DATA RECORDING DEVICE AND ITS METHOD, DATA OUTPUT DEVICE AND ITS METHOD, CONTENTS DATA, DATA RECORDING MEDIUM, DATA REPRODUCING DEVICE AND THEIR METHOD

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably distinguish whether contents are an original or a copy. SOLUTION: A contents header 2A is added to contents 1A. An original mark 3 is included in the contents header 2A. The copy of the original mark 3 is absolutely prohibited. Accordingly, the original mark 3 is not included in the contents header 2B of copied contents 1B. The copy of the original mark 3 may be prohibited by prohibiting the copy of the contents header itself. Furthermore, the copy of the original mark 3 may be substantially prohibited by changing the original mark 3 into a copy mark 4 having a prescribed bit pattern. Whether the contents are an original or a copy can be determined by the presence or absence of the original mark 3. Accordingly, copy restriction can be ensured. Besides, special service can be provided for the owner of original contents.