GB2357354A

GB2357354A - Rejection of inappropriate non-secure or secure flash memory cards by terminals

Info

Publication number: GB2357354A
Application number: GB0020327A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yoshimasa Utsumi
Original assignee: Sony Corp
Current assignee: Sony Corp
Priority date: 1999-08-24
Filing date: 2000-08-17
Publication date: 2001-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-17
Also published as: CN1285564A; KR20010050148A; CN1165867C; JP2001060170A; JP4300643B2; DE10040809A1; KR100797379B1; GB0020327D0; GB2357354B

Abstract

Similarly-dimensioned secure and non-secure flash memory cards may be inserted into a portable recording and playing device for the transfer of audio, video, game, photograph or software files. If the device is of secure type and detects that the attached card is not secure the device will not read data from or output data to the card. Conversely, if the device is of non-secure type it will not read data from or output data to a secure card. Unsuitable copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant cards may be ejected from the device. Copyright-protected files may include music, videos and games. Non-copyright material may include free software or private photographs or recordings.

Description

2357354 TERMINAL APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a terminal apparatus capable of selectively accommodating first or second memories, for example either a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory.

Today, there is a widespread practice of people gaining access through their.PCs (personal computers) to desired servers on the WWW (Word Wide Web) network in order to download from there compressed digital data such as pieces of music or images to hard discs of the PCs for private entertainment.

Another practice becoming popular today involves furnishing a portable terminal apparatus with a portable memory (e.g., memory card) which incorporates a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. (A portable terminal apparatus incorporating a fixed nonvolatile memory also applies.) The portable terminal apparatus is connected to the PC via an IEEE 1394-compatible cable or an interface such as RS (Recommended Standard)-232C or USB (Universal Standard Bus). Compressed digital data such as pieces of music and images are transferred or copied from the hard disc drive of the PC to the 1 nonvolatile memory. The portable terminal apparatus accommodating the nonvolatile memory is then carried by users to enjoy recorded music or other contents "on the move", for example in outdoor situations.

There has been a trend where digital data downloaded via the Internet are illegally copied and distributed because copyright controls implemented through encryption and/or authorization are yet to be strictly enforced.

At present, digital data stored in the nonvolatile memories mentioned above are not encrypted. There is concern that illegal copies can drown the legitimate market by way of systems using the above-described portable terminal apparatus.

With a view to enforcing stricter copyright controls, nonvolatile memories incorporating a signal processing circuit for authorization and encryption have been proposed. The memories thus developed are copyright compliant nonvolatile memories (copyright-compliant memory cards).

When the proposed copyright-compliant nonvolatile memories are promoted for widespread use, it is necessary to distinguish them clearly from the currently employed copyright-noncompliant nonvolatile memories so that users 2 may selectively utilize one or the other type of memories depending on the situation.

meanwhile, compatibility with existing portable devices requires that the copyright-compliant nonvolatile memories.must not have an external shape different from that of the conventional nonvolatile memories. In other words, both the copyright-noncompliant and the copyright- compliant nonvolatile memories have the same shape so as to be accommodated into portable terminal apparatuses.

The copyright-noncompliant nonvolatile memories are used illustratively to record what may be called copyright-free digital data such as privately recorded voice and images of conference proceedings.

- On. -the -other hand, the copyright - compliant nonvolatile-memories are used to record digital data (e.g.,--pieces of music) from existing storage media such as CD (compact disc) and MC (mini-disc). With these memories, illegal copies of copyright-protected data are prevented through encryption or by a suitable authorization process.

For copyright protection, the copyright-compliant nonvolatile memories must incorporate a signal processing circ.uit. for authorization or encryption, a feature not included in the copyright -noncompliant nonvolatile 3 memories.

There are two major types of portable terminal apparatuses. One type of portable terminal apparatus is capable of recording primarily conference proceedings, and another type of portable terminal apparatus can download encrypted digital data from the PC or like sources.

The portable terminal apparatus for recording mostly conference proceedings should be loaded with a copyright -noncompliant nonvolatile memory, while the portable terminal apparatus for downloading data from the PC or the like should have a copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory inserted therein.

As mentioned above, the copyright-noncompliant and -compliant nonvolatile memories both have substantially the same shape, which makes it difficult for general users to distinguish the two types of memories. In addition, not all users are aware of which portable terminal apparatus is supposed to be compatible with which type of nonvolatile-memory.

There may also be cases where a portable terminal apparatus capable of doWnloading data is used to record conference proceedings. In such cases, the portable terminal apparatus may be equipped with a copyright- 4 noncompliant nonvolatile memory.

Inadvertent loading of an inappropriate type of nonvolatile memory into the portable terminal apparatus is bound to occur frequently, given the difficulty of distinguishing the different types of nonvolatile memories, lack of understanding on the part of users about compatibility between Portable terminal apparatuses and nonvolatile memories, and unrealistic expectations that users will always employ an appropriate type of memory depending on the situation of utilization. Use of an improper type of memory can entail inadequate recording or playback of data by the portable terminal apparatus.

Such inappropriate execution of recording or playback will lead to inadequate implementation of copyright protection, or to recording by a user of data that need no copyright protection into a copyright compliant nonvolatile memory. The latter case renders the recorded data copyrighted so that the data-regardless of their nature-must be handled later in a significantly constrained manner.

Furthermore, inadvertent use of a copyright- noncompliant nonvolatile memory can result in a failure to download and record data that need copyright protection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides a portable terminal apparatus which allows users to load a suitable memory into the terminal apparatus for a desired use.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a terminal apparatus Into which any one of a first and a second memory card is selectively inserted, the first memory card storing contents subject to copyright protection, the second memory card accommodating contents not subject to copyright protection, the terminal apparatus comprising:

ajudging element for judging whether a memory card inserted into a main body of the terminal apparatus is the first memory card or the second memory card; and a controlling element which, if the inserted memory card is judged by the judging element to be the second memory card, inhibits recording and reproduction of contents to and from the second memory card.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a terminal apparatus into which any one of a first and a second memory card is selectively inserted, the first memory card storing contents subject to copyright protection, the second memory card accommodating contents not subject to copyright protection, the terminal apparatus comprising: a judging element for judging whether a memory card inserted into a main body of the terminal apparatus is the first memory card or the second memory card; and a controlling element which, if the inserted memory card is judged by the judging element to be the first memory card, inhibits rec:-ording and reproduction of contents to and from the first memory card.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described further, by way of example only, with reference to preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copyright- compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus applicable to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copyright- compliant memory card applicable to an embodiment of the invention; 7 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a copyright-noncompliant memory card recording and reproducing apparatus applicable to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a copyright-noncompliant memory card applicable to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a flowchart of steps constituting a first processing example performed when the copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus; FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps constituting a first processing example performed when the copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-noncompliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus; FIG. 7 is a flowchart of steps constituting a second processing example performed when the copyright compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus; FIG. 8 is a flowchart of steps constituting a second processing example performed when the copyright compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into the copyright-noncompliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus; FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a memory recording and reproducing apparatus compatible with both a copyright- 8 compliant and a copyright-noncompliant memory card; FIG. 10 is a flowchart of steps constituting a first processing example performed when the copyright compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into the memory recording and reproducing apparatus compatible with both the copyright-compliant and the copyright-noncompliant memory card; and FIG. 11 is a flowchart of steps constituting a second processing example performed when the copyright compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into the memory recording and reproducing apparatus compatible with both the copyright-compliant and the copyright-noncompliant memory card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of this invention will now be described. The invention is embodied illustratively as a portable device that utilizes a flash memory-loaded memory card as a detachable storage medium. The portable device is illustratively an apparatus for recording and reproducing digital audio signals and other data. This portable device may be called a recorder in an abbreviated fashion hereunder.

The preferred embodiments to be described will 9 include a copyright-compliant portable device (recorder IA) having a copyright security function along with a memory card 40A compatible with the device, and a copyright-noncompliant portable device (recorder 1B) having no copyright security function together with a memory card 40B compatible with the latter device.

Also described will be a portable device (recorder 1C) that is compatible with both memory cards 40A and 40B.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copyright-compliant portable device (recorder 1A) along with a memory card 40A.

In FIG. 1, broken lines enclose two major blocks, one block depicting how the recorder 1A is constituted, the other block showing how the memory card 40A is structured. The memory card 40A is loaded into the recorder 1A in a detachable manner.

The recorder 1A (and 1B, 1C, to be described later) and the-memory card 40A (and 40B, to be described later) constitute a recording and reproducing system described hereunder as embodying a first embodiment of the invention.

This system is capable of recording and reproducing not only digital audio signals but also moving and still picture data.

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

The security block 3 includes a DES (Data Encryption Standard) encryption circuit and a circuit for performing an authorization process.

The operation unit 4 has keys, buttons, a jog dial and other controls which allow users to carry out various operations regarding recording and reproduction.

operation information such as a recording or playback command generated in response to a user operation on the operation unit 4 is sent to the CPU 2 over the bus.

The display device 5 is illustratively constituted by a liquid crystal display panel. Under control of the CPU 2, the display device 5 displays various items of information and an operation status of the recorder 1.

The recorder IA is also furnished with an audio data interface 6, an encoder/decoder 7, an A/D converter 9, and a D/A converter 12.

The audio data interface 6 provides interfacing of audio data between external input/output terminals on the one hand and the internal encoder/decoder 7 on the other hand.

The encoder/decoder 7 subjects digital audio signals to low bit rate coding, and decodes low bit rate- 11 coded data.

A low bit rate coding method called ATRAC3 is employed. This is an improvement over ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) used by mini-disc systems.

Under ATRAC3, 16-bit-per-sample audio data sampled at 44.1 kHz are processed. The minimum data increment for audio data_processing under ATRAC3 is called a sound unit (SU). one sound unit, lasting about 2-3 ms., is composed of 1,024 samples of data (1,024 x 16 bits x 2 channels) compressed into several hundred bytes of data. According to ATRAC3, audio data are compressed into about one-tenth of their original volume. There is little deterioration of sound quality resulting from the data compression or decompression process.

An analog audio signal may be supplied to the recorder 1A as a reproduced output from an externally attached audio output device such as a CD player, an MD (mini-disc) player, a tuner or a tape player. In that case, the analog audio signal is sent from a terminal 8 to the A/D converter 9 for conversion into a digital audio signal. After the conversion, the digital audio signal is fed to the audio data interface 6.

A digital audio signal may also be supplied to the recorder 1A as a reproduced output from the externally 12 attached audio output device or in the form of audio data received from a digital broadcast source or distributed over a network. In this case, the digital audio signal is forwarded from a terminal 10 to the audio data interface 6. The digital audio signal is sent to the recorder 1A illustratively through an optical fiber cable from the external source.

The audio data interface 6 selectively processes the audio signals thus input. The selected audio signal is fed to the encoder/decoder 7.

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

The security block 3 encrypts the encoded data thus supplied. The security block 3 and a security block 52, to be described later, in the memory card 40A are provided so as to protect the copyright of contents (digital audio signal in this example). The security block 3 in the recorder 1A has a plurality of master keys and a storage key that is unique to the device in question. These keys are used for encryption and decryption purposes.

The security block 3 also includes a randomize circuit that generates session keys. When the memory card 13 40A incorporating the security block 52 is inserted into the recorder 1A, an authorization process is carried out to see if the inserted memory card 40A is an authorized card. If the memory card 40A is judged to be authentic, the security block 3 may then share a session key with the security block 52.

The security blocks 3 and 52 are each equipped with a function for executing a suitable authorization process.

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

The memory card 40A is loaded into the recorder 1A in a freely detachable fashion. In practice, the recorder 1A is capable of accommodating a memory card without encryption functions, i.e., a memory card 40B (to be described later) having no security block.

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

The CPU 2 communicates data through a memory interface 11 with the memory card 40A fastened to a 14 detachable mechanism, not shown. The memory interface 11 ensures serial data communication between the CPU 2 and the memory card 40A.

After being encrypted by the security block 3, the audio data are sent by the CPU 2 to the memory card 40A by way of the memory interface 11. The audio data fed to the memory card 40A are written to the flash memory 42 located therein.

The input audio signal is routed as described above before being recorded to the memory card 40A.

Audio data are reproduced from the memory card 40A as follows: the CPU 2 reads audio data from the flash memory 42 through the memory interface 11. The retrieved audio data (i.e., encrypted audio data) are sent to the security block 3 for decryption. The decrypted audio data are decompressed from their compressed state by the encoder/decoder 7.

Decryption by the encoder/decoder 7 produces a 16- bit-per-sample audio signal sampled at 44.1 kHz. This audio signal is sent through the audio data interface 6 to the D/A converter 12 for conversion to an analog audio signal. After the conversion, the analog audio signal is output to an external device from a terminal 13.

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

in the description above, the audio data to be recorded or reproduced to or from the memory card 40A were encrypted or decrypted respectively by the security block 3 in the recorder 1A. Alternatively, the encryption and description processes may be carried out by the security block 52 in the memory card 40A.

in another alternative, audio data may be encrypted by the security block 3 at the time of recording and decrypted by the security block 52 upon playback.

Conversely, audio data may be encrypted by the security block 52 for recording and decrypted by the security block 3 for playback.

In a further alternative, audio data may be encrypted by the two security blocks 3 and 52 upon recording and decrypted by the same two security blocks 52 and 3 at the time of playback.

The security blocks 3 and 52 are designed to have similar encryption functions that permit sharing and exchanges of keys for encryption and decryption between the two blocks. These analogous functions will permit 16 implementation of any one of the audio data encryption/decryption schemes outlined above.

In addition to their encryption and decryption features, The security blocks 3 and 52 have an authorization function each. When the memory card 40A is loaded into the recorder 1A, the security blocks 3 and 52 communicate authorization data therebetween. An outcome of the data communication serves as a basis for granting or withholding authorization. If authorization is withheld, the recorder 1A illustratively inhibits recording or reproduction of data to or from the memory card 40A.

More specifically, the authorization process is performed illustratively as follows: when the memory card 40A is inserted into the recorder 1A, first authorization data held by the security block 3 in the recorder 1A are sent to the memory card 40A. Given the first authorization data, the security block 52 in the memory card 40A generates corresponding second authorization data in accordance with a predetermined formula. The first authorization is supplemented by the second authorization data before being transferred to the recorder 1A.

The recorder 1A grants or withholds authorization 17 by checking to see if the memory card 40A has returned the appropriate second authorization data in response to the first authorization data.

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the memory card 40A.

The memory card 40A is a single-chip IC card comprising a control block 41 and a flash memory 42.

A bidirectional serial interface (i.e., memory interface 11) between the CPU 2 in the recorder 1A and the memory card 40A is made up of 10 signal lines.

The signal lines include four principal lines: a clock line SCK for sending clock signals during data transmission, a status line SBS for sending status information, a data line DIO for transmitting data, and an interrupt line INT.

Two ground lines GND and two power lines VCC are provided for power supply purposes. The remaining two signal lines (indicated as "Reserv") 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 indicating the status of the memory card 40A.

18 The data line DIO is used to input and output commands and encrypted audio data.

The interrupt line INT is a signal line that transmits an interrupt signal allowing the memory card 40A to request an interruption of the CPU 2 in the recorder IA.

The interrupt signal is generated when the memory card 40A is inserted into the recorder IA. With this embodiment, however, the interrupt signal is sent over the data line DIO whereas the interrupt line INT is grounded and not used.

A serial/parallel and parallel/serial conversion interface block 43 (which may be abbreviated to S/P, P/S, I/F block) provides an interface between the control block 41 on the one hand and the memory interface 11 of the recorder 1 connected to the card by means of a plurality of signal lines on the other hand.

The serial/parallel and parallel/serial conversion interface block 43 converts serial data from the recorder 1A into paxallel data and feeds the converted parallel data into the control block 41. The interface block 43 also converts parallel data from the control block 41 into serial data and transfers the converted serial data to the recorder IA.

19 Furthermore, upon receiving commands and data over 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 ordinary access to the flash memory 42 on the one hand, and commands and data requiring encryption on the other hand.

more specifically, a command comes first followed by data in a format in which signals are sent over the data line DIO. The serial/parallel and parallel/serial conversion interface block 43 checks the code of a given command to determine whether the command and the ensuing data are needed for ordinary access or require encryption.

As a result of the check on the command code, any command needed for ordinary access is set to a command register 44 and the accompanying data are set to a page buffer 45 and to a write register 46.

An error correcting code generating circuit 47 is provided in association with the write register 4G. The error correcting code generating circuit 47 generates a redundant error correcting code with respect to the data held temporarily in the page buffer 45.

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

The flash memory interface/sequencer 51 provides an interface between the control block 41 and the flash memory 42, thus controlling data exchanges therebetween.

Data are written to the flash memory 42 through this memory interface/sequencer 51.

in a data read operation, data retrieved from the flash memory 42 are sent through the flash memory interface/sequencer 51 to the page buffer 45, to a read register 48, and to an error correcting circuit 49.

Any error in the data placed in the page buffer 45 is corrected by the error correcting circuit 49. Error corrected output data from the page buffer 45 as well as output data from the read register 48 are fed to the serial/parallel and parallel/serial conversion interface block 43. From there, the data are sent through the above-mentioned serial interface to the CPU 2 in the recorder 1A.

A configuration ROM 50 is provided to accommodate information such as version information about the memory card 40A and various items of attribute information.

The memory card 40A is equipped with a switch 60 21 that may be operated by the user as needed to prevent inadvertent erasure. When the switch 60 is set to the erase inhibit position, the flash memory 42 is protected against erasure even if a command is sent from the recorder 1A requesting erasure of data in the flash memory 42.

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

As described, the security block 3 in the recorder 1A and the security block 52 in the memory card 40A perform their authorization processes and encrypt the contents (i.e., audio data compressed as per ATRAC3, called ATRAC3 data hereunder) to be written to the flash memory 42 as a measure of copyright protection.

The security block 52 includes a buffer memory 53, a DES encryption circuit 54 and a nonvolatile memory 55.

The security block 52 has a plurality of authorization keys and a storage key that is unique to the memory card in question.

The nonvolatile memory 55 accommodates keys needed for encryption and is thus rendered unreadable from the outside. Illustratively, the storage key is held in the nonvolatile memory 55.

The security block 52 also has a randomize circuit 22 which permits authorization of the dedicated recorder 1A sharing a session key with the card.

A content key for encrypting ATRAC3 data is encrypted by use of the session key and is transferred between the recorder 1A and the memory card 40A.

As with the security block 52 in the memory card 40A, the security block 3 in the recorder 1A has its own storage key. Illustratively, when encrypted contents are to be moved from one location to another, the content key is again encrypted using the storage key of the security block 3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a copyright- noncompliant recorder 1B. The recorder 1B corresponds to a copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B. (In FIG. 3, those parts with their functionally identical or equivalent counterparts already shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of such parts are omitted.) For example, so-called IC recorders designed to record dictation on a memory card in place of a tape recorder usually are not constrained by consideration for copyrights of, say, conference proceedings. In that respect, where audio data to be recorded are not subject to copyright restrictions, a recording and reproducing 23 system made up of the recorder 1B and memory card 40B shown in FIG. 3 may be utilized.

Illustratively, the recorder 1B has the same structure as the recorder 1A of FIG. 1 excluding the latter's security block 3. (Even with the security block 3 included, the recorder need only be arranged to disable its encryption feature for copyright-noncompliant use.) An audio signal input/output portion may illustratively include a microphone input, or an analog input and output.

If a microphone is connected to the recorder 1B (or if a microphone isincorporated therein) to have an audio signal entered through a terminal 16, the audio signal is amplified by a microphone amplifier 17. The amplified audio signal is converted by an A/D converter 9 to digital audio data that are fed to an encoder/decoder 7 through an audio data interface 6.

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

24 The encoder/decoder 7 subjects the supplied digital audio signal to a compression process based on a predetermined formula such as ATRAC3, ATRAC or ADPCM. The data thus compressed are sent to the CPU 2.

The memory card 40B is inserted into the recorder 1B in a freely detachable manner. The memory card 40B may also be loaded into the recorder 1B.

The CPU 2 communicates data through a memory interface 11 with the memory card 40B fastened to a detachable mechanism, not shown. The memory interface 11 ensures serial data communication between the CPU 2 and the memory card 40B.

After being compressed by the encoder/decoder 7, the audio data are sent by the CPU 2 to the memory card 40B by way of the memory interface 11. The audio data fed to the memory card 40B are written to a flash memory 42 located therein.

The input audio signal is routed as described above before being recorded to the memory card 40B. When audio and other data are recorded as described to the memory card 40B connected to the recorder 1B, the data are compressed but not encrypted. The formula used for compression may be ATRAC3, i.e., the same as that of the recorder 1A, or may be other suitable scheme such as ATRAC or ADPCM.

Audio data are reproduced from the memory card 40B as follows: the CPU 2 reads audio data from the flash memory 42 through the memory interface 11. The retrieved audio data are decompressed from their compressed state by the encoder/decoder 7.

Decompression by the encoder/decoder 7 produces a 16-bit-per-sample audio signal sampled at 44.1 kHz. This audio signal is sent through the audio data interface 6 to a D/A converter 12 for conversion to an analog audio signal. After the conversion, the analog audio signal is output through a terminal 13 to an external device or to headphones connected to the recorder.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the memory card 40B having no encryption feature (i.e., the card is not in compliance with security provisions regarding copyrights).

In FIG. 4, those parts with their functionally identical or equivalent counterparts of the memory card 40A already shown in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of such parts are omitted.

Compared with the memory card 40A described in reference to FIG. 2, the memory card 40B is shown having no security block 52 connected to a serial/parallel and parallel/serial conversion interface block 43. The 26 remaining structural features are the same as those of the memory card 40A.

Although not shown, the memory cards 40A and 40B are identical in s,ape and size.

As described, an embodiment of the invention may be practiced through implementation of the copyright-compliant recorder 1A and memory card 40A, as well as the copyright noncompliant recorder 1B and memory card 40B.

The copyright-compliant recorder 1A and memory card 40A are used to record and reproduce primarily data requiring copyright protection such as pieces of music.

The copyright-noncompliant recorder 1B and memory card 40B are employed to record and reproduce data that need not be copyright -protected such as conference proceedings.

The memory card 4PA stores data that are compressed by ATRAC3 and encrypted in the manner described. The memory card 40B, on the other hand, accommodates data that are compressed by ATRAC3 or by other formula but are not encrypted.

The recorder 1A shown in FIG. 1 is compliant with security provisions regarding copyrights. As such, the recorder 1A and the inserted memory card communicate keys therebetween for mutual authorization and data encryption.

If the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B is 27 inserted into the recorder 1A, the recorder 1A judges the card 40B to be unusable because the latter is not in compliance with copyright protection requirements.

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

By one method, the recorder 1A checks the status of response upon authorization.

more specifically, when a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1A, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A transmits first authorization data to the memory card in the manner described above. If the inserted card is the memory card 40B having no security block 52, the CPU 2 fails to receive a normal response (i.e., above-mentioned second authorization data) from the card.

If the CPU 2 does not obtain the normal response within a predetermined period of time following transmission of the first authorization data, the CPU 2 judges that the inserted memory card is a copyright noncompliant card.

Another method for determining the card type involves having copyright-compliance/noncompliance identification information stored in a suitable memory card boot area.

When a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1A, 28 the CPU 2 retrieves copyright-compliance/noncompliance identification information from data initially read from the boot area of the memory card. on the basis of the identification information thus retrieved, the recorder 1A determines the type of the memory card (as 40A or 40B).

With the memory card type thus determined, the recorder 1A accepts the memory card 40A alone for authorized use. This ensures authorization and encryption of data to be recorded for copyright protection.

-As described, the recorder 1A should be loaded with the memory card 40A and the recorder 1B with the memory card 40B depending on the need for copyright protection.

However, since the memory cards 40A and 40B are identical indimens.ions as well as in external shape, users have difficulty-,in.distinguishing the two cards for correct uses_._Inappropriate recorder-and-card combinations can be expected frequently--the recorder 1A coupled with the memory card.40B or the recorder 1B with the memory card 40A.

Such difficulties are overcome by the recorders 1A and 1B carrying out steps shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 upon insertion of a memory card into each of the recorders.

The-rec-order..lA as a portable terminal apparatus for handling music is designed to download pieces of music 29 from storage media such as CDs or over the Internet; the recorder 1B as a portable terminal apparatus for recording dictations is designed to record voice input through a microphone.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of steps performed by the CPU2 of the recorder 1A.

In step F101, the CPU 2 of the copyright-compliant recorder 1A checks to see if a memory card is inserted.

If a memory card is found inserted into the recorder 1A, step F102 is reached.

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

If the authorization process yields a normal response as described earlier, the CPU 2 judges the inserted card to be the memory card 40A having the security block 53 for copyright protection. If the normal response is not obtained within a predetermined period of time, the inserted card is judged to be the copyright noncompliant memory card 40B.

The judging process above is carried out in step F103 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps.

If.the inserted card is judged to be the copyright compliant memory card 40A, step F104 is reached. In step F104, data are recorded or reproduced to or from the memory card (in practice, a recording or a playback operation is effected in keeping with subsequent user manipulations).

If the inserted card is judged to be the copyright- noncompliant memory card 40B, step F105 is reached in which the CPU 2 causes the memory card to be ejected.

The steps above prevent the recorder 1A from executing data recording or reproduction if users inadvertently insert the memory card 40B into the recorder 1A. Forced ejection of the memory card reminds users of their erroneous action and prompts them to load the correct memory card instead.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps performed by the CPU2 of the recorder 13.

In step F201, the CPU 2 of the copyright- noncompliant recorder 1B checks to see if a memory card is inserted. If a memory card is found inserted into the recorder 1B, step F202 is reached.

In step F202, the CPU 2 reads data from the boot area of the inserted memory card. From the data thus read, the CPU 2 retrieves copyright-compliance/noncompliance identification information to determine whether the memory card complies with copyright protection.

31 The judging process above is carried out in step F203 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps.

if the inserted card is judged to be the copyright noncompliant memory card 40B, step F204 is reached. In step F204, data are recorded or reproduced to or from the memory card 40B (in practice, a recording or a playback operation is effected in accordance with subsequent user manipulations).

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

The steps above prevent the recorder 1B from executing data recording or reproduction if users inadvertently insert the memory card 40A into the recorder-lB.--Forced ejection of the memory card reminds users of their erroneous action and prompts them to load the correct memory card instead.

In other variations of embodiments of the invention, the recorders IA and 1B, when loaded w-it.n a memory card each, may carry out steps shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of steps performed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A.

In step F301, the CPU 2 of the copyright-compliant recorder 1A checks to see if a memory card is inserted.

32 If a memory card is found inserted into the recorder 1A, step F302 is reached.

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

If the authorization process yields a normal response, the CPU 2 judges the inserted card to be the memory card 40A having the security block 53 for copyright protection. If the normal response is not obtained within a predetermined period of time, the inserted card is judged to be the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B.

The judging process above is carried out in step F303 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps.

if the inserted card is judged to be the copyright compliant memory card 40A, step F304 is reached. In step F304, data are recorded or reproduced to or from the memory card in accordance with user manipulations.

If the inserted card is judged to be the copyright- noncompliant memory card 40B, step F305 is reached in which the CPU 2 inhibits recording or reproduction of data to or from the inserted memory card.

In this case, even if the user subsequently manipulates controls in an attempt to write or read data 33 (i.e., the data handled by the recorder 1A and subject to copyright protection), the write or read operation will not take place.

Carrying out the steps above disables attempts to record or reproduce data to or from the memory card 40B inserted inadvertently into the recorder 1A. This eliminates the possibility of the memory card 40B accommodating data that are subject to copyright protection.

when a write or a read operation is inhibited, the CPU 2 may notify the user thereof illustratively through indications on the display device 5. Such indications may be arranged to prompt the user to change memory cards.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of steps performed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1B.

In step F401, the CPU 2 of the copyright- noncompliant recorder 1B checks to see if a memory card is inserted. If a memory card is found inserted into the recorder 1B, step F402 is reached.

In step F402, the CPU 2 reads data from the boot area of the inserted memory card. From the data thus read, the CPU 2 retrieves copyright-compliance/noncompliance identification information to determine whether the memory card complies with copyright protection.

34 The judging process above is carried out in step F403 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps.

If the inserted card is judged to be the copyright noncompliant memory card 40B, step F404 is reached. In step F404, data are recorded or reproduced to or from the memory card (in practice, a recording or a playback operation is effected in keeping with subsequent user manipulations).

If the inserted card is judged to be the copyright- compliant memory card 40A, step F405 is reached in which the CPU 2 inhibits recording or reproduction of data to or from the inserted memory card.

In that case, even if the user subsequently manipulates controls in an attempt to write or read data (i.e., the data handled by the recorder'13 and not subject to copyright protection), the write or read operation will not take place.

Carrying out the steps above disables attempts to record or reproduce data to or from the memory card 40A inserted inadvertently into the recorder 1B. This eliminates the possibility of the memory card 40A accommodating data that are not subject to copyright protection.

When recording or reproduction is inhibited, the CPU 2 may notify the user thereof illustratively through indications on the display device 5. The indications may be arranged to prompt the user to change memory cards.

in the processing of the recorder 1A shown in FIG.

or 7, the authorization process was carried out to determine whether the inserted card was the copyright compliant memory card 40A. Alternatively, identification information retrieved from the boot area may be used as a basis for determining the card type.

In the processing of the recorder 1B depicted in FIG. 6 or 8, the identification information read from the boot area was used to determine whether the inserted card was the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B.

Alternatively, the recorder 1B may include a security block capable of performing an authorization process to judge the type of the inserted memory card.

An embodiment of the invention also envisages implementing a portable terminal apparatus (i.e., recorder) for use with the two memory cards 40A and 40B.

Illustratively, there may be conceived a recorder capable of recording conference proceedings as well as pieces of music in the form of digital audio data fed from an externally furnished device such as a CD player.

When the recorder is to be coupled illustratively with a 36 microphone for recording conference proceedings or like dictations, there is no need to have the recorded data comply with copyright protection requirements. In such a case, the memory card 40B 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 memory card 40A should be inserted into the recorder to ensure copyright protection.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a recorder 1C that is of the type depicted just above. As illustrated in the figure, the recorder 1C of FIG. 9 embraces the structures of the recorders 1A and 1B. In FIG. 9, those parts with their functionally identical or equivalent counterparts already shown in FIGS..1 and 3 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of such parts are omitted.

The recorder 1C is constituted by the combined structures of the recorders 1A and 1B supplemented with a mode switch 18.

The mode switch 18 is set for one of two modes, one mode allowing the user to record conference proceedings and like dictations, the other mode permitting the user to record pieces of music and other copyright-protected data.

37 When a memory card is inserted into the recorder 1C, the recorder illustratively carries out steps shown in FIG. 10 to accomplish suitable processing in the applicable mode.

In step F501, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C checks the setting of the mode switch 18. If the mode switch 18 is found to be set for copyright-compliant mode, i.e., the mode for recording music, then steps F502 and F503 are reached.

In step F502, the CPU 2 inhibits microphone input.

illustratively, any audio signal from a terminal 16 will not be accepted as an input by an audio data interface 6.

That is, the recorder 1C is made to function substantially in the same capacity as the recorder 1A described above.

In step F503, the recorder 1C proceeds to act as a copyright-compliant recorder carrying out the steps in FIG. 5 or 7. Specifically, if the inserted memory card is judged to be the memory card IA, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C records or reproduces data to or from the card in accordance with user manipulations. If the inserted card is judged to be the memory card IB, the CPU 2 causes the card to be ejected or inhibits recording or reproduction of data to or from the card.

38 If in step F501 the mode switch 18 is found to be set for copyright-noncompliant mode, i.e., the mode for recording dictations, then steps F504 and F505 are reached.

In step F504, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C inhibits all input or output of digital data. Illustratively, any digital audio data input through a terminal 10 or any digital audio data output through terminals 14 and 15 is disabled by the audio data interface 6. In other words, the recorder 1C is made to function substantially in the same capacity as the recorder 1B described above.

In step F504, the recorder 1C proceeds to act as a copyright-noncompliant recorder carrying out the steps in FIG. 6 or 8. That is, if the inserted memory card is judged to be the memory card 1B, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C records or reproduces data to or from the card in accordance with user manipulations. If the inserted card is judged to be the memory card 1A, the CPU 2 causes the card to be ejected or inhibits recording or reproduction of data to or from the card.

In the manner described, the recorder 1C is employed in conjunction with any one of the memory cards 40A and 40B depending on the intended use. The appropriate memory card is inserted into the recorder 39 when the latter is to record or reproduce pieces of music, or to record or reproduce dictations or conference proceedings. This makes it possible to have the target data subject to or freed from copyright protection as occasion demands upon recording or reproduction.

The steps in FIG. 10 performed by the recorder 1C may be replaced illustratively by steps in FIG. 11.

The steps in FIG. 11, when carried out, allow the suitable mode to be set automatically 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, the CPU2 of the recorder 1C checks to see if a memory card is inserted. If a memory card is found inserted into the recorder 1A, step F602 is reached.

In step F602, the CPU 2 starts an authorization process on the inserted memory card. Specifically, the CPU 2 transfers authorization data to the memory card.

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

If the inserted card is judged to be the copyright- compliant memory card 40A, step F604 is reached. In step F604, a music recording/playback mode is set for the CPU 2 to operate in. As in step F502 of FIG. 10, the microphone input is inhibited.

In step F605, the CPU 2 records or reproduces data to or from the memory card 40A in accordance with user manipulations.

If the inserted card is judged to be the copyright- noncompliant memory card 40B, step F606 is reached in which a dictation recording/playback mode is set for the CPU 2 to operate in. As in step F504 of FIG. 10, the digital input or output is inhibited.

In--r-:Lep F607, the CPU 2 records or reproduces data to,or from the memory card 40B in keeping with user manipulations.

carrying out the steps described above allows the recorder 1C, compatible with both memory cards 40A and 40B, to use only the card 40A for recording or reproducing music and to employ the card 40B alone for recording or playing back dictation. The appropriate memory card is always used by the recorder depending on the intended use. This makes it possible to have the 41 target data subject to or freed from copyright protection as occasion demands upon recording or reproduction.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention applies not only to portable terminal apparatuses such as recorders for dealing with music, voice and other audio data, but also to other terminal apparatuses, for example portable terminal apparatuses which handle text data, moving picture data, still picture data, and computer-ready data (programs, -files, etc.).

Illustratively with regard to copyright protection, text data fall into two categories: published text data subject to copyright protection, and privately created text data such as typed sentences or diaries that are not subject to copyright protection.

Text data subject to copyright protection need to be recorded or reproduced by a security block-equipped system such as the one made up of the recorder 1A and memory card 40A described above. Text data not subject to copyright protection requirements should be recorded or reproduced by a system without a security block such as the one constituted by the recorder 1B and memory card 40B above. An embodiment of the invention may also be practiced as a portable terminal apparatus dealing with these kinds of 42 text data.

Embodiments of the invention also apply in like manner to moving picture data, still picture data, computer-ready data and others.

In the embodiments above, nonvolatile memories exemplified by the flash memory were shown to be used as the memory cards. Alternatively, volatile memories backed up by batteries to serve as memory cards or optical memory cards may also be utilized. Embodiments of the invention may utilise not only a Memory Stick (registered trademark) which is a copyrightcompliant/noncompliant memory card proposed by this applicant, but also such diverse flash memories as:

Secured Multi media Card (registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany), a copyright compliant/noncompliant memory card proposed by San disk and Hitachi Ltd.; SD Card (registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany) proposed by San disk, Toshiba and Matsushita; and Compact Flash Memory Card (registered trademark) proposed by San disk.

As described, the inventive portable terminal apparatus in the form of a copyright-compliant recording and reproducing apparatus, when loaded with a copyright noncompliant memory, inhibits recording or reproduction 43 of data to or from the memory or ejects the memory out of the terminal apparatus.

The inventive portable terminal apparatus in the form of a copyright-noncompliant recording and reproducing apparatus, when loaded with a copyright compliant memory, inhibits recording or reproduction of data to or from the memory or ejects the memory out of the terminal apparatus.

The portable terminal apparatuses embodying the invention thus avert hitherto-experienced troubles caused by insertion of a wrong type of memory by careless or unknowing users. Such troubles included: a copyright compliant portable terminal apparatus writing or reading data-to-or from a copyright-noncompliant memory in violation of copyrights; a copyright-compliant portable termirfacl:apparatus failing to download data from an external source to a copyright-noncompliant memory; or a copyright-noncompliant portable terminal apparatus writing or reading data to or from a copyright-compliant memory, subsequently incurring restricted uses of the data not subject to copyright protection. With these difficulties bypassed, embodiments of the invention ensure an environment in which the portable terminal apparatus is always utilized in conjunction with an appropriate memory 44 attachment.

In so far as the embodiments of the invention described above are implemented, at least in part, using software-controlled data processing apparatus, it will be appreciated that a computer program providing such software control and a storage medium by which such a computer program is stored are envisaged as aspects of the present invention.

Although particular embodiments have been described herein, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto and that many modifications and additions thereto may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, various combinations of the features of the following dependent claims can be made with the features of the independent claims without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal apparatus into which any one of a first and a second memory card is selectively inserted, said first memory card storing contents subject to copyright protection, said second memory card accommodating contents not subject to copyright protection, said terminal apparatus comprising:

judging means for judging whether a memory card inserted into a main body of said terminal apparatus is said first memory card or said second memory card; and controlling means which, if the inserted memory card is judged by said judging means to be said second memory card, inhibits recording and reproduction of contents to and from said second memory card.

2. A terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first memory card and said second memory card are substantially the same in shape-

3. A terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, if said inserted memory card is judged by said judging means to be said second memory card, said controlling means causes said inserted memory card to be ejected from said main body of said terminal apparatus.

4. A terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, if said inserted memory card is judged by said 46 judging means to be said second memory card, the contents subject to copyright protection are inhibited from being recorded to said second memory card.

5. A terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first memory card incorporates encryption signal processing means for copyright protection purposes.

6. A terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said contents subject to copyright protection include music, videos and games provided by copyright holders.

7. A terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said contents not subject to copyright protection include software free of copyright restrictions.

8. A terminal apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the copyright-free software includes privately photographed and/or recorded contents.

9. A terminal apparatus into which any one of a first and a second memory card is selectively inserted, said first memory card storing contents subject to copyright protection, said second memory card accommodating contents not subject to copyright protection, said terminal apparatus comprising:

judging means for judging whether a memory card inserted into a main body of said terminal apparatus is 47 said first memory card or said second memory card; and controlling means which, if the inserted memory card is judged by said judging means to be said first memory card, inhibits recording and reproduction of contents to and from said first memory card.

10. A terminal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said first memory card and said second memory card are substantially the same in shape.

11. A terminal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, if said inserted memory card is judged by said judging means to be said first memory card, said controlling means causes said inserted memory card to be ejected from said main body of said terminal apparatus.

12. A terminal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, if said inserted memory card is judged by said judging means to be said first memory card, the contents not subject to copyright protection are inhibited from being recorded to said first memory card.

13. A terminal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said first memory card incorporates encryption signal processing means for copyright protection purposes.

14. A terminal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said contents subject to copyright protection include music, videos and games provided by copyright 48 holders.

15. A terminal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said contents not subject to copyright protection include software free of copyright restrictions.

16. A terminal apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the copyright-free software includes privately photographed and/or recorded contents.

17. A terminal apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, or 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8, or 2, 4, 9, 10 and 11.

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