DE10040809A1 - Video or music playback device with an interface for insertion of a memory card that enables copyrighted or not copyrighted material to be played on the device, but that will not work with an incorrect memory card - Google Patents

Abstract

An end device such as a portable music player has a memory card (40A) that can be inserted. A first memory card has copyright protected contents, while a second card takes contents that are not copyright protected. If an incompatible card is inserted in the player, display or replay of the contents is prevented and or the card is ejected from the player.

Description

The present invention relates to a terminal in which optional for example, either a copyright-compliant or a copyright-non-compliant Storage can be accommodated.

Nowadays it is widespread practice that people use their personal computers (Personal Com to access desired servers on the Internet (World Wide Web - www) of the compressed digital data, for example pieces of music or pictures on hard drives of PCs for private entertainment download.

Another practice that is becoming popular these days is a portable one To equip the end device with a portable memory (for example a memory card) contains non-volatile memory, for example a flash memory. (A portable endge advises, which contains a fixed non-volatile memory, can also be used). The portable terminal is connected to the PC via an IEEE 1394-compatible cable or a Interface, e.g. RS-232C (recommended standard) or a USB (Universal Stan dard bus) connected. The compressed digital data such as pieces of music and pictures are transferred from or to the non-volatile memory from the hard disk drive of the PC copied. The portable terminal that houses the non-volatile memory is then worn by users to adhere to music or other content for example House to please.

There's a trend, digital data downloaded over the Internet illegally copied and put on the market, so that the copyright surveillance, the realized by encryption and / or authorization, significantly strengthened must become.

There is currently digital data in the non-volatile memories mentioned above stored, not encrypted. One is concerned that illegal copies on the legiti mated market can be brought by means of systems that the portable described above Use end device.

With a view to strengthening tighter copyright surveillance, have been non-volatile memories that use a signal processing circuit for authorization and encryption included. These developed memories are copyright right-compliant non-volatile memories (copyright-compliant memory cards).  

If the proposed copyright-compliant non-volatile memory For widespread use, it is necessary to clearly contrast them the currently used non-volatile non-volatile memories divide so that users can choose one or the other type of memory depending can use of the situation.

In the meantime, compatibility with existing portable devices requires that the copyright-compliant non-volatile memories do not have an external shape which is different from that of the conventional non-volatile memory. Different have expressed both the copyright non-compliant and the copyright compliant non-volatile memory tends to be the same shape, so housed in portable devices to be able to.

The non-compliant non-volatile memories are exemplified wisely used, so-called copyright-free digital data, for example one private Record recorded voice and conference pictures.

On the other hand, the copyright-compliant non-volatile memories become so used, digital data (e.g. pieces of music) from existing storage media, for example from a CD (Compact Disc) or MD (MiniDisc). With These stores contain illegal copies of copyrighted data by Ver encryption or prevented by a suitable authorization.

For copyright protection, the copyright-compliant, non-volatile Memory contain a signal processing circuit for authorization or encryption ten, which is a feature found in the non-volatile, non- Saving does not exist.

There are two main types of portable devices. Kind of a portable end device is able to record mainly conference processes and the other type of one portable terminal can encrypt digital data from PC or similar sources down download.

The portable terminal for recording mainly conference processes should be loaded with non-volatile non-volatile memory, while the portable terminal for downloading data from the PC or the like top-of-the-line non-volatile memory implemented in it should have.

As mentioned above, the non-compliant and the copyright- non-volatile memory essentially the same form as usual This makes it difficult for users to distinguish between the two types of storage. Also know  not all users, which portable device is likely to have what type of non- volatile memory is compatible.

There are also cases where a portable terminal that is able to retrieve data is used to record conference processes. In these cases it can portable terminal with a copyright-non-compliant non-volatile memory be equipped.

Accidental loading of an unsuitable type of a non-volatile Memory in the portable device inevitably occurs due to the difficulty distinguish different types of non-volatile memories from a lack of Understanding among some users about compatibility between portable endge advise and non-volatile storage, and unrealistic expectations that users always use an appropriate storage type depending on the usage situation. The Using an inappropriate memory type can result in poor recording or Playback of data by the portable terminal result.

Such unsuitable execution of recording or reproduction will lead to poor enforcement of copyright protection, or to Recorded by a user of data that do not require copyright protection a copyright-compliant non-volatile memory. The latter case opens the door recorded data protected by copyright, so that the data regardless of their nature later must be handled in a substantially restricted manner.

In addition, an accidental use of a copyright can not be respected non-volatile memory result in an error downloading data and record that need copyright protection.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides a portable terminal that allows users to store an appropriate memory cher in the terminal for a desired purpose.

To practice the invention and according to a feature of the invention, there is provided a terminal device into which a first or a second memory card is optionally inserted, the first memory card storing content which is subject to copyright protection and the second memory card containing content which is not the Copyright protection is subject, whereby the end device includes:
judging means for judging whether a memory card inserted into a main body of the terminal device is the first memory card or the second memory card; and
a controller which, when it is judged that the inserted memory card is the second memory card, prohibits the recording and reproduction of content on and from the second memory card.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a terminal into which a first or a second memory card is optionally inserted, the first memory card storing content that is subject to copyright protection and the second memory card accommodating content that is not subject to copyright protection, the terminal includes:
judging means whether a memory card inserted into the main body of the terminal is the first memory card or the second memory card, and
a controller which, when it is judged by the judging means that the inserted memory card is the first memory card, prohibits the recording and reproduction of the content to and from the first memory card.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will appear when reading the following description and the accompanying drawings more clearly.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a copyright-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus which is applicable to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a copyright-compliant memory card applicable to the invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a non-compliant memory card recorder and player that is applicable to the invention;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a non-compliant memory card applicable to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of steps constituting a first example of processing performed when the copyright-compliant or non-copyright-compliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-compliant memory card recording and reproducing apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of steps constituting a first example of processing performed when the copyright-compliant or non-copyright-compliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-non-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus;

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of steps constituting a second example of processing performed when the copyright-compliant or non-copyright-compliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-compliant memory record and playback device;

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of steps constituting a second example of processing performed when the copyright-compliant or non-copyright-compliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-non-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus;

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a memory recording and reproducing device which is compatible with both a copyright-compliant and a copyright-non-compliant memory card;

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of steps constituting a first processing example that are performed when the copyright-compliant or non-copyright-compliant memory card is inserted into the memory recording and reproducing apparatus which is compatible with both the copyright-compliant and the copyright- non-compliant memory card is compatible; and

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of steps constituting a second processing example which are performed when the copyright-compliant or non-copyright-compliant memory card is inserted into the memory recording and reproducing apparatus which is compatible with both the copyright-compliant and the dual-purpose copyright-non-compliant memory card is compatible.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described wrote. The invention is embodied, for example, by a portable device which a memory card loaded with a flash memory as replaceable or removable ren storage medium used. The portable device is, for example, a recording device and play digital audio signals and other data. This portable device is subsequently abbreviated as a recorder.

The to be described preferred embodiments include a copyright-stop forming a portable device (recorder 1 A) having a copyright security feature has in connection with a memory card 40 A, which is compatible with the device, and a copyright-non-stop forming a portable device (recorder 1 B), which has no copyright security function together with a memory card 40 B that is compatible with the latter device.

A portable device (recorder 1 C) is also described which is compatible with both 40 A and 40 B memory cards.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a copyright-keeping portable device (recorder 1 A) together with the memory card 40 A.

In Fig. 1, the dotted lines include two main blocks, a block shows how the recorder 1 A is constructed, and wherein the other block shows how the SpeI is constructed cherkarte. The 40 A memory card is removably loaded into the 1 A recorder.

The recorder 1 A (and 1B, 1C, which will be described later) and the memory card 40 A (and 40B, which will be described later) form a recording and reproducing system, which will subsequently be described as an application of the invention. This system is capable of not only recording and reproducing digital audio signals, but also moving picture data and still picture data.

The recorder 1 A comprises a CPU 2, a security block 3, which is connected via a bus with the CPU 2, an operation unit 4 and a display device. 5

The security block 3 comprises a DES encryption circuit (Data Encryption Standard) and a circuit for carrying out an authorization process.

The actuator 4 has buttons, buttons, a jump selector and other controls which allow the user to perform various operations related to recording and playback.

The operation information, such as a record or playback command, which is generated in response to a user operation in the operation unit 4 , is supplied to the CPU 2 via the bus.

The display device 5 consists, for example, of a liquid crystal display. Under the control of the CPU 2 , the display device 5 shows various information details and the operating status of the recorder 1 .

The recorder 1 A is also equipped with an audio data interface 6, a Codie rer / decoder 7, an A / D converter 9, and a D / A converter 12th

The audio data interface 6 forms an interface of audio data between external input / output connections on the one hand and the internal encoder / decoder 7 on the other hand.

The encoder / decoder 7 subjects the digital audio signals to low bit rate encoding and decodes the low bit rate encoded data.

A low bit rate coding method is used, which is called ATRAC3 referred to as. This represents an improvement over ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding), which is used in MiniDisc systems. Under ATRAC3 16-bit audio data sampled at 44.1 kHz is processed. The minimal Data increment for audio data processing under ATRAC3 is used as a sound unit (SU) designated. A sound unit lasting approximately 2.3 ms consists of 1024 samples of Data (1024 x 16 bits x 2 channels) compressed to several hundred bytes of data. According to ATRAC3, the audio data is approximately one tenth of its original volume compressed. There is a slight deterioration in sound quality resulting from the data comm compression or decompression process results.

An analog audio signal can be supplied to the recorder 1 A as a reproduced output signal from an externally connected audio output device, for example a CD player, an MD player, a tuner or a tape player. In this case, the analog audio signal will be delivered from a connector 8 to the A / D converter 9 , where it will be converted into a digital audio signal. After the implementation, the digital audio signal is delivered to the audio data interface 6 .

A digital audio signal can also be supplied to the recorder 1 A as a reproduced output signal from an externally connected output device or in the form of audio data which are received by a digital transmission source or are distributed over a network. In this case, the digital audio signal is forwarded from a circuit 10 to the audio data interface 6 . The digital audio signal is delivered to the recorder 1 A, for example, via an optical fiber cable from the external source.

The audio data interface 6 optionally processes the supplied audio signals. The selected audio signal is supplied to the encoder / decoder 7 .

The encoder / decoder 7 subjects the supplied digital audio signal to the low-rate coding and delivers the encoded data to the security block 3 .

The security block 3 encrypts the coded data supplied in this way. The security block 3 and a security block 52 , which will be described later, in the memory card 40 A are provided to protect the copyright of the content (in this example the digital audio signal). The security block 3 in the recorder 1 A has a plurality of main switch and a memory switch, which is peculiar to the device in question. These switches are used for encryption and decryption purposes.

Security block 3 also has a random assignment circuit that generates dialog switches. When the memory card 40 A that contains the safety block 52 is inserted into the recorder 1 A, an authorization process is performed to see whether the inserted memory card 40 A is an authorized card. If it is judged that the memory card 40 A is authorized, the security block 3 can then share a dialog switch with the security block 52 .

Security blocks 3 and 52 are each equipped with a function to carry out a suitable authorization process.

As will be described in more detail later, the memory card 40 A is a single chip IC card which carries a flash memory 42 (non-volatile memory), a security block 52 which contains a DES encryption circuit, a communication interface and registers.

The memory card 40 A is freely exchangeable or removable in the recorder 1 A. In practice, the recorder 1 A is able to accommodate a memory card without encryption functions, ie a memory card 40 B (which will be described later) which has no security block.

When the audio data are supplied as described above, they are subjected to low bit rate coding by the encoder / decoder 7 and then encryption by the security block 3 . After processing, the encrypted audio data is supplied to the CPU 2 .

The CPU 2 exchanges data via a memory interface 11 with the memory card 40 A, which is attached to a releasable mechanism, which is not shown. The storage interface 11 ensures serial data communication between the CPU 2 and the memory card.

After the audio data has been encrypted by the security block, who supplied it by the CPU 2 to the memory card 40 A via the memory interface 11 . The audio data supplied to the memory card 40 A are written into the flash memory 42 located therein.

The input audio signal is carried out as described above before it is recorded on the 40 A memory card.

The audio data are reproduced from the memory card 40 A as follows: the CPU 2 reads audio data from the flash memory 42 via the memory interface 11 . The recovered audio data (ie the encrypted audio data) were delivered to security block 3 for decryption. The decrypted audio data is decompressed by the encoder / decoder 7 from its compressed state.

The decompression by the encoder / decoder 7 generates a 16-bit audio signal, which is sampled at 44.1 kHz. This audio signal is delivered for conversion into an analog audio signal via the audio data interface 6 to the D / A converter 12 . After the implementation, the analog audio signal is output from a connector 13 to an external device.

Alternatively, the audio data from the encoder / decoder 7 as well as the decrypted data from the security block 3 are output as digital data from the connections 14 and 15 via the audio data interface 6 to the external device.

In the above description on the memory card 40. A aufzuzeich nenden or Korder of this audio data to be reproduced by the security block 3 in Re A 1 have been encrypted or decrypted. Alternatively, encryption and decryption processes can be performed by the security block 52 in the memory card.

In another alternative, audio data can be encrypted by security block 3 at the time of recording and by security block 52 during playback. Conversely, the audio data can be encrypted for recording by the security block 52 and decrypted for playback by the security block 3 .

In yet another alternative, the audio data can be encrypted during recording by the two security blocks 3 and 52 and decrypted by the two same security blocks 52 and 3 at the time of playback.

The security blocks 3 and 52 are designed so that they have similar encryption functions which allow the proportionate division and switch change for encryption and decryption between the two blocks. These similar functions will allow the implementation of any audio data encryption / decryption systems that have been roughly described above.

In addition to their encryption and decryption features, security blocks 3 and 52 each have an authorization function. When the memory card 40 is loaded in the recorder 1 A A, replace the safety blocks 3 and 52 to each other authorization data from. A result of the data communication serves as the basis for granting or failing authorization. If the authorization is denied, the recorder recording or reproducing data prohibits 1 A, for example, on or from the memory card 40 A.

In particular, the authorization process is for example as follows Runaway results: When the memory card 40 is inserted into the recorder A 1 A, are first authorization data, the 1 A are held by the security block 3 in the recorder, supplied to the memory card 40 A. When the first authorization data are supplied, the security block 52 generates second authorization data in the memory card 40 A in accordance with a predetermined formula. The first authorization data are supplemented by the second sierungsdaten Authori before they are transmitted to the recorder 1A.

Granted the recorder 1A or fails an authorization by checking to see if the memory card 40. A suitable second authorization data is returned in response to the first authorization data.

The authorization, encryption and decryption functions, The outlines outlined above are primarily intended to protect copyrights.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the memory card 40 A. The memory card 40 A is an IC single chip card which contains a control block 41 and a flash memory 42 .

A bidirectional serial interface (ie memory interface 11 ) between the CPU 2 in the recorder 1 A and the memory card 40 A consists of 10 signal lines.

The signal lines contain four main lines: a clock line SCK for Sending clock signals during data transmission, a status line SBS to Sen the status information, a data line DIO for transmitting data, and an inter rupt line INT.

For power supply purposes, two ground lines are GND and two span Power supply lines VCC provided. The remaining two signal lines (as "Reserv" indicated) are reserved.

The clock line SCK is designed to send clock signals in synchronism with data. The status line SBS is intended to transmit a signal which shows the status of the 40 A memory card.

The data line DIO is used for commands and the encrypted Au feed and output diodata.

The interrupt line INT is a signal line which transmits an interrupt signal which allows the memory card 40 A to request an interrupt (an interruption) from the CPU 2 in the recorder 1 .

The interrupt signal is generated when the memory card 40 is inserted into the recorder 1 A A. In this embodiment, however, the interrupt signal is supplied via the data line DIO, the interrupt line INT being grounded and not being used.

A serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 (abbreviated to S / P & P / S, I / F) forms an interface between the control block 41 on the one hand and the memory interface 11 of the recorder 1 A on the other hand, the pipes by a plurality of signal with the Card is connected.

The serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 converts serial data from the recorder 1 into parallel data A and supplies the converted parallel data to the control block 41 to. The interface block 43 also converts parallel data from the control block 41 into serial data and transmits the converted serial data to the Re Korder 1 A.

In addition, when commands and data are received via the data line DIO, the serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 separates what is received into two groups: commands and data for the usual access to the flash memory 42 , on the one hand, and, on the other hand Commands and data that require encryption.

In particular, a command comes first, followed by data in a format in which signals are supplied via the DIO data line. The serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 examines the code of an existing command to decide whether the command and the following data are required for normal access or require encryption.

As a result of the check of the command code, any command required for the usual access is set in a command register 44 and the accompanying data is set in a page buffer 45 and a write register 46 .

An error correction code generation circuit (ECC) 47 is provided in connection with the write register (WR.Reg) 46 . The error correction code generation circuit 47 generates a redundant error correction code with respect to the data temporarily held in the page buffer 45 .

Output data from the command register 44 , page buffer 45 , write register 46 and the error correction code generating circuit 47 are supplied to a flash memory interface / sorter 51 (abbreviated: flash memory I / F, sorter).

The flash memory interface / sorter 51 forms an interface between the control block 41 and the flash memory 42 , thereby controlling the data exchange between them. Data is written into the flash memory 42 via this memory interface / sorter 51 .

In data read operation, the data that is recovered from the flash memory 42 is supplied via the flash memory interface / sorter 51 to the page buffer 45 , to a read register 48 and to an error correction circuit 49 .

All errors in the data placed in the page buffer 45 are corrected by the error correction circuit 49 . The error corrected output data from page buffer 45 and the output data from read register 48 are provided to serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 . From there, the data is delivered via the above-mentioned serial interface to the CPU 2 in the recorder 1A.

A configuration ROM is provided in order to accommodate information, for example the version information about the memory card 40 A and various attribute information details.

The memory card 40 A is equipped with a switch 60 , which can be operated by the user if necessary to avoid unintentional deletion. When the switch 60 is set to an erase protection position, the flash mo ry is protected against erasure even if a command from the recorder 1 is supplied A, requesting the deletion of the data in the flash memory 42nd

An oscillator 61 generates clock pulses which provide a timing reference for processing by the 40 A memory card.

Lead As described, the security block 3 in the recorder 1 A and the safety-block 52 in the memory card 40. A their Authorization Workflow by and encrypt the content (that is, the audio data, the ATRAC3 compressed are, then as ATRAC3 data), which in the Flash Memory 42 is to be written as a measure of copyright protection.

The security block 52 includes a buffer memory 53 , a DES lock circuit 54, and a non-volatile memory (HVM) 55 .

The security block 52 has a plurality of authorization switches and a storage switch which is specific to the memory card in question.

The non-volatile memory 55 houses switches which are necessary for encryption and is therefore invisible from the outside (ie not readable). For example, the memory switch is included in the non-volatile memory 55 .

The security block 52 also has a random assignment circuit which allows the authorization of the specially tailored recorder 1 A, which shares a dialog switch with the card.

A content switch for encrypting ATRAC3 data is encrypted using the dialog switch and is transmitted between the recorder 1 and the 40 A memory card.

As the security block 52 in memory card 40 A, the security block 3 in the recorder 1 A switch its own memory. If, for example, the encrypted content is moved from one place to another, the memory switch is encrypted again, the memory switch of the security block 3 being used.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a non-compliant recorder 1 B. The recorder 1 B corresponds to a non-compliant memory card 40 B. In FIG. 3, those parts that are functionally identical to corresponding parts shown in FIG. 1 are functionally identical or equivalent are provided with the same reference numerals, so that a description of these parts is omitted.

For example, so-called IC recorders, which are intended for recording a dictation, for example conference processes, on a memory card instead of a tape recorder, are usually not restricted by consideration of copyrights. In this case, as shown in Fig where recorded audio data is subjected to any restrictions Urheberrechtsbe, a recording and reproducing system, which consists of the recorder 1 and the memory card B 40 B,. 3 is shown to be used.

As shown, the recorder 1 B has the same structure as the recorder 1 A of FIG. 1 with the exception of the security block 3 there . Even if security block 3 were present, the recorder would only have to be set up to switch off its encryption function for non-compliant use.

An audio signal input / output area can be, for example, a micro phone input or an analog input and output.

(When a micro phon or housed therein) when a microphone with the recorder 1 B is connected so that an audio signal is supplied through a terminal 16, the audio signal is amplified by the microphone amplifier 17th The amplified audio signal is converted by an A / D converter 9 into digital audio data, which are fed to an encoder / decoder 7 via an audio data interface 6 .

If an analog audio signal is supplied from an externally set up audio output device to the recorder 1 B, the analog audio signal is supplied via the connection 8 to the A / D converter 9 for conversion into a digital audio signal. After the conversion, the digital audio signal is supplied via the audio data interface 6 to the encoder / decoder 7 .

The encoder / decoder 7 subjects the supplied digital audio signal to compression processing on the basis of a predetermined formula, for example ATRAC3, ATRAC or ADPCM. The data compressed in this way are delivered to the CPU 2 .

The memory card 40 B is freely detachably inserted in the recorder 1 B. The memory card 40 B can also be loaded into the recorder 1 B.

The CPU 2 exchanges data via a memory interface 11 with the memory card 40 B, which is attached to a detachable mechanism, not shown. The memory interface 11 ensures serial data communication between the CPU 2 and the memory card 40 B.

When the audio data is compressed by the encoder / decoder 7 , it is supplied to the memory card 40 B via the memory interface 11 by the CPU 2 . The audio data supplied to the memory card 40 B are written to a flash memory 42 arranged therein.

The input audio signal is performed as described above, before it is recorded on the memory card 40 B. When audio data or other data as described is recorded on the memory card, which is connected to the recorder 1 B, the data is compressed but not encrypted. The formula used for compression may be ATRAC3, ie the same as those for the recorder 1 A, or it may be another suitable system, such as ATRAC or the ADPCM.

Audio data is reproduced from the memory card 40 B as follows: the CPU 2 reads audio data from the flash memory 42 via the memory interface 11 . The recovered audio data is decompressed by the encoder / decoder 7 from its compressed state.

The decompression by the encoder / decoder 7 generates a 16-bit audio signal, which is sampled at 44.1 kHz. This audio signal is delivered to a D / A converter 12 via the audio data interface 6 for conversion into an analog audio signal. After the implementation, the analog audio signal is supplied via a connection 13 to an external device or to headphones which are connected to the recorder.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the memory card 40 B, which has no encryption feature (ie that the card does not comply with the security precautions related to copyright protection). In Fig. 4 those parts that have corresponding parts of the memory card 40 A, which are already shown in Fig. 2, which are functionally identical or equivalent, are provided with the same reference numerals, so that a description of these parts is omitted .

In comparison to the memory card 40 A described with the aid of FIG. 2, the memory card 40 B shown has no security block 52 which is connected to a serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 . The remaining structural features are the same as those of the 40 A memory card.

Although it is not shown, they have. Memory cards 40 A and 40 B have an identical shape and size.

As described, the invention can be practiced by realizing the copyright-holding recorder 1 A and the memory card 40 A, as well as the copyright-non-compliant recorder 1 B and the memory card 40 B.

The copyright-compliant recorder 1 A and the memory card 40 A are used mainly to record and play back data that require copyright protection, such as pieces of music. The copyright-non-guaranteed rate Re Korder 1 B and the memory card 40 B are used to record and reproduce data, which do not need to be copyright protected, for example, Renz Konfe processes.

The memory card 40 A stores data that have been compressed by ATRAC3 and encrypted in the manner described. The memory card 40 B, however, holds data that has been compressed by ATRAC3 or another system, but which has not been encrypted.

The recorder 1 shown in Fig. 1 A holds the safety precautions with respect to a copyright. The 1 A recorder and the inserted memory card exchange switches for mutual authorization and data encryption.

If the copyright-non-guaranteed rate memory card 40 is inserted into the recorder B 1 A, B 40, the recorder 1 A judges the card as not to be useful because they do not comply with the copyright requirements.

There are a number of methods by which the 1 A recorder determines the type of the inserted memory card.

In one procedure, the 1 A recorder checks the response status for authorization.

In particular, transmits, when a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1 A, the CPU 2 of recorder 1 A first authorization data to the memory card in the manner described above. If the inserted card is the memory card 40 B, which has no security block 52 , the CPU 2 can not receive a normal response (ie, the above-mentioned second authorization data) from the card.

If the CPU 2 does not receive a normal response within a predetermined period of time following the first authorization data, the CPU 2 judges that the inserted memory card is a non-compliant card.

Another method of determining the type of card is that requires copyright-compliant / non-compliant identification information, which can be found in an appropriate memory card boot area is stored.

If a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1 A, the CPU 2 wins copyright-guaranteed rate / non-guaranteed rate identification information from data initially from the boot area of the memory card has been read. Based on the identification information obtained, the recorder 1 A determines the type of the memory card ( 40 A or 40 B).

If the memory card is determined in this way, the recorder 1 A only accepts the 40 A memory card for authorization. This ensures the authorization and encryption of data to be recorded for copyright protection.

As described, the recorder 1 A with the memory card 40 A and the recorder 1 B with the memory card 40 B should be loaded depending on the need for copyright protection. However, since the memory cards 40 A and 40 B have identical dimensions with respect to the outer shape, users have difficulty in distinguishing the two cards in order to use them correctly. Unsuitable combinations of recorder and card can often be expected, ie the recorder 1 A is connected to the 40 B memory card or the 1 B recorder is connected to the 40 A memory card.

Such difficulties are overcome by the recorder 1 A and 1 B which perform the steps shown in Fig. 5 and 6, upon insertion of a memory card in each of a recorder. The recorder 1 A as a portable terminal for handling music is designed so that it can download pieces of music from storage media, for example CDs or over the Internet. The recorder 1 B as a portable terminal for recording dictations is designed so that a voice that is supplied via a microphone can record on.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of steps that are performed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A.

In step F101, the CPU 2 checks the copyright-keeping recorder 1 A to see whether a memory card is inserted. If it is found that a SpeI cherkarte 1 A is inserted into the recorder, step F102 is reached.

In step F102, the CPU 2 starts an authorization process regarding the inserted memory card. In particular, the CPU 2 transfers authorization data to the memory card.

If the authorization process provides a normal response as described earlier, the CPU 2 judges that the inserted card is the 40 A memory card which has the security block 53 for copyright protection. When the normal response is not received within a predetermined time period, it is judged that the inserted card, the copyright-non-guaranteed rate memory card 40 B.

The above judgment process is carried out by the CPU 2 in step F103 before branching in one of two steps. If it is judged that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40 A, step F104 is reached. In step F104, data is recorded on or reproduced from the memory card (in practice, a recording or a reproducing operation is carried out according to the subsequent operation of a user).

If it is judged that the inserted card is the non-compliant memory card 40 B, step F105 is reached where the CPU 2 causes the memory card to be ejected.

The above steps prevent the recorder 1 A executes data recording or reproduction, if the user inadvertently introduce the memory card 40 in the B Rekor of 1 A. The forced ejection of the memory card reminds users of an incorrect action and causes them to load the correct memory card instead.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of steps that are executed by the CPU 2 of recorder 1 B.

In step F201, the CPU 2 checks the copyright-non-keeping recorder 1 B to see whether a memory card is inserted. If it is found that a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1 B, step F102 is reached.

In step F102, the CPU 2 reads data from the boot area of the inserted memory card. From the read data, the CPU 2 obtains the copyright-compliant / non-compliant identification information to determine whether the memory card fulfills the copyright protection.

The above judgment process is carried out by the CPU 2 in step F203 before branching to one of two steps. If it is judged that the inserted card is the non-compliant memory card 40 B, step F204 is reached. In step F204, data is recorded on the memory card 40 B or, where it again (in practice, a Marking and reproducing operation is executed according to the user's subsequent sequent operation).

If it is judged that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40 A, step F205 is reached, in which the CPU 2 causes the memory card to be ejected.

The above steps prevent the recorder 1 B performs data recording or reproduction, when a user has introduced the memory card 40 in the recorder 1 A B unintentionally. The forced ejection of the memory card reminds users of an incorrect action and causes them to insert the correct memory card instead.

In other variations of the invention, the recorder 1 A and 1 B, when they are loaded with a memory card that execute in Fig. 7 and steps shown. 8

Fig. 7 is a flow chart of steps that are executed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A.

In step F103, the CPU 2 checks the copyright-keeping recorder 1 A to see whether a memory card is inserted. If it is found that a SpeI cherkarte 1 A is inserted into the recorder, step F302 is reached.

In step F302, the CPU 2 starts an authorization process regarding the inserted memory card. In particular, the CPU 2 transfers authorization data to the memory card.

If the authorization process gives a normal answer, the CPU 2 judges that the inserted card is the 40 A memory card which has a security block 53 for copyright protection. When the normal response is not received within a predetermined time period, it is judged that the inserted card, the copyright-nichtein 40 B-holding memory card.

The above judgment process is carried out by the CPU 2 in step F303 before branching to one of two steps. If it is judged that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40 A, step F304 is reached. In step F304, data is recorded on or reproduced from the memory card in accordance with the operation of the user.

If it is judged that the inserted card, the copyright-non-guaranteed rate memory card 40 B, step F305 is reached in which the CPU 2 prevents the recording or reproducing data on or from the inserted memory card.

In this case, (the data handled by the Rekor of 1 A and which are subject to copyright protection that is,) even if the user then manipulates controls in an attempt to write or read data, the write and read operation do not take place.

Performing the above steps thwarted attempts to record data on the memory card 40 B or reproduce therefrom, which is inadvertently introduced into the recorder 1A. This eliminates the possibility of the memory card 40 B to house data that is subject to copyright protection.

If a write or a read operation is prohibited, the CPU 2 can inform the user of this, for example, via a display on the display device. Such a display can be set up to cause the user to change memory cards.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of steps that are performed by the CPU 2 of recorder 1 B.

In step F401, the CPU 2 checks the copyright-non-keeping recorder 1 B to see whether a memory card is inserted. If it is found that a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1 B, step F402 is reached.

In step F402, the CPU 2 reads data from the boot area of the inserted memory card. From this read data, the CPU 2 obtains the copyright-compliant / non-compliant identification information to determine whether the memory card complies with the copyright protection.

The above judgment process is carried out by the CPU 2 in step 403 before branching to one of two steps. If it is judged that the inserted card is the non-compliant memory card 40 B, step F404 is reached. At step F404, data is recorded on or reproduced from the memory card (in practice, a recording or a reproducing operation is performed according to the user's operation).

If it is judged that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40 A, step F405 is reached in which the CPU 2 prohibits the recording on the inserted memory card and the reproduction of data therefrom.

In this case, even when the user manipulates hereinafter controls in an attempt to write or read data, the read or write operation (ge by the recorder 1 B hand habten data and which are not subject to copyright protection ie) does not take place.

Performing the above steps frustrates attempts to record or reproduce data on the 40 A memory card that is inadvertently inserted into the recorder 1 B. This eliminates the possibility that the 40 A memory card can hold data that is not subject to copyright protection.

If the recording or the reproduction is prohibited, the CPU 2 can inform the user of this, for example via a display on the display device 5 . The display can be set up to cause the user to change the memory card.

In processing the recorder shown in Fig. 5 or 7, the authorization process was carried out to determine whether the inserted card was the copyright-compliant 40 A memory card. Alternatively, the identification information obtained from the boot area can be used as a basis to determine the type of card.

In the processing of the recorder 1 B shown in Fig. 6 or 8 is shown, has been the identification information which has been read from the boot area, used to determine whether the inserted card, the copyright-non-guaranteed rate memory card was 40 B. Alternatively, the recorder 1 may include a security B block, which is able to perform an authorization process to the type of the inserted memory card to judge.

The present invention also intends to realize a portable terminal (ie a recorder) for the use of two 40 A and 40 B memory cards.

For example, you can imagine a recorder that is able to record conference processes as well as pieces of music in the form of digital audio data that are supplied by an externally set up device, such as a CD player. For example, if the recorder is connected to a microphone to record conference proceedings or similar dictated text, there is no need for the recorded data to meet copyright requirements. In such a case, the memory card 40 B should be inserted into the recorder. If the recorder is to record pieces of music or other copyright-protected data from an external device, the 40 A memory card should be inserted in the recorder to ensure copyright protection.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a recorder 1 C, which is of the type described above. As shown in the figure, the recorder 1 includes C of FIG. 9 shows the structure of the recorder 1 A and 1 B. In Fig. 9, those parts which, with the corresponding parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 are functionally identical or equivalent, provided with the same reference numerals, so that a description of these parts is omitted.

The recorder 1 C consists of the combined structure of the recorders 1 A and 1 b, which is supplemented by a mode switch 18 .

The mode switch 18 is set to one of two modes, one mode that allows the user to record conference procedures and similar dictations, and the other mode that allows the user to record songs and other copyrighted data.

If a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1 C, the recorder performs, for example, the steps shown in Fig. 10, to perform a suitable processing in the pas send mode.

In step F501, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1 C checks the setting of the mode switch 18 . If it is found that the mode switch 18 is set to the copyright-keeping mode, that is, the music recording mode, steps F502 and F503 are reached.

In step F502, the CPU 2 prohibits the microphone input. For example, an audio signal from a terminal 16 is not accepted as an input signal by an audio data interface 6 . This means that the recorder 1 C works in essentially the same way as the recorder 1 A described above.

In step F503, the recorder 1 C proceeds to work as a copyright-stop forming recorder which performs the steps in Fig. 5 or 7. In particular, when it is judged that the inserted memory card is the 1 A memory card, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1 C records data on the card or outputs data from the card according to the operation of the user. If it is judged that the inserted card is the memory card 1 B, the CPU 2 causes the card is ejected or prevents the recording or reproducing data on or from the card.

If it is found in step F501 that the mode switch 18 is set to the non-copyright mode, that is, the dictation recording mode, steps F504 and F505 are reached.

In step F504, the CPU 2 prohibits the entire input or output of digital data. For example, digital audio data that are supplied via a connector 10 or digital audio data that are output via the connectors 14 and 15 are blocked by the audio data interface 6 . In other words, the recorder 1 C then works essentially in the same way as the recorder 1 B described above.

In step F504, the recorder 1 C proceeds to work as a copyright do not comply with the recorder which performs the steps in Fig. 6 or 8. That is, when it is judged that the inserted memory card, the memory card 1 is B, the recorder 1 is characterized according to the Bedie voltage of the user, the CPU 2 C data on the card or reproduces data therefrom again. When it is judged that the inserted card is the 1 A memory card, the CPU 2 causes the card to be ejected or prohibits the recording or reproduction of data on the card.

In the manner described above, the recorder 1 C is used in conjunction with one of the memory cards 40 A and 40 B depending on the intended use. The appropriate memory card is inserted into the recorder when the latter is to record or play back music, or to record or play back dictations or conference processes. This enables the target data to be subject to copyright protection or to be freed from it, as the opportunity for recording or playback requires.

The steps in FIG. 10 which are carried out by the recorder 1 C can be replaced by steps in FIG. 11, for example.

The steps in Fig. 11, when executed, allow the appropriate mode to be automatically set depending on the type of the inserted memory card. This eliminates the need for a user operated mode switch 18 .

In step F601 of FIG. 11 checks the CPU of the recorder 1 C to see whether a memory card is inserted. If it is found that a memory card into the Re Korder 1 A is inserted, step F602 is reached.

In step F602, the CPU 2 starts an authorization process with respect to the inserted memory card. In particular, the CPU 2 transmits authorization data to the memory card.

If the authorization process gives a normal answer, the CPU 2 judges that the inserted card is the 40 A memory card. If the normal response is not obtained within a predetermined period of time, it is judged that the inserted card is the memory card 40B . This judgment process is carried out by the CPU 2 in step F603 before branching to one of two steps.

If it is judged that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40 A, step F604 is reached. In step F604, a music recording / playback mode is set for the CPU 2 operating therein. As in step F502 of Fig. 10, the microphone input is prohibited.

In step F605, the CPU 2 records data on the memory card 40 A or reproduces data from this memory card in accordance with the operation of the user.

If it is judged that the inserted card, the copyright-non-guaranteed rate memory card 40 B, step F606 is reached in which a Diktataufzeich playback mode is set for the CPU2-voltage / for it to work in it. As in step F504 of FIG. 10, digital input or output is prohibited.

In step F607, the CPU 2 records or reproduces data on the memory card 40 B in accordance with the operation of the user.

Performing the above-described steps allows the recorder 1 C, which is compatible with both memory cards 40 A and 40 B, to use only the card 40 A for recording or playing music and the card 40 B only for recording or playing of dictations. The appropriate memory card is always used by the recorder depending on the intended use. This enables the target data to be subjected to copyright protection or to be freed from it, as the opportunity of recording or reproduction requires.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, this should not be understood to limit the scope of the invention. The invention is not only applicable to portable devices, such as recorders, which are music, speech or other Make audio data, but also on portable devices, the text data, moving image handle still image data and computer-ready data (programs, files, etc.).

For example, in terms of copyright protection, text files fall into two Categories: published text data that are subject to copyright protection, and  privately generated text data, such as printed sentences or diaries, that the author legal protection are not subject.

Text data which are subject to copyright protection must be recorded or reproduced by a system equipped with a security block, for example by the system which consists of the recorder 1 A and the memory card 40 A as described above. Text data that is not copyright protection requirements below, should be recorded, or a system without a safety block again gege ben, for example, by the system, consisting of the recorder 1 B and the SpeI cherkarte 40 B. The invention can also be practiced on a portable terminal that handles these types of text data.

The present invention is in the same way also for moving image data, Still image data, computer-ready data and others applicable.

In the embodiments shown above, non-volatile memories in FIG Form used for example of flash memories as memory cards. Serve alternatively volatile memories that are buffered by batteries, as memory cards, or it can optical memory cards can also be used. The invention is not only directed to one Memory Stick (trademark), which is a copyright-compliant / non-compliant memory cherkarte, which was proposed by the applicant, but also on Speicherar ten recording and playback devices using various flash memories such as: Secured Multi media Card (trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany), copyright-compliant / non-compliant memory card created by San disk and Hitachi Ltd was proposed; SD Card (trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany, proposed by San disk, Toshiba and Matsushita; and Compact Flash Memory Card (trademark) proposed by San disk.

As described above, the inventive portable terminal prevents ei nes copyright-compliant recording and playback device, if it with a copyright-non-compliant memory is loaded, recording, or replaying data to or from the memory or ejects the memory from the terminal.

The inventive portable terminal in the form of a non-compliant copyright Prevents recording and playback device if it with a copyright-hal memory is loaded, the recording or playback of data on or off the memory or ejects the memory from the terminal.

The portable terminals according to the invention thus turn so far experienced Difficulties caused by inserting the wrong type of memory card  careless or ignorant users. Such difficulties included: a copyright-compliant portable device that stores data on or from a copyright Writes or reads non-compliant memory in the event of copyright infringement; a copyright-compliant portable device that misses data from an external device Download the source to a non-compliant memory; or a creator right-non-compliant portable device that complies with copyright law writes or reads the memory, which is subsequently restricted use of Data that is not subject to copyright protection suffers. Because of these difficulties bypassed, the invention ensures an environment in which the portable terminal can always be used in conjunction with a suitable storage attachment.

Since many apparently different embodiments of the invention ge can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it is understood that the Invention is not limited to the specific embodiments other than these such as these are defined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. Terminal in which a first or a second memory card ( 40 A, 40 B) is optionally inserted, the first memory card ( 40 A) storing content that is subject to copyright protection and the second memory card ( 40 B) containing content that is not subject to copyright protection, whereby the end device comprises:
judging means ( 2 ) for judging whether a memory card inserted in a main body of the terminal is the first memory card or the second memory card; and
a controller ( 2 ) which, when it is judged that the inserted memory card is the second memory card, prohibits the recording and reproduction of content on and from the second memory card. 2. Terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first memory card ( 40 A) and the second memory card ( 40 B) have substantially the same shape. 3. A terminal according to claim 1, wherein when it is judged by the judging means ( 3 , 52 ) that the inserted memory card is the second memory card ( 40 B), the controller ( 2 ) causes the inserted memory card to come out of the main body of the terminal is ejected. 4. A terminal according to claim 1, wherein when it is judged by the judging means ( 2 ) that the inserted memory card is the second memory card ( 40 B), is prevented that the content which is subject to copyright protection by the second memory card ( 40 B) is recorded. 5. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first memory card ( 40 A) contains an encryption signal processing device for copyright protection purposes. 6. A terminal according to claim 1, wherein the content un copyright protection is subject to music, videos and games provided by copyright holders, includes.   7. Terminal according to claim 1, wherein the not subject to copyright protection content includes software that is free from copyright restrictions. 8. Terminal according to claim 7, wherein the copyright-free software private pho tographed and / or recorded content. 9. A terminal into which a first or a second memory card ( 40 A, 40 B) is optionally inserted, the first memory card ( 40 A) storing content that is subject to copyright protection and the second memory card ( 40 B) accommodating content, which is not subject to copyright protection, the terminal device comprising:
a judging means ( 2 ) whether a memory card inserted into the main body of the terminal is the first memory card or the second memory card, and
a controller ( 2 ) which, when judged by the judging means that the inserted memory card is the first memory card, prohibits the recording and reproduction of the content to and from the first memory card. 10. The terminal of claim 9, wherein the first memory card and the second memory have essentially the same shape. 11. A terminal according to claim 9, wherein when by the judging means it is judged that the inserted memory card is the first memory card, the controller causes the inserted memory card to be ejected from the main body of the terminal becomes. 12. A terminal according to claim 9, wherein when by the judging means it is judged that the inserted memory card is the first memory card to be prevented, that the content that is not subject to copyright protection is on the first memory card is recorded. 13. The terminal of claim 9, wherein the first memory card is an encryption Contains signal processing device for copyright protection purposes.   14. The terminal of claim 9, wherein the content un copyright protection is subject to music, videos and games provided by copyright holders, includes. 15. Terminal according to claim 9, wherein the not subject to copyright protection content includes software that is free from copyright restrictions. 16. The terminal according to claim 15, wherein the copyright-free software is private. photographed and / or recorded content.