Importance

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Abstract

Reproduction of a data signal which is stored on a source media or distributed via a communication network is controlled by inserting master tag data and control tag data into the data signal. A player/recorder inserts an additional generation of control tag information each time a copy of the media is made. If the number of generations of the control tag information is above a threshold value, reproduction of the data signal may be inhibited. For example, if the data signal comprises audio data, the player/recorder may only allow playing of the audio signal over speakers but will not allow recording. The playing and recording of associated signals, such as a video signal which accompanies an audio signal, may also be controlled. The master tag data and control tag data may be provided as spread spectrum signals which are spectrally shaped and power-adjusted according to the data signal to render them imperceptible in the data signal. In a graceful degradation scheme, the additional generation of control tag information is provided at a level which is calculated to cumulatively degrade the quality of the data signal according to the number of generations of control tag information.

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First Claim