Cryptography – Cryptanalysis
Patent
1994-12-02
1997-01-07
Cain, David C.
Cryptography
Cryptanalysis
360132, 360 66, H04N 7167
Patent
active
055925502
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to cassettes or other cartridges operatively embodying pre-recorded media such as tape or film, particularly but not exclusively magnetic video tape; or embodying solid state pre-recorded media such as ROM chips or optically scanned ROM or other "Compact Discs" or the like.
More specifically the invention applies to a cartridge assembly (hereinafter referred to as "a cartridge assembly of the kind described") comprising a tamper-resistant housing containing a medium which has been pre-recorded in use, and interfacing means whereby the cartridge will interact with compatible operating equipment for selective replay.
A cartridge assembly of the type hereinafter referred to as a "reel-type cassette" will have medium in the form of a tape or film carried on main and take up reels within the housing, the operating equipment driving the reels for winding the medium forward off the main onto the take-up reel during replay, and for rewinding the medium ready for further replay.
The invention is particularly usefully embodied in reel-type cassettes which incorporate or are compatible with the widely used VHS system which is now the almost universal standard for video cassette recorders in general use in the home and elsewhere and hence for video tape recordings on general sale and/or available for loan or hire from video libraries. The VHS system and the construction of the standard cassettes used therewith is well known in the art and will not be described in any detail.
The object of the invention is to provide a reel-type cassette or other cartridge assembly of the kind described in a form which provides control and monitoring of its usage in an effective, convenient and economical manner so as to provide fairer and more effective remuneration of the originators or providers of prerecorded media without undue restriction or inconvenience for the end user.
According to the invention there is provided a cartridge assembly as defined by claim 1 of the appended claims.
Preferably said inhibiting means operates by generating and emitting a continuous or intermittent signal which will interact with the replay system of the equipment to degrade or "jam" output as it is played back from the cartridge medium e.g. by rendering it substantially unwatchable or inaudible. Said signal may also be utilised to deter and/or detect unauthorised removal of the assembly from a location, e.g. by sounding an alarm if it is taken through a door provided with detector equipment.
Alternatively said inhibiting means may operate by direct or indirect interaction with the tape or other medium transport system of the equipment in which the cartridge is used, for example by simulating an "end of tape" optical signal to optical detector means of a VHS cassette player so that at least forward tape transport is inhibited.
Preferably said timer and inhibiting means form parts of control means of the cassette or other cartridge, the latter means further including a lock module operable only by a coded key or key input signal for starting the timer to commence said period.
The control means may further include memory means having a digital or other register totalising the number of said periods started or otherwise recording usage or operation of the assembly; and with a read-out facility for selectively extracting data from the register. An input facility, preferably secured by key or coded access, may also be provided to adjust, set or reset the register.
The term "coded key or key input signal" used herein is intended to comprise inter alia conventional mechanical keys cut to a predetermined code for physical insertion into and operation of a lock module of the control means, e.g. coacting with a cylinder-type lock; visibly or invisibly coded magnetic or optically read keys in card or other form for actuating an electromagnetic or electro-optical lock module; key signal generating or input devices transmitting coded pulses to a lock module e.g. remote infra-red key input signal devices; or input to combination or like loc
REFERENCES:
patent: 5023741 (1991-06-01), Conti et al.
Davis Raymond L.
Swift Michael J.
Cain David C.
Shapecourt Limited
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