Substantial equality of Said information and
`the Subcode in the memory. Following evaluation of this, the
`Said Subcode cause Said operational mode controller to
`enable an operational mode of Said reproducing appa
`recorder doing the recording then writes the information
`“this is already a copy' into the memory and into the
`ratus and a dissimilarity of other than an least Signifi
`Subcode. A further copying procedure is then impossible.
`cant bit between Said information and Said Subcode
`cause Said operational mode controller to block an
`What is claimed is:
`operational mode of Said reproducing apparatus.
`1. A magnetic tape cassette includes a housing, at least one
`Spool with magnetic tape and an electronic Storage device,
`wherein, when the magnetic tape cassette is arranged in a
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