JP4826671B2 - Information management method and information reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

This technique relates copyrighted information management method for managing whether the reproduction of the content, and the information reproducing equipment therefor.

  In recent years, digital contents such as video and audio have been widely used, and recorders and players capable of recording / reproducing these digital contents have also been widely used. For example, video recorders capable of storing broadcast data as digital data on a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) capable of writing broadcast contents are rapidly spreading. In addition to digital broadcasting using broadcasting satellites, terrestrial digital broadcasting has recently started. These digital broadcasts provide HDTV (High Definition TeleVision) video, which has a higher resolution than conventional broadcasts, and the development of video recorders that can record such broadcast contents on an optical disc or the like with the same image quality is also progressing. Yes.

  Thus, as high-quality digital content can be easily stored in a portable recording medium, the importance of protecting the copyright of the digital content is increasing. In current video content, a method of attaching copy control information (CCI) indicating whether copying is possible or not to content data is generally used. For example, by using copy control information, copying of each video content data is not restricted (copy free, copy free), only one copy is allowed (copy once), and copying is prohibited. The status (copy never, copy never) can be used. In the above digital broadcasting, copy control information indicating “copy once” is currently attached to all contents, and a video recorder usually records such contents on a recording medium as “copy never”.

  Further, the video content recorded on the recording medium as “copy never” is permitted to be copied to another recording medium on condition that the data on the recording medium is erased (or invalidated). In this way, the operation of erasing the original data and copying it to another recording medium is called “move”. For example, the video content received through the digital broadcast or the like and recorded on the HDD of the video recorder is recorded by the user. However, it is possible to move it to a portable recording medium such as a DVD, which improves both user convenience and prevention of illegal mass copying.

  Various techniques for facilitating the handling of content during a move have been proposed. For example, when music content on a CD (Compact Disc) is moved from the server to the memory card, information on the moved music is stored in the memory card as movement history management data, so that the content is returned from the memory card to the server ( There has been a data communication system that makes it possible to manage the returned content again in the same music order (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-76464 A (paragraph numbers [0200] to [0202], FIG. 36)

  As described above, copyright protection of digital contents is being developed, but on the other hand, the viewing environment for users' digital contents is expanding. For example, a portable player using a semiconductor memory or a small HDD as a recording medium is realized, and digital contents stored in a personal computer (PC) can be transferred to the portable player and enjoyed on the go. Yes. As described above, since a suitable recording medium is used in different viewing environments, the user needs to move the digital content to another recording medium in accordance with the viewing environment.

  Here, the following three problems can be considered when using the digital content designated as “copy once” on various recording media. First, for example, considering the case where the content recorded on a stationary recorder at home is moved to a portable player, the content could not be fully watched on the go, so watch the continuation at home. When I try to do that, I have to move the content data back to my home recorder. In particular, since video content has a large data capacity, it takes some time to move the content. Thus, forcing the user to the trouble that has not been heretofore is a first problem.

  As a second problem, there is a possibility that the quality of the content may be lowered in the process of repeating the move. For example, since a stationary video recorder using a DVD or HDD has a relatively large recording capacity, the image quality is emphasized when recording video content, and as a result, the data amount of the recorded video content is large. On the other hand, in a portable video player, a recording medium having a relatively small storage capacity such as a memory card is used and a display screen is also small. Therefore, video content with a reduced image quality is recorded.

  Therefore, from a stationary video recorder to a portable video player, content with reduced image quality and reduced data volume is moved, and then the content is moved again to the stationary video recorder. In such a case, it is possible to reproduce only the content in a state where the image quality is lowered. That is, if the move is repeated, the problem is that the content changes to the optimum quality for the device with the lowest performance in the process.

  Further, as a third problem, it is conceivable that the user must always know on which recording medium the data of the desired content currently exists. Particularly in the future, individuals will use digital content in many devices, such as dedicated video recorders, PCs, dedicated players using memory cards, and portable information devices such as mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). When opportunities to try increase, it is not easy to always keep track of devices on which reproducible content is recorded.

  As described above, the digital content set to “copy once” can be moved to another recording medium by the move, but there is a problem in that it may cause inconvenience to the user.

The present technology has been made in view of the above points, and is a highly convenient information management method capable of moving copyright-protected content to different recording media a plurality of times without losing its quality. And an information reproducing apparatus for this purpose.

In the present technology, in order to solve the above-described problem, in the information management method for managing whether or not the copyright-protected content can be reproduced, the reproduction management unit moves the content recorded on the recording medium to another recording medium. When an invalidation request for the content issued in response to the request to be received is received, the content is registered in the reproduction management information as being in a non-reproducible state, and the content request target content data is transmitted to the destination recording medium Has acquired the environment information used for determining whether to convert the bit rate of the content data from the destination recording medium, and has determined to convert the bit rate of the content data based on the environment information. If, and disabling the step of transmitting by converting the bit rate of the data of the content, the reproduction control means, before Upon receipt of a request to reproduce the content in the recording medium, a reproduction processing step for permitting reproduction when the content is not in an unreproducible state with reference to the reproduction management information, and the reproduction management means When the corresponding reproduction permission information is acquired, an information management method including an invalidation releasing step of updating the reproduction management information so as to release the reproduction disabled state of the content is provided.

Further, in order to solve the above problem, in the present technology, in an information reproducing apparatus that reproduces content recorded on a recording medium, when an invalidation request for the content recorded on the recording medium is received, the content cannot be reproduced. When the reproduction permission information corresponding to the content that cannot be reproduced is acquired, the reproduction management means that updates the reproduction management information so as to cancel the reproduction impossible state of the content, and the recording medium When the content reproduction request is received, the reproduction control means for permitting reproduction when the content is not in an unreproducible state with reference to the reproduction management information, and the invalidation request is stored in the content recorded on the recording medium. When issued in response to a request to move to another recording medium, the data of the content requested for transfer is transferred. When sending the previous recording medium, wherein the environment information acquired using the destination recording medium whether to determine the conversion of the bit rate of data of the content, bit data of the content based on the environment information There is provided an information reproducing apparatus having bit rate conversion means for converting and transmitting the bit rate of the content data when it is determined that the rate conversion is to be performed.

  According to the information management method of the present technology and the information reproducing apparatus therefor, it is possible to move the copyright-protected content to different recording media a plurality of times without losing the quality.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video recorder according to a first embodiment of the present technology . It is a figure which shows the data structure of reproduction | regeneration management information. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the move operation | movement between a video recorder and a portable terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the case of recording the video content received by broadcasting on HDD. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the case of moving the video content in HDD to a memory card. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the case of moving again the video content moved in the past from a memory card to HDD. It is a figure which shows the structure of the content reproduction system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this technique . In the 2nd Embodiment of this technique , it is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the operation | movement at the time of the move in the content reproduction system at the time of applying the 1st process example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the video recorder at the time of registration of the virtual move object. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a video recorder when a virtual move object is reproduced | regenerated according to the user operation by the video recorder side. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of ID module when a virtual move object is reproduced | regenerated according to user operation by the video recorder side. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reproduction | regeneration permission continuous reception process in a video recorder. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the continuous reproduction | regeneration monitoring process in ID module. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of ID module in case a virtual move object is reproduced | regenerated according to user operation by the ID module side. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the video recorder at the time of returning from a virtual move object. In the 2nd Embodiment of this art , it is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the operation | movement at the time of the move in the content reproduction system at the time of applying the 2nd process example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, it is assumed that video content is used as an example of digital content. Here, it is assumed that the video content includes both video content and audio content that is reproduced in synchronization with the video content.

<< First Embodiment >>
In the following first embodiment, a video recorder capable of receiving and recording a digital broadcast is taken as an example of a playback device capable of playing back video content recorded on a recording medium and transferring it to another recording medium. A case where the present invention is applied to this video recorder will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video recorder according to the first embodiment of the present technology .
A video recorder 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a tuner unit 11, an encoder / decoder 12, a graphic interface (I / F) 13, an audio I / F 14, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 16, a RAM ( Random Access Memory) 17, nonvolatile memory 18, HDD 19, optical disk drive 20, memory card I / F 21, input I / F 22 , and encryption processing circuit 23. The video recorder 1 is configured such that the CPU 15 is connected to each component in the apparatus via an internal bus 24 and performs overall control over these components.

  The tuner unit 11 receives a broadcast radio wave received by an external antenna, selects a signal having a predetermined carrier frequency in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 15, and performs QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) demodulation on the selected received signal. And error correction processing. Then, the video stream and the audio stream are separated from the processed transport stream, and transferred to the encoder / decoder 12, the HDD 19, or the like in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 15. Further, additional information for data broadcasting such as EPG (Electronic Program Guide), copy control information, license information such as key data for encryption, and the like are further separated from the transport stream and transferred to the CPU 15. .

  The encoder / decoder 12 performs compression encoding and decompression decoding processing of video and audio data according to an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) system. For example, each encoded data of video and audio supplied from the tuner unit 11, HDD 19, optical disk drive 20, memory card I / F 21, etc. is decoded, and the processed video and audio data are converted into graphic I / F 13 and audio respectively. Output to the I / F 14. Actually, video data and audio data from the HDD 19, the optical disk drive 20, and the memory card I / F 21 are supplied to the encoder / decoder 12 via the encryption processing circuit 23. Also, the encoded video and audio data supplied from the HDD 19 and the optical disk drive 20 can be re-encoded with the resolution and bit rate changed, and output to the memory card I / F 21 or the like through the encryption processing circuit 23. .

  The graphic I / F 13 converts the video data decoded by the encoder / decoder 12 into an analog signal, for example, and outputs it to an external television receiver or the like. At this time, OSD (On Screen Display) image data such as a GUI image generated by the processing of the CPU 15 may be combined with the decoded video data. The audio I / F 14 converts the audio data decoded by the encoder / decoder 12 into, for example, an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to a television receiver or an audio device.

  The CPU 15 comprehensively controls each unit in the video recorder 1 by executing a program stored in the ROM 16 or the like. The ROM 16 stores in advance an operating system (OS), a basic input / output system (BIOS), application programs, and other various data. The RAM 17 temporarily stores at least part of a program to be executed by the CPU 15 and various data necessary for processing by the program.

  The nonvolatile memory 18 includes, for example, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) and the like, and a program executed by the CPU 15 and data necessary for processing such as encryption / decryption are recorded in advance. Particularly in the present embodiment, as will be described later, reproduction management information for managing license information necessary for moving video content is recorded, and is recorded as needed during recording of video content, moving processing, or the like. It can be rewritten.

  The HDD 19 is a relatively large-capacity storage device such as 100 GB that can record video content data for a long time, and data write and read operations based on commands and address information specified by the CPU 15. I do. The HDD 19 records video content data, additional information for data broadcasting, and the like. The HDD 19 may store a program executed by the CPU 15 and data necessary for execution.

  An optical disk 20a such as a DVD is loaded in the optical disk drive 20, and the optical disk drive 20 reads and writes data using the optical disk 20a. On the optical disc 20a, broadcast content data received by the video recorder 1 or another device is recorded.

  The memory card I / F 21 is loaded with a memory card 21a containing a flash memory, and the memory card I / F 21 reads and writes data using the memory card 21a. For example, video content data copied or moved from the HDD 19 or the like is recorded in the memory card 21a.

  The input I / F 22 includes, for example, a receiving circuit that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown), an operation key for the user to operate, and a control signal corresponding to the user's input operation to the CPU 15. Supply.

  The encryption processing circuit 23 performs encryption and decryption processing necessary for moving copyright-protected video content. For example, an encryption process when recording video content data on the HDD 19, the optical disk 20a, and the memory card 21a and a decryption process when reading data from these are executed.

Here, a basic operation in the video recorder 1 will be described.
When the user views digital broadcast content, the CPU 15 outputs channel selection information to the tuner unit 11 based on a control signal from the input I / F 22, and the tuner unit 11 receives the input channel selection information. The received signal of the carrier frequency corresponding to the channel is selected, and demodulation and error correction processing are performed. From the processed transport stream, video stream and audio stream, additional information for data broadcasting, copy control information, license information, etc. To separate.

  The separated video stream and audio stream are decoded by the encoder / decoder 12, and the decoded video data and audio data are supplied to the graphic I / F 13 and the audio I / F 14, respectively. Thereby, the selected broadcast content is reproduced and output on an external television receiver (not shown) or the like.

  Further, the additional information for data broadcasting output from the tuner unit 11 is sent to the graphic I / F 13 together with predetermined OSD image data generated by the processing of the CPU 15 in accordance with an operation input from the user through the input I / F 22. Supplied and displayed with a moving image.

  Further, when the received broadcast content data is recorded in, for example, the HDD 19, the CPU 15 refers to the copy control information separated in the tuner unit 11 and is separated in the tuner unit 11 only when it is determined that the content can be copied. The video stream and the audio stream are supplied to the HDD 19 and recorded. At this time, the data of each stream is encrypted by the processing of the encryption processing circuit 23 as necessary, and is supplied to the HDD 19. When the broadcast content is directly recorded on the optical disc 20a, the video stream and the audio stream from the tuner unit 11 are encrypted as necessary and stored in the optical disc drive 20 only when the content can be similarly copied. Supplied and recorded on the optical disc 20a.

  When playing back video content recorded on the HDD 19, a video stream and an audio stream constituting the video content are read from the HDD 19 and decoded by the encoder / decoder 12. / F13 and audio I / F14, and a video signal and an audio signal are output to the outside. When the video content data recorded in the HDD 19 is encrypted, the data is decrypted by the processing of the cryptographic processing circuit 23 and then supplied to the encoder / decoder 12. The same processing is performed when playing back video content recorded on the optical disc 20a or the memory card 21a.

Next, a video content move will be described.
For example, some copyright-protected video contents supplied as broadcast contents have copy control information “copy once” that permits recording only once. Once such “copy-once” video content is recorded on a recording medium, only the “move” operation of erasing data on the original recording medium is allowed when recording on another recording medium thereafter.

  In this embodiment, at the time of the move, the content data on the original recording medium is left without being erased, only the license information corresponding to the content is erased, and the recording medium of the move destination, the external device, etc. Move to. Here, the license information is information for granting permission to reproduce the corresponding content. When the license information is deleted, the content on the original recording medium becomes unreproducible (invalidated). In addition, when content that has been moved to another recording medium is returned to the original recording medium, only the corresponding license information is acquired without transferring the content data itself, and the invalidity on the original recording medium is acquired. So that the converted content can be played back again. Such an operation realizes a virtual move in which the copyright is safely protected without erasing or altering the content data on the original recording medium.

  In order to enable such an operation, in the present embodiment, in the video recorder 1, for the “copy once” video content, the content data itself and the license information corresponding thereto are separated, and the license information Is stored in “reproduction management information” in the nonvolatile memory 18 for management.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the reproduction management information.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the reproduction management information 181 includes a reproduction permission area 181a and a reproduction impossible area 181b. The reproduction permission area 181a stores license information of the video content recorded in the HDD 19 that is permitted to be reproduced. Specifically, a content ID uniquely assigned to each video content in the HDD 19 and license information necessary for reproducing the video content are stored in association with each other. For example, in FIG. 2A, “license information A” is associated with the content ID “video A”, and “license information B” is associated with the content ID “video B”.

  In addition, the unreproducible area 181b stores the content ID of the video content that is recorded in the HDD 19 but is invalidated by the move. As shown in FIG. 2B, when video content in the HDD 19 is moved, the corresponding license information is extracted from the reproduction permission area 181a and transmitted to the move destination, and the content ID of the video content Is recorded in the non-reproducible area 181b. In the example of FIG. 2B, the video content identified by the content ID “video C” is moved, and the “license information C” corresponding to this is transferred to the memory card 21a and the reproduction permission area 181a. Is deleted, and the content ID “Video C” is recorded in the non-reproducible area 181b. As a result, the video content identified by “Video C” is virtually moved.

  Further, when the video content corresponding to the content ID recorded in the unplayable area 181b is moved again from another recording medium to the HDD 19, the license information of this video content is recorded again in the play permission area 181a, The corresponding content ID in the non-reproducible area 181b is deleted. As a result, the invalidated video content data in the HDD 19 can be played back again.

  The license information includes, for example, key data used for encryption processing when moving video content to another recording medium, a part of data constituting the key data, information for generating key data, Information indicating that viewing is permitted, information for limiting viewing time, playback control information for limiting playable devices and transferable recording media, secret information (password etc.) for enabling playback, etc. Of these, one or more pieces of information can be applied.

  Hereinafter, a move between the HDD 19 and the memory card 21a will be described as an example. Here, in particular, it is assumed that the video content recorded on the memory card 21a is reproduced on the portable terminal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the move operation between the video recorder and the portable terminal.
First, in the video recorder 1, copyright-protected video content data (content data 191) is recorded in the HDD 19. At this time, the corresponding license information is stored in the reproduction management information 181 in the nonvolatile memory 18 together with the content ID. It is recorded. Consider a case where video content is moved to the memory card 21a from this state.

  Here, since the storage capacity of the memory card 21a is much smaller than that of the HDD 19 and the resolution of the display screen of the portable terminal 2 is lower than that of the television device connected to the video recorder 1, the video content of the HDD 19 is usually Then, the data capacity is reduced by lowering the image resolution to reduce the data capacity, and then recorded on the memory card 21a. When the move operation is started, the content data 191 in the HDD 19 is once decoded by the encoder / decoder 12 and then re-encoded to reduce the bit rate. The re-encoded video content data is stored in the memory card 21a. To be recorded.

  At the same time, the corresponding license information and content ID in the reproduction management information 181 are recorded in the memory card 21a (step S11 in the figure). Also, the corresponding license information in the reproduction permission area 181a of the reproduction management information 181 is deleted, and the content ID of the moved video content is recorded in the reproduction impossible area 181b (step S12). As a result, the content data 191 in the HDD 19 cannot be reproduced, and the video content is virtually moved.

  On the other hand, when the memory card 21a is attached to the portable terminal 2, for example, the video content data, content ID, and license information reduced in bit rate are delivered to the portable terminal 2. Bit rate video content can be played back using license information.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the moved video content is moved again from the portable terminal 2 to the HDD 19 of the video recorder 1, the data and license information of the video content with a reduced bit rate are used. Is stored in the video recorder 1 again. At this time, on the video recorder 1 side, since the content ID of the video content in the memory card 21a is recorded in the non-reproducible area 181b in the reproduction management information 181, the content data 191 having the same content ID is invalid. It can be determined that the data is recorded in the HDD 19 in the converted state.

  Accordingly, the video recorder 1 reads out only the content ID and license information from the memory card 21a (step S21), writes this license information into the reproduction permission area 181a in the reproduction management information 181 and writes the corresponding content ID into the reproduction impossible area 181b. Is deleted (step S22). At this time, the license information in the memory card 21a is deleted. Also, the video content data with a reduced bit rate may be erased.

  Through the above processing, the content data 191 in the HDD 19 becomes reproducible. Since the content data 191 is original data before the bit rate is reduced for recording on the memory card 21a, the video recorder 1 does not deteriorate the quality of the video content even after the move. It can be played back. Further, for example, when video content is moved from the video recorder 1 to the portable terminal 2 and then moved to a different device or recording medium in a plurality of stages and returned to the video recorder 1, the same applies. It is possible to play back video content of the original quality. Further, when returning the video content once moved to the video recorder 1, it is not necessary to transfer the video content data itself, so that the time required for the move is shortened.

Next, processing in the video recorder 1 at the time of recording and moving video contents will be described in more detail.
First, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when video content received by broadcasting is recorded in the HDD 19 as an example.

[Step S101] Broadcast content is sequentially received by the tuner unit 11, and the CPU 15 sequentially receives data output from the tuner unit 11.
[Step S102] Copy control information is extracted from the received data. If the data is permitted to be recorded only once, the process proceeds to step S104. If the data is not permitted to be recorded, the process proceeds to step S103.

  [Step S103] The received video content data is supplied to the encoder / decoder 12 for decoding, and the content is reproduced and output. At this time, the content data is not recorded on the recording medium.

  [Step S104] If the data from the tuner unit 11 is video content data to be recorded, the process proceeds to step S105. Otherwise (here, the license information), the process proceeds to step S106.

  [Step S105] Video content data is recorded in the HDD 19. In practice, the video content data is encrypted by the encryption processing circuit 23 and then recorded on the HDD 19. As the encryption key data at this time, for example, a device ID uniquely assigned to the HDD 19 is used.

  [Step S106] The license information and the content ID are recorded in association with each other in the reproduction permission area 181a of the reproduction management information 181 in the nonvolatile memory 18. If the recorded video content does not have a content ID added in advance, a unique content ID is generated and recorded. The license information may be registered in the reproduction management information 181 after being encrypted by the encryption processing circuit 23.

[Step S107] It is determined whether or not to end the recording process. If not, the process returns to Step S104.
With the above processing, for the video content that can be moved, the content ID and license information are registered in the reproduction permission area 181a of the reproduction management information 181. In addition, by managing the license information separately from the video content data, each time the video content is moved to another recording medium or moved again from another recording medium and returned, There is no need to separate or combine data, and the processing can be made more efficient.

Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when moving video content in the HDD 19 to the memory card 21a.
[Step S201] When the CPU 15 is instructed to move the video content in the HDD 19 to the memory card 21a by the user's operation input through the input I / F 22 or the like, first, the CPU 15 is attached to the memory card I / F 21. The environmental information recorded in the memory card 21a is acquired. As this environmental information, for example, the storage capacity and free space of the memory card 21a, the type of application program used for reproduction, the type of device to be reproduced, the data format that can be reproduced by this device, the image resolution, and the like are used. .

  [Step S202] The copy control information given to the video content to be moved in the HDD 19 is extracted to determine whether the data is permitted to move. If permitted, the process proceeds to step S203, and if not permitted, the process ends.

  [Step S203] Based on the environmental information acquired in step S201, it is determined whether the quality of the video content to be moved, such as the bit rate and the data capacity, is suitable for recording on the memory card 21a. If it is not suitable, the process proceeds to step S204. If it is suitable, the process proceeds to step S205.

  [Step S204] The video content to be moved is optimized for recording on the memory card 21a. Specifically, under the control of the CPU 15, the video content data read from the HDD 19 is decrypted by the encryption processing circuit 23, and then once decoded by the encoder / decoder 12 to further reduce the bit rate. Re-encoded to

  [Step S205] The video content data (or re-encoded data) in the HDD 19 is transferred to the memory card 21a. At this time, the data is actually encrypted by the encryption processing circuit 23 and then recorded on the memory card 21a. As the encryption key at this time, an ID uniquely assigned to the memory card 21a is used. Further, license information corresponding to the video content or a part thereof may be used as a part of the encryption key or as data for generating the encryption key.

  [Step S206] It is determined whether or not the transfer of video content data has been completed. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step S205. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S207.

  [Step S207] With reference to the reproduction management information 181 of the nonvolatile memory 18, the corresponding license information in the reproduction permission area 181a is read and transferred to the memory card 21a. At this time, like the video content data, the license information may be encrypted by the encryption processing circuit 23 and then recorded on the memory card 21a.

[Step S208] It is determined whether or not the transfer of the license information has been completed. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step S207. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S209.
[Step S209] The corresponding license information recorded in the reproduction permission area 181a in the reproduction management information 181 is deleted, and the content ID of the moved video content is registered in the reproduction impossible area 181b.

Through the above processing, the video content in the HDD 19 is virtually moved to the memory card 21a without erasing the data.
In the above process, before transferring the video content data to the memory card 21a, an inquiry is made as to whether or not video content data having the same content ID in the memory card 21a has already been recorded. In this case, only the license information may be transferred. As a result, for example, a virtual move is performed on the memory card 21a in the past, and then it is virtually returned to the HDD 19 (that is, only the license information is moved without deleting the video content data in the memory card 21a). When there is a video content that may have been), there is no need to transfer the video content data to the memory card 21a again.

Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when moving video content that has been moved in the past from the memory card 21a to the HDD 19 again.
[Step S301] When the CPU 15 is instructed to move the predetermined video content in the memory card 21a to the HDD 19 by a user operation input through the input I / F 22, first, the content ID of the designated video content is set. Is obtained from the memory card 21a.

  [Step S302] It is determined whether the data of the video content to be moved exists in the HDD 19 or not. Specifically, with reference to the reproduction management information 181 of the nonvolatile memory 18, it is determined whether or not the content ID acquired in step S301 exists in the non-reproducible area 181b. When it exists, it progresses to step S305, and when it does not exist, it progresses to step S303.

  [Step S303] The video content data to be moved is read from the memory card 21a and transferred to the HDD 19. Actually, the data is decrypted using the license information recorded in the memory card 21a and the ID unique to the memory card 21a as a decryption key, and further the data is obtained using the license information and the device ID unique to the HDD 19 as an encryption key. After encryption, it is recorded in the HDD 19.

  [Step S304] It is determined whether or not the transfer of video content data has been completed. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step S303, and if it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S305.

  [Step S305] The license information corresponding to the video content to be moved is read from the memory card 21a, transferred to the nonvolatile memory 18, and registered together with the content ID in the reproduction permission area 181a of the reproduction management information 181. If the license information in the memory card 21a has been encrypted, it may be decrypted and further encrypted in the same manner as the video content data before being registered in the reproduction management information 181.

[Step S306] It is determined whether or not the transfer of the license information has been completed. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step S305. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S307.
[Step S307] If the content ID indicating the video content to be moved exists in the non-playable area 181b in the playback management information 181 (that is, if “Yes” is determined in step S302), the content is displayed. Delete the ID.

  [Step S308] The license information in the memory card 21a that has been transferred is deleted. Further, the data of the video content that is the moving target in the memory card 21a may be deleted.

  When the video content that has been virtually moved to the memory card 21a is returned by the above processing, this is determined based on the content ID of the non-reproducible area 181b in the reproduction management information 181, and the corresponding license The move operation is completed by transferring only the information to the HDD 19. In this case, the time required for the move is shortened and the convenience of the user is increased, and the deterioration of the quality of the video content due to the move can be avoided.

  The above-described processing can be similarly executed in the video recorder 1 described above, for example, by a move between the optical disc 20a and the memory card 21a or a move between the HDD 19 and the optical disc 20a. . In addition, re-encoding (changing the bit rate) by the encoder / decoder 12 can also be performed during the move between the HDD 19 and the optical disc 20a, and in this case as well, the deterioration of the video content quality due to the move can be avoided. Can do.

  The above processing can also be applied when moving from the video recorder 1 to another device via a wired or wireless communication I / F. Further, in such a case, the connected device may be provided with a control function for the move operation using the reproduction management information as described above.

  For example, in FIG. 3, the video recorder 1 and the portable terminal 2 are connected through a communication I / F such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) method, and the control function of the move operation using the reproduction management information as described above is provided to both devices. 3, when the video content in the video recorder 1 is moved to the portable terminal 2 as shown in FIG. 3A, the moved license information is registered in the reproduction management information in the portable terminal 2. The When the video content is moved from the mobile terminal 2 to the video recorder 1 as shown in FIG. 3B, the video data itself is not erased in the mobile terminal 2, and a virtual move is performed. Done.

  Therefore, when the same video content is subsequently moved between the video recorder 1 and the portable terminal 2, the video content data itself is not transferred, and only the license information (and content ID) is moved. For example, if the moving source device determines that the moving target video content is permitted to move (corresponding to step S202 in FIG. 5), it notifies the moving destination device of the content ID of the video content. Inquires whether or not the corresponding data is recorded in the destination device. In response to this inquiry, the device at the move destination starts processing corresponding to FIG. 6. When corresponding data is provided (corresponding to step S302 in FIG. 6), this is notified to the device at the move source. As a result, the move source device only needs to transfer the license information (corresponding to step S207 in FIG. 5), and the data transfer time is shortened, improving the convenience for the user.

  At this time, since each device records video content with the bit rate optimized for its own device, in addition to the effect of maintaining the quality of the original data, each device has been optimized. There is also an effect that the data can be easily reproduced only by moving the license information.

  Since the memory card has a built-in control circuit for the memory, it is possible to add a control function for the move operation using the reproduction management information as described above to the control circuit.

<< Second Embodiment >>
By the way, as described above, in the digital content move operation, only the license information is moved without moving the digital content data itself, so that the user's convenience is improved to some extent without degrading the data quality of the digital content. It becomes possible to improve. However, when digital content is to be played back, the user must always know whether the digital content data recorded on the playback device is currently playable or invalidated. Don't be.

  In particular, in a situation where an individual plays a digital content using a large number of playback devices such as a portable player, if each device has a function for realizing a virtual move operation as described above, It is not easy for the user to always know whether or not the desired digital content can be played back on the playback device, causing inconvenience.

  Therefore, in the following second embodiment, when a certain digital content is in a non-reproducible state so as to enable a virtual move operation, the reproduction permission of the digital content is given to only one reproducing device. It is managed by an external management module so that it is temporarily given. Then, by accessing the management module from each playback device, or by accessing the playback device from the management module side, it is possible to play back digital content on the playback device.

  Therefore, for example, when each reproduction device and the management module perform short-distance wireless communication, the management module is arranged in a range where wireless communication can be performed from the reproduction device, and when communication is performed via a wired cable, the reproduction device By connecting the management module and the management module with a communication cable or a connector, it becomes possible to reproduce digital content. In this way, the management module is arranged in the vicinity of the playback device to be used, and the digital content that can be played back is managed by the management module, thereby solving the above problem.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the content reproduction system according to the present embodiment.
The content playback system shown in FIG. 7 includes a video recorder 3 and a portable player 4 as examples of video content playback devices, and an ID module 5 that manages the playback state of video content on these playback devices. . Similar to the video recorder 1 shown in the first embodiment described above, the video recorder 3 has a function of recording / reproducing broadcast content received through digital broadcasting, and copying the recorded broadcast content to the memory card 6 (or It has a function to move. The portable player 4 uses a memory card 6 as a recording medium and has a function of playing back video content recorded on the memory card 6.

Further, as an example in the present embodiment, the ID module 5 performs wireless communication using a short-range wireless communication method (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) ) between the video recorder 3 and the portable player 4. However, each of these devices may perform wired communication according to a communication method such as USB.

  The video recorder 3 has a configuration in which a tuner unit 31, a system control unit 32, an HDD 33, a recording / playback engine chip 34, a memory card I / F 35, and an input unit 36 are connected to each other through an internal bus 37. A wireless I / F 38 is connected to the recording / reproducing engine chip 34.

  The tuner unit 31 receives a digital broadcast, and outputs broadcast content data of a program designated by the system control unit 32, copy control information, and additional data such as a data broadcast on the internal bus 37. The system control unit 32 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls each unit of the video recorder 3. The HDD 33 records video content data and other various programs and data. In addition, broadcast content and various data received by the tuner unit 31, video content read from the memory card 6 through the memory card I / F 35, and the like can be recorded.

  The recording / reproducing engine chip 34 is a processing block for executing a part of processing at the time of recording / reproducing video content, copying, moving, and the like. And a cryptographic processing circuit 342 for performing cryptographic processing such as time and move. Although not shown, a control function for communicating with the ID module 5 through the wireless I / F 38 may be provided.

  The memory card I / F 35 writes / reads data using the memory card 6. The input unit 36 includes a light receiving unit for infrared signals from a remote controller, various operation keys, an I / F circuit therefor, and the like, and outputs a control signal on the internal bus 37 according to an input operation by a user.

  The wireless I / F 38 is a processing block for wireless communication with the ID module 5 and includes a processing circuit for performing data modulation / demodulation, packet generation / separation processing, mutual authentication processing with a communication partner, and the like. Yes.

  Such a video recorder 3 can record the data of broadcast content (video content) received by the tuner unit 31 in the HDD 33, for example. Also, the video content data recorded on the HDD 33 or the memory card 6 is decoded by the encoder / decoder 341, and further converted into an output signal such as a video signal and an audio signal, which are converted into an external television receiver or the like. By outputting, it is also possible to reproduce the video content.

  Furthermore, copyright-protected video content (in which copy control information is “copy once”) can be moved between the HDD 33 and the memory card 6. At this time, it is possible to virtually move without erasing the original video content data by the processing described later. In addition, when playing video content in a virtual move state, it is necessary to perform wireless communication with the ID module 5 through the wireless I / F 38.

  The portable player 4 has a configuration in which a system control unit 41, a memory card I / F 42, a reproduction engine chip 43, and an input unit 44 are connected to each other via an internal bus 45. The playback engine chip 43 is connected to a wireless I / F 46, a display unit 47, and an audio output unit 48.

  The system control unit 41 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls each unit of the portable player 4. The memory card I / F 42 performs data writing / reading using the memory card 6. The playback engine chip 43 includes a decoder 431 for video data and audio data, an encryption processing circuit 432 for executing encryption processing such as playback and move, and a part of processing during playback and copy / move of video content. Execute. Although not shown, a control function for communicating with the ID module 5 through the wireless I / F 46 may be provided.

The input unit 44 includes various operation keys, an I / F circuit therefor, and the like, and outputs a control signal corresponding to an input operation by the user onto the internal bus 45.
The wireless I / F 46 is a processing block for wireless communication with the ID module 5 and includes a processing circuit that performs data modulation / demodulation, packet generation / separation processing, mutual authentication processing with a communication partner, and the like. Yes.

  The display unit 47 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a display processing circuit, and the like, receives the video data decoded by the decoder 431, and reproduces and displays the video content on the display device. The audio output unit 48 includes a speaker or an earphone output terminal, an audio processing circuit such as an amplifier, etc., receives the audio data decoded by the decoder 431, and outputs reproduced audio based on this data.

  Such a portable player 4 reproduces the video content by decoding the video content data recorded on the memory card 6 by the decoder 431 and supplying the decoded data to the display unit 47 and the audio output unit 48. can do. In addition, video content that is virtually moved can also be played back, and at that time, wireless communication with the ID module 5 through the wireless I / F 46 is required.

  Note that, in the above-described playback device, the copyright-protected video content is encrypted when it is recorded on the HDD 33 or the memory card 6. In the video recorder 3, the encryption processing at this time is executed by the encryption processing circuit 342, and at the time of reproduction, it is decrypted by the encryption processing circuit 342 after reading from these recording media. In the portable player 4, the video content in the memory card 6 can be reproduced by being decrypted by the encryption processing circuit 432. In each device, the encryption processing circuits 342 and 432 also execute encryption processing such as license information added to the video content, and encryption processing of data transmitted to and received from the ID module 5.

  The ID module 5 includes a control unit 51, a wireless I / F 52, an input unit 53, a display unit 54, and a nonvolatile memory 55. The control unit 51 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a cryptographic processing circuit, and the like, and comprehensively controls each unit in the ID module 5. The wireless I / F 52 is a processing block for wireless communication with a playback device such as the video recorder 3 or the portable player 4, and data modulation / demodulation, packet generation / separation processing, and mutual authentication with a communication partner. A processing circuit for performing processing and the like is included.

  The input unit 53 includes various operation keys, an I / F circuit therefor, and the like, and supplies a control signal corresponding to an input operation by the user to the control unit 51. The display unit 54 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD or a display processing circuit, and displays an image based on the image signal generated by the control unit 51. The nonvolatile memory 55 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM or the like, and stores list information for managing the current playback state of the video content that has been virtually moved on the playback device, as will be described later.

  In this content playback system, video content in a playback device such as the video recorder 3 or the portable player 4 cannot be played back unless a temporary playback permission is received from the ID module 5. Hereinafter, such video content that has become unplayable is referred to as a “virtual move target”. The ID module 5 accepts registration, release requests, playback start / end requests, and the like for the virtual move target from the playback device via the wireless I / F 52 and is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 55 in response to these requests. The playback state is managed by updating the list information. Here, based on the list information of the ID module 5, even when the video content targeted for the virtual move is copied to another playback device, only one playback device is given a playback permission. A copyright protection effect substantially equivalent to that of a move can be obtained without erasing video content data in each playback device.

Hereinafter, two examples of processing for realizing a virtual move operation in the content reproduction system having such a configuration will be described.
<First processing example>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of an operation during a move in the content reproduction system when the first processing example is applied.

  In the first processing example, when the video content in the playback device is a virtual move target, a content ID for identifying the video content is registered in the ID module 5. Thereby, by erasing the content ID in the ID module 5, the video content can be easily released from the virtual move target state.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in order to perform a virtual move operation in this content reproduction system, first, a procedure (step S30) of registering video content in the video recorder 3 as a virtual move target is performed. In the reproduction device (here, the video recorder 3 and the portable player 4), it is possible to obtain a temporary reproduction permission from the ID module 5 and reproduce the virtual move target (steps S40 and S50). Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to release the video content from the virtual move target and return it to the original state.

  The non-volatile memory 55 of the ID module 5 records a playback state management list 551 for managing the playback state of video content that is a virtual move target in the playback device. In the playback state management list 551, a content ID for identifying video content that is a virtual move target and a video content that is currently being played back on a single playback device with respect to a user ID for identifying the user. Is associated with a reproduction state flag indicating whether or not the image is reproduced.

  Here, the user ID may be given in advance for each ID module 5. In this case, the user ID is equivalent to the module ID for identifying the ID module 5. For example, when a user who needs to move video content individually uses his own ID module 5, it is easy to understand if such user ID assignment is performed. On the contrary, for example, when one ID module 5 is used by a plurality of users, a user ID may be generated for each registration operation of the virtual move target. Furthermore, in any of these cases, a plurality of content IDs may be registered for one user ID, and in that case, a reproduction state flag may be individually provided for each content ID.

  First, considering the case where video content data (content data 331a) received through broadcasting is recorded in the HDD 33 in the video recorder 3, the procedure for registering the content data 331a as a virtual move target is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the procedure (step S31) of adding the user ID given from the ID module 5 to the reproduction management information 332 corresponding to the content data 331a to be the virtual move target, and the content to be the virtual move target It consists of a procedure (step S32) for registering the content ID indicating the data 331a in the reproduction state management list 551 of the ID module 5.

  Here, the reproduction management information 332 is information for adding a reproduction condition that the corresponding content data 331a cannot be reproduced when the temporary reproduction permission from the ID module 5 cannot be obtained. A user ID is recorded in order to connect to the correct ID module 5 during reproduction. The reproduction management information 332 is realized as a part of license information for permitting reproduction of the content data 331a, for example. Further, a user ID or related information may be used as an encryption key or a part thereof when encrypting the content data 331a when registering a virtual move target.

  In the present embodiment, the reproduction management information 332 is provided for each video content and is integrally added to the data. For example, a plurality of video contents in the recording medium are collectively collected by one reproduction management information. May be managed.

  The registration of the virtual move target may be executed in response to an operation input by the user on either the video recorder 3 side or the ID module 5 side. In the following FIG. 9, as an example, processing when executed in response to an operation input on the video recorder 3 side is shown.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the video recorder 3 at the time of registration of the virtual move target.
[Step S401] By the user's input operation from the input unit 36, the video content recorded in the HDD 33 is selected as a virtual move target, and an instruction input for starting the registration process is received. In response to such an input, the system control unit 32 activates a program for registering a virtual move target and executes the following processing.

[Step S402] The ID module 5 existing within a connectable distance through the wireless I / F 38 is searched, and a connection is requested to the searched ID module 5.
[Step S403] The wireless I / F 38 performs a mutual authentication process with the ID module 5 of the connection partner.

[Step S404] When the mutual authentication is correctly performed, a wireless communication link is established with the ID module 5, and then the transmission of the user ID is requested and received.
[Step S405] The user ID received from the ID module 5 is added to the reproduction management information 332 corresponding to the video content selected in step S401, and the reproduction permission from the ID module 5 is received for the reproduction management information 332. Write a playback condition indicating that playback is not possible unless it is. As a result, the video content to which the user ID is added is a virtual move target.

  At this time, the video content data may be encrypted by incorporating the user ID and related information as an encryption key or a part thereof. If the video content data has already been encrypted with the device ID of the HDD 33, for example, the video content data is once decrypted by the processing of the encryption processing circuit 342 and then encrypted again using the user ID as the key information. That's fine.

  [Step S406] The content ID of the video content to which the user ID is added is transmitted to the ID module 5. When receiving the content ID from the video recorder 3, the ID module 5 registers the ID in association with the corresponding user ID in the reproduction state management list 551. At this time, the corresponding playback state flag is set to “0”, and thereafter, the video recorder 3 is notified of the completion of registration.

[Step S407] The registration completion notification from the ID module 5 is received, and the virtual move target registration process is terminated.
It should be noted that in order to make the video content targeted for virtual movement unreproducible, the key information or a part thereof when the video content data is encrypted in step S405 is stored only in the playback state management list 551 of the ID module 5. It may be recorded. This improves the confidentiality of the video content that is the target of the virtual move.

  When a plurality of ID modules are searched in step S402, the video recorder 3 may display icons indicating the searched ID modules and allow the user to select them. In this case, if the authentication is not correctly performed in step S403, another ID module among the searched ones may be automatically accessed and the authentication process may be performed again.

  Here, returning to FIG. 8, the content data 331a that has been subjected to the virtual move by the procedure of FIG. 9 described above is added together with the reproduction management information 332 added thereto (that is, the user ID is added to the content data 331a). Can be freely copied to other recording media. This is because the content data 331a cannot be reproduced unless the reproduction permission is given from the ID module 5. In FIG. 8, the content data 331 a and the reproduction management information 332 are copied to the memory card 6, and the video content can be reproduced by attaching the memory card 6 to the portable player 4. In addition, the content data 331a and the reproduction management information 332 can be automatically copied from the video recorder 1 to another recording medium without any particular operation by the user. Is further improved.

  Normally, when the content data 331a in the HDD 33 of the video recorder 3 is recorded on the memory card 6, the content data 331a is reduced in bit rate and low by reducing the image resolution by the processing of the encoder / decoder 341. The capacity is recorded on the memory card 6 (in FIG. 8, the data with a reduced bit rate is used as the content data 331b).

  Further, in the video recorder 3 and the portable player 4, the user ID may be separately recorded in a nonvolatile memory or the like inside the apparatus. This method is suitable when, for example, one user occupies a specific playback device. In this case, all the video content played back by a specific playback device is a virtual move target using the same ID module 5, for example, a portable player having a non-removable HDD or the like as a recording medium for video content It is applicable to.

  According to this method, when video content targeted for virtual movement is copied to a portable player having the non-volatile memory, it is prevented that video content with a different user ID is mistakenly copied. The In addition, the portable player automatically copies only the video content to which the target user ID is added from among the video contents recorded on other recording media (or playback devices) as virtual moves. Such a function can also be realized.

  Next, when reproducing the content data 331a in the video recorder 3 (step S40), after establishing a wireless communication channel between the video recorder 3 and the ID module 5, the user ID held by the ID module 5 and The user ID recorded in the reproduction management information 332 corresponding to the content data 331a is collated (step S41).

  If these user IDs match, the video recorder 3 transmits the content ID of the content data 331a to the ID module 5 (step S42). The ID module 5 refers to the playback state management list 551, and when the playback state flag corresponding to the received content ID is “0”, grants a temporary playback permission to the video recorder 3 (step S43). ). At this time, the corresponding reproduction state flag in the reproduction state management list 551 is set to “1”.

  Through the above procedure, the video recorder 3 to which the reproduction permission is given can reproduce the content data 331a. Further, the reproduction permission is temporarily given, and the video recorder 3 can continue the reproduction, for example, by receiving a reproduction permission from the ID module 5 at regular intervals thereafter.

  On the other hand, when the portable player 4 reproduces the content data 331b in the memory card 6 (step S50), the same procedure is performed. That is, the user ID held by the ID module 5 and the user ID recorded in the reproduction management information 332 are collated (step S51), and if the user IDs match, the content ID is transmitted to the ID module 5 ( Step S52). The ID module 5 gives a temporary reproduction permission to the portable player 4 only when the reproduction state flag corresponding to the received content ID is “0” (step S53).

  Here, in the ID module 5, the move operation is virtually realized by permitting the reproduction of the content data with only one reproduction device using the reproduction state flag of the reproduction state management list 551. Further, the video recorder 3 can reproduce the original content data 331a before the bit rate is reduced in the HDD 33 even after the video content targeted for the virtual move is copied to the memory card 6. Is prevented from degrading the quality of video content.

  Note that, for example, the situation in which content recorded in the video recorder 3 is moved to the portable player 4 and played back, and then can be played back again on the video recorder 3 is conventionally realized by moving the content data a plurality of times. It was a thing. In the content reproduction system of the present embodiment, the actual multiple movements as described above are realized by the actual movement of the content data and the management of the reproduction permission by the ID module 5. Then, there is an advantage that the situation of quality deterioration of the content data that has always occurred can be avoided by repeating the move in this way.

Hereinafter, the processing at the time of reproduction of the virtual move target will be described more specifically.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the video recorder 3 when a virtual move target is played back in response to a user operation on the video recorder 3 side.

[Step S501] A selection input of video content to be played back is accepted by a user operation input through the input unit.
[Step S502] With reference to the playback condition described in the playback management information 332 corresponding to the selected video content, it is determined whether or not the playback permission from the ID module 5 is necessary. If necessary, the process proceeds to step S503, and if not necessary, the process proceeds to step S512.

[Step S503] The user ID is read from the reproduction management information 332 corresponding to the selected video content.
[Step S504] The ID module 5 existing within a connectable distance through the wireless I / F 38 is searched, and a connection is requested to the searched ID module 5.

[Step S505] The wireless I / F 38 performs a mutual authentication process with the ID module 5 of the connection partner.
[Step S506] When mutual authentication is correctly performed, a wireless communication link is established with the ID module 5, and then transmission of the user ID is requested and received.

  [Step S507] The received user ID and the user ID read in step S503 are collated, and if they match, the process proceeds to step S508. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S513.

[Step S508] The content ID of the video content with the matching user ID is read and transmitted to the ID module 5.
[Step S509] The response from the ID module 5 is monitored, and if it is notified that the video content corresponding to the content ID transmitted in Step S508 is being played back by another playback device, the process proceeds to Step S514. If not, the process proceeds to step S510.

  [Step S510] If a temporary reproduction permission is received from the ID module 5, the process proceeds to step S511. If not, the process returns to step S509 and the response from the ID module 5 is monitored.

  [Step S511] In accordance with the reproduction permission from the ID module 5, for example, the video content is decrypted by the encryption processing circuit 342 and then decoded by the encoder / decoder 341 to start the reproduction processing of the video content. Playback continues by receiving permission continuously. Note that step S511 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  [Step S512] For the video content that does not require reproduction permission from the ID module 5, reproduction processing is performed as it is. For example, the video content is decoded using the key information in the reproduction management information 332, and then further decoded by the encoder / decoder 341. Thereafter, although not shown, the reproduction is continued until the reproduction stop is instructed by a user operation input.

[Step S513] If verification by the user ID has failed, the fact is notified to the ID module 5, and the process proceeds to Step S514.
[Step S514] On the display screen of the connected television device, a message indicating that playback is impossible is displayed and the user is notified, and the process ends. In this case, for example, the user may wirelessly connect to another ID module and request the reproduction permission again.

Note that the video content in the memory card 6 can also be played back by the same processing in the portable player 4.
On the other hand, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the ID module 5 when the virtual move target is played back in response to a user operation on the video recorder 3 side.

[Step S601] Access is received from the playback device (in this example, the video recorder 3 is used as an example, but the same applies to the portable player 4) through the wireless I / F 52.
[Step S602] The wireless I / F 52 performs mutual authentication processing with the accessed video recorder 3.

  [Step S603] When mutual authentication is correctly performed, information from the video recorder 3 is monitored, and when a user ID transmission request is received, the user ID recorded in the reproduction state management list 551 is returned. When a plurality of user IDs are recorded, all of them may be transmitted to the video recorder 3 and selected by the user's operation input on the video recorder 3 side.

  [Step S604] Using the user ID returned in step S603, the video recorder 3 performs a verification process (corresponding to step S507 in FIG. 10), and the ID module 5 monitors information issued based on the verification result. To do. If the verification fails, the fact is notified (corresponding to step S513 in FIG. 10), and the ID module 5 receives the notification and ends the process. If no notification is received, the process proceeds to step S605.

  [Step S605] If the verification is successful, the content ID of the video content to be registered is transmitted (corresponding to step S508 in FIG. 10), and the ID module 5 proceeds to step S606 if the content ID is received. If not received, the process returns to step S604, and information from the video recorder 3 is monitored.

  [Step S606] Referring to the reproduction state management list 551, if the reproduction state flag corresponding to the content ID received in step S605 is “0”, the process proceeds to step S607, and if it is “1”, the process proceeds to step S610. move on.

[Step S607] The reproduction state flag is changed to “1” indicating that reproduction is in progress.
[Step S608] A temporary reproduction permission of the video content corresponding to the received content ID is transmitted. As a result, the reproduction of the video content requested to be registered is started in the video recorder 3 of the communication partner.

[Step S609] A process of continuously monitoring whether or not the video content permitted to be played continues to be played is performed. This process will be described later with reference to FIG.
[Step S610] If the playback state flag is “1”, the video content requested to be registered is being played back on another playback device, so that the playback device is notified that the video content is being played back. The video recorder 3 that has received this notification displays that it cannot be played back (step S514 in FIG. 10).

  10 and FIG. 11, the video recorder 3 can start playback of the video content that is a virtual move target. Thereafter, while the reproduction is continued, the communication between the video recorder 3 and the ID module 5 is continued, and the following processes of FIGS. 12 and 13 are performed. On the other hand, when the reproduction of the video content currently being reproduced is requested, it is rejected by the ID module 5, and the copyright of the video content is surely protected. At the same time, the user does not need to know the video content that can be played back at all times, and can simply request the video recorder 3 to start playback, thereby realizing a highly convenient virtual move operation. The

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reproduction permission continuous reception process in the video recorder 3.
[Step S701] The data of the video content permitted to be reproduced is decoded by the encoder / decoder 341, and the reproduction signal is sequentially output.

[Step S702] The progress of a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) is monitored. If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S703.
[Step S703] The content ID of the video content being reproduced is transmitted to the ID module 5 to notify that it is being reproduced.

[Step S704] A reproduction continuation permission is received from the ID module 5. As a result, the reproduction can be continued until a certain time has elapsed.
[Step S705] If it is instructed to stop the reproduction by the user's operation input until the predetermined time elapses in Step S702, the process proceeds to Step S706, and if there is no instruction, the process returns to Step S701 to reproduce the reproduction. Continue processing.

[Step S706] When an instruction to stop the reproduction is given, the ID module 5 is notified that the reproduction is to be stopped, and the process is terminated.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of continuous playback monitoring processing in the ID module 5.

  [Step S801] When information from the playback device (here, the video recorder 3) is monitored through the wireless I / F 52 and notification that playback is in progress is received (corresponding to Step S703 in FIG. 12), the process proceeds to Step S802. move on. At the same time, a content ID indicating the video content being reproduced is also received. If such notification is not received, the process proceeds to step S804.

[Step S802] Referring to the reproduction state management list 551, it is confirmed that the received content ID exists and the reproduction state flag is “1”.
[Step S803] A reproduction continuation permission is transmitted to the video recorder 3 of the communication destination. The video recorder 3 that has received this playback continuation permission can continue to play back the corresponding video content until a request to continue playback is requested again (corresponding to step S704 in FIG. 12).

[Step S804] If a notice to stop playback is received from the video recorder 3, the process proceeds to step S806, and if not, the process proceeds to step S805.
[Step S805] The elapse of a certain time is monitored, and when no information is received from the video recorder 3 when the time elapses, the reproduction is stopped (or the video recorder 3 and the ID module 5). , The process proceeds to step S806. If not, the process returns to step S801, and information from the video recorder 3 is monitored.

[Step S806] The playback state flag corresponding to the content ID that was being played back is returned to "0".
12 and 13 allows the video recorder 3 to continue playing the video content to be virtually moved by receiving the permission to continue playing from the ID module 5 at regular time intervals. In addition, while the reproduction is continued, in the reproduction state management list 551 of the ID module 5, the corresponding reproduction state flag is set to “1”, and a reproduction request from another reproduction device is rejected, thereby realizing a virtual move operation. Will be.

  In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the ID module 5 constantly monitors the playback operation on the playback device. In addition to this, when the playback permission for the virtual move target is first requested, the video is displayed. Playback may be permitted for a time equivalent to or longer than the playback time of the content, and during that time, playback permission may not be given to other playback devices.

  By the way, in the above FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the processing when the virtual move target is played back in accordance with the user operation on the video recorder 3 side has been described, but the operation input for playback is performed in the ID module 5. May be.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the ID module 5 when a virtual move target is played back in response to a user operation on the ID module 5 side.
[Step S901] When a playback request for a virtual move target is made by a user operation input through the input unit 53, the control unit 51 searches for a playback device that exists within a connectable distance through the wireless I / F 52 and searches for the playback device. Request the connected playback device to connect. When a plurality of playback devices are searched, a list of playback devices that can be connected may be displayed on the display unit 54 to accept selection input by the user.

[Step S902] The wireless I / F 52 performs a mutual authentication process with the playback device of the connection partner.
[Step S903] If mutual authentication is correctly performed, a request is made for a list of content IDs indicating a list of video contents recorded on the playback device of the connection partner. Upon receiving the request, the playback device searches for video content recorded on its own recording medium, and returns a list of content IDs. The ID module 5 receives the list.

  [Step S904] Among the received content IDs, video content names that exist in the playback state management list 551 and whose playback state flag is “0” are displayed in a list on the display unit 54.

[Step S905] A selection input by the user for selecting one to be reproduced from the displayed video content is received through the input unit 53.
[Step S906] The content ID corresponding to the selection input and the corresponding user ID are transmitted to the playback device. The playback device that has received these pieces of information reads the user ID from the playback management information 332 of the video content corresponding to the content ID, compares it with the received user ID, and returns the verification result to the ID module 5.

[Step S907] The collation result from the playback device is received. If the collation is successful, the process proceeds to step S908. If the collation is unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step S911.
[Step S908] If the verification is successful, the reproduction status flag corresponding to the content ID transmitted in Step S906 is changed to “1”.

[Step S909] A reproduction permission is transmitted to the reproduction device. As a result, the video content designated by the user is played back on the playback device.
[Step S910] A continuous playback monitoring process similar to the process shown in FIG. 13 is executed, whereby the playback of video content on the playback device is continued.

[Step S911] If the collation has failed in step S907, the display unit 54 displays that the designated video content is unplayable and notifies the user.
[Step S912] In response to an operation input from the user, it is determined whether or not to continue the process for starting playback of other video content. If so, the process returns to step S904, and if not, the process is performed. finish.

  As described above, the virtual move target on the wirelessly connected playback device can be played back by a user operation on the ID module 5 side. For example, the user can select video content that can be played back on the display unit 54 of the ID module 5, so that it is not usually necessary to know the video content that can be played back. Is increased.

Next, a process for returning the video content in the playback apparatus from the virtual move target will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the video recorder 3 when returning from the virtual move target.

  [Step S1001] In response to a user input operation from the input unit 36, an instruction input for starting the deregistration process is received upon selection of a video content to be restored from the virtual move target among the video contents in the HDD 33. Receive.

[Step S1002] The user ID added to the reproduction management information 332 of the selected video content is read.
[Step S1003] The ID module 5 existing within a connectable distance through the wireless I / F 38 is searched, and a connection is requested to the searched ID module 5.

[Step S1004] The wireless I / F 38 performs mutual authentication processing with the ID module 5 of the connection partner.
[Step S1005] When mutual authentication is correctly performed, a wireless communication link is established with the ID module 5, and then a transmission of a user ID is requested and received.

  [Step S1006] The received user ID and the user ID read in step S1002 are collated, and if they match, the process proceeds to step S1007. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[Step S1007] A notification that the verification is successful and a content ID for requesting deregistration are transmitted to the ID module 5.
The ID module 5 refers to the playback state management list 551, determines that the registration can be canceled when the playback state flag corresponding to the received content ID is “0”, deletes the content ID and cancels the registration. The registration cancellation permission is transmitted to the video recorder 3. If the playback status flag is “1”, the video content is currently being played back by another playback device, so that the video recorder 3 is notified that registration cannot be canceled.

  [Step S1008] If the video recorder 3 receives permission for deregistration from the ID module 5, the process proceeds to step S1009. If notified that registration cannot be canceled, the process proceeds to step S1011.

  [Step S1009] If the registration cancellation permission is received, a permanent playback permission is obtained from the ID module 5, and the user ID is obtained from the playback management information 332 of the video content selected to be canceled. Erasing and returning from the virtual move target so that playback is possible without receiving a playback permission from the ID module 5. For example, the playback condition in the playback management information 332 is rewritten so that playback can be performed without permission for playback. Also, the key information or a part thereof is received from the ID module, the video content data is once decrypted, and re-encrypted using information unrelated to the ID module 5 such as the device ID of the HDD 33 as the key information. Also good.

[Step S1010] If the verification of the user ID has failed, the fact is notified to the ID module 1010, and the process proceeds to step S1011.
[Step S1011] It is displayed that the registration cannot be canceled and notified to the user, and then the process ends.

  In the above process, the case where the process of returning from the virtual move target is executed according to the user's operation input on the playback device side is shown. However, according to the user's operation input on the ID module 5 side. It is also possible to return.

  Here, referring back to FIG. 8, the effect when returning from the virtual move target will be described. As described above, when the content data 331a targeted for virtual movement is copied to a recording medium having a small recording capacity such as the memory card 6, the content data 331b having a reduced bit rate is copied. However, the original content data 331a that has not been subjected to bit rate conversion is not erased from the original playback device (video recorder 3). It is possible to return to a reproducible state without obtaining a reproduction permission. Therefore, even after performing a virtual move, it is possible to restore the original data with no degradation in quality at the time of return. Further, since the video content data itself is not transferred at the time of return, the processing time can be shortened.

  As described above, in the present embodiment (first processing example), the problem of the length of data transfer time and the quality degradation associated with the move operation is improved, and the user particularly recognizes management of reproducible content. Therefore, it is possible to realize a move operation that is convenient for the user.

<Second processing example>
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an outline of an operation during a move in the content reproduction system when the second processing example is applied.

  In the second processing example shown in FIG. 16, in order to perform a virtual move operation, as in the first processing example shown in FIG. 8, first, video content in the video recorder 3 is set as a virtual move target. The registration procedure (step S60) is performed, and thereafter, each playback device (here, the video recorder 3 and the portable player 4) obtains a temporary playback permission from the ID module 5 and plays back the virtual move target (step S70). And S80).

  Here, the difference from the first processing example is that when registering a virtual move target, only the user ID is added to the reproduction management information 332 of the content data 331a (step S61), and the content ID is not registered in the ID module 5. Is a point. Therefore, only the reproduction state flag is associated with the user ID in the reproduction state management list 552 that the ID module 5 holds in the nonvolatile memory 55.

  Such a registration method is applied to a case where a playback device has a non-removable recording medium such as an HDD, and all digital contents in the recording medium are subject to virtual movement using a single user ID. Thus, the management process can be simplified by specializing in the management of each playback device without managing the playback state of each content. Further, when the digital content of each playback device is managed using the playback state management list 552 as described above, the digital content once registered as a virtual move target cannot be restored.

  However, by continuing to hold the content ID of the digital content that has been requested to be restored later in the ID module 5, the restoration can be made possible. Here, the content ID of the restored digital content is managed in the restored content list 553 in the nonvolatile memory 55 of the ID module 5.

  That is, the reproduction device notifies the ID module 5 of the content ID of the digital content to be restored from the virtual move target after the user ID is successfully verified with the ID module 5. Based on the playback state management flag, the ID module 5 records the content ID in the return content list 553 and permits the playback device to cancel the registration when the digital content is not being played back. As a result, the digital content returns to a state where it can be played back without receiving a playback permission from the ID module 5. Further, the content ID in the return content list 553 must be always recorded until the digital content corresponding to the content ID is registered again as a virtual move target.

  Also, with reference to FIG. 16, description will be given of an operation at the time of reproduction when such a management method is adopted. In the case of reproducing the content data 331a targeted for virtual movement in the video recorder 3, a video is reproduced. After the wireless communication channel is established between the recorder 3 and the ID module 5, the user ID held by the ID module 5 and the user ID recorded in the reproduction management information 332 corresponding to the content data 331a are collated ( Step S71).

  If these user IDs match, the video recorder 3 transmits the content ID of the content data 331a to the ID module 5 (step S72). The ID module 5 refers to the return content list 553 and when the received content ID is not recorded therein and the corresponding playback state flag in the playback state management list 552 is “0”. Then, a temporary reproduction permission is given to the video recorder 3 (step S73). At this time, the corresponding reproduction state flag in the reproduction state management list 552 is set to “1”. As a result, the content data 331a in the video recorder 3 is played back, and the same digital content cannot be played back on other playback devices.

Note that the same processing (steps S81 to S83) is also performed in the portable player 4, so that the content data 331b in the memory card 6 can be reproduced.
The second processing example described above is suitable for managing the virtual content virtual move operation in units of playback devices, and the problem associated with the move operation is solved as in the first process example. A move operation that is convenient for the user is realized.

  In the second embodiment described above, when video content is encrypted with the key information held on the ID module side at the time of registration to the virtual move target ID module, the video content is stored in a memory card or the like. When copying to another recording medium, re-encoding for lowering the bit rate cannot be performed as it is. Therefore, even in such a case, it is only necessary to connect the video recorder to the ID module and obtain permission.

  Specifically, when the user ID is successfully verified by connecting to the video recorder, or when the target content ID is further transmitted to the ID module 5 after the verification and it is not determined that the ID module is being played back, the ID module In addition to receiving permission from 5, the decryption key is obtained and the video content data is decrypted. Further, after being decompressed and decoded by a decoder, it is compressed and encoded so as to have a predetermined bit rate, encrypted with an encryption key from an ID module, etc., and then transferred to a memory card or the like. At this time, the user ID added to the original video content is added to the encrypted video content. As a result, the memory card to which the video content is copied can be mounted on another player having a virtual move control function similar to that of the video recorder, and connected to the ID module to reproduce the video content in the memory card. It becomes possible.

  In each of the above embodiments, a video player capable of receiving and recording a digital broadcast is used as an example of a playback device capable of playing back video content recorded on a recording medium and transferring it to another recording medium. Although the case where the present invention is applied to the present invention has been described, the present invention can be applied to all digital content recording / playback devices and playback devices. Various digital contents such as audio contents and text contents can be considered as well as video contents. Furthermore, it is possible not only to copy digital content data and to a mounted general-purpose recording medium, but also to a recording medium of another playback device connected through a communication I / F.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Video recorder, 2 ... Portable terminal, 11 ... Tuner part, 12 ... Encoder / decoder, 13 ... Graphic I / F, 14 ... Audio I / F, 15 ... CPU, 16 ... ROM , 17... RAM, 18... Non-volatile memory, 19... HDD, 20... Optical disk drive, 20 a. F, 23 ... Encryption processing circuit, 24 ... Internal bus, 181 ... Playback management information, 191 ... Content data

Claims (4)

In an information management method for managing whether or not copyright protected content can be played,
When the reproduction management unit receives an invalidation request for the content issued in response to a request to move the content recorded on the recording medium to another recording medium, the content is registered in the reproduction management information as an unplayable state. When transmitting the data of the content requested to be moved to the destination recording medium, the environment information used for determining whether to convert the bit rate of the content data is acquired from the destination recording medium, An invalidation step of converting and transmitting the bit rate of the content data when it is determined to convert the bit rate of the content data based on the environmental information ;
When the playback control means accepts a playback request for content in the recording medium, a playback processing step for allowing playback when the content is not in a playback disabled state with reference to the playback management information;
When the reproduction management means acquires the reproduction permission information corresponding to the content that cannot be reproduced, the invalidation release step of updating the reproduction management information so as to release the reproduction impossible state of the content;
Information management method.   The information management method according to claim 1, wherein the bit rate conversion is performed at a low bit rate corresponding to a reproduction environment of a moving destination.   In an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing content recorded on a recording medium,
  When an invalidation request for the content recorded on the recording medium is received, the content is registered in the reproduction management information as an unreproducible state, and when the reproduction permission information corresponding to the unreproducible content is acquired, the content cannot be reproduced. Reproduction management means for updating the reproduction management information so as to release the state;
  Receiving a playback request for content in the recording medium, playback control means for permitting playback when the content is not in a playback disabled state with reference to the playback management information;
  When the invalidation request is issued in response to a request to move the content recorded on the recording medium to another recording medium, the data of the content requested to be moved is transmitted to the destination recording medium. When the environment information used for determining whether to convert the bit rate of the content data is acquired from the destination recording medium, and the bit rate conversion of the content data is determined to be performed based on the environment information A bit rate conversion means for converting the bit rate of the data of the content and transmitting the data;
  An information reproducing apparatus.   4. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the bit rate conversion is performed at a low bit rate corresponding to a reproduction environment of a moving destination.

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