JP2000207830A - Information management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform simply and surely reproduction management of provided information by reproducing management information recorded together with main information and transmitting its management information, an absolute time at the time of start of communication, and position information of an information management device to a managing center of provided information. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a first recording and reproducing means 3 for reproducing and recording main information of movie, music, and the like, a communication means 6 with provided information managing center for managing information, a second recording and reproducing means 10 recording and reproducing tolerance condition information regulating a providing time of main information in a second recording medium 11, and an absolute time detecting means 7 grasping an absolute time for managing a providing time of main information. A main information reproducing means is provided with a position information detecting means 8 of the device and a controller 9 comparing tolerance condition information, an absolute time, and position information and limiting reproduction of main information from the compared result. When a reproduction condition is satisfied from the compared result, the controller 9 transmits key information to a signal processing means 4, releases main information data, and displays main information on a display means 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information providing system, and more particularly, to an information management apparatus suitable for ensuring management of provided information and an information providing system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various information providing systems have been established to reflect a highly information-oriented society. For example, dial Q2 using a telephone line, the Internet, and the like are typical examples.

[0003] Here, when provided information is related to a copyright such as music or a movie, certainty of management, such as prohibition of copying of the provided information, is one of the important factors that determine whether or not the information providing system can be established. It has become. Particularly, in the case of information converted into a digital signal, the importance of the information is further increased because the signal deterioration at the time of copying is extremely small. Known examples of such information copy prohibition methods include, for example, V
Mixing the pseudo signal for causing the automatic gain control system of the TR to malfunction, thereby deteriorating the reproduction image quality of the copy tape;
JP-A-61-288858 and the like can be mentioned.

On the other hand, in the United States, for example, where cable television lines have become widespread, in the United States and the like, an information supply system for supplying desired information, for example, video software, etc., in response to a request from a user using digital signals as a transfer means. Deployment is conceivable. Among video software, particularly high-value ones include a new movie immediately after the release, and the supply of this kind of software can cope with not only the above-mentioned copy prohibition but also, for example, the restriction on the number of times of reproduction. It is essential to establish a sophisticated information management system. As a known example of this, for example, JP-A-6-189262 and the like can be mentioned.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned method, since the case where the reproduction is stopped during the reproduction is not taken into consideration, practical usability from the viewpoint of the user is not good.

[0006] The above system is a system for providing information by using a communication line and charging the provided information. Apart from this, for example, as a generally popular method, a CD-ROM is attached to a magazine or the like. Then, for example, applications, games, etc. are recorded together with key information in the CD-ROM,
When the user who purchases the magazine wants to use the application, game, etc., contacts the information provider of the application, game, etc. via the Internet or facsimile, etc., and when the user acknowledges the charge for the information using a credit card, etc. The key information is sent in exchange for this, and the user is permitted to use the information.

[0007] This method is the same as purchasing the application, game or the like at a store or mail order, and is a system in which the use of the key information is obtained and the use permission is granted at the same time, and the information provider can charge. Also, once the key information is obtained, the user is the same as the purchase, so there is no restriction on the number of times of use.

On the other hand, in the case of information such as a movie or music, the user may use (reproduce) only once or several times depending on the content. However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the information is provided for the purpose of purchasing the application and the game itself. The frequency of use is high when the purchase is made, but the absolute amount to be purchased is small because the user class is limited. Therefore, the number of times of use is not limited, but the cost is set high. On the other hand, information such as movies and music may be widely spread in general, but the number of uses is smaller than that of applications and games. Therefore, the system does not spread when the billing amount is set high as in the prior art. For example, there is a usage restriction for a certain period, such as a video and CD rental shop, but the penetration rate of the system whose usage amount is overwhelmingly low is high. .

If the absolute time is not managed, the time may be falsified by the user.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to reproduce provided information even in the case where information such as a movie or music is mainly used at most several times. An object of the present invention is to provide an information management device that is easy and reliable to manage, and an information providing system using the same.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the information management system of the present invention, for example, a main information provider for providing and managing main information such as a movie, music, etc.
A first recording medium on which management information (number) is recorded is provided at a very low price. As a method of providing, for example, it may be distributed as an appendix to a magazine or may be distributed as an independent medium.

On the other hand, the information management apparatus of the present invention has a reproducing means for reproducing the main information such as the movie and the music, a communication means for information management with a provided information managing source, and a provision of the main information. A recording / reproducing unit for recording and reproducing permissible condition information for regulating time on the second recording medium, and an absolute time detecting unit for grasping an absolute time for managing a providing time of the main information are provided.

Further, the main information reproducing means compares a position information detecting means for detecting a position information where the information management apparatus is installed, the permissible condition information, an absolute time and a position information, And a main information management means for restricting reproduction of the main information based on the comparison result. In addition, the movie,
In a case where the main information such as music is not directly distributed but provided by communication directly from a provider, a recording unit for recording the main information on the first recording medium is provided.

With respect to the control information, the present invention has the following means.

1) Reproduction of management information (number) recorded on a first recording medium on which main information is recorded.

2), communication means to the provided information management source
The management information (number) of the main information, the information (number) unique to the information management device, the absolute time at the start of communication, and the location information where the information management device is installed are transmitted to the providing information management source.

3) The provided information management source receives and manages or charges information from the information management device, and transmits the permissible condition information for main information reproduction.

4) Permissible condition information indicating a permissible condition for reproducing the main information sent from the provided information management source is recorded on the second recording medium.

5) The permissible condition information recorded on the second recording medium includes key information necessary for reproducing main information,
It consists of allowable absolute time information indicating a period during which reproduction is permitted, and position information at the time of transmission from the information management device.

6) The main information management device is provided with main information management means for comparing the permissible condition information with the absolute time and prohibiting reproduction of the main information according to the comparison result.

7) The main information management device compares the permissible condition information with the position information where the information management device is installed, and prohibits reproduction of the main information according to the comparison result. Means are provided.

8) The second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded is a member integrally formed with the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded, or the second recording medium on which the main information is recorded. This is a member different from the first recording medium.

With respect to reproduction, the present invention performs the following means.

1) Comparing an allowable absolute time indicating a period permitted by the allowable condition information with a time when the user starts reproduction, and when the time when the user starts reproduction is within the allowable absolute time, Allow reproduction of main information.

2) comparing the position information of the information management device at the time when the provided information management source permits reproduction of the main information with the position information at the time when the user starts reproduction from the permissible condition information. When the position information is substantially the same, the reproduction of the main information is permitted.

3) If the reproduction is permitted, the main information data recorded on the first recording medium is unlocked based on the key information, and the main information is reproduced.

Regarding the reproduction regulation, in the present invention,
The following measures are taken.

1) Comparing the allowable absolute time indicating the period permitted from the allowable condition information with the time when the user starts reproduction, and when the time when the user starts reproduction exceeds the allowable absolute time, Reproduction of the main information is prohibited.

2) comparing the position information of the information management device at the time when the provided information management source permits reproduction of the main information with the position information at the time when the user starts reproduction from the permissible condition information. If the position information is different, the reproduction of the main information is prohibited.

3) When the reproduction is prohibited, the key information is not sent to the reproducing means, so that the main information data cannot be unlocked and the proper main information cannot be reproduced.

4) In the above, a judgment means for judging whether the absolute time and the position information are normal or abnormal is provided, and when the judgment means judges an abnormality, the reproduction of the main information is prohibited.

If the user desires further reproduction after the reproduction restriction, the necessary information is sent to the information provider again to obtain the permissible condition information. At this time, the information provider newly charges.

The detection of the absolute time is performed, for example, at the standard time of each country transmitted by an RF signal.

The position information is detected by a method of receiving a signal from a global positioning system (GPS) satellite.

The management information (number) of the main information is, for example, the title code of movie and music information, the serial number of the medium, and the like.

The information (number) unique to the information management apparatus is, for example, the serial number of the apparatus.

The method of charging at the information provider is, for example, the first time added to the price of the magazine when the main information was distributed, and the second and subsequent times are deducted from a bank account designated by the user or by a credit card.

Transmission and reception of information with the information provider uses a wireless line such as a telephone line, PHS, or mobile phone.

In the management of reproduction regulation according to the above method, absolute common information such as absolute time or position information of the information management device, that is, when and where reproduction is performed, is determined by the user and the provided information management source. It can be managed as common information without communication.

The second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded is a member integrally formed with the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded, or the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded. And a separate member from the recording medium. When the second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded and the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded are formed on the same member, for example, the member is inserted into another information management device. And play it back. In this method, information to be managed is only absolute time. In this case, wherever the user goes, the user can play it back if he or she has the above-mentioned members, so that the user's merit increases.

On the other hand, the second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded and the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded are formed on different members, and the second recording medium is used for information management. In the case of being incorporated in the device 1, since reproduction cannot be performed unless the first recording medium and the permitted information management device match, the information management is sufficient, and the advantage of the provided information management source is as follows. Become big.

[0042]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

In the information management system of the present invention, for example, a movie,
A first recording medium on which main information and management information (number) are recorded is provided at a very low price from a main information provider that provides and manages main information such as music. As a method of providing, for example, it may be distributed as an appendix to a magazine or may be distributed as an independent medium. Further, the main information may be recorded on the first recording medium in a case where the main information such as the movie and the music is directly provided from a provider instead of being distributed. The user may purchase these cheaply provided first recording media or may provide them by communication.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration of an information management apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The information management device 1 includes a first recording / reproducing unit 2 for reproducing the main information such as the movie and the music or recording the main information, and a communication unit for managing information with a provided information managing source. 6, second recording / reproducing means 10 for recording and reproducing permissible condition information for restricting the provision time of the main information on the second recording medium 11, and grasping the absolute time for managing the provision time of the main information. For detecting an absolute time.

Further, the main information reproducing means compares a position information detecting means 8 for detecting the position information where the information management device is installed, the allowable condition information, the absolute time and the position information. And a main information management means 9 for restricting the reproduction of the main information based on the comparison result. The main information management means 9 sends the key information to the signal processing means 4 when the condition for reproducing the main information is satisfied from the comparison result, thereby the main information recorded on the first recording medium. The data is unlocked, and the main information is displayed on the display means 5 such as a television.

When a user obtains main information such as a movie or music by communicating with a providing information management source, the user obtains the main information by the following method.

1) The user requests software such as a desired movie or music. This is, for example, a telephone line or P
Use a wireless line such as an HS or a mobile phone.

2) The provider receiving the request uses, for example, a cable television line, and determines whether a recording medium is inserted in the user's information management device or whether the remaining capacity of the recording medium is larger than the recording amount. After the check, the main information and the permissible condition information are transmitted, and the information management apparatus records the main information on the first recording medium and the permissible condition information on the second recording medium.

When the user has purchased main information such as a movie or music, the main information is managed by communicating with the provided information management source in the following manner.

1) The management information (number) recorded on the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded is reproduced.

2) From the communication means to the provided information management source,
The management information (number) of the main information, the information (number) unique to the information management device, the absolute time at the start of communication, and the location information where the information management device is installed are transmitted to the providing information management source.

3) The provided information management source receives and manages or charges the information from the information management device, and transmits the permissible condition information of the main information reproduction.

4) Permissible condition information indicating a permissible condition for reproducing the main information sent from the provided information management source is recorded on the second recording medium.

Here, the permissible condition information recorded on the second recording medium includes key information necessary for reproducing main information, permissible absolute time information indicating a period during which reproduction is permitted, and
And the location information at the time of transmission from the information management device. The detection of the absolute time is performed, for example, by receiving a signal of the standard time of each country transmitted by an RF signal. The service of transmitting the absolute time (standard time of the country) as an RF signal has already been started, and the detection of the absolute time is easy. Further, the position information is detected by GPS. The cost of the LSI for GPS is also extremely low, and the cost increase is very small even if the device is mounted.

The management information (number) of the main information is, for example, the title code of movie and music information, the serial number of the medium, and the like. The information (number) unique to the information management apparatus is, for example, the serial number of the apparatus.

6) The main information management device compares the permissible condition information with the absolute time, and prohibits reproduction of the main information according to the comparison result. These controls are microcomputer,
Main information management means 9 which is a controller such as a ROM
Performed by

7) The main information management device compares the permissible condition information with the position information where the information management device is installed, and prohibits the reproduction of the main information according to the comparison result. These controls are performed by the main information management means 9 which is a controller including a microcomputer, a ROM, and the like.

Here, the second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded is the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded.
The recording medium may be a member integrally formed with the recording medium, for example, a disk formed in the same manner. Alternatively, a member different from the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded, for example, the first recording medium is a disk, and the second recording medium is a semiconductor memory built in the information management device 1. May be. When the second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded and the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded are formed on the same member, for example, the member is inserted into another information management device. And can also be played.

In this method, information to be managed is only absolute time. In this case, no matter where they go,
Since it can be reproduced if it has the above members, user merit is high. On the other hand, the second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded and the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded are formed on different members, and the second recording medium is stored in the information management device 1. In the case of the built-in information, reproduction cannot be performed unless the first recording medium and the permitted information management device match, so that the information management is sufficient and the advantage of the provided information management source is great.

Regarding reproduction, the present invention performs the following means.

1) Comparing the allowable absolute time indicating the period permitted from the allowable condition information with the time when the user starts reproduction, and when the time when the user starts reproduction is within the allowable absolute time, Allow reproduction of main information.

2) Compare the position information of the information management device at the time when the provided information management source permits reproduction of the main information with the position information at the time when the user starts reproduction based on the permissible condition information. When the position information is substantially the same, the reproduction of the main information is permitted.

3) When the reproduction is permitted, the main information data recorded on the first recording medium is unlocked based on the key information, and the main information is reproduced.

Regarding the reproduction regulation, in the present invention,
The following measures are taken.

1) Comparing the allowable absolute time indicating the period permitted from the allowable condition information with the time at which the user starts reproduction, and when the time at which the user starts reproduction exceeds the allowable absolute time, Reproduction of the main information is prohibited.

2) Compare the position information of the information management device at the time when the provided information management source permits reproduction of the main information with the position information at the time when the user starts reproduction, based on the permissible condition information. If the position information is different, the reproduction of the main information is prohibited.

3) When the reproduction is prohibited, the key information is not sent to the reproducing means, so that the main information data cannot be unlocked and the proper main information cannot be reproduced.

4) In the above, a judgment means for judging whether the absolute time and the position information are normal or abnormal is provided, and when the judgment means judges an abnormality, the reproduction of the main information is prohibited.

If the user desires further reproduction after the reproduction restriction, the necessary information is sent to the information provider again to obtain the permissible condition information. At this time, the information provider newly charges.

The method of charging at the information provider is, for example, the first time added to the magazine price at the time of distributing the main information, and the second and subsequent times are deducted from a bank account designated by the user or by a credit card.

Transmission and reception of information with the information provider uses a wireless line such as a telephone line, a PHS, and a mobile phone. The above method is summarized in the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

According to the above-mentioned method, the reproduction regulation is managed by absolute time or absolute common information such as position information of the information management apparatus, that is, when and where reproduction is performed is determined by the user and the provided information management. It can be managed as common information without having to communicate with the source. Therefore, the reproduction restriction can be completed in the information management apparatus, and the provided information management source only needs to manage the management information (number) of the main information and the information (number) unique to the information management apparatus. Cost can be very low.

[0073]

According to the information management apparatus of the present invention, the reproduction regulation is managed by absolute time or absolute common information such as position information of the information management apparatus, that is, when and where reproduction is performed is determined by the user. It can be managed as common information without communication with the provided information management source. Therefore, the reproduction restriction can be completed in the information management device, and the provided information management source:
Since only the management information (number) of the main information and the information (number) unique to the information management device need only be managed, the cost of information management can be very low.

The second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded is a member integrally formed with the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded, or the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded. And a separate member from the recording medium.

Thus, when the second recording medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded and the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded are formed on the same member, for example, the member is separated. Can be inserted into the information management device and reproduced.

In this method, the information to be managed is only the absolute time. In this case, no matter where they go,
As long as the member is provided, the reproduction can be performed, and the user merit is increased. On the other hand, the second
And the first recording medium on which the main information is recorded is formed on separate members, and the second recording medium is embedded in the information management device 1 when the first recording medium is embedded in the information management apparatus 1. A recording medium;
Since reproduction cannot be performed unless the permitted information management device matches, the information management is sufficient, and the advantage of the provided information management source is increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention and is a diagram showing a system configuration of an information management device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method of initial reproduction in a diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method of reproducing the second and subsequent times in the diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information management apparatus, 2 ... 1st recording medium, 3 ... 1st recording / reproducing means, 4 ... Signal processing means, 5 ... Display means, 6 ... Communication means, 7 ... Absolute time detection means, 8 ... Position information Detecting means, 9 ... controller, 10 ... second recording and reproducing means, 1
1. Second recording medium.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5D044 BC05 CC04 EF02 FG18 GK12 HH13 HH15 HL02 HL07 HL11

Claims (8)

[Claims] A reproducing means for reproducing main information recorded on a predetermined recording medium; a communication means for managing information with a providing information managing source for providing the main information; An information management apparatus, comprising: recording means for recording allowable condition information to be performed; and absolute time detecting means for grasping an absolute time for managing a provision time of the main information. 2. The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising a position information detecting unit that detects position information where the information management device is installed. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a main information managing means for comparing the permissible condition information, the absolute time, and the position information, and restricting reproduction of the main information based on the comparison result. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permissible condition information for regulating the time for providing the main information includes key information necessary for reproducing the main information and permissible absolute time information indicating a period during which reproduction is permitted. The information management device according to claim 1, wherein 5. The permissible condition information for regulating the time for providing the main information includes key information necessary for reproducing the main information, permissible absolute time information indicating a period during which reproduction is permitted, and the information management device. The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information management apparatus comprises position information at the time of transmission from the information management device. 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said absolute time detecting means includes means for receiving a signal of a standard time of each country transmitted by an RF signal, thereby detecting the absolute time.
An information management device according to item 1. 7. The detection of the position information includes means for receiving a signal from a global positioning system (GPS) satellite, thereby detecting the position information of the information management device. The information management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 8. The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium on which the main information is recorded and the medium on which the permissible condition information is recorded are formed of the same member.