Method apparatus and systems for producing and writing cipher keys, reproducing information with a cipher key, and for permitting reproduction of information with a cipher key, and permitting reproduction of information with a cipher key, and optical disc recorded with a cipher key

Abstract

Plural program information and a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) number of the optical discis previously recorded in the optical disc. A drive ID is stored in the nonvolatile memoryof the reproduction apparatus. A user of the reproduction apparatusnotifies the BCA number, the drive ID, and a number of preferred program information to the software house (software supplier)on the condition that the user pays for the reproduction of the preferred program information recorded in the optical disc. The software housenotifies a cipher key to the reproduction apparatusor the user. A title key is calculated in the reproduction apparatusin accordance with the BCA number, the drive ID, and the cipher key. The preferred information recorded in the optical discis permitted to be reproduced by using the title key.