JP4512579B2 - Electronic device control system and method, and electronic device and control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field of an electronic device control system and method for controlling a plurality of electronic devices connected to a network and information flowing in the network, and an electronic device and a control device constituting the electronic device control system. .

  Conventionally, various electronic devices introduced into the home, such as television receivers, video recorders, DVD devices, personal computers, etc., as means for exchanging information between each other, various electronic devices are used in the home. A system for constructing a network connecting devices has been proposed.

  However, when a network that connects these electronic devices in a home is constructed, information that is reproduced or restored in the home by connecting the home network and an external network via the Internet, for example, For example, video information reproduced by a DVD device can be instantaneously distributed to an unspecified number of people, and there is a problem that the copyright of these contents cannot be sufficiently protected.

  As a countermeasure, for example, a memory card in which control information is recorded is attached to each electronic device, and the copy of the information received or reproduced by the electronic device is restricted to prevent the outflow of unlimited information. A copy protection system that protects copyright has been proposed. This method gives a common encryption key (hereinafter referred to as a “group key” as appropriate) to electronic devices connected to a network in a home, which is recorded on a memory card and stores information based on the group key. Even if the data is encrypted and leaked to the outside, the information cannot be restored if the group key is not known, and as a result, the copyright is to be protected.

  For example, content output from an information receiving device (hereinafter referred to as “STB: Set Top Box” as appropriate) is encrypted based on a group key in a memory card set in the STB, and this encrypted content is transmitted to a television monitor device. It is decoded and displayed by the group key in the memory card set to. Therefore, even if the encrypted content flows out to an external network, the content is not decrypted unless the same group key is used as the group key used for encryption.

  However, in the above-described method, means for mounting a memory card on each electronic device has to be formed, which increases the cost and restricts downsizing of the apparatus.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a low-cost and highly maintainable copy that can protect the copyright even when content leaks from a home network to an external network. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device control system and method having protection capability, and an electronic device and a control device constituting the electronic device control system.

In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device control system of the present invention outputs an electronic device that outputs information to a network that covers a predetermined area, and an electronic device that inputs the information output to the network And an electronic device control system comprising: a control device that controls the output-side electronic device and the input-side electronic device, wherein (i) the control device encrypts information flowing through the network A generation unit that generates an encryption key unique to the network and a transmission unit that transmits the generated encryption key to the plurality of electronic devices, and (ii) the output-side electronic device includes the control unit Storage means for storing the encryption key transmitted from the apparatus, and encryption means for encrypting the information based on the encryption key. (Iii) The input-side electronic device includes the control device. Comprising storage means for storing the encryption key transmitted from the device, based on the encryption key, and a decoding means for decoding the encrypted information.

  According to the electronic device control system of the present invention, an electronic device such as a television receiver, a video recorder, a DVD device, or a personal computer is connected to a network configured to cover a certain area in a state where information can be transmitted to each other. In addition, these electronic devices and a control device for controlling information transmission, processing, duplication, and the like between the electronic devices are provided.

  The control device encrypts information flowing between various electronic devices connected to the network, for example, information related to content such as music, video, programs, etc. A key is referred to as a “group key”) by the generation means, and further, the transmission means transmits the information to various electronic devices connected to the network. As a function to transmit, a wireless means is used, for example, an infrared communication means or a radio wave communication means proposed as a Bluetooth standard used for short distance communication with weak output.

  The electronic device stores a group key transmitted from the control device by a storage unit, encrypts information output from the electronic device to the network based on the group key by an encryption unit, and encrypts information to be imported from the network. A function of decoding the converted information by the decoding means.

  That is, an electronic device connected to a network covering a predetermined area has a group key for encrypting / decrypting common information, so that information transmission, processing, duplication, etc., that the group key has Based on the license condition, the electronic device is controlled so that the electronic device can be operated and the electronic device can be operated mutually.

  Therefore, an electronic device that does not have a group key related to this network, for example, an electronic device connected to another network cannot handle information encrypted by the above-described method. Therefore, even when information is leaked from the network, it cannot be restored or copied by an electronic device other than the network, and the copyright of the information can be prevented from being violated. Confidentiality is also maintained.

  In one aspect of the electronic device control system of the present invention, the control device has a function of a mobile phone.

  According to this aspect, since a mobile phone can be used as the control device, it is very convenient practically.

  In this aspect, the generation unit may be configured to generate the encryption key based on a unique number of the mobile phone.

  With this configuration, since the group key is generated based on the unique number of the mobile phone, for example, the phone number, it can be relatively easily and reliably prevented that the same group key is generated in other networks.

  In another aspect of the electronic device control system of the present invention, the control device includes an acquisition unit that acquires license information related to the encryption key by a line connection with a management center that manages license information to be provided. Transmission control means for controlling transmission of the encryption key in the transmission means based on the license information.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to acquire license information related to the group key of the network by being connected to the management center that manages the license information through the communication line by using the function of the mobile phone. Based on the condition of the license information, it is possible to control the transmission of the group key from the control device to each electronic device. In other words, the group key can be obtained and transmitted to the electronic device by a single control device, so that it is simple and easy to operate and maintain.

  Alternatively, in another aspect of the electronic device control system of the present invention, the control device includes a mounting unit for mounting a removable storage unit storing license information, and the removable storage unit mounted on the mounting unit. Transmission control means for controlling the transmission of the encryption key in the transmission means based on the license information stored in.

  According to this aspect, there is a memory card using, for example, a semiconductor memory that records the number-of-times information for controlling the number of transmissions of the encryption key as the detachable storage means, and by mounting this semiconductor memory in the control device Controls the number of encryption key transmissions. When information such as the number of transmissions is obtained as a memory card, this is attached to the control device for control. In the case of controlling by another control device, transmission can be performed with the remaining number of transmissions held by simply replacing the memory card.

  In the case of the configuration related to the license information, the license information further includes information on the number of transmissions of the encryption key, and the transmission control unit is configured to transmit the encryption key in the transmission unit based on the information about the number of transmissions. You may comprise so that the frequency | count of transmission may be controlled.

  With this configuration, if the license condition is that, for example, up to five electronic devices can acquire the group key, information on the number of times is included, and each time the control device transmits the group key to the electronic device. The number of times is counted down, and the group key is given to five devices, and the process ends. An electronic device to which this group key is given can handle information sent to the network in accordance with the license conditions. If a group key is not given, the information flowing there cannot be handled even if connected to the same network.

  The license condition is not limited to the number of communications or the number of electronic devices, but may be an expiration date, the type of operation allowed, and the like. Furthermore, the license fee for the content may be determined according to the above-described conditions.

  In another aspect of the electronic device control system of the present invention, the control device has a function of a remote control device including an operation unit for controlling operations of the plurality of electronic devices.

  According to this aspect, the remote control function of the electronic device and the control device are integrated, and the information transmission means to the electronic device by infrared rays can be shared as the group key transmission means, and it is necessary to provide a special separate transmission means. Absent. Therefore, it contributes to downsizing and cost reduction of the device.

  In this aspect, the control device is based on the mounting means for mounting the detachable storage means storing license information, and the license information stored in the detachable storage means mounted on the mounting means. Transmission control means for controlling transmission of the encryption key in the transmission means.

  If comprised in this way, the control apparatus united with the remote control function of the electronic device memorize | stores the license information of the said encryption key provided from a management center by a removable storage means, Based on the stored license information, A function of controlling transmission of the encryption key to the electronic device; At this time, as the detachable storage means, for example, there is a memory card using a semiconductor memory, which is attached to the control device by a detachable attachment means.

  In this case, the license information further includes information related to the number of transmissions of the encryption key, and the transmission control unit is configured to control the number of transmissions of the encryption key in the transmission unit based on the information about the number of transmissions. May be.

  If comprised in this way, the control apparatus united with the remote control function of the electronic device will transmit a group key to the electronic device based on the license condition of the number of transmissions provided from the management center. An infrared communication means of a remote control device is used as the transmission means.

  In another aspect of the electronic device control system of the present invention, the electronic device on the transmission side prohibits output of information to be sent to the network until the encryption key is stored in the storage means. Provide forbidden means.

  According to this aspect, after it is confirmed that the group key has been reliably captured by the electronic device, only accurate information operated in accordance with the group key condition flows to the network, and other electronic devices also Accurate handling of information is possible based on information.

  In another aspect of the electronic device control system of the present invention, the network is constructed with the home environment as the predetermined area.

  According to this aspect, one network is an area covered by one network, and electronic devices connected to the network have a common group key. Accordingly, the personnel who make up the household can freely handle information on electronic devices owned by each person or common electronic devices within the scope of the license conditions of the group key.

  In another aspect of the electronic device control system of the present invention, the network is connected to an external network via communication means.

  According to this aspect, connection between each individual network becomes possible. This makes it possible to transmit freely handled information across individual networks.

  In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device control method according to the present invention outputs an electronic device that outputs information to a network that covers a predetermined area, and an electronic device that inputs the information output to the network. And a control device for controlling the output-side electronic device and the input-side electronic device, wherein (i) the control device encrypts information flowing through the network A generation step of generating an encryption key unique to the network and a transmission step of transmitting the generated encryption key to the plurality of electronic devices, and (ii) the electronic device on the output side, A storage step of storing the encryption key transmitted from the control device; and an encryption step of encrypting the information based on the encryption key; and (iii) the control device A storage step for storing the encryption key transmitted from the device, and a decryption step for decrypting the encrypted information based on the encryption key.

According to the electronic device control method of the present invention, as in the case of the electronic device control system of the present invention described above, electronic devices connected to a network covering a predetermined area encrypt / decrypt common information. Therefore, based on the license condition of the group key, control is performed so that the operation of the electronic device and the mutual operation between the electronic devices can be performed.
On the other hand, an electronic device that does not have a group key related to this network cannot handle encrypted information, and even if information leaks from the network, it is restored or copied by an electronic device other than the network. Can not do it.

In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device of the present invention is controlled by a control device capable of generating and transmitting an encryption key unique to a network that covers a predetermined area, and transmits information to the network. An output-side electronic device that includes: a storage unit that stores the encryption key transmitted from the control device; and an encryption unit that encrypts information to be output to the network based on the encryption key. .

According to one electronic apparatus of the present invention, for example, an electronic apparatus such as a television receiver, a video recorder, a DVD device, and a personal computer stores a group key transmitted from the control device by a storage unit, and based on the group key, The information flowing through the network is encrypted by the encryption means, or the information encrypted based on the group key is decrypted by the decryption means. Therefore, as in the case of the electronic device control system of the present invention described above, even if information leaks from the network, the copyright can be effectively protected.

  Note that one electronic device of the present invention can adopt various aspects similar to the various aspects of the electronic device control system of the present invention described above.

  In order to solve the above problems, a control device of the present invention is a control device that controls an electronic device connected to a network that covers a predetermined area, and a generation unit that generates an encryption key unique to the network; Transmitting means for transmitting the generated encryption key to the electronic device.

  According to the control device of the present invention, for example, an encryption key unique to the network for encrypting information related to content such as music, video, and programs is generated by the generation unit, and further, various types connected to the network. It transmits to an electronic device by a transmission means. Therefore, as in the case of the electronic device control system of the present invention described above, even if information leaks from the network, the copyright can be effectively protected.

  In addition, the control apparatus of this invention can take the various aspects similar to the various aspects in the electronic device control system of this invention mentioned above.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, another electronic device of the present invention is controlled by a control device that transmits an encryption key unique to a network covering a predetermined area, and is an input-side electronic device that inputs information flowing through the network. A device, comprising: storage means for storing the encryption key transmitted from the control device; and decryption means for decrypting information input from the network based on the encryption key.

  According to another electronic device of the present invention, as in the case of the electronic device control system of the present invention described above, even if information leaks from the network, the copyright can be effectively protected.

  In addition, the other electronic device of this invention can take the various aspects similar to the various aspects in the electronic device control system of this invention mentioned above.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The configuration and operation of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the electronic device control system of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an STB, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a control device. FIG. 4 is a sequence chart of the electronic device control system. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the electronic device control system, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the television monitor.

As shown in FIG. 1, first, a configuration example of an electronic device control system according to the present embodiment includes a control device 11, an electronic device such as a DVD recording / reproducing device 13, an HDD recording / reproducing device 14, a television monitor 15, and an information receiving device. The STB 16 and the antenna 17, a network 18 for connecting each device, and a management center 19 for managing license information are provided.
The control device 11 and the management center 19 are connected by a wired or wireless telephone line 20, while the control device 11, the DVD recording / reproducing device 13, the HDD recording / reproducing device 14, the television monitor 15 and the STB 16 are wireless. Connected by means 21.

  The control device 11 has a mobile phone function, is connected to the management center 19 via the telephone line 20, and acquires license information regarding the network 18 controlled by the control device 11 from the management center 19. The information is stored in the memory 51M in the CPU 51. The management center 19 is intended to manage the copyright of content information such as music, video, and programs, and manages and operates various accompanying information for that purpose. For example, with respect to the flow of certain music information on the network 18, the number of electronic devices that can use the music information, the period of use, the permission of copying, the number of times of copying, etc. It is also conceivable to have

  The control device 11 controls electronic devices connected to the network 18 according to the license conditions acquired from the management center 19. A control signal is transmitted from the control device 11 to each electronic device via the wireless means 21. As the wireless means 21, it is possible to use means using infrared rays, or radio wave communication means proposed as a Bluetooth standard used for short-distance communication with weak output.

  As electronic devices connected to the network 18, there are a DVD recording / reproducing apparatus 13, an HDD recording / reproducing apparatus 14, a television monitor 15, an STB 16, and the like. Normally, video information received by the STB 16 via the antenna 17 is recorded or reproduced as it is by the DVD recording / reproducing apparatus 13 or the HDD recording / reproducing apparatus 14. The television monitor 15 reproduces and displays the video information received by the STB 16 or the video information recorded on the DVD recording / reproducing device 13 or the HDD recording / reproducing device 14.

  Here, in general, copyright may be considered in a state where content information is transmitted and received via such a network, but a technique for preventing a copy made in one home from being reproduced in another home. There is no objective means.

  On the other hand, the system according to the present invention is intended to protect the copyright by introducing the control device 11 and an encryption method related thereto. For example, the control device 11 generates a group key unique to the network 18. Then, the group key is supplied to an electronic device connected to the network 18. It is assumed that the network 18 has a predetermined range, for example, one home area as one network unit, and each home exists individually. At this time, as a license condition, for example, how many electronic devices can be supplied with a group key, that is, the number of group key transmissions from the control device 11 is limited. This is because if there are a large number of electronic devices having the same group key, the network 18 is eventually expanded and does not protect the copyright.

  The group key is for encrypting information flowing through the network 18 and decrypting the acquired information based on the group key. Each electronic device has encryption / decryption means. Accordingly, the content information that flows through the network 18 is encrypted with the group key (those that do not require copyright protection remain in a modulation form common to electronic devices), and an electronic device that does not have a group key. Cannot capture the information as viewable information. In addition, when connected to the network in accordance with the IEEE 1394 standard, the encrypted content information is further encrypted in accordance with DTCP (Digital Transmission Licensing Administrator) and multiplexed with another key that is changed at each connection, and further content information is obtained. May be protected.

  Therefore, even if information leaks from the network 18, the electronic device connected to another network cannot capture it as viewable information, and the copyright is protected.

  There are various methods for determining the group key of the network 18, but in order to prevent the existence of the same one, it is simple and effective to generate it based on the unique telephone number of the mobile phone.

Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the STB 16 includes a front end unit 31, a descrambler 32, an extraction unit 33, an encryption unit 34, an interface unit 35, a bus 36, a CPU 37, a key 38, a display unit 39, a communication unit 40, and An antenna 41 is provided. Information such as video is signal-shaped by the front end unit 31, scrambled by the descrambler 32, decoded information is sent, and video information is extracted by the extraction unit 33. Further, the video information is encrypted with the given group key by the encryption unit 34 and sent to the CPU 37 via the interface unit 35 and the bus 36. Each of the above units is controlled by the CPU 37 via the bus 36. The CPU 37 is further connected with a key 38 for inputting an operation instruction and a display unit 39 for displaying information related to processing and operation. The communication unit 40 performs mutual authentication with a communication unit 54 of the control device 11 to be described later, receives control information sent from the control device 11 via the antenna 41, for example, a group key, and inputs it to the memory 37M of the CPU 37. . The CPU 37 encrypts information by the encryption unit 34 based on the group key.

  Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the television monitor 15 includes an interface unit 100, a decoding unit 101, a signal processing unit 102, a display driving unit 103, a display unit 104 including a cathode ray tube, PDP, liquid crystal, etc. A key 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 109, and an antenna 110 are provided. The digital video information input from the interface unit 100 is decoded by the decoding unit 101 using the group key, and is displayed on the display unit 108 via the signal processing unit 102 and the display driving unit 103. The communication unit 109 performs mutual authentication with the communication unit 54 of the control device 11 (see FIG. 3), receives the group key sent from the control device 11 via the antenna, and stores it in the memory 106M of the CPU 106. . Based on the group key, the CPU 106 causes the decryption unit to decrypt the digital video information.

  Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the control device 11 includes a CPU 51, a key 52, a display unit 53, a communication unit 54, and an antenna 55. The functional part of the mobile phone is omitted. The license information related to the group key acquired from the management center 19 by means not shown is determined by the CPU 51 and transmitted to each electronic device that has established mutual authentication via the communication unit 54 and the antenna 55. For example, if the license condition is the number of group key transmissions, the CPU 51 counts the number of transmissions, and when the predetermined number of times is reached, control is performed to stop the group key transmission. That is, the number of times of transmission is the number of electronic devices having a group key connected to the network. The key 52 is used to input an operation instruction, and the display unit 53 displays various operation information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 11 may be configured to have a slot that constitutes an example of a mounting means that makes the memory card 12 detachable. In this case, the memory card 12 that records license information from the management center. Can be obtained and attached to the connector of the memory card of the control device 11 for use in controlling the electronic device. In this case, the telephone line connection with the management center 19 and the writing of license information to the memory card 12 are not required.

  Next, the flow of the authentication procedure will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG. This sequence chart shows the mutual operation relationship of the control device, the management center, and the electronic equipment following the time flow, and the vertical direction indicates the passage of time.

  4, first, the telephone center function of the control device 11 is used to connect to the management center 19 (step S101), and an authentication procedure is started (steps S102 and S103). Next, a license application is made from the control device 11 (step S104), and the management center 19 starts an issuing procedure (step S105). Assuming that the number of electronic devices connected to the network is a license condition, the number is sent from the management center 19 as license information, loaded into the memory 11M in the control device 11, and then the line is disconnected ( Step S106).

Next, the control device 11 generates a group key relating to the network based on the telephone number (step S107), and determines whether or not transfer to the electronic device is possible (step S108). If the transfer is not possible, the authentication procedure ends. If it is possible, the authentication procedure is continued between the control device 11 and the electronic device, and a session key is generated (steps S109 and S110). The group key is encrypted based on the generated session key (step S111), the encrypted group key is transmitted to the electronic device (step S112), and the electronic device loads the received group key (step S113). Upon completion of loading, the control device 11 subtracts 1 from the number of recorded licenses (step S114), returns to step S108, and determines whether transfer is possible. If the number of remaining licenses is 0, the group key has been transferred to the permitted number, and the authentication procedure is completed. If not yet 0, the authentication procedure from step S109 to step S114 is performed again.

  Next, another configuration example of the electronic device control system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 5, another configuration example of the electronic device control system includes a control device 23, a memory card 12 attached to the control device 23, electronic devices such as a DVD recording / reproducing device 13 and a television monitor 15, and an information receiving device. And STB 16 and antenna 17, network 18 connecting each device, and management center 19 for managing license information. Further, the control device 23, the DVD recording / reproducing device 13, the television monitor 15, and the STB 16 are connected by an optical wireless 22. The control device 23, DVD recording / reproducing device 13, television monitor 15 and STB 16 are each equipped with an optical transceiver 24 for optical radio.

The control device 23 has a remote control function for operating an electronic device, for example. The memory card 12 on which the license information is recorded is attached to a connector (not shown).
The memory card 12 is detachable from the connector, and can be stored separately from the control device 23.

  The license information related to the network 18 controlled by the control device 23 is obtained by a predetermined method, for example, by connecting a personal computer to the management center 19 and loading it into the memory card 12. Alternatively, if there is no suitable means for loading the memory card 12 via a communication line, it is possible to have the management center 19 load the memory card 12 for delivery.

  The control device 23 controls electronic devices connected to the network 18 according to the license conditions acquired from the management center 19. The data is transmitted from the control device 23 to each electronic device via the optical radio 22. Signal transmission / reception is performed by an optical transmitter / receiver 24 provided in an electronic device such as the control device 23, the DVD recording / reproducing device 13, the television monitor 15, and the STB 16.

  In contrast to the system having the mobile phone function described above, the system having this remote control function uses the function of the remote control device of the electronic device, and control information transmission between the control device 23 and the electronic device is remote. What is different in using the optical radio 22 equipped as a control function, and other configurations, operations, and actions in the electronic device control system shown in FIG. 5 have been described with reference to FIGS. Is almost the same. Therefore, the re-explanation here regarding them is omitted.

  According to the electronic device control system described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the secrecy of information flowing through the network, that is, the copyright protection of information, is strictly ensured outside the network group. However, there is a desire to be able to handle the encrypted information by electronic devices outside the group under certain restrictions.

  Therefore, next, with respect to a technique capable of handling information encrypted as described above by an electronic device outside the group under certain restrictions, and an electronic device and system using the method, FIGS. Will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIGS. 6 and 7 are configuration examples of the electronic device, respectively, and FIGS. 8 to 13 are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation.

  FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of an example of a DVD recorder. The DVD recorder includes an A / D converter 61 that captures analog information, an MPEG encoding unit 62 that MPEG-converts the digitized analog information, and digital information. Interface unit 63 to be fetched, Decoding unit 64 for decoding digital information, Switch SW 65 for selecting information, Copy control information detecting unit 66 for detecting copy control information from analog information and digital information, CCI updating unit 67 for changing CCI , A DVD formatter 68 for converting to a DVD signal, a scramble circuit 69 for scrambling the data converted to a DVD signal, a signal processing circuit 70 for making a signal for recording, an LD driver 71 for driving a semiconductor laser for recording, and a modulation Pickup 7 for recording with the laser beam , DVD disk 73, rotation drive unit 74 of DVD disk 73, servo control unit 75 for controlling pickup 72 and rotation drive unit 74, switch for selecting whether encryption is performed in a common format or encryption based on a group key SW 76, CPU 77 for controlling the entire apparatus, key 78 for operating the apparatus, display device 79 for displaying various information, communication unit 80 for receiving information on group keys, etc., RF amplifier for amplifying the pickup signal of pickup 72 81, a signal processing circuit 82 for processing an output signal from the RF amplifier 81, a descrambling circuit 83 for descrambling the signal processed by the signal processing circuit 82, and a DVD unformatter for converting the descrambled signal into a DVD signal 84, unformatted DVD signal An encryption unit 85 for encrypting based on the group key; an MPEG decoding unit 86 for decoding the unformatted DVD signal into MPEG; and a D / A for converting the MPEG-decoded digital data into analog data A converter 87 is provided. A DVD playback signal is output from the D / A converter 87 and displayed on a monitor or the like.

  Next, the circuit operation in the DVD recorder shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

First, regarding the recording operation, when analog input is selected, it is digitized by the A / D converter 61 and converted into the MPEG format by the MPEG encoding unit 62. Further, in order to know the copy control of the analog information, it is also input to the copy control information detection unit 66.
The CPU 77 controls the switch SW65 to select analog information, and the output is guided to the next CCI update unit 67 and the subsequent.

  Next, it is converted into a DVD signal by the DVD formatter 68, and is scrambled and encrypted as necessary by the scramble circuit 69. At this time, when the CCI of the currently processed data is 0, the CPU 77 sets the switch SW 76 to the “0” side and scrambles in a format common to the groups. Then, after signal processing, it is written on a DVD disc. Therefore, analog information copied in a format common to the group can be reproduced without limiting the group. When the CCI is CF (Copy Free), no scrambling is performed.

  On the other hand, when digital input is selected, digital information is input from the interface unit 63 to the decoder 64. Decryptor 64 performs decryption based on the group key supplied from CPU 77. The decrypted data is selected by the switch SW 65 and introduced into the CCI update unit 67. In addition, in order to know the copy control of the digital information, it is also input to the copy control information detection unit 66. Based on information from the copy control information detection unit 66, the CPU 77 updates a CCI (Copy Control Information) state by a CCI update unit 67. For example, if the signal is Copy Once, it is rewritten to No More Copy.

  Next, it is converted into a DVD signal by a DVD formatter 68, scrambled by a scramble circuit 69, and encrypted. At this time, when the CCI of the currently processed data is CO and the move outside the group is NG, the CPU 77 connects the switch SW76 to the input of the group key, and the group-specific group key is a part of the key. In addition to encryption. Then, after signal processing, it is written on a DVD disc. Therefore, by encrypting including the group key unique to the group in this way, it can be reproduced only by an electronic device connected to the network group, and the confidentiality of information or the protection of copyright can be achieved.

  On the other hand, when the CCI is CO and the out-of-group Move is OK, the switch SW76 is set to the “0” side and scrambled in a format common to the group.

  Next, the reproduction will be described. The RF signal reproduced by the pickup 72 is input to the descrambling circuit 83 via the RF amplifier 81 and the signal processing circuit 82, and the encryption is released. If the group key is scrambled, the CPU 77 supplies the group key. If the group key is scrambled, the release key is supplied.

  The scrambled data is returned to the MPEG signal by the DVD unformatter 84, MPEG decoded by the MPEG decoding unit 86, converted into a reproduction signal by the D / A converter 87, and displayed on a monitor or the like. On the other hand, after being input to the encryption unit 85 and encrypted with the group key, it is output to the outside via the interface 63 and is sent to the network.

  Next, another configuration example of the DVD recorder of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the same components as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In FIG. 7, another configuration example of the DVD recorder is different in the following points from the configuration example shown in FIG. That is, the flow of the input analog information is the same, and the digital information is encrypted as it is without changing the format again based on the group key by the encryption unit 91, and the analog information and the digital information are converted by the switch SW92. Selected. Further, the signal reproduced from the disc is that the data converted in the common format passes through the same route as in FIG. 6, and the data encrypted based on the group key is based on the group key by the decryption unit 93. Decrypted. The two data are selected by the switch SW94 and then input to the circuit block at the subsequent stage.

  Next, the circuit operation in the DVD recorder shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

First, regarding the recording operation, when analog input is selected, it is digitized by the A / D converter 61 and converted into the MPEG format by the MPEG encoding unit 62. Further, in order to know the copy control of the analog information, it is also input to the copy control information detection unit 66.
The switch 77 is controlled to the analog side by the CPU 77 and guided to the switch SW 92 from the next CCI update unit 67, DVD formatter 68, and scramble circuit 69.

  In the scramble circuit 69, when the CCI is CO, the scramble circuit 69 scrambles the format common to the group. When CCI is CF, it is not scrambled.

  On the other hand, when the digital input is selected, it is input from the interface unit 63 to the decoder 64. Decryptor 64 performs decryption based on the group key supplied from CPU 77. The decrypted data is selected by the switch SW 65 and introduced into the CCI update unit 67. In addition, in order to know the copy control of the digital information, it is also input to the copy control information detection unit 66. Based on information from the copy control information detection unit 66, the CPU 77 updates the CCI state by the CCI update unit 67.

  When the CCI is CO and the move outside the group is NG, the digital information is directly input to the encryption unit 91 and encrypted based on the group key. Thereafter, the data is written on the DVD disc by the pickup 72 via the signal processing circuit 70 and the LD driver 71.

  On the other hand, when CCI is CO and Move outside the group is OK, the digital information is scrambled common to the group in the DVD format and written to the DVD disc.

  Next, a description will be given of the reproduction. When the RF signal reproduced by the pickup 72 is encrypted in the group common format via the RF amplifier 81 and the signal processing circuit 82, the RF signal is reproduced by the descramble circuit 83. If it is encrypted with the key, it is input to the decryption unit 93 and the encryption is released. The signal released by the descrambling circuit 83 is further converted into a DVD signal by the DVD unformatter 84 and selected by the switch SW94. Further, since the signal decoded by the decoding unit 93 is not converted into a DVD signal by the DVD formatter 68 at the time of recording, it is directly input to the switch SW94 and selected.

  The scrambled data is returned to the MPEG signal by the DVD unformatter 84, MPEG decoded by the MPEG decoding unit 86, converted into a reproduction signal by the D / A converter 87, and displayed on a monitor or the like. On the other hand, after being input to the encryption unit 85 and encrypted with the group key, it is output to the outside via the interface 63 and is sent to the network.

  In addition, the operations and effects of the DVD recorder shown in FIG. 7 are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the flow of signal processing related to copy control of the DVD recorder described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, regarding the recording, it is determined whether the information to be recorded is analog information or digital information (step S201). If it is digital information (step S201: YES), the CCI (Copy Control Information: copy control information) state is CF (Copy Free: copy free) or CO (Copy Once: can be copied only once). It is discriminated whether it is NC / NMC (Never Copy: No copy / No More Copy: No more copy) (step S202).

  If it is CF in step S202, since copying is free, it is not necessary to encrypt it when recording, and it is not scrambled (step S204) and recording processing is performed (step S209). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to stop the recording process (step S210). If the recording process is not stopped, the recording process is continued. If the recording process is stopped, the stop process is performed (step S211), and the process ends.

  If it is NC / NMC in step S202, copying is prohibited and the recording operation is terminated.

  If it is CO in step S202, copying is possible only once, and the CCI state is set from CO to NMC (step S205). Next, it is determined whether or not move outside the group is possible (step S206). If move outside the group is not possible, a group key is introduced and encrypted (step S207), and recording processing is performed (step S209). On the other hand, if Move is possible, common scramble is applied (step S208), and recording processing is performed (step S209). The “outside group move” is a form of a copy that is erased from the original recording medium, that is, information is transferred to another recording medium, here, another network group.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording process is to be stopped (step S210). If the recording process is not stopped, the recording process is continued. If the recording process is stopped, the recording process is stopped (step S211), and the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the signal is an analog signal (step S201: NO), it is determined whether the CCI state is CF, CO, or NC / NMC as in the case of a digital signal. (Step S203). If it is CF, since it is not necessary to encrypt it when recording, it is not scrambled (step S204), and recording processing is performed (step S209). If it is NC / NMC, the recording operation is not performed and the process is terminated. Furthermore, if it is CO, it is a copy only once, and in the case of an analog signal, since it is not possible to determine the move outside the group, it is always impossible, and in step S212, CO is changed to NMC, and the process proceeds to step S208.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, regarding the flow of reproduction, it is first determined whether the CCI state is CF, NC, or NMC (step S301).

  If it is CF, copying is free, and since the information is not scrambled, the operation for releasing the scramble is unnecessary (step S306), and the process goes directly to the reproduction process (step S307). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to stop the reproduction process (step S308). If the reproduction process is not stopped, the reproduction process is continued. If the reproduction process is stopped, the reproduction process is stopped (step S309), and the process ends.

  If it is NC in step S301, the scramble is canceled with the NC common descrambling (step S303), and then the process proceeds to the reproduction process (step S307), and it is determined whether or not to stop the reproduction process (step S308). If it is not stopped, the reproduction process is continued. If it is stopped, the stop process is performed (step S309), and the process ends.

  If it is NMC in step S301, it is determined whether or not move outside the group is possible (step S302). If move outside the group is not possible (step S302: NG), the group key is encrypted, so the group is not encrypted. The key is introduced and decrypted (step S305). On the other hand, if move outside the group is possible (step S302: OK), the common descrambling for NMC is canceled (step S304). Thereafter, the process proceeds to the reproduction process (step S307), and subsequently it is determined whether or not the reproduction process is to be stopped (step S308). If it is not stopped, the reproduction process is continued, and if it is stopped, the stop process is performed (step S309). ),finish.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, regarding the flow on the recording side of the intra-group Move, it is first determined whether the recording information is a digital signal or an analog signal (step S401). If it is an analog signal (step S401: NO), there is no intra-group Move mode at the analog interface, and therefore the intra-group Move operation is not performed and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is a digital signal (step S401: YES), the state of the CCI state is discriminated (step S402). It ends without being done. On the other hand, if it is NMC, it is determined whether or not move outside the group is possible (step S403).

  If move outside the group is not possible (step S403: NG), encryption is performed for each group when recording, so the group key is introduced for encryption (step S404), and recording processing is performed (step S406). . On the other hand, if the move outside the group is possible (step S403: OK), since it is common to the group, common scramble is applied (step S405), and the recording process is performed (step S406).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording process has been completed (step S407). If the recording process has not yet been completed, the process continues until the recording process is completed, and a stop process is performed when the recording process is completed (step S408). A series of recording processes is completed. It should be noted that the information that was the target of the in-group move on the playback side when the in-group move is completed is deleted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, regarding the flow on the playback side of the intra-move move, first, the state of the CCI state is determined (step S501). If the state is other than NMC, there is no operation mode corresponding to the intra-move move. Therefore, the intra-group Move operation is not performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is NMC, it is determined whether or not move outside the group is possible (step S502).

  Here, if move outside the group is not possible (step S502: NG), since encryption for each group is performed at the time of recording, a group key is introduced for decryption (step S503). On the other hand, if the move outside the group is possible (step S502: OK), since it is common to the group, it is decrypted by applying the common descrambling (step S504).

  Thereafter, a reproduction process is performed (step S505), and it is determined whether or not the reproduction process is to be stopped (step S506). The reproduction process is performed until the reproduction process is stopped. S507), the series of reproduction processing ends.

  Note that the reproduction process and the erasure process may be alternately repeated for each short unit.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, regarding the flow on the recording side of the out-of-group Move, first, it is determined whether the recording information is a digital signal or an analog signal (step S601). If it is an analog signal, there is no in-group Move mode at the analog interface, so the in-group Move operation is not performed and the operation ends.

  If it is a digital signal (step S601: YES), the state of the CCI state is discriminated (step S602). To do. On the other hand, if it is NMC, it is determined whether or not move outside the group is possible (step S603).

  If the move outside the group is impossible (step S603: NG), the move ends because the move cannot be performed outside the group.

  On the other hand, if move outside the group is possible (step S603: OK), scramble common to other groups is applied (step S604), and recording processing is performed (step S605). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording process has been completed (step S606). If the recording process has not yet been completed, the process continues until the recording process is completed, and a stop process is performed when the recording process is completed (step S607). A series of recording processes is completed. It should be noted that the information that was the object of outside-group move on the playback side when the outside-group move is completed is deleted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, with regard to the flow of reproduction of an out-of-group move, first, the state of the CCI state is determined (step S701), and if there is a state other than NMC, there is no operation mode corresponding to out-of-group move. The out-of-group Move operation is not performed and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is NMC, it is determined whether or not move outside the group is possible (step S702).

  Here, if the move outside the group is impossible (step S702: NG), the move ends because the move cannot be performed outside the group.

  On the other hand, if move outside the group is possible (step S702: OK), decryption is performed by applying descrambling common to other groups (step S703). Thereafter, the reproduction process is performed (step S704), it is determined whether or not to stop (step S705), the reproduction process is performed until the stop, and after the stop, the original recorded information is deleted (step S706). The series of reproduction processing ends.

  As described above in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 13, by introducing a group key corresponding to a network, information can be copied between electronic devices within a group or between electronic devices beyond a group. Operation and movement are strictly controlled. In addition, information beyond the group can be handled within predetermined conditions.

  Further, although copy control using a group key has been described with respect to a DVD recorder, the above-described copy control technique may be applied to an apparatus using a moving recording medium, for example, another disk recorder or a cassette type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and an electronic device control system with such changes The electronic device control method is also included in the technical idea of the present invention.

  As described above, according to the electronic device control system and method, and the electronic device and control apparatus of the present invention, even when content leaks from a home network to an external network, the copyright is effective. A low-cost and highly maintainable copy protection system that can be protected in a secure manner can be constructed.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the electronic device control system which is embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of STB concerning the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an example of the control apparatus concerning the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a sequence chart of the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the electronic device control system which is this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the electronic device concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the electronic device concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the recording operation in the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reproduction | regeneration operation | movement in the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the Move recording operation in a group in the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of Move reproduction | regeneration operation | movement in a group in the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of Move recording operation outside a group in the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of Move reproduction | regeneration operation outside a group in the electronic device control system of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the television receiver which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

11, 23 ... Control device 12 ... Memory card 13 ... DVD recording / reproducing device 14 ... HDD recording / reproducing device 15 ... TV monitor 16 ... STB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Network 19 ... Management center 21 ... Wireless means 22 ... Optical wireless 24 ... Optical transceiver 31 ... Front end part 32 ... Descrambler 33 ... Extraction part 34 ... Dark unit 35 ... Interface unit 36 ... Bus 37, 51, 77 ... CPU
40, 54, 80 ... communication unit 61 ... A / D converter 66 ... copy control information detection unit 67 ... CCI update unit 87 ... D / A converter

Claims (8)

The electronic device on the output side is controlled by a control device capable of generating and transmitting an encryption key unique to a network covering a predetermined area, and outputs information to the network,
Storage means for storing the encryption key transmitted from the control device;
Determining means for determining whether or not out-of-group move of the information is permitted;
(i) When it is determined that the information outside the group MOVE is not permitted , the information to be output to the network is encrypted based on the encryption key, and (ii) the information outside the group MOVE is permitted. An electronic device comprising: an encryption unit that encrypts information to be output to the network by scrambling in a common format between groups when it is determined that the data is in a group . The electronic device on the input side is controlled by a control device capable of transmitting a cryptographic key unique to a network covering a predetermined area and inputs information flowing through the network,
Storage means for storing the encryption key transmitted from the control device;
Determining means for determining whether or not out-of-group move of the information is permitted;
(i) When it is determined that the information outside the group MOVE is not permitted , the information input from the network is decrypted based on the encryption key, and (ii) the information outside the group MOVE is permitted. An electronic device comprising: a decoding unit configured to decode information input from the network by releasing scramble in a format common to the groups when it is determined that the information has been received.   3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not an out-of-groove move of the information is permitted by referring to copy control information included in the information. .   The determination means further determines whether the information is copy-free;
  The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the encryption unit does not encrypt information output to the network when it is determined that the information is copy-free.   The determination means further determines whether the information is copy-free;
  The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the decrypting unit does not decrypt the information input from the network when it is determined that the information is copy-free.   The determination means further determines whether or not the information is not copyable,
  The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ending unit that ends the operation of the electronic apparatus when it is determined that the information cannot be copied.   The determination means further determines whether or not the information is not copyable,
  The decoding means, when it is determined that the information cannot be copied, the information inputted from the network is decoded by releasing the scramble in a format corresponding to the copy failure. 2. The electronic device according to 2.   The control device acquires license information related to the encryption key by line connection with a management center that manages license information to be provided, and controls transmission of the encryption key based on the acquired license information. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is characterized in that

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