Copy Protection For Audio, Video, and/or A/V Navigation Data

Abstract
A method for protecting against copying of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that can be captured by means of a data carrier of a predetermined specification that can be used by a device for reproducing audio and/or video data, such that audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data are arranged in a data structure that meets the specifications. To improve the protection of such data carriers against unauthorized copying, at least one modification of at least one portion of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected is proposed in the data structure arrangement. A data carrier, which includes audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data of the carrier in a data structure arrangement that meets at least a predetermined specification, so that the data structure arrangement is configured according to a method according to the invention.
Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 shows in a schematic principle representation an embodiment of an inventive file-based modification of a directory of a data carrier that meets the DVD specification.



FIG. 2 shows in a schematic principle representation an embodiment of an inventive file-based modification of a title of a data carrier that meets the DVD specification.



FIG. 3 is shows in a schematic principle representation an embodiment of an inventive file-based modification of a file, which includes video data, of a data carrier that meets the DVD specification.



FIG. 4 shows in a schematic principle representation an embodiment of an inventive file-based modification of a file, which includes audio data, of a data carrier that meets the DVD specification.



FIG. 5 shows in a schematic principle representation an additional embodiment of an inventive modification of a title of a data carrier that meets the DVD specification, primarily through parts of the navigation structure of audio and/or video data that are to be protected.



FIG. 6 shows in a schematic principle representation an embodiment of an inventive modification by insertion of navigation data.



FIG. 7 shows in a schematic principle representation an additional embodiment of a program of a referencing of data inserted by inventive modification but unused.



FIG. 8 shows in a schematic principle representation a program diagram of an embodiment of a self-referencing through inventive modification, primarily through changing the navigation structure.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION


FIG. 1 shows in a principle representation the structure of a file system of a data carrier that meets the DVD specification before (traditional DVD) and after (modified DVD) a modification of the directory of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data of the DVD that are to be protected. By means of the file system of the DVD, various files of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data (VTS_1 [video title set 1], VTS 2 [video title set 2], as well as unused storage space area through a physical data carrier are present, in addition to the data (data [identification, directory, etc.]), data that organize video data [VMG video manager]).


In the framework of the modification the directory of the DVD is copied and added to the data (identification, directory, etc.). In the process, in the added directory, files of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data are referenced, which turn up primarily in the file system of the data carrier purely logically in virtual planes and thus virtually depict the data carrier as logically too large for copying. An analysis of the file system of the modified data carrier does not allow recognition here of which of the files (VTS 1 [video title set 1] to VTS 99) are real, i.e. truly provided for use, or virtual, i.e. unusable or not usable for the intended purpose


The embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 shows a modification that occurs through the addition of titles of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data. Here, starting from titles that include the files of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected, primarily title 1 and title 2, additional files (title 3 to title 99) are added to the data structure arrangement of a traditional DVD (traditional title in the title set) in the framework of the modification (modified title in the title set).


Addition of the titles (title 3 to title 99) occurs in such a way that an exhaustion of the maximum available storage capacity of the data carrier advantageously occurs. This ensures, in particular, that sector-based 1:1 copies onto smaller data carriers are to the greatest extent impossible.



FIG. 3 in a schematic principle representation shows an embodiment of an inventive modification by changing at least one portion of a file of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data. Here a file of video data that is to be protected is provided in the framework of the modification with possibilities, foreseen by the DVD-video specification of data carriers, of a so-called angle and/or of a so-called seamless branching. The video data here are modified in such a way that normal, so-called single-angle video sequences are distributed over several angles or ILVUS (interleaved video units) of the DVD specification. The navigation data of the corresponding video data that are apply here are modified by changing the PGC commands in such a way that the angles are switched seamlessly, i.e. in a manner not noticeable during the copying for the user. The switching processes are depicted in FIG. 3 as CCPC (command controlled playback change), so that there is a jumping back and forth between the original video data divided among the various angles, corresponding to the original sequence of the video data on the part of the original file. For copy programs that do not support copying of data corresponding to an ILVU functionality, primarily an angle functionality, it is impossible or at least difficult to ascertain the correct ILVU or the correct angle or the corresponding transitions between them.



FIG. 4 shows an additional embodiment of a modification of files of data of an inventive data carrier. What primarily occurs here is a modification of a file of audio data by distributing the original audio data and adding falsified audio data. The original audio data of a file here are at least partly captured on a data carrier that meets a DVD specification and the its navigation is changed in such a way that the original audio data can be played back by means of CCPC and/or OCCPC (original command controlled playback change). The added falsified audio data can contain meaningless and/or incorrect audio information. Selection of the correct tone track for copying the data carrier is complex for traditional copy programs and also can be established only with difficulty upon extensive analysis. In the framework of the playback of the file of audio data also in modified condition, thanks to so-called user restrictions it is advantageously not possible for the added falsified audio material to achieve false audio data in the authorized use of data carriers by a copy device.



FIG. 5 shows an additional modification of a data carrier that meets a DVD specification. Here, primarily, the programs (n programs [chapters]) realized through a single program chain (PGC 1) and representing title navigation by chapter, upon modification are distributed in the original navigation into two program chains (PGC 1 and PGC 2) in the modified navigation. The first modified program chain (PGC 1) includes the navigation over the first three programs (programs 1, 2, 3) of a chapter and branches at the end automatically into three program chain (PGC 2), which assumes the navigation of the remaining n−3 programs of a chapter. Because the transition between the modified program chains PGC 1 and PGC 2 can lead to slight delays concerning the player or the copy device (non-seamlessly), in a preferred embodiment the transition between the two program chains (PGC 1 and PGC 2) is to be selected in such a way that the observer fails to notice a brief jerking. This occurs, for instance, by positioning such a division of the program chains in the area of a scene change or a very dark video sequence. In addition, all references made from outside the named program chains to their programs must refer to the new program chains and correspondingly must be re-referenced to the new structure of the program chains. Thus it is not possible, as is the practice with a few copy programs, to select the complete audio and/or video data of the original program chain by selecting data associated with one program chain.



FIG. 6 shows an inventive modification by insertion of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data into data positioned in the navigation structure as chapters. Here, starting from a navigation structure of the video manager (VMG) and the associated title sets in at least one part of a title set, primarily in title set 1, [data are] inserted in a program chain, primarily the so-called PGC dummy, which refers to a new PGC dummy positioned by the navigation structure. Reference is made by the modified PGC (PGC mod) to audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data, such that new data are added (chapter 1) to the original files of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected of the same existing files (originally chapter 1 to chapter n) of the original title. The corresponding original chapter 1 to chapter n of the original title must accordingly be re-referenced in the framework of the modification in their sequence and accordingly become chapter 2 (former chapter 1) to chapter n+1 (former chapter n). Accordingly the corresponding programs (program 1 to program n) are re-referenced by the PGC mod in comparison to the original programs (program 1 to program n). In addition all original references are re-referenced by the program chain PGC 2 to the newly created program chain PGC dummy. The data added as a new chapter (chapter 1) are to be created here deliberately in such a way that they provide maximum hindrance to copy programs, for instance through reader failure or non-compressible data. Data added in the framework of an inventive modification can also include more than one chapter and must no necessarily be found at the start of the data structure arrangement. The program chain PGC mod is necessary so that copy devices at chapter 2 start the original chapter 1.



FIG. 7 shows a program diagram for a corresponding referencing of files of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data in the framework of a modification of data of a data carrier that meets a DVD-video specification. This provides primarily, by way of example, a referencing to unused data files of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data added by the data carrier in the framework of an inventive modification. The data of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data referenced here are, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, are purely virtual, that is merely logically present on the part of the navigation structure, and thus are recognized by a linearly working analysis program as present, but are not used during a working process by a copy device.



FIG. 8 shows an additional embodiment of an inventive modification, primarily with the data carrier adding navigation data that reference themselves. FIG. 8 shows the self-referencing whereby PGC 1 jumps into PGC 2, PGC 2 jumps into PGC n, and finally PGC n jumps back into PGC 1. This creates an endless jump sequence, so that in an attempted copying procedure by imitation of the original navigation behavior of the PGCs referenced by the data carrier and the data of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are thus logically and/or physically connected, devices that produce corresponding copies are hung up in an endless loop or interrupt the copy process after a certain period of time with corresponding error tolerance.


The described embodiments of the invention and the embodiments of the invention illustrated in connection with the drawings serve only to explain the invention and are not restrictive with respect to it. Thus the embodiments presented and described here are also capable of repeated and combined use, so that the number of modifications that hinder or prevent copying procedures can be configured and designed very extensively.

Claims
  • 1. A method for protecting against copying of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that can be captured by means of a data carrier of a predetermined specification that can be used by a device for reproducing audio and/or video data, such that audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data are arranged in a data structure that meets the specifications characterized by at least one modification of at least one portion of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected in the data structure arrangement.
  • 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized by at least one modification concerning an enlargement of the physical and/or logical storage place requirement of at least one portion of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data in the data structure arrangement.
  • 3. A method according to claim 1, characterized by at least one addition of additional audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data to audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected in the data structure arrangement as a modification.
  • 4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one portion of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected is copied at least once and added as addition audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data.
  • 5. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the added audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data are referenced at least once physically and/or at least once logically by the data structure arrangement.
  • 6. A method according to claim 6, characterized by a logical referencing by at least one portion of the navigation data of the data structure arrangement.
  • 7. A method according to claim 5, characterized by a logical referencing by the navigation structure of the data structure arrangement.
  • 8. A method according to claim 1, characterized by a division of at least one portion of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected into at least two units foreseen by the specification with special use functions (ILVUs or interleaved video units) for audio and/or video data and adjustment of the navigation data of the divided audio and/or video data that are to be protected corresponding to the division into the at least two units foreseen by the specification with special use functions (ILVUs) for audio and/or video data as modification.
  • 9. A method according to claim 8, characterized by an additional addition of data, preferably of audio and/or video data, in unused units foreseen by the specification with special use functions (ILVUs) for audio and/or video data.
  • 10. A method according to claim 1, characterized by at least one change in the navigation structure of the data structure arrangement as a modification.
  • 11. A method according to claim 10, characterized by at least one physical and/or logical displacement of at least a portion of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected by the data structure arrangement as a modification that changes the navigation structure of the data structure arrangement.
  • 12. A method according to claim 10, characterized by at least one division of at least one program chain (PGC) that references at least one chapter of a title by programs in at least two PGCs and adjustment of the navigation data of the divided program chain corresponding to the division into the at least two PGCs as a modification that alters the navigation structure of the data structure arrangement.
  • 13. A method according to claim 10, characterized by a replacement of an original program chain (PGC) by at least two PGCs, such that at least the first PGC refers in the framework of its navigation to a succeeding PGC, which in turn contains the programs (chapters) of the original PGC as well as at least one added program (chapter), such that the navigation references of the first PGC preferably go to the succeeding PGC and thus not to the PGC as such and thus to the added program (chapter), but rather to the succeeding program (chapter) and thus the one taken over by the original PGC, such that the remaining navigation structure of the data structure arrangement is preferably adjusted to the PGC modified in this way.
  • 14. A method according to claim 10, characterized by at least one addition of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data to audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that are to be protected and referencing of the added audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data that depend at least on a condition in the framework of a program of PGC that includes at least one program as a modification that alters the navigation structure of the data structure arrangement.
  • 15. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the condition in the authorized use of the data structure arrangement cannot be fulfilled with a data carrier by a copy device.
  • 16. A method according to claim 10, characterized by at least one self-referencing of at least one program chain (PGC) that includes at least one program as a modification that alters the navigation structure of the data structure arrangement.
  • 17. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one program chain with authorized use of the data structure arrangement with a data carrier cannot be executed by a copy device.
  • 18. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the framework of the modification, data are foreseen in the data structure arrangement which, when captured on a data carrier, are not usable in the data structure arrangement in at least one area of the data carrier at least for a device for reading audio and/or video data.
  • 19. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the data of the data structure arrangement when captured on a data carrier cause at least problems in controlling the device for reading audio and/or video data.
  • 20. A method according to claim 18, characterized by foreseen tolerance areas with audio, video, and or navigation data before and/or after the area with data that are not usable by the device for reading audio and/or video data.
  • 21. A method according claim 20, characterized in that the audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data of the tolerance areas are audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data which are generated in the framework of the modification.
  • 22. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one modification before and/or with the transmission of the data structure arrangement of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data to be protected occurs over a communication network, preferably the Internet.
  • 23. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one modification in the framework of the arrangement of audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data occurs on a data carrier.
  • 24. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the data carrier meets at least one specification, preferably the DVD-video specification, the HD-DVD specification, and/or of the Blue-Ray specification.
  • 25. A data carrier, which includes audio, video, and/or A/V navigation data in a data structure arrangement that meets at least one predetermined specification, characterized in that the data structure arrangement is configured according to a method according to claim 1.
  • 26. A data carrier according to claim 25, characterized in that said data carrier is a medium that can be written at least once, according to DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, or DVD-+RW.
  • 27. A method for using the data carrier of claim 25 by a device for copying audio and/or video data, which meets at least one predetermined specification, and/or a device for capturing a data structure arrangement on the data carrier.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
10 2006 022 268.7 May 2006 DE national