JP4307023B2 - Content data playback device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of reproducing content data such as music data, such as a digital memory player.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital memory player capable of storing music data in an external memory such as a card type IC memory is known as this type of content data reproducing apparatus.
In a digital memory player, by connecting an external device such as a personal computer, the music data of the desired music is downloaded from the external device, stored in the external memory, and then the music data is read from the external memory. , Can listen to music.
[0003]
Incidentally, some of the music data to be downloaded is given a time limit (playback time limit) that allows the user to play back, and such music data is downloaded to the digital memory player together with the playback time limit information. In reproducing the music data, it is determined whether or not the reproduction time limit has passed based on a clock built in the digital memory player. If the music data has not been reproduced, reproduction of the music data is permitted.
[0004]
In order to realize the above-described built-in clock, the digital memory player is equipped with a dedicated clock function IC (Real Time Clock IC) and a backup power source for supplying power to the clock function IC. Even when the main power supply is turned off, the actual time can be measured.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The clock function IC is also used to display the current time on the display, and the user can freely change the set time.
Therefore, in the conventional digital memory player, the user intentionally delays the set time, so that an illegal act of substantially extending the reproduction period of the music data is possible, and there is a problem that the copyright protection of the content is lacking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a content data reproducing apparatus that cannot extend the content data reproducible period even when the set time of an internal clock is changed.
[0006]
[Means for solving the problems]
The content data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is:
Built-in clock means that receives power from the backup power supply when the main power supply is off, and measures the date and time on the real time axis with reference to a predetermined initial date and time,
A time measuring means for receiving the power supply from the main power source and measuring the passage of time by the operation of the counter;
During the main power off period, the length of the main power off period is detected based on the date / time data obtained from the built-in clock means, while the main power on period is detected by the time measurement data obtained from the time measuring means. Calculation means for calculating the date and time on the real time axis by detecting the length of the main power on period and adding the main power on period and the main power off period to the predetermined initial date and time, And the calculated date and time on the real time axis is used for determining whether the reproduction time limit has elapsed.
[0007]
In the content data reproducing device of the present invention, the built-in clock means receives power from the main power source when the main power source is on, and receives power from the backup power source when the main power source is off, The date and time on the real time axis is measured with the initial date and time set in advance as an initial value. The built-in clock means can change the set time by the user's operation because the user interface is valid while the main power is on.
The built-in clock detects the time when the main power is turned off and the time when the main power is turned on after that, and based on the difference between the two times, Is detected. Here, since the user interface cannot be used because the main power is off, the user cannot change the time of the built-in clock means, and hence the main power off period, by the operation.
[0008]
On the other hand, the time measuring means receives power supply from the main power source while the main power source is on, operates the counter, and measures the passage of time based on the count value of the counter. The clock means detects the length of the main power-on period. Here, even if the main power supply is turned on and the user interface can be used, the count value of the counter, and thus the main power supply on period cannot be changed by the user operation.
[0009]
The date and time on the real time axis used for time limit management is calculated by adding the main power on period and the main power off period to a predetermined initial date and time set in the built-in clock means. Here, since neither the main power-on period nor the main power-off period can be changed by the user's operation as described above, the content is managed by the time limit management using the date and time on the real time axis calculated in this way. Unauthorized acts that extend the data reproducible period can be prevented.
[0010]
In a specific configuration, a flag on / off means for turning on the flag when the initial date and time is set in the built-in clock means and turning the flag off when the backup power source is exhausted, and a content data reproduction operation were performed. When the flag is off, the control unit notifies the user that the built-in clock unit is exhausted and includes a playback control unit that invalidates the playback operation.
[0011]
According to the specific configuration, when the above-mentioned deadline management using the built-in clock means becomes impossible due to exhaustion of the backup power source, the reproduction operation is invalidated, so that illegal reproduction acts in this state are prevented. Is done.
[0012]
In a more specific configuration, when a time setting operation is performed on the built-in clock means, if the flag is on, a time setting process corresponding to the operation is executed, and if the flag is off, the built-in clock means A time setting control means for notifying the user that the clock means is exhausted and invalidating the time setting is provided.
[0013]
According to the specific configuration, the user can freely change the set time in a state where the backup power source is not consumed and the above-mentioned deadline management is normally performed, and thus the current time can be changed. The display can be modified. However, when the time setting operation is performed, the main power source is turned on, and the main power on period is detected using the clock means in the calculation of the date and time on the real time axis. However, it is not affected by the change of the set time of the built-in clock means.
On the other hand, when the backup power supply is exhausted and the above-mentioned deadline management cannot be performed normally, the time setting is invalidated, so that an illegal act by the user is avoided.
[0014]
【The invention's effect】
According to the content data reproducing apparatus of the present invention, even if the set time of the internal clock is changed, the content data reproducible period cannot be extended, so that the copyright of the content can be effectively protected.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention applied to a digital memory player will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a digital memory player (16) according to the present invention. A microcomputer (1) and a digital signal prosensor (2) are connected to each other, and the microcomputer (1) has an EEPROM ( 3) A display (4), an operation key group (6), a USB controller (7), and an external memory controller (8) are connected. The digital signal prosensor (2) is connected to a DA converter circuit (5), and the external memory controller (8) is connected to an external memory connector (9).
[0016]
Each of the above circuits operates by receiving power from the main power source (10) shown in FIG. When the user performs a power-on operation, the microcomputer (1) turns on the switch SW and starts supplying power from the main power supply (10) to the above circuits.
The microcomputer (1) is connected to a clock function IC (14) serving as a built-in clock, and the clock function IC is connected to a backup power source (15) composed of a secondary battery. When the main power source (10) is on, power is supplied from the main power source (10) to the clock function IC (14). When the main power source (10) is off, the clock power source (10) is switched from the backup power source (15). Power is supplied to the function IC (14).
[0017]
In the digital memory player (16) shown in FIG. 1, the external memory (11) is connected to the external memory connector (9), and an external device such as a personal computer is connected to the USB terminal (13). Download the music data of the desired song and save it in the external memory (11), then connect the headphones to the headphone jack (12) and read the music data from the external memory (11) to listen to the music I can do it.
[0018]
In the digital memory player (16), the microcomputer (1) is turned on by the clock function IC (14) at the time when the main power source (10) is turned off and thereafter the main power source (10) is turned on. Based on the difference from the time at the time point, the length Toff of the period during which the main power source (10) is off is detected. The microcomputer (1) measures the passage of time based on the count value of a built-in counter (not shown), and thereby detects the length Ton of the main power supply (10) being on.
Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer (1) adds the total period (absolute time) Tz of the main power-on period Ton and the main power-off period Toff to the predetermined initial date and time Tini. Calculate the current date and time Now on the axis.
[0019]
FIG. 4 shows an absolute time count start flow executed by the manufacturer in order to set the initial date and time of the clock function IC (14) when the digital memory player (16) is shipped.
With the power of the digital memory player (16) turned on, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not it is the first initial setting, and only when it is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step S2. After setting the time of the built-in clock, that is, the clock function IC, in step S3, the set initial time is stored in the EEPROM (3). Thereby, the time measurement by the clock function IC (14) is started.
Next, in step S4, the absolute time (main power-on period Ton) starts counting by the operation of the built-in counter, and then the absolute time count flag is turned on in step S5.
[0020]
FIG. 5 shows a processing flow when the main power supply (10) of the digital memory player (16) is turned off.
First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the main power source (10) is turned off. If it is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step S12, and the counter value at that time, that is, the immediately preceding main power (10). The power-on period Ton is backed up to the EEPROM (3).
In step S13, the time of the clock function IC (14) is backed up to the EEPROM (3), and then the main power-off process is executed in step S14.
[0021]
FIG. 6 shows a processing flow when the main power supply (10) of the digital memory player (16) is turned on.
First, in step S21, it is determined whether or not it is the moment of an on operation of the main power source (10). If it is determined to be yes, the process proceeds to step S22 to set the time of the clock function IC (14). In step S23, the difference between the time acquired from the clock function IC (14) and the time already backed up in the EEPROM (3) is calculated. In step S24, the time difference is calculated as the main power-off period Toff. And
On the other hand, when it is determined NO in step S21 after the main power source (10) is turned on, the process proceeds to step S25, and the count of the main power on period Ton is repeated until the main power source is turned off. As a result, a main power-on period Ton from when the main power source (10) is turned off to when it is off is obtained.
[0022]
FIG. 7 shows a processing flow for setting the absolute time count flag to OFF.
First, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the main power source (10) is on. If it is determined yes, the process proceeds to step S32, and the state of the register of the clock function IC (14) is examined.
Next, in step S33, it is determined whether or not the backup power source (15) is completely consumed and maintenance (replacement with a new one) is necessary at the manufacturer. To set the absolute time count flag to OFF.
[0023]
FIG. 8 shows a processing flow for shifting to a time setting processing routine for changing the display time by the clock function IC (14) according to the user operation.
First, in step S51, it is determined whether or not there has been a time setting request from the user. If YES is determined in this step, the process proceeds to step S52 to determine whether or not the absolute time count flag is ON.
When it is determined YES in step S52, the process proceeds to step S53, and a time setting process corresponding to the user operation is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined NO in step S52, the process proceeds to step S54, and “the music with the reproduction time limit cannot be reproduced because the backup power supply is consumed, and the backup power supply is maintained. "Please send to the manufacturer" on the display (4) and the time setting process is not executed.
[0024]
Further, FIG. 9 shows a processing flow when music data is reproduced according to a user operation.
First, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the song to be played back by the user is a song with a playback time limit. If the song is determined to be no, the process proceeds to step S67 to execute a playback process for the song.
On the other hand, when it is determined as YES in step S61, the process proceeds to step S62, where it is determined whether or not the absolute time flag is ON. The current date and time Ton is calculated by adding the total value Tz of the main power-on period Ton and main power-off period to the initial date and time Tini set in the function IC (14), and the current date and time Ton is set for the song. It is determined whether or not the playback start possible deadline has passed.
[0025]
When it is determined YES in step S63, the process proceeds to step S64 to determine whether or not the current date and time Now has passed the reproduction end time set for the song, and when it is determined NO In step S65, the music reproduction process is executed.
On the other hand, when the absolute time flag is off and it is determined NO in step S62, in step S66, "a music with a reproduction time limit cannot be played because the backup power supply is exhausted and the backup power Send to the manufacturer for maintenance ”on the display (4). Also, if the current date and time Now has not passed the playable start time limit of the song and it is determined NO in step S63, and if the current date and time Now has passed the play end time limit of the song, YES in step S64. If it is determined, in step S66, a notification message to the user that "This song with a playback deadline has expired and cannot be played" is displayed on the display (4). The playback process is not executed.
[0026]
In the digital memory player (16), the clock function IC (14) operates by receiving power from the backup power supply (15) while the main power supply (10) is off, and the main power supply (10) The main power-off period is calculated based on the difference between the time when the power is turned off and the time when the main power (10) is subsequently turned on. Since the user interface cannot be used because the main power source (10) is off, the user cannot change the time of the clock function IC (14), and thus the main power off period, by the operation.
[0027]
On the other hand, the microcomputer (1) receives power from the main power supply (10) while the main power supply (10) is on, and the built-in counter operates, and the time has elapsed based on the count value of the counter. This measures the main power-on period. Here, the user cannot change the count value of the built-in counter, and thus the main power-on period, depending on the operation of the user interface.
[0028]
As described above, since neither the main power-on period nor the main power-off period can be changed by the user's operation, the actual power obtained by adding the main power-on period and the main power-off period to the initial date and time. The date / time on the time axis is accurate without fraud, and by managing the time limit using the date / time, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of extending the reproducible period of the content data.
[0029]
Also, when the absolute time count flag is off, that is, when the above-mentioned deadline management using the clock function IC (14) becomes impossible because the backup power source (15) is completely consumed, the reproduction operation and the time setting are performed. Since the operation becomes invalid, an illegal reproduction act in this state is prevented. In this case, by sending the digital memory player (16) to the manufacturer, the manufacturer replaces the backup power source (15), and sets the initial date and time (FIG. 4), so that the date and time of the clock function IC (14) can be set. Measurement is resumed, and the user's playback operation and time setting operation become valid.
[0030]
However, the user can freely change the time of the clock function IC (14) in the state where the backup power source (15) is not consumed and the above-mentioned deadline management is performed normally. The time display can be modified. When the time setting operation is performed, the main power source (10) is on, and the main power on period is detected using a counter in the calculation of the date and time on the real time axis. Is not affected by the change of the time of the clock function IC (14).
[0031]
As described above, according to the digital memory player (16) according to the present invention, even if the user changes the time of the clock function IC (14), the content data reproducible period cannot be extended. The copyright can be protected effectively.
[0032]
In addition, each part structure of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the technical scope as described in a claim. The present invention can be implemented not only in audio equipment such as a digital memory player but also in video equipment such as a digital video camera.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital memory player according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a power supply system of the digital memory player.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a calculation method of a current date and time.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an absolute time count start flow.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when main power is off.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when a main power source is turned on.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing flow for setting an absolute time count flag to OFF.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow for shifting to a time setting processing routine.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow when music data is reproduced.
[Explanation of symbols]
(16) Digital memory player
(1) Microcomputer
(2) Digital signal prosensor
(3) EEPROM
(9) Connector for external memory
(10) Main power supply
(11) External memory
(12) Headphone jack
(13) USB terminal
(14) Clock function IC
(15) Backup power supply

Claims (3)

When playing back audio or video content data with a playback deadline, it is determined whether or not the playback date has passed, and the content data is played back only when it has not passed. In the playback device,
Built-in clock means that receives power from the backup power supply when the main power supply is off, and measures the date and time on the real time axis with reference to a predetermined initial date and time,
A time measuring means for receiving the power supply from the main power source and measuring the passage of time by the operation of the counter;
During the main power off period, the length of the main power off period is detected based on the date / time data obtained from the built-in clock means, while the main power on period is detected by the time measurement data obtained from the time measuring means. Calculation means for calculating the date and time on the real time axis by detecting the length of the main power on period and adding the main power on period and the main power off period to the predetermined initial date and time, The content data reproducing apparatus is characterized in that the calculated date and time on the real time axis is used for determining whether the reproduction time limit has elapsed. Further, a flag on / off means for turning on the flag when the initial date and time is set in the built-in clock means and turning the flag off when the backup power source is exhausted, and when the content data reproduction operation is performed, the flag is 2. The content data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reproduction control means for notifying the user that the built-in clock means is exhausted and invalidating the reproduction operation. When the time setting operation is performed on the built-in clock means, if the flag is on, a time setting process corresponding to the operation is executed, and if the flag is off, the internal clock means is consumed. 3. The content data reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising time setting control means for notifying the user and invalidating the time setting.

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