Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and system for transferring information using an encryption mode indicator (EMI). The present invention provides several secure information communication modes in which data (e.g., representing an audio/visual work) can be transmitted from a source device to a sink device (receiving station) in a number of secure modes. In one secure mode, EMI mode A, the information of the transmission is not allowed to be copied as a whole work; this is the highest level of copy protection. In second secure mode, EMI mode B, the information of the transmission is allowed to be copied once and once only by the sink device. In a third transmission mode, no encryption is used and free copying is available. Depending on which secure mode is selected between mode A and mode B, a different encryption process is used by the source device to encrypt the transmission. Further, depending on which secure mode is selected between mode A and mode B, a different decryption process is used by the sink device to decrypt the transmission. The present invention is particularly useful for transmissions between a source device and a bit stream recorder which does not have the capability to extract certain encryption information from a packet header. By using different encryption processes for each transmission mode, an unauthorized device placed between the source and the sink devices that alters the EMI code will be unable to thereafter render or record the audio/visual work because the decryption process selected will differ from the encryption process used.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim