JP2003067257A - Fixing system for software use terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent unauthorized use and copy of those who do not pay a right countervalue or re-use of used software, and protect copyrights by disabling users from reading software to be downloaded from an external storage medium, which is stored in the software, or a network, which stores the software other than read-out means that is read at first. SOLUTION: A fixing system for software use terminal has read-out deterrence means for deterring read-out of software, wherein if identification number stored in software and one registered in identification number registration means are compared and then not matched, the identification number stored in the software and one stored or duplicated in an auxiliary external storage means are compared, and read-out of software is deterred if not matched.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for fixing terminals using software, which includes application software for a personal computer or application software for a computer, game software for a game machine, audio-visual equipment (CD player, MP3 player, etc.). Music software (music content, music information), video software for video AV equipment, etc. (laser disk (registered trademark), DVD player, etc.) (video content, video information) All software (application software, application software, etc.) acquired by downloading from the network Game software, video software, music software),
It is used to prevent unauthorized use of music software (information) and video software (information) of communication and broadcast receiving terminals (cell phones, portable information terminals, televisions, etc.). Further, it can be used for a rental system and a second-hand sales system which are performed by using these software and contents.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, since game software (game information, game content) of a computer game machine can be used by a plurality of computers, it can be illegally used or used without paying a proper price. The items are often sold and reused.
Further, music software (music content, music information) stored in a CD, a DVD or the like is illegally copied using a personal computer or the like and distributed on a network. The distributed music software is copied by a third party and used without permission. Further, with other copyright management methods, when downloading from a music distribution site on the network, the software (contents, information) can be used only on the downloaded PC. For example, the downloaded software (content, information) is encrypted, and a license such as a decryption key or authentication information is required to decrypt and use the encrypted software. Since the information of the CPU and the hard disk is recorded in the authentication information, the software cannot be copied to another personal computer and used in another personal computer. In addition, if you try to copy the software or decryption key that you downloaded on your computer, there are methods to limit the number of copies or to prevent copying, but with these methods, the purchaser of the software is free to do so. Since it is virtually impossible to make a backup (copy) of the key, the usability for the user becomes very poor. For example, if the software data or the decryption key is damaged, you must purchase it again.If you replace the hard disk or purchase a new computer, the decryption key and the software will be invalid, so you must purchase it again. . In addition, there is no limit on the number of times of copying, but there is a method of incorporating the unique ID information of the player who uses the copy when copying. In this method, the software can be used only by the player connected to it when copying, so that if the software is used by another player, new software must be purchased. In addition, if the personal computer having the software downloaded and the player having the ID stored when copying the software are broken, the software cannot be used. Obey,
Backup (copying) is possible, but since the terminals that can use backup are fixed, the usability of the purchaser becomes very poor. In addition, there are digital watermark technologies that store the personal information of the person who downloaded the software (such as the personal identification number of the credit card) as part of the software, but with this method, the person who downloaded (purchased) the software made an illegal copy. If you do this, the personal information stored as a digital watermark in the software will also be copied, preventing unauthorized copying, but multiple copies are possible, so the copy that the purchaser made for personal enjoyment is the first There is a risk that the personal information of the purchaser will be revealed if the information is stolen, etc., and the information is stolen and abused by a third party.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, such inconvenience that copyright is easily infringed if the illegal use of a person who does not pay a reasonable price, the sale of used software by a used wholesaler, or the reuse of used software is left unattended. I had.

An object of the present invention is to protect the copyright (distribution right, etc.) of the software producer as well as the right of the used wholesaler to sell the used software. In addition, rental companies can play music software (music information,
When renting out music content) or video software (video information, video content), etc., each time the rental company rents out the software, the software producer or the software producer must ensure that the software usage fee (copyright, Copyright usage fee, distribution fee) is a system that can collect.

[0005]

In the system for fixing terminals using software according to the present invention, an identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, a reading means for reading out the software, and the software for reading out by the reading means. When the first time is read out, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means is given to the software, and the reading number is read by the reading means. When the software is read again, the identification number stored in the software and the Since it is provided with a read inhibiting means for collating the identification number registered in the identification number registering means and inhibiting the reading when the two do not match,
When the stored software of the software is read out for the first time, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means is given to the software, and the identification number and the identification stored in the software from the second reading When the identification numbers registered in the number registration means are compared with each other and the two do not match, the reading is suppressed. Further, it is also a feature that the software to which the identification number is not provided has either one or both of restricting copying and prohibiting copying.

Further, in the system for fixing terminals using software according to the present invention, the identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, the reading means for reading the software, and the software is read for the first time by the reading means. At this time, by the identification number giving means for giving the identification number registered in the identification number registration means to the software, the auxiliary external storage means in which the identification number registered in the identification number registration means is stored, and the reading means. When the software is read again, the identification number stored in the software is compared with the identification number registered in the identification number registration means, and when the two do not match, the identification number stored in the software and the auxiliary external The identification number stored in the storage means is checked and the two do not match. When the software stored in the software is read for the first time, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means is given to the software and the second reading is performed. From the above, the identification number stored in the software and the identification number registered in the identification number registration means are collated, and when the two do not match, the identification number stored in the software and the identification stored in the auxiliary external storage means. When the numbers are collated and the two do not match, the reading is suppressed. Further, it is also a feature that the software to which the identification number is not provided has either one or both of restricting copying and prohibiting copying. An example of a method of storing the identification number registered in the identification number registration means in the auxiliary external storage means is copying the identification number registered in the identification number registration means to the auxiliary external storage medium.

That is, when the software is installed in the computer or the software on the network is downloaded, the identification number is stored in the computer as a part of the software. Therefore, the software stored in the computer is copied to an external storage medium. However, since the identification number is copied as a part of the software, the software copied to the external storage medium cannot be read by other computers. Even if the software stored in the computer is transferred to another computer through the network, the identification number is transferred as a part of the software, so the transferred software cannot be read by the other computer, but the identification number is still assigned. If you make it possible to copy the software that has not yet been identified, there is a risk that an unauthorized copy of the software that does not yet have the identification number will be proliferated. You must not allow copying.
However, depending on the case, copy of the free distribution software may not be restricted. Therefore, in some cases, there is no need to limit the copying of the software to which the identification number is not assigned in the system for fixing terminals using software according to claim 2.

Further, the software use terminal fixing system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is duplicated in another device. When the software assigned the identification number by the identification number assigning means is used in a device other than the device to which the identification number is assigned, the identification number is copied to the device to be used. Then, the identification number given to the software and the identification number duplicated in the device using the software match, so that the software can be used. Therefore, the method (embodiment) for implementing the software use terminal fixing system according to claim 4 may be adopted. Further, the identification number may be duplicated in the auxiliary external storage means described in claim 1. However, if the duplication of the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is not restricted, there is a possibility that the software is illegally used by illegally duplicating the identification number. Therefore, the third aspect is also characterized in that copying of the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is restricted. Examples of the limiting method include limiting the number of times of copying or limiting the devices to be copied. In addition, since the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means cannot be duplicated in claim 3, if the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means cannot be duplicated, the identification number registration is performed. The software in which the unique identification number registered in the means is stored can be used only by the device having the same identification number as the software (identification number registration means). Further, in the system for fixing a terminal using software according to claim 3, the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means can be duplicated, or
It is characterized by having either limited replication or non-replication, but it is also possible to combine them. For example, it is a system for fixing terminals using software in which a unique identification number can be duplicated and the duplication is restricted.

Further, the software use terminal fixing system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is duplicated in another device. When renting out software, the person who borrows the identification number stored in the rented software can use the software by copying it to the device that uses the software. There is no need to delete or change (increase) the number of identification numbers that the software can store. Further, the identification number may be stored in the auxiliary external storage means according to claim 1, and the auxiliary external storage means may be lent with the software.

Further, the software use terminal fixing system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is duplicated in another device. When selling second-hand software, use the software if the person who purchases the identification number stored in the sold software copies the identification number to the device that uses the software (identification number registration means). Therefore, it is not necessary to delete the identification number of the software or change (increase) the number of identification numbers that the software can store. Further, the identification number may be stored in the auxiliary external storage means according to claim 1, and the auxiliary external storage means may be sold together with the software.

Since the software can be used by the device (identification number registering means) other than the device having the unique identification number, the device other than the software having the identification number is provided. It can be used in. Examples thereof include a method using the auxiliary external storage means shown in claim 1, an identification number erasing means shown in claim 5, and an identification number storage number changing means shown in claim 6.

If the identification number stored in the software is erased by the identification number erasing means, another identification number can be newly stored in the software. Therefore, the reading means other than the reading means that originally read the software. Can be read by.
If this identification number erasing means is incorporated into the rental system used by the rental company, the identification number stored in the software will be erased each time the software is rented,
At that time, the software producer can collect the software usage fee (copyright fee, copyright usage fee, distribution right fee, consideration). Also, when selling used software, the software producer can recover the software usage fee (copyright fee, copyright usage fee, distribution right fee, consideration) when deleting the identification number stored in the used software. . Also,
If the identification number given to the software in the software-use terminal specific system of claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 is erased by the identification number deleting means, another identification number is newly added to the software. Since the software can be stored, the software can be read by a reading means other than the reading means initially read or a device other than the reading means initially read. (Can be used.)

If the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software by the identification number storage unit number changing means is increased (if there is a plurality), the software can be read out by a plurality of reading means. If this means for changing the number of stored identification numbers is incorporated into a rental system used by a rental company, the number of identification numbers that the software can store can be changed (increased) each time the software is rented.
At that time, the software producer can collect the software usage fee (copyright fee, copyright usage fee, distribution fee). In addition, even when selling used software, the software producer pays the software usage fee (copyright fee, copyright usage fee, distribution right fee) when changing (increasing) the number of identification numbers that the used software can store. Can be collected. Further, in the software-use terminal specific system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in software is changed (increased) by using the identification number storage number changing means. If so, another identification number can be newly stored in the software, so that the software can be read by a plurality of reading means or a plurality of devices. (Can be used.)

In principle, the number of identification numbers that can be stored by software (stored in an external storage medium, a hard disk, etc.) and the number of identification numbers that can be stored by software downloaded from the network are one. At some time, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software can be appropriately adjusted by the "identification number storage number changing means", and if the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is set to a plurality, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. Even after the software is manufactured, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software can be adjusted appropriately by using the “identification number storage number changing means”, and if the number is plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. In some cases, even after the software stored in the external storage medium is manufactured, the purchaser side can appropriately adjust the number of identification numbers that the software can store when purchasing the software stored in the external storage medium. It can be read by the reading means. Even after the software is created on the network, the number of identification numbers that can be stored by the software downloaded from the network can be adjusted at the time of downloading (at the time of purchase) on the downloader side (purchaser side) as appropriate. If it is plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means.

Also in a broadcast receiving terminal (television, video, satellite broadcasting receiving terminal, car navigation system, etc.), the identification number of the terminal that receives the broadcast (video content, music content, etc.), or recording or recording of the broadcast Since the identification number of the terminal used when the broadcast was stored and the identification number of the terminal used when the broadcast was stored in the storage medium are assigned to the broadcast, use the broadcast only on the terminal that assigned the identification number to the broadcast. I can't. For use in other terminals, there is a method of erasing the identification numbers stored in the broadcast by the identification number erasing means or changing the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the broadcast using the identification number storage number changing means. .

When the rental company lends out the software to which the unique identification number is given in the terminal fixing system using the software according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, the software is identified. Since the number is assigned, the software cannot be used as it is because the identification number registered in the device that uses the software of the borrower of the software does not match the identification number assigned to the software. Also, when a rental company lends out software to which a unique identification number is not assigned, the identification number of the device used by the borrower of the software to use the software is assigned to the software. In this case, since the identification number has already been assigned to the software, the software can be used only by the device (identification number registration means) that matches the identification number. Therefore, when a rental company or the like lends software to which a unique identification number is assigned or software to which a unique identification number is not assigned, the software rental system according to claim 7 is required. Therefore, the software rental system according to claim 9 is required as an example of the software rental system according to claim 7. In the software rental system including the identification number storage number changing means shown in claim 9, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is changed by using the different number storage number changing means, or stored in the software by using the identification number deleting means. It makes it possible to delete the existing identification number and to repeatedly rent out the software. With the method of changing the number of stored identification numbers, the fee (software usage fee) for changing the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software must be paid to the software production company each time the software is rented. The work load of the above becomes heavy and the work efficiency becomes worse than the current rental system. Also, the cost of paying the software usage fee is incurred each time the software is lent. Even if the software usage fee is paid to the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers online, a communication fee is incurred each time the software is lent. In order to avoid confusion between the software lending fee (for the rental company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company), the software lending fee (for the rental company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company) are separated. It is inefficient because it has to be collected and managed separately. In a software rental system equipped with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the software rental fee (for the rental company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company) must be collected as a rental fee that is the sum of the software rental fee and the software usage fee. Can
Since the software usage fee can be collectively paid to the software production company, the labor of the employee can be reduced and the communication cost can be reduced. Therefore, it is a system that improves work efficiency. Further, the software to which the identification number is assigned or the software to which the identification number is not assigned is rented out in the system for customizing the use terminal of the software as described in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4. At this time, it is possible to construct a software rental system in which the number of identification numbers that can be stored by software as described in claim 6 can be made plural by the identification number storage number changing means.

Therefore, in the software rental system provided with the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the software production company can surely collect the software usage fee (proportion of the rental agent). Further, the rental company can efficiently collect the software usage fee from the person who borrows the software and pay the software production company, and can reduce the communication cost and the operation cost. Further, by using a software rental system provided with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, software lending or returning can be automated (unmanned).

Further, in the method using the identification number erasing means, the consideration (software usage fee) for erasing the identification number stored in the software must be paid to the software production company each time the software is lent. , The work load on the employees becomes heavy and the work efficiency becomes worse than the current rental system. Also, the cost of paying the software usage fee is incurred each time the software is lent. Even if the identification number erasing means is used to pay the software usage fee online or the like, the communication fee is charged each time the software is lent. In order to avoid confusion between the software lending fee (for the rental company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company), the software lending fee (for the rental company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company) are separated. It is inefficient because it has to be collected and managed separately. With a software rental system equipped with identification number erasing means, software rental fees (for rental companies) and software usage fees (for software production companies) can be collected as a rental fee that is the sum of software rental fees and software usage fees. Since the software usage fee can be collectively paid to the software production company, the labor of the employee can be reduced and the communication cost can be reduced. Therefore, it is a system that improves work efficiency. Further, the software to which the identification number is assigned or the software to which the identification number is not assigned is lent out in the system for using a software using a terminal as described in claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3 or claim 4. At this time, it is possible to construct a software rental system provided with an identification number erasing means for erasing the identification number given to the software as shown in claim 5.

Therefore, in the software rental system provided with the identification number erasing means, the software production company can surely collect the software usage fee (proportion of the rental agent). In addition, rental companies can efficiently collect software usage fees from software borrowers and pay them to software production companies,
In addition, communication costs and work costs can be reduced. Further, by using a software rental system provided with an identification number erasing means, software lending or returning can be automated (unmanned).

When the used software company sells the software to which the unique identification number is given in the terminal fixing system using the software of claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, the software is added to the software. Is assigned an identification number, the software cannot be used as it is because the identification number registered to the device that uses the software of the person who purchases the software does not match the identification number assigned to the software. . In addition, when a used software company sells software to which a unique identification number is not assigned, the software must be in a state in which the identification number is not assigned in advance. Therefore, when a used software company or the like sells software to which a unique identification number is assigned or software to which a unique identification number is not assigned, the used software selling system described in claim 8 is required. Therefore, as an example of the used software selling system of claim 8, the used software selling system of claim 10 is required. In the used software sales system including the identification number storage number changing means shown in claim 10, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is changed by using the identification number storage number changing means, or the software is changed by using the identification number erasing means. It makes it possible to sell the software by erasing the stored identification number. With the method of changing the number of stored identification numbers, the consideration (software usage fee) for changing the number of identification numbers that the software can store must be paid to the software production company each time the software is sold. Will increase the work load of and will be less efficient than the current used software sales system. Also, the cost of paying the software usage fee is incurred every time the software is sold. Even if the software usage fee is paid online to the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, communication fee will be charged each time the software is sold. Also, in order to avoid confusion between software sales fees (for used software vendors) and software usage fees (for software production companies), software sales fees (for used software vendors)
It is inefficient because you have to separately collect and manage the software usage fee (the share of the software production company) separately. In the used software sales system equipped with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the software sales fee (for the used software company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company) are used as the used software fee, which is the sum of the software sales fee and the software usage fee. Since it can be collected and the software usage fee can be collectively paid to the software production company, the labor of the employee can be reduced and the communication cost can be reduced. Therefore, it is a system that improves work efficiency. In addition, the software to which the identification number is assigned or the software to which the identification number is not assigned is sold in the system for using a software using a terminal as described in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4. In this case, it is possible to construct a used software sales system in which the number of identification numbers that can be stored by software as described in claim 6 can be made plural by the identification number storage number changing means.

Therefore, in the used software sales system provided with the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the software manufacturing company can surely collect the software usage fee (used software usage fee, share of used software vendor). Further, the used software company can efficiently collect the software usage fee from the software purchaser and pay the software manufacturing company, and can reduce the communication cost and the operation cost. Further, if a used software selling system provided with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers is used, the selling of used software can be automated (unmanned).

Further, in the method using the identification number erasing means, the consideration for erasing the identification number stored in the software (software usage fee) must be paid to the software production company each time the software is lent. , The work load on the employees becomes heavy and the work efficiency becomes worse than the current used software sales system. Also, the cost of paying the software usage fee is incurred each time the software is lent. Even if the software usage fee is paid to the identification number erasing means online or the like, the communication fee is charged each time the software is lent. In addition, software sales fees (for used software vendors)
In order to avoid confusion between the software usage fee (the software production company's share) and the software usage fee (the software production company's share), the software sales fee (the used software company's share) and the software usage fee (the software production company's share) must be collected separately and managed separately. It is not efficient because it does not happen. In the used software sales system equipped with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the software sales fee (for the used software company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company) are used as the used software fee, which is the sum of the software sales fee and the software usage fee. Since it can be collected and the software usage fee can be collectively paid to the software production company, the labor of the employee can be reduced and the communication cost can be reduced. Therefore, it is a system that improves work efficiency. In addition, the software to which the identification number is assigned or the software to which the identification number is not assigned are sold in the system for using the software as described in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4. In this case, it is possible to construct a used software sales system including an identification number erasing means for erasing an identification number given to software as described in claim 5.

Therefore, in the used software sales system provided with the identification number erasing means, the software production company can surely collect the software usage fee (used software usage fee, used software dealer's share). Further, the used software company can efficiently collect the software usage fee from the software purchaser and pay it to the software production company, and can reduce the communication cost and the operation cost. Further, if a used software selling system provided with an identification number erasing means is used, the selling of used software can be automated (unmanned, etc.).

[0024]

The present invention will be described in detail below.

In the present invention, the "identification information" is, for example, an appropriate combination of alphabets, numbers, and kana characters, and examples thereof include "identification number", "identification signal", and "ID". The “identification information” is registered in the identification number registration means, and is added to the software by the identification number giving means. In some cases, information on the CPU, hard disk, etc. may be used as the "identification information".
Further, the "authentication information" stored in the software as the start information at the time of starting the software or the initial start issued by the software manufacturer, or the "start information" may be the "identification information". Examples of "authentication information" and "startup information" include a decryption key. "Identification information"
Can be copied (backed up). A copy of the identification information can be stored in the auxiliary external storage means, and in some cases, CPU, hard disk, RAM, RO.
A copy can be stored in the M or IC chip.
In some cases, a copy of the identification information (backup)
It is possible to limit the number of times of copying, and it is also possible to prohibit copying. Further, if the software has a dedicated storage area such as an "identification number storage section" for storing "identification information", the "identification information" is added to the storage area such as the "identification number storage section". May be given by. Further, in the identification number given to the software, it is possible in some cases to duplicate only the identification number from the software.

The "identification information registration means" is, for example, an internal storage device (CPU, ROM, RAM, I of a computer.
C chip). As a general rule, registration of the "identification information" in the "identification information registration means" is performed at the time of computer production or production of audio equipment (CD player etc.), or
This is done at the time of producing video equipment (DVD player, laser disk, etc.), mobile terminal (cell phone, etc.), or broadcast receiving terminal (TV, video, DVD player, etc.). It is also possible to register via an external storage medium such as a ROM or software stored in the external storage medium. It is also possible to register from the network (homepage, etc.). Further, the authentication number, the decryption key, the activation information, etc. issued by the software producer or the software production company may be registered. Also,
In some cases, when the software (program) is produced, the software (program) may be provided with "identification information registration means" to register the identification information therein. Further, after the software (program) is created, the software (program) may be provided with "identification information registration means" to register the identification information there.

The "software" means application software of a personal computer using an external storage medium, game software of a computer game machine, music software of audio AV equipment (CD player, MP3 player, etc.) (music content, music information). Video AV equipment (laser disc,
Video software (video content, video information) of DVD players, etc., all software downloaded from the network (application software, game software, video software, video content, video information, music software, music content, music information), communication and Broadcast (information and software to be downloaded or installed on a mobile phone, information and software to be downloaded or installed on a mobile information terminal, broadcast or information to be received on a television, radio, satellite broadcast receiving terminal, DVD player, MP3 player VCR, etc. Video equipment, audio equipment to record or broadcast or information to be recorded), software (music software, video software, application software) stored on an external storage medium (FD, DVD, CD-ROM, etc.), net Software that can be obtained via the over-click (game software, music software, video software) is.

In principle, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is one, but it is also possible to store a plurality of identification numbers in advance. The number of identification numbers that can be stored by the software at the time of software production can be appropriately adjusted by the identification number storage number changing means, and if the number is plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. After the software is created, the software creator (manufacturing company) will use the "means for changing the number of stored identification numbers"
Can be used to appropriately adjust the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software. In some cases, even after the software stored in the external storage medium is manufactured, the purchaser side can appropriately adjust the number of identification numbers that the software can store when purchasing the software stored in the external storage medium. It can be read by the reading means. The number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software downloaded from the network even after the software on the network is stored. The change means can be used to make appropriate adjustments, and a plurality of read means can be used to read. When the identification number is not stored in the software, it is possible to limit the number of times the software is copied, limit the storage medium that can be copied, or prohibit copying.

Further, a storage area such as a dedicated "identification number storage section" for storing the identification number may be provided in the software. When the software is provided with the identification number storage section, the number of the identification number storage section of the software is basically one, but the number of the identification number storage sections can be appropriately adjusted by the identification number storage number changing means at the time of software production, If so, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. Even after the software is manufactured, the software maker (manufacturing company) can appropriately adjust the number of the identification number storage units by using the "identification number storage number changing means", and if the number is plural, the reading can be performed by the plurality of reading means. In some cases, even after the software stored in the external storage medium is manufactured, the purchaser side can appropriately adjust the number of identification number storage units by using the identification number storage number changing means when purchasing the software stored in the external storage medium, If it is plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. Even after the software is produced on the network, the downloader side (purchaser side) uses the identification number storage number changing means at the time of downloading (at the time of purchase) the identification number storage portion of the software downloaded from the network. Can be appropriately adjusted, and if a plurality of reading means are provided, reading can be performed by a plurality of reading means. In addition, when the identification number is not stored in the software identification number storage unit, it is possible to limit the number of times the software is copied, limit the storage medium that can be copied, or prohibit copying. Further, the software may store "discrimination information" for discriminating the software production company.

The identification number storage quantity changing means is means for changing the number of identification numbers that can be stored in software, for example. When the identification number is stored in the software, the software cannot be used unless the device is equipped with the identification number registration means having the same identification number as the identification number stored in the software. Therefore, if the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is increased by the identification number storage number changing means, the increased number of identification numbers can be stored in the software, so that the software can be used in a plurality of reading means. It is a thing. As an example, the number of stored identification numbers can be adjusted appropriately by using the number of stored identification number changing means, and the number of stored identification numbers can be read out by a plurality of reading means. be able to. In some cases, the purchaser side can appropriately adjust the number of identification numbers that the software can store when purchasing the software stored in the external storage medium, and if the number is plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. Even after the software is created on the network, the number of identification numbers that the software can store can be adjusted appropriately at the time of downloading (at the time of purchase) the software to be downloaded from the network. it can. Depending on the case, it is possible to change the number of identification numbers that can be stored by the software before or during the software production.

In the case where the software is provided with a dedicated storage area such as an "identification number storage section" for storing the identification number, if the identification number is stored in the identification number storage section of the software, the identification number is stored. Software cannot be used unless the device has an identification number registration means having the same identification number as the identification number stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the identification number storage number changing means is provided with a new identification number storage section so that another identification number can be stored. In the identification number storage number changing means, the number of the identification number storage parts after software production can be adjusted appropriately by using the identification number storage number changing means, and if the number is made plural, the software can be read by a plurality of reading means. In some cases, the purchaser can appropriately adjust the number of the identification number storage units at the time of purchasing the software stored in the external storage medium. Even after the software is produced on the network, the number of the identification number storages can be adjusted appropriately at the time of downloading (at the time of purchase) the identification number storages of the software to be downloaded from the network. Can be read.
In some cases, it is possible to change the number of identification number storage units of the software before or during the production of the software.

When the software stores the discrimination information for discriminating the software production company (software producer), the identification number storage number changing means may include the discrimination information reading means. In that case, when changing the number that can store the identification number of the software by the identification number storage number changing means, the discrimination information stored in the software can be read by the discrimination information reading means and the discrimination information is stored. can do.
Further, the charging means may be included in the identification number storage quantity changing means. In that case, when changing the number that can store the identification number of the software with the identification number storage number changing means,
By the billing means, collect the number of software usage fees that changes the number of software identification numbers that can be stored, and then store the number of software usage fees that change the number of software identification numbers that can be stored as billing information. You can

Further, the billing discriminating means may be included in the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers. In that case, the previous period discrimination information and the previous period billing information are combined by the “billing discriminating means” to combine the previous period discrimination information and the previous period billing information into the “billing discrimination information”.
Then, the software production company can receive the software usage fee from this billing determination information. Further, the “identification number storage quantity changing means” may be provided with “billing discrimination information transmitting means”. In that case, the “billing discrimination information” created by the “billing discrimination information” is used by the “billing discrimination information transmitting means”. The “billing determination information” or software usage fee can be transmitted or paid to the software producer (production company). Further, the identification number storage number changing means is the identification number storage number changing means, and the “billing determination information sorting means”, the “billing determination information integrating means”, and the “billing determination information determination transmitting means”.
May be provided. In that case, the “billing discrimination information” created by the “billing discrimination means” is used as the discrimination information and the billing information is 2
00 (200 yen) "billing information discrimination A 200", discrimination information A and billing information 100 (100 yen) "billing information discrimination A 100", discrimination information is B and billing information 300 (30)
0 yen) "Charging information judgment B 300", the judgment information is B and the charging information is 400 (400 yen) "Billing information judgment B 40
"0" indicates that these four types of "billing determination information A200, A10"
0, Otsu 300, Otsu 400 ”is stored in the identification number storage number changing means, the“ billing discrimination information ”becomes“ billing discrimination information ”including the same discrimination information by the“ billing discrimination information sorting means ”. Since it is divided, the distinction information is divided into A 200 and A 100, and the discrimination information is B 300 and B 400 by the “billing discrimination information classification means”. The divided “billing determination information” is made into one “billing determination information” by the “billing determination information integrating means”. Therefore, instep 200 and instep 100 are instep 300 (instep 200 + instep 1
00 = Otsu 300) Otsu 300 and Otsu 400 become Otsu 700 (Otsu 300 + Otsu 400 = Otsu 700), respectively. After that, the "billing discrimination information" that has become one is identified by the "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means" to the software production company, and the "billing discrimination information" is transmitted to the software production company. Accordingly, the discrimination information A included in the billing discrimination information A and the software production company A and B are distinguished from each other, and
0 and Otsu 700 are sent to the software production company and the software usage fee is paid to the software production company. Examples of the identification number storage number changing means include, but are not limited to, an identification number storage number changing device and a homepage having the identification number storage number changing means on the network.

The identification number erasing means is means for erasing the identification number stored in the software. For example, it is a means for erasing the identification number registered in the identification number registration means by the identification number given to the software by the identification number giving means. If the identification number stored in the software is erased, another identification number can be newly stored in the identification number storage unit, so that it can be read by the reading means other than the reading means that originally read the software. In some cases, the identification number erasing means newly overwrites the identification number stored in the software with another identification number. Alternatively, it can be made overwritable. In some cases, it is possible to allow overwriting. Also, in some cases, when "authentication information" (decryption key, start information, etc.) issued by the software producer at the time of software startup is to be stored in the software, the "authentication information" should also be erased by the identification number erasing means. Since another identification number can be newly stored, it becomes possible to read the software by the reading means other than the reading means that originally read the software. Examples of the identification number erasing means include, but are not limited to, a homepage having the identification number erasing device and the identification number erasing means on the network.

When the software is provided with a dedicated storage area such as an "identification number storage section" for storing the identification number, the identification number stored in the identification number storage section of the software is deleted. When erased by the means, another identification number can be newly stored in the identification number storage unit, so that it can be read by the reading means other than the reading means initially read. Further, in some cases, the identification number erasing means can newly overwrite the identification number stored in the identification number storage section of the software with another identification number. In some cases, it is possible to allow overwriting, and in some cases, the identification number can be overwritten. In some cases, when the "authentication information" issued by the software manufacturer is stored in the software when the software is started, if the "authentication information" is also erased by the identification number erasing means, another identification number is newly added. Since it can be stored in the storage unit,
It becomes possible to read by the reading means other than the read-out means.

Further, when the software stores the discrimination information for discriminating the software production company (software producer), the identification number erasing means may include the discrimination information reading means. In that case, when the identification number erasing means erases the identification number stored in the software, the discrimination information stored in the software can be read by the discrimination information reading means, and the discrimination information can be stored. it can. Further, the identification number erasing means may include a charging means. In this case, when the identification number erasing means erases the identification number stored in the software, the charging means may collect the software usage fee (identification number erasing fee) and store the software usage fee as the billing information. it can.

Further, the identification number erasing means may include a billing determining means. In that case, the previous term discrimination information and the previous term billing information are converted into one piece of information by the "billing discrimination means" as the "billing discrimination information", and the software manufacturer pays the software usage fee from this billing discrimination information. Can receive. Also, the identification number erasing means may be provided with a "billing determination information transmitting means".
In that case, the "billing discrimination information" created by the "billing discrimination means" is sent to the software producer (manufacturing company) or the "billing discrimination information" or the software fee is paid using the "billing discrimination information transmitting means". be able to. In addition, as the identification number erasing means, "billing discrimination information separating means",
A “billing determination information integration unit” and a “billing determination information determination transmitting unit” may be provided. In that case, "billing determination means"
“Charging information determination”, which is the “billing determination information” made in step 2 and the charging information is 200 (200 yen).
"0", the billing information is "A" and the billing information is "100" (100 yen), the billing information is "B", and the billing information is "Billing information 300" (300 yen). The billing information is 400 (400 yen) and the "billing information discrimination Otsu 400" is used.
0, A 100, Otsu 300, Otsu 400 ”is stored in the identification number erasing means, the“ billing discrimination information ”is the“ billing discrimination information ”including the same discrimination information by the“ billing discrimination information sorting means ”. Since the discrimination information is A, 200 and A 100, the discrimination information is B, 300 and 400 are the “billing discrimination information classification means”. The divided “billing determination information” is made into one “billing determination information” by the “billing determination information integrating means”. Therefore, instep 200 and instep 100 are instep 300 (instep 200 + instep 1
00 = Otsu 300) Otsu 300 and Otsu 400 become Otsu 700 (Otsu 300 + Otsu 400 = Otsu 700), respectively. After that, the "billing discrimination information" that has become one is identified by the "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means" to the software production company, and the "billing discrimination information" is transmitted to the software production company. Accordingly, the discrimination information A included in the billing discrimination information A and the software production company A and B are distinguished from each other, and
0 and Otsu 700 are sent to the software production company and the software usage fee is paid to the software production company. Examples of the identification number erasing means include, but are not limited to, a homepage having the identification number erasing device and the identification number erasing means on the network.

The "billing means" is a change fee (software usage fee) for changing the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software by the identification number storage number changing means, or is stored in the software by the identification number erasing means. The information such as the usage fee received by the means for receiving the erasing fee (software usage fee) for erasing the identification number can be used as "billing information" (which can be converted). It may be programmed in the CPU, or may be programmed in the RAM, ROM, IC chip, or the like. Further, the software (program) may be provided with a "billing means".

The "discrimination information" is information for discriminating the software production company (software producer).
The discrimination information can be included in the software, or can be stored in the software. Further, when the software is stored in the external storage medium, it can be a part of the software stored in the external storage medium or can be stored in the external storage medium. There is a “discrimination information reading means” as a method for reading the discrimination information.

The "discrimination information reading means" is a means for reading out the "discrimination information". "Discrimination information reading means"
Is a "discrimination information read-out means" when incorporated into the "identification number storage quantity changing means" and changing the number of identification numbers which can be stored in the software by the "identification number storage quantity changing means".
The "discrimination information" of the software can be read with. Further, the "discrimination information reading means" is incorporated into the "identification number erasing means", and when the "identification number erasing means" erases the identification number stored in the software, the "discrimination information reading means" causes the "discrimination information of the software". Can be read. The "discrimination information reading means" is programmed in the CPU, or RAM, RO
It may be programmed in M, IC chip, etc.
Further, the software (program) may be provided with "discrimination information reading means".

The "billing information" means a change fee (software usage fee) when the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is changed by the identification number storage number changing means, the changed number, or the software is changed by the identification number erasing means. The erasing fee (software usage fee) for erasing the stored identification number is received by the "billing means", and the received usage fee or its information is called billing information.

The "billing determination means" is a means for combining the software discrimination information read by the "discrimination information reading means" and the "billing information" created by the billing means as one piece of information. The "billing determination means" may be programmed in the CPU, or may be programmed in the RAM, ROM, IC chip, or the like. Further, the software (program) may be provided with a "billing determination means".

The "billing discrimination information" is a combination of the software discrimination information read by the "discrimination information reading means" and the "billing information" created by the billing means into one by the "billing discrimination means". (Information etc.).

“Reading means for reading out software”
Is, for example, a personal computer, a computer game machine, an audio AV
It may be programmed in a CPU of a device (CD player or the like), a video AV device (laser disk, DVD player or the like), or may be programmed in an internal storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. In addition, the software (program) "reading means for reading the software"
May be provided. The "reading means for reading out software" is a means for reading out software.

The "identification information giving means" is programmed in a CPU such as a personal computer, a computer game machine, audio AV equipment (CD player, etc.), video AV equipment (laser disk, DVD player, etc.), and RA.
It may be programmed in an internal storage device such as M or ROM. Further, the software (program) may be provided with "identification information giving means". "Identification information giving means"
Is a means for giving an identification number (identification information etc.) to the software. As an example, it is possible to give the software an identification number registered in the "identification number registration means". In some cases, if the software has a dedicated area for storing the identification number, such as the identification number storage unit, it is possible to register the identification number in the identification number storage unit using the "identification information adding means". Can be

The "readout inhibiting means" is programmed in a CPU such as a personal computer, a computer game machine, audio AV equipment (CD player, etc.), video AV equipment (laser disk, DVD player, etc.), and RA.
It may be programmed in an internal storage device such as an M, a ROM, or an IC chip. Further, the software (program) may be provided with "readout inhibiting means". The "readout inhibiting means" is a means for inhibiting software reading. In some cases, it is possible to suppress the execution of software.

The "auxiliary external storage means" is, for example, a memory card (IC card, ROM card, RAM card, magnetic card, etc.). For example, the "auxiliary external storage means" can store the same identification information as the identification information registered in the identification number registration means, and can also store a copy (backup) of the identification information registered in the identification number registration means. Other information may also be stored, as the case may be. In some cases, it may be possible to limit the number of storages of the identification information to be stored in the "auxiliary external storage means" or the number of storages. May be. In some cases, it is possible to limit the number of times the identification information registered in the identification number registration means is stored in the "auxiliary external storage means" or the number of times of storage, or the identification information registered in the identification number registration means It may be possible to limit the number of copies to be stored and the number of times of storage. Further, the identification information stored in the "auxiliary external storage means" can be erased. In addition, the main body that uses the software (computers, computer game machines, audio-visual crisis, video AV equipment, etc.)
It may be removable.

The software rental system having the identification number erasing means is a system having the identification number erasing means for erasing the identification number already stored in the software when renting or returning the software. For example, when erasing the identification number stored in the software by the identification number erasing means, "billing means"
The software usage fee, which is the identification number erasing fee, is collected and stored as billing information. The "discrimination information reading means" reads and stores the discrimination information of the software. The "billing discrimination means" combines the discrimination information and the billing information into one billing discrimination information. Billing information is "host server"
Sent to. From the various information collected in the "host server", the "billing discrimination information retrieval means" retrieves the "billing discrimination information", and the "billing discrimination information transmitting means" stores the "billing discrimination information" in the "software management center". Sent. The “billing determination information” collected in the “software management center” is divided into “billing determination information” including the same type of discrimination information by the “billing determination information sorting means”. The divided “billing determination information” is made into one “billing determination information” by the “billing determination information integrating means”.
After that, the "billing discrimination information" that has become one is identified by the "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means" to the software production company, and the "billing discrimination information" is transmitted to the software production company. In addition, in the software rental system having the identification number erasing means, "billing discrimination information extracting means", "billing discrimination information transmitting means", "billing discrimination information sorting means",
The “billing determination information integrating means” and the “billing determination information determination transmitting means” may be included. In that case, the “billing determination information” (software usage fee, identification number erasing fee) can be directly sent from the identification number erasing means to the software production company without going through the “host server” and the “software management center”. (Payment of software usage fee).
Further, the "host server" includes a "billing discrimination information extracting means", a "billing discrimination information transmitting means", a "billing discrimination information separating means", a "billing discrimination information integrating means", and a "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means". I don't mind. In that case, do not go through the "Software Management Center"
Can directly send "billing information" (software usage fee, identification number erasing fee) to the software production company.

The used software selling system having the identification number erasing means is a system having the identification number erasing means for erasing the identification number already stored in the software when buying or selling the used software. . For example, when the identification number erasing means erases the identification number stored in the software, the "billing means" collects the software use fee, which is the identification number erasing fee, and stores it as the billing information. The "discrimination information reading means" reads and stores the discrimination information of the software.
The "billing discrimination means" combines the discrimination information and the billing information into one billing discrimination information. The billing determination information is sent to the "host server". From the various information collected in the "host server", the "billing discrimination information retrieval means" retrieves the "billing discrimination information", and the "billing discrimination information transmitting means" stores the "billing discrimination information" in the "software management center". Sent. The "billing discrimination information" collected in the "software management center" is the "billing discrimination information" including the same type of discrimination information by the "billing discrimination information separating means".
It is divided into The divided “billing discrimination information” is a single “billing discrimination information” by the “billing discrimination information unifying means”.
To be The "billing discrimination information" that became one after that,
The "billing discrimination information discrimination transmission means" identifies the software production company and transmits the "billing discrimination information" to the software production company. In addition, in the used software sales system having the identification number erasing means, "billing discrimination information extracting means", "billing discrimination information transmitting means", "billing discrimination information sorting means", "billing discrimination information integrating means", "billing discrimination information""Discrimination transmission means" may be included. In that case, the “billing determination information” (software usage fee, identification number erasing fee) can be directly sent from the identification number erasing means to the software production company without going through the “host server” and the “software management center”. (Payment of software usage fee). Further, the "host server" includes a "billing discrimination information extracting means", a "billing discrimination information transmitting means", a "billing discrimination information separating means", a "billing discrimination information integrating means", and a "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means". I don't mind. In that case, instead of going through the “Software Management Center”, you can directly enter the “billing determination information” (software usage fee,
ID number elimination fee) can be sent to the software production company.

A software rental system having means for changing the number of stored identification numbers is used to rent software,
Alternatively, it is a system having an identification number storage number changing means for changing the number of identification numbers that can be stored in software when returned. For example, when the number of identification numbers that can be stored in software is changed by the identification number storage number change means, the "charge means" collects the software usage fee, which is the identification number storage number change fee, and stores it as the billing information. The "discrimination information reading means" reads and stores the discrimination information of the software. The "billing discrimination means" combines the discrimination information and the billing information into one billing discrimination information. The billing determination information is sent to the "host server". From the various information collected in the "host server", the "billing discrimination information retrieval means" retrieves the "billing discrimination information", and the "billing discrimination information transmitting means" stores the "billing discrimination information" in the "software management center". Sent. "Billing information" collected in "Software Management Center"
Is divided into "billing discrimination information" including the same type of discrimination information by the "billing discrimination information sorting means". The divided “billing determination information” is made into one “billing determination information” by the “billing determination information integrating means”. The "billing discrimination information" that became one after that is "billing discrimination information discrimination transmission means"
The software production company is determined by and the "billing determination information" is transmitted to the software production company. In addition, in the software rental system having the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the "billing discrimination information extracting means", "billing discrimination information transmitting means", "billing discrimination information sorting means", "billing discrimination information integrating means", "billing discrimination information""Information discrimination transmission means" may be included. In that case, the “billing determination information” (software usage fee, identification number change fee) can be sent to the software production company directly from the identification number storage number changing means without going through the “host server” and “software management center”. it can. (Payment of software usage fee). Also,
"Host server" to "accounting information retrieval means",
The “billing determination information transmitting means”, the “billing determination information sorting means”, the “billing determination information integrating means”, and the “billing determination information determination transmitting means” may be included. In this case, the “billing determination information” (software usage fee, identification number change fee) can be sent directly from the “host server” to the software production company without going through the “software management center”.

The used software selling system having the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers is a system having the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers for changing the number of identification numbers that the software can store when purchasing or selling the software. Is. For example, when the number of identification numbers that can be stored in software is changed by the identification number storage number change means, the "charge means" collects the software usage fee, which is the identification number storage number change fee, and stores it as the billing information. The "discrimination information reading means" reads and stores the discrimination information of the software. The "billing discrimination means" combines the discrimination information and the billing information into one billing discrimination information. The billing determination information is sent to the "host server".
From the various information collected in the "host server", the "billing discrimination information retrieval means" retrieves the "billing discrimination information", and the "billing discrimination information transmitting means" stores the "billing discrimination information" in the "software management center". Sent.
The “billing determination information” collected in the “software management center” is divided into “billing determination information” including the same type of discrimination information by the “billing determination information sorting means”. The divided “billing determination information” is made into one “billing determination information” by the “billing determination information integrating means”. After that, the "billing discrimination information" that has become one is identified by the "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means" to the software production company, and the "billing discrimination information" is transmitted to the software production company. still,
In the used software sales system having a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, "billing discrimination information extracting means", "billing discrimination information transmitting means", "billing discrimination information sorting means", "billing discrimination information integrating means", "billing discrimination information" Discrimination transmission means "
May be included. In that case, the “billing determination information” (software usage fee, identification number change fee) can be sent to the software production company directly from the identification number storage number changing means without going through the “host server” and “software management center”. it can. (Payment of software usage fee). Further, the "host server" includes a "billing discrimination information extracting means", a "billing discrimination information transmitting means", a "billing discrimination information separating means", a "billing discrimination information integrating means", and a "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means". I don't mind. In that case, do not go through the "Software Management Center"
Can directly send the "billing determination information" (software usage fee, identification number change fee) to the software production company.

The "billing discrimination information extracting means" is a means for finding out or extracting the "billing discrimination information" from various center-based information such as "host server" and "software management center". The "billing determination information extracting means" may be programmed in the CPU, or may be programmed in the RAM, ROM, IC chip or the like. Further, the software (program) may be provided with "billing determination information extracting means".

The "billing discrimination information transmitting means" is means for transmitting the "billing discrimination information" to the "host server", the "software management center", the "software manufacturing company" and the like. Depending on the case, the erasing fee (software usage fee) when the identification number stored in the software is erased by the identification number erasing means, or the number of identification numbers that can be stored by the software by the identification number storage number changing means It is a means of paying or sending (remittance) the change fee (software usage fee) when changing the information to the "software production company", "host server", "software management center" or the like. The "billing determination information transmitting means" is programmed in the CPU, or RAM, RO
It may be programmed in M, IC chip, etc.
Further, the software (program) may be provided with "billing determination information transmitting means".

The "billing discrimination information sorting means" is a means for sorting into "billing discrimination information" having the same type of discrimination information.
For example, if the billing information is 400 (400 yen) and the discrimination information is Party A, the billing information is Party 400 and the billing information is 300.
(300 yen), the discrimination information is A. "Billing discrimination information A3
00 "and the billing information is 200 (200 yen) and the discrimination information is B." Billing discrimination information Otsu 200 "and the billing information is 100.
(Charge discrimination information Otsu 1
Since the discrimination information is different from "00", "billing discrimination information"
Are classified as Party A, Party A, Party A, Party A, Party A, Party A, Party A, Party A, Party A, Party B, Party A, Party B, Party A, Party B, Party A, Party B, Party A, Party B, Party A, Party B, and Party B. When the "billing discrimination information sorting means" is programmed in the CPU,
Alternatively, it may be programmed in RAM, ROM, IC chip, or the like. Further, the software (program) may be provided with "billing determination information sorting means".

The "billing discrimination information integrating means" is a means for bringing together "billing discrimination information" having the same kind of discrimination information. For example, the charging information is 400 (400 yen) and the determination information is “step A”, and the charging information 20
When 0 (200 yen), the discrimination information is “A”, the “billing discrimination information A 200” is set to A 600 (600 yen). (Exhibit 4
00 + A200) "Means for integrating billing discrimination information" is a CPU
If programmed into, or RAM, RO
It may be programmed in M, IC chip, etc.
Further, the software (program) may be provided with "billing determination information integration means".

The "billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means" discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information included in the "billing discrimination information", and the "billing discrimination information" is changed to "software production company" or "host server" or "software". It is a means to send to a management center. In some cases,
When the identification number erasing means erases the identification number stored in the software, the erasing fee (software usage fee) or the number of stored identification numbers changing means changes the number of identification numbers that the software can store. Change fee (software usage fee) to "software production company"
Alternatively, it is a means for paying or sending (money transfer) to a “host server”, a “software management center” or the like.
The "billing determination information determination transmitting means" may be programmed in the CPU, or may be programmed in the RAM, ROM, IC chip, or the like. Further, the software (program) may be provided with "billing determination information determination transmitting means".

The “host server” is, for example, when there are stores A1 and A2 of the rental company A (not shown), various information (member information, rental history, etc.) gathered in A1 and A2 are collected together. It is to be stored (converted to a center file). Further, when there are stores B1 and B2, which are stores of the used software company B, various information (software sales charges, etc.) gathered in B1 and B2 are stored as one (center file).

The “software management center” is a place where the billing discrimination information and the software usage fee (change fee, erasing fee) created by the identification number erasing means or the identification number storage quantity changing means are collectively handled. Therefore, the billing discrimination information gathered in the "software management center" is sent to the software production company, or the software usage fee is paid to the software production company.

A "software production company" is a company that produces software or an individual who produces software.

In the system for fixing terminals using software according to the present invention, in addition to the application software of a personal computer using an external storage medium, the game software of a computer game machine, audio AV equipment (CD player, MP3, etc.).
It can be used for video software (video content, video information) of AV software and the like (laser disk, DVD player, etc.). Also, any software downloaded from the network (application software,
Game software, video software, video content, video information, music software, music content, music information), communication and broadcast receiving terminals (cell phones, mobile information terminals, televisions, satellite receiving terminals, cable televisions, DVD players, etc.)
It can be used for broadcasting music software (information) and video software (information).

Further, in the system for fixing terminals using software, television broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, radio broadcasting, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “broadcasting”) are stored on DVD, MP3, hard disks, etc. by using audio equipment and video equipment such as DVD players, MP3 players, etc. In case of recording or recording in the example,
DVD player, M used for recording or recording
The identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the audio equipment such as the P3 player or the video equipment is added to the broadcast to the DVD.
Or recorded in or recorded on a storage medium such as an MP3, a CD, a hard disk, or the like. Therefore, even if the broadcast (broadcast stored in the storage medium or the like) is used in other audio equipment or video equipment, it cannot be used because the identification number is different. In addition, it is possible to copy the broadcast stored in the storage medium to other external storage medium and hard disk, but it is possible to identify the copy even if it is used for other sound recording and audio equipment and video equipment other than the recorded sound. It cannot be used because the numbers are different. Therefore, in order to use the broadcast (broadcast etc. stored in the storage medium) in other video equipment or audio equipment, the method using the identification number erasing means, the method using the identification number storage number changing means and the auxiliary external There is a method using storage means. In the method using the identification number erasing means, the identification number stored in the broadcast (broadcast, etc. stored in the storage medium) is erased by the identification number erasing means and registered in the identification number registering means of other video equipment or audio equipment. The stored identification number can be newly stored and used. Further, in the method using the identification number storage number changing means, the number of identification numbers capable of storing broadcasts (broadcasts stored in a storage medium, etc.) is changed, and the identification numbers of video equipment or audio equipment other than those to which the identification numbers are given. By making it possible to store the identification number registered in the registration means, the broadcast (broadcast stored in the storage medium or the like) can be used in other video equipment or audio equipment. Further, in the method using the auxiliary external storage means, the auxiliary external storage means stores the identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the video equipment or the audio equipment which recorded or recorded the broadcast on the storage medium. Attach the auxiliary external storage means that stores the identification number to the video equipment or audio equipment you want to use for broadcasting (broadcast stored in the storage medium, etc.) (video with an identification number different from the one stored in the broadcast) Equipment or audio equipment). Then, the identification number stored by the method stored in the external storage medium does not match the identification number of the video equipment or audio equipment, but the identification stored by the auxiliary external storage means attached to the video equipment or audio equipment. Since the number matches the broadcast number, the broadcast (broadcast stored in the storage medium or the like) can be used. Further, in some cases, when storing a broadcast in a storage medium, it is possible not to store the identification number in the broadcast but to give the identification number to the storage medium for storing or recording or recording the broadcast. At that time, since the identification number is stored in the storage medium, the broadcast cannot be used unless the audio device, the video device, or the like has the same identification number as the stored identification number.

In the embodiment in which software (music software, video software, game software, etc.) is downloaded by a portable information terminal (cellular phone, etc.) in the software-used terminal specific system, registration of the identification number of the portable information terminal is carried out. The identification number registered in the means is added to the software to be downloaded. Therefore, even if the downloaded software is transmitted to another portable information terminal, it cannot be used because the identification number is different. In addition, it is possible to copy downloaded software to an external storage medium, hard disk, and downloaded personal digital assistant, but it is possible to use personal digital assistants, personal computers, audio equipment, and video equipment other than those that downloaded the copy. Even if you try to use it, you cannot use it because the identification numbers are different. Therefore, in order to use the downloaded software on a mobile information terminal other than the mobile information terminal that downloaded it, a personal computer, a video device or an audio device, a method using an identification number erasing means and a method using an identification number storage number changing means There is a method using an external storage means. In an example of the method using the identification number erasing means, a mobile information terminal other than the mobile information terminal downloaded by erasing the identification number stored in the downloaded software by the identification number erasing means, a personal computer,
The identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the video equipment or the audio equipment can be newly stored and used. In an example of the method using the identification number storage number changing means, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the downloaded software is changed to identify the portable information terminal other than the downloaded portable information terminal, personal computer, video equipment or audio equipment. Software downloaded by a portable information terminal other than the portable information terminal downloaded so that the identification number registered in the number registration means can be stored, a personal computer, a video device, or an audio device can be used. Further, in an example of the method using the auxiliary external storage means, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the portable information terminal which downloaded the software is stored in the auxiliary external storage means. I want to use the downloaded software of the auxiliary external storage means that stores the identification number. Attach it to a mobile information terminal, personal computer, video equipment or audio equipment. Or audio equipment). Then, the identification number stored in the downloaded software does not match the identification number of the video equipment or audio equipment, but the identification number stored in the auxiliary external storage means attached to the video equipment or audio equipment does not match. You can use the downloaded software.

[0063]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a computer game machine, and its CPU is programmed with "reading means for reading out software", "identification information giving means", "readout inhibiting means" and "identification number registration means". ing.
2 is a CD-ROM in which game software is stored
Is. 3 is a monitor (TV), 4 is a cable connecting the monitor 3 and the computer game console 1, and 5 is a cable (online) connecting the network and the computer game console 10. 6 is a CD-ROM insertion slot. Reference numeral 67 denotes auxiliary external storage means (hereinafter referred to as a memory card), which can be attached to and detached from the computer game machine 1.

Next, an embodiment of this system will be described according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The main body shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is a game machine or a personal computer.

At STEP 1, the system is started.
In STEP2, a CD-ROM (game software, software below) is used as a game machine ("personal computer", the same below).
If the identification number (identification information) is written in this CD-ROM, it is determined in STEP3. If the identification number is not written, STEP is set.
The process proceeds to step 10 and it is determined whether or not to write the identification number of this game machine. If no identification number is written, STEP
Proceeding to 14, the software becomes unexecutable and ends. On the other hand, if the writing of the identification number is selected in STEP 10, the identification number registered in the "identification number registration means" is written in the software by the "identification information adding means" in STEP 11, and the software is executed in STEP 13. It If the identification number is written in STEP3, the identification number of the software is read by "reading means for reading out software" in STEP4, and in STEP5 it is determined whether or not the identification number of the game machine coincides with the identification number of the game machine. It is determined by the "verification means". If they match, the process proceeds to STEP 8 to execute the game software. On the other hand, if they do not match, in STEP 6, it is determined whether or not a memory card is set in the game machine. If the memory card is not set, the process proceeds to STEP 12 and the software becomes unexecutable, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the memory card is set in STEP 6, the "identification number collating means" determines whether the identification number stored in the memory card and the identification number of the software match in STEP 7. If they do not match, STEP12
Proceed to and the software becomes unexecutable and ends. on the other hand,
If they match, the process proceeds to STEP 8 to execute the software.

Next, the case where the main body of the computer game machine is not provided with the function of mounting the auxiliary storage medium will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The main body shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23 is a game machine or a personal computer.

In STEP 15, the system is started. When a CD-ROM (game software, hereinafter software) is set in a game machine (“personal computer”, hereinafter the same) in STEP16, whether or not an identification number (identification information) is written in this CD-ROM is STEP17.
If the identification number is not written, the process proceeds to STEP 22 and it is determined whether or not the identification number of this personal computer is written. If the identification number is not written, the process proceeds to STEP25, the software becomes unexecutable, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the writing of the identification number is selected in STEP22, "identification number registration means" is selected in STEP23.
The identification number registered in is written in the software by the "identification information giving means", and STEP2
Proceed to 4 and the software is executed. If the identification number is written in the software in STEP 17, S
At TEP18, the identification number of the game software is read by "reading means for reading software", and STEP
At 19, it is judged by the "identification number collating means" whether or not it matches the identification number of this game machine. If they match, ST
Proceed to EP20 and the software is executed. On the other hand, if they do not match, in STEP 21, the software becomes unexecutable and ends.

In the flow chart of FIG. 24, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the computer game machine 10 of FIG.
However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

At STEP 27, the system is started. In STEP 28, the memory card is attached to the computer game machine. Next, in STEP 29, it is selected (determined) whether or not to store the identification number in the memory card.
In the case of storing, in STEP 30, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the computer game machine is stored in the memory card, and in STEP 31, the system ends. When the identification number is not stored in the memory card in STEP 29, the process proceeds to STEP 31 and the system ends.

Next, the case where the software is duplicated (hereinafter referred to as copy) in the system for fixing terminals using software will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

At STEP 32, the system is started. In STEP 33, select whether or not to copy the software. When not copying, the process proceeds to STEP 36 and the system is terminated. On the other hand, when copying, STEP3
At 4, it is determined whether the identification number is stored in the software. If the identification number is not stored in the software, the process proceeds to STEP 36 and the system ends (software cannot be copied). On the other hand, when the identification number is stored in the software in STEP 34, STP
Proceed to E35, and the software is copied. After the software is copied, the process proceeds to STEP 36 and the system ends.

In FIG. 2, 7 is an identification number storage unit number changing device, 6 is a CD-ROM insertion slot, and 2 is a CD-ROM.
ROM is a cable 9 connected to a network or online. One embodiment of this identification number storage unit number changing device will be described according to the flowchart of FIG. 5, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
The main body shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5 is a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers.

At STEP 37, the system is started. Next, in STEP 38, the software for which the number of identification number storage sections is to be changed is inserted into the identification number storage number changer 7. Next, in STEP 39, it is determined whether to change the number of identification numbers that the software can store. If not changed, the process goes to STEP 46 to end the system. On the other hand, in the case of changing, in STEP 40, the number of identification numbers that the software can store is specified. Next, in STEP 41, the number of identification numbers that can be stored by the software is changed by the identification number storage number changing means to the number specified in STEP 40. Next, in step 42, a change fee (software usage fee) corresponding to the number of changed identification numbers that can be stored in the software by the billing means is received and stored as billing information. Next, in STEP 43, the discrimination information reading means reads out the discrimination information of the software. Next, in STEP 44, the billing discrimination means creates billing discrimination information from the discrimination information and the billing information stored in the billing means. Next, in STEP 45, the change fee (software usage fee) is paid to the software production company (software management center, host server) online or the like based on the charge determination information by the charge determination information transmitting means (payment of the software usage fee). ,money transfer). Next, STEP46
Go to the end of the program

The identification number storage number changing device of FIG. 2 and the identification number storage number changing device in the flowchart of FIG. 5 are provided with the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, and the billing discrimination means, but they may not be provided. Is.

Further, in the flow charts of the identification number storage number changing device of FIG. 2 and the identification number storage number changing device of FIG. 5, the billing discrimination information sorting means, the billing discrimination information integrating means, and the billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means are included. However, it is possible to include it (not shown). In that case,
As the billing discrimination information created by the billing discriminating means in STEP 44, for example, the billing information is 200 (200 yen) and the discriminating information is Party A, and the billing information is 3
00 (300 yen) as the discrimination information is Party A, and the billing information is 200 (200 Yen) and the discrimination information is Party B as the billing determination information Party 200 and Billing information 300.
(300 yen) the discrimination information is B. Billing discrimination information B 30
4 types of 0 (Ko 200, Ko 300, Otsu 200, Otsu 30
Assuming that 0) exists, the billing discrimination information sorting means sorts the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information. Therefore, it is classified into Exhibit A200 and Exhibit 300 having identification information of Exhibit A, and Exhibit E200 and Exhibit 300 having identification information of Exhibit A. Next, the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information integrating means. Therefore, the instep 200 and instep 300 whose identification information is instep 500 are instep 500 (instep 200 + instep 3)
00 = Exhibit 500) and the discrimination information is Exhibit Otsu 200
And Otsu 300 is Otsu 500 (Otsu 200 + Otsu 300 = Otsu 50)
0). Then, the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information contained in the billing discrimination information, and the billing discrimination information (A500, B500) is sent to the software production company. In addition, the identification number change fee (software usage fee, 500 yen) is paid to the software production company (A, B).

Further, in the identification number storage number changing device of FIG. 2, if the software has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the "identification number storage section" is replaced with the identification number of FIG. The number storage number changing device may increase the number of “identification number storage units” to store a plurality of identification numbers, or one “identification number storage unit” can store a plurality of identification numbers. You may do it.

In FIG. 3, 8 is an identification number erasing device, 6 is a CD-ROM insertion slot, 2 is a CD-ROM, and 9 is a cable connected to a network or online. One embodiment of this system will be described according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The main body shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is an identification number erasing device.

In STEP 47, the system is started. Next, in STEP 48, the software for which the identification number stored in the software is to be erased is inserted into the identification number erasing machine. Next, in STEP 49, it is determined whether or not to erase the software identification number. S to not delete
The program ends at TEP 55. On the other hand, in the case of erasing, in STEP 50, the identification number erasing means erases the identification number stored in the software. Next, in STEP 51, the erasing fee (software usage fee) when the identification number stored in the software is erased by the billing means is received and stored as billing information. Next ST
In step EP52, the group information of the software is read by the discrimination information reading means. Next, in STEP 53, the billing discrimination means creates billing discrimination information from the discrimination information and the billing information stored in the billing means. Next, in STEP 54, an erasing fee (software usage fee) is paid online to the software production company based on the billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information transmitting means. (Payment of software usage fee, remittance) Next, proceed to STEP 55 to end the program

Although the identification number erasing device of FIG. 3 and the identification number erasing device in the flowchart of FIG. 5 are provided with the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, and the billing discrimination means, they may be omitted.

Further, the identification number erasing device of FIG. 3 and FIG.
In the flowchart of the identification number erasing device, the billing discrimination information separating means, the billing discrimination information integrating means, and the billing discrimination information discriminating transmission means are not included, but may be included (not shown). In that case, as the billing discrimination information created by the billing discrimination means in STEP 53 of FIG. 5, for example, the billing information is 200 (200 yen) and the discrimination information is Party A, and the billing information is 300 (300). The billing discrimination information A is 300, the discrimination information is A, the billing information is 200 (200 yen), the discrimination information is B, the billing discrimination information B 200, and the billing information is 300 (300 JPY). 4 types of billing information B 300, which is B
0, Exhibit A, Exhibit 300, Exhibit 200, Exhibit 300), the billing discrimination information sorting means sorts the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information. Therefore, Exhibit A200 and Exhibit 300 having Exhibit A as discriminant information, Exhibit O200 having Exhibit A as discriminant information
It is sorted into Otsu 300. Next, the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information integrating means. Therefore, the class A 200 and the class 300 whose distinguishing information is the class A is the class A 500 (the class 200 + the class 300 = the class A 500), and the class 200 is the class B 200 and the class 300.
It becomes 0 (Otsu 200 + Otsu 300 = Otsu 500). Next, the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information contained in the billing discrimination information, and the billing discrimination information is sent to the software production company. In addition, the identification number erasing fee (software usage fee) is paid to the software production company (software management center, host server).

In the identification number erasing device of FIG. 3,
If the software has an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, even if the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" is erased by the identification number erasing device of FIG. good.

When renting and handing over the software in the software using terminal specific system, there is a case where the identification number of the game machine of the renting side or the handing over side is already stored in the software. It cannot be used on the game machine on the borrowing side or the receiving side. However, if you use the method of changing the number of stored identification numbers, the method of deleting the identification number, and the method of using the auxiliary external storage means, you can borrow or use software on the borrowing side or the receiving side game machine. Is possible. The method will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Further, as means for lending and handing over the software, there are a case where the software stored in the external storage medium is delivered and a method where the software is transmitted or distributed, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, a person 11 purchases game software from the game software production company 10. Human 1
When 1 uses the game software on the game machine A12 owned by the human 11, the identification number AA of the game machine A12 owned by the human 11 must be stored in the game software. Once the game software stores the identification number AA of the game machine A12 owned by the human 11, the human 11 can repeatedly use the game software on the game machine A12 owned by the human 11. However, since game software cannot be used on game machines other than the game machine A12,
When the person 1 lends or hands over the game software to the human 14, a method using the identification number storage number changing means (identification number storage number changing device or the like) and a method using the identification number erasing means (identification number erasing device or the like) are used. There is a method using an auxiliary external storage means (memory card or the like). Those methods will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

7, which is an embodiment of the method using the identification number storage number changing means (the homepage having the identification number storage number changing device or the identification number storage number changing means on the network), the game software will be described. Human being who lends 11 or human who borrows game software 1
4 changes the number of identification numbers stored in the game software using the identification number storage number changing means 13. The identification number storage number changing means 13 changes the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the game software, and receives the consideration of the changed number. (When the number is increased, the increased number is received.) The received consideration is paid to the game software production company 10. When the identification number storage number changing means 13 incorporates a discrimination information reading means and a billing means, the discrimination information reading means reads the discrimination information of the game software manufacturing company 10 stored in the game software, and the billing means. Change fee (software usage fee) received when changing the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software
Is stored as billing information, and the discrimination information and the billing information are made into billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means. Based on the billing discrimination information, online software production company 10
Pay the software usage fee to. Since the number of identification numbers that the game software can store is changed by the identification number storage number changing means 13 from these operations, the game software is used by storing the identification number BB of the game machine B15 owned by the human 14 in the game software. be able to. Also,
If the game software has an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing identification numbers, "identification number storage section"
May be increased by the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers so that a plurality of “identification number storage sections” can be stored, and a plurality of identification numbers can be stored in one “identification number storage section”. May be allowed.

An example of the method using the identification number erasing means (the identification number erasing device or the homepage having the identification number erasing means on the network) will be described with reference to FIG. Alternatively, when the person 14 who borrows the game software erases the identification number AA of the game machine A12 stored in the game software using the identification number erasing means 16, the person 14 receives the price. The consideration received is paid to the game software company 10. In the case where the identification number erasing means 16 includes a discrimination information reading means, a billing means, and a billing discrimination means, the discrimination information reading means reads the discrimination information of the game software production company 10 stored in the game software, The erasing fee (software usage fee) received when the identification number stored in the software is erased by the billing means is stored as billing information, and the discrimination information and the billing information are used as billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means. . Based on the billing determination information, the software usage fee is paid to the software production company 10 online or the like. Since the identification number AA of the game machine A12 stored in the game software is erased from these operations by the identification number erasing means 16, the game machine stores the identification number BB of the game machine B15 owned by the human 14 in the game software. Software can be used. If the game software has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" may be deleted.

Auxiliary external storage means (hereinafter memory card)
9, which is an embodiment of a method using the game software, a game machine A1 owned by a human being 11 who lends game software.
The identification number AA of No. 2 is stored in the memory card, and the memory card in which the identification number AA is stored together with the game software is lent to the person 14 who rents the software.
Since the identification number of the game machine B15 owned by the person 14 who borrows the game software is BB, it does not match the AA stored in the game software. Therefore, the human 14 cannot use the game software. However, the identification number A borrowed from the person 11 who lends the game software
If the memory card stored in A is used (the memory card is attached to the game machine B15), the identification number AA stored in the game software and the identification number AA stored in the memory card attached to the game machine B15 match. The person who is the side that borrows the game software
It can be used in the game machine B15 owned by 4

When buying and selling used software in the software use terminal specific system, there are a method using the identification number storage number changing means, a method using the identification number erasing means, a method using the auxiliary storage means, and the like. These methods will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

EXAMPLE FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG.
1 purchases game software from a game software production company 10. When the human 11 uses the game software on the game machine A12 owned by the human 11, the identification number AA of the game machine A12 owned by the human 11 must be stored in the game software. Once the game software stores the identification number AA of the game machine A12 owned by the human 11, the human 11 becomes the human 1
It is possible to repeatedly use the game software on the game machine A12 owned by one and again. However, the game software cannot be used on a game machine other than the game machine A12. Therefore, when buying and selling game software in which the identification number AA of the game machine A12 is stored (sale of used software, etc.),
There are a method using the identification number storage number changing means shown in FIG. 10, a method using the identification number erasing means shown in FIG. 11, and a method using the auxiliary external storage means (memory card etc.) shown in FIG.

10 which is an embodiment of the method using the identification number storage number changing means (such as the identification number storage number changing device or the homepage having the identification number storage number changing means on the network) will be described with reference to FIG. When the game software is sold (trade-in) to the used software company 17, the used software company 17 or the person 11 changes the number of identification numbers that the game software can store by using the identification number storage number changing means 13. The identification number storage number changing means 13 changes the number of identification numbers that the game software can store,
You will receive compensation only for the number of identification numbers that the game software can store. The consideration received is paid to the game software production company 10. Further, in the case where the identification number storage quantity changing means 13 incorporates the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, and the billing discrimination means, the discrimination information of the game software manufacturing company 10 stored in the game software by the discrimination information reading means. Is read and the change fee (software usage fee) received when the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is changed by the billing means is stored as billing information, and the discrimination information and the billing information are discriminated by the billing discrimination means. As information, the software usage fee is paid to the software production company 10 online based on the billing determination information. When the human 14 purchases the game software from the used software vendor 17, the identification number of the game machine A12 is stored in the game software, but the number of identification numbers that the game software can store is the identification number storage unit number changing means. Since it has been changed by 13, the game software can store the identification number BB of the game machine B15 owned by the human being 14, so that the game software can be used by the game machine B15 owned by the human being 14. In the above description, the human 11 and the used software trader 17 changed the number of identification numbers that the game software can store by the identification number storage number changing means 13, but the human 14 uses the identification number storage number changing means 13 when purchasing the game software. The number of identification numbers that the game software can store may be changed. If the game software has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the "identification number storage section" is increased by means of the identification number storage number changing means to provide a plurality of "identification number storage sections". A plurality of identification numbers may be stored, or a plurality of identification numbers may be stored in one "identification number storage unit".

11, which is an example of the method using the identification number erasing means (the identification number erasing device or the homepage having the identification number erasing means on the network, etc.), the human 11 becomes the used software trader 17. When selling (trade-in) the game software, the used software trader 17 (used wholesaler) or the person 11 erases the identification number AA stored in the game software using the identification number erasing means 16. The identification number erasing means 16 erases the identification number AA stored in the game software and receives the price. The consideration received is paid to the game software production company 10. In the case where the identification number erasing means 16 includes a discrimination information reading means, a billing means, and a billing discrimination means, the discrimination information reading means reads the discrimination information of the game software production company 10 stored in the game software. The erasing fee (software usage fee) received when the identification number stored in the software is erased by the billing means is stored as billing information, and the discrimination information and the billing information are used as billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means Based on the billing determination information, the software usage fee is paid to the software production company 10 online or the like. From these operations, when the human 14 purchases the game software from the used software dealer 17, the identification number AA of the game machine A12 stored in the game software is the identification number erasing means 16
Since it has already been erased, the identification number BB of the game machine B15 owned by the human 14 can be stored in the game software and used. In the above description, the human being 11 and the used software trader 17 (used wholesaler) have the identification number A of the game machine A12 stored in the game software.
A was erased by the identification number erasing means 16, but human 1
4 may delete the identification number AA of the game machine A12 stored in the game software by using the identification number deleting means 16 when the game software is purchased. If the game software has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" may be deleted.

Auxiliary external storage means (hereinafter memory card)
12, which is an embodiment of the method using the above, the identification number AA of the game machine A12 owned by the human 11 is stored in the memory card, and the identification number AA together with the game software is stored.
Sells the stored memory card to a used software company 17. The used software company 17 (used wholesaler) sells the memory card having the identification number AA stored therein together with the game software to the human 14. When using the game software bought by the human 14, the identification number B of the game machine B15 owned by the human 14
Since it is B, the game software cannot be used because it does not match the AA stored in the game software. Since the identification number AA stored in the software and the identification number AA of the memory card attached to the game machine B15 match, the game software can be used in the game machine B15 owned by the human 14.

When the rental company lends and borrows the software in the software-using terminal specific system, there are a method using the identification number storage number changing means, a method using the identification number erasing means, a method using the auxiliary storage means, and the like. . These methods will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

13, which is an embodiment of the method using the identification number storage number changing means (the homepage having the identification number storage number changing device or the identification number storage number changing means on the network), will be described with reference to FIG. Purchases video software from video software production company 20. When the rental company 19 lends the video software to the human 11, the rental company 19 or the human 11 uses the identification number storage number changing means 13 to store the identification number AA of the DVD player A owned by the human 11. Change the number of identification numbers that can be stored. The identification number storage number changing means 13 receives the price when changing the number of identification numbers that the video software can store. The consideration received is paid to the video software production company 20. Further, in the case where the identification number storage quantity changing means 13 includes a discrimination information reading means, a billing means, and a billing discrimination means, the discrimination information of the video software production company 20 stored in the video software by the discrimination information reading means. Is read and the change fee (video software usage fee) received when the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the video software is changed by the billing means is stored as billing information, and the discrimination information and the billing information are stored in the billing discrimination means. As the charge determination information, the video software usage fee is paid to the video software production company 20 online based on the charge determination information. Since the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the identification number storage number changing means 13 has already been increased in the video software borrowed by the human 11 from these operations, the rental agent 1 uses the identification number AA of the DVD player A18 owned by the human 11.
By storing it in the video software borrowed from 9, it can be used in the DVD player A18 owned by the human 11. In addition, when changing the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the image software by the identification number storage number changing means, the person who borrows the image software,
Either the person who returns the video software or the rental company may do it. If the video software has an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the "identification number storage section" is increased by the identification number storage number changing means to provide a plurality of "identification number storage sections". A plurality of identification numbers may be stored, or a plurality of identification numbers may be stored in one "identification number storage unit".

As an example of the method using the identification number erasing means (the identification number erasing device or the homepage having the identification number erasing means on the network, etc.), the rental company 19 makes a video software production company. Buy video software from 20. When the rental company 19 rents out the video software to the human 11, the rental company 19 or the human 11 or a person who rents the video software before the human 11 rents the video software before the human 11 stored in the video software. The identification number of the DVD player owned by the player is erased by the identification number erasing means 16. The identification number erasing means 16 receives the price when erasing the identification number stored in the video software. The consideration received is paid to the video software production company 20. In the case where the identification number erasing means 16 includes a discrimination information reading means, a billing means, and a billing discrimination means, the discrimination information reading means reads the discrimination information of the video software production company 20 stored in the game software. The erasing fee (video software usage fee) received when the identification number stored in the video software is erased by the billing means is stored as billing information, and the discrimination information and the billing information are discriminated by the billing discrimination means. As information, the video software usage fee is paid to the video software production company 20 online or the like based on the billing determination information. The identification number erasing means 16 erases the identification number of the DVD player owned by the person who borrowed the image software borrowed by the human 11 from these operations, so that the DVD player A18 owned by the human 11 is identified. By storing the number AA in the video software borrowed from the rental company 19, the video software can be used by the DVD player A18 owned by the human 11. Further, if the video software has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, even if the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" is erased by the identification number erasing means. good.

Auxiliary external storage means (hereinafter memory card)
15, which is an embodiment of the method using, the rental company 19 lends a memory card storing the same identification number as the identification number stored in the video software to the human 11 together with the video software. The human 11 sets (attaches) the video software and the memory card to the DVD player A18 owned by the human 1. Since the identification number stored in the video software and the identification number stored in the memory card are the same, the video software can be used by the DVD player A18 owned by the human 11. When the human 11 returns the video software to the rental agency 19, the video software and the memory card are returned to the rental agency 19. Although it has been described that the rental company 19 lends the memory card to the human 11 in the above description, the same identification number as the identification number stored in the video software may be stored in the memory card owned by the human 11. Then, the rental company 19 can save the trouble of renting out the memory card.

When renting out or handing over software (content) to be downloaded from the network in the software-used terminal specific system, the identification number of the personal computer used when already downloaded from the network is assigned to the software. ,
It cannot be used as it is on the borrowing or receiving personal computer. However, a method using an identification number storage number changing means (an identification number storage number changing device or a website having an identification number storage number changing means on the network, etc.) and an identification number erasing means (identification number erasing hand device or network) (A homepage that has a means for deleting the identification number)
It is possible to use it on the borrowing side or the receiving side by using the method using and the method using the auxiliary external storage means (memory card). The method is shown in FIG. 16 and FIG.
7 and FIG. 18, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. As means for lending and handing over software downloaded from the network, there are a method of storing the software in an external storage medium and a method of transmitting and distributing the software using the network, but the present invention is not limited to these.

16, 17, and 18, when the human 11 uses the personal computer A22 owned by the human 11 to use the music software downloaded from the music distribution homepage 21 on the network, the personal computer A2 owned by the human 11
The identification number AA of 2 must be stored in the music software. The identification number of the music software downloaded from the music distribution homepage 21 can be stored on the homepage before the download, during the download, or on the personal computer after the download. It is not limited to the example. The identification number A of the personal computer A22 owned by the human being 11 in the music software
If you memorize A, human 11 will be a personal computer A owned by human 11.
The music software 22 can be used many times, and can be copied to the hard disk of a personal computer as a backup or can be copied to an external storage medium such as a DVD, CD, MO or the like as a backup. However,
Since the identification number AA of the personal computer A22 is stored in the music software, even if the music software is distributed to a third party by e-mail or the like, the music software cannot be used except by the personal computer A22 owned by the human 11. Even if the human being 11 uploads the music software to the homepage and a third party downloads the music software, the music software cannot be used except for the personal computer A22 owned by the human 11. External storage medium (hereinafter DV
Even if the music software copied in D) is lent and handed over to a third party, the music software cannot be used except for the personal computer A22 owned by the human 11. When the human 11 lends and hands over the music software to the human 14, a method using an identification number storage number changing means (an identification number storage unit number changing device or a homepage having an identification number storage number changing means on the network) is used. There are a method using an identification number erasing means (an identification number erasing device or a homepage having an identification number erasing means on a network) and a method using an auxiliary external storage means (hereinafter referred to as a memory card). These methods will be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

FIG. 1 shows a method using an identification number storage number changing means (an identification number storage unit number changing device or a homepage having an identification number storage number changing means on a network).
6, the person 11 who rents the music software or the person 14 who rents the music software changes the number of identification numbers that the music software can store using the identification number storage number changing means 13. The identification number storage number changing means 13 changes the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the music software, and receives only the changed number. The price received is the music distribution website 21 (music software production company)
Be paid to. In the case where the identification number storage quantity changing means 13 incorporates the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, and the billing discrimination means, the music distribution homepage 21 stored in the music software by the discrimination information reading means 21.
By reading the discrimination information of (music software production company) and storing the change fee (music software usage fee) received when the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the music software is changed by the billing means, as the billing information, the discrimination information is stored. By using the billing information as billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means, the music software usage fee is paid to the music distribution homepage 21 (music software production company) online based on the billing discrimination information. From these operations, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the music software is changed by the identification number storage number changing means. It can be used in B23. If the music software has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the "identification number storage section" is increased by the identification number storage number changing means to provide a plurality of "identification number storage sections". A plurality of identification numbers may be stored, or a plurality of identification numbers may be stored in one "identification number storage unit".

A method using an identification number erasing means (an identification number erasing device or a homepage having an identification number erasing means on a network, etc.) will be described with reference to FIG. The person 14 who borrows the software uses the identification number erasing means 16 to erase the identification number AA of the personal computer A22 stored in the music software. The identification number erasing means 16 receives the price when the identification number AA of the personal computer A22 stored in the music software is erased. The received consideration is paid online to the music distribution homepage 21 (music software production company). In the case where the identification number erasing means 16 incorporates the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, and the billing discrimination means, the music distribution homepage 21 stored in the music software by the discrimination information reading means 21.
By reading the discrimination information of (music software production company) and erasing the identification number stored in the music software by the charging means, the erasing fee (music software usage fee) received as the billing information is stored as the discrimination information. Then, the billing information is used as billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means, and the music software usage fee is paid to the music distribution homepage 21 (music software production company) online based on the billing discrimination information. Since the identification number AA of the personal computer A22 stored in the music software is erased by the identification number erasing means from these operations, the identification number BB of the personal computer B23 owned by the human 14 is stored in the music software and the music software is used. You can do it. Further, if the video software has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, even if the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" is erased by the identification number erasing means. good.

Auxiliary external storage means (hereinafter memory card)
18, the identification number AA of the personal computer A22 owned by the person 11 who lends the music software is stored in the auxiliary external storage means (hereinafter referred to as a memory card) and the identification number AA is stored together with the music software. Lend the stored memory card to the human being 14, who is the side renting the software. Since the identification number of the personal computer B23 owned by the person 14 who rents the software is BB, it does not match the AA stored in the music software, so the music software cannot be used. However, if a memory card with the identification number AA borrowed from the person 11 who rents the software is stored (insert the memory card into the personal computer B), the identification number AA stored in the music software and the personal computer B23 are inserted. Memory card identification number AA
Therefore, the music software can be used in the personal computer B23 owned by the human being 14, which is the borrower of the software.

An embodiment for copying (copying) the identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the computer game machine 10 of FIG. 1 to a device other than the computer game machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Is not limited to this embodiment.

At STEP 56, the system is started. Next, in STEP 57, it is selected (determined) whether or not to duplicate the identification number. In the case of duplication, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means of the computer game machine is duplicated in STEP58, and the system ends in STEP59. If not copied in STEP57, STEP59
And the system ends.

A software rental device having an identification number erasing means will be described with reference to FIG. 26, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Insert the rental member card of the person who borrows the software into the member card insertion slot 71. A membership number for identifying a member is stored in the membership card. From the membership number stored in the membership card, the rental history and membership information (name, address, age, gender, etc.) of the membership card owner (software borrower) stored in the membership information storage device is read. And is displayed on the display 69. Next, the software to be borrowed is inserted into the software insertion port 68. The identification number erasing means erases the identification number stored in the software. The discrimination information for discriminating the software production company stored in the software is read by the discrimination information reading means. Next, the rental fee (software rental fee + software usage fee = rental fee), which is the total of the software lending fee (rental agent's share) and software usage fee (software production company's share, identification number deletion fee), is displayed on the display 69. Therefore, the displayed rental fee (software lending fee + software usage fee = rental fee) is inserted into the cash insertion slot 70. Next, the software usage fee (collected by the software production company) is collected from the rental fee by the charging means (used as charging information). The discrimination information and the billing information are combined into one piece of billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means.
Next, the billing discrimination information transmitting means sends the billing discrimination information to the software production company online (payment of software usage fee), rental history, member information,
The software rental fee is sent online to the host server of the rental company.

Further, the software rental apparatus equipped with the identification number erasing means of FIG. 26 is provided with the billing means, the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, the billing discrimination means, and the billing discrimination information transmitting means, but it is also possible not to provide them. Is.

Further, the software rental apparatus having the identification number erasing means shown in FIG. 26 may include a billing discrimination information separating means, a billing discrimination information integrating means, and a billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means. In that case, for example, the billing information is 200 (200
In yen), the discrimination information is instep A, which is A, the billing information is in 300 (300 yen), the discrimination information is instep A, the billing information is instep 300, and the billing information is 200 (in 200 yen). There are four types of accounting discrimination information Exhibit Otsu 200, which is Exhibit B, and accounting discrimination information Exhibit Otsu 300, which is 300 (300 yen) for accounting information and Exhibit Exhibit A.
Assuming that there is a second party 300), the billing information discrimination information sorting means sorts the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information. Therefore, instep 200 and instep 30 which have instep information as instep 30
It is classified into Otsu 200 and Otsu 300 having 0 and Otsu in the discrimination information. Next, the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information integrating means. Obey,
A 200 and A 300 whose discrimination information is A is A 500 (A 200 + A 300 = A 500), and B 200 and B 300 whose identification information is B 500 (B 200 + B 30)
0 = Otsu 500). Next, the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information contained in the billing discrimination information, and the billing discrimination information is sent to the software production company.
Is paid to the software production company. Therefore, in the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means, the billing discrimination information unifying means makes the billing discrimination information into A 500, and the discrimination information contained in B 500, and B from the software production company. After discriminating the second party, the software production company A sends the billing determination information A 500 (payment of 500 yen).
Then, the billing determination information Otsu 50 is sent to the software production company Otsu.
Send 0 (pay 500 yen). If the rental software has an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" is provided with an identification number erasing unit. It may be deleted by the software rental device.

A software rental device equipped with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers will be described with reference to FIG. 27, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The rental member card of the person who rents the software is the member card insertion slot 7
Put in 1. A membership number for identifying a member is stored in the membership card. From the membership number stored in the membership card, the rental history and membership information (name, address, age, gender, etc.) of the membership card owner (software borrower) stored in the membership information storage device is read. And is displayed on the display 69. Next, the software to be borrowed is inserted into the software insertion port 68. The number of identification numbers stored in the software is changed by the identification number storage number changing means, and the discrimination information for discriminating the software production company stored in the software is read by the discrimination information reading means. Next, the rental fee (software lending fee + software usage fee = rental fee), which is the total of the software lending fee (rental agent's share) and software usage fee (software production company's share, memory quantity change fee), is displayed on the display. Therefore, the displayed rental fee (software rental fee + software usage fee = rental fee) is inserted into the cash insertion slot 70. Next, the software usage fee (collected by the software production company) is collected from the rental fee by the charging means (used as charging information). The discrimination information and the billing information are combined into one piece of billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means. Next, the billing discrimination information transmitting means sends the billing discrimination information to a software production company online (payment of software usage fee), rental history,
Membership information and software rental fee are sent online to the host server of the rental company.

Further, the software rental apparatus equipped with the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers shown in FIG. 27 is provided with the charging means, the discrimination information reading means, the charging means, the billing discrimination means, and the billing discrimination information transmitting means, but not provided. Is also possible.

Further, the software rental apparatus equipped with the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers in FIG. 27 may include a billing discrimination information sorting means, a billing discrimination information integrating means, and a billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means. In that case, for example, the charge information is 200 as the charge determination information created by the charge determination means.
(200 yen) the discrimination information is Party A. Billing discrimination information Party 20
0, the billing information is 300 (300 yen), and the discrimination information is A. The billing discrimination information A 300 and the billing information are 200 (20).
The billing discrimination information Otsu 200 which is Otsu)
Assuming that there are four types of billing information (300 yen) and discrimination information is B, the billing information B 300 (A200, A300, B200, B300) is the same in the billing information classification means. The billing discrimination information having the discrimination information is sorted. Therefore, the instep 200 which has instep information in the instep
And Exhibit A 300 and Exhibit O 200 and Ex 300 having identification information of Exhibit O. Next, the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information integrating means. Therefore, the class A 200 and the class 300 whose distinguishing information is the class A is the class A 500 (the class 200 + the class 300 = the class A 500), and the class 200 the class A is the class B 200 and the class B 500 (the class 20).
0 + Otsu 300 = Otsu 500). Next, the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information contained in the billing discrimination information, and the billing discrimination information is sent to the software production company, and the identification number change fee (software usage fee) is charged to the software production company. Be paid to. Therefore, in the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means, the billing discrimination information unifying means forms one billing discrimination information.
0, which is the discrimination information included in 0, and the second party, which is the software production company, are discriminated from the second party, and the billing determination information first party 500 is sent to the software production company first party (pay 500 yen). Then, the billing determination information Otsu 500 is sent to the software production company Otsu (500 yen is paid), and if there is an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number in the software to be rented, "Identification" It is also possible to increase the "number storage section" by using a software rental device equipped with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers to make a plurality of "identification number storage sections" so that a plurality of identification numbers can be stored.
A plurality of identification numbers may be stored in one “identification number storage unit”.

A used software selling apparatus having an identification number erasing means will be described with reference to FIG. 28, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The software (used software) to be purchased is inserted into the software insertion port 68.
The identification number erasing means erases the identification number stored in the software, and the discrimination information reading means reads out the discrimination information for discriminating the software production company stored in the software. Next, the used software fee (software sales fee + software usage fee = used software fee), which is the sum of the software sales fee (for the used software company) and the software usage fee (for the software production company, identification number deletion fee), is displayed. Since it is displayed in 69, the displayed used software fee (software sales fee + software usage fee = used software fee) is inserted into the cash insertion slot 70. Next, from the used software fee to the software usage fee (for the software production company) by means of billing
Is collected (as billing information). The discrimination information and the billing information are combined into one piece of billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means. Next, the billing discrimination information transmitting means sends the billing discrimination information to the software production company online (software usage fee is paid), and the software sales fee (used software wholesaler's share) is used online etc. Sent to the vendor's host server (payment of software sales fee).

Further, the used software selling apparatus having the identification number erasing means of FIG. 28 is provided with the billing means, the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, the billing discrimination means, and the billing discrimination information transmitting means, but may not be provided. It is possible.

Further, the used software selling device having the identification number erasing means of FIG. 28 may include a billing discrimination information separating means, a billing discrimination information integrating means, and a billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means. In that case, for example, the billing information is 200 (200
In yen), the discrimination information is instep A, which is A, the billing information is in 300 (300 yen), the discrimination information is instep A, the billing information is instep 300, and the billing information is 200 (in 200 yen). There are four types of accounting discrimination information Exhibit Otsu 200, which is Exhibit B, and accounting discrimination information Exhibit Otsu 300, which is 300 (300 yen) for accounting information and Exhibit Exhibit A.
Assuming that there is a second party 300), the billing information discrimination information sorting means sorts the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information. Therefore, instep 200 and instep 30 which have instep information as instep 30
It is classified into Otsu 200 and Otsu 300 having 0 and Otsu in the discrimination information. Next, the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information integrating means. Obey,
A 200 and A 300 whose discrimination information is A is A 500 (A 200 + A 300 = A 500), and B 200 and B 300 whose identification information is B 500 (B 200 + B 30)
0 = Otsu 500). Next, the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information contained in the billing discrimination information, and the billing discrimination information is sent to the software production company.
Is paid to the software production company. Therefore, in the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means, the billing discrimination information unifying means makes the billing discrimination information into A 500, and the discrimination information contained in B 500, and B from the software production company. After discriminating the second party, the software production company A sends the billing determination information A 500 (payment of 500 yen).
Then, the billing determination information Otsu 50 is sent to the software production company Otsu.
Send 0 (pay 500 yen). Further, if the software for second-hand sale has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" is provided with an identification number erasing means. It may be erased with a used software selling device.

A used software selling device equipped with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers will be described with reference to FIG. 29, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The software (used software) to be purchased is inserted into the software insertion port 68. The identification number storage number changing means changes the number of identification numbers that the software can store, and the discrimination information reading means reads the discrimination information for discriminating the software production company stored in the software. Next, software sales fees (for used software companies)
The used software fee (software sales fee + software usage fee = used software fee), which is the sum of the software usage fee and the software usage fee (taken by the software production company, storage quantity change fee), is displayed on the display 69. (Software sales fee + software usage fee = used software fee) is inserted into the cash insertion slot 70.
Next, the fee for using the software (a portion of the software production company) is collected from the used software fee by the billing means (as billing information). The discrimination information and the billing information are combined into one piece of billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination means. Next, the billing discrimination information transmitting means sends the billing discrimination information to the software production company online (software usage fee is paid), and the software sales fee (used software wholesaler's share) is used online etc. Sent to the vendor's host server (payment of software sales fee).

Further, the used software vending apparatus having the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers in FIG. 29 is provided with the charging means, the discrimination information reading means, the billing means, the billing discrimination means, and the billing discrimination information transmitting means, but not. It is also possible.

Further, the used software selling apparatus having the storage unit for changing the number of stored identification numbers shown in FIG. 29 may include a billing discrimination information separating unit, a billing discrimination information integrating unit, and a billing discrimination information discriminating transmission unit. In that case, for example, the charge information is 200 as the charge determination information created by the charge determination means.
(200 yen) the discrimination information is Party A. Billing discrimination information Party 20
0, the billing information is 300 (300 yen), and the discrimination information is A. The billing discrimination information A 300 and the billing information are 200 (20).
The billing discrimination information Otsu 200 which is Otsu)
Assuming that there are four types of billing information (300 yen) and discrimination information is B, the billing information B 300 (A200, A300, B200, B300) is the same in the billing information classification means. The billing discrimination information having the discrimination information is sorted. Therefore, the instep 200 which has instep information in the instep
And Exhibit A 300 and Exhibit O 200 and Ex 300 having identification information of Exhibit O. Next, the billing discrimination information having the same discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information integrating means. Therefore, the class A 200 and the class 300 whose distinguishing information is the class A is the class A 500 (the class 200 + the class 300 = the class A 500), and the class 200 the class A is the class B 200 and the class B 500 (the class 20).
0 + Otsu 300 = Otsu 500). Next, the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information contained in the billing discrimination information, and the billing discrimination information is sent to the software production company, and the identification number change fee (software usage fee) is charged to the software production company. Be paid to. Therefore, in the billing discrimination information discriminating / transmitting means, the billing discrimination information unifying means forms one billing discrimination information.
0, which is the discrimination information included in 0, and the second party, which is the software production company, are discriminated from the second party, and the billing determination information first party 500 is sent to the software production company first party (pay 500 yen). Then, the billing determination information Otsu 500 is sent to the software production company Otsu (pay 500 yen). If the software to be used for sale has an “identification number storage section” that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the “identification number storage section” is a used software sales device equipped with means for changing the number of stored identification numbers. It is possible to increase the number of “identification number storage units” to store a plurality of identification numbers, or to store a plurality of identification numbers in one “identification number storage unit”.

A software rental system having an identification number erasing means will be described with reference to FIG. 19, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The human being 24 returns the software Z32 to the rental shop α40. The software Z3
2 is the identification number A of the DVD player 67 owned by the human 24.
A discrimination information for discriminating between A and the software production company is stored. When the human 28 rents the software Z32 returned by the human 24 to the rental shop α40 from the rental shop α40, the human 28 pays the software lending fee (rental fee information) to the rental shop α40, and the member card owned by the human 28 is rented to the rental shop. Pass to α40. At that time, the identification number AA stored in the software Z32 is erased by the identification number erasing means, and the charging means collects the software usage fee of 400 yen from the software lending fee (rental fee information) and collects the information. Store as billing information. Then, the discrimination information reading means of the software Z32 is read by the discrimination information reading means. Next, the billing determination information A 400 (400 yen) is created from the billing information stored in the billing means by the billing discrimination means and the discrimination information read by the discrimination information reading means. And
The rental history information of the human 28 is read from the member card of the human 28. Then, the rental fee information, the rental history information, and the charge discrimination information A 400 (400 yen) are collected online or the like in the α-series rental agency α host server 44. Human 25 software Y33 rental shop α4
When the person 29 rents the software Y after returning it to 1, the charge discrimination information is created as in the rental shop α40, but the software usage fee is 300 yen (billing information 300) and the discrimination information is B. The discrimination information is Otsu 300 (30
0 yen), rental fee information, rental history information,
The billing determination information B 300 is collected online in the α-series rental company α host server 44. After human 26 returns software X34 to rental store β42, software X3
Even when the person 30 rents 4, the billing determination information is created as in the case of the rental store α1, but the software usage fee is 20.
Since it is 0 yen (billing information 200) and the discrimination information is A, the billing discrimination information is A 200 (200 yen). Rental fee information, rental history information, billing discrimination information A 200 is a β-type rental agency β Host server 4
Collected in 5. After the human 27 returns the software W35 to the rental store β43, when the human W31 rents the software W35, the billing determination information is created as in the rental store α40, but the software usage fee is 100 yen (billing information 10
0) and the discrimination information is B, so the billing discrimination information is B 1
It becomes 00 (100 yen), and rental fee information, rental history information, and billing determination information Exhibit 100 are collected online in the β affiliate rental company β host server 45. The billing determination information of the rental shops α40 and α41 is collected in the α-series rental company α host server 44. The billing discrimination information of the rental stores β 42 and β 43 is collected in the β affiliated rental company β host server 45. Among the various information (rental fee information, rental history information, billing discrimination information) collected in the host server, the billing discrimination information is various information gathered in the host server by the billing discrimination information extracting means (rental fee information, rental history information). , Billing discrimination information) and is sent online to the software management center 46 by the billing discrimination information transmitting means. In FIG. 19, the billing determination information A 400 and Exhibit 300 collected in the α-series rental agency α host server 44
Is sent to the software management center 46, and the billing determination information A 200 and B 100 collected in the β affiliated rental company β host server 45 are sent to the software management center 46. The billing determination information collected in the software management center 46 is divided by the billing determination information separating means for each billing determination information including the same determination information included in the billing determination information. The divided billing discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information unifying means.
In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the accounting determination information collected by the software management center 46 is Exhibit A 400, Exhibit 300, Exhibit A 2.
00 and Exhibit 100 are divided into Exhibit Exhibit 400 and Exhibit 200 which use Exhibit A as discriminating information and Exhibit Exhibit 300 and Exhibit 100 which uses Exhibit O as discriminating information. Are integrated into A 600 (600
Yen) (Instep 400 + Instep 200 = Instep 600), Otsu 30
0 and Otsu 100 are integrated (Otsu 300 + Otsu 100 = Otsu 4)
00) Otsu 400 (400 yen). The billing discrimination information integrated by the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information included in the billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information discriminating and transmitting means, and charges the software production company online or the like. Discrimination information is sent, and the software usage fee is paid to the software production company online. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 forms a single billing discrimination information. 47 is determined,
The charge determination information A 600 is sent online to the software production company A 47, and the software usage fee 60
0 yen is paid to software production company Ko 47 online. In addition, the Otsu 400, which has become one piece of billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46, includes the discrimination information B contained in the billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information discriminating and transmitting means from the software production company Otsu 4
8 is discriminated and Otsu 400, which is the billing discrimination information, is sent online to the software production company Otsu 48, and the software usage fee of 400 yen is paid online to the software production company Otsu 48. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the software usage fee (for the software production company) and the billing determination information are the host server of the rental company,
Although it was paid or sent to the software production company via the software management center, the billing discrimination information extracting means, the billing discrimination information transmitting means, the billing discrimination information separating means, the billing discrimination information integrating means, or Using the billing discrimination information discrimination transmission means,
The software usage fee may be paid or the billing determination information may be sent to the software production company directly from the host server of the rental shop or the rental company.
If the rental software has an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number,
The identification number stored in the "identification number storage unit" may be erased by a software rental system equipped with an identification number erasing unit.

A software rental system equipped with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers will be described with reference to FIG. 20, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Human 24
Returns the software Z32 to the rental store α49. The software Z32 stores the identification number AA of the DVD player 67 owned by the human 24 and the identification information for identifying the software production company. When the human 28 rents the software Z32 returned by the human 24 to the rental store α49, the human 28 pays the software lending fee (rental fee information) to the rental store α49, and the member card owned by the human 28 is rented by the human 28. Pass to α49. At that time, the number of identification numbers that the software Z32 can store is increased by the identification number storage number changing means. Next, 400 yen, which is a software usage fee (a storage quantity change fee, a share of the software production company), is collected from the software lending fee (rental fee information) by the billing means and the information is stored as billing information. Next, the identification information reading means reads the instep A, which is the identification information of the software Z32. Next, the charge discrimination information is stored in the billing means and the discrimination information read out by the discrimination information reading means is used to create the charge identification information A 400. Then, the rental history information of the person 28 is read from the member card of the person 28. In addition, rental fee information, rental history information, and billing determination information A 400
Are collected online at an α-series rental company α host server 44. After the human 25 returns the software Y33 to the rental store α50, when the human 29 borrows the software Y33, the billing determination information is created as in the case of the rental store α49, but the software usage fee is 300 yen (billing information 3
00) and the discrimination information is B, the billing discrimination information is B 300, and rental fee information, rental history information,
Otsu 300, which is the billing determination information, is collected online in the α-series rental agency α host server 44. Human 2
6 returns the software X34 to the rental store β51, and then when the person 30 borrows the software X34, the rental store α49
The billing discrimination information is created in the same manner as the above, but since the software usage fee is 200 yen (billing information 200) and the discrimination information is Party A, the billing discrimination information is Party A 200, and rental fee information, rental history information, and billing discrimination Information 20
0 is collected online in the β series rental company β host server 45. After the human 27 returns the software W35 to the rental store β52, when the human 31 rents the software W35, the billing determination information is created as in the rental store α49, but the software usage fee is 100 yen (billing information 100). Since the presence determination information is B, the billing determination information is B 100, and the rental fee information, the rental history information, and the billing determination information B 100 are collected in the β affiliate rental company β host server 45 online or the like.
The charge determination information of the rental stores α49 and α50 is collected in the α-series rental company α host server 44. The billing determination information of the rental shops β51 and β52 is collected in the β affiliated rental company β host server 45. Among the various information (rental fee information, rental history information, billing discrimination information) collected in the host server, the billing discrimination information is various information gathered in the host server by the billing discrimination information extracting means (rental fee information, rental history information). , Billing discrimination information), and is sent online to the software management center 46 by the billing discrimination information transmitting means. In FIG. 20, the billing determination information A 400 and B 3 collected in the α-series rental company α host server 44
00 is sent to the software management center 46, and the billing determination information A 200 and B 100 collected in the β affiliate rental company β host server 45 are sent to the software management center 46. The billing determination information collected in the software management center 46 is divided by the billing determination information separating means for each billing determination information including the same determination information included in the billing determination information. The divided billing discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information unifying means. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the software management center 46
The billing discrimination information collected on
Party A 200 and Party B 100 are divided into Party A 400 and Party A 200, which use Party A as the discriminating information, and Party 300 and Party 100, which utilize Party B as the discriminating information, by means of the billing discrimination information separating unit. 200 are integrated into A 600 (6
00 yen) (O 400 + Ko 200 = Ko 600), and Otsu 300 and Otsu 100 are integrated into Otsu 400 (400 yen) (Otsu 300 + Otsu 100 = Otsu 400). The billing discrimination information integrated by the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information included in the billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information discriminating and transmitting means, and charges the software production company online or the like. Discrimination information is sent, and the software usage fee is paid to the software production company online. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 forms one billing discrimination information. 47 is discriminated, and the accounting discrimination information Ko A 600 is sent to the software production company Ko 47 online or the like, and the software usage fee of 600 yen is paid online to the software production company Ko 47. Further, Exhibit Otsu 400, which has become one piece of accounting discrimination information by the accounting discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46, is the discrimination information of the software production company Exhibit 48 included in the accounting discrimination information. Is sent online to the software production company Otsu 48 by means of the billing determination information transmission means, and the software usage fee of 400 yen is paid online to the software production company Otsu 48. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the software usage fee (for the software production company) and the charge determination information are the host server of the rental company,
Although it was paid or sent to the software production company via the software management center, the billing discrimination information extracting means, the billing discrimination information transmitting means, the billing discrimination information separating means, the billing discrimination information integrating means, or Using the billing discrimination information discrimination transmission means,
The rental server or the host server of the rental company may directly pay the software usage fee or send the billing determination information to the software production company. If the rental software has an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number,
The number of "identification number storage units" may be increased by a software rental system equipped with means for changing the number of stored identification numbers so that a plurality of "identification number storage units" can be stored to store a plurality of identification numbers. A plurality of identification numbers may be stored in the “storage unit”.

A used software selling system having an identification number erasing means will be described with reference to FIG. 21, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Human 24 sells software Z32 to a used software store α40. The software Z32 stores the identification number AA of the DVD player 67 owned by the human 24 and the identification information A for identifying the software production company. When the human 28 purchases the software Z32 sold by the human 24 to the used software store α40, the human 28 pays the used software fee (used software fee information) to the used software store α40. At that time
The identification number AA stored in the software Z32 is erased by the identification number erasing means. Next, 400 yen, which is the software usage fee, is collected from the used software charge (used software charge information) by the charging means and the information is stored as charging information. Next, the identification information reading means reads the instep A, which is the identification information of the software Z32. Next, the billing discrimination information A 400 is created by the billing discrimination means from the billing information stored in the billing means and the discrimination information read by the discrimination information reading means.
Then, used software fee information and billing determination information A4
00 is collected online in the α series used software vendor α host server 61. After the human 25 sells the software Y33 to the used software store α41, the human Y29 receives the software Y33.
When purchasing, the billing discrimination information is created in the same way as at the used software store α40, but since the software usage fee is 300 yen (billing information 300) and the discrimination information is B, the billing determination information is B 300 and the used software The fee information and the billing determination information B 300 are collected in the α host used software vendor α host server 61 online or the like. Human 26 sells software X34 to a used software store β42, and then software X34
When a person 30 buys the same, the charge discrimination information is created as in the case of the used software store α40, but the software usage fee is 20.
Since it is 0 yen (billing information 200) and the discrimination information is A, the billing discrimination information is A 200, used software fee information,
The charge determination information A 200 is collected online, for example, in the β series used software vendor β host server 62. Human 2
7 also sells software W35 to used software store β43, and when human 31 buys software W35, used software store α40
The billing discrimination information is created in the same manner as the above, but since the software usage fee is 100 yen (billing information 100) and the discrimination information is B, the billing discrimination information is B100 and the used software fee information and billing discrimination information B 100 is online, etc. β
62 are collected by the affiliated used software company β host server. The billing discrimination information of the used software stores α40 and α41 is collected in the α series used software dealer α host server 61. The billing discrimination information of the used software stores β 42 and β 43 is collected in the β host used software dealer β host server 62. Among the various information (used software charge information, charge determination information) collected in the host server, the charge determination information is the various information (used software charge information, charge determination information) collected in the host server by the charge determination information extracting means. It is taken out from the inside and sent to the software management center 46 online or the like by the billing discrimination information transmitting means. Figure 21
Then, the billing discrimination information A 400 and B 300 collected in the α-series used software vendor α host server 61 are sent to the software management center 46 and collected in the β-series used software vendor β host server 62. Two
00 and Otsu 100 are sent to the software management center 46. The billing determination information collected in the software management center 46 is divided by the billing determination information separating means for each billing determination information including the same determination information included in the billing determination information. The divided billing discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information unifying means. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the accounting discrimination information collected by the software management center 46 is Exhibit 400, Exhibit 300, Exhibit 200, Exhibit 100, and Exhibit Exhibit 400, Exhibit 200, Exhibit O, which is the identification information by the accounting discrimination information separating means. Is the identification information for Otsu 300
It is divided into B 100
00 and Ko 200 are integrated into Ko 600 (600 Yen) (Ko 400 + Ko 200 = Ko 600), Otsu 300 and Otsu 1
00 is integrated into Otsu 400 (400 yen) (Otsu 30
0 + Otsu 100 = Otsu 400). The billing discrimination information integrated by the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information included in the billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information discriminating and transmitting means, and charges the software production company online or the like. Discrimination information is sent, and the software usage fee is paid to the software production company online. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the accounting discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 forms one accounting discrimination information. 47 is discriminated, and the accounting discrimination information Ko A 600 is sent to the software production company Ko 47 online or the like, and the software usage fee of 600 yen is paid online to the software production company Ko 47. In addition, the bill management information integrated means of the software management center 46 has turned into one billing judgment information.
Is the billing determination information, and the software manufacturing company Otsu 48 is discriminated from the discrimination information B included in the billing determination information.
Is sent to the software production company Otsu 48 online by means of the billing determination information transmission means, and the software usage fee 4
00 yen is paid to the software production company Otsu 48 online. Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 21, the software usage fee (share of the software production company) and the billing determination information are paid or sent to the software production company via the host server of the used software company and the software management center. However, a used software store or a used software is used by using the billing discrimination information extracting means, the billing discrimination information transmitting means, the billing discrimination information separating means, the billing discrimination information integrating means, or the billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means. Directly from the vendor's host server,
The software usage fee may be paid or the billing determination information may be sent to the software production company. Further, if the software for second-hand sale has an "identification number storage section" which is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the identification number stored in the "identification number storage section" is provided with an identification number erasing means. You may delete it with the used software sales system.

A used software sales system provided with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers will be described with reference to FIG. 22, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Human 24 sells software Z32 to a used software store α63. The software Z3
2 is the identification number A of the DVD player 67 owned by the human 24.
A, which is discrimination information for discriminating between A and the software production company, is stored. When the human 28 purchases the software Z32 sold to the used software store α63 by the human 24 from the used software store α63, the human 28 pays the used software charge (used software charge information) to the used software store α63. At that time, the number of identification numbers that the software Z32 can store is increased by the identification number storage number changing means. Next, 400 yen, which is the software usage fee, is collected from the used software charge (used software charge information) by the charging means and the information is stored as charging information. Then, the discrimination information reading means of the software Z32 is read by the discrimination information reading means. From the billing information stored in the billing means by the billing discrimination means and the discrimination information read by the discrimination information reading means, the billing discrimination information A 400 (40)
Make 0 yen). Then, used software fee information and charge determination information A 400 are collected in the α-series used software vendor α host server 61 online or the like. After the human 25 sells the software Y33 to the used software store β64, when the human 29 buys the software Y33, the billing determination information is created as in the used software store α63, but the software usage fee is 300 yen (billing information 300 Since the discrimination information is B, the billing discrimination information is B 300, and the used software fee information and billing discrimination information B 300 are collected in the β series used software vendor α host server 61 online or the like. After the human 26 sells the software X34 to the used software store β65, when the human 30 buys the software X34, the charge determination information is created as in the case of the used software store α63, but the software usage fee is 200 yen (charge information 200 ) And the discrimination information is A, the billing discrimination information is A 200, and the used software fee information and the billing discrimination information A 200 are collected online or in the β series used software vendor β host server 62. Human 27 uses software W35 at a used software store β66
After selling the software W35, when the person 31 buys the software W35, the billing determination information is created as in the case of the used software store α63, but the software usage fee is 100 yen (billing information 100) and the determination information is B. The billing determination information is Otsu 100, and the used software fee information and the billing determination information Otsu 100 are used online such as β series used software companies β host server 6
Collected in 2. The charge discrimination information of the used software stores α63 and α64 is the α series used software supplier α host server 61.
Collected in. The billing discrimination information of the used software stores β65 and β66 is collected in the β host used software dealer β host server 62. Among various information (used software charge information, charge determination information) collected in the host server, the charge determination information is various information (used software charge information, charge determination information) collected in the host server by the charge determination information extracting means.
And is sent online to the software management center 46 by the billing determination information sending means. In FIG. 22, the charge discrimination information A 400 and Otsu 30 collected in the α-series used software vendor α host server 61
0 is sent to the software management center 46, and the accounting determination information A 200 and B 100 collected in the β series used software company β host server 62 are sent to the software management center 46. Software Management Center 46
The billing discrimination information collected in (1) is divided by the billing discrimination information classification means for each billing discrimination information including the same discrimination information included in the billing discrimination information. The divided billing discrimination information is made into one billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information unifying means. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the software management center 4
The billing discrimination information collected in 6 is Exhibit A 400, Exhibit 30
0, Exhibit A 200, Exhibit O 100 are divided into Exhibit A 400 and Exhibit 200 which make the Exhibit information discriminating information by Exhibit Exhibit A 300, and Exhibit O 300 and Exhibit 100 which make Exhibit Party O the discriminating information. And instep 200 are integrated into instep 600
(600 Yen) (A 400 + A 200 = A 60)
0), Otsu 300 and Otsu 100 are integrated and Otsu 400 (40
It will be 0 yen) (Otsu 300 + Otsu 100 = Otsu 400). The billing discrimination information integrated by the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 discriminates the software production company from the discrimination information included in the billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information discriminating and transmitting means, and charges the software production company online or the like. Discrimination information is sent, and the software usage fee is paid to the software production company online. Figure 2
In the second embodiment, the billing discrimination information unifying means of the software management center 46 forms one billing discrimination information.
00 is the discrimination information included in the billing discrimination information by the billing discrimination information discrimination transmission means
Is sent to the software production company Ko 47 online, etc., and the software usage fee of 600 yen is paid online to the software production company Ko 47. In addition, when the accounting management information 46 of the software management center 46 becomes one accounting discrimination information, Exhibit Otsu 400 is the accounting discrimination information in which the software manufacturing company Exhibit 48 is discriminated from the discrimination information Exhibit O included in the accounting discrimination information. Is sent to the software production company Otsu 48 online by means of the billing determination information transmission means, and the software usage fee of 400 yen is paid to the software production company Otsu 4
8 will be paid online etc. In the example of FIG. 22,
Software usage fee (for software production company)
Also, the billing discrimination information is paid or sent to the software production company via the host server of the used software company and the software management center. However, the billing discrimination information extracting means, the billing discrimination information transmitting means, or the billing By using the discrimination information sorting means, the billing discrimination information integrating means, or the billing discrimination information discrimination transmitting means, the used software store or the host server of the used software dealer directly pays the software usage fee or bills to the software production company. Discrimination information may be sent. In addition, if the software for second-hand sale has an "identification number storage section" that is a dedicated area for storing the identification number, the "identification number storage section" is a used software sales system equipped with means for changing the number of stored identification numbers. It is possible to increase the number of “identification number storage units” to store a plurality of identification numbers, or to store a plurality of identification numbers in one “identification number storage unit”.

[0119]

In the system for fixing terminals using software according to the present invention, the identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, the reading means for reading out the software, and the software for the first time is read out by the reading means. An identification number assigning means for assigning the identification number registered in the identification number registering means to the software, and an identification number stored in the software and the identification number registration when the software is read again by the reading means. When the software stored in the software is read for the first time, the identification number registered in the means is compared with the identification number registered in the means. The identification number registered in the number registration means is given, In which reading is inhibited when they do not match by matching the identification number registered in the identification number registration device and stored identification number to the software from when reading the time. Further, it is also a feature that the software to which the identification number is not provided has either one or both of restricting copying and prohibiting copying.

Further, in the software use terminal fixing system according to the present invention, the identification number registration means in which the unique identification number is registered, the reading means for reading the software, and the software is read for the first time by the reading means. At this time, by the identification number giving means for giving the identification number registered in the identification number registration means to the software, the auxiliary external storage means in which the identification number registered in the identification number registration means is stored, and the reading means. When the software is read again, the identification number stored in the software is compared with the identification number registered in the identification number registration means, and when the two do not match, the identification number stored in the software and the auxiliary external The identification number stored in the storage means is checked and the two do not match. When the software stored in the software is read for the first time, the identification number registered in the identification number registration means is given to the software and the second reading is performed. From the above, the identification number stored in the software and the identification number registered in the identification number registration means are collated, and when the two do not match, the identification number stored in the software and the identification stored in the auxiliary external storage means. When the numbers are collated and the two do not match, the reading is suppressed. Further, it is also a feature that the software to which the identification number is not provided has either one or both of restricting copying and prohibiting copying. An example of a method of storing the identification number registered in the identification number registration means in the auxiliary external storage means is copying the identification number registered in the identification number registration means to the auxiliary external storage medium.

That is, when the software is installed in the computer or the software on the network is downloaded, the identification number is stored in the computer as a part of the software. Therefore, the software stored in the computer is copied to the external storage medium. However, since the identification number is copied as a part of the software, the software copied to the external storage medium cannot be read by other computers. Even if the software stored in the computer is transferred to another computer through the network, the identification number is transferred as a part of the software, so the transferred software cannot be read by the other computer, but the identification number is still assigned. If you make it possible to copy the software that has not yet been identified, there is a risk that an unauthorized copy of the software that does not yet have the identification number will be proliferated. You must not allow copying.

Therefore, if the system for fixing terminals using this software is used, the software downloaded from the external storage medium stored in the software or the network storing the software is other than the reading means initially read. Since it cannot be read out, it is possible to prevent illegal use and illegal copy of a person who does not pay a reasonable price, reuse of used software, etc., and eventually contribute to protection of copyright.

Further, by using this software use terminal fixing system, the external storage medium in which the software is stored can be read out by means other than the reading-out means which was read first, as long as the auxiliary external storage means is provided. Therefore, its range of use is expanded.

Further, if the identification number stored in the software is erased by the identification number erasing means, another identification number can be newly stored in the software. It can be read by the reading means. If this identification number erasing means is incorporated into the rental system used by the rental company, the identification number stored in the software is erased each time the software is rented, and at that time, the software usage fee (copyright fee, copyright usage fee, etc.) The software producer can collect the fee, the distribution right fee, and the consideration. Also, when selling second-hand software, when deleting the identification number stored in the second-hand software, the software fee (copyright fee, copyright fee,
Distribution rights, consideration) can be collected by the software producer.

If the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is made plural by the identification number storage section number changing means,
The software can be read by a plurality of reading means. If this means for changing the number of stored identification numbers is incorporated into a rental system used by a rental company, the number of identification numbers that the software can store can be changed (increased) each time the software is lent.
At that time, the software producer can collect the software usage fee (copyright fee, copyright usage fee, distribution right fee).
In addition, even when selling used software, the software producer pays the software usage fee (copyright fee, copyright usage fee, distribution right fee) when changing (increasing) the number of identification numbers that the used software can store. Can be collected.

In principle, the number of identification numbers that can be stored by software (stored in an external storage medium, a hard disk, etc.) and the number of identification numbers that can be stored by software downloaded from the network are one. At some time, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software can be appropriately adjusted by the "identification number storage number changing means", and if the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software is set to be plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. Even after the software is manufactured, the number of identification numbers that can be stored in the software can be adjusted appropriately by using the “identification number storage number changing means”, and if the number is plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means. In some cases, even after the software stored in the external storage medium is manufactured, the purchaser side can appropriately adjust the number of identification numbers that the software can store when purchasing the software stored in the external storage medium. It can be read by the reading means. Even after the software is created on the network, the number of identification numbers that can be stored by the software downloaded from the network can be adjusted at the time of downloading (at the time of purchase) on the downloader side (purchaser side) as appropriate. If it is plural, it can be read by a plurality of reading means.

Furthermore, the software use terminal fixing system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is duplicated in another device. When the software having the unique identification number registered in 1 is used by a device other than the one to which the identification number is assigned, the identification number is copied to the device to be used. Then, the identification number given to the software and the identification number duplicated in the device using the software match, so that the software can be used. However, if the duplication of the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is not restricted, there is a possibility that the software is illegally used by illegally duplicating the identification number. Therefore, the third aspect is characterized in that copying of the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is restricted. Examples of the limiting method include limiting the number of times of copying or limiting the devices to be copied.

Further, the software use terminal fixing system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is duplicated in another device. When renting out software, you can use the identification number stored in the rented software because the person who borrows the software can use the software by copying the identification number to the device that uses the software. There is no need to delete or change (increase) the number of identification numbers that the software can store.

Further, the software use terminal fixing system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is duplicated in another device. When selling used software, the software can be used if the person who purchases the software uses the identification number stored in the software to be sold by copying the identification number to the device that uses the software. There is no need to delete the identification numbers or change (increase) the number of identification numbers that the software can store.

Further, in the software rental system provided with the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the software production company can surely collect the software usage fee (proportion of the rental agent). Further, the rental company can efficiently collect the software usage fee from the person who borrows the software and pay the software production company, and can reduce the communication cost and the operation cost. Further, by using a software rental system provided with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, software lending or returning can be automated (unmanned).

Further, in the software rental system provided with the identification number erasing means, the software production company can surely collect the software usage fee (collection by the rental agency). In addition, rental companies can efficiently collect software usage fees from software borrowers and pay them to software production companies,
In addition, communication costs and work costs can be reduced. Further, by using a software rental system provided with an identification number erasing means, software lending or returning can be automated (unmanned).

Further, in the used software sales system provided with the means for changing the number of stored identification numbers, the software production company can certainly collect the software usage fee (used software usage fee, share of used software vendor). Further, the used software company can efficiently collect the software usage fee from the software purchaser and pay the software manufacturing company, and can reduce the communication cost and the operation cost. Further, if a used software selling system provided with a means for changing the number of stored identification numbers is used, the selling of used software can be automated (unmanned).

Further, in the used software sales system provided with the identification number erasing means, the software production company can surely collect the software usage fee (used software usage fee, used software dealer's share). Further, the used software company can efficiently collect the software usage fee from the software purchaser and pay it to the software production company, and can reduce the communication cost and the operation cost. Further, if a used software selling system provided with an identification number erasing means is used, the selling of used software can be automated (unmanned, etc.).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for fixing terminals using software according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an identification number storage unit number changing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an identification number erasing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart when a memory card is used in the system for fixing a terminal using software according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an identification number storage unit number changing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an identification number erasing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of individual lending using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of personal lending using the identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of personal lending using the auxiliary external storage means according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of used software sales using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of used software sales using the identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of used software sales using the auxiliary external storage means according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of software rental using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of software rental using the identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of software rental using an auxiliary external storage means according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of personal renting of downloaded software using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of personal rental of download software using the identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of personal rental of downloaded software using an auxiliary external storage unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a software rental system using an identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a software rental system using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a used software selling system using the identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a used software sales system using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart in the case where a memory card is not used in the software use terminal fixing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for storing an identification number in the memory card according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for copying (copying) the software according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a software rental device using an identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a software rental device using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a used software selling device using the identification number deleting means according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a used software selling device using the identification number storage unit number changing means according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an example of copying an identification number.

FIG. 31 is an example of a method of duplicating an identification number and using software.

FIG. 32 is an example of a method of using downloaded software by duplicating an identification number.

FIG. 33 is an example of a software rental system using a method of copying an identification number.

FIG. 34 is an example of a used software selling system using a method of copying an identification number.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Computer game machine (“reading means for reading an external storage medium”, “identification information giving means”, “reading inhibiting means”, “identification number registration means”) 2 CD-ROM (“external storage medium storing software”) ) 3 monitor (television) 4 cable (connect monitor 3 and computer game console 1) 5 cable (network and computer game console 1)
6 CD-ROM insertion slot 7 Identification number memory number changing device 8 Identification number erasing device 9 Cable (network connection) 10 Game software production company 11 Human 12 Game console A (identification number AA) 13 Changing identification number memory number Means 14 Human 15 Game machine B (identification number BB) 16 Identification number erasing means 17 Used software vendor (used wholesaler) 18 DVD player A (identification number AA) 19 Rental agency 20 Software production company 21 Music distribution homepage 22 PC A (identification number AA) 23 Personal computer B (identification number BB) 24 Human A 25 Human B 26 Human C 27 Human D 28 Human E 29 Human F 30 Human G 31 Human H 32 Identification Number AA Assigned Software, Discrimination Information A 33 Identification number BB assigned software, discrimination information Otsu 34 Identification number CC assigned software, discrimination information Ko 35 Identification number DD assigned software, discrimination information Otsu 36 Identification number erased software, judgment Separate information Ko 37 Identification number erased software, discrimination information Otsu 38 Identification number erased software, discrimination information Ko 39 Identification number erased software, discrimination information Otsu 40 Rental store α1 (identification number elimination means) 41 Rental store α2 (identification number Erasing means) 42 Rental shop β1 (Identification number erasing means) 43 Rental shop β2 (Identification number erasing means) 44 Rental agent α host server 45 Rental agent β host server 46 Software management center 47 Software production company Ko 48 Software production company Otsu 49 Rental store α1 (identification number storage number change means) 50 Rental store α2 (identification number storage number change means) 51 Rental store β1 (identification number storage number change means) 52 Rental store β2 (identification number storage number change means) 53 Storage number Modified software, discrimination information Ko 54 Memory number changed software, discrimination information Otsu 55 Memory number changed software, discrimination information Ko 56 Stored number changed software, identification information Otsu 57 Used software store α1 (identification number erasing means) 58 Used software store α2 (identification number erasing means) 59 Used software store β1 (identification number erasing means) 60 Used software store β2 (identification) Number erasing means) 61 Used software vendor α host server 62 Used software vendor β host server 63 Used software store α1 (means for changing the number of stored identification numbers) 64 Used software store α2 (means for changing the number of stored identification numbers) 65 Used software store β1 ( 66 Used software store β2 (means for changing the number of stored identification numbers) 67 Auxiliary external storage means (memory card) 68 Software slot 69 Display 70 Cash slot 71 Member card slot

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, a reading means for reading software, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means when the software is first read by the reading means. Identification number giving means to be given to the software, auxiliary external storage means in which the identification number registered in the identification number registration means is stored or duplicated, and stored in the software when the software is read again by the reading means. When the identification numbers registered in the identification number registration means and the identification numbers registered in the identification number registration means do not match, the identification numbers stored in the software and the identification numbers stored or copied in the auxiliary external storage means are compared. Then, when the two do not match, a read suppression means for suppressing the read is provided. Example was software terminal immobilization system use of. 2. An identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, a reading means for reading software, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means when the software is first read by the reading means. An identification number assigning means to be given to the software, an identification number stored in the software when the software is read again by the reading means, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means are collated with each other. An identification number is not assigned in the software use terminal immobilization system including the read inhibition means for inhibiting the reading when they do not match, or the software use terminal immobilization system using the auxiliary external storage means according to claim 1. Software may have limited or no duplication Or one or manner,
System for fixing terminal using software characterized by having both 3. An identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, a reading means for reading software, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means when the software is first read by the reading means. An identification number assigning means to be given to the software, an identification number stored in the software when the software is read again by the reading means, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means are collated with each other. A software use terminal fixing system comprising a read suppressing means for suppressing reading when they do not match, or a software use terminal fixing system using the auxiliary external storage means of claim 1, or a use of the software of claim 2. In the terminal immobilization system, enter the identification number registration means. Have been or unique identification number is replicable, or software terminal immobilization system use, characterized in that it comprises or replication is restricted, or the either can not replicate. 4. An identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, a reading means for reading software, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means when the software is first read by the reading means. An identification number assigning means to be given to the software, an identification number stored in the software when the software is read again by the reading means, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means are collated with each other. A software use terminal fixing system comprising a read suppressing means for suppressing reading when they do not match, or a software use terminal fixing system using the auxiliary external storage means of claim 1, or a use of the software of claim 2. Terminal fixing system or software of claim 3 Software terminal immobilization system use, characterized in that the in the use terminal immobilization system, to enable the software in the device other than that assigned a unique identification number (identification number registration device) the software. 5. The identification number erasing means for erasing the identification number given to the software in the software to which the unique identification number registered in the identification number registration means is given by the identification number giving means. 6. An identification number storage number changing means for increasing the number of identification numbers that can be stored by software. 7. An identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, a reading means for reading software, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means when the software is first read by the reading means. An identification number assigning means to be given to the software, an identification number stored in the software when the software is read again by the reading means, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means are collated with each other. A unique identification number in the system for fixing a terminal using software or the system for fixing a terminal using software according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, which comprises a reading suppressing means for suppressing reading when they do not match. Software or unique identification Software rental system, characterized by lending the software issue has not been granted. 8. An identification number registration means in which a unique identification number is registered, a reading means for reading software, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means when the software is first read by the reading means. An identification number assigning means to be given to the software, an identification number stored in the software when the software is read again by the reading means, and an identification number registered in the identification number registration means are collated with each other. A unique identification number is provided in the system for immobilizing terminals using software provided with a reading inhibiting means for inhibiting reading when they do not match, or in the system for immobilizing terminals using software according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4. Attached software or unique identification number Used software sales system, characterized in that to sell software that has not been. 9. A software rental system comprising one or both of the identification number erasing means of claim 5 and the identification number storage number changing means of claim 6. 10. An identification number erasing means according to claim 5, or
Any one of the identification number storage number changing means of claim 6,
Or a used software sales system characterized by having both.