JP2000182333A - Data reproduction device and data distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use a memory and to reduce erasing time by storing reproduction possible time which is set at every data, storing accumulation reproduction time by means of the reproduction means of respective pieces of data and disabling reproduction by means of the reproduction means of data when accumulation reproduction time exceeds reproduction possible time. SOLUTION: A data reproduction device 1 monitors a reproduction request and reads designated music data from a data storage memory 3 when a reproduction request is given by the depression of a reproduction key and counts reproduction time by a control part 4 with the reproduction start of music data by a reproduction part 5. The reproduction of music data by the reproduction part 5, and the counting of reproduction time by the control part 4 are continued until the depression of a stop key or the standard reproduction of music data. The control part 4 updates accumulation reproduction time on reproduced music data, compares updated data with reproduction possible time and judges the propriety of the erasion of the storage memory 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data reproducing apparatus and a data distribution system in which music data downloaded from a server via the Internet or the like is stored in a non-volatile memory and can be reproduced as needed. More specifically, the present invention relates to a data reproducing apparatus and a data distribution system capable of providing a reproduction restriction to each data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, for example, a method of distributing music data and the like is, for example, a CD (compact disk) or an MD.
A method via a recording medium such as a (mini disk) is mainly used. However, due to demands such as reduction of distribution costs, securing immediateness of data distribution, and downsizing of the reproducing apparatus, for example, a network such as the Internet is used instead of the conventional distribution method using a recording medium as described above. A data distribution system that downloads data from a server to a nonvolatile memory in a user's playback device is being put into practical use. In a data distribution system via a network or the like as described above, for example, a limit on the number of times of use (reproduction) or a use period is set for data to be distributed so that the reproduction apparatus cannot reproduce data exceeding the limit. (For example, automatic erasure from a memory) has been proposed.
No. 3365, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-2
No. 16885). As a result, there is an advantage that, for example, trial use of data becomes possible.

[0003]

However, when the number of times of use and the expiration date are set for data distributed as described above, there are the following problems. First, when the number of uses is limited, if the number of uses is counted at the start of data playback, there is a possibility that the data will be erased before the end of the data is played back. There is a problem that it can be played back. Also, when setting the expiration date, the playback device must have a clock function, and by changing the time on the clock, the expiration date can be substantially extended, and without having to reproduce the data at all. There were problems such as the possibility of being erased. As described above, in the above-described conventional method, there is a possibility that the data use restriction does not function effectively. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data reproduction apparatus and a data distribution system capable of effectively using a user while ensuring use of the user. To provide.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention comprises a storage means for storing predetermined data, and a reproduction means for reproducing the data stored in the storage means. A reproducible time storage means for storing a reproducible time set for each data stored in the storage means, and a reproducible time storage means for storing each data stored in the storage means. Cumulative reproduction time storage means for storing the cumulative reproduction time, and reproduction of the accumulated reproduction time stored in the cumulative reproduction time storage means with respect to certain data stored in the storage means. A data reproducing apparatus comprising: data reproduction prohibiting means for making reproduction of the data impossible by the reproducing means when the possible time is exceeded. It is configured. Here, if the data reproduction prohibiting means is configured to make the reproduction impossible by, for example, erasing data from the storage means, effective use of a memory having a limited capacity,
An effect such as a reduction in trouble of the erasing process can be expected.
Further, if the processing by the data reproduction prohibiting means is not performed during the data reproduction by the reproducing means, even if the accumulated reproduction time exceeds the reproducible time during the data reproduction, the processing is not performed during the reproduction. Playback does not stop automatically on time out. As a result, even if the playback is stopped in the middle of the playback, the playback from the beginning to the end is possible at the next playback without playing from the continuation, and the playback from the beginning to the end of the data is performed at least once. Is possible. Also, a remaining time notifying means for notifying the information on the remaining reproducible time by a predetermined method, or an erasing notifying means for notifying that the data is erased by the erasing means by a predetermined method (for example, display display or alarm output). If the user is provided, the user can recognize the information visually or by hearing, which is convenient. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data reproducing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the data reproducing apparatus sets the data reproducible time to the data reproducing apparatus via predetermined communication means. And a data distribution means for distributing the data.

[0005]

According to the present invention, whether or not the limit has been reached is determined based on whether or not the accumulated reproduction time, which is the total of the actual reproduction time of the data, exceeds a predetermined reproducible time. There is no problem that the file expires without being played back at all, or it can be played indefinitely if it is halfway, and the use restriction can be effectively functioned while ensuring the user's use. Becomes

[0006]

Embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention. The following embodiments and examples are mere examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a music data distribution system A1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a data reproducing device 1 constituting the music data distribution system. FIG. 2 is an example of a data reproducing procedure by the data reproducing device 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure by the remaining time notification function according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure by the erasure notification function according to the embodiment of the present invention. . The music data distribution system A1 according to the present embodiment is an example in which the data distribution system according to the present invention is applied to the distribution of music data. As shown in FIG. The server 10 distributes music information via communication means such as the Internet. The data reproducing apparatus 1 further includes a management information storage memory 2 (corresponding to a reproducible time storage unit and an accumulated reproduction time storage unit), a data storage memory 3 (corresponding to a storage unit), and a control unit 4 (corresponding to a data reproduction prohibition unit). And a reproducing unit 5.

[0007] The server 10 stores and manages a large number of music data, and the music data is transmitted to the data reproducing apparatus 1 in response to a request from the data reproducing apparatus 1. When transmitting the music data, information on the reproducible time is added to each music data. Here, the reproducible time is a time allowed for the reproduction of each music data. For example, when it is desired to restrict the reproduction to about one time, a time required for reproducing the music data as a whole is set. Also, the reproducible time can be unlimited. The data reproducing device 1
The data storage memory 3 stores the music data downloaded from the server 10. In the management information storage memory 2, the information on the reproducible time transmitted along with the music data is stored in a state in which the information is associated with each music data stored in the data storage memory 3. Is done. Further, information on the accumulated reproduction time is set in the management information storage memory 2 in a state of being associated with each music data stored in the data storage memory 3 in the same manner as the information on the reproducible time.
Here, the cumulative reproduction time is the total time when each music data is actually reproduced, and 0 is given as an initial value. The playback unit 5 plays back music data stored in the data storage memory 3 in response to a playback request such as pressing a play button (not shown). The control unit 4 starts counting the playback time simultaneously with the start of the playback of the music data by the playback unit 5, stops the counting when the playback is stopped, and stores the count in the management information storage memory 2 for the played music data. Is added to the time counted during the reproduction to update the cumulative reproduction time. Further, the control section 4 compares the updated cumulative reproduction time of the reproduced music data with the reproducible time, and if the accumulated reproduction time exceeds the reproducible time, the control section 4 deletes the music data. The data storage memory 3
Erase from

Next, the procedure of music data reproduction processing by the data reproduction apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The data storage memory 3 and the management information storage memory 2 store music data already downloaded from the server 10 and information on the reproducible time thereof, respectively. It is assumed that an initial value has already been set for the cumulative reproduction time. First, the reproduction unit 1 monitors a reproduction request caused by pressing a reproduction button (not shown) (step S1). When the reproduction request is issued, the music data specified by the reproduction request is read from the data storage memory 3 and the reproduction by the reproduction unit 5 is started. At the same time as the reproduction of the music data by the reproduction unit 5, the control unit 4 starts counting the reproduction time (step S2). The reproduction of the music data by the reproduction unit 5 and the counting of the reproduction time by the control unit 4 are performed when a stop request is generated by pressing a stop button (not shown) (step S3), or the music data is reproduced completely. (Step S4). When the stop request is generated and the reproduction process is stopped, or when the reproduction of the music data is completely completed, the control unit 4
Thus, the accumulated reproduction time (in the management information storage memory 2) relating to the reproduced music data is updated (step S5). That is, the reproduction time counted by the control unit 4 is added to the accumulated reproduction time and updated as a new accumulated reproduction time. Subsequently, the updated cumulative reproduction time for the reproduced music data is compared with the reproducible time by the control unit 4 (step S6), and the accumulated reproducible time exceeds the reproducible time. Only in this case, the music data is deleted from the data storage memory 3 (step S7). In the data reproducing apparatus 1, the processing of steps S1 to S7 described above is repeatedly performed.

As described above, in the data reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the cumulative reproduction time, which is the total of the actual data reproduction time, exceeds the preset reproducible time, the limit is exceeded. Therefore, there is no problem that the music data expires without being played back at all, or that the music data can be played indefinitely if it is halfway, unlike the above-described conventional playback apparatus. Also,
Even if the accumulated reproduction time exceeds the reproducible time during data reproduction, the judgment is not made until there is a stop request or until the data reproduction is completely completed. The music data is not stopped and the music data is not erased. For example, if the reproducible time is set to the time required to completely reproduce the music data, even if the reproduction is performed halfway in the first reproduction, the reproduction is not performed from the continuation in the next reproduction. Can be reproduced from the beginning to the end (of course, the accumulated reproduction time exceeds the reproducible time during the reproduction). However, if the reproduction is stopped during the reproduction again and the accumulated reproduction time exceeds the reproducible time at that point, no further reproduction is possible. As described above, the data reproduction device 1 and the music data distribution system A1 according to the present embodiment
Allows users to ensure data usage,
It becomes possible to make the use restriction function effectively.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following functions can be further added to the data reproducing apparatus 1 described above. (Remaining time notification function) After it is determined in step S1 shown in FIG. 2 that there is a reproduction request, before starting the reproduction of the music data in step S2, a remaining time notification process as shown in FIG. 3 is performed. This function is provided by the control unit 4
Can be realized as one of the functions. First, information on the reproducible time and the accumulated reproducible time of the music data to be reproduced is obtained from the management information storage memory 2 (step S11),
The difference (remaining reproducible time) is calculated (step S12). Subsequently, for example, a value obtained by dividing the remaining reproduction time by a unit time (for example, 10 minutes) and rounding up to an integer is calculated as the number of alarms (step S13).
For example, the remaining playback time is 35 minutes and the unit time is 10
In the case of minutes, the number of alarms is four. And
For example, the remaining reproduction time is displayed on the display device for a predetermined time (step S14), and an alarm is sounded for the calculated number of alarms (step S15). This allows the user to know the remaining playback time of the music data to be played back, which is convenient. still,
The above-described remaining time notification function is merely an example. For example, instead of the remaining reproduction time, the reproducible time and the accumulated reproduction time may be displayed side by side on a display device. Also, during the reproduction of music data, the remaining time is displayed on the display and the value is displayed in real time. The countdown may be performed. Also,
Only one of the display display and the alarm output may be used. (Erase Notification Function) When the music data is erased in step S7 shown in FIG. 2, it is also possible to notify the user of the fact. FIG. 4 shows an example of this erasure notification processing procedure. This function can also be realized as one of the functions of the control unit 4, for example. When the erasure of the music data is started in step S7, the control unit 4 inverts the display on the display device (for example, the title of the music data being erased is displayed) (step S21) and turns on the alarm. The / OFF inversion process (step S22) is repeated with a fixed waiting time (step S23) interposed. This process is continued, for example, until the above-described erasing process ends (steps S24 → S25).
Thus, the user can recognize that the music data is being deleted.

In the above embodiment and each embodiment, distribution,
Although music data has been described as an example of data to be reproduced, various data such as moving image data and character data such as news can be used. Further, in the above embodiment, when the accumulated reproduction time exceeds the reproducible time, the music data is deleted from the memory.
Instead of erasing the music data, it is possible to simply make the reproduction by the reproduction unit 5 impossible. Such a configuration can be achieved, for example, by distributing trial data for free with limited use, and then paying a predetermined amount.
There is a benefit in a system in which only the information on the reproducible time set indefinitely is downloaded to the management information storage memory 2 and the use restriction of the trial data is released.

[0012]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention is directed to a data reproducing apparatus including a storage unit for storing predetermined data and a reproducing unit for reproducing the data stored in the storage unit. A reproducible time storage means for storing a reproducible time set for each data stored in the storage means, and a cumulative reproduction time of each data stored in the storage means by the reproducing means. A case in which the accumulated reproduction time stored in the accumulated reproduction time storage means exceeds the reproducible time stored in the reproducible time storage means with respect to the accumulated reproduction time storage means and certain data stored in the storage means; And a data reproduction prohibiting means for disabling reproduction of the data by the reproducing means. There is no problem that the data expires without any data being played back, or the data can be played indefinitely if the data is not played back. It becomes possible. Here, if the data reproduction prohibiting means is configured to make the data reproduction impossible by, for example, erasing data from the storage means, the effective use of the memory having a limited capacity and the trouble of the erasing process are required. It can be expected that the effect is reduced. Further, if the processing by the data reproduction prohibiting means is not performed during the data reproduction by the reproducing means, even if the accumulated reproduction time exceeds the reproducible time during the data reproduction, the processing is not performed during the reproduction. Playback does not stop automatically on time out. As a result, even if the playback is stopped in the middle of the playback, the playback from the beginning to the end is possible at the next playback without playing from the continuation, and the playback from the beginning to the end of the data is performed at least once. Is possible. Also, a remaining time notifying means for notifying the information on the remaining reproducible time by a predetermined method, or an erasing notifying means for notifying that the data is erased by the erasing means by a predetermined method (for example, display display or alarm output). If the user is provided, the user can recognize the information visually or by hearing, which is convenient. Further, a second invention provides a data reproduction device according to the first invention, and data distribution means for distributing the data with the reproducible time set to the data reproduction device via predetermined communication means. And a data distribution system including the above. By performing such data distribution, it is possible to actually obtain the effect of the data reproducing apparatus as described above.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a music data distribution system A1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a data reproducing device 1 constituting the same.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a data reproducing procedure performed by the data reproducing apparatus 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure by a remaining time notification function according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure by an erasure notification function according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Data reproduction device 2 ... Management information storage memory (equivalent to a reproducible time storage means and accumulation reproduction time storage means) 3 ... Data storage memory (equivalent to storage means) 4 ... Control part 4 (an example of a data reproduction prohibition means) 5) Reproduction unit 10 ... Server

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshiro Yamashita 1-5-5 Takatsukadai, Nishi-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo F-term in Kobe Steel Research Institute, Kobe Research Institute 5D044 AB05 FG30

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A data reproducing apparatus comprising: storage means for storing predetermined data; and reproduction means for reproducing data stored in the storage means, wherein each data stored in the storage means is Reproducible time storage means for storing the reproducible time set in the storage means, cumulative reproduction time storage means for storing the cumulative reproduction time of the data stored in the storage means by the reproduction means, and storage in the storage means If the accumulated reproduction time stored in the accumulated reproduction time storage means exceeds the reproducible time stored in the reproducible time storage means for the given data, the reproduction of the data by the reproduction means is not allowed. A data reproducing apparatus comprising: a data reproduction prohibiting unit that enables the data reproduction. 2. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data reproduction inhibiting means makes the reproduction impossible by erasing data from said storage means. 3. The processing by the data reproduction prohibiting means,
3. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data reproducing is not performed during data reproduction by said reproducing means. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a remaining time notifying unit for notifying information on the remaining reproducible time by a predetermined method.
4. The data reproducing device according to any one of claims 3 to 3. 5. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an erasure notifying means for notifying the erasure by a predetermined method when the erasing means erases the data. 6. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined method is a display. 7. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined method is an alarm output. 8. Distributing the data set with the reproducible time to the data reproducing apparatus via the data reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a predetermined communication means. A data distribution system comprising data distribution means.