JP2003006980A - Recording/reproducing device and information processing system provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the verification operation of the recording/reproducing operation of a recording/reproducing device having the illegal copy preventing function of information contents. SOLUTION: A device identification code unique in the whole world set in the unique device identification code storage means 21 of a recording medium 2 is automatically collated with, at the power-on of the recording/reproducing device, the unique identification code of the same cord as the unique device identification code stored in the identification code storage means 11a of a recording/reproducing control part 1. In the case of mismatching, a new recording/reproducing operation is allowed after deleting the existing information contents already recorded on the recording medium 2. In the case of matching, the recording and reproduction of the information contents is allowed including the existing information contents. Moreover, when the power-off of the recording/reproducing device is instructed, the unique device identification code is automatically collated with the unique identification code prior to the operation of the power-off, and the information contents recorded on the recording medium 2 are deleted in the case of mismatching.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording / reproducing device or an information processing system equipped with the recording / reproducing device, and more particularly to a recording / reproducing device having a function of preventing copying of recorded information contents or the recording. The present invention relates to an information processing system including a reproducing device. For example, the present invention is also applied to a disc storage device for recording information contents such as video and audio, or an information processing system including the disc storage device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a recording medium for recording information contents (that is, contents such as movies and music) relating to image data, music data, etc., recording / reproduction using a recording medium composed of a high-speed and large-capacity hard disk device etc. The development of equipment is progressing. However, the recording medium of a hard disk device generally has a huge recording capacity, and a large amount of information content recorded on such a large-capacity recording medium is collectively recorded on another recording medium for illegal purposes such as illegal copying. There is a possibility that the contents of pay digital broadcasting programs that are transcribed and recorded or recorded or recorded as information content may be illegally sold, and prevent such fraudulent activities. Various inventions aiming at that have been made.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-298942 "Disc Storage Device and Copy Protection System Applied to Same Device" has a recording area for user data on a disk storage medium, and in the recording operation of the user data,
In accordance with a specific command from the host storage system and a disk storage medium having a non-rewritable recording area, a specific recording area in which the only unique identification code in the world is recorded, the identification code, The invention relates to a disk device, comprising: a control unit for recording the user data by reading out from the specific recording area and outputting to the host system.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-231757, "Recording / reproducing controller", a recording / reproducing apparatus has a unique identification code in the world, and is used for recording / reproducing data. The identification code of the device is stored in the drive unit, and when the drive unit is attached to the recording / reproducing device, it is determined whether the identification code stored in the drive unit and the identification code of the recording / reproducing device match or not, and the identification code does not match. in case of,
In the invention, the reproduction of data from the recording medium is prohibited by the processing of the control unit provided on the drive unit side. Since a means for prohibiting the reproduction of data is provided on the drive unit side, even if an illegal operation is applied to the recording / reproducing apparatus, the reproduction prohibited data is reproduced on the drive unit side. There is a mechanism that cannot be done.

[0005]

However, as described above, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-298942 "disk storage device and copy protection system applied to the device",
Alternatively, in the conventional technique as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-231757, "Recording / reproducing controller", it is necessary for each disc storage medium to store an identification code, and the identification code is stored. As long as the codes do not match, recording and playback are not possible. Therefore, it is indispensable that the identification code is set and stored in the recording / reproducing operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus during the inspection stage of the production process or at the customer service. This is an obstacle to the confirmation work of the recording / playback operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in confirming the recording / reproducing operation during production or at the time of customer service, even if the identification code is not held, the recording / reproducing operation is confirmed. The purpose is to enable the work to be carried out easily.

[0007]

A first technical means is a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content,
A recording medium for recording / reproducing information content and a recording / reproducing control unit for controlling an operation for recording / reproducing the information content are managed by an identification code, and the recording medium is
A device unique identification code storage means for setting / storing a device unique identification code that is the only unique code in the world is provided, and the recording / reproducing control unit includes the device unique identification code set in the recording medium. When the recording / reproducing apparatus is powered on, the recording / reproducing apparatus is provided with an identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code composed of the same code.
In the recording / reproducing control section, the unique identification code stored in the identification code storage means and the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium are automatically compared and collated to obtain the unique identification code. And the device unique identification code do not match, the new recording / reproducing operation on the recording medium is allowed after deleting the information content already recorded on the recording medium, while the unique identification is performed. When the code and the device unique identification code match, the recording / reproducing apparatus permits the recording / reproducing operation of the information content including the information content already recorded on the recording medium. It is characterized by.

In a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content, the second technical means includes a recording medium for recording / reproducing the information content and a recording / reproducing control section for controlling the operation for recording / reproducing the information content. The recording medium is provided with a device unique identification code storage unit which is managed by an identification code, and in which the device unique identification code which is the only unique code in the world is set and stored. The recording / reproducing control is provided when the recording / reproducing apparatus is powered on, comprising an identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code which is the same as the apparatus unique identification code set in the recording medium. Section, the unique identification code stored in the identification code storage means and the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium. If the unique identification code and the device unique identification code do not match, the existing information content that prohibits reproduction of any information content already recorded on the recording medium is completely After the reproduction-restricted state is set, a new recording / reproducing operation for the recording medium is permitted, while if the unique identification code and the device unique identification code match, the new recording operation is already performed on the recording medium. The present invention is a recording / reproducing apparatus which permits recording / reproducing operation of information content including the recorded information content on the recording medium.

A third technical means is a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content, which comprises a recording medium for recording / reproducing the information content and a recording / reproducing control section for controlling the operation for recording / reproducing the information content. The recording medium is provided with a device unique identification code storage unit which is managed by an identification code, and in which the device unique identification code which is the only unique code in the world is set and stored. The recording / reproducing apparatus is provided with an identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code which is the same as the apparatus unique identification code set in the recording medium, and is turned off when an instruction to turn off the recording / reproducing apparatus is given. Prior to carrying out the above, in the recording / reproducing control section, the unique identification code stored in the identification code storage means and the recording medium are recorded. The comparison and collation with the stored device unique identification code are automatically performed, and when the unique identification code and the device unique identification code do not match, the information content recorded on the recording medium is changed. The recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized by performing an information content deleting operation to be deleted.

A fourth technical means is, in a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content, a recording medium for recording / reproducing the information content and a recording / reproducing control section for controlling an operation for recording / reproducing the information content. The recording medium is provided with a device unique identification code storage unit which is managed by an identification code, and in which the device unique identification code which is the only unique code in the world is set and stored. The recording / reproducing apparatus is provided with an identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code which is the same as the apparatus unique identification code set in the recording medium, and is turned off when an instruction to turn off the recording / reproducing apparatus is given. Prior to carrying out the above, in the recording / reproducing control section, the unique identification code stored in the identification code storage means and the recording medium are recorded. The comparison and collation with the stored device unique identification code is automatically performed, and when the unique identification code and the device unique identification code do not match, the recording / reproducing device corresponding to the power off After the power is turned on, only the new information content newly recorded on the recording medium is deleted, and the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium before the recording / reproducing apparatus corresponding to the power off is turned on. The present invention is characterized in that the recording / reproducing apparatus is capable of performing a new information content deleting operation in which the existing information content that has already been recorded is recorded as it is.

A fifth technical means is, in the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first technical means, when the power-off instruction of the recording / reproducing apparatus is issued, the recording / reproducing control section stores the identification code. A record for performing the information content deleting operation according to the third technical means when the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium and the device unique identification code stored in the device do not match. It is a reproducing apparatus.

According to a sixth technical means, in the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second technical means, the recording / reproducing control unit causes the recording / reproducing control section to store the identification code when a power-off instruction of the recording / reproducing apparatus is issued. When the unique identification code stored in the means and the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium do not match, the new information content deleting operation described in the fourth technical means is performed. It is a recording and reproducing device.

A seventh technical means is an information processing system including the recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth technical means.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block configuration diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, only a circuit unit relating to a means for identifying an identification code for preventing illegal copying of information content or information leakage is shown, and the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 records data for recording / reproducing information content. It is composed of a medium 2 and a recording / reproducing control unit 1 for controlling an operation of recording / reproducing information content on / from the recording medium 2. Further, the recording medium 2 is electrically interconnected with the recording / reproducing control unit 1 via the connector 3, but with the connector 3,
The recording medium 2 is of a removable (removable) type.

It should be noted that circuit blocks that are not directly related to each other and are not necessary for explaining the operation relating to the identification code of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, for example,
A read / write circuit for reading / writing information content on / from the recording medium 2, a read / write control circuit section for controlling read / write operation of information content in the recording / reproducing control section 1, and an input / output for exchanging information with the outside of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100. Circuit parts, etc. are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is
It is connected to the removable recording medium 2 via the connector 3, and records information content on the recording medium 2 or is recorded on the recording medium 2 in response to a request from the outside (not shown). The information content stored in the recording medium 2 is read out and transmitted to the outside, or the operating state of the recording medium 2 is monitored, and, for example, the recordable capacity is full, or an anomaly occurs in the reading / writing operation on the recording medium 2. Depending on various conditions such as when there are various conditions,
The necessary control is carried out.

The removable recording medium 2 is a medium in which information contents to be recorded / reproduced are recorded in accordance with an instruction from the recording / reproduction control unit 1 received via the connector 3, for example, a hard disk or the like. Consists of. Further, the recording medium 2 applied to the present invention is generally a recording medium capable of recording a large amount of information content,
Moreover, the information content to be recorded is intended for a recording medium in which the information content that requires data security such that the information content can be read and written only by a specific user may be recorded. .

As a mechanism related to data security, the recording / reproducing control unit 1 identifies the request source making a request to the recording / reproducing control unit 1 to read / write from the recording medium 2, or the recording medium 2 In order to identify the attribute of the information content recorded in (1), an identification code control unit 11 is provided that can identify the unique identification code in the world.

Further, the identification code control unit 11 has
A unique identification code storage means 11a that stores a unique identification code that is the same as the unique device unique identification code that identifies the recording medium 2 in the world, and the stored unique identification code and the recording medium. An identification code comparison means 11b for comparing and collating with the device unique identification code stored in No. 2 and detecting a match or a mismatch is provided.

Further, in the identification code control unit 11, when the discrepancy is detected in the identification code comparing unit 11b which is automatically executed when the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 is powered on, the disc is recorded in the recording medium 2. In order to prevent illegal copying of the recorded information content and information leakage, the recorded information content is deleted from the recording medium 2 and then a new recording / reproducing operation for the recording medium 2 is permitted. On the contrary to the means 11c, when the coincidence is detected by the identification code comparison means 11b, the prohibition of the recording / reproducing operation on the recording medium 2 including the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is completely released. The recording / reproduction restriction releasing means 11d is provided.

On the other hand, the recording medium 2 is provided with a recording area capable of providing a device unique identification code storage means 21 in which a unique unique device unique identification code in the world is set and stored. Unique identification code storage means 2
The device unique identification code stored in No. 1 is non-rewritable, and cannot be read out except by a unique command called the device unique identification code confirmation command issued from the recording / reproduction control unit 1. Has been done. When the recording area of the device unique identification code storage means 21 cannot be secured in a part of the recording area of the recording medium 2, a dedicated device unique identification code storage memory for storing only the device unique identification code. May be further provided in the recording medium. Here, the device unique identification code and the unique identification code composed of the same code as the device unique identification code are, as described above, the only unique codes in the world, and are different from other recording media or other recording media. There can be no duplicate identification code with the playback controller.

FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram for explaining another example of the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the circuit blocks having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. That is, FIG. 2 shows the identification code control unit 11 of the recording / reproduction control unit 1.
9 shows a case where the existing recorded content reproduction restricting means 11e and the new recorded content deleting means 11f are further provided.

The existing recorded content reproduction limiting means 11e is automatically executed when the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 is powered on, and the identification code comparing means 1 shown in FIG.
In 1b, when it is detected that the device unique identification code and the unique identification code do not match, it is set to an existing information content reproduction restricted state in which reproduction of any information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is prohibited. After that, a new recording / reproducing operation for the recording medium 2 is permitted. Further, the new recorded content deletion means 11f is the same as the identification code comparison means 11b shown in FIG. 1 which is automatically executed prior to the power-off when the power-off instruction of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 is given. When it is detected that the device unique identification code and the unique identification code do not match, the recording / reproducing device 100 corresponding to the power off (that is, a pair).
After the power is turned on, only the new information content newly recorded on the recording medium 2 is deleted,
Before the power of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 corresponding to the power off is turned on, the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is left as it is as it is.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to the present invention. That is,
FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system provided with the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or 2, and may have a configuration such as a personal computer, for example.

In FIG. 3, an information processing system 10 according to the present invention includes a central processing unit CPU 10a for controlling the overall operation and processing, a memory 10b for recording programs and various data, and a user. The input device 10d capable of inputting various information to control the man-machine interface and the output device 10e capable of outputting and displaying various information, and further as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. The recording / reproducing apparatus 10c is provided, and each circuit block is connected to each other by a system bus 10f.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system may of course have a communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the outside. Of course, the input device 10d and the output device 10e are not required. , Not just a single device
Keyboard, mouse, CD (Compact Dis)
k), a display, a scanner, a printer, and various other devices may be connected. Note that, in FIG. 3, the recording / reproduction control unit 1 is configured such that the recording / reproduction control unit 1 as shown in FIG. 1 or 2 is included in the recording / reproduction device 10c, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. Each means in may be implemented by the CPU 10a and the memory 10b.

Next, an operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to an operation flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. Based on the verification operation of the identification code and the verification result automatically performed at power-on. 3 is an operation flowchart illustrating a recording / reproduction limiting operation performed on the recording medium 2.

First, when the recording / reproducing control unit 1 connected to the recording medium 2 via the connector 3 is turned on, the identification code control unit 11 in the recording / reproducing control unit 1 The recording medium 2 is different from the recording medium 2.
A device unique identification code confirmation command for sending back the device unique identification code recorded in the device unique identification code storage means 21 is sent (step S11). Further, it waits until the unique identification code recorded in the unique identification code storage means 11a of the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is read out and the device unique identification code is returned from the recording medium 2 (step S12).

On the other hand, when the recording medium 2 that has received the device unique identification code confirmation command recognizes and identifies that it is a confirmation command instructed to return the device unique identification code (step S21), The device unique identification code stored in the recording area or the device unique identification code storage memory as the device unique identification code storage means 21 is taken out and output to the recording / reproducing control unit 1 side (step S2).
2).

Next, on the side of the recording / reproducing control unit 1, when the device-specific identification code output from the recording medium 2 is received, the identification code comparing unit 11b in the identification code control unit 11 records the recording medium 2. The device unique identification code output from the device is compared with the unique identification code read from the unique identification code storage means 11a in step S12 (step S13).

If the device unique identification code and the unique identification code do not match (NO in step S13), the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is
A recording / reproduction control unit 1 different from the recording / reproduction control unit used when the information is recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, the recording / reproduction control unit permitted to record the information content on the recording medium 2). In the case of being currently connected via the connector 3, in such a case, in order to prevent illegal copying and leakage of information, the recorded content deleting means 11c in the identification code control unit 11 A recording content deletion command for instructing the deletion of the information content recorded on the recording medium 2 is issued by the recording medium 2.
(Step S14).

When the recording medium 2 that has received the recording content deletion command recognizes and identifies that the recording content deletion command is an instruction to delete the information content recorded on the recording medium 2 (step S23), the recording Medium 2
All the information contents recorded in are deleted (step S24).

Here, as a means for deleting all the information contents recorded on the recording medium 2, even in the case of "information content deletion" in which only the record data indicating the information contents themselves is deleted, "Management table" that deletes not the data itself but only the management table of the recording data related to the information content recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, the table in which the management information regarding the file name, recording location, creator, etc. is registered) Even in the case of “deletion”, it may be in the case of “all deletion” in which all recorded data including the management table is also deleted.

However, except for the case of "all deletion" shown at the end, in order to prevent information leakage and illegal copying, the management table or recorded data remaining after deletion is encrypted. Need to be

The operation of deleting the information content is executed only when the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is powered on, and can be executed again unless the power is turned off once and then the power is turned on again. impossible.

Alternatively, in case that the connector 3 has a hot-line insertion / removal (that is, hot plug) mechanism that allows the recording medium 2 to be attached / detached even after the power is turned on. The identification code control unit 11 on the recording / reproducing control unit 1 side constantly monitors not only the power-on state but also the insertion / removal state of the connector 3 connected to the recording medium 2, and the recording medium 2 is newly attached to the connector 3. Each time
It is also possible to automatically activate the operation up to steps S11 to S15 shown in FIG. 4, that is, the operation of instructing the return of the device unique identification code.

Thus, the recording medium 2 currently connected to the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is not turned off after the power is turned on, or even after the power is turned on, unless the recording medium 2 is newly inserted or removed. With regard to the above, even if the device unique identification codes do not match, after the existing information content is deleted, new information content is recorded or newly recorded as in the normal recording / reproducing operation. The reproduction of the information content is also permitted.

In step S13, when the device unique identification code and the unique identification code match (YES in step S13), recording / reproduction control in which the information content is recorded on the recording medium 2 is performed. This is a case where the same recording / reproducing control unit 1 as that of the unit 1 is connected via the connector 3, and in such a case, it is determined that the risk of illegal copying or information leakage is extremely small, and thus the recording medium The existing information content recorded in No. 2 is regarded as being recorded / reproduced by a proper means, and the existing information content is not deleted and is normally included. As described above, the recording and reproducing operations of the information content may be performed.

In this case, therefore, the recording / reproduction restriction releasing means 11d in the identification code control unit 11 of the recording / reproduction control unit 1 gives an instruction to delete the recorded content relating to the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2. The state of being turned on is released, and at the same time, the reproduction restriction of the already recorded information content and the recording / reproduction restriction of the new information content are all released (step S15).

Next, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.
An example of another operation regarding 00 will be described.
FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. The identification code collating operation and the collation result which are automatically executed when the power is turned off. 6 is an operation flowchart illustrating a recording / reproduction limiting operation performed on the recording medium 2 based on FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the identification code verification operation and the recording / reproduction restriction operation based on the verification result, which are performed prior to the start of the power-off operation, are performed at the power-on time shown in FIG. The same operation is performed as in the above case.

First, in the state in which the recording medium 2 is connected via the connector 3, the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is provided with the recording / reproducing control unit 1 prior to the power-off operation in which the power of the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is not turned off. From the identification code control unit 11 to the recording medium 2
In response to this, a device unique identification code confirmation command for sending back the device unique identification code recorded in the device unique identification code storage means 21 on the recording medium 2 side is sent (step S31). Further, it waits until the unique identification code recorded in the unique identification code storage means 11a of the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is read and the device unique identification code is returned from the recording medium 2 (step S32).

On the other hand, when the recording medium 2 which has received the device unique identification code confirmation command recognizes and identifies it as the confirmation command instructed to return the device unique identification code (step S41), the recording medium 2 The device unique identification code stored in the recording area or the device unique identification code storage memory as the device unique identification code storage means 21 is extracted and output to the recording / reproduction control unit 1 side (step S4).
2).

Next, on the recording / reproducing control section 1 side, when the device unique identification code output from the recording medium 2 is received, the identification code comparing means 11b in the identification code control section 11 causes the recording medium 2 to be recorded. The device unique identification code output from the device is compared with the unique identification code read from the unique identification code storage means 11a in step S32 (step S33).

When the device unique identification code and the unique identification code do not match (NO in step S33), the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is
A recording / reproduction control unit 1 different from the recording / reproduction control unit used when the information is recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, the recording / reproduction control unit permitted to record the information content on the recording medium 2). In the case where the content is currently connected via the connector 3, in such a case, in order to prevent illegal copying and information leakage after the power-off operation, the recorded content in the identification code control unit 11 is prevented. In the deleting means 11c, a recording content deletion command for instructing deletion of the information content recorded in the recording medium 2 is sent to the recording medium 2 (step S3).
4).

When the recording medium 2 that has received the recording content deletion command recognizes and identifies that the recording content deletion command is an instruction to delete the information content recorded on the recording medium 2 (step S43), the recording Medium 2
All the information contents recorded in are deleted (step S44).

Here, as a means for deleting all the information contents recorded on the recording medium 2, even in the case of "information content deletion" in which only the record data indicating the information content itself is deleted, "Management table" that deletes not the data itself but only the management table of the recording data related to the information content recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, the table in which the management information regarding the file name, recording location, creator, etc. is registered) Even in the case of “deletion”, it may be in the case of “all deletion” in which all recorded data including the management table is also deleted.

However, except for the case of "all deletion" shown at the end, in order to prevent information leakage and illegal copying, the management table or recorded data remaining after deletion is encrypted. Need to be

In step S33, if the device unique identification code and the unique identification code match (YES in step S33), recording / reproduction control in which the information content is recorded on the recording medium 2 is performed. In the case where the recording medium 2 is connected to the same recording / reproducing control unit 1 as the unit 1 via the connector 3, the recording medium 2 is
The information content recorded / reproduced on the recording medium 2 is considered to have been recorded / reproduced by a proper means, and the information content may not be deleted from the recording medium 2.

In this case, in this case, the recording / reproduction restriction releasing means 11d in the identification code control unit 11 of the recording / reproduction control unit 1 records the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 just in case. After the state of instructing the content deletion is released, and the reproduction restriction of the already recorded information content and the recording restriction of the new information content are also released (step S35), the power-off operation is performed.

Next, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.
An example of still another operation regarding 00 will be described. FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart for explaining still another example of the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, which is automatically executed at both power-on and power-off. 6 is an operation flowchart illustrating an identification code collating operation and a recording / reproduction limiting operation performed on the recording medium 2 based on the collation result.

As shown in FIG. 6, the recording / reproduction limiting operation based on the result of collation of the identification code executed during the power-on operation is the same as the case of the power-on operation shown in FIG. 4, and the power-off instruction is issued. At this time, the recording / reproduction limiting operation based on the identification code comparison result, which is executed prior to the power-off operation, is almost the same as the power-off operation shown in FIG. 5, but as shown below. A slightly different operation is performed in each of the power-on operation and the power-off operation.

First, when the recording / reproducing control unit 1 connected to the recording medium 2 via the connector 3 is powered on and turned on, the identification code control unit 11 in the recording / reproducing control unit 1 The recording medium 2 is different from the recording medium 2.
A device unique identification code confirmation command for sending back the device unique identification code recorded in the device unique identification code storage means 21 is sent (step S51). Further, it waits until the unique identification code recorded in the unique identification code storage means 11a of the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is read and the device unique identification code from the recording medium 2 is returned (step S52).

On the other hand, when the recording medium 2 which has received the device unique identification code confirmation command recognizes and identifies that it is a confirmation command instructed to return the device unique identification code (step S61), The device unique identification code stored in the recording area or the device unique identification code storage memory as the device unique identification code storage means 21 is extracted and output to the recording / reproduction control unit 1 side (step S6).
2).

Next, when the device-specific identification code output from the recording medium 2 is received on the recording / reproducing control section 1 side, the identification code comparing means 11b in the identification code control section 11 causes the recording medium 2 to be recorded. The device unique identification code output from the device is compared with the unique identification code read from the unique identification code storage means 11a in step S52 (step S53).

When the device unique identification code and the unique identification code do not match (NO in step S53), the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is
A recording / reproduction control unit 1 different from the recording / reproduction control unit used when the information is recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, the recording / reproduction control unit permitted to record the information content on the recording medium 2). In the case of being connected through the connector 3 at present, in such a case, in order to prevent illegal copying and leakage of information, unlike the operation at power-on shown in FIG. Recording medium 2
Instead of deleting the information content recorded in
In the existing recorded content reproduction limiting means 11e in the identification code control unit 11 of the recording / reproduction control unit 1 shown in FIG.
An existing recorded content reproduction restriction command, which is an instruction to suppress the reproduction operation of the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, reproduction prohibition), is sent to the recording medium 2 (step S54).

Receiving the existing recorded content reproduction restriction command, the recording medium 2 recognizes that it is an existing recorded content reproduction restriction command for instructing to suppress the reproduction operation of the existing information content recorded on the recording medium 2. If identified (step S63), the recording medium 2 is set to the existing information content reproduction restricted state in which the read and reproduction operation of the recorded existing information content is not executed at all, and a new recording and reproduction operation is executed. In preparation for the case, the already-recorded existing information content and the newly recorded new information content are set in a distinguishable state, and only the recording / reproducing operation of the new new information content is permitted (step S64).

On the other hand, in step S53, when the device unique identification code and the unique identification code match (YES in step S53), recording / reproduction control in which the information content is recorded on the recording medium 2 is performed. This is a case where the same recording / reproducing control unit 1 as that of the unit 1 is connected via the connector 3, and in such a case, it is determined that the risk of illegal copying or information leakage is extremely small, and thus the recording medium The existing information content recorded in 2 is regarded as being recorded and reproduced by a proper means, and it is not necessary to set the existing recorded content reproduction restriction state that restricts the reproduction of the existing recorded content. Instead, as usual, recording operation of new information content,
The reproduction operation of various kinds of recorded information contents including the existing information contents already recorded in the recording medium 2 may be performed.

In such a case, in the recording / reproduction restriction releasing means 11d in the identification code control unit 11 of the recording / reproduction control unit 1 shown in FIG. 1, the existing information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is already present. The state of instructing the recording content reproduction restriction is canceled, the recording and reproduction restriction of the new information content is canceled, and the reproduction restriction of the already recorded information content and the recording and reproduction restriction of the new information content are also canceled. (Step S55). After that, the recording / reproducing operation for the normal recording medium 2 is started.

When the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 is instructed to turn off the power while the recording / reproducing operation is controlled, the recording / reproducing control section 1 first performs the recording / reproducing control prior to the power-off operation. The identification code control unit 11 in the unit 1 instructs the recording medium 2 via the connector 3 to return the device unique identification code recorded in the device unique identification code storage unit 21 on the recording medium 2 side. A device unique identification code confirmation command is transmitted (step S56). Further, it waits until the unique identification code recorded in the unique identification code storage means 11a of the recording / reproducing control unit 1 is read and the device unique identification code is returned from the recording medium 2 (step S57).

On the other hand, when the recording medium 2 that has received the device unique identification code confirmation command recognizes and identifies it as the confirmation command instructed to return the device unique identification code (step S65), The device unique identification code stored in the recording area or the device unique identification code storage memory as the device unique identification code storage means 21 is extracted and output to the recording / reproduction control unit 1 side (step S6).
6).

Next, when the device-specific identification code output from the recording medium 2 is received on the recording / reproducing control section 1 side, the identification code comparing means 11b in the identification code control section 11 causes the recording medium 2 to be recorded. The device unique identification code output from the device is compared with the unique identification code read from the unique identification code storage means 11a in step S57 (step S58).

When the device unique identification code and the unique identification code do not match (NO in step S58), the information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 is
A recording / reproduction control unit 1 different from the recording / reproduction control unit used when the information is recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, the recording / reproduction control unit permitted to record the information content on the recording medium 2). In the case of being connected through the connector 3 at present, in such a case, a new recording in the identification code control unit 11 is provided in order to prevent illegal copying and information leakage after the power-off operation. In the content deletion means 11f, a new recorded content deletion command for instructing the deletion of new information content newly recorded in the recording medium 2 after the power-on operation is sent to the recording medium 2 (step S59).

Recognizing that the recording medium 2 which has received the new recorded content deletion command is a new recorded content deletion command for instructing the deletion of the new information content newly recorded on the recording medium 2 after the power-on operation. If identified (step S67), all new information contents newly recorded on the recording medium 2 after the power-on operation are deleted (step S68).

Here, as means for deleting all new information contents newly recorded on the recording medium 2, there is the case of "information content deletion" in which only the record data indicating the new information contents themselves is deleted. Also,
Instead of the recording data itself, only the management table of the recording data regarding the new information content recorded on the recording medium 2 (that is, the table in which the management information regarding the file name, recording location, creator, etc. is registered) is deleted. The case of "management table deletion" may be the case of "all deletion" in which all recorded data including the management table is also deleted.

However, except for the case of "all deletion" shown at the end, in order to prevent information leakage and illegal copy, the management table or recorded data remaining after deletion is encrypted. Need to be

In step S58, when the device unique identification code and the unique identification code match (YES in step S58), recording / reproduction control in which the information content is recorded on the recording medium 2 is performed. In the case where the recording medium 2 is connected to the same recording / reproducing control unit 1 as the unit 1 via the connector 3, the recording medium 2 is
The new new information content recorded / played on
Similar to the existing information content, it is considered that the recording / reproduction has been performed by the proper means, and the new information content may not be deleted from the recording medium 2.

In this case, therefore, in the recording / reproduction restriction releasing means 11d in the identification code control unit 11 of the recording / reproduction control unit 1, as a precaution, new information content newly recorded on the recording medium 2 is recorded. The power off operation is performed after the state of instructing the deletion of the new recorded content related to is canceled, and the reproduction restriction of the already recorded existing information content and the recording / reproduction restriction of the new new information content are canceled (step S60). Is carried out.

With respect to the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 according to the present invention that operates as described above, it is possible to confirm the recording / reproducing operation at the inspection stage of the production process or at the customer service, even if the identification code is not held. The fact that the recording / reproducing operation for such confirmation work becomes possible will be described in more detail below.

First, an example of the confirmation work of the recording / reproducing operation in the inspection stage of the production process will be described. In the production process, for example, a recording medium 2 having a high-speed and large-capacity recording capacity such as a hard disk and a recording / reproducing control unit 1 for controlling recording / reproducing of the recording medium 2 include a set main body (that is, a casing) as a recording / reproducing device 100. Incorporated into the body). Next, the recording medium 2 and the recording / reproducing control unit 1 are electrically connected via the connector 3 or the like. When such a connection is completed, the recording / reproducing operation is confirmed as one of the inspection steps for inspecting the recording / reproducing apparatus 100.

In the operation of confirming the recording / reproducing operation, it is not necessary to store the device unique identification code in the recording medium 2 or the unique identification code corresponding to the device unique identification code in the recording / reproducing control unit 1. Absent. In the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, when some information content is already recorded on the recording medium 2 when the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 is powered on, the existing information content is recorded. After the operation of deleting is performed, a state in which a normal recording / reproducing operation is possible is performed, so that an operation of recording new information content on the recording medium 2 can be performed, and unless the power is turned off. The information content newly recorded on the recording medium 2 after power-on is not deleted and can be reproduced. Therefore, even if the device unique identification code or unique identification code is not set,
It is possible to check the recording operation and the reproducing operation of the information content.

Also, after the implementation of various inspection items,
When an instruction to power off the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 is given, the recording / reproducing control unit 1 performs an identification code confirmation operation prior to executing the power-off operation. As described above, in the inspection process, since the device unique identification code and the unique identification code are not set, in the power-off operation shown in FIG. Various information contents recorded on the recording medium 2 in the inspection process are automatically deleted.

For the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 which has passed the inspection, the unique apparatus unique identification code which is the only one in the world is set in the apparatus unique identification code storage means 21 of the recording medium 2 for the first time.・ At the same time as recording
After the corresponding unique identification code is stored in the unique identification code storage means 11a in the identification code control unit 11 of the recording / reproduction control unit 1, the product can be shipped.

By performing the recording / reproducing restriction operation based on the identification code, even when various inspections are performed in the production stage (that is, the inspection process) of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100, in particular, the apparatus unique identification code and the corresponding It is not necessary to set the unique identification code in advance, and it is possible to carry out an efficient inspection.

Next, an example of a confirmation operation of the recording / reproducing operation at the time of customer service regarding the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 will be described. When carrying out the customer service, first, as one of the customer service correspondences, there is a trouble on the recording medium 2 side of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100, or a recording / reproducing control for controlling the recording / reproducing operation of the recording medium 2. It is necessary to identify whether there is a trouble in the part 1.

As one of such identification means, the connector 3
The recording medium 2 is exchanged and connected with another recording medium via the recording medium, etc., and the recording / reproducing operation of the information content is tried between the recording / reproducing control unit 1 and the other recording medium to normally record. It is necessary to confirm whether the playback is done

When another recording medium is connected here, even if the device unique identification code is not set in the other recording medium, or in the recording / reproducing control unit 1. Even if a device unique identification code different from the set unique identification code is set,
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6, during the power-on operation, new information content can be recorded on the another recording medium, or the newly recorded information content can be reproduced. It is possible.

Here, when the recording / reproducing operation in the other recording medium is normally performed, the recording medium 2 which has been exchanged is replaced.
On the other hand, when it is determined that a trouble has occurred on the side of the recording medium and the recording / reproducing operation on the other recording medium is abnormal, the recording / reproducing control unit 1, the connector 3,
It is determined that a trouble has occurred on the side of the connecting portion such as the connecting cable.

As the identification means, conversely, instead of the recording medium 2 side, the recording / reproduction control unit 1 is replaced with another recording / reproduction control unit, and the recording medium 2 is connected via the connector 3 or the like.
It is also possible to check the recording / reproducing operation by connecting to.

In such a case, even if the unique identification code is not set in the other recording / reproduction control section, or if the device unique identification code set in the recording medium 2 is used. Even if different unique identification codes are set, the existing information content already recorded on the recording medium 2 cannot be reproduced at the power-on operation as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Instead of deleting it, you can record new information content as it is recorded as it is,
Alternatively, the newly recorded information content can be reproduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the recording / reproducing restriction operation based on the result of the identification code collating operation performed prior to the power-off operation, an attempt is made to confirm the recording / reproducing operation, and the recording medium concerned. All new information content newly recorded in 2 will be deleted, and before confirmation work,
It is also possible to restore the existing recording state in which only the existing information content that has already been created and recorded on the customer side remains as it is.

In confirming the recording / reproducing operation in the state where only the recording / reproducing control unit is replaced with another recording / reproducing control unit, contrary to the case where only the recording medium is replaced with another recording medium, the normal operation is performed normally. When the recording / reproducing operation is performed, a trouble occurs on the side of the recording / reproducing control unit 1, the connector 3, the connection cable, or the like, and when the recording / reproducing operation is not normally performed, the recording medium It is possible to identify the occurrence of trouble on the second side.

Thus, by performing the recording / reproduction limiting operation based on the identification code as in the present invention, even when performing various operation confirmations at the customer service implementation stage of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100, the apparatus unique identification is particularly performed. It is not necessary to set a code or a corresponding unique identification code in advance, and efficient customer service can be provided.

[0083]

According to the recording / reproducing apparatus and the information processing system equipped with the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the recording / reproducing restriction causes the recording / reproducing apparatus to store a unique identification code on the recording medium side in the world. Even if the device-specific identification code to be set and the unique identification code to be stored and set in the recording / reproducing control unit that controls the recording / reproducing operation of the recording medium do not match, a new new It is possible to carry out the recording operation of the information content and the reproducing operation of the newly recorded new information content, even at the inspection stage of the recording / reproducing apparatus in the production process, or the customer of the recording / reproducing apparatus. It is possible to easily confirm the recording / reproducing operation even when the service is implemented, and to significantly reduce the amount of work for confirming the recording / reproducing operation. Bets are possible.

Even when various information contents are recorded on the recording medium in order to confirm the recording / reproducing operation in the inspection process at the production stage of the recording / reproducing apparatus, when the power of the recording / reproducing apparatus is turned off. Moreover, since the information content recorded on the recording medium is automatically deleted and the initial state ready for shipment is restored, the work amount in the inspection process can be significantly reduced.

Furthermore, even when customer service is implemented,
On the customer side, it is also possible to confirm various recording / reproducing operations using the recording medium in which the existing information content already recorded on the recording medium is stored as it is, and the operation confirmation is possible. At the end of the operation, when the power is turned off, it is possible to automatically delete the new information content newly recorded for the operation confirmation from the recording medium to restore the original recording state. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of work when performing customer service.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block configuration diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram for explaining another example of the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart for explaining an example of operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart for explaining still another example of the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Recording / reproduction control unit, 2 ... Recording medium, 3 ... Connector, 1
0 ... Information processing system, 10a ... Central processing unit CPU,
10b ... Memory, 10c ... Recording / reproducing device, 10d ... Input device, 10e ... Output device, 10f ... System bus, 11
... identification code control section, 11a ... unique identification code storage means, 11b ... identification code comparison means, 11c ... recorded content deletion means, 11d ... recording / reproduction restriction releasing means, 11e
... existing recorded content reproduction limiting means, 11f ... new recorded content deleting means, 21 ... device unique identification code storage means, 100 ... recording / reproducing apparatus.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 5B017 AA07 BA09 BB10 CA09                 5B065 BA01 PA04 PA13                 5C053 FA13 JA21                 5D044 DE49 GK12 HH13 HH15                 5J104 AA07 KA02 PA14

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. In a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content, a recording medium for recording / reproducing the information content and a recording / reproducing control section for controlling an operation for recording / reproducing the information content are managed by an identification code. ,
The recording medium is provided with a device unique identification code storage unit in which a device unique identification code that is the only unique code in the world is set and stored, and the recording / playback control unit is set to the recording medium. The identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code that is the same as the device unique identification code, and when the recording / reproducing apparatus is powered on, the recording / reproducing control unit displays the identification code. The unique identification code stored in the storage means and the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium are automatically compared and collated, and the unique identification code and the device unique identification code do not match. In some cases, a new recording / reproducing operation on the recording medium is allowed after deleting the information content already recorded on the recording medium. On the other hand, when the unique identification code and the device unique identification code match, the recording / reproducing operation of the information content including the information content already recorded on the recording medium is permitted. A recording / reproducing apparatus characterized by: 2. A recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content, wherein a recording medium for recording / reproducing the information content and a recording / reproducing control section for controlling an operation for recording / reproducing the information content are managed by an identification code. ,
The recording medium is provided with a device unique identification code storage unit in which a device unique identification code that is the only unique code in the world is set and stored, and the recording / playback control unit is set to the recording medium. The identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code that is the same as the device unique identification code, and when the recording / reproducing apparatus is powered on, the recording / reproducing control unit displays the identification code. The unique identification code stored in the storage means and the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium are automatically compared and collated, and the unique identification code and the device unique identification code do not match. In some cases, it is possible to set the existing information content playback restriction state that prohibits playback of any information content already recorded on the recording medium. After, allowing a new recording and reproducing operation for the recording medium, on the other hand, in the case where the the unique identification code and the device-specific identification code are identical,
A recording / reproducing apparatus, which permits a recording / reproducing operation of information content including the information content already recorded on the recording medium. 3. A recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content, wherein a recording medium for recording / reproducing the information content and a recording / reproducing control section for controlling the operation for recording / reproducing the information content are managed by an identification code. ,
The recording medium is provided with a device unique identification code storage unit in which a device unique identification code that is the only unique code in the world is set and stored, and the recording / playback control unit is set to the recording medium. The device has an identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code that is the same as the device unique identification code, and when a power-off instruction is given to the recording / reproducing apparatus, the power-off is performed prior to the power-off. In the recording / reproducing control section, the unique identification code stored in the identification code storage means and the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium are automatically compared and collated to obtain the unique identification code. If the device unique identification code does not match, the information content deletion that deletes the information content recorded on the recording medium is performed. Recording and reproducing apparatus, characterized in that occupy perform operation. 4. A recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information content, wherein a recording medium for recording / reproducing the information content and a recording / reproducing control section for controlling an operation for recording / reproducing the information content are managed by an identification code. ,
The recording medium is provided with a device unique identification code storage unit in which a device unique identification code that is the only unique code in the world is set and stored, and the recording / playback control unit is set to the recording medium. The device has an identification code storage means for setting / storing a unique identification code that is the same as the device unique identification code, and when a power-off instruction is given to the recording / reproducing apparatus, the power-off is performed prior to the power-off. In the recording / reproducing control section, the unique identification code stored in the identification code storage means and the device unique identification code stored in the recording medium are automatically compared and collated to obtain the unique identification code. If the device unique identification code does not match, the recording / reproducing device corresponding to the power off is turned on after the power is turned on. Only the new information content newly recorded on the recording medium is deleted, and the existing information content already recorded on the recording medium before the power-on of the recording / reproducing apparatus corresponding to the power-off is performed is deleted. A recording / reproducing apparatus characterized by performing a new information content deleting operation in which the information is recorded as it is. 5. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the power-off instruction of the recording / reproducing apparatus is issued, the unique reproduction stored in the identification code storage means in the recording / reproducing control unit. 4. The recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the information content deleting operation according to claim 3 is performed when the identification code and the apparatus unique identification code stored in the recording medium do not match. 6. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the power-off instruction of the recording / reproducing apparatus is issued, the unique reproduction stored in the identification code storage means in the recording / reproducing control unit. 5. The recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the new information content deleting operation according to claim 4 is performed when the identification code and the apparatus unique identification code stored in the recording medium do not match. 7. An information processing system comprising the recording / reproducing device according to claim 1. Description: