WO2002037492A1

WO2002037492A1 - Content data, and its recording medium, recording method, recording apparatus, copying method, reproducing method, reproducing apparatus, and output method.

Info

Publication number: WO2002037492A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/009524
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoichiro Sako
Original assignee: Sony Corporation
Priority date: 2000-10-30
Filing date: 2001-10-30
Publication date: 2002-05-10
Also published as: JP2002140077A; CN1397071A; CN101017693A; CN100388379C; KR20020079762A; KR100840010B1

Abstract

Additional data including data on restriction on copying/reproduction of content data supplied and data on the period of time for which conditions concerning the copying/reproduction of the content data is added to the content data. The content data together with the additional data is recorded. When the content data is copied or reproduced, the additional data is extracted, and the copying or reproduction is controlled according to the additional data.

Description

Specification

Content data and its recording medium, recording method, recording device, duplication method,

Production method, playback device and output method

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a data transmission method for transmitting various types of content data, such as audio data, video data, and text data, and a method for restricting recording or reproduction of content data. The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording or reproducing data. In providing various types of content such as audio data, video data, text data, etc., the content data is prevented from being used illegally, and the benefits of the content data provider are reduced. Various measures are being taken to prevent harm.

For example, in the case of a so-called CD (Compact Disc) in which audio data such as music is recorded, the CD manufacturer puts it on the market with a rental prohibition period that prohibits rentals from being rented out by rental companies. According to the agreement with the contractor, it is enforced that CDs are not rented (rented) for a predetermined period.

In electronic content distribution through a communication network such as EMD (Electronic Music Distribution), the validity period during which the content data can be used is set in advance, and the content data is communicated with the billing center and the fee is charged. A method has been proposed to rewrite the overnight usage period.

In this way, by using the method of extending the validity period of use of the content data according to the charge, only the user who wants to use the content data continuously needs to respond to the charge, which is convenient for the user. In addition, content data providers can also be charged for usage by users. You.

Even if the above-mentioned ban period is set, this is simply due to the agreement between the CD manufacturer and the rental company, and the only option is to rely on so-called human restrictions. Even if the prohibition period is set, the CD and the CD player cannot restrict playback such as prohibiting the reproduction of the CD during the rental prohibition period. If borrowed from a CD, no restrictions can be placed on the use of the CD for playback or other purposes. .

The method of rewriting the validity period of content data when charging according to EMD or the like described above cannot be used unless communication between the charging center and the playback terminal device is established. In addition, since the operation of rewriting the trial validity period of the content data is involved, a load is imposed on the device on the user side, that is, the terminal device. '

For some content data, a trial listening (trial listening) period is set, and during this trial listening period, the content data can be used without charging. After the trial period has elapsed, communication between the charging center and the playback terminal device is required for the charging process and rewriting the validity period of the content data. The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and is more reliable in a device on the user side of the content data according to the intention of the provider of the content data. This is a data transmission method that can easily prevent unauthorized use of content data and perform billing processing. It is a method of restricting the recording or playback of content data and content data. The purpose of the present invention is to apply a device for recording or reproducing data, and to provide a recording unit that records data including conditions for data transmission and content data recording or reproduction. The purpose is to: A recording medium according to the present invention proposed to achieve the object as described above includes content data, and additional data that is added to the content data and includes data relating to conditions relating to the content reproduction or reproduction. Is recorded. The additional data includes data that restricts copying of content data.

Furthermore, the additional data includes data for restricting the reproduction of the content data. • The data for restricting the reproduction includes at least data indicating a period during which the reproduction is prohibited. ''

The recording method according to the present invention includes the steps of: adding, to the supplied content data, an additional data including data relating to a recording restriction of the content data and additional data relating to a period in which a condition relating to recording of the content is set; Encode the content decoder to which the data has been added, and record the encoded data on a recording medium.

In the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the supplied content data is set with a condition relating to a recording limit of the content data recording and a condition relating to the recording of the content data.

'' An additional circuit unit that adds additional data including the additional data for the specified period, and an encoding process is performed on the output data from the additional circuit unit: from the π code processing unit and the encode processing unit. A recording unit for recording the output data on a recording medium.

Further, the present invention relates to a method of copying or reproducing content data, wherein the content data is added to the content data from the supplied content data, and the data relating to the restriction of the content data replication or reproduction and the conditions relating to the content data copying or reproduction are defined. The additional data including the additional data for the set period is extracted, and the period set by the data for the extracted additional data period is compared with the date when copying or reproduction is performed, and the comparison is performed. If the result indicates that the date on which duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the date and time, the content is reproduced based on the date on the duplication or reproduction restriction of the additional data. The duplication or reproduction operation of is controlled.

The method of copying or reproducing content data according to the present invention includes a method of adding or deleting content data supplied from the supplied content data and restricting the duplication or reproduction of the content data and a period during which the content data can be copied or reproduced free of charge. About Extract additional data including additional data including the data relating to the period 1 and the data relating to the second period relating to the period during which the duplication or reproduction can be performed for a fee. If the comparison result indicates that the date on which duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the data for the first period, the data for the second period is compared with the data for the second period. If the content data is duplicated or reproduced, and the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is being performed is within the period set by the data relating to the second period, charging is possible. Whether or not the content is reproduced or reproduced is determined.

In addition, the method of copying or reproducing content and content according to the present invention includes a method of adding data to content data from the supplied content and restricting copying or reproduction of content and a period of prohibiting copying or reproduction of content data. The additional data including the additional data including the data relating to the first period and the data relating to the second period relating to the period that can be reproduced or reproduced for a fee shall be extracted, and the date on which the reproduction or reproduction is to be performed and the date of the first Compares the data for the time period with the data for the second time period, and the result of the comparison indicates that the date being copied or reproduced is within the time period set by the data for the first time period. If the comparison result indicates that the reproduction or reproduction of the content is prohibited, If the data for the second period indicates that the period is within the set period, it is determined whether or not charging is possible, and the content is copied or reproduced.

Furthermore, the method of copying or reproducing content data according to the present invention prohibits the copying or reproduction of the content and the restriction on the copying or reproduction of content data added to the content data from the supplied content data. For the first period, the data can be duplicated or replayed for a fee and for the first period, and for the first period, the data for the second period can be duplicated with the period set in the evening. The additional data containing the additional data containing the data is extracted, and the date on which copying or reproduction is performed is compared with the data on the first period and the data on the second period. The date on which playback is going to take place is the date for the first Evening indicates that the date is within the period set in the evening, content data duplication or reproduction is prohibited, and the comparison result indicates that the date on which duplication or reproduction is to be performed is the period set by the data for the second period When it indicates that the content is within, the content data is copied or reproduced by judging whether or not charging is possible.

Still further, the method of copying or playing back content according to the present invention is a method of copying or playing back content and content data, which is added to content data from supplied content data and related to restrictions on copying or playing back content, free of charge. Between the first period regarding the period during which the duplication and reproduction can be performed and the second period regarding the period during which the duplication or reproduction can be performed for a fee and the third period regarding the period during which the duplication or reproduction can be performed for a fee. The additional data containing the additional data containing the data is extracted, and the date on which duplication or reproduction is to be performed, the data for the first period, the data for the second period, and the data for the third period. Compared to overnight, the result of the comparison indicates that the date on which duplication or reproduction is going to be performed is within the period set by the day for the first period. When the content data is copied or played back, the date when the comparison result indicates that the content is being copied or played back is related to the second or third time period. When it indicates that the content is within, it is determined whether or not charging is possible, and the content is copied or reproduced overnight.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for duplicating content over a period in which data relating to duplication restriction of content data added from content data supplied and conditions relating to duplication of at least one content data are set. The additional data including the additional data related to the extracted additional data is extracted, and the period set by the data related to the period of the extracted additional data is compared with the date at which copying is to be performed. If the comparison result indicates that the date on which duplication is to be performed is within the period set by the date and time related to the period, the duplication operation of the content is prohibited.

Further, the content data recording device according to the present invention is characterized in that the content data recording apparatus is provided with the supplied content data overnight and the content data recording restriction is added to the content data recording restriction and the content data recording condition is set. Additional data An extraction unit that extracts additional data including data, an encoding unit that performs encode processing on the supplied content data, a recording unit that records the output from the encoding unit, and a clock circuit unit. Then, the period set by the data relating to the period of the additional data extracted by the extraction unit is compared with the date on which recording from the clock circuit unit is to be performed, and the result of the comparison indicates the date on which recording is to be performed. A control unit for controlling the recording operation of the content data based on the data recording limit of the additional data when the data indicates that the data is within the period set by the data period. I have.

The content data playback device according to the present invention includes a content data playback control device that adds content data from supplied content data to a content data playback restriction and a content data playback condition setting condition. An extraction unit for extracting additional data including additional data, a reproduction processing unit for performing a reproduction process on the supplied content data, and a clock circuit unit, and a data regarding a period of the additional data extracted by the extraction unit. The period set by the night is compared with the date on which recording from the clock circuit is being performed, and the comparison result indicates that the date on which the recording is being performed is within the period set by the period And a control unit that controls the playback operation of the content overnight based on the data related to the playback limitation of the additional data. That.

The content data handled in the present invention includes content data and additional data that is added to the content data and includes data relating to conditions relating to copying or reproduction of the content data.

The present invention adds, to the supplied content data, additional data including data relating to a restriction on duplication or reproduction of content data and additional data relating to a period in which a condition relating to duplication or reproduction of content data is set. Outputs the content data with.

Further objects of the present invention and specific advantages obtained by the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method and a recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of manufacturing an embodiment of a recording medium according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the data transmission method according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of the recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining information stored in a copy number memory of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining the recording processing (recording control P method) performed in the recording apparatus shown in FIG. ,

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method ′ and a recording medium according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a recording process (a recording restriction method) performed in the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. '

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method and a recording medium in a case where the reproduction is restricted according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method and a recording medium in the case of performing reproduction restriction according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of the reproducing apparatus according to the present invention for reproducing the content data shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data transmission method and a recording medium according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a recording process (recording restriction method) performed in the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing a reproduction process (reproduction restriction method) performed in the reproduction device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data transmission method and a recording medium according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining a recording process (recording restriction method) performed in the recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method in the case where reproduction restriction is performed according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the data transmission method and the recording medium according to the present invention.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts for explaining a recording process (recording restriction method) performed in the recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2'4 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method in a case where reproduction is restricted according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. ... FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a data transmission method and a recording medium according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are flonicharts for explaining a recording process (recording restriction method) performed in the recording apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are flowcharts for explaining a reproduction process (regeneration political change method) performed in the reproduction device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a data transmission method, a recording restriction method or a duplication restriction method, a reproduction restriction method, a recording device, a reproduction device, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An embodiment will be described. In the embodiment described below, the data transmission method according to the present invention is applied to a case where content data is transmitted via a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magneto-optical disk, and a case where the data transmission method is performed via a communication network such as an internet. An example in which content data is transmitted will be described.

The recording restriction method and the recording apparatus according to the present invention are applied to a recording apparatus that records content on a recording medium such as an optical disk, and the reproduction restriction method and the reproducing apparatus according to the present invention are applied. Is applied to a reproducing apparatus that reads and reproduces content data from a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magneto-optical disk, and the recording medium according to the present invention is applied to a disk recording medium such as an optical disk. This will be explained.

Content overnight is audio data overnight, video images such as still images and moving images, or digital data overnight, which is the main object of transmission, such as text data overnight and a program for overnight viewing. In the embodiment described below, the content data is, for example, audio data. '■ [First Embodiment]

[Data transmission method and recording medium of first embodiment]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method and a recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the content data is transmitted with the application period data indicating the application period of the duplication restriction type (duplication restriction type) attached thereto. '.

The duplication restriction type indicates duplication prohibition, restriction on the number of duplications, duplication restriction method to be followed, and duplication freedom (no duplication restriction). Here, the copy number limit is to limit the number of copies (the number of copies) of the content data to be recorded in a specific recording device. Therefore, the copy number uniform prevents a predetermined number of copies of the content data to be recorded from being created using a specific recording device.

The copy restriction method to be followed indicates that an existing copy restriction method such as SCMS (Serial-Copy Management System) or CGMS (Copy Generation Management System) should be used.

In the first embodiment, the content is provided in a file format, and as shown in FIG. 1, a copy prohibition period designation area NC is provided in the header HD of the content data provided in the file format. An area ED 2 for the end of the application period of the duplication restriction type A and an area ET for the final duplication restriction type are provided. In FIG. 1, the duplication prohibition period designation area NC includes a 32-bit start date area ST1 and a 32-bit end date area ED1, and a content following the header HD. Enter the start date and end date of the battle during which duplication is prohibited in the evening. In the first embodiment, the copy restriction type A indicates that the number of copies that can be made is one. The end of the 32-bit duplication restriction type A application period.The date area ED 2 contains the duplication restriction period A, that is, the period during which the copy of the content data following the header HD is restricted to one. <The start date area ST1, end date area ED1 of the duplication prohibited area, and the end date area ED2 of duplication restriction type A have their respective dates in BCD (Binary Coded (Deoimal) code. / · '

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the start date area ST1 of the duplication prohibition period designation area NC includes, for example, August 1, 10:00 A.D. Designated area The end date area of NC ED 1 contains, for example, July 1, 200 AD. 3 1st, but the end of copy restriction type A 'Date area' ED 2 contains, for example, 2002 AD An example is shown in which the B CD code indicating July 31st, 2011 is entered in each case. ₍ Note that the copy restriction type A has only the area ED 2 'of the end date. This is because the start date of the period during which duplication restriction (recording restriction) is performed by restriction type A is the day after the end date of the duplication restriction period. In other words, the start date of the period in which the duplication restriction is performed by the duplication restriction type A is based on the end date of the duplication restriction period. The prohibition period ends on August 1, 2001, the next day of July 31, 2001, which is the end date of July 31, 2001.

In this embodiment, the final copy restriction type identifier Ε is provided for 4 bits, and the copy restriction type after the end of the application period of the copy restriction type Α is input. That is, the final duplication restriction type indicates a duplication restriction type outside the duplication prohibition period and outside the duplication restriction period A. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, as the final copy restriction type, "copy prohibited (1 1 1 1)"',"copy number limit 1 (1 1 1 0)" , 5 copy limit types (1 101), "ScMS-based copy limit control (1 100)", and "free copy (0000)". Have been. Here, the number in parentheses is the BCD code indicating the type of copy restriction. As described above, in the first embodiment, the area corresponding to 64 bits at a predetermined position of the header section HD is a duplication prohibition period designation area NC, and the area corresponding to the next 32 bits is a duplication restriction type A. The end date area ED 2 of the application period of the following, and the next four bits. The area is determined in advance as an area indicating the final copy restriction type ET.

In other words, the application period of the predetermined copy restriction type is input at a predetermined position in the header NC, and the final copy restriction type is input at a predetermined position in the header NC. You. As shown in Fig. 1, after the final duplication restriction type area ET, it is a content overnight area.

In Fig. 1, for simplicity of explanation, for the header part HD of the content data, the copy prohibition period designation area NC, the end date area of the application period of the copy restriction type A ED 2, and the final copy restriction type area The three areas of the ET are shown. However, various other data are added to the header section HD. For example, in order to identify content, such as ISRC '(International Standard Recording Code), identification information unique to content and other various information are also added. ■ · '.

However, as described above, the position in the header part HD of each error such as the duplication prohibition period designation area NC, the end date area ED 2 of the duplication restriction type A application period, and the final duplication restriction type area ET is predetermined. The copy restriction type indicating what kind of copy restriction control should be performed in each application period is also determined in advance.

By detecting such information in the recording device to be described later, if the current date, which is the recording execution date, belongs to the duplication prohibition period, duplication is prohibited, and it belongs to the duplication restriction type A application period. In this case, the duplication control is performed in accordance with the duplication restriction Eve A, and if it is after the application period of the duplication restriction type A, the duplication restriction control according to the final duplication restriction type can be performed.

In the first embodiment, for example, when the duplication prohibition period (duplication prohibition application period) and the duplication restriction type A application period are not used, that is, when the duplication restriction is not set for the entire content The duplication prohibited area NC and duplication restriction For example, a predetermined value such as “9999999999” is entered in the end date area ED of the application period of the group A, which indicates that no restriction is imposed.

In some cases, only the duplication prohibition period is set, or only the duplication restriction type A is applied. For example, if it is desired to provide only the duplication prohibition period, only the duplication prohibition period designation area NC is used, and the end date area ED 2 of the application period of the duplication restriction type A is “9999999999” Enter a predetermined value, such as 9 "·.

'When only the application period of duplication restriction type A is set, use only the end date area E, D 2 of the period of duplication restriction type A, and use the duplication start period designated area of the duplication prohibition period NC. ST 1 A predetermined value such as "9999999999" may be input to the end date area ED1. In this case, since there is no area for the start of the duplication restriction type A to be applied, the duplication restriction type A is applied before the end date of the application period of the duplication restriction Eve A. · · · · The start date area of the duplication restriction type A application period may be provided, or the start and end dates of the duplication prohibition period designation area may not be set.

[Regarding the data transmission method and the device for realizing the recording medium of the first embodiment] Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the recording prohibition period designation area NC and the end date of the application period of the duplication restriction Eve A A description will be given of a recording apparatus for creating a recording medium recording content data to which a header section HD having an area ED2 and a final copy restriction type area ET is added. In the first embodiment, an example in which an optical disc such as a so-called CD (Compact Disc) is used as a recording medium will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the recording apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

The recording apparatus 100 realizes an embodiment of the data transmission method according to the present invention and creates an optical disk as a recording medium according to the present invention. In manufacturing this optical disc, first, the exposed disc master 2 is developed by the recording device 100 and then subjected to an electric treatment to prepare a mother disc. A stamper is formed from a mother disk, and a disk substrate is injection-molded using a mold device equipped with the stamper, and a reflection film is formed on the injection-molded disk substrate. The optical disk is manufactured by, for example, attaching the optical disk.

The master disc 150 to be exposed by the recording apparatus 100 is composed of, for example, a flat glass substrate and a photosensitive agent (photoresist) applied to the glass substrate. The master disk 150 is mounted on a mounting table (not shown) driven to rotate by a spindle motor 112. The spindle motor 112 rotates the master disk 150 under the control of the spindle servo circuit 113.

The spindle motor 112 has a frequency signal generator for generating a frequency signal: F.G having a frequency corresponding to the rotation speed. The spindle servo circuit 113 drives the spindle motor 112 so that the frequency signal FG has a predetermined frequency, thereby rotating the master disk 150 at a constant linear velocity (CLV). Drive. .

The recording laser # 08 is configured by a gas laser or the like, and emits a laser beam having a predetermined light amount. The optical modulator 109 is constituted by an electroacoustic optical element or the like, and turns on a laser beam incident from the recording-laser 108 in response to a drive signal S 1 supplied from a drive circuit 107 described later. / Turn off. The laser beam L from the optical modulator 109 enters the mirror 110.

The mirror 110 bends the optical path of the laser beam L by, for example, 90 °, and causes the laser beam L to be incident on the master disc 2. The objective lens 111 condenses the reflected light from the mirror 110 onto the recording surface of the master disc 150, that is, the applied photosensitive agent layer.

The mirror 110 and the objective lens 111 are sequentially moved in the radial direction of the disk master 150 by a thread mechanism (not shown) in synchronization with the rotation of the disk master 150. As a result, the recording device 100 sequentially displaces the condensing position of the laser beam L from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral direction of the disk master 150, and forms a spiral or concentric track on the disk master 2. You. On this track, a pit row corresponding to the modulation signal S1 from the drive circuit 107 is formed.

The optical disk recording device having the above-described recording mechanism records audio data as content data to which a header HD is added, and further writes TOC (Table of Contents) data on the inner side of the optical disk. Record the evening.

[Regarding the recording of data overnight in the recording device 100] An audio signal SA, which is content supplied from a predetermined music source through the input terminal 1 1, is supplied to an analog-digital conversion circuit (A / D conversion circuit) 102. The conversion circuit 102 converts the audio signal SA into a digital signal to form a content signal (digital audio signal) DA, and outputs this to the synthesizing circuit 103. ■

On the other hand, although not shown, the duplication control information generating circuit 104 controls the production control in response to a duplication control information generation control signal CT′F. In response to an instruction input from an operator of the recording device 100. Generate information FS. The instruction input from the operator indicates the start date and end date of the duplication prohibition period (duplication prohibition period), the end date of the duplication restriction type A application period, and the final duplication restriction evening.

In response to the generation control signal TF of the duplication control information corresponding to such an instruction input, the duplication control information generation circuit 104 inputs the duplication prohibition period designation area NC of the header HD shown in FIG. The start date data and end date data of the duplication prohibition period, the end date of the duplication restriction type A application period, and the end date of the application period of duplication restriction type A entered in ED 2 and the final duplication restriction type area ET The duplication restriction information: FS, which consists of data indicating the final duplication restriction type to be input, is formed and supplied to the synthesizing circuit 103.

The combining circuit 103 adds a header section to the content data DA from the A / D conversion circuit 102, and generates the copy restriction information from the corresponding area of the header section. By inputting the copy restriction information, the content control and the copy control information are combined to form a content control with the copy control information attached thereto, and this is encoded by an ECC (Error Correction Code) encoder 1. 0 to 5

To the ECC encoder 105, the data of T0C (Table of Contents) to be recorded in the lead-in area is also input as in the case of the existing CD. The ECC encoder 105 generates and adds an erratic correction code to the input data by using, for example, a CIRC (Cross Interleav Reed-Solomon Code).

In accordance with an instruction from a system controller (not shown), the ECC encoder 150 performs an ECC encoding process on the T 0 C data and records it in the recording modulation circuit 106 when recording in the lead-in area of the master disc 150. Output and also the disc master At the time of recording in the data area of 150, the content data DA to which the header portion is added is subjected to ECC encoding processing and output to the recording modulation circuit 106.

The T0C data includes, for example, an identification data indicating that the disc is an original compact disc created by a stamper, information on music information to be recorded, data of a recording position, and the like.

• The recording modulation circuit 106 modulates the data from the ECC encoder 105 by a predetermined modulation method to form recording data D1, and supplies this to the drive circuit 10'7 '. 'The drive circuit 107 receives the recording data D1, and generates a driving signal S1 for turning on / off the laser beam corresponding to the logical level of the recording data D1.

In this embodiment, the laser L from the recording laser 108 is turned on by the drive signal S1 according to the recording data D1 in the same manner as in the case of a normal compact disc. 'Off control is performed to form a bit string having a pit width of, for example, 0.5 zm.' '■' '.

In this way, the file format is set, and the header section HD shows the data indicating the beginning of the ban on the duplication prohibited period and the data indicating the end date of the duplication prohibited period as shown in Figure 1. A copy restriction type. Creates an optical disk that records the content of the data with the data indicating the end date of the application period of A 'and the data indicating the final replication restriction type. Can be distributed (provided).

The contents recorded on the optical disc as described above can be stored in the file format as is. • For example, as shown in Fig. 3, through a communication network such as Inuichi Net, ordinary users (end users) It is also possible to transmit and provide. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an environment in which content data is distributed via Internet. As shown in FIG. 3, the Internet 250 is connected to a web server device 200 for providing so-called web pages, audio data, video data, and other content data. A user terminal device 300 such as a personal computer provided with a communication function installed in a home or a company is connected.

User terminal devices include not only personal computers, but also personal information devices such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) with communication functions, and mobile devices. There are various types such as a telephone terminal and a notebook personal computer connected to a mobile telephone terminal.

Web server 2◦0 is content data composed of a hard disk drive, etc.

It has a storage unit 201 and a transmission facility 2.02 for sending content data to the inbox. The transmission facility 202 includes a reception function for receiving a request for providing content data from the user terminal device 300 or the like, and a content data storage unit 210 for storing content data in accordance with the received request for provision. It also has a function to acquire content data to be read from the device.

As shown in Fig. 1, the transmission facility 202 has a copy-protection period designation area NC and copy. A header that has an end date area ED 2 for the application period of restriction type A and a final copy restriction type area ET. The file format content data to which the copy is added is transmitted as it is.

However, in the case of content data without a header part, as shown in Fig. 1, 'copy-prohibition period designation area NC, end of application period of copy restriction type A Date area ED 2, final copy It has a limited evening ET area. It can be transmitted with a header added.

That is, similarly to the recording device 100 described with reference to FIG. 2, the transmission facility 202 includes a copy restriction information generation circuit that generates copy restriction information according to an instruction input from an operator.

(The function to generate copy restriction information) and a combining circuit (function to add copy restriction information) to add copy restriction information to the header of the content data.

The Web server device 200 is configured to execute the content restriction data application period for the content data overnight. In the first embodiment, the start date, end date, and copy time of the copy prohibition period are set. Along with the end date of the restriction type A application period, it can be transmitted together with the final copy restriction type. By providing the same function as that of the Web server device 200 in, for example, a broadcasting device on the broadcasting station side of digital satellite broadcasting, content data can be transmitted together with copy restriction information via digital satellite broadcasting. , Provided to end users (users) You can also.

In this way, content data with copy restriction information such as the start date and end date of the copy prohibition period, the end date of the application period of the copy restriction type A, and the final copy restriction type are added to the header of the content data. Is transmitted through a recording medium such as an optical disk, through a communication network such as an Internet network or a local area network (LAN), or through a broadcasting medium such as digital satellite broadcasting, or through a wired or wireless network. Through various digital interfaces or the like, and can be provided to users.

[Recording device that performs copy restriction control]

Next, as shown in Fig. 1, 'duplication' restriction information such as the start date and end date of the duplication restriction period, the end date of the duplication restriction type A application period, and the final duplication restriction type is appended (added). A recording device that receives the supplied content data and records it on a recording medium will be described. Here, a case where an optical disk capable of recording data such as a CD-R (CD Recordable) disk or a CD-RW (CD Rewritable) disk is used as a recording medium will be described as an example.

FIG. 4 is a blog diagram for explaining the recording apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the contents HD with the header start HD and the start date and end date of the duplication prohibited period, the end date of the application period of the duplication restriction Eve A, and the final duplication restriction Eve are added. Are input to the recording device 400 through the input terminal 401 and supplied to the copy restriction information separating circuit 402.

Here, the content data supplied to the recording device 400 is connected to a playback device that plays back content data from an optical disc on which the content data is recorded, or to a communication network such as the Internet, and is connected to the communication network. The content is supplied from a user terminal device such as a personal computer that receives the distribution of the content, or a digital satellite broadcast receiver that provides the content. The duplication restriction information separating circuit 402 is provided from a predetermined position of the header portion HD of the supplied content data, data indicating a duplication prohibition period, data indicating a duplication restriction type A application period, and data indicating a final duplication restriction type. Necessary data such as data and content data identification information is separated and extracted, and the extracted data is used for system control. Section (hereinafter, simply referred to as a control section) and supplies the content to the recording control circuit 403.

As a result, the control section 420 stores the start date and end date of the duplication prohibition period for the supplied content data, the end date of the duplication restriction type A application period, the final duplication restriction type, and the content data Identification information, etc., is supplied and can be managed in the control unit 42 °.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the duplication prohibition period (duration prohibition application period) is, for example, from August 1, 2000 AD to 2000 AD. 0 until July 31, 2001, and the applicable period of the copy restriction type A is, for example, from August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2012 to July 31, 2012, and The control unit 420 recognizes that the last copy restriction event is, for example, “copy free (0000)”. · ·

The control unit 4.20 controls each unit of the recording apparatus 400 of the present embodiment, and is a microcomputer provided with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, not shown. The control unit 4 2 0, when the clock circuit 4 2 1 is _c control unit 4 2.0 connected, which attached accept a recording instruction from the user through the key operation section 4 2 4 clock circuit 4 2 Refers to the current date (current date) of 1 to detect the current date that is the recording execution date.

Note that, in the recording device 400 of this embodiment, the clock circuit 421 provides a current time and a so-called calendar function that cannot provide the current date, the current day, and the like. It also has The clock circuit 421 cannot set or change the date or time depending on the end user such as the user of the recording device 400. It is a so-called radio clock that can be set automatically.

Then, the control section 420 determines whether the current date is during the duplication prohibition application period or during the duplication restriction type A application period. The control unit 420 supplies a control signal to the recording control circuit 400 when the current date from the clock circuit 4 ′ 21 is during the duplication prohibition period, and outputs the control signal from the duplication restriction information separation circuit 402. Is not supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404. When the current date from the clock circuit 421 is within the application period of the copy restriction type A, the control unit 420 tries to copy the data to the recording medium using this recording device 400. Using the identification information of the content data, refer to the data in the copy number memory 422 to determine whether or not the content has already been copied using the recording device 400. If the data has already been copied, a control signal is supplied to the recording control circuit 403, and the content data from the copy restriction information separating circuit 402 is not supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404. Prohibit duplication. · 'If the recording device 400 has not been copied yet, the control section 420 supplies a control signal to the recording control circuit 403 and the copy restriction information separating circuit 400 The content data from 2 is supplied to the combining circuit 404. "

That is, as described above, in this embodiment, the copy restriction type A indicates “the number of copies is limited to one”. In one recording device, one copy of the content is stored. Only allowed to create. In order to limit the number of copies, the recording device 400 of the present embodiment copies the number of copies of the content data copied on the recording medium in its own device to the control unit 420. It is managed by the connected copy number memory 4 2 2. The user of the recording device 400 cannot arbitrarily add, change, or delete the duplicate number memory 422.

As described above, the identification information of the content data is added to the header part of the content data, and the identification information of the content data is also supplied from the copy restriction information separating circuit 402 to the control unit 420. Therefore, when the recording of the content data is performed using the recording device 400, the recorded content of the copy number memory 422 is updated based on the identification information of the content data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the recorded contents of the copy number memory 422 of the recording device 400. Depending on the recording device 400, when a content that has not been copied is copied, the identification information (content) of the copied content data is displayed as shown in FIG.ヅ The data a) and the number of copies (1 time) are additionally recorded in association with each other. When the recording device 400 duplicates the content data b and the content data c that have already been duplicated, the number of duplications associated with the identification information of the content data is incremented. Is done. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, the recording device 400 reproduces the content data a only once, but has already reproduced the content data b three times and the content data c. This indicates that it has already been duplicated twice.

If the current date belongs to the applicable period of the copy restriction type A, as described above, the copy number memory 4 2 2 is stored based on the identification information of the content data that is to be copied. If the record data is referred to and the identification information of the content is not recorded yet (invalid), the reproduction of the content is performed by the recording device. Since the content has not been changed, the content of 'shit' is allowed to be duplicated. · ■ · '

If the 'identification information of the content data' to be copied exists in the copy number memory 422, the copy of the content data is already performed in this recording device 400. Because duplicates are not allowed more than once, duplicates of that content are prohibited.

The control unit 420 of the recording device 4.00 is configured so that the current date (recording execution date) detected from the clock circuit 421 is not within the duplication prohibition period and is within the duplication restriction type A application period. If not, the copy restriction control according to the final copy restriction type is performed. In the first embodiment, since the final copy restriction type is, for example, "copy free (0000)", after the application period of the copy restriction type A has elapsed, the content data The duplication is made freely available.

Therefore, in the recording apparatus 400 of the first embodiment, when the content is copied, the current date, which is the recording execution date of the content, is set to the copy prohibition period attached to the content data. If the data belongs to the time period indicated by, the recording control circuit 403 does not output the content data, and the reproduction of the content is prohibited.

The current date belongs to the applicable period of the copy restriction Eve A that accompanies the content, and the content has already been copied using the recording device 400. Otherwise, no content is output from the recording control circuit 403, and duplication of the content data is prohibited.

In other cases, the recording control circuit 403 supplies the content data separated from the header part from the copy restriction information separating circuit 402 to the synthesizing circuit 404. The copy restriction information generation circuit 405 is supplied with the copy restriction information from the copy restriction information generation circuit 405 to the synthesis circuit _404.The copy restriction information generation circuit 405 performs the copy based on the information from the control unit 420. The copy restriction information to be attached to the content data is generated, and this is supplied to the synthesis circuit 404.

In the first embodiment, as will be described later, the controller section 420 cannot copy the content recorded on the optical disk 450 to which the content is copied. For this reason, the data indicating the duplication prohibition period and the duplication restriction type A should be set to all zeros, and the data indicating the duplication restriction type should be set to all zeros. ) Is supplied to the copy restriction information generation circuit 405.

The duplication restriction information generation circuit 405 sets the data indicating the duplication restriction period and the data indicating the application period of the duplication restriction type A to all zeros, and the duplication restriction data as data indicating the final duplication restriction type. 1 1) is formed and supplied to the synthesis circuit 4.0.

The synthesizing circuit 404 inputs (sets) the copy restriction information from the copy restriction information generation section 405 to a predetermined position in the header section, and outputs the copy restriction information from the copy restriction information generation section 405. Combine with the header. In the synthesizing circuit 404, the content data in which the copy restriction information of the header portion is replaced is supplied to the ECC encoder 406.

The ECC encoder 406 generates and adds an error correction code to the content data to be recorded, similarly to the ECC encoder 105 of the recording device 100 shown in FIG. The content data to which the error correction code has been added is supplied to a recording and modulation circuit 407, and is modulated by a predetermined modulation method, and the modulated content data is transmitted via a recording circuit 408 to an optical pickup section 409. Supplied to

The optical pickup section 409 includes a laser light source such as a semiconductor laser, a beam splitter, An optical system such as an objective lens and an actuating unit for driving the objective lens in the focusing direction and the tracking direction are provided. When the content data (recording signal) is supplied from the recording circuit 408, the content The laser disk 450 is irradiated with a laser beam corresponding to the condition.

At this time, the optical disk 450 is rotated by the spindle motor 410. That is, similarly to the spindle motor 111 of the recording apparatus 100 described above, the spindle motor 410 controls the rotation of the optical disk 450 to a constant linear speed by the spindle servo circuit 4.11. Controlled. The control of the start and stop of the rotation of the spindle motor 410 is performed, for example, based on a control signal from the control unit 420 by a spin dorsumobo circuit 411 controlling the spindle motor. :: If this is the case where the optical disc '450 is a disc such as a CD-R', the recording layer made of organic dye on the optical disc is irradiated with laser light, and the content data is converted to the optical disc 450. Recorded (duplicated) at 0. When the optical disc 450 is a disc such as CD-: RW, content data is recorded (copied) on the optical disc 450 by a phase change recording method.

[Regarding the Recording Process in the Recording Device of the First Embodiment] Next, the recording process performed in the recording device 400 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are flowcharts for describing the recording processing performed in the recording device 400. When a recording execution instruction is input from the user through the key operation unit 4 24 of the recording device 400 and the content data is supplied to the recording device 400 through the input terminal 4 1, The control unit 420 of the recording device 400 executes the processing shown in FIGS.

As described above, the control unit 42 、 includes the copy restriction information from the copy restriction information separation circuit 402, that is, data indicating the copy prohibition period, data indicating the application period of the copy restriction type A, the final copy restriction type, Further, it refers to the accompanying information of the content data such as the identification information of the content data (step S101). Next, the control section 420 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 421 (step S102). The control unit 420 sets the current date to the copy prohibition from the data indicating the duplication prohibition period referred to in step S101 and the current date referred to in step S102. It is determined whether it belongs to the suspension period (step S103). In other words, the processing in step S103 is based on the end date of the duplication prohibition period designation area shown in FIG. 1 from the date indicated by the start date data of the danger start date area in the duplication prohibition period designation area shown in FIG. This is a process of determining whether or not the area belongs to the period up to the date indicated by the end date data of the area.

If it is determined in the determination processing in step S103 that the current day belongs to the duplication prohibited period, the control unit 420 controls the recording control circuit 400 to control the content data. Is not supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404, and the user is notified that the content cannot be reproduced overnight by a warning sound, a warning display, or the like (step S104).

The notification process performed in this step S 104 is to display a message such as “During duplication prohibited. Duplication is not possible.” On the display unit 4 23 composed of LCD. Or control a buzzer (not shown) to emit an alarm sound. After the notification processing that the copying is not allowed in step S104, the processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is ended.

If it is determined in step S103 that the current date does not belong to the duplication prohibited period, the control unit 420 returns to the duplication restriction information referred to in step S101. From the current date referred to in step S102, whether the current date belongs to the applicable period of the duplication restriction type A (in this embodiment, whether the current date is during the restriction period of one copy) (Step S 105) That is, the process of step S 105 starts from the day after the date indicated by the end date data of the end date of the copy prohibition period designation area shown in FIG. This is a process of determining whether or not the data belongs to the period up to the date indicated by the end date of the end date area of the application period of the duplication restriction type A shown in FIG.

In the determination process of step S105, when it is determined that the current date is within the limit period of one copy, the control unit 420 determines the identification information of the content data referred to in step S101. Based on, the number-of-times memory 42 is referred to (step S106). Then, the control unit 420 determines whether or not the number of copies of the content to be copied has exceeded the number of copies. Tape S107).

In this embodiment, the number of copies is limited to only one copy. Therefore, in step S107, the content to be copied is determined by the number of copies in the recording device 400. Based on the data stored in the memory 422, it is determined whether or not the data has already been copied.

If it is determined in step S107 that the number of copies has exceeded the number of copies, the process proceeds to step & 104, and the control roll section 4 2'0 returns As described above, the recording control circuit 403 is controlled so that the content data is not supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404, and the fact that duplication is impossible is notified (step S104). The processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ends.

In the determination process of step S.107, when it is determined that the number of duplicates is not exceeded, the control section 420 allows the content to be duplicated overnight, and the recording control circuit 4 03 is controlled so that content data is supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404 (step S108). Then, the control section 420 provides the copy restriction information generation circuit 405 with information on the copy restriction information to be generated, and the copy restriction information to be added to the header section of the content data to be copied. Is generated, and this is supplied to the synthesis circuit 404 (step S109).

The control unit 420 controls the synthesizing circuit 404 so as to synthesize the content to be duplicated and the duplication restriction information, and attaches the duplication restriction information to the content (Step S110) ). Thereafter, the control unit 420 controls each unit, and executes a process of recording the content data accompanied by the copy restriction information on the optical disk 450 (step S111).

When the copying of the content data is completed, the control unit 420 associates the identification information of the content data copied this time with the information indicating that the number of copies is one in the number-limited memory 422. Then, additional recording is performed in the copy number memory 4 2 2 (step S 1 12), and the processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ends.

In the determination processing of step S105, when it is determined that the current date is not within the limit period of one copy, the control unit 420 proceeds to the processing of step S113 shown in FIG. Based on the final replication restriction type referenced in S101 Then, it is determined whether or not copying of the content is free (step S113). If it is determined in step S113 that the copying is free, the control unit 420 permits the copying of the content data, controls the recording control circuit 400, and outputs the content data. Is supplied to the combining circuit 404 (step S114). The control unit 420 provides the copy restriction information generation circuit 405 with information on the copy restriction information to be generated, generates the copy restriction information to be added to the header part of the content to be copied, and outputs this. It is supplied to the synthesis circuit 404 (step S115).

The control section 420 controls the synthesizing circuit 404 to synthesize the content to be duplicated and the duplication restriction information, and to add the duplication restriction information to the content. ),. Thereafter, the control section 420 is controlled, and the content data accompanied by the copy restriction information is recorded on the optical disk 450 (step S117), and the copy is completed. Then, the processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ends.

In the determination process of step S113, if it is determined that the copy is not free for the first time, the control unit 420 further determines the content of the final copy restriction type, and the The contents of the Eve are specified, and the duplication control is performed according to the specified final duplication restriction type (step S118). If the duplication is not possible or the duplication is completed, this FIG. Then, the processing shown in FIG. 7 ends.

Therefore, when the final copy restriction is prohibited, duplication is prohibited, and when the final copy restriction type is limited in number of copies, content data can be copied only when no content data is available. I do.

[0 1 6 0]

If the final copy restriction type indicates that the system follows another copy restriction method such as SCMS, the copy restriction control is performed according to the specified copy restriction method. Therefore, information for corresponding to the designated copy restriction method is also added to the content data, and this information is separated and extracted by the copy restriction information separation circuit 402, for example. Of course, information corresponding to the specified copy A dedicated circuit for extracting the data from the window may be provided.

In the recording apparatus 400 of the first embodiment, the copy restriction information separation circuit 402 extracts only necessary information such as the copy restriction information and the identification information of the content data, Although the copy restriction information generating circuit 405 and the synthesizing circuit 404 have been described as replacing only necessary information such as copy restriction information, the present invention is not limited to this.

'For example,: ^fa: a header portion and a con Tendzudeta portion of the content data transmitted by the I le format so as to separate the copy control information separating circuit 4 0 2, all copy control information generating circuit of the header portion 4 Of course, it is also possible to replace them with the synthesizing circuit 40 with 0 5.

[Second embodiment]...

[About the data transmission method and recording medium of the second embodiment.]

By the way, in the first embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the application period data indicating the application period of the duplication restriction type (duplication restriction type) is not copied. It was decided in advance to indicate the period and the widow indicating the period of application of the duplication restriction type A.

However, depending on the content content, it is desired to prohibit copying for a predetermined period, but to allow up to 5 copies using the same recording device for a predetermined period thereafter (5 copies limit). In some cases. In the case of other content data, we want to allow up to one copy using the same recording device for the specified period (the number of copies is limited to one), but we want to prohibit copying for the specified period thereafter In some cases. .

In this way, for example, depending on the content data, it may occur that the user wants to freely change the copy restriction type and its application period. However, even if the recording device can extract the duplication restriction type application period data from the header part of the content, it is possible to determine which duplication restriction type the application period data is for. Otherwise, duplication restriction control in the recording device cannot be performed properly.

In the second embodiment, data indicating the duplication restriction type during the period indicated by the duplication restriction type is attached to each of the duplication restriction type application periods, and this duplication is performed. Restriction type application period data and application period data indicate Content data accompanied by data indicating the duplication restriction type during the period is provided via a recording medium or transmitted through a communication network or the like. .

By doing so, in the recording device, when the current date, which is the recording execution date, belongs to the period indicated by the application period data set to be attached to the content data, the recording date is added to the application period data. With reference to the data indicating the replication restriction type, it is possible to perform the replication restriction according to the replication restriction specified by the data indicating the replication restriction type. That is, the application period and the copy restriction type can be different for each content data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method and a recording medium according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, foil: As shown in FIG. 8, the content data in a file format recorded on a recording medium or provided through a communication network or the like. In the header part HD, the 1st copy restriction type area CP1 for 4 bits, the end date area of the application period (1st application period) for the 1st copy restriction type for 32 bits ED1, 0.4 bit The second copy restriction type area for CP2, the end date area of the application period for the second copy restriction type (the second application period) for .32 bits; ED2, the third copy restriction type area for 4 bits CP3 is provided. · In the first duplication restriction type area CP1, data indicating the duplication restriction type in the first application period is input (set). Also in the second embodiment, the same copy restriction type as in the first embodiment can be used as the copy restriction type.

That is, in the second embodiment, the available copy restriction types are “copy prohibited (1 1 1 1)” and “copy number limit 1 (1 1 0)” as shown in FIG. , "Restriction on the number of duplicates (5) (1101)", "Follows the replication restriction control of the SCMS method (1100)", and "freely duplicate (0000)".

One of the five types of duplication restrictions selected by the content data provider from the five types of duplication restrictions is input to the first duplication restriction type area CP1. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first copy restriction type area CP 1 contains (1 1 1 1) in BCD code as a data indicating the copy restriction type. That is, data indicating that copying is prohibited has been input.

In the end date area ED1 of the first application period, end date data indicating the end date of the first application period is input in a BCD code. In the second embodiment, since the end date is only one day, the first duplication restriction period is a period before the date indicated by the end date data of the first application period. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the first application period, which is the application period of the first duplication restriction, is, for example, before July 31, 2001 in the Christian era.

In the second duplication restriction type area CP2, data indicating the duplication restriction type in the second application period is input. Also in this case, as in the case of the first copy restriction type area C P.1, from among the five copy restriction types described above, the content data is provided; any copy restriction type selected by the provider. Is input to the second copy restriction type area CP2. In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the second copy restriction evening area CP2, as the data indicating the copy restriction type, the data (1110) in the BCD code, that is, the data indicating the copy number restriction of 1 is set. One night to enter.

In the end date area ED2 of the second application period, end date data indicating the end date of the second application period is input in the form of BCD. In the second embodiment, the second application period is a period from the day following the date indicated by the end date data of the first application period to the date indicated by the end date data of the second application period. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the second application period, which is the application period of the second copy restriction evening Eve, is, for example, from August 1, 2000 AD to July 21, 2000 AD Until the day.

In the third duplication restriction type area CP3, data indicating the duplication restriction type after the second application period has elapsed is input. In this case as well, as in the case of the first and second copy restriction type areas, one of the five copy restriction types described above, which is selected by the content provider, is selected as the copy restriction type. Fill in the third copy restriction type area.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the third copy restriction evening area CP3, as the data indicating the copy restriction type, (0000) in the BCD code, that is, the data indicating the copy freedom is input. In the second embodiment, the replication restriction type indicated by the third replication restriction type area is the final replication restriction type. After the elapse of the second duplication restriction period, duplication restriction control according to the duplication restriction type indicated by the data in the third duplication restriction type area is performed. As shown in FIG. 8, the third copy restriction type area CP 3 and later are content data areas.

Note that, in the second embodiment as well, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, various other data other than the copy restriction information are added to the header part HD. For example, unique identification information such as International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) and other various information are added to the content for identifying the content data.

As described above, data indicating the first and second copy restriction periods, end date data of the first and second copy restriction periods, and data indicating the third copy restriction type are attached. In the case of manufacturing an optical disc as a recording medium, mass production is carried out by a stamper created from a mother disk created by the recording device described with reference to FIG. End user.

As shown in FIG. 3, it is also possible to provide by transmitting through a communication network such as the Internet. That is, the first embodiment and the second embodiment differ in the process of providing the content data, but there is no significant difference in the process of providing the content.

As shown in Fig. 8, the recording device for duplicating a united night that is accompanied by data indicating the duplication restriction type in each application period is the recording device 40.0 shown in Fig. 4. Exactly the same can be used. However, data indicating a copy restriction type is added as copy restriction information to be extracted from the content data in the recording device. Duplication restriction control by the control unit of the recording apparatus can be performed according to the duplication restriction period for each application period.

Therefore, in the following, in the second embodiment as well, it is assumed that the recording device for duplicating the content data uses the recording device 400 shown in FIG. 4 and the header as shown in FIG. A description will be given of a recording process in the case where content data in which the application period data and the data indicating the duplication restriction type are added to a unit is duplicated.

[Regarding Recording Processing in Recording Apparatus of Second Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a printing process performed in the printing apparatus 400 of the second embodiment. When a recording execution instruction from the user is input through the key operation unit 4 222 of the recording device 400 and content data is supplied to the recording device 400 through the input terminal 401, the recording device 400 The control unit 420 executes the processing shown in FIG.

In the second embodiment, the copy restriction information separating circuit 402 of the recording device 400 uses the data of the first copy restriction evening area P1 shown in FIG. (1) End date area of application period ED 1 data, data of the second duplication restriction area DP2, data of the end date area of the second application period ED 2 data, third duplication restriction area Eve area CP 3 data, and The identification information of the content data is separated, extracted, and supplied to the control unit 42. 'The control unit 420 refers to the copy restriction information and the identification information of the content data from the copy restriction information separation circuit 402 as described above (step S20). 1). Next, the control section 420 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 421 (step S202).

The control unit 420 performs the first application based on the duplication restriction information referred to in step S201 and the current date referred in step S202, where the current date is the application period for the first duplication restriction type. It is determined whether it belongs to the period or not (step S203). In the determination processing of step S203, when it is determined that the current day falls within the first application period, the control unit 420 returns data indicating the first copy restriction type (from the first copy restriction type area CP1). (Step S204).

The first copy restriction type is specified, and copy restriction control is performed according to the specified first copy restriction type (step S205). In the second embodiment, since the first copy restriction evening is “copy prohibited (1 1 1 1)”, in step S 205, the control unit 420 The control circuit 403 is controlled so that the content data is not supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404, and a process of notifying the user that copying is not possible, for example, through the display unit 423 is performed. After the processing in step S208, the processing shown in FIG. 9 ends. In the determination processing of step S203, when it is determined that the current date does not belong to the first application period, the control unit 420 returns to step 201 in the same manner as in step S203. From the referenced copy restriction information and the current date referenced in step S202, it is determined whether the current date belongs to the second application period that is the application period for the second copy restriction type (step S202). 206).

In the determination process of step S206, if it is determined that the current day belongs to the second application period, the control unit 420 returns to the decoder (second copy) indicating the second copy restriction type. (Refer to step S2107).

.. Specify the second copy restriction type, and perform the copy restriction control according to the specified second copy restriction type (step S208). In the second embodiment, since the second replication restriction type is “the number of replications is limited to one (111)”, in step S208, the control section is not used. The reference numeral 420 refers to the identification information of the content data supplied from the copy restriction information separation circuit 4'02, and refers to the copy number memory 422 based on the identification information of the content data. .

It is determined whether or not the number of copies of the content data is over, and if not, the recording control circuit 403 is controlled to output the content data to the synthesizing circuit 404. So that content data can be duplicated. If the number of copies of the content exceeds the limit, the recording control circuit 403 is controlled so that the content data is not supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404. For example, a process of notifying the user of this through the display unit 423 is performed. After the processing in step S208, the processing shown in FIG. 9 ends.

If it is determined in step S206 that the current date is a date after the lapse of the second application period, the control unit 420 returns data indicating the third duplication restriction type (third duplication restriction type). Refer to the data from the type area CP3 (Step S209).

The third copy restriction type is specified, and copy restriction control is performed according to the specified third copy restriction type (step S210). In the second embodiment, since the third copy restriction type is “copy free (0000)”, the step S210 In addition, the controller unit 420 controls the recording control circuit 403 to output the content data to the synthesizing circuit 404 so that the content data can be copied. After the processing in step S210, the processing shown in FIG. 9 ends.

As described above, in the recording apparatus of the second embodiment, when the current date, which is the recording execution date, is within the first application period, the data of the first copy restriction type area CP 1 is not recorded. When the current date, which is the recording execution date, is within the second application period, the duplication control is performed according to the replication restriction type indicated by the data of the π rear CP 2. Performs copy restriction control. When the current date, which is the recording execution date, is a date after the lapse of the second application period, the copy restriction control according to the copy restriction type indicated by the third copy restriction type area CP 3 is performed.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in the recording apparatus, not only the application period data but also the data indicating the copy restriction type is referred to, so that the intention of the content data provider can be considered. It is possible to perform a copy restriction that conforms to. -The application period of the copy restriction type and the copy restriction can be different for each content, and the copy restriction of the content data according to the intention of the content provider or the content copyright holder can be performed.

In the second embodiment, each of the first, second, and third types of duplication restriction is, as shown in FIG. 8, one whose duplication is prohibited, whose number of duplication is limited to one, and whose duplication is free. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, various types of content data can be used according to the intention of the content data provider, and each application period can be freely set.

In the first and second embodiments described above, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8, the final replication restriction type area; ET, The third copy restriction type area CP3 is attached to the content data overnight, but is not limited to this.

For example, if the final duplication restriction type is fixed for all contents, it is not necessary to set the final duplication restriction type area ET and the third duplication restriction type area C # 3. After the end of the last application period, a predetermined copy restriction control, that is, the copy of the content data is prohibited, or conversely, It is also possible to freely copy the template data and to limit the number of copies of the content data.

In the first and second embodiments described above, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8, two periods are provided for the application period of the copy restriction type. However, it is not limited to this. The application period of the copy restriction type may be one period, or two or more application periods may be provided. In this case, in the case of the first embodiment, the copy restriction type is assigned in advance to each application period, and in the case of the second embodiment, the copy restriction type corresponding to that of each application period is applied. Is added to the content data.

Two, three, four,…, etc., should have multiple periods of duplication restriction (for example, in this case: Divide the duplication restriction only for the first period): For each of the second and subsequent application periods, data indicating the duplication restriction type may be added (attached) as in the case of the second embodiment described above.

When multiple application periods of the duplication restriction type are provided, such as two, three, four, etc., for example, a data indicating the duplication restriction type is added only to the first application period. Then, as in the case of the first embodiment described above, a copy-restricted event may be allocated in advance to that of the second and subsequent application periods. As described above, when a plurality of application periods of the copy restriction type are provided, as described above, the application period in which the copy restriction type is pre-assigned according to the accompanying position and the data indicating the copy restriction type. The application period with one night may be used for one content and one night. The position of the application period to which the duplication restriction type is assigned in advance and the position of the application period to which the data indicating the duplication restriction type is added can be arbitrarily determined.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the data indicating the final copy restriction type is appended to the content, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the final copy restriction type does not need to add the data indicating the final copy restriction type to the content data when the copy restriction or copy prohibition is determined in advance in all recording devices.

In other words, the final copy restriction type is uniformly predetermined for all recording devices. You may leave it. The final copy restriction type can be set in advance for each recording device. For example, the type of final copy restriction can be different for each content data based on the identification information of the content data.

[Reproduction control]

In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the copy restriction control is performed has been described. However, the reproduction restriction can be similarly performed. In other words, the content data can be provided by adding the playback restriction type application period data to the content or by providing the data indicating the playback restriction and the playback restriction type application period data. In a playback device that plays back overnight, playback restriction control for content data can be performed.

··· FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case in which content period data is provided along with application period data of a reproduction restriction dip. In this example, as in the case where the copy restriction type application period data shown in Fig. 1 is attached to the content data, the application period data of the playback restriction eve is added to the header HD of the file format content data. I do.

In FIG. 10, as the input area in the application period data of the reproduction restriction type,

As in the case of the copy restriction type shown in Fig. 1, a playback prohibition period designation area NP, an end date area ED 2 for the reproduction restriction type A, and a final reproduction restriction evening area ET are provided in the header section of the content data HD. ing.

Playback prohibition period designation area N P is the start date area S T 1 and end date area E D

And 1. The start date of the playback prohibition period designation area NP, the start date of the period during which playback of the content data following the header HD is prohibited is input to ST1, and the playback prohibition period designation area NP end date area ED1 Is entered as the end date of the period during which the playback of the content is prohibited. The example in Fig. 10 shows a case where the playback prohibition period of the content data is set, for example, from August 1, 2000 AD to August 31, 2000 AD. ing.

In the playback restriction type A end date area ED2, the end date of the application period for restricting the playback of the content following the head HD in the playback restriction type A is input. The playback restriction type A is for limiting the number of times of playback, for example. Indicates that the number limit is 5 times (up to 5 times can be played on the same playback device). In the example shown in Fig. 10, the period during which playback restriction Eve A (here, the number of playbacks is limited to 5) is applied is, for example, the year 2 This shows the case where the setting from 0 00 September 1 to September 30 of the year 2000 is set. ·

In the final playback restriction type area ET, a value indicating the playback restriction type after the application period of the playback restriction type A has elapsed is input. In this example, for example, data indicating the freedom of reproduction is input. Example of FIG. 1 0, in accordance with the accompanying position (position in Dzuda H D to) the application period data, a case where either a advance between any reproduction limit type of application period are determined.

-In this way, in the same way as when the reproduction prohibition period, the application period of the reproduction restriction type A, and the data indicating each of the final reproduction restriction types are attached to the content data, It can be distributed to end users by recording it on a recording medium such as an optical disk, or by transmitting it through a communication network such as the Internet.

• In the case of distributing the data indicating the application period of the playback restriction type in addition to the content data, for example, it is necessary to ensure that the sales date of the music content data and the like is kept within a certain period. This is used when it is necessary to prevent the provider's interest in content overnight from being harmed, such as when it is desired to prevent the creation of a large number of duplicates of the content data.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case in which a content indicating a playback restriction type is provided together with a content restriction overnight and an application period data of the reproduction restriction type is additionally provided. Also in this example, the data indicating the reproduction restriction type and the application period data of the reproduction restriction type are added to the header HD of the file format contents data.

In FIG. 11, as in the case of the copy restriction type shown in FIG. 8, the content data header HD includes the first reproduction restriction type area PL 1 and the end of the application period of the first reproduction restriction type. The first application period end date area ED1, which is the date area, the second playback restriction evening area PL2, the second application period end date area ED2, which is the end date of the second playback restriction evening area 3 Play limit evening area PL 3 Is provided.

In the example of FIG. 11, in the first reproduction restriction type area P L1, a data indicating a predetermined reproduction restriction type is input by the provider of the content distribution. As the playback-restricted evening, data indicating a predetermined playback-limited evening such as "prohibit playback", "playback limit once", "playback limit five times", "free play", etc. is input. .

In the end date area ED1 of the first application period, the end date of the application period of the reproduction restriction type (first reproduction restriction type) input in the first reproduction restriction type PL1 is input. In the example of Fig. 11, the end date of the first application period is, for example, August 31, 2000 AD, and the date before August 31, 2000 AD is the first date. It is the period during which the playback restriction type is applied. '': · ': · · · ·. In the example of Fig. 11, the second playback restriction evening PL: PL2 has a content day evening provider. For example, "playback prohibition", "playback count once j" , A predetermined playback restriction type such as "reproduction limit 5 times" or "free playback" is input. In the end date area ED 2 of the second application period, the end date of the application period of the reproduction restriction type (second reproduction restriction type) input to the second reproduction restriction PL 1 is input. . In the example of Fig. 11, the end date of the second application period is, for example, September 30, 2000 AD, and the end date of the first application period is the year 2000 From September 1, the second application period is September 30, 2000 AD.

In the third playback restriction evening area PL3, the content data provider may provide information such as “prohibition of reproduction”, “restriction of the number of reproductions once”, “restriction of the number of reproductions five times”, “free reproduction”, etc. The determined playback restriction evening Eve is input. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the data input to the child third reproduction restriction type area PL3 is data indicating the final reproduction restriction type.

Also in the case of the example shown in FIG. 11, the content indicating the playback restriction type and the application period data of the playback restriction type are recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk and distributed to the end user. Alternatively, it can be distributed by transmitting through a communication network such as the Internet. In this way, by adding data indicating the playback limit, the provider of the content Depending on the content and content data, the type of playback restriction used flexibly can be made different.

[About playback device that performs playback restriction control]

Next, as shown in Fig. 10, the content is set to be accompanied by the application period data of the reproduction restriction type, or as shown in Fig. 11, the data indicating the reproduction restriction type. A playback apparatus that plays back content data accompanied by a playback restriction type application period will be described. Here, a case where the content data is recorded on an optical disk will be described as an example.

FIG. 12 shows a reproducing apparatus 50 that reproduces the content data recorded on the optical disk 550 with the application period of the reproduction restriction evening shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. It is a block diagram for explaining 0. · '' ·

When the playback device 5.00 is loaded with the optical disk 55.0, the control unit 5200 controls the optical pickup unit 50.1. To control the optical disk unit 50.1 from the optical disk unit 5101 to the optical disk unit. -Irradiate the laser beam to 550, receive the light reflected by the optical disk 550, and control the spindle motor 502 to keep the optical disk 550 at a constant linear velocity, for example. Rotate. -''.

The optical pickup unit 501 is composed of a semiconductor laser, etc .; an optical system such as a laser light source, a beam splitter, and an objective lens; The optical disk is irradiated with laser light, the reflected light from the optical disk 550 is received by a photodetector, and the received reflected light is converted into an electric signal, and the photodetector receives the reflected light. Is supplied to the RF circuit 503.

The RF circuit 503 generates a servo error signal such as a reproduction RF signal, a tracking error signal, and a focus error signal. Here, the generated servo error signal is supplied to the servo circuit 504, and the reproduced RF signal is supplied to the demodulation circuit 505.

The servo circuit 504 controls the spindle motor 502 so that the linear velocity of the optical disc 550 is constant based on the servo error signal from the RF circuit 503, and the optical disc 550 Of a beam spot of the appropriate size on the track The optical pickup unit 501 is controlled so as to perform scanning with one light.

When a playback instruction is input from the user through the key operation section 424 of the playback apparatus 500, the system control section (hereinafter simply referred to as a control section) 520 controls each section of the playback apparatus 500. And starts the reproduction process of the content data read from the optical disk through the optical pickup unit 501.

In other words, the control section 520 moves the optical pickup section 501 to the recording position on the optical disk 550 of the file (content data) instructed to be reproduced. As described above, the optical disk 550 is irradiated with laser light, the reflected light from the optical disk 550 is received by the photodetector of the optical pickup unit 501, and the reflected light is converted into an electric signal by the photodetector. The converted electric signal is supplied to the circuit 503 as an output signal from the photodetector.

As described above, the RF circuit 5.03 generates a reproduction RF signal of the content data including the header from the signal from the optical pickup unit 501, and demodulates the reproduction RF signal into a demodulation circuit. Supply 505. Upon receiving a control signal from the control section 520 for instructing the start of demodulation processing, the demodulation circuit 505 demodulates the content of the signal from the RF circuit 503 and demodulates the demodulated data into ECC data. Supply to decoder 50.6.

The ECC decoder 506 performs error correction on the content data from the demodulation circuit 505 and supplies the corrected content data to the reproduction restriction information separation circuit 507. The reproduction restriction information separation circuit 507 generates reproduction restriction information such as a reproduction restriction type application period data from the header HD of the supplied content data and a unique identification of the content data such as ISRC. Information and the like are separated and extracted, and the extracted data is supplied to the control unit 520.

As shown in FIG. 12, a clock circuit 521 and a reproduction count memory 522 are connected to the control section 520. The clock circuit 521, like the clock circuit 421 of the recording device 400 described above, has a calendar function and provides the current date, the current day of the week, and the current time. It is designed so that the user cannot change the information.

The playback count memory 522 stores the content data played back by the playback device 500. It manages the identification information and the number of playbacks for one night, and the user cannot add, change, or delete the data. That is, the number-of-reproductions memory 5 2 2

It is equivalent to 400 memory of the number of copies 4 0 2 and has the same function in that the management target is the number of copies or the number of reproductions, but the number of uses for each content data is managed. Have

The control section 520 is composed of a reproduction restriction information separating circuit 508, a clock circuit and the current date from the clock circuit 521, or a current date from the clock circuit 521 and a reproduction count memory 522. Based on this information, it is determined whether or not reproduction is possible. When it is determined that reproduction is possible, the control unit 52.0 controls the reproduction control circuit 508 to output the demodulated content data to the outside through the output terminal 509.

When it is determined that playback of the content is impossible, the control section 520 controls the playback control circuit 508 to play back the demodulated content data. It is not output after 508. In this way, the playback limit can be controlled in the playback device based on the playback limitation information added to the content section HD.

As shown in Fig. 10, when the playback time is applied to the header HD with the application period data of the playback restriction evening added, the content is played back by the recording device shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Playback processing is performed in the same manner as in the case of processing, and playback control for content data can be performed.

That is, when reproducing the content data shown in FIG.

The control unit 520 of the reference circuit 520 refers to the reproduction restriction type application period data or the like, which is the reproduction restriction information from the reproduction restriction information separation circuit 507, and then reads the current date indicated by the clock circuit 521. (Playback execution date).

It is determined from the application period data of the referred reproduction restriction type and the current date whether or not the current day belongs to the reproduction prohibited period. If the current day is within the reproduction prohibited period, it is determined that the reproduction cannot be performed. 0 The user is notified through the display section 5 2 3 or the like constituted by an LCD or the like, and the playback processing of the content is completed.

When it is determined that the current date is not within the reproduction prohibition period, the control unit 52 determines whether the current date is within the application period of the reproduction restriction type A. And the current date is When it is determined that it is within the applicable period of the reproduction restriction type A, the control unit 520 refers to the data of the reproduction number memory 522 based on the identification information of the content data from the reproduction restriction information separation circuit 508. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of times of reproduction of the content data to be reproduced has not exceeded.

When it is determined that the number of reproductions of the content data to be reproduced is over, the control unit 520 controls the reproduction control circuit 508 so that the demodulated content data is not output. In this way, the user is notified through the display unit 5.2.3 that the reproduction is added, and the reproduction process of the content is completed. If it is determined that the number of times of reproduction of the content data to be reproduced has not exceeded, the control unit 520 controls the reproduction control circuit 508 so that the demodulated content data is output. When the content data is output overnight, the number of times of reproduction of the content data in the reproduction count memory 522 is incremented, and the reproduction process of the content data is completed.

When the current date is a date after the elapse of the application period of the reproduction restriction type コント, the control unit 52 performs reproduction restriction according to the data of the final reproduction restriction type. In other words, if the final playback limit is even if playback is free, playback will be performed without limiting the content data.

If the final playback restriction type limits the number of times of reproduction, the information in the number-of-times-of-reproduction memory 522 is referred to, and reproduction within the number of times of reproduction restriction is enabled. If the final playback restriction type is playback prohibition, content is not played overnight. In this way, it is possible to control the playback restriction for the entire content.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the data indicating the reproduction restriction type and the application period data of the reproduction restriction type are added to the header HD to reproduce the content data, the recording device shown in FIG. In the same manner as in the recording process in, the playback process can be performed to limit the playback of the content.

That is, when the content data shown in FIG. 11 is reproduced, first, the control unit 520 of the reproducing device 500 transmits the reproduction restriction information as the reproduction restriction information from the reproduction restriction information separating circuit 507. Refer to the data shown and the application period data of the playback restriction evening, and then refer to the current date (playback execution date) shown by the clock circuit 521. The control unit 52 determines whether or not the current date is within the first application period, and when it is determined that the current date is within the first application period, performs the reproduction restriction control according to the first reproduction restriction type. When it is determined that the current date is not within the first application period, the control unit 520 determines whether or not the current date is within the second application period. 20 performs reproduction restriction control according to the second reproduction restriction type. ·

When it is determined that the current date is not within the second application period, the control unit 52 ◦ performs the reproduction restriction control according to the third reproduction restriction type, that is, the final reproduction restriction type.

In this way, the reproduction restriction for content data can be performed in the same manner as the reproduction restriction for content data. In this way, by restricting the playback of content overnight, the interests of the provider of content overnight can be prevented from being harmed.

In the above-described embodiment in which the reproduction restriction control is performed, the case where the content data recorded on the optical disc is reproduced has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a device such as a personal convenience device that supplies content provided through a communication network such as an in-home network to devices such as a speaker and a monitor receiver, the playback device 500 and the device described above may be used. Similarly, the reproduction restriction control (output restriction control) can be performed based on the reproduction restriction information in the header section.

The playback device described above is used in receivers called IRDs and STBs (Set Top Boxes) that output content data provided through broadcasting media such as digital satellite broadcasting to external devices such as speakers and monitor receivers. Similarly to the case of 500, the reproduction restriction control (output restriction control) can be performed based on the reproduction restriction information in the header section.

The copy restriction type is not limited to the one described above, and various types can be used. For example, regarding the number of times of reproduction, not only once and five times, but also two, three, four,. Even in the case of the above-mentioned playback restriction control, if the final playback restriction type is determined for all content data, the final playback restriction type area ET and the third playback restriction type area PL 3 are set to default. do not have to. After the elapse of the last application period, a predetermined playback restriction control, that is, the playback of the content overnight is prohibited, or the playback of the content overnight is free, and the playback of the content overnight is also performed. You can also limit the number of times.

In the case of the above-described reproduction restriction control also, reproduction limit type of application period 'may be a single period, it has also be provided with two or more application period. Theory Good _c In this case, FIG. In the example shown in Fig. 10, a playback restriction type is assigned in advance to each application period. In the case of the example shown in Fig. 11, · corresponding to each application period

• Data indicating the playback restriction type to be added is added to the content data.

'' If two, three, .4,..., Etc. are set for multiple application periods for playback restriction, for example, playback restriction only for the first application period A dip may be allocated, and data indicating the duplication restriction type may be added to each of the second and subsequent application periods. .

If two, three, four, ..., etc. are set for multiple application periods of the playback restriction type, for example, data indicating the reproduction restriction type is added only to the first application period, A reproduction restriction type may be assigned in advance to each of the second and subsequent application periods, as in the case of the example shown in FIG.

As described above, when a plurality of application periods of the playback restriction type are provided, as described above, the application period in which the reproduction restriction type is pre-assigned according to the associated position and the playback restriction type are set. The application period to which the indicated data is attached may be used together for one content. The position of the application period to which the reproduction restriction type is assigned in advance and the position of the application period to which the data indicating the reproduction restriction type is added can be arbitrarily determined.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the data indicating the final playback restriction type is attached to the content, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a final playback restriction set, if all recording devices are determined in advance, such as copy free or copy prohibition, the data indicating the final copy restriction type is included in the content data. No need to add.

In other words, the final playback restriction time may be uniformly determined in advance in all recording devices. Also, the final playback restriction type can be set in advance for each recording device. Also, for example, the final copy restriction type can be different for each content data based on the identification information of the content data. .

Both the application period data of the copy restriction type and the application period data of the reproduction restriction type may be added to the header part of the content data, or the data indicating the copy restriction type and the application period of the copy restriction type. Alternatively, both of the data and the data indicating the may be added.

[Third embodiment] —— '' · ·

[Data of Third Embodiment: Evening Transmission Method and Recording Medium:

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the content period is transmitted together with the application period data indicating the application period of the charging restriction type (charging restriction type). .

Here, the charging limitation type is for imposing a usage fee on the use of the content data overnight, and instructs the user to charge for copying and reproduction of the content data overnight. The reproduction and reproduction can be performed only when the reproduction is performed. In other words, the charge restriction type is “copy free if chargeable (if chargeable)”, “copy limit 1 if chargeable (if chargeable)”, “chargeable If you can charge, you can make a copy according to the specified copy restriction type only if you respond to the billing, such as "5 copies limit" , And indicates that copying is prohibited (duplication is prohibited). Therefore, the charge limitation type allows content data to be copied in principle according to the charge.

For the reproduction of the content data, the charge restriction type can be used in the same manner as the reproduction. Therefore, the charging limit type for playback is "free playback if charging is possible (if charging is possible)" and "free if playback is charged (charge is possible). "If the number of playbacks is limited to 1" or "According to the billing (if billing is possible), the number of playbacks is limited to 5". This means that playback can be performed according to the request, and if charging is not performed, playback is prohibited (playback is prohibited).

As described above, the charging restriction type enables the use of content data overnight such as copying and playback in principle according to the charging. In addition, the billing restriction evening includes those indicating that billing is not actively performed. For example, an instruction such as “free of charge. Can be copied for free” or “free of charge for playback” is one of the charging restriction types. In this case, it is equivalent to the case where the copy restriction type is simply determined. .

Also in the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, content data is provided in a file format, and the content data is provided in the file format. There is a period designation area NP and a pay period designation area P Y-. ':

In FIG. 13, the free period designation area NP is composed of a start date area ST1 for 32 bits and an end date area ED1 for 32 'bits, and is a copy of the content data following the header HD. The start date and end date of the period during which the content data can be provided free of charge are entered on the content data provider side. .

In Fig. 13, the pay period designation area PY is composed of a 32-bit battle start date area ST2 and a 32-bit end date area ED2, and is a reproduction of content overnight following the header HD. According to the charge, the start date and the end date of the pay period that can be paid are input on the content data provider side.

In this third embodiment, the free period is, for example, one month from August 1, 2000 AD to August 31, 2000 AD, and the paid period is, for example, It is one year from September 1, 2000 AD to August 31, 2000 AD. As shown in FIG. 13, the content data in which the free period data indicating the free period and the paid period data indicating the paid period are added to the header section HD are the same as those of the first and second embodiments described above. As in the case, it is provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk, or transmitted through a communication network such as the Internet. Alternatively, it is widely distributed to end users by being transmitted through broadcast media.

[Recording device that performs charge limit control]

Next, as shown in Fig. 13, after receiving the supply of content data with the start date and end date of the free period and the start period and end period of the pay period attached (added), they are recorded. A recording device for recording on a medium will be described. Also in the third embodiment, the 'recording device is a CD-R (.CD Recordable) disk or a CD-RW as in the first and second embodiments described above. (CD Rewritable) An example of an optical disc recording apparatus using an optical disc capable of recording data such as a disc as a recording medium will be described. .,

FIG. 14 is a 'block diagram' for explaining the recording apparatus 600 of the first embodiment. The recording device 600 shown in FIG. 14 includes an accompanying information separating circuit 600, an encrypting circuit 602, an accompanying information generating circuit 603, a force reader 604, and a communication interface. (Communication I / F in Fig. 14) 605, and connection terminal 606 for communication I / F 605.

As will be described later, the accompanying information separation circuit 601 separates and extracts the free period data, the paid period data, and other necessary data added to the header HD of the content data. is there. The encryption circuit 602 performs an encryption process on the content in order to prevent unauthorized use of the content. The accompanying information generation circuit 603 generates a free period, a paid period, etc. to be attached to the content data to be recorded. The force reader 604 is for billing processing, and has a slot for a so-called prepaid card or other memory card in which the amount information of the prepaid amount is recorded. It reads and writes the amount information recorded in the.

In addition, a communication interface (hereinafter abbreviated as communication I / F) 605 and a connection terminal 606 to the communication I / F 605 are connected to a communication network such as the Internet, for example. For example, it is intended to be able to receive provision of information such as billing information provided through a communication network. The other units are configured in the same manner as in the case of the recording device 400 of the first and second embodiments shown in FIG. Therefore, in the recording apparatus 600 of FIG. 14 as well, the same components as those of the recording apparatus 400 shown in FIG. The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same parts, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described with reference to FIG. 13, the content data in which the free period data and the paid period data are added to the header HD are transmitted to the recording device 6 shown in FIG. It is input to 00 and supplied to the accompanying information separation circuit 6001.

Here, the content data supplied to the recording device 600 is a reproduction device for reproducing the content data from the optical disc on which the content data is recorded, or a communication network such as the Internet. It is supplied from a user terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the network and receiving the content data through a communication network, or from a digital satellite broadcast receiver that provides content data. '' As shown in Fig. 13, the additional information separation circuit 6001 is a header for the content data overnight. The free period data in the HD free area designated area NP. The paid period data in the paid area designated area PY. Separation and extraction of necessary data such as identification information of the contents data and the like, supply the separated data to the system control unit 420, and supply the contents data to the encryption circuit 602.

The encryption circuit 602 receives a cryptographic key from the control section 420, for example, to prevent the content data from being illegally used, and provides a predetermined data to the content data recorded on the optical disc. Is performed. The encryption circuit 602 supplies the encrypted content data to the recording control circuit 403. On the other hand, as described above, the control section 420 is supplied with the free period data for the content data, the identification information of the paid period data, the content data overnight, and the like. It becomes possible to manage. When receiving a recording instruction from the user through the key operation unit 424, the control 422 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 421 to detect the current date that is the recording execution date.

The control section 420 indicates whether the current day is during a free period, during a paid period, or Determine if the date is after the paid period. The control section 420 supplies a control signal to the recording control circuit 403 when the current date from the clock circuit 421 is in a free period, and synthesizes the content data from the encryption circuit 602. Supply it to circuit 404.

At the same time, the control section 420 controls the accompanying information generation circuit 603 to charge the free period data to be added to the header section of the content recorded on the optical disk, and to charge the paid period data. In addition to generating the restriction information: control the synthesizing circuit 404, ECC encoder .406, modulation circuit 407, and recording circuit 408 to record the content data.

As a result, the charging restriction information generated in the accompanying information generating circuit 603 is supplied to the synthesizing circuit 40 ′ 4, where it is input (set) to a predetermined position of the header HD of the content data. Is done. Encrypted, new billing limit on header HD.

The content data to which the information has been added is recorded on the optical disk 65 through the ECC encoding unit 406, the modulation circuit 407, the recording circuit 408, and the optical pickup unit 409. .

In the present embodiment, when the current date from the clock circuit 421 is during a pay period, the controller section 424 is configured to store the memory card 660 loaded in the card reader 604. Reads the prepaid amount information of the payment and confirms whether or not charging is possible, that is, whether or not there is a balance for payment, and if charging is possible, records as described above. The control circuit 403 and subsequent circuits are controlled to enable recording of content data on the optical disk 650. .

However, if the current date from the clock circuit 42 1 is during the pay period, but the balance of the prepaid amount recorded on the memory card 660 is insufficient and charging is not possible, or If the memory card 660 itself is not loaded in the card reader 604, it is determined that charging is not possible, and the recording control circuit 403 is controlled to combine the content data with the synthesizing circuit. Do not output to 404. That is, recording of content data is disabled. In this case, the user is informed that the content data is a copy addition by displaying it on the display section 42.

In this way, if the current date, which is the recording execution date, falls within the paid period, charging Copying of content data is enabled only when the content is available, and if charging is not possible, copying of the content data is prohibited. If the current date is a date after the pay period, in the third embodiment, the control unit 420 performs a predetermined copy restriction or charging restriction. In the recording apparatus 600 of the third embodiment, duplication is uniformly prohibited.

If the date is after the paid period, the duplication is not limited to the one where the duplication is prohibited, and the duplication is free, or a predetermined duplication control such as the number of duplication is performed. Is also good. When the number of copies is limited, similarly to the recording device 400 of the first and second embodiments described above, it is determined whether or not copying is possible based on the information in the number of copies memory 422. Is determined, and if the copy is performed, the number of copies: Update the corresponding content data copy number information in the number memory 4 2 2- '. ''

If the current date is a date after the pay period, it is possible to perform predetermined charging restriction control. In other words, if the current date is a date after the pay period, the content data can be copied if the predetermined amount can be charged, and if the predetermined amount cannot be charged. Can also prohibit the copying of content data. '

The charge amount is set in the recording device 600, for example, in advance. Of course, the data indicating the charging amount is supplied to the recording device 600 along with the content by, for example, adding a header HD of the content to the recording device 600, and the accompanying information separation circuit 6 of the recording device 600 is added. It is also possible to extract at 01 and use this.

As described above, the recording device 600 of the third embodiment is provided with the communication I / F 605, so that the charging amount can be set via the communication network via the communication IZF 605. The data shown can be provided from a server device or the like on the content data provider side, and this billing amount can be used.

Also in the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the data indicating the final copy restriction type or the data indicating the final billing restriction type is transmitted in the content data. By adding it to the HD section of the header section and providing it along with the content data, the copy restriction type after the paid period has passed, or the billing system It is also possible to indicate the limited type.

[Regarding Recording Processing in Recording Apparatus of Third Embodiment]

Next, a recording process performed in the recording apparatus 600 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the recording processing performed in the recording device 600. When a recording execution instruction is input from the user through the key operation unit 4 24 of the recording device 600 and the content data is supplied to the recording device 600 through the input terminal 401, the recording device 6 The control unit 420 of 00 executes the processing shown in FIG. 'First, as described above, the control unit 420 refers to the charging restriction information from the accompanying information separation circuit 601, that is, the free period data, the paid period data, and the identification information of the content data (step S 3 0 1). Next, the control section 420 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 421 (step S302).

The control unit 420 has a ',' from the free period data of the charging restriction information referred to in step S301 and the current date referred to in step S302, and the current date belongs to the free period. It is determined whether or not there is (step S303).

In the determination process of step S103, when it is determined that the current day belongs to the free period, the control unit 420 allows the copy, controls the recording control circuit 400, and performs the encryption. The recorded content data is supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404, for example, so that each part of the recording device 600 is controlled to execute the recording process (step S304), and the content content is recorded. Is executed (step S305). Thereafter, the process waits until the recording of the content is completed (step S306), and when the recording is completed, the processing shown in FIG. 15 is terminated.

In the determination processing of step S303, if it is determined that the current day does not belong to the free period, the control unit 420 returns to the charging restriction information referred to in step S301 and the charging restriction information in step S302. It is determined whether or not the current date belongs to the pay period based on the current date referred to (step S307).

In the determination process of step S307, when it is determined that the current day belongs to the pay period, the control unit 420 requests the user to copy the content data, for example, through the display unit 423. Is notified (step S308). The process of step S308 is a process for displaying a message such as "Copy is charged. Insert a predetermined prepaid card into the card reader."

The control unit 420 checks the balance of the prepaid amount loaded in the card reader 604, and judges whether or not charging is possible (step S309). In the determination processing of step S309, if it is determined that charging is possible, the controller unit 42.0 ^: permits copying, and controls the recording control circuit 400. For example, the encrypted content is supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404, for example, to control each part of the recording device 60.0 to execute the recording process (step S310), and the content Perform evening recording (step S311).

The control unit 420 enters a standby state until the recording of the content data is completed (step S311). When the recording is completed, the pre-loader loaded in the power reader 604 is set. The charge processing for subtracting the charge for copying from the prepaid amount (balance) of the card 660 is executed (step S312), and the processing shown in FIG. 15 is completed.

If the charging in step S312 could not be performed normally, for example, if the pre-read card 660 has been removed, the steps until the charging ends normally. Since the processing of S3 13 is not completed, content data cannot be copied without paying a fee.

In the determination process of step S309, when it is determined that charging is not possible, in the third embodiment, the control unit 420 controls the recording control circuit 400 to The content data is not supplied to the synthesizing circuit 404, and the recording of the content data is prohibited (step S315).

In the process of step S315, the control unit 420 displays the message, "Charge processing is not possible. Please load a prepaid card with sufficient balance. Display a message such as j." Also, a process is performed to notify the user that copying cannot be performed because proper charging is not possible.

In the determination processing of step S307, if it is determined that the current day does not belong to the pay period, in the third embodiment, the predetermined copy restriction control is performed. Perform (step S3 1 4). In the third embodiment, since the duplication after the elapse of the pay period is prohibited, the control unit 420 controls the recording control circuit 403 to combine the content with the synthesizing circuit 404. Content data recording is prohibited.

In the process of step S 3 14, the control section 420 displays a message such as “The duplication period has passed. Duplication is not permitted.” On the display section 42 3. In addition, a process for notifying the user that the content data cannot be copied is also performed.

In this way, by adding the free period data and the paid period data to the content overnight, at the beginning of the sale of the content overnight, a certain amount of time is required to promote the content data overnight. , Free copy of the content, and after the free period, without harming the interests of the content data provider, and so as not to hinder the spread of the content data. · Reproduction is possible with the charge.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, one free period and one paid period are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the predetermined free period has passed, if the predetermined charge is always required for copying, only the free period data is attached to the content data. After the free period has elapsed, the recording device controls so that the prescribed charge is always used as a condition for copying when copying, so that only the free period is attached to the content data, and the free period is reduced. A pay period can be used.

If there is no free period, only the pay period data should be attached to the content data. If only one pay period is provided, and after the expiration of the period, the charge for copying is not conditioned (free), after the paid period, the copy is always free. By controlling the recording device, the pay period and the free period can be used simply by attaching the pay period data to the content data.

Only one pay period is provided, and after that period, if copying is always subject to a predetermined charge, only the pay period is added to the content Let it follow. After the pay period has elapsed, two different pay periods with different charge conditions can be used by controlling the recording device so that a predetermined charge is always used as a condition for the copy. It is also possible to set up multiple pay periods with different charging conditions.

In the above-described third embodiment, it has been described that a predetermined copy restriction control such as prohibiting the copy after the pay period elapses is performed. That is, the copy restriction type after the last period between the free period and the pay period has been determined in advance, and the recording device 600 automatically controls the copy restriction type according to the copy restriction type. To do. However, it is not limited to this.

After the last period between the free period and the paid period, data indicating the copy restriction evening (last replication limit evening) is attached to the context, and after the last period, the content data is deleted. When duplication is performed, the duplication restriction control may be performed based on the data indicating the final duplication restriction type attached to the content. In such a case, the data indicating the final copy restriction type provided along with the content data is extracted by the accompanying information separation circuit 61, and the control section 420 uses this to copy the data. You may want to enforce restrictions.

Instead of the final copy restriction type, a final billing restriction type may be used. After the application period has expired, the final charging restriction type may be determined in advance so as to be unified in all recording devices, or by providing the content data with data indicating the final charging restriction type. Only when a predetermined fee is charged, the restriction control can be performed so that the content data can be copied.

This final billing restriction can be applied to the transmission methods of the first and second embodiments described above. That is, the final copy restriction type area E T shown in FIG. 1 is used as the final charge restriction type area, and after the last period, the copy can be permitted on the condition of a predetermined charge.

[Reproduction control]

In the above-described third embodiment, the case where the copy restriction control is performed has been described. However, the reproduction restriction control can be similarly performed. In other words, as shown in Fig. 13, the free period added to the header HD of content If the pay period is for playback, the content can be played free of charge during the free period, and during the paid period, playback of the content is permitted on condition that a predetermined charge is met. Can be controlled in the playback device.

[About playback device that performs playback restriction control]

Next, a description will be given of a playback device that plays back content data added to the header section HD as shown in FIG. 13 with respect to the free period and the paid period for playback. Here, a case where the content data is recorded on an optical disc will be described as an example.

Figure 16 shows the free period data and pay period data for playback as shown in Figure 13, and the evening is accompanied by an optical disc. FIG. 3 is a work diagram for explaining the playback device 700. As shown in Fig. 16, • The playback device 700 is an auxiliary information separation circuit 701, a decryption circuit 702, a power reader 703, a communication I / F 704, a communication IZF 704 And a connection terminal 705.

As will be described later, the additional information separation circuit 701 has a header part for the contents and data: the free period data, the paid period data, and other necessary data added to the HD. It is to separate and extract. The decryption circuit 701 is for decrypting the encryption applied to the content overnight and restoring the content data before the encryption.

That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the optical disk 7500 loaded in the playback apparatus 700 has a header HD to which data for a free period for playback and data for a paid period are added. However, the content data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized use of the content overnight. For this reason, the reproducing apparatus 700 is provided with a decryption circuit 700.

If the content data is encrypted including the header, the additional information separating circuit 507 is provided with a decryption circuit, and the content data is also encrypted including the header. If the content is encrypted and the content is encrypted after ECC encoding, it is decrypted before the ECC decoder 506. A circuit 701 is provided.

The card reader 703 is for billing purposes. The card reader 703 has a slot for a so-called prepaid card or the like in which the amount information of the prepaid amount is recorded, and is recorded in the loaded memory card. It reads and writes the money information.

Communication I / O: F704, Communication IZF704 connection terminal 704 is for connecting to a communication network such as, for example, an Ethernet network.For example, a communication network. For example, it is possible to receive information such as information on billing provided through the Internet.

The other parts are configured in the same manner as in the case of the playback device 500 of the first and second embodiments shown in FIG. 1.2. Therefore, in the reproducing apparatus 700 shown in FIG. 16 as well, '. With respect to the parts configured similarly to the reproducing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 1.2, the reproducing apparatus 5 shown in FIG. The same reference numerals as those of the corresponding circuit portions of 00 denote the same parts, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As in the case of the playback device 500 shown in FIG. 12, when the optical disc 75 is loaded into the playback device 700 and a playback instruction is input by the user, the playback device 700 is Then, reading of the content data from the optical disk 750 is started, and the content data read from the optical disk 750 and demodulated is supplied to the accompanying information separating circuit 701.

The additional information separation circuit 701 separates and extracts the free period data in the header HD free period designation area NP free period designation and the pay period designation area PY pay period data, and supplies this to the control unit 520 At the same time, the content data is supplied to the reproduction control circuit 508.

The control section 520 performs reproduction restriction control in substantially the same manner as the processing in the recording apparatus 600 shown in FIG. That is, the control unit 520 refers to the free period data and the paid period data from the accompanying information extraction circuit 701, refers to the current date of the clock circuit 521, and sets the current date to free. Judge whether or not it belongs to the free period specified by the period data.

Here, when it is determined that the time belongs to the free period, the control unit 520 re-executes. Control of the reproduction control circuit 508 and the decryption circuit 702 to supply the content data from the accompanying information extraction section 701 to the decryption circuit 702 and decrypt the data. Then, the decrypted content data is output through the output terminal 509. When determining that the current day does not belong to the free period, the control unit 520 determines whether the current day belongs to the pay period and determines that the current day belongs to the pay period. In this case, the user is notified that charging is required to play back the content data, and the balance of the prepaid card 730-loaded in the card reader 703 is checked and charging is possible. Is determined. 'Here, if it is determined that charging is possible, the control unit 520 permits reproduction, and controls the reproduction control circuit 508 and the decryption circuit 720 as described above. The content data from the accompanying information extraction unit 701 is supplied to the decryption circuit 702 and decrypted, and the decrypted content is output through the output terminal 509. Output. ■ '.' If charging is not possible due to insufficient balance or unloaded prepaid card, the playback control circuit 508 is controlled so that the content data is not supplied to the decryption circuit 702. Prohibit reproduction of content data.

When it is determined that the current date does not belong to the pay period, that is, it is a date after the pay period has elapsed, the control unit 520 performs a predetermined playback restriction. Here, predetermined reproduction restrictions such as reproduction prohibition, reproduction freedom, and the number of reproduction times are performed.

When limiting the number of playbacks, the control unit 520 can refer to the data of the playback number memory 522 to check the number of playbacks of the content to be played back. The reproduction is permitted only in a certain case, and the reproduction count of the content data in the reproduction count memory 522 is updated. In this case, the identification information of the content to be reproduced is extracted from the header HD of the content data by the accompanying information separation circuit 701 and supplied to the control unit 520. This can be used.

In this way, by attaching the free period data and the pay period data for playback to the content data, the playback limitation control can be performed in the same manner as the copy limitation control. It can be carried out.

Even in the case of the reproduction restriction control, after the predetermined free period has elapsed, if the predetermined charge is always applied to the reproduction, only the free period data is attached to the content data. After the free period has elapsed, the playback device controls the playback to always use a predetermined charge for the playback, so that only the free period is attached to the content data, and the free period and the paid period Can be used.

If there is no free period, only the data for the paid period may be added to the content data. If only one pay period is provided, and after the expiration of that period, no charge is made for the duplication (free), after the pay period has elapsed, playback will always be free. Thus, by controlling the playback device side: the paid period and the free period can be used simply by attaching the paid period data to the content data.

If only one pay period is provided, and after the expiration of the period, if the predetermined charge is always required for reproduction, only the pay period data is attached to the content data. After the pay period has elapsed, by controlling the reproducing apparatus so that a predetermined charge is always used as a condition for duplication during reproduction, two pay periods with different charge conditions can be used. It is also possible to set up multiple pay periods with different charging conditions.

Also in the case of this reproduction restriction control, the copy restriction after the last period between the free period and the pay period has been determined in advance, and the reproduction device 700 automatically sets the copy restriction type. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

After the last period between the free period and the paid period, the content indicating the playback restriction type (final playback restriction evening) is attached to the content, and after the last period, the content data is deleted. In the case of performing playback in the evening, playback restriction control can also be performed based on data indicating the final playback restriction type attached to the content data. In such a case, data indicating the final copy restriction type provided along with the content data is extracted in the accompanying information separation circuit 701, and It is sufficient that the control unit 520 uses this to perform the reproduction restriction control.

The final charging restriction type may be used in place of the final playback restriction type. The final charging restriction may be determined in advance so that all recording devices use the same final charging limit, or the final charging restriction may be applied to the content data. By providing additional data indicating the type, after the application period has elapsed, it is possible to perform restriction control so that the content data can be reproduced only when a predetermined fee is charged.

This final charging restriction type can also be applied to the transmission methods of the first and second embodiments described above. That is, the final playback restriction type area ET shown in FIG. 10 and the third playback restriction type area PL 3 shown in FIG. 11 are used as the final charging restriction type area, and after the last period, a predetermined charging is performed. The reproduction can be permitted under the condition. '·

In FIG. 13, the start date and the end date are provided for each of the free period and the pay period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, only the end date may be provided. In this case, the first period, the free period in the case of the example in Fig. 13, is the free period before the end date, and the following period, in the case of the example in Fig. 13, The paid period is the period from the day after the free period to the end of the paid period.

[Fourth embodiment]

[Data transmission method and recording medium according to fourth embodiment]

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the copy prohibition period data indicating the application period of the copy prohibition and the pay period data indicating the pay period for charging the copy are added to the recording medium on the content. Provide by recording and providing or transmitting.

Also in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the content data is provided in a file format, and a header portion HD of the content data provided in the file format has a copy prohibition period designation area. NC and pay period designation area PY are provided.

In FIG. 17, the copy prohibition period designation area NC has a start date The start date and the end date of the period (duplication prohibition period), which consists of the rear ST 1 and the end date area ED 1 for 32 bits, and which prohibits the duplication of the content data following the header HD, are provided by the content provider. Input on the side.

In FIG. 17, the pay period designation area PY is composed of a 32-bit start date area ST2 and a 32-bit end date area ED2, and is a content data following the header HD. The period during which evening duplication can be performed according to the charge, i.e., the start date and end date of the pay period during which the duplication can be performed for a fee, is entered at the provider of the content data overnight. You.

In the fourth embodiment, the copy prohibition period is set to be, for example, one year from August 1, 2000 AD to July 31, 2000 AD, and the pay period is For example, the period is set to be two years and five months from February 1, 2000 AD to July 3, 2011 AD. ·

As shown in Figure 17, the copy prohibition period and the pay period are overlapped, for example, in the five months from February 1, 2001 to July 31, 2001. Is set to The five-month overlap period is a period during which the content is not allowed to be duplicated.However, on the condition of billing, it is possible to determine the content of the content overnight, for example, if the number of duplicates is one, duplication can be performed. It will be established as long as possible.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, in the case of content data in which the copy prohibition period data and the pay period data are added, for example, from August 1, 2000 AD to year 2 The period from January 31, 2001 to January 31, 2001 is regarded as the period of "absolute duplication prohibition" .For example, the duplication from February 1, 2001 to July 31, 2001 The period is, "In principle, duplication is prohibited. However, if the fee is charged, the number of copies is limited to 1 (one copy is possible). The period is j, for example, from August 1, 2000 AD to 20 AD 0 The period until July 31st, 2003 is the “duplicable if charged” period. In the fourth embodiment as well, a predetermined copy restriction control is performed for the copy after the lapse of the pay period. In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the copy after the elapse of the pay period is set in advance to be, for example, "copy free". As shown in FIG. 17, the content overtime where the duplication prohibited period data and the pay period data are added to the header HD is the same as in the first, second, and third embodiments described above. Similarly, it can be distributed to end users widely by being provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk, or transmitted through a communication network such as the Internet, or transmitted through broadcast media. It is made. '

[Recording device that performs copy restriction control and charge restriction control:! 'Next, as shown in Fig. 17, after receiving the supply of the content data in which the start date and end date of the duplication prohibition period and the start and end periods of the pay period are added (added). A recording apparatus for recording this on a recording medium will be described. The recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the recording apparatus 600 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 14, and this recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. A recording process performed by the recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described. '

The recording device 600 according to the fourth embodiment is configured so that the additional information separation circuit 601 prohibits the reproduction of the header HD of the content HD in a file format as shown in FIG. The designated area N: The copy prohibition period of C, the paid period designated area PY, the paid period data, identification information of the content data, etc. are extracted and supplied to the control section 420.

As described above, the information extracted in the incidental information separation circuit 600 of the recording device 600 of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the incidental information separation circuit 600 of the recording device of the third embodiment. Unlike the information extracted in the first embodiment, the processing performed in the control unit 420 receiving the information supplied from the accompanying information separating circuit 61 is also different from that of the recording device of the third embodiment.

[Regarding Recording Processing in Recording Apparatus of Fourth Embodiment]

FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining the recording processing performed in the recording apparatus 600 of the fourth embodiment. When a recording execution instruction is input from the user through the key operation unit 4 2 4 of the recording device 600 and the content is supplied to the recording device 600 via the input terminal 401, the recording device 6 The control unit 420 of 00 executes the processing shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. First, the control unit 420 refers to the copy control information from the accompanying information separating circuit 611, that is, the identification information of the copy prohibition period data, the pay period data, and the content data (step S40) 1). Next, the control unit 420 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 421 (step S402).

The control unit 420 determines from the duplication restriction information referred to in step S401 and the current date referred in step S402 whether the current date belongs to the duplication prohibited period. Yes (Step 4 03). In the determination process of step S 403, when it is determined that the current day belongs to the copy prohibition period, the control unit 420 returns to the copy restriction information and the step S 410 referred to in step S 401. From the current date referred to in 402, it is determined whether or not the current date belongs to the pay period (step: プ 4404). '-■■■ ·

In step S4.04, if it is determined that the current day belongs to the pay period. If the current date falls within the period in which the duplication prohibition period and the pay period overlap (overlap period), It is determined that they belong to the user, and if charging is performed, the user is notified by displaying a message on the display unit 423 that copying is possible only once (step S405). ■

The control unit 420 confirms the balance of the prepaid amount of the prepaid loaded in the card reader 604 and confirms the identification information of the content to be copied which was referred to in step S401 (step S401). S406). In the confirmation processing in step S406, when it is confirmed that the content is available and charging has not yet been performed on the recording device 600, the control unit 4 20 controls each unit such as the recording control circuit 403, permits the recording of the supplied content overnight (step S407), and executes the recording of the content data (step S408) ).

The control unit 420 enters a waiting state until the recording of the content data on the optical disk 650 is completed (step S409), and when it is determined that the recording of the content data is completed, The section 420 subtracts the billing amount from the prepaid card 660 loaded in the force reader 604, and stores the identification information of the copied content data in the copy number memory 422. And information indicating the number of copies Are additionally recorded in association with each other (step S410), and the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 ends.

In the determination process of step S 406, when it is confirmed that charging is impossible or that the content data has already been copied in the recording device 600, the control unit 420 determines that the balance is insufficient, Alternatively, the fact that the number of copies is over is notified to the user by displaying a message on the display unit 423 (step S411), and the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is ended.

If it is determined in step S404 that the current date does not belong to the pay period, the display unit 423 indicates that the current date belongs only to the duplication prohibition period and that duplication is added even if charging is performed. The user is notified by displaying a message or the like (step S412), and the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is ended.

If it is determined in step S4-3 that the current day does not belong to the duplication prohibited period, the control unit 420 proceeds to step S413 in FIG. 19, and the current day belongs to the pay period. It is determined whether or not it is present (step S4 13). If it is determined in step S413 that the current day falls within the pay period, the control section 420 displays a message on the display section 423 to display the "content". The user is informed that copying of the document is charged (step S414).

The control unit 420 reads the balance of the prepaid card 660 loaded in the force reader 604 and determines whether or not charging is possible (step S 415). If it is determined in the determination process of step S415 that charging is possible, the control unit 420 permits duplication, controls each circuit unit such as the recording control circuit 403, and records the content. Then, the content data is recorded on the optical disk 65 (step S4 16) (step S4 17).

The control section 420 waits until the recording of the content on the optical disc 650 is completed (step S418). When the control unit 420 determines that the recording of the content data has been completed, the control unit 420 subtracts the billing amount from the prepaid card 660 loaded in the card reader 604, and records the number of copies of the recorded content data. Is incremented, and When there is no information of the content data, the identification information of the content data is associated with the data indicating the number of times of one copy and additionally recorded in the number-of-copies memory 422 (step S 419). The processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 ends.

If it is determined that charging is not possible in the determination processing of step S415, the controller section 420 displays a message on the display section 423. The user is notified that the content data cannot be copied because the processing cannot be performed (step S420), and the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 ends.

In the determination process of step S 4 13, if it is determined that the current day does not fall within the pay period, the control unit 420 performs the copy restriction control according to the predetermined copy restriction time. However, in the fourth embodiment, the controller unit 420 controls each circuit unit such as the recording control circuit 403 to record the content data on the optical disk 650. (Step S 4 2 1), and the recording of the content is executed (Step S 4 2 2).

It waits until the recording of the content overnight is completed (step S 423). When the recording is completed, the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is terminated. After the processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is completed, various instruction inputs including a new recording instruction can be made to the recording device 6.0.

[Reproduction control]

In the fourth embodiment, the case where the copy restriction control is performed has been described. However, the reproduction restriction control can be similarly performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 20, a reproduction prohibition period designation area NP and a pay period designation area PY for reproduction are provided in the header section HD of the content data. The content data provider enters a predetermined date in the playback prohibition period designation area NP and the pay period designation area PY for playback, and records the content with the playback prohibition period and playback pay period attached to an optical disc or the like. Recorded on a medium and provided.

As described above, in the reproducing apparatus of the recording medium on which the content in which the reproduction prohibition period and the reproduction pay period are added is recorded, in the same manner as in the case of the recording processing described with reference to FIGS. At the time of reproduction, reproduction restriction control and charging restriction control can be performed. The playback device in this case may have the same configuration as the playback device 700 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. Then, in the accompanying information extraction circuit 701, the reproduction prohibition period data, the reproduction pay period data, the content identification information, etc. are extracted and supplied to the control unit 520. The control section 520 refers to the information from the accompanying information extraction circuit 701 and the current date from the clock circuit 521.

If the current date, which is the playback execution date, belongs only to the playback prohibition period, the playback is prohibited. If the current date belongs to the overlap period between the playback prohibition period and the playback pay period ^: If it belongs, the content can be played back a predetermined number of times, subject to the levy. Also, if the current day belongs only to the playback pay period, playback will be performed on condition that the fee is charged. If the current date is a date after the lapse of the playback pay period, playback restriction is performed according to the predetermined playback restriction type. .

Thus, by providing the reproduction prohibition period data and the reproduction pay period data in association with the content data, it is possible to perform the reproduction restriction control and the charging restriction control for the content data.

[Fifth Embodiment]

[Regarding Data Transmission Method and Recording Medium of Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a data transmission method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. is there. In the fifth embodiment, the content data is provided by recording on a recording medium the data indicating the copy restriction time, the application period data of the copy restriction type, and the pay period data. Or by transmitting. That is, in the above-described fourth embodiment, the duplication prohibition period and the pay period are provided. However, instead of providing a period for a predetermined duplication restriction evening such as a duplication restriction period, In the fifth embodiment, the copy restriction type can be changed according to the content. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the duplication restriction period is a free period.

Also in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the content data is provided in a file format, and the content data provided in the file format is copied to the header HD of the content file. Restriction type area CT and duplication restriction period designation A CP and a pay period designation area PY are provided.

In FIG. 21, the copy restriction type area CT is an area for 4 bits. As in the case of the above-described second embodiment, “copy prohibited (1 1 1 1)”, “copy count” Limits 1 (1 1 10) "," 5 copies (1 1 1) "," Follow S CMS (1 100) "," Free copy (0000) ", etc. The copy restriction type indicating the content of the copy restriction that the recording device wants to perform on the content overnight is input on the content overnight provider side. The duplication restriction period designation area CP is composed of a 32-bit start date area ST1 and a 32-bit end date area ED1, and the duplication restriction evening area CT data indicates the start of the duplication restriction type application period indicated by the evening. .. Date and end date are entered on the provider side of the content. '·'

In FIG. 21, the pay period designation area PY is composed of an area ST2 with a start address of 32 bits and an end date area ED 2 'of 32 bits, and a content area following the header section HD. If the duplication is performed according to the charge, that is, the start date and the end date of the pay period in which the duplication can be performed for a fee are input on the content data provider side.

In the fifth embodiment, the duplication restriction period is set to be one year from, for example, August 1, 2000 AD to July 31, 2001, and the fee period is set to, for example, 200 AD. The period is set to be two years from August 1, 1 year to July 31, 2003. Also in the fifth embodiment, predetermined duplication restriction control is performed for duplication after the lapse of the pay period.

As shown in FIG. 21, the data indicating the duplication restriction type, the duplication restriction period data, and the pay period data are added to the header HD in the content data described in the first, second, third, and fourth contents described above. As in the case of the embodiment, the information is provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk, or transmitted through a communication network such as the Internet, or transmitted through a broadcast medium. It is widely distributed to end users.

[Recording device that performs copy restriction control and charging restriction control]

Next, as shown in Figure 21, data indicating the duplication restriction type and duplication restriction period data —In the evening, we will explain a recording device that receives a supply of content that is accompanied (added) with paid period data and records it on a recording medium. The recording apparatus of the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the recording apparatuses 600 of the third and fourth embodiments shown in FIG. 14, and will be described with reference to FIG. A recording process in the recording device according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

In the recording device 600 of the fifth embodiment, the header information HD of the content in a file format as shown in FIG. The duplication restriction type area CT, duplication restriction period designation area CP duplication restriction period data, pay period designation area PY pay period data, content data identification information, etc. are extracted and supplied to the control unit 420.

As described above, the information extracted in the incidental information division circuit 600 of the recording apparatus 600 of the fifth embodiment is separated from the incidental information of the recording apparatus of the third and fourth embodiments. Unlike the information extracted in the circuit 6001, the processing performed in the control section 420 receiving the information from the additional information separating circuit This is different from the recording device of the embodiment.

[Regarding Recording Processing in Recording Apparatus of Fifth Embodiment].

FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts for explaining the recording process performed in the recording apparatus 600 according to the fifth embodiment. When a recording execution instruction from the user is input through the key operation unit 4 24 of the recording device 600 and the content data is supplied to the recording device 600 through the input terminal 401, recording is performed. The control unit 420 of the device 600 executes the processing shown in FIGS.

First, the control section 420 is provided with information from the accompanying information separation circuit 611, that is, a copy restriction period indicating a period during which a copy restriction is performed in accordance with data indicating a copy restriction type, and a pay period. In the evening, the identification information of the content data is referred to (step S501). Next, the control section 420 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 421 (step S502).

The control unit 420 determines from the information referred to in step S501 and the current date referred in step S502 whether or not the current date belongs to the duplication restriction period (step 5). 0 3). In the determination process of step S503, When it is determined that the current day belongs to the duplication restriction period, the control unit 420 recognizes the data indicating the duplication restriction type from the accompanying information separation circuit 601 (step S504), and In the event of a copy restriction evening, it is determined whether or not copying is prohibited (step S505).

If it is determined in step S505 that the duplication is not prohibited, the control unit 420 returns to the duplication restriction type recognized in step S504.

'Perform the duplication restriction control according to the instructions and execute the duplication' ('Step S 5 Q

-6)

In other words, in the process of step S506, if the copy restriction type recognized in step S504 is the copy number limit, the information in the copy number memory 422 is referred to and the copy number must be exceeded. If it is over, copy is prohibited. When duplication is free, duplication is performed without any restrictions. When the copy restriction type indicates that the copy restriction control method of the SCMs method is to be followed, the copy restriction control is performed based on information necessary for the copy restriction control method of the SCMs method.

. Control unit 4 2 0, replication is in a waiting state until the end (step S 5 0 7), when the replication is completed, _c Sutedzupu S 5 0 to terminate the process shown in FIG. 2 2, 2 3 In the determination process of 5, when it is determined that the copy restriction event recognized in step S504 indicates that copying is prohibited, the control unit 420 controls the recording control circuit 403 and the like. The reproduction of the supplied content is prohibited (step S508). In the process of step S508, it is indicated that the content cannot be copied because the content is being played during the copy prohibition period.

This also includes a process of notifying the user by notifying a message to 423.

If it is determined that the current day does not belong to the duplication restriction period in the determination processing of step S503, the process proceeds to step S509 shown in FIG. 23, and the control unit 420 returns to step S509. 0 Pay period data referenced in 1 and Step S

From the current date referred to in 502, it is determined whether or not the current date belongs to the pay period (step S509). If it is determined in step S509 that the current day falls within the pay period, the content data is copied to the user by displaying a message on the display section 42 that the charge is to be made. Notify (step S510). Then, the control section 420 checks the balance of the prepaid amount of the prepaid loaded in the force reader 604, and judges whether or not billing is possible (step S511).

In the determination process of step S511, when it is determined that charging is possible, the control unit 420 permits duplication and controls each unit such as the recording control circuit 4003 (step S5). 5 12), the recording process of the content is executed (step S 5 13). It is in a waiting state until the recording is completed (step S5 14), and when the recording is completed, a billing process is executed (step S .51.5), and thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Processing ends.

The billing process of step S51.5 is a process of subtracting a predetermined billing amount from the balance of the pre-read card 660 loaded in the card reader 604. If the billing process cannot be performed due to the removal of the pre-paid card, the charging process cannot be performed, so the processes in FIGS. 22 and 23 will not be performed until the billing process ends normally. Without ending: use of copied content data is disabled. If it is determined in step S 511 that charging is not possible, the controller unit 420 rejects copying and says “Charging is not possible. Insert the specified prepaid card. The message shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the display section 4 23 (step S 5 16), and the processing shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 ends.

In the determination process of step S509, if the current date does not belong to the pay period, that is, if the current date is a date after the end of the pay period, a predetermined copy restriction is performed, and the content is set. (4) The data recording process is performed (step S518), and thereafter, the processes shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 are completed.

In the process of step S 5 17, when the predetermined copy restriction type is the copy number limitation, the information of the copy number memory 4 2 2 is referred to, and if the copy number is not exceeded, the copy is executed. However, if it is over, the duplication is prohibited. When copying is free, copying is performed without any restrictions. When the copy restriction type indicates that the copy restriction control method of the SCMS method is to be followed, the copy restriction control is performed based on information required for the copy restriction control method of the SCMS method.

[Reproduction control]

In this fifth embodiment, _t has been described a case where the copy control control, however, can be performed similarly for the reproduction restriction control. In other words, as shown in Figure 24, the header HD of the content data to be provided in a file format, the playback restriction evening area CT, the playback restriction period designation area PP, and the pay period designation Area: PY is established.

The content data provider specifies the playback restriction type area C Tj. • Enter the playback restriction type and enter the predetermined date in the playback restriction period designation area PP and the pay period designation area PY. Content data accompanied by a reproduction restriction type, a reproduction restriction period, and a pay-period is recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk and provided.

As described above, in the reproducing apparatus of the recording medium in which the content accompanied by the reproduction restriction type, the reproduction restriction period, and the reproduction pay period is recorded, the recording described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23 is performed. In the same manner as in the case of the processing, reproduction restriction control and charging restriction control can be performed during reproduction.

The playback device in this case may have the same configuration as the playback device 700 of the third and fourth embodiments shown in FIG. When a playback instruction is input to the playback device 700 through the key operation unit 5 24 and playback is performed, the accompanying information extraction circuit 70 1 is provided with a header unit for the content supplied thereto. Data indicating the playback restriction type, playback restriction period data, playback pay period data, content data identification information, etc. are extracted from the HD and supplied to the control unit 520. The control unit 520 refers to the information from the accompanying information extraction circuit 701 and refers to the current date provided by the clock circuit 521. '

If the current day, which is the playback execution date, belongs to the playback limitation period, playback limitation control is performed according to the playback limitation type input to the playback limitation type area of the header HD. In other words, the data indicating the playback restriction type If it indicates, the reproduction is not permitted, and the reproduction control circuit 508 and the like are controlled so that the content data is not output from the reproduction device 700.

If the data indicating the playback restriction type indicates that the number of playbacks is to be restricted, the data in the playback count memory 52 is referred to based on the identification information of the content data used for playback, and the playback count is If the playback time is not over, the playback is permitted, and the playback control circuit 508 and the like are controlled to output the content from the playback device 700. The reproduction is not permitted, and the reproduction control circuit 508 and the like are controlled so that the content data is not output from the reproduction device 700.

When the data indicating the reproduction restriction type indicates that the reproduction is free, the reproduction of the content is permitted without any restriction, and the data is outputted from the reproducing device 700. To do. In addition, if the data indicating “reproduction-restricted eve” indicates that other playback-restricted methods are to be followed, the data shall be followed by the replay-restricted method.

If the current day does not belong to the playback restriction period, it is determined whether the current day belongs to the pay period.If it is determined that the current day belongs to the pay period, the prepayment loaded in the card reader 703 is determined. The balance of the credit card 730 is checked, the reproduction is permitted and the reproduction is executed only when the charging is possible, and when the charging is not possible, the reproduction is not permitted and the reproduction is not performed. After the reproduction is completed, the accounting processing for subtracting the balance from the prepaid card 730 loaded in the card reader 703 is executed by itself.

If the current day falls within the pay period, playback is controlled according to a predetermined playback restriction type and playback is performed.

In this way, by providing the data indicating the reproduction restriction type, the data restriction period, and the reproduction fee period data in association with the content data, during the reproduction restriction period, for example, Arbitrary playback restriction control can be performed for each content data.

[Sixth embodiment]

[Data transmission method and recording medium according to sixth embodiment]

FIG. 25 illustrates a data transmission method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. In the sixth embodiment, one free period data and a plurality of different pay period data are provided by being recorded on a recording medium and transmitted along with the content data.

Also in the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the content data is provided in a file format, and the free period designation area NP is provided in the header HD of the content data provided in the file format. The pay period A designated area PY 1 and the pay period: B designated area PY 2 are provided.

The free period designation area NP is composed of 32 bits of the start date area ST 1 and 32 bits of the end date area ED 1 and reproduces the content of the content following the header HD. The start date and end date of the free period that can be used free of charge are entered. · ':

Paid period A designated area PY 1 is composed of 32 bits of start date area ST 2 and 32 bits of end date area ED 2, and the content of the content following the header HD is copied overnight. Enter the start date and end date of the paid period A, which is enabled if the fee corresponding to A is charged.

Paid period B designated area PY 2 is composed of 32 bits of start date area ST 3 and 32 bits of end date area ED 3, and charges a copy of content following header section HD The start date and end date of the pay period B, which are made possible by charging according to the condition B, are entered.

In the sixth embodiment, the free period is, for example, 10 days from August 1, 2000 AD to August 10, 2000 AD. This is a period during which the duplication and reproduction of the overnight audio program can be performed free of charge.

The pay period A is, for example, about one year from August 11, 2000 AD to July 31, 2000 AD. During this period, duplication of audio data for one tune of content data (purchase of audio data overnight) can be performed at 200 yen, and one copy of tune of content data Audio playback (listening of audio data) is a period that can be performed for 20 yen. The pay period B is, for example, after August 1, 2012 in the Christian era. During this period, the audio data for one song, which is content data, can be copied (purchase of audio overnight) for 100 yen, and for one song, which is content overnight. The playback of audio data overnight (listening to audio data overnight) is a period that can be performed for 10 yen. '

As shown in Fig. 25, the data indicating the duplication restriction type, duplication restriction period data, and pay period data are added to the header HD, and the content data is the first, second, third, As in the case of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the data is provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk, or transmitted through a communication network such as the Internet, or transmitted through a broadcast medium. It is widely distributed (sold) to end users.

In this way, by providing a free period and two pay periods with different billing amounts, in the free period, we aim to spread the content data and increase the sales volume of content data during the pay period A. If the content is spread to some extent by reducing the amount, the sales of the content data can be continued further by reducing the billing amount. '' Therefore, the content data can be sold in a new manner, and the buyers of the content will be charged different amounts according to the acquisition time of the content. It is possible to improve the feeling of unfairness in the billing amount, which was constant regardless of the acquisition time.

Next, as shown in Fig. 25, free period data indicating the free period, paid period A data indicating the paid period A, and paid period B indicating the paid period B are added (added). A recording device that receives supplied content data and records the content data on a recording medium will be described. The recording apparatus according to the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the recording apparatus 600 according to the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. The recording process in the recording apparatus according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The recording device 600 according to the sixth embodiment includes: As shown in Figure 25, the header part of the content data in the file format as shown in Fig. 5 HD free period designation area NP free period data, paid period A designated area PY1 paid period A day, free period B It extracts the paid period B data and content identification information for the designated area PY 2 and supplies them to the control unit 420.

As described above, the information extracted in the incidental information separation circuit 600 of the recording apparatus 600 of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the recording apparatus of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments. Unlike the information extracted by the information separation circuit 601, the processing performed by the control unit 420 receiving the information supplied from the accompanying information separation circuit 601 is also the third, fourth, and fifth implementations. Is different from the recording apparatus of the embodiment.

[Regarding Recording Processing in Recording Apparatus of Sixth Embodiment]...

FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts for explaining the recording process performed in the recording apparatus 6.0 of the sixth embodiment. When a recording execution instruction is input from the user through a key operation unit (not shown) of the recording device 600 and content is supplied to the recording device 600 through the input terminal 400 ′, the recording device 6. The control unit 420 of 0 0 executes the processing shown in FIGS. 26 and 27.

First, the control section 420 refers to the information from the accompanying information separation circuit 6001, that is, the identification information of the free period data, the A data during the pay period, the B period for the pay period, and the content data for the period. (Step S601). Next, the control unit 420 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 421 (step S602).

The control unit 420 determines whether or not the current day belongs to the free period from the free period data referred to in step S601 and the current date referred in step S602 ( Step 6 03). In the determination processing of step S603, when it is determined that the current day falls within the free period, the control unit 420 permits the duplication (step S604), and sets the recording control circuit. By controlling each part such as 403, the recording processing of the content data is executed (step S605).

The control section 420 waits until the recording processing of the content data is completed (step S606), and when the recording processing is completed, the processing shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is performed. finish.

In the judgment process of step S603, it is judged that the current day does not belong to the free period Then, the control unit 420 determines whether the current day belongs to the pay period A based on the pay period A data referred to in step S601 and the current date referred in step S602. Is determined (step S607).

In the determination process of step S607, if it is determined that the content data belongs to the pay period A, the copy of the content data is charged, and in this example, the display unit 4 indicates that 200 yen is required. The user is notified by displaying a message on 23 (step S608). The controller section 420 confirms the balance of the prepaid amount of the prepaid card loaded in the card reader 604, and judges whether or not charging is possible (step S600). 9).

In the determination process of step S609, when it is determined that charging is possible, the control unit 420 allows the duplication (step S610) and the recording control circuit 403 The respective parts are controlled to execute a content data recording process (step S611). It waits until the recording process is completed (step S '6 -l 2), and when the recording process is completed, the charging process in the pay period A is executed (step S' 6 -l 2).

5 6 1 3).

The billing process of step S613 is a process of subtracting a predetermined billing amount from the balance of the pre-paid card 660 loaded in the card reader 604. If the billing process cannot be executed due to the removal of the prepaid card, the charging process cannot be performed, so the processes in FIGS. 26 and 27 do not end until the billing process ends normally. The copied content data cannot be used. After the charging process in step S613, the processes shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 are ended. If it is determined that the current day does not belong to the pay period A in the determination processing of step S607, the process proceeds to step S614 shown in FIG. 27, and the control unit 420 executes the step The paid period referred to in S601, B-day and Step S

It is determined whether or not the current date belongs to the pay period B from the current date referred to in step S602 (step S614).

In step S614, if it is determined that the current day belongs to the pay period B, the content content is duplicated for a fee, and in this example, it is displayed that 100 yen is required. Notify the user by displaying a message in section 4 2 3 Step S 6 15). Then, the control section 420 confirms the balance of the prepaid amount of the prepaid loaded in the force reader 604, and judges whether or not charging is possible (step S616). .

If it is determined in step S6 16 that charging is possible, the control section 420 permits duplication (step S6 17) and controls each section such as the recording control circuit 4 03 Then, the content data recording process is executed (step S618). It waits until the recording process is completed (step S619), and when the recording process is completed, the charging process in the pay period B is executed (step S620). The billing process in step S620 is the same as the process in step S613, and only differs in the billing amount from the process in step S613. After the billing process in step S620, the processes shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 are ended. In the determination process in step S614, the user does not belong to the pay period B, that is, If the current date is a date after the elapse of the pay period B, a predetermined copy restriction control is performed, and a recording process of the content data is performed (step S 6 21). The processing shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 ends.

In the process of step S621, copying is prohibited when the predetermined copy restriction type is copy prohibition. When the predetermined copy restriction type is the copy number limit, the information in the copy number memory 422 is referred to.If the copy number is not over, the copy is executed unless it is one. Try to ban.

When copying is free, copying is performed without any restrictions. When the copy restriction type indicates that the copy restriction control method of the SCMs method is to be followed, the copy restriction control is performed based on information necessary for the copy restriction control method of the SCMs method.

[Reproduction control]

Also in the sixth embodiment, the reproduction restriction control can be performed in the same manner as the case where the copy restriction control is performed. That is, the free period data in the free period designation area NP in the header section shown in Fig. 25, the free period data in the NP, the paid period A designated area, the paid institution A data in the PY1 and the paid period B data in the designated period B Theory I will tell.

Fig. 28 and Fig. 2.9 explain the process when playing back content from a recording medium on which content data with data indicating free period, pay period A and pay period B for playback is recorded. It is a flow chart for performing. The playback device that executes the processing shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 has the same configuration as the playback device 700 of the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments shown in FIG. Just do it.

When a playback instruction is input to the playback device 700 through the key operation section 524 and playback is performed, the accompanying information extraction circuit 701 reads out the content HD supplied from the header section HD. Data indicating the playback restriction type, playback restriction period data, playback pay period data, content data identification information, etc. are extracted and supplied to the control unit 520. . '·. ·' ·

First, the control section 520 stores the information from the accompanying information separation circuit 70.1, namely, the free period data, the paid period Α data, the paid period B data, and the identification information of the content data. Refer to (Step S701). Next, the control section 520 refers to the current date of the clock circuit 521 (step S70.2).

The control unit 52.0 determines whether or not the current day belongs to the free period from the free period data referred to in step S7 and the current date referred in step S702. (Step 703). In the determination processing of step S703, when it is determined that the current day belongs to the free period, the control unit 520 permits playback (step S704), and plays back. The respective sections such as the limiting circuit 508 are controlled to execute content data reproduction processing (step S705). · The control unit 520 waits until the playback process of the content is completed (step S706), and when the playback process is completed, the process shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 is performed. finish.

In the determination process of step S703, when it is determined that the current day does not belong to the free period, the control unit 520 executes the pay period A data referred to in step S701 and the step S703. From the current date referred to in 02, it is determined whether or not the current date belongs to the pay period A (step S707).

When it is determined in step S707 that it belongs to the pay period A In this example, the user is required to pay for the reproduction of the content data. In this example, the user is informed of the fact that the reproduction costs 20 yen by displaying a message on the display unit 43 (step S70). 8). The control section 420 confirms the balance of the prepaid amount of the prepaid card 7300 loaded in the card reader 7103, and judges whether or not billing is possible (step S700). 9).

In the determination process of step S70.9, when it is determined that billing is possible, the + control unit 520 permits playback (step S710), and the playback control circuit 50 8 and the like, and control the playback of the content overnight (step S711). It waits until the reproduction processing is completed (step S712), and when the reproduction processing is completed, the charging processing in the pay period A is executed (step S711). '

The billing process of this step 'S 7 · 13 is based on the balance of the bridge card 7 0 3 loaded in the card reader' 7 0 3 'and the predetermined billing amount (in this example, 2 0 This is the process of subtracting (circle). Also, if the billing process cannot be executed due to the removal of the prepaid card, the billing process cannot be performed, so the processes in FIGS. 28 and 29 are terminated until the billing process ends normally. No duplicated content — not available in the evening. After the charging process in step S713, the processes shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 are ended.

If it is determined in step S707 that the current day does not belong to the pay period A, the process proceeds to step S714 shown in FIG. 29, and the control unit 420 returns to step S710. It is determined whether the current day belongs to the pay period B based on the pay period B data overnight referred to in S701 and the current date referred in step S702 (step S714) ).

In Step S714, if it is determined that the current day belongs to the pay period B, the playback of the content overnight is charged, and in this example, it costs 10 yen for the playback This is notified to the user by displaying a message on the display section 4 23 (step S 715). The control section 420 confirms the balance of the prepaid amount of the prepaid card 730 loaded in the card reader 703, and judges whether or not charging is possible (step S716). When it is determined in the determination processing in step S711 that charging is possible, the control section 520 permits playback (step S717) and controls each section such as the playback control circuit 508. Then, the content data is reproduced (step S718). It waits until the reproduction processing is completed (step S719), and when the reproduction processing is completed, the charging processing in the pay period B is executed (step S720). The charging processing in step S720 is the same processing as the processing in step S713, and only the charging amount is different from the processing in step S713. After the charging process of Sutedzupu S 7 2 0 This, FIG. 2 8, in the determination processing in _c Sutedzupu S 7 1 4 to end the processing shown in FIG. 2 9, the current date does not belong to the pay period B, the In other words, when the current date is a date after the lapse of the pay period B, a predetermined playback restriction control is performed, and the playback processing of the content data is performed (step S721). After that, the processing shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 ends.

In the process of step S721, the reproduction is prohibited when the predetermined reproduction restriction type is the reproduction prohibition. If the predetermined playback limit is the number of playback times, the information in the number-of-times-of-playback memory 522 is referred to, and if the number of times of playback is not over, the playback is executed if it is not over. Prohibit playback. When the playback restriction type is free to play, playback is performed without any restrictions. When the reproduction restriction type indicates that the reproduction restriction control method is to be followed, the reproduction restriction control ffl is performed based on information necessary for the reproduction restriction control method.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, a plurality of pay periods are provided for one content data, and in each pay period, the charge amount for duplication and reproduction is varied. Can be.

In the sixth embodiment, a free period is provided to promote the spread of content, but a free period is not necessarily required. A plurality of pay periods can be set. In this way, the billing amount can be changed for each of a plurality of pay periods, so that there was no conventional method such as lowering the billing amount depending on the time since the content data was put on the market. The content provision method can be realized. In the sixth embodiment, the billing amount in each pay period is described as being predetermined, but is not limited to this. For example, data indicating the billing amount for each pay period may be transmitted together with the content data. Since the recording device and the reproducing device have a communication interface, data indicating the billing amount during each pay period may be provided to each device through a communication network such as an internet. .

The pay period associated with Contesidde overnight is not limited to two. Needless to say, there can be multiple pay periods, such as three, four, five, and so on.

As can be seen from the first to sixth embodiments described above, by setting one or more duplication restriction type application periods for content data, the content data provider side In the above, a desired copy restriction control can be performed in a desired period. '' '

With respect to the application period of the duplication restriction type, the duplication restriction type may be determined (assigned) in advance according to the accompanying position, or data indicating the duplication restriction type-may be attached. You may. Further, a period in which the copy restriction type is allocated in advance according to the associated position may be used in combination with a period in which the data indicating the copy restriction type is attached.

Similarly, by providing one or more charging restriction type application periods for content data, the content data provider can perform desired charging restriction control during a desired period.

As the charging restriction type, a charging restriction type, such as a duplication restriction type in which the user is allowed to comply with the charging amount or the charging and the recording (duplication) of the content is permitted, is determined in advance (assigned). ), Or may be accompanied by data indicating the charging limit. A period in which the charging restriction type is pre-assigned according to the associated position may be used in combination with a period in which data indicating the charging restriction period is attached.

One or more of the duration of the duplication restriction type and the duration of the charging restriction may be attached to the content. Even in this case, For the application period data of the limit type 限 charge limit type, the copy limit type and the charge limit type may be determined (assigned) in advance according to the accompanying position, or the copy limit type may be set. Data indicating the charge restriction type or data indicating the charge restriction type may be attached. A period in which the copy restriction type and the charging restriction type are pre-assigned according to the associated position may be used in combination with a period in which data indicating the replication restriction type and the charging restriction period are attached.

Two or more free periods or two or more free periods may be set for content data. For example, a free period can be added as a skipping period, and a plurality of contents can be attached to the contents overnight, or a paid period can be attached to the contents as an skipping period. Also, it is of course possible to attach a free period and a paid period to the content data.

In the above-described embodiment, when a plurality of application periods are added to the content data overnight, each period is set as a period that is continuous with the immediately preceding and succeeding periods. It is not limited. Each period can be set as an intermittent period.

The copy restriction type and the charge restriction type outside of each application period are determined in advance, and the data showing the copy restriction type and the charge restriction type outside the application period are shown in the content data. By attaching it in the evening, the use of content data outside the applicable period can be restricted from being copied or charged.

In this way, the application period of the copy restriction type, the application period of the charge restriction type, the free period, the pay period, etc. are variously combined, and the copy restriction eve and the charge restriction eve are added to each period according to the accompanying position. The content data user performs the copy control and charging control for the content data by assigning in advance or adding a data indicating the duplication restriction type or a charging restriction type to each period. It can be done according to the intention of the.

Since it is not necessary to rewrite each application period data attached to the content data, it is not always a condition that the recording device and the reproducing device have a communication function. However, if a communication function is provided, the communication function may be used to update the charging center and perform the charging process. This As described above, even in the case of, it is not necessary to rewrite the application period data. .

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the content is transmitted in a file format is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the content is recorded and provided on a CD or the like, the data for each applicable period, data indicating the copy restriction type, data indicating the charging restriction type, etc., should be stored in the CD lead-in area or subcode. For example, it can be attached to the content data by adding it to the content.

Using the information attached to the new content data, such as each application period data, data indicating the duplication restriction type, and data indicating the charging restriction type, as the encryption key, the content data is encrypted and transmitted. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent unauthorized use of the content data, and to use the information attached to the content data to perform content 'copy restriction and charging restriction according to the intention of the provider of the data content'. .

The identification information of the content overnight is not limited to the above-mentioned ISRRC. Any information that can be individually identified for each content data can be used. The clock circuit is not limited to the so-called radio clock described above. Various clock circuits whose time cannot be changed by the end user can be used.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which an optical disk such as a CD is used as a recording medium, but the recording medium is not limited to an optical disk. Various recording media such as a magneto-optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, and a semiconductor memory can be used. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a recording apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using those recording media. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, a new method of realizing content data copy restriction control and charging restriction control can be applied. In addition, it is possible to more reliably and easily prevent unauthorized use of the content server and to perform a billing process on the device of the user of the content server in the evening. In addition, at the beginning of the release of content data, copying is prohibited to protect the original, and after a certain period of time, the restrictions on copying the content will be eased. The benefits of both the content data provider and the users of the content data can be improved, for example, by increasing the convenience of the user.

In addition, immediately after the content data is released to the market, new content delivery modes, such as prohibiting the copying of content and permitting the copying of content and content on a billing basis, are also possible. Can be realized.

Furthermore, the content provider can set in advance the restrictions on duplication and charging according to the passage of time.

Claims

The scope of the claims

I. A recording medium in which content data and additional data including data relating to conditions for duplication or reproduction of the content data, which are added to the content data, are recorded.

2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein said additional data includes data for limiting duplication of said content data. "

3. The recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the data for restricting duplication includes at least data indicating a period during which duplication is prohibited.

4. The data indicating the period during which the duplication is prohibited includes the data regarding the start date of the period during which the duplication is prohibited and the data regarding the end date of the period during which the duplication is prohibited. 3. The recording medium according to item 3. · '

5. The recording medium according to claim 3, wherein the data restricting duplication includes data relating to further restriction on duplication of the duplication of the content data after the period of prohibiting duplication has elapsed. .

6. The recording medium according to claim 5, wherein the data relating to the further duplication restriction includes data indicating conditions relating to duplication of the content at least after the period of prohibiting the duplication has elapsed. .

7. The recording medium according to claim 6, wherein the data relating to the restriction on the further duplication includes data regarding an end date of the restriction on the further duplication.

8. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the additional data includes a plurality of data for limiting the duplication of the content data.

9. The recording medium according to claim 8, wherein the data for restricting the plurality of duplications is composed of data relating to a period for which the duplication is restricted and data indicating duplication conditions.

10. The record according to claim 8, wherein the additional data further includes data that restricts further duplication that is applied after a period of restricting each duplication of the plurality of duplication-restricting data has elapsed. 10. Medium.

II. The additional data includes data that restricts reproduction of the content data. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein

12. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the data for restricting reproduction includes at least data indicating a period during which reproduction is prohibited.

1 3. The data indicating the period in which the reproduction is prohibited includes data on the start date of the period in which the reproduction is prohibited and data on the end date of the period in which the reproduction is prohibited. 12. The recording medium according to paragraph 2.

14. The data restricting the reproduction includes the data relating to the further restriction on the reproduction of the content data after the period of prohibiting the reproduction has elapsed. The recording medium according to item 2.

15 5. At least the above-mentioned restrictions on further reproduction are prohibited. At least the above-mentioned reproduction is prohibited. • The claim 1 includes data indicating conditions for the reproduction of the above-mentioned contents after a period of time has passed. The recording medium according to item 4.

16. The recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the data relating to the restriction on the further reproduction includes data regarding an end date of the restriction on the further reproduction.

17. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the additional data includes a plurality of data for limiting the reproduction of the content.

18. The recording medium according to claim 17, wherein the data for restricting the plurality of reproductions each include data on a period for restricting the reproduction and data indicating reproduction conditions.

19. The additional data according to claim 17, wherein the additional data further includes data for restricting further reproduction applied after a period for restricting each reproduction of the plurality of data for restricting reproduction. recoding media.

20. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the additional data includes a data period during which a condition for copying or reproducing the content data is set.

21. The recording medium according to claim 20, wherein said period data includes at least free period data indicating a period during which duplication or reproduction of said contents data is free.

22. The free period data includes claim 21 for the start date and end for the content that can be duplicated or reproduced free of charge. The recording medium according to the above.

23. The recording medium according to claim 21, wherein said period data further includes at least one pay period data indicating a period during which duplication or reproduction of said content data is charged.

24. The recording medium according to claim 23, wherein said pay period includes overnight data concerning the start and end of said content data which can be copied or reproduced for a fee. -"'

25. The recording medium according to claim 23, wherein a pay period specified by said pay period data partially overlaps a period specified by said free period data.

26. The recording medium according to claim 20, wherein said additional data further includes data for restricting a copying or reproducing operation of said content data.

27. To the supplied content data, add the additional data including the data on the above-mentioned content data recording restriction and the additional data on the period for which the conditions concerning the recording of the content are set.

A recording method for performing encoding processing on the content data to which the additional data has been added, and recording the encoded data on a recording medium.

2 8. An additional circuit that adds, to the supplied content data, additional data including the data related to the above-mentioned content-recording restriction and the additional data related to the period in which the above-mentioned content-recording conditions are set. Department and

A recording apparatus comprising: an encoding processing unit that performs encoding processing on output data from the additional circuit unit; and a recording unit that records output data from the encoding processing unit on a recording medium.

2 9. From the supplied content data, data added to the content and added to the duplication or playback restriction of the content and the additional data related to the period during which the conditions for duplication or playback of the content data are set Extract additional data including

Compare the period set by the data on the period of the extracted additional data with the date on which duplication or reproduction is to be performed,

The date when the comparison result indicates that the duplication or reproduction is being performed is included in the period data. Therefore, when it is within the set period, when the content data is copied or reproduced, the content data duplication or reproduction operation is controlled based on the data related to the above-mentioned additional data duplication or reproduction restriction. Playback method.

30. The method according to claim 1, wherein the duplication or reproduction operation of the content data is terminated when the duplication or reproduction restriction prohibits the duplication or reproduction of the content data. 2 How to copy or reproduce the content data described in clause 9. '

31. The above method further includes the step of notifying a user that copying or reproduction is prohibited when the data relating to the duplication or reproduction restriction prohibits duplication or reproduction of the content data. A method for duplicating or reproducing the content data described in 30. —— ·.

3 2. The above method determines the data relating to the duplication or reproduction restriction when the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is being performed is outside the period set by the period data. 29. The method of copying or reproducing content according to claim 29, wherein the request for controlling the duplication or reproduction operation of said content data is based on a result of discrimination of data relating to said duplication or reproduction restriction. :

33. The above method is to perform the copying operation of the content data when it is determined that the data relating to the duplication or reproduction restriction permits the duplication, and to execute the data relating to the duplication or reproduction restriction of the additional data. 33. The content data copying or reproducing method according to claim 32, wherein the content data is added to the content data to be copied by rewriting the content data so that the content data cannot be copied.

3 4. The above method, when it is determined that the data relating to the duplication or reproduction restriction permits duplication or reproduction, determines whether the number of times is permitted by the data relating to the duplication or reproduction restriction. 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein said content data is copied or reproduced when said number of times is within the permitted number.

35. The above method further includes, when the data concerning the copy or reproduction restriction prohibits the reproduction or reproduction of the content data, a request to notify the user that the reproduction or reproduction is prohibited. Duplication of the content data described in Paragraph 32 or Playback method.

36. The contents of the supplied content data are added to the above-mentioned contents overnight and are limited to duplication or reproduction of the above-mentioned contents, and the period concerning the period in which the above-mentioned contents data can be reproduced or reproduced for free. Extract additional data including additional data including the data for the first period and the data for the second period for the period during which copying or reproduction can be performed for a fee,

Comparing the date of the duplication or reproduction with the data for the first period and the data for the second period,

If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the data relating to the first period, the duplication or reproduction of the content data is performed. If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is being performed is within the period set by the data relating to the second period, billing is possible or not. A method for duplicating or reproducing content data to determine whether or not the content is reproduced.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein when it is determined that the charging is possible, the content is copied or reproduced and the charging is performed. Playback method.

38. The content data duplication or reproduction method according to claim 37, wherein said method terminates an operation relating to duplication or reproduction of said content data when it is determined that said charging is impossible.

39. The above method is to perform the above duplication or reproduction when it is determined that the day on which the duplication or reproduction is going to be performed is outside the period set by the first day of the first period. 37. The method for duplicating or reproducing content data according to claim 36, wherein it is determined whether or not the current date is within a period set by the data relating to the second period.

40. The above-mentioned method is to copy or reproduce the content content when the date on which the copying or reproduction is to be performed is determined to be outside the period set by the data content related to the second period. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the content is reproduced or reproduced.

41. The method described above, when it is determined that the day on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the data relating to the second period, the duplication or reproduction of the content data is performed. The method for duplicating or reproducing content data according to claim 36, wherein the user is notified of the charge.

4 2. During the first period of the data added to the above content from the supplied content data and subject to the restriction of duplication or reproduction of the above content and the period of prohibiting the duplication or reproduction of the above content. Extracting additional data including additional data including the data to be killed and the data relating to the second period of time during which duplication or reproduction can be performed for a fee;

Compare the date of duplication or reproduction with the data for the first period and the data for the second period.

If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the data relating to the first period, the duplication or reproduction of the content data is prohibited. ,

If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the second period, it is determined whether or not charging is possible. How to reproduce or reproduce content content.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein when it is determined that the charging is possible, the content is copied or played back, and the charging or copying is performed. Method.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein said method terminates an operation relating to duplication or reproduction of said content data when it is determined that said charging is impossible.

45. The method described above, when it is determined that the day on which the copying or reproduction is being performed is outside the period set by the data relating to the first period, the copying or reproduction is not performed. 43. The method of copying or reproducing content data according to claim 42, wherein it is determined whether or not the day is within a period set by the day for the second period.

46. In the above method, the date on which the duplication or reproduction is being performed is performed in the second period. The method for duplicating or reproducing content data according to claim 45, wherein when it is determined that the content data is outside the set period, duplication or reproduction of the content data is prohibited.

47. In the above method, the date on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is set within the period set by the data for the first period and by the data on the data for the period of ^ 2. If it is determined that it is within the specified period, the range of the request to notify the user that the content data can be copied or played for a fee is copied or played back as described in Section 4.2. Method.

4 8. The above method determines whether charging is possible after the above notification, and if it is determined that charging is possible, copies or reproduces the content data and requests charging. Method for duplicating or playing back content data as described in Item 47.

49. The above method intends to perform the above duplication or reproduction. When it is determined that the time is within the period set for the second period, the duplication or reproduction of the content data is performed. 42. The method of claim 42, wherein the user is notified that the content is charged.

50. From the supplied content data to the above-mentioned content data, the first one concerning the period concerning the restriction on duplication or reproduction of the above-mentioned content and the period prohibiting the duplication or reproduction of the above-mentioned content data Data can be duplicated or replayed for a period of time with a fee, and data including a data for a second period with a period that partially overlaps with the period set for the first period above Extract additional data including data,

Compare the date on which duplication or reproduction is being performed with the data for the first period and the data for the second period,

If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the data on the first period, duplication or reproduction of the content data is prohibited. ,

51. The method described above, when it is determined that the day on which the copying or reproduction is being performed is outside the period set by the data relating to the first period, the copying or reproduction is not performed. 51. The content copying / reproducing method according to claim 50, wherein it is determined whether or not the present day is within a period set by the data regarding the second period.

52. The above method is to copy or reproduce the content or data when it is determined that the date on which the reproduction or reproduction is to be performed is outside the period set based on the data relating to the second period. The content is described in claim 51, in which the reproduction is prohibited or reproduced.

5 3. The method as described above, wherein the date on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is a data relating to the data relating to the first period within the period set by the data relating to the second period. If it is determined that the period overlaps with the period set in the evening, the user is informed that the content data can be copied or reproduced for a fee. A method of copying or reproducing the content data described in item 0.

54. In the above method, after the notification, it is determined whether or not charging is possible. If it is determined that charging is possible, the content is copied or reproduced overnight and charged. 5. The method for duplicating or reproducing content described in paragraph 53. 55. The method described above, when it is determined that the day on which the copying or reproduction is being performed is within the period set by the data relating to the second period, the copying or reproduction of the content data is charged. 50. The method of claim 50, wherein the content is notified to a user.

56. The method according to claim 50, wherein, when it is determined that said charging is possible, said content is reproduced or reproduced, and said charging or reproducing is performed. Method.

57. The method according to claim 50, wherein when it is determined that the charging is impossible, the operation relating to the reproduction or reproduction of the content is terminated. Playback method.

5 8. There is no data related to duplication or playback restriction of the content data added to the content from the supplied content data and the content data. Data on the first period regarding the period during which the duplication or reproduction can be performed for a fee, data on the second period regarding the period during which the duplication or reproduction can be performed for a fee, and Extract additional data including additional data including evening

Comparing the date of duplication or reproduction with the data for the first period and the data for the second period and the data for the third period,

If the result of the comparison indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the data relating to the first period, the duplication or reproduction of the content data is performed. Do

If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication or reproduction is being performed is within the period set by the data for the second or third 'period, charging is possible. A method of duplicating or reproducing content data to determine whether or not it is.

· ”59. The above method determines whether or not the date on which the content data is to be copied or played is the period set by the day for the second period. If it is determined that the content is within the time period set in the data period for the second period, the content content is copied or reproduced, and 9. The method for copying or reproducing content data according to claim 58, wherein charging is performed based on charging conditions.

60. The above method, when it is determined that the day on which the content data is to be copied or reproduced is outside the period set by the data relating to the second period, the third period It is determined whether or not it is within the period set by the data related to the third period.If it is determined that the time is within the period set by the data related to the third period, the content data is copied or reproduced. The method for copying or reproducing content data according to claim 59, wherein billing is performed based on a billing condition within a period set in the third period.

6 1. The above-mentioned method is to perform the above content or evening duplication or reproduction when it is determined that the day on which the duplication or reproduction is being performed is outside the period set in the third period. A method for duplicating or reproducing content data according to claim 60, which is prohibited.

62. The content data copying or reproducing method according to claim 58, wherein said method terminates the operation related to copying or reproducing the content data when it is determined that the charging is impossible.

6 3. The method described above, when it is determined that the day on which the duplication or reproduction is being performed is within the period set in the data relating to the second or third period, the duplication or reproduction of the content data is performed. Claims for notifying the user that the content is charged. The method for copying or reproducing content data according to claim 5'8. '·'

6 4. Additional data that is added to the content data from the supplied content data and includes additional data related to a period in which at least one condition related to the content replication is set and at least one condition related to the content replication is set. Extract evening, '·'

Compare the period set by the data extraction for the above-mentioned extracted data with the date on which the duplication is to be performed.

If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the duplication is to be performed is within the period set by the data relating to the above period, the duplication of the content data for which the duplication operation of the content is prohibited is prohibited. Method.

• 6 5. The above method uses the above-mentioned content based on the above-- The content data copying method according to claim 64, wherein the overnight copying operation is controlled.

66. The content data copying method according to claim 65, wherein said content data copying operation is performed when said data relating to said copying restriction permits said content to be copied overnight.

67. The content data copying method according to claim 66, wherein said method prohibits duplication of data relating to the duplication restriction of additional data added to said content to be duplicated.

6 8. The above method determines whether or not the data related to the copy restriction is less than or equal to the number of copies specified by the data related to the copy restriction when the copying of the content data is permitted. It is judged that the number of The content data copying method according to claim 65, wherein the content data copying operation is performed when the content data is separated.

69. The content data copying method according to claim 68, wherein the content data copying operation is terminated when the number of copying times specified above is exceeded.

70. The data relating to the above-mentioned period includes the first period data and the second period data, and the data relating to the duplication restriction is the above-mentioned content during the period set in the first period data. A first duplication restriction data relating to the duplication restriction of one night and a second duplication restriction data relating to the duplication restriction of the content data in the period set in the second period de

The method determines whether or not the day on which the duplication is to be performed is within the period set in the first period data, and determines that the day on which the duplication is to be performed is the first period. 57. The content data processing apparatus according to claim 64, wherein when it is determined that the time is within the time period set in the data transmission, the content data reproduction operation is controlled based on the first copy restriction: data. Replication method.

7 1. The above-mentioned method, when it is determined that the day on which the duplication is to be performed is outside the period set in the first period data, the date on which the duplication is to be performed is determined by the first When it is determined that the date is within the period set by the period data in the second period, and when it is determined that the day on which the duplication is to be performed is within the period set in the second period above, The method of claim 70, wherein the operation of copying the content data is controlled based on the second copy restriction data.

7 2. The duplication of the above content data is prohibited during the period set by the above first period data, and the duplication of the content can be duplicated for a fee during the period set by the above second period data. ,

In the above method, it is determined that the day on which the duplication is to be performed is within the period set by the data on the first period and within the period set by the data on the second period. Claim, the user is informed that the content data can be copied overnight for a fee.

Overnight replication method.

7 3. The above-mentioned method determines whether or not billing is possible after the notification, and when it is determined that billing is possible, duplicates the content data and bills. The method for duplicating content overnight described in paragraph 72.

7 4. The data related to the above period includes a first data period related to a period during which the content data can be copied free of charge and a second data period related to a period during which the content data can be copied for a fee. ,

The above method determines whether or not the day on which the duplication is to be performed is within the period set in the data of the first period, and determines that the day on which the duplication is to be performed is the first period. The method according to claim 64, wherein the content data is copied free of charge when it is determined that the time is within the period set in the data set.

7 5. The above method attempts to perform the above duplication when it is determined that the 'date' at which the duplication is to be performed is outside the period set in the first period data. Says

■ It is determined whether or not it is within the period set by the second period data, and if it is determined that it is within the period set by the second period data, a copy of the content is paid for The method for duplicating content overnight according to claim 74, wherein 76. The method for copying content and content according to claim 75, wherein the user is notified that the copying of the content and content is fee-based.

77. The method according to claim 75, further comprising: judging whether billing is possible or not, and when judging that billing is possible, duplicating the content data and performing billing. Duplication method.

78. The content copying method according to claim 77, wherein said content data copying operation is terminated when it is determined that charging is impossible. 7 9. Includes data related to the recording limit for the content and the data added to the content and the content from the supplied content and the additional data for the period during which the conditions for recording the content and the content are set. An extraction unit for extracting additional data;

An encoding processing unit for performing encoding processing on the supplied content data; a recording unit for recording an output from the encoding processing unit;

A clock circuit unit; and The time set by the data to be recorded is compared with the date when the recording is being performed from the clock circuit section, and the result of the comparison indicates that the date when the recording is being performed is within the period set by the period data. A content data recording device comprising: a control unit that controls a recording operation of the content data based on the data related to the recording restriction of the additional data.

8 0. When the comparison result indicates that the date on which the recording is to be performed is within the period set by the data relating to the period, the control unit prohibits the recording operation of the content overnight. 10. The content recording device according to claim 79, wherein the content is recorded.

8 1. When the control unit determines that the day on which the recording is to be performed is outside the period set by the data on the period, the control unit records the content data based on the recording restriction. A content data recording apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the operation is controlled.

82. The content server according to claim 81, wherein the controller performs the content operation when the data related to the recording restriction permits the recording of the content. Recording device.

8 3. The apparatus further includes a generation unit that generates data related to recording restriction regarding recording prohibition, and the control unit applies the new additional data generated by the generation unit to the recorded content data. The content data recording device according to claim 82, which is added.

8 4. The control unit further includes a memory unit for storing the number of times of recording of the content data, and the control unit is configured to perform the above-described processing when the data regarding the recording restriction permits the recording of the content data. Based on the data read from the memory unit, it is determined whether or not the number of recordings is equal to or less than the number of recordings specified by the data related to the above-described recording restriction. The content recording apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the content overnight recording operation is performed.

85. The controller according to claim 84, wherein the controller terminates the evening recording operation when the number of recordings exceeds the prescribed number. Evening recording device.

8 6. The data related to the above-mentioned period includes the data of the first period and the data of the second period, and the data related to the recording restriction includes the data of the content during the period set in the first period data. A first recording restriction data relating to the recording restriction of one night, and a second recording restriction data relating to the recording restriction of the content data in the period set in the second period data,

The control unit determines whether or not the date on which the recording is to be performed is within the period set in the first period, and determines whether the date on which the recording is to be performed is Claim 7.9, wherein when it is determined that the time is within the period set in the first period of time, the content data recording operation is controlled based on the first period of time. Item 'Data recording device. 8 7. When the day on which the recording is to be performed is determined to be outside the set period in the first period data, the control unit determines that the day on which the recording is to be performed is performed. It is determined whether or not it is within the period set by the second period data, and when it is determined that the day on which the recording is to be performed is within the period set by the second period data The content recording apparatus according to claim 86, wherein a recording operation of said content is controlled based on said second recording restriction data.

8 8. The recording of the content data is prohibited during the period set by the first period data, and the content data can be recorded for a fee during the period set by the second period data.

The control unit determines that the day on which the recording is to be performed is within the period set by the data regarding the first period and within the period set by the data regarding the second period. 70. The content data recording apparatus according to claim 86, wherein when said information is recorded, said user is notified that said content data recording is possible for a fee.

89. The content data recording device according to claim 88, wherein said device further comprises a display unit for displaying that said recording of said content is charged for a fee.

90. The control unit determines whether or not billing is possible after the notification, and determines whether billing is possible. 9. The recording apparatus for content and content according to claim 88, wherein when it is determined that the content is available, the content and content are recorded and billing is performed.

9 1. The data relating to the period includes first period data relating to a period during which the content data can be recorded free of charge and second period data relating to a period during which the content data can be recorded for a fee.

The control unit determines whether the day on which the recording is to be performed is within the period set in the first period data, and determines whether the day on which the recording is to be performed is the first '. range 7 9 wherein the recording apparatus _c 9 2 content de Isseki according to claim performing free recording of the Kontendzude Isseki when you play judged to be within the period set by the period data. the control unit, When it is determined that the day on which the recording is to be performed is outside the set period in the first period data, the date on which the recording is to be performed is determined by the second period data. It is determined whether or not it is within the set period, and when it is determined that the time is within the period set in the second period, the recording of the content is performed for a fee. 9. The content data recording device according to item 1. 93. The content recording apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said control unit notifies the user that recording of said content data is charged.

94. The content data recording device according to claim 93, wherein said device further comprises a display unit for displaying that the recording of said content data is charged.

95. The content according to claim 92, wherein the control unit determines whether or not charging is possible, and when it is determined that charging is possible, records the content data and performs charging.ヅ Data recording device.

96. The content data recording device according to claim 93, wherein said control unit terminates said content overnight recording operation when it is determined that charging is impossible.

9 7. From the supplied content data to the content data content, added to the content data content, and added to the content data playback restriction data and the content content data playback condition. An extraction unit for extracting additional data including evening, A playback processing unit that performs a playback process on the supplied content overnight;

A clock circuit unit, comparing a period set by the data relating to the period of the additional data extracted by the extraction unit with a date when recording from the clock circuit unit is performed; If the comparison result indicates that the date on which the recording is to be performed is within the period set by the period data, the content data of the content A content data reproducing device comprising a control unit for controlling a reproducing operation.

9 8. When the comparison result indicates that the date on which the reproduction is to be performed is within the period set by the data relating to the period, the control unit performs reproduction of the content data described above. The content playback apparatus according to claim 97, wherein the operation is prohibited.

9 9. When it is determined that the day on which the reproduction is to be performed is out of the period set by the data on the above-mentioned period, the control unit performs the above-mentioned content data based on the data on the above-mentioned reproduction restriction. 98. The apparatus for playing back content data according to claim 98, wherein said apparatus controls a playback operation of the content.

100. The content playback apparatus according to claim 99, wherein the controller performs the content playback operation when the data related to the playback restriction permits the playback of the content data. .

101. The control unit further includes a memory unit for storing the number of times the content is played back, and the control unit is configured to permit the playback of the content data when the data related to the playback restriction is permitted. It is determined whether or not the number of reproductions is equal to or less than the number of times specified by the data related to the above-mentioned reproduction restriction based on the data read from the memory unit. 10. The content data reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said content data reproducing operation is executed when said content data is reproduced.

102. The content-de-night playback device according to claim 101, wherein said control unit terminates said content-over-time playback operation when said number of times of reproduction exceeds the prescribed number of times of reproduction.

1 0 3. The data related to the above period is the first period data and the second period data. The data related to the playback restriction is set by the first playback restriction data related to the playback restriction of the content over the period set in the first period data and the second period data. And second reproduction restriction data relating to reproduction restriction of the content data during the specified period,

The controller determines whether or not the day on which the reproduction is performed is within the period set in the first period, and determines whether the day on which the reproduction is performed is the first period. 98. The content data reproducing apparatus according to claim 97, wherein when it is determined that the content is within the period set by the period data, the reproducing operation of the content is controlled based on the first reproducing control data. Playback device.

104. When it is determined that the day on which the reproduction is to be performed is outside the period set in the first period data, the control unit attempts to perform the reproduction. It is determined whether or not it is within the period set in the second period data, and when it is determined that the day on which the reproduction is to be performed is within the period set in the second period data, The content playback apparatus according to claim 103, wherein the content playback operation is controlled based on the second playback limit playback. 1 0 5. Reproduction of the content data is prohibited during the period set by the first period data, and playback of the content is possible for a period set by the second period data for a fee.

The control unit may be configured such that the day on which the reproduction is to be performed is set within a period set by the day of the first period and by the day of the night related to the second period. The content data reproducing apparatus according to claim 103, wherein when it is determined that the content data is within the period, the user is notified that the content data can be reproduced for a fee.

106. The playback of content according to claim 97, wherein said apparatus further comprises a display unit for displaying that the playback of said content data is charged.

107. The control unit determines whether billing is possible after the notification, and when it is determined that billing is possible, reproduces the content data and bills. Item 150. The content data playback apparatus according to Item 105.

10 8. The first day of the above-mentioned period can be played free of charge, and the second period of the above-mentioned content data can be played for free. And

The control unit determines whether or not the day on which the reproduction is to be performed is within the period set in the first period data, and determines that the day on which the reproduction is to be performed is the first period. de when it is determined that the set period of at Isseki the content de -. reproducing apparatus contency Uz data range 9 7 claim of claim carried out at evening free reproduction of _'(1 0 9 the control The section, when it is determined that the day on which the reproduction is to be performed is outside the period set in the first period data, sets the day on which the reproduction is to be performed in the second period data. It is determined whether or not it is within the set period. If it is determined that it is within the period set in the second period data, the content data is reproduced in the evening for a fee. Playback device for content data described in clause 8

110. The content data playback apparatus according to claim 109, wherein said control unit notifies a user that said content data is charged for playback.

11. The content data reproducing apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said apparatus further comprises a display unit for displaying that the reproduction of said content data is charged.

11. The control system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit determines whether or not charging is possible, and when it is determined that charging is possible, reproduces the content data and performs charging. Content data playback device.

11. The content data reproducing apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said control section terminates said content data reproduction operation when it is determined that charging is not possible.

114. A content data comprising: content data; and additional data, which is added to the content data and includes data relating to conditions for duplication or reproduction of the content.

115. The content server according to claim 114, wherein said additional data includes data for restricting data copying of said content.

1 1 6. The content data according to claim 115, wherein the data restricting duplication includes at least data indicating a period during which duplication is prohibited.

1 1 7. The data indicating the period during which the duplication is prohibited includes data on the start date of the duplication prohibition period and data on the end date of the duplication prohibition period. Content data described in 1 16 .

1 1 8. The data restricting duplication includes data regarding further restrictions on duplication of the content after the period of prohibiting duplication has passed. Content data described in item 6. ,

1 1 9. The data relating to the further duplication restriction includes data indicating conditions relating to the duplication of the content at least after the period of prohibiting the duplication has passed. Content data described in section 8 ::

120. The content data of claim 119, wherein the data regarding the further duplication restriction includes data regarding the end date of the further duplication restriction. 1 2 1. The content data according to claim 114, wherein said additional data includes a plurality of data that restricts duplication of said content data.

1 2 2. The claim that limits the duplication of the plurality of duplications is composed of data indicating the period during which the duplication is restricted and data indicating the duplication conditions. Content data.

1 2 3. The additional data further includes a data limit for further duplication applied after a period for restricting each copy of the data restricting the plurality of duplications. Content data described in item 1.

124. The content server according to claim 114, wherein said additional data server includes a data server that restricts playback of said content data.

1 2 5. The content data according to claim 124, wherein the data that restricts reproduction includes data that indicates at least a period during which reproduction is prohibited.

1 2 6. The data indicating the period during which the reproduction is prohibited is a request that includes data on the start date of the period during which the reproduction is prohibited and the data regarding the end date of the period during which the reproduction is prohibited. Content overnight as described in section 125.

1 2 7. In the event that the above-mentioned playback is restricted, 126. The content data according to claim 125, further comprising data concerning restrictions on reproduction of the data of the content.

128. The claim according to claim 127, wherein the data regarding the further reproduction restriction includes data indicating conditions relating to reproduction of the content data at least after a period during which the reproduction is prohibited. Content overnight.

129. The content data of claim 128, wherein said data relating to said further reproduction restriction includes data relating to an end date of said further reproduction restriction. . ■ · '

130. The content data according to claim 114, wherein said additional data includes a plurality of data for restricting reproduction of said content data.

1 3 1. The data according to claim 13-3-0, wherein the data for uniforming the plurality of reproductions is composed of a data regarding the period for restricting the reproduction and a data indicating reproduction conditions. Overnight at Content De ...

132. The claim 130, wherein the additional data 'further includes data for restricting further reproduction applied after a period for restricting each reproduction of the plurality of reproductions is restricted. One night of the described content.

133. The content data according to claim 114, wherein said additional data includes period data in which conditions for duplication or reproduction of said content data are set. 134. The content of claim 133, wherein the time period data includes at least a free time period indicating a period during which copying or reproduction of the content data is free.

135. The content data according to claim 134, wherein said free period data includes a data period relating to a start date and a data period relating to an end date at which duplication or reproduction of said content data can be performed free of charge. .

136. The content data according to claim 134, wherein said period data further includes at least one pay period data indicating a period during which duplication or reproduction of said content data is charged.

137. The content overnight as recited in claim 136, wherein said paying period includes data relating to a start date and an end date at which said content can be duplicated or reproduced for a fee.

13 8. The content period according to claim 13, wherein the pay period specified by the pay period data partially overlaps with the period specified by the free period data.

13.39. The content data according to claim 13, wherein said additional data further includes data for restricting the duplication or reproduction operation of said content data.

140. Additions to the supplied content data, including data related to restrictions on duplication or reproduction of the above-mentioned contents, and additional data regarding periods during which conditions for duplication or reproduction of the above-mentioned contents data are set. Add data,

A content output method for outputting the content data to which the additional data has been added. ·.