JP2001142855A - Device and method for processing information, and program storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily acquire information from an information providing device, which requests a different procedure. SOLUTION: A display operation instruction program 112 requests the transmission of information corresponding to contents to a WWW server 5-1 on the basis of a first procedure. The display operation instruction program 112 requests the transmission of information corresponding to contents to a WWW server 5-2 on the basis of a second procedure. The display operation instruction program 02 sets any one of WWW servers 5-1 and 5-2, selects any one of them on the basis of setting and requests the transmission of information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program storage medium, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus and method for acquiring information from an information providing apparatus.
And a program storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An information processing apparatus such as a personal computer can acquire data corresponding to music data recorded on a mounted CD (Compact Disc) from a predetermined server via the Internet or the like. .

[0003]

However, for example, in a normal Web server or CDDB, required procedures are different, and data corresponding to music data must be obtained by different programs, which is very troublesome. Was.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to enable information to be easily obtained from an information providing apparatus that requests a different procedure.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: first requesting means for requesting a first information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to a content based on a first procedure; Setting, based on a second procedure, a second requesting unit for requesting the second information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to the content, and setting one of the first information providing apparatus and the second information providing apparatus Based on the setting of the setting means and the setting of the setting means,
It is characterized by including a selecting means for selecting one of the first requesting means and the second requesting means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method comprising: a first requesting step of requesting a first information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to a content based on a first procedure;
Requesting the second information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to the content based on the above procedure, and setting one of the first information providing apparatus and the second information providing apparatus And a selecting step of selecting one of the processing of the first request step and the processing of the second request step based on the setting in the processing of the setting step.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a program in a program storage medium includes a first requesting step for requesting a first information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to a content based on a first procedure; A second requesting step of requesting the second information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to the content based on a procedure, and a setting step of setting either the first information providing apparatus or the second information providing apparatus. And a selecting step of selecting one of the processing of the first requesting step and the processing of the second requesting step based on the setting in the processing of the setting step.

[0008] The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2
In the information processing method described in the above, and the program storage medium described in the claim 3, transmission of information corresponding to the content is requested to the first information providing apparatus based on the first procedure, and the second procedure is executed. Based on the setting, the first information providing device and the second information providing device are set, and based on the setting, the first requesting means is transmitted to the second information providing device. One of the second request means is selected.

[0009]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a music data management system according to the present invention. The personal computer 1 is connected to a network 2 including a local area network or the Internet. The personal computer 1 is an EMD
(Elecrical Music Distribution) Servers 4-1 to 4
-3 or a CD (Compact Dis
c) converts the music data (hereinafter referred to as “content”) read into a predetermined compression method (for example, ATRAC3 (trademark)) and DES (Data Encryption Standalone).
ard) and record it.

[0010] The personal computer 1 records usage condition data indicating the usage conditions of the content in correspondence with the encrypted content. The usage condition data is, for example, a content corresponding to the usage condition data is simultaneously stored in three portable devices (Portable D).
evice (also referred to as PD) 6-1 to 6-3, can be copied, can be moved to another personal computer, and the like. Details of the usage condition data will be described later.

The personal computer 1 stores the encrypted and recorded content in the connected portable device 6-1 and stores the content in accordance with the storage in the portable device 6-1. The use condition data corresponding to the content is updated (hereinafter, referred to as checkout). The personal computer 1 stores the encrypted and recorded content in the connected portable device 6-2 and, in response to the storage in the portable device 6-2, corresponds to the stored content. Update the usage condition data. The personal computer 1 stores the encrypted and recorded content in the connected portable device 6-3 and, in response to the storage in the portable device 6-3, corresponds to the stored content. Update the usage condition data.

The personal computer 1 causes the portable device 6-1 to delete the content stored in the connected portable device 6-1 and updates the usage condition data corresponding to the deleted content. (Hereinafter referred to as check-in). The personal computer 1 causes the portable device 6-2 to erase the content stored in the connected portable device 6-2, and updates the usage condition data corresponding to the erased content. The personal computer 1 is connected to the portable device 6-3.
Content stored in the portable device 6
-3, and updates the usage condition data corresponding to the deleted content.

When the personal computer 1 starts acquiring contents from the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3, the EMD registration server 3 responds to the request from the personal computer 1 via the network 2 in response to the request from the personal computer 1. And transmits an authentication key required for mutual authentication between the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 to the personal computer 1, and transmits a program for connecting to the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 to the personal computer 1. .

The EMD server 4-1 responds to a request from the personal computer 1 via the network 2
The contents are supplied to the personal computer 1. E
The MD server 4-2 supplies contents to the personal computer 1 via the network 2 in response to a request from the personal computer 1. EMD server 4-
3 supplies content to the personal computer 1 via the network 2 in response to a request from the personal computer 1.

The contents supplied by each of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 are compressed by the same or different compression methods. The content supplied by each of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 is encrypted by the same or different encryption method.

[0016] WWW (World Wide Web) server 5-1
Responds to a request from the personal computer 1 via the network 2 via the network 2 for a CD (for example, a CD album name or a CD sales company) and data corresponding to the content read from the CD ( For example, a song name or a composer name) is supplied to the personal computer 1. WWW server 5-2
Supplies the personal computer 1 with the CD from which the content has been read and the data corresponding to the content read from the CD via the network 2 in response to a request from the personal computer 1.

The portable device 6-1 stores the content (ie, the content supplied from the personal computer 1).
Checked-out content) is stored. The portable device 6-1 plays the stored content and outputs the content to a headphone (not shown) or the like. The user
The portable device 6-1 storing the content can be detached from the personal computer 1, carried around, played back of the stored content, and listen to music or the like corresponding to the content using headphones or the like.

The portable device 6-2 stores the content supplied from the personal computer 1.
The portable device 6-2 reproduces the stored content and outputs the content to a headphone (not shown) or the like. The user operates the portable device 6-2 storing the content.
Is detached from the personal computer 1, the user can carry the content, play back the stored content, and listen to music or the like corresponding to the content using headphones or the like.

The portable device 6-3 stores the content supplied from the personal computer 1.
The portable device 6-3 reproduces the stored content and outputs the content to a headphone (not shown) or the like. The user operates the portable device 6-3 storing the content.
Is detached from the personal computer 1, the user can carry the content, play back the stored content, and listen to music or the like corresponding to the content using headphones or the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the personal computer 1. CPU (Central Processing Uni
t) 11 actually executes various application programs (details will be described later) and an OS (Operating System). The ROM (Read-only Memory) 12 generally stores basically fixed data among programs used by the CPU 11 and parameters for calculation.
A RAM (Random-Access Memory) 13 stores a program used in the execution of the CPU 11 and parameters that change as appropriate in the execution. These are interconnected by a host bus 14 composed of a CPU bus and the like.

The host bus 14 is connected via a bridge 15 to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Inter
face) bus or other external bus 16.

The keyboard 18 is operated by the user when inputting various commands to the CPU 11. Mouse 1
Numeral 9 is operated by the user when pointing or selecting a point on the screen of the display 20. The display 20 is a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tub).
e), etc., and displays various information as text or images. An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 21 drives a hard disk and records or reproduces a program or information executed by the CPU 11 on the hard disk.

The drive 22 reads data or a program recorded on the mounted magnetic disk 41, optical disk 42 (including CD), magneto-optical disk 43, or semiconductor memory 44, and reads the data or program. Interface 17, external bus 16,
The data is supplied to the bridge 15 and the RAM 13 connected via the host bus 14.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 2
The portable device 6-1 is connected to 3-1 via a predetermined cable. The USB port 23-1 is connected to the HDD 21, the CPU 1 via the interface 17, the external bus 16, the bridge 15, or the host bus 14.
1 or data supplied from the RAM 13 (for example,
Content or a command of the portable device 6-1) is output to the portable device 6-1.

The portable device 6-2 is connected to the USB port 23-2 via a predetermined cable.
The USB port 23-2 receives data (for example, content or a command of the portable device 6-2) supplied from the HDD 21, CPU 11, or RAM 13 via the interface 17, the external bus 16, the bridge 15, or the host bus 14. Is output to the portable device 6-2.

A portable device 6-3 is connected to the USB port 23-3 via a predetermined cable.
The USB port 23-3 receives data (eg, content or a command of the portable device 6-3) supplied from the HDD 21, the CPU 11, or the RAM 13 via the interface 17, the external bus 16, the bridge 15, or the host bus 14. Is output to the portable device 6-3.

The speaker 24 outputs a predetermined sound corresponding to the content based on the data or the audio signal supplied from the interface 17.

These keyboard 18 to speaker 24
Is connected to the interface 17, and the interface 17 is connected to the CPU 11 via the external bus 16, the bridge 15, and the host bus 14.

The communication unit 25 is connected to the network 2 and stores data (for example, a registration request or a content transmission request) supplied from the CPU 11 or the HDD 21 in a packet of a predetermined system, and CPU 2 transmits data (for example, an authentication key or content) stored in a packet received via the network 2 to the CPU 11.
Output to RAM 13 or HDD 21.

The communication unit 25 includes the external bus 16 and the bridge 1
5 and to the CPU 11 via the host bus 14.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the EMD registration server 3. The CPU 61 actually executes an application program such as a Web server program and an OS. The ROM 62 generally stores basically fixed data of programs used by the CPU 61 and calculation parameters. The RAM 63 stores a program used in the execution of the CPU 61 and parameters that change as appropriate in the execution. These are mutually connected by a host bus 64 composed of a CPU bus and the like.

The host bus 64 is connected via a bridge 65 to an external bus 66 such as a PCI bus.

The keyboard 68 is operated by the user when inputting various commands to the CPU 61. Mouse 6
Reference numeral 9 is operated by the user when indicating or selecting a point on the screen of the display 70. The display 70 includes a liquid crystal display device or a CRT, and displays various information as text or images. The HDD 71 is
The hard disks are driven to record or reproduce programs and information to be executed by the CPU 61.

The drive 72 reads data or a program recorded on the mounted magnetic disk 91, optical disk 92, magneto-optical disk 93, or semiconductor memory 94, and reads the data or program.
Interface 67, external bus 66, bridge 65,
And a RAM 6 connected via a host bus 64
Supply 3

The keyboard 68 to the drive 72
Is connected to an interface 67, and the interface 67 is connected to the CPU 61 via an external bus 66, a bridge 65, and a host bus 64.

The communication unit 73 is connected to the network 2 and receives data (for example, data necessary for registration described later or an ID (Identifier) of a predetermined program) stored in a packet received via the network 2. ) Is output to the CPU 61, the RAM 63, or the HDD 71, and the data (for example, a predetermined number of authentication keys or programs) supplied from the CPU 61 or the HDD 71 is stored in a packet of a predetermined method.
The transmission is performed via the network 2.

The communication unit 73 includes an external bus 66, a bridge 6
5 and the CPU 61 via the host bus 64.

EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 and W
The configuration of each of the WW servers 5-1 and 5-2 is E
Since the configuration is the same as that of the MD registration server 3, its description is omitted.

Next, functions realized by the personal computer 1 executing a predetermined program will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the functions of the personal computer 1 realized by executing a predetermined program of the CPU 11 and the like. The content management program 111 includes an EMD selection program 131,
Check-in / check-out management program 132,
Encryption method conversion program 133, compression method conversion program 134, encryption program 135, use condition conversion program 136, signature management program 137, authentication program 138, decryption program 139, PD driver 1
40, purchase driver 141, and purchase driver 1
42 and the like.

The content management program 111 is described by, for example, shuffled instructions or encrypted instructions, concealing the processing contents from the outside, and makes it difficult to read the processing contents (for example, , Even if the user directly reads the content management program 111, the instruction cannot be specified).

When the content management program 111 is installed in the personal computer 1, the EMD selection program 131
11 is received from the EMD registration server 3 via the network 2 in an EMD registration process described later. The EMD selection program 131 selects a connection with any of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3,
The purchase application 115 or the purchase driver 141 or 142 is provided with the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-
3 (for example, downloading content when purchasing content).

The check-in / check-out management program 132 checks the content files 161-1 to 162-N based on the setting of check-in or check-out and the use condition files 162-1 to 162-N recorded in the content database 114. 161-N to the portable device 6-1.
Check out to any one of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 or check in the content stored in the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

The check-in / check-out management program 132 uses the use conditions stored in the use condition files 162-1 to 162-N recorded in the content database 114 in response to the check-in or check-out processing. Update the data of.

The encryption system conversion program 133 includes a system for encrypting the content received by the purchase application program 115 from the EMD server 4-1 via the network 2, and the purchase driver 141
-2, or the content encryption method of the content received by the purchase driver 142 from the EMD server 4-3 according to the content files 161-1 to 161- The content is converted into the same encryption scheme as the content stored in N.

The encryption system conversion program 133 is
When the content is checked out to the portable device 6-1 or 6-3, the content to be checked out is converted into an encryption method usable by the portable device 6-1 or 6-3.

The compression method conversion program 134 is a method for compressing the content received by the purchase application program 115 from the EMD server 4-1 via the network 2, and the purchase driver 141 is
The method of compressing the content received from the EMD server 4-3 or the method of compressing the content received from the
Content files 161-1 through 16-1
1-N is converted to the same compression method as that of the content stored in 1-N.

The compression method conversion program 134
When the content is checked out to the portable device 6-1 or 6-3, the content to be checked out is converted into a compression format that can be used by the portable device 6-1 or 6-3.

The encryption program 135 reads the content (unencrypted) read from, for example, a CD and supplied from the recording program 113 in the content file 161 stored in the content database 114.
-1 to 161 -N are encrypted by the same encryption method as the content stored therein.

The usage condition conversion program 136 includes data (so-called Usage Rule) indicating the usage conditions of the content received from the EMD server 4-1 by the purchase application program 115 via the network 2, and the purchase driver 141 The data indicating the usage condition of the content received from the server 4-2 or the data indicating the usage condition of the content received from the EMD server 4-3 by the purchase driver 142 is stored in the content database 1.
14 records usage condition files 162-1 through 162-1
62-N is converted into the same format as the usage condition data stored in the storage device.

The usage condition conversion program 136 is
When the content is checked out to the portable device 6-1 or 6-3, the usage condition data corresponding to the content to be checked out is converted into usage condition data usable by the portable device 6-1 or 6-3. .

Before executing the check-in or check-out process, the signature management program 137 stores the usage condition data stored in the usage condition files 162-1 to 162-N recorded in the content database 114. Based on the included signature (described later), tampering of the data of the usage rule is detected. The signature management program 137 updates the usage rule data stored in the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N recorded in the content database 114 in response to the check-in or check-out processing, Update the signature included in the usage condition data.

The authentication program 138 executes a mutual authentication process between the content management program 111 and the purchase application program 115 and a mutual authentication process between the content management program 111 and the purchase driver 141. In addition, the authentication program 138 uses the EMD
Server 4-1 and purchase application program 11
5, authentication keys used in the process of mutual authentication between the EMD server 4-2 and the purchase driver 141, and the process of mutual authentication between the EMD server 4-3 and the purchase driver 142. are doing.

The authentication key used by the authentication program 138 in the mutual authentication process is determined when the content management program 111 is installed in the personal computer 1.
When it is not stored in the authentication program 138 and the registration processing is normally executed by the display operation instruction program 112, the information is supplied from the EMD registration server 3 and stored in the authentication program 138.

The decryption program 139 executes the content file 16 recorded in the content database 114.
When the personal computer 1 reproduces the content stored in 1-1 to 161-N, the content is decrypted.

The PD driver 140 checks the predetermined content in the portable device 6-2 or checks in the predetermined content from the portable device 6-2.
2 is supplied with a content or a command for causing the portable device 6-2 to execute a predetermined process.

When the PD driver 140 checks out a predetermined content to the portable device 6-1 or checks in the predetermined content from the portable device 6-1, the device driver 116 operates.
-1 to the content or device driver 116-1
To execute a predetermined process.

When the PD driver 140 checks out a predetermined content to the portable device 6-3 or checks in the predetermined content from the portable device 6-3, the device driver 116 operates as follows.
-2 content or device driver 116-2
To execute a predetermined process.

The purchase driver 141 is a so-called plug-in program.
11 and is supplied from the EMD registration server 3 via the network 2 or recorded on a predetermined CD and supplied. When the purchase driver 141 is installed in the personal computer 1, the purchase driver 141 is connected to the content management program 111 via a predetermined format interface of the content management program 111.
1 to send and receive data.

The purchase driver 141 is connected to the network 2
Requesting transmission of predetermined content to the EMD server 4-2 via, and receiving content from the EMD server 4-2. The purchase driver 141 is EM
When content is received from the D server 4-2, a billing process is executed.

The purchase driver 142 is a program installed together with the content management program 111, and is connected to the EMD server 4-3 via the network 2.
Requesting the transmission of predetermined content to
The content is received from the server 4-3. Further, the purchase driver 142 executes a billing process when receiving the content from the EMD server 4-3.

The display operation instruction program 112 includes a filtering data file 181, a display data file 1
82, an image of a predetermined window is displayed on the display 20 based on the image files 183-1 to 183-K or the history data file 184, and the content management program 111 is operated by operating the keyboard 18 or the mouse 19. Instructs execution of processing such as check-in or check-out.

The filtering data file 181 is
Data for weighting each content stored in the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in the content database 114 is stored in the HDD 21.

The display data file 182 stores data corresponding to the content stored in the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in the content database 114 and is recorded on the HDD 21.

Image files 183-1 to 183-K
Stores images corresponding to the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in the content database 114 or images corresponding to packages described later, and are recorded in the HDD 21.

Hereinafter, the image files 183-1 to 183 will be described.
When it is not necessary to individually distinguish -K, it is simply referred to as an image file 183.

The history data file 184 stores the number of times the content stored in the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in the content database 114 has been checked out, the number of times the content has been checked in, and the date of the content. The data is stored in the HDD 21
It is recorded in.

At the time of the registration process, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the content management program 1 stored in advance in the EMD registration server 3 via the network 2.
In addition to transmitting the ID 11 and receiving the authentication key and the EMD selection program 131 from the EMD registration server 3, it supplies the content management program 111 with the authentication key and the EMD selection program 131.

The recording program 113 displays an image of a predetermined window, and displays the image on the keyboard 18 or the mouse 1.
Based on the operation on the No. 9, data such as the recording time of the content is read from the CD which is the optical disk 42 mounted on the drive 22.

The recording program 113 transmits data (eg, album name, album name, etc.) corresponding to the CD to the WWW server 5-1 or 5-2 via the network 2 based on the recording time of the content recorded on the CD. Or a request for transmission of data (eg, song titles) corresponding to the content recorded on the CD or the content recorded on the CD, and data corresponding to the CD or recorded on the CD from the WWW server 5-1 or 5-2. Data corresponding to the content being received.

The recording program 113 supplies the received data corresponding to the CD or the data corresponding to the content recorded on the CD to the display operation instruction program 112.

When a recording instruction is input, the recording program 113 reads contents from a CD, which is the optical disk 42 mounted on the drive 22, and outputs the contents to the content management program 111.

The content database 114 stores the content compressed by the predetermined method and encrypted by the predetermined method supplied from the content management program 111 in any of the content files 161-1 to 161-N. (Record on HDD 21). The content database 114 stores content files 161-
The use condition data corresponding to the content stored in each of the content files 161-1 to 161-N is stored in the use condition files 162-1 to 1616 corresponding to the content files 161-1 to 161-N in which the content is stored.
2-N (recorded in the HDD 21).

The content database 114 may record the content files 161-1 to 161-N or the use condition files 162-1 to 162-N as records.

For example, the usage rule data corresponding to the content stored in the content file 161-1 is stored in the usage rule file 162-1. The usage rule data corresponding to the content stored in the content file 161-N is the usage rule file 1
62-N.

Hereinafter, when there is no need to individually distinguish the content files 161-1 to 161-N, they are simply referred to as content files 161. Hereinafter, when there is no need to individually distinguish the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N, they are simply referred to as usage rule files 162.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of usage rule data stored in the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N. Content ID is content file 1
61-1 or 161-N. Either “YES” or “NO” is set for checkout, and when “YES” is set, the content management program 111 transfers the content specified by the content ID to the portable device 6. You can check out any of 1 to 6-3. When “NO” is set to allow checkout, the content management program 111 does not check out the content specified by the content ID to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

The number of possible check-outs is set to the number of check-outs that can be executed by the content management program 111. When the content management program 111 executes the check-out once, the number of times that the check-out is possible is decremented. When the content management program 111 executes the check-in once, the number of times that the check-out is possible is incremented.

When the check-out is executed and the number of check-out possible changes from "1" to "0", "NO" is set as the check-out possible. Execute check-in and check-out possible count from "0"
When "1" is reached, "YE"
S "is set.

If the move is possible, "YES" or "N
When any value of “O” is set and “YES” is set, the content management program 111 can move the content specified by the content ID. When
The content management program 111 does not move the content specified by the content ID.

For copying possible, "YES" or "N"
When any value of “O” is set and “YES” is set, the content management program 111 can copy the content specified by the content ID. When
The content management program 111 does not copy the content specified by the content ID.

In the permitted number of copies, the number of copies that can be executed by the content management program 111 is set.

For the expiration date, use the content specified by the content ID (checkout or playback, etc.)
The possible period is described.

The usable area describes an area (for example, Japan or the whole world) where the content specified by the content ID can be used (checkout or reproduction).

The signature is stored in the signature management program 13 based on the content ID and the data set in the usable area.
7 (hereinafter referred to as signature data) is stored. The signature data is used to detect falsification of the usage condition data. Since the algorithm for generating the signature data of the signature management program 137 is a one-way function and is not disclosed, except for the person who supplies the content management program 111, the algorithm is based on the data set in the content ID or the usable area. It is difficult to generate correct signature data.

Application program for purchase 115
Is supplied from the EMD registration server 3 via the network 2 or is recorded on a predetermined CD and supplied. The purchase application program 115 requests the EMD server 4-1 to transmit predetermined content via the network 2, receives the content from the EMD server 4-1, and executes the content management program 111.
To supply. Further, the purchase application program 115 executes a billing process when receiving the content from the EMD server 4-1.

Next, the correspondence between the data stored in the display data file 82 and the content files 161-1 to 161-N stored in the content database will be described.

Content files 161-1 to 161
-N belongs to a predetermined package. The package is more specifically either an original package, a myselect package, or a filtering package.

The original package includes one or more contents, and corresponds to the classification of the contents in the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 (for example, corresponding to a so-called album) or one CD. The content belongs to any one of the original packages, and cannot belong to a plurality of original packages. Also, the original package to which the content belongs cannot be changed. The user can edit a part of the information corresponding to the original package (addition of information or change of added information).

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of the relationship between the original package display data 201 for defining the relationship between the original package and the content and the content files 161-1 to 161-N included in the display data file 182. is there. The original package display data 201 includes the package display data 211-1 to 22-1.
1-M.

The package display data 211-1 includes content display data 221-1-1 to 221-1-1.
i.

Content display data 221-1-1
Corresponds to the content stored in the content file 161-1. Content file 161-
The content usage condition data stored in
It is stored in the usage rule file 162-1.

Content display data 221-1-2
Corresponds to the content stored in the content file 161-2. Content file 161-
The data of the usage conditions of the content stored in
It is stored in the usage rule file 162-2.

Content display data 221-1-i
Corresponds to the content stored in the content file 161-q. Content file 161-
The content usage condition data stored in q is
It is stored in the usage rule file 162-q.

The package display data 211-2 includes the content display data 221-2-1 through 221-2-2.
j.

Content display data 221-2-1
Corresponds to the content stored in the content file 161- (q + 1). The content usage condition data stored in the content file 161- (q + 1) is stored in the usage condition file 162- (q + 1).
Is stored in

Content Display Data 221-2-2
Corresponds to the content stored in the content file 161- (q + 2). The content usage condition data stored in the content file 161- (q + 2) is stored in the usage condition file 162- (q + 2).
Is stored in

Content display data 221-2-j
Corresponds to the content stored in the content file 161-r. Content file 161-
r, the content usage condition data stored in r
It is stored in the usage rule file 162-r.

Similarly, the package display data 211-
M is the content display data 221-M-1 to 22
1-Mp.

Content Display Data 221-Mp
Corresponds to the content stored in the content file 161-N. Content file 161-
The content usage condition data stored in N
It is stored in the usage rule file 162-N.

Hereinafter, the package display data 211-1
When it is not necessary to individually distinguish the data items 211 to 211-M, they are simply referred to as package display data 211. Hereinafter, when there is no need to individually distinguish the content display data 221-1-1 to 221-Mp, they are simply referred to as content display data 221.

Hereinafter, when there is no need to individually distinguish the content files 161-1 to 161-N, they are simply referred to as content files 161. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N, they are simply referred to as usage rule files 162.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the display data file 182. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of the package display data 221. The package display data 221 includes package ID data for identifying a package, package type data for identifying any of an original package, a MySelect package, or a filtering package, package name data, artist name data, and genre. Name data, data indicating an image file name in which an image corresponding to the package is stored, and content ID data corresponding to one or more contents belonging to the package. Information corresponding to the original package added to the user is added to the package display data 221 as data not shown.

FIG. 7B shows the content display data 2
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example 21. Content display data 22
Reference numeral 1 denotes data of a content ID, data of an original package ID for specifying an original package to which the corresponding content belongs, data of a song name, data of the number of checkouts, and an image file name in which an image corresponding to the content is stored. Is composed of data indicating

Further, the display data file 182 is
As shown in (C), the data type and data may be recorded in association with the content ID.

The My Select package includes one or more contents arbitrarily selected by the user. The user can arbitrarily edit which content belongs to the My Select package. Content can simultaneously belong to one or more MySelect packages. Further, the content does not need to belong to any of the my select packages.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the relationship between the display data 241 for the MySelect package, which defines the relationship between the MySelect package and the contents, belonging to the display data file 182, and the content files 161-1 to 161-N. . The display data 241 for my select package includes the display data 251-1 to 25-1 for package.
1-S.

The package display data 251-1 corresponds to the contents of the content display data 221 according to the setting of the user.
-1-1, 221-2-2, 221-1-i, and the like.

The package display data 251-2 corresponds to the contents of the content display data 221 in accordance with the setting of the user.
-J, 221-3-1 or 221-1-2.

Similarly, package display data 251-
S is the content display data 221-2-2, 221-2-1, or 221-1 corresponding to the setting of the user.
-I and so on.

Hereinafter, the package display data 251-1
When it is not necessary to individually discriminate between the items 251 to S251-S, they are simply referred to as package display data 251.

The package display data 251 is shown in FIG.
Package display data 22 described with reference to FIG.
1 has the same structure as that of FIG.

As described above, the user can assign any content to the MySelect package, and one content may belong to a plurality of MySelect packages.

The filtering package includes contents selected based on the filtering data stored in the filtering data file 181. The filtering data is stored in the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3.
Alternatively, it is supplied from the WWW server 5-1 or 5-2 via the network 2, or is recorded on a predetermined CD and supplied. The user can edit the filtering data stored in the filtering data file 181.

The filtering data serves as a reference for selecting a predetermined content or calculating a weight corresponding to the content. For example, if the filtering data corresponding to the J-POP (Japanese pop) best ten of the week is used, the personal computer 1 specifies the content of the Japanese pop No. 1 this week to the content of the Japanese pop No. 10 this week. can do.

The filtering data file 181 is
For example, filtering data that selects content in descending order of the period checked out in the past month,
Filtering data to select content that has been checked out frequently in the past six months, or song title
It includes filtering data for selecting content containing the characters "love".

As described above, the contents of the filtering package correspond to the contents display data 221 (including the data set by the user in the contents display data 221) or the history data 184 corresponding to the contents, and the filtering data. Let me choose.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the filtering package display data 281 and the content files 161-1 to 161-N which belong to the display data file 182 and defines the relationship between the filtering package and the content. The filtering package display data 281 includes package display data 291-1 to 291-A.

The package display data 291-1 includes the content display data 221-2-2, 221-1-1.
2, and 221-Mp.

The package display data 291-2 includes the content display data 221-1-i and 221-2-.
j, 221-2-2, and the like.

Similarly, package display data 291-
A is the content display data 221-1-i, 221
-2-j and 221-2-2.

Hereinafter, the package display data 291-1
When it is not necessary to individually discriminate among the items 291 to 291 -A, they are simply referred to as package display data 291.

The package display data 291 is shown in FIG.
Package display data 22 described with reference to FIG.
1 has the same structure as that of FIG.

As described above, a predetermined content selected by the processing of the personal computer 1 belongs to the filtering package, and one content may belong to a plurality of filtering packages.

Next, the EMD registration process will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Content management program 111
When the display operation instruction program 112 is started for the first time after the display operation instruction program 112 is installed in the personal computer 1, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the URL (Uniform
Resource Locator), and refer to network 2
Is connected to the EMD registration server 3 via.

The EMD registration server 3 transmits data for displaying a screen for executing a registration process to the display operation instruction program 112. Display operation instruction program 11
2, for example, causes the display 20 to display a screen on which the EMD registration button 311 is arranged as shown in FIG.

When the EMD registration button 311 is clicked, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the ID of the content management program 111 stored in advance in the EMD registration server 3 and data necessary for registration (user of the personal computer 1). , And a credit number), the EMD registration server 3 requests transmission of the authentication key 301 and the EMD selection program 131 recorded in advance.

When the EMD registration server 3 determines that the received ID of the content management program 111 is valid, it transmits the authentication key 301 and the EMD selection program 131 to the display operation instruction program 112 via the network 2. .

When the EMD registration server 3 determines that the received ID of the content management program 111 is not valid, it transmits a predetermined error message to the display operation instruction program 112 via the network 2. When the ID of the content management program 111 is not valid, the display operation instruction program 112 cannot acquire the authentication key 301 and the EMD selection program 131.

[0130] The display operation instruction program 112 uses the EMD
When receiving the authentication key 301 and the EMD selection program 131 from the registration server 3, the authentication key 301 and the EMD
The MD selection program 131 is supplied to the content management program 111.

When the authentication key 301 and the EMD selection program 131 are supplied from the display operation instruction program 112, the content management program 111 installs and activates the EMD selection program 131, and sets the authentication key 301 for the authentication. Supply to program 138. The authentication program 138 stores the obtained authentication key 301 therein.

When the EMD selection program 131 is started, for example, as shown in FIG.
A window in which a button for starting connection with any one of 1 to 4-3 is arranged is displayed on the display 20.

[0133] For example, when the button 331 is clicked, the content management program 111 activates the purchase application 151 and connects the purchase application 151 to the EMD server 4-1. At this time,
The authentication program 138 uses the authentication key 301 to execute mutual authentication with the purchase application 151 and causes the purchase application 151 to execute mutual authentication with the EMD server 4-1.

When the mutual authentication process is successful, the purchase application 151 causes the display 20 to display, for example, a screen for purchasing the content shown in FIG.

For example, when the button 332 shown in FIG. 12 is clicked, the content management program 111
The purchase driver 141 as a plug-in is installed, and the purchase driver 141 is connected to the EMD server 4-2. At this time, the authentication program 138 executes the mutual authentication process with the purchase driver 141 using the authentication key 301 and executes the mutual authentication process with the EMD server 4-2 on the purchase driver 141. Let it.

When the mutual authentication process is successful, the purchase driver 141 causes the display 20 to display a screen for purchasing the content shown in FIG. 14, for example.

Similarly, for example, the button 33 shown in FIG.
3 is clicked, the content management program 1
11 makes the purchase driver 142 connect to the EMD server 4-3. At this time, the authentication program 138 uses the authentication key 301 to execute a mutual authentication process with the EMD server 4-3 via the purchase driver 142.

Note that the check button 334 shown in FIG.
Is checked, the EMD servers 4-1 through 4
-3, the content is received in the content database 114, and the predetermined portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 are stored in the content database 114. Checked out to one of:

Next, a series of processing for reading and recording contents from a CD mounted on the drive 22 will be described.

FIG. 15 shows that when the EMD registration has been completed, the display operation instruction program 112 is activated,
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window displayed on a display 20 by an operation instruction program 112.

In the display operation instruction window, a button 341 for activating the recording program 113, a button 342 for activating the EMD selection program 131,
A button 343 for displaying a field for setting check-in or check-out processing, and a button 344 for displaying a field for editing MySelect package display data 241 are arranged. .

When the button 345 is selected, the field 351 displays data corresponding to the original package. When the button 346 is selected, data corresponding to the My Select package is displayed in the field 351. When the button 347 is selected, the field 351 displays data corresponding to the filtering package.

The data displayed in the field 351 is
Data on the package, for example, a package name or an artist name.

For example, in FIG. 15, the package name "first" and the artist name "Ataro" stored in the package display data 221-1 and the package name stored in the package display data 221-2 are displayed. "Second" and artist name
"A Taro" is displayed in the field 351.

The field 352 includes a field 351
The data corresponding to the content belonging to the package selected in is displayed. The data displayed in the field 352 is, for example, a song title, a playing time, or the number of checkouts.

For example, in FIG. 15, since the package corresponding to the package display data 221-2 is selected, the content display data 221 corresponding to the content belonging to the package corresponding to the package display data 221-2 is selected. -1 (showing three times) and the song title "Northern Graveyard" stored in the content display data 221-2. The number of check-outs ".." (indicating two times) is indicated in the field 35.
1 is displayed.

It should be noted that the number of possible check-outs is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, not only is a predetermined figure (for example, a star, a moon, etc.) displayed, but also a number or a note length (for example, a sixteenth note corresponds to one time, two 16
A half note or eighth note may correspond to two times, or three sixteenth notes or dotted eighth notes may correspond to three times, or the like.

[0148] In the display operation instruction window, a field 348 for displaying an image or the like associated with the selected package or content is arranged. The button 349 is clicked when reproducing the selected content (outputting sound corresponding to the content to the speaker 24).

When the button 345 is selected, the field 35
1, when data corresponding to the original package is displayed, when a song title of predetermined content displayed in the field 352 is selected and an erasing operation is performed, the display operation instruction program 112 executes the content management program. 111, corresponding to the selected song name,
A predetermined content stored in the content database 114 is deleted.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a window displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113 when the recording program 113 is activated by clicking the button 341.

The recording program 113 reads the playing time of the content recorded on the CD from the CD mounted on the drive 22, and displays it in the field 383. Since the song title is unknown, the recording program 113 displays "Unknown" in the portion of the field 383 that displays the song title.

Since the title and the artist name of the CD mounted on the drive 22 are both unknown, the recording program 113 sets "unknown" in the field 381 for displaying the title of the CD and the field 382 for displaying the artist name. Is displayed.

[0153] The window displayed by the recording program 113 further includes a button 384 clicked when acquiring information on the CD, and automatically reading the content from the CD when the content read from the CD is recorded in the content database 114. A button 385 for setting whether to check out the downloaded content to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 is arranged.

For example, when the button 385 is clicked, the recording program 113 executes the portable device 6-
A pull-down menu showing a list of 1 to 6-3 is displayed. When the user selects one of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 from the pull-down menu, the personal computer 1 automatically switches the selected portable device 6-1 to 6-3 to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3. ,
Check out the content recorded from the CD. When the user selects “do not check out” from the pull-down menu, the personal computer 1
Does not check out when recording content from a CD.

[0155] In the window displayed by the recording program 113, a button 386 for instructing the start of recording of the content recorded on the CD is arranged.

FIG. 17 shows that the recording program 113 has the WWW
When acquiring CD information from either the server 5-1 or 5-2, the recording program 113 displays W
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a property dialog box for setting whether to acquire CD information from the WW server 5-1 or 5-2.

In the property dialog box, WW
A field 401 for setting whether to acquire CD information from either the W server 5-1 or 5-2 is arranged. For example, when "CDDB" is set in the field 401, the recording program 113 requests the WWW server 5-1 corresponding to CDDB to transmit CD information.
For example, in the field 401, "CDNEW JAPAN"
When "N" (for example, the name of a company or a site that provides the same service as CDNOW (trademark)) is set, the recording program 113 requests the WWW server 5-2 corresponding to the CDDB to transmit CD information. .

When "CDDB" is set in the field 401, the fields 402 and 403
Configurable. Field 402 contains the CDDB first
Set the URL of the site, and enter the CD
Set the URL of the DB second site.

A field 404 contains a WWW server 5-
When the information of the CD is received from any one of the CDs 1 and 5-2, a directory (HDD 21) for recording the received information is received.
Directory) is set.

When the button 405 is clicked, the recording program 113 accesses a predetermined WWW server via the network 2 based on the URL stored in advance by the recording program 113 and
RL and the information of the URL of the CDDB second site are acquired, and as shown in FIG. 18, the URL of the CDDB first site is acquired.
Is set as a candidate for the information to be set in the field 402, and the information of the URL of the CDDB second site is set as a candidate for the information to be set in the field 403.

As shown in FIG. 19, the user sets "CDDB" in the field 401, sets the URL of the CDDB first site in the field 402, and sets the
If the URL of CDDB 2nd site is set to 3 in FIG.
Is clicked, the recording program 113 performs WW based on the URL set in the field 402 and the URL set in the field 403.
Connect to the W server 5-1 and execute the procedure corresponding to the “CDDB” set in the field 401 by the WWW server 5
-1 for CD information, and the WWW server 5
-1 to receive CD information.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining a window displayed by the recording program 113 on the display 20 when the button 384 is clicked and CD information is received from the WWW server 5-1. WWW server 5-
Recording program 11 based on the CD information received from
In the field 381, for example, "Asynkronised"
Display the title of the CD. WWW server 5-1
Recording program 113 based on the CD information received from
Displays an artist name such as "Kuwai" in the field 382.

Based on the CD information received from the WWW server 5-1, the recording program 113
"Heat", "Plane"
The song names such as “t”, “Black”, and “Soul” are displayed, and the recording program 113 similarly displays the artist name such as “Kuwai” in the field 383 where the artist is displayed.

When the information of two or more CDs is received from the WWW server 5-1, the recording program 113
Is displayed to allow the user to select which CD information to use.

FIG. 22 shows that "CDNE"
When “W JAPAN” is set and the button 384 is clicked, the recording program 113 is displayed on the display 20.
5 is a dialog box for setting a search keyword to be displayed on the screen.

The button 431 is clicked and activated when searching for CD information using the album name as a search keyword. The search keyword for the album name is set in the field 441.

A button 432 is clicked when searching for CD information using an artist name as a search keyword.
Be activated. The search keyword of the artist name is set in the field 442.

The button 433 is clicked and activated when searching for CD information using a song name as a search keyword. The search keyword of the song title is entered in the field 443.
Is set to

The button 434 is clicked and activated when searching for CD information using a product number as a search keyword. The search keyword of the product number is set in the field 444.

When searching for CD information, the button 431
To 434, at least one of them is activated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when searching for CD information using the artist name as a search keyword, the button 434 is activated, and a character string indicating the artist name such as “Kwai” is displayed in the field 442. Is set.

When a button for executing a search arranged in a dialog box for setting a search keyword is clicked, the recording program 113 executes the WWW server 5-2 based on a URL or the like stored in advance. To the "CDNEW" set in the field 401.
In accordance with the procedure corresponding to "JAPAN", it requests CD information from WWW server 5-2 and receives CD information from WWW server 5-2 based on the search keyword set in the dialog box.

The WWW server 5-2, together with the information on the CD, displays the C associated with the information on the searched CD shown in FIG.
Data for displaying an image urging the purchase of D is transmitted to the personal computer 1. The user of the personal computer 1 transmits a predetermined CD via the network 2 based on the data for displaying the image prompting the purchase of the CD.
Can be purchased.

FIG. 25 shows a state in which a button 384 for executing a search arranged in a dialog box for setting a search keyword is clicked and the WWW server 5-2 is displayed.
When the CD information is received from the
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a window displayed on the display 20. Based on the CD information received from the WWW server 5-2, the recording program 113
Then, for example, the title of the CD such as "asynchronized" is displayed. CD received from WWW server 5-2
Recording program 113, based on the information of
At 82, an artist name such as "Kwai" is displayed.

Based on the CD information received from the WWW server 5-2, the recording program 113
For example, the song titles such as "Heat", "Planet", "Black", and "Soul" are displayed in the portion where the song title is displayed. Similarly, the recording program 113 performs
For example, an artist name such as “Kwai” is displayed in a portion displaying 83 artists.

After the recording program 113 receives the predetermined CD information, the recording program 113
The information of the CD is stored in the directory of the HDD 21 designated at 04.

When button 384 or the like is clicked, CD
Recording program 11 when an instruction to acquire the
3 is the HDD specified in field 404
Search the 21 directories. Recording program 113
Puts the CD in the directory specified in field 404
26 is displayed, a dialog box 461 shown in FIG.
To use the information of the CD stored in the directory specified by the user.

When the button 386 for instructing the start of recording of the content arranged in the window displayed by the recording program 113 is clicked, the recording program 113 reads the content from the CD stored in the drive 22, and The content read from the CD is supplied to the content management program 111 together with the information on the CD. The compression method conversion program 134 of the content management program 111 compresses the content supplied from the recording program 113 by a predetermined compression method, and the encryption program 135 encrypts the compressed content. The use condition conversion program 136 generates use condition data corresponding to the compressed and encrypted content.

The content management program 111 supplies the compressed and encrypted content to the content database 114 together with the usage condition data.

The content database 114 generates a content file 161 and a usage rule file 162 corresponding to the content received from the content management program 111, stores the content in the content file 161, and stores the usage rule in the usage rule file 162. Store the data.

When the content database 114 stores the content and the usage condition data corresponding to the content, the content management program 111 transmits the CD information and the usage condition data received from the recording program 113 to the display operation instruction program 112. Supply.

The display operation instruction program 112 converts the original package display data 201 and the content display data 221 based on the usage condition data and CD information corresponding to the content stored in the content database 114 in the recording process. Generate.

As shown in FIG. 27, when the button 345 is selected, the display operation instruction window displays the package name (CD title) of the original package corresponding to the content stored in the content database 114 in the recording process. ) Is displayed in the field 351, and when the package is selected, the title of the song corresponding to the content read from the CD is displayed in the field 351.
2 is displayed.

When the button 385 of the window displayed by the recording program 113 is selected (activated), when the content read from the CD is recorded in the content database 114, the display operation is performed as shown in FIG. The instruction program 112 displays, in the display operation instruction window, a field 481 for displaying the title of the content stored in any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 specified in advance.

The display operation instructing program 112 causes the content management program 111 to store the content recorded in the content database 114 and read from the CD into the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 specified in advance.
Let one of you check out.

As described above, when the content read from the CD is recorded in the content database 114 only by activating the button 385 of the window displayed by the recording program 113, the personal computer 1 is designated in advance. The content read from the CD can be checked out to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

When the display operation instruction program 112 displays the field 481 in the display operation instruction window,
The display operation instruction program 112 displays the portable device 6-1 specified in advance in the display operation instruction window.
To the portable package (portable device 6-1) to which the content stored in any one of
A field 482 for displaying the name of the package to which the content stored in any one of the items 6 to 6-3 belongs.
A button 483 for closing the field 481 and a button 484 for executing check-in or check-out are displayed.

Further, when the display operation instruction program 112 displays the field 481 in the display operation instruction window, the display operation instruction program 112 checks the content corresponding to the music title selected in the field 352 in the display operation instruction window. Button 4 to set out
91, a button 492 for setting a check-in of the content corresponding to the song name selected in the field 481, a button 493 for setting a check-in of all the content corresponding to the content name displayed in the field 481,
A button 494 for canceling the check-in or check-out setting is arranged.

Next, the process of setting check-in or check-out and executing check-in or check-out will be described.

When the button 343 for displaying a field for setting check-in or check-out processing is clicked, the display operation instruction program 112 displays the portable device 6-6 designated in advance in the display operation instruction window. A field 48 for displaying a song title of a content stored in any one of 1 to 6-3
1 is displayed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 29, when the song title “South Bar”, song title “North Graveyard”, and song title “Seven Narabe” displayed in the field 352 are selected, the button 491 is clicked. Then, as shown in FIG. 30, the display operation instruction program 112 generates the content corresponding to the song title "South Bar", the content corresponding to the song title "Northern Graveyard", and the content corresponding to the song title "Seven Narabe". Set check out of field 48
The song title "South Bar", song title "Northern Graveyard", and song title "Seven-Narabe" are displayed in 1.

At this time, the display operation instruction program 112
Is the number of check-outs "..." (3) corresponding to the song title "South Bar" displayed in the field 352.
(Indicating the number of times) is changed to ".." (indicating two times) and displayed, and the number of possible checkouts ".." (indicating two times) corresponding to the song title "Northern Graveyard" is changed to "." ( (Indicates one time) and displays it, and changes the number of possible checkouts "..." (indicating three times) corresponding to the song title "Seven Nanabe" to "
To indicate the number of times).

For example, in the state shown in FIG. 30, the title “North Graveyard” is selected in the field 481 and the button 49
2 is clicked, the display operation instruction program 11
In field 2, as shown in FIG. 31, check-in of the content corresponding to the song title “Northern Graveyard” is set, and
Delete the song title "Northern Graveyard" from 81.

At this time, the display operation instruction program 112
Changes the number of possible check-outs “·” (indicating one time) corresponding to the song title “Northern Graveyard” displayed in the field 352 to “··” (indicating two times).

When the package name displayed in the field 351 is dragged and dropped into the field 481, checkout of all contents belonging to the package corresponding to the dragged and dropped package name is set.

The personal computer 1 does not execute the check-in or check-out process only by setting the check-in or check-out by operating the buttons 491 to 494.

After setting check-in or check-out by operating buttons 491 to 494, when button 484 is clicked, display operation instruction program 112 executes check-in or check-out processing to content management program 111. Let it. That is, when the button 484 is clicked, the display operation instruction program 112 executes the content management program 111 based on the check-in or check-out setting.
To transmit the content to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3, or a predetermined command (for example, the portable device 6-
1 to 6-3) to transmit a predetermined content stored therein.
The use condition data stored in the use condition file 162 corresponding to the transmitted content or command is updated.

When check-in or check-out is executed, the display operation instruction program 112 updates the history data stored in the history data file in accordance with the transmitted content or the transmitted command. The history data is obtained from information for identifying the content that has been checked in or checked out, the date on which the content was checked in or checked out, and the names of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 from which the content was checked out. Become.

Since the check-in or check-out setting process can be executed in a short time, the user can quickly know the state after the check-in or check-out process has been executed, and the time-consuming check-in or check-out process can be performed. By reducing the number of check-out processes, the entire time required for check-in or check-out (including setting and execution) can be shortened.

Next, a description will be given of an editing operation for the MySelect package, such as adding desired content to a predetermined MySelect package.

As shown in FIG. 32, when the button 344 for displaying the field for editing the MySelect package is clicked, the display operation instruction program 112 displays the display operation instruction window with the specified MySelect package. A field 501 for displaying a song name or the like corresponding to the content to which the content belongs is displayed.

At this time, the display operation instruction program 112
Displays a field 502 for displaying the package name of the selected MySelect package (stored in any of the package display data 252-1 to 251-S) in the display operation instruction window. When the package name of the MySelect package that the user wants to edit is set in the field 502, the display operation instruction program 112 causes the music name (package display data 252-1 to 251) corresponding to the content belonging to the MySelect package having the package name. -S display data 221 associated with any one of -S
Is stored in the field 501.

Further, when the display operation instruction program 112 displays the field 501 in the display operation instruction window, the display operation instruction program 112 displays the content corresponding to the music title selected in the field 352 in the display operation instruction window. A process for belonging to the My Select package whose package name is displayed in 502 (any one of the package display data 252-1 to 251-S includes the selected content display data 221).
Button 52 for executing the content ID)
1. A process of deleting the content corresponding to the song name selected in the field 501 from the My Select package in which the package name is displayed in the field 502 (selected from the package display data 252-1 to 251-S. A button 522 for executing the content ID of the content display data 221 and a process executed before the button 522 (a process for causing the content to also belong to the MySelect package or a process for deleting the content from the MySelect package) A button 523 for executing the process of canceling ()) is arranged.

For example, by operating the display operation instruction window for displaying the field 501, the user selects “North Star” in the My Select package in which the package name “My Best 1” is displayed in the field 502. A content, a content having a song name of "Shooting Star", a content having a song name of "Minami Alps", a content having a song name of "Millionaire", and a content having a song name of "Slot 1" can be included.

In other words, in response to a predetermined operation, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the content of the song whose title is “North Star” in the package display data 251 in which the package name “My Best 1” is stored. The content ID, the content ID of the content whose title is "Shooting Star", the content ID of the content whose title is "Minami Alps", the content ID of the content whose title is "Millionaire", and the content whose title is "Slot 1" Is stored.

If the package name displayed in the field 351 is dragged and dropped into the field 501, all the contents belonging to the package corresponding to the dragged and dropped package name are displayed in the field 502. You can belong to the My Select Package.

When the button 346, which is arranged in the display operation instruction window and causes the field 351 to display the data corresponding to the MySelect package, is activated, the display operation instruction program 112 executes the field operation as shown in FIG. 351 displays the package name corresponding to the My Select package (for example, "My Best 1", "My Best 2", "Snow Drive", "South Island Select", "Overseas Travel", etc.)
Field 3 indicates the title of the content belonging to the My Select package corresponding to the selected package name
52 is displayed.

When the button 346 is activated and the data corresponding to the My Select package is displayed in the field 351, the user selects the song title of the predetermined content displayed in the field 352 and performs an erasing operation. At this time, the display operation instruction program 112 only erases the data of the content ID corresponding to the content belonging to the package included in the package display data 251 and does not erase the predetermined content stored in the content database 114.

[0209] Next, the display corresponding to the filtering package and the process of associating the filtering package with the desired content will be described.

When the button 347 for displaying the data corresponding to the filtering package in the field 351 arranged in the display operation instruction window is activated, the display operation instruction program 112 executes the processing shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the field 351, the package name corresponding to the filtering package (for example, “pops best ten”, “rock best ten”, “enka best ten”, “love song standard”, and “80s pop recommended” And the like, and the title of the content belonging to the filtering package corresponding to the selected package name is displayed in the field 352.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating a filtering package. The display operation instruction program 112 executes the display data for contents 221-1-1 to 221-M stored in the display data file 182.
Package display data 2 based on -p and / or the history data stored in the history data file 184 and the filtering data 551-1 stored in the filtering data file 181.
91-1 is generated.

[0212] The package display data 291-1 stores the content ID of the content belonging to the filtering package corresponding to the package display data 291-1.

For example, package display data 291-
1 is 1 specified by the filtering data 551-1.
The content ID of 0 specific contents (corresponding to, for example, songs of the pop best ten) is stored.

The display operation instruction program 112 stores the display data for contents 221-1-1 to 221-M-p stored in the display data file 182 and the history data stored in the history data file 184, or the history data stored in the history data file 184. Either one, and the filtering data 551 stored in the filtering data file 181
-2, the package display data 291-2 is generated.

[0215] The package display data 291-2 stores the content ID of the content belonging to the filtering package corresponding to the package display data 291-2.

For example, package display data 291-
No. 2 stores a content ID of a content in which a specific character string specified by the filtering data 551-2 is included in a song name (for example, a song having a song name including a character of "love").

Similarly, the display operation instruction program 112
Are package display data 291-3 to 291-A
Generate Package display data 291-3 and 2
Each of 91-A is package display data 291.
-3 to 291-A store the content IDs of the contents belonging to the filtering package corresponding to each of them.

For example, package display data 291-
Reference numeral 3 designates, based on the history data stored in the history data file 184, the ten most frequently checked out contents in this week, and stores the content ID of the selected content.

Further, for example, package display data 2
The item 91-4 randomly selects ten contents whose total playing time is 60 minutes, and stores the content ID of the selected contents.

Thus, the display operation instruction program 11
2 is content display data 221-1-1 to 221-M- stored in the display data file 182.
A filtering package is generated based on p and the history data stored in the history data file 184, or any one thereof, and the filtering data 551-1 to 551-A stored in the filtering data file 181.

Filtering data 551-1 through 551-1
1-A is downloaded from a predetermined server via the network 2 or, for example, a predetermined CD
And is supplied from the drive 22. In addition, the user himself / herself inputs the filtering data 551-1 to 551.
-A can be created.

For example, even if the content recorded in the content database 114 is not changed, the personal computer 1
Filtering data 551-1 to 555-1 at a predetermined time
If a new filtering package is generated by downloading and updating 1-A from one or more servers, the user can enjoy different combinations of contents by using the generated new filtering package. Can be.

Next, an image displayed in the field 348 will be described. As shown in FIG. 36, in the display operation instruction program 112, the package name displayed in the field 351 is selected, and the song name displayed in the field 352 is not selected (therefore, the content is not reproduced). At this time, an image associated with the package corresponding to the selected package name is displayed in the field 348.

That is, the display operation instruction program 112
Refers to data indicating the image file name stored in the package display data 211, the package display data 251, or the package display data 291, and selects one of the image files 183-1 to 183-K. Then, the selected image files 183-1 to 183-1
83-K, and reads the image data corresponding to the image data in the field 3
48.

For example, when the package name “second” of the original package is selected and the song name displayed in the field 352 is not selected, the display operation instruction program 112 sets the package display data 211
The image data stored in any one of the predetermined image files 183-1 to 183-K is read out with reference to the data indicating the image file name stored in the image file, and the image corresponding to the image data is stored in the field. 348.

The display operation instruction program 112
When the package name displayed in the field 351 is selected and the song name displayed in the field 352 is not selected, when a predetermined image is dragged and dropped in the field 348, the dragged and dropped image is displayed. Associate with the package corresponding to the selected package name.

That is, the display operation instruction program 112
Uses a drag and drop image in a predetermined format (for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts
up)), adjust the size (for example, 3
0 pixels x 30 pixels, etc.)
256 colors), and stored in the image file 183, and the name of the recorded image file 183 is changed to
Package display data 21 corresponding to the package name
1, recorded as data indicating the image file name of either the package display data 251 or the package display data 291.

As shown in FIG. 37, when the song title displayed in the field 352 is selected and the content is not reproduced, the display operation instruction program 112 displays the content corresponding to the selected song title in the field 348. Display the image associated with. That is, the display operation instruction program 112 refers to the data indicating the image file name stored in the content display data 221 corresponding to the content corresponding to the selected song name, and determines the predetermined image files 183-1 to 183-1. 183-
K is read out, and an image corresponding to the image data is read from the field 348.
To be displayed.

For example, when the package name “second” of the original package is selected, the song title “South Alps” displayed in the field 352 is selected, and the content “Southern Alps” is not reproduced, the display operation instruction program 112 With reference to the corresponding image file stored in the content display data 221 corresponding to the content corresponding to the song title "Minami Alps", the image data stored in any of the predetermined image files 183-1 to 183-K Is read out, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed in the field 348.

At this time, if the data indicating the image file name is not set in the content display data 221 corresponding to the content corresponding to the selected song name,
When the button 345 is set to active, the display operation instruction program 112 refers to the data indicating the image file name stored in the package display data 211 to which the content belongs, and determines the predetermined image file 183-1. 183-K is read out, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed in the field 348.

Similarly, when the corresponding image file is not set in the content display data 221 corresponding to the content corresponding to the selected music title, the button 346 is set.
Is set to active, the display operation instruction program 112 refers to the data indicating the image file name stored in the package display data 251 to which the content belongs, and determines the predetermined image files 183-1 to 183. The image data stored in any one of -K is read, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed in the field 348.

Similarly, when the corresponding image file is not set in the content display data 221 corresponding to the content corresponding to the selected music title, the button 347 is displayed.
Is set to active, the display operation instruction program 112 refers to the data indicating the image file name stored in the package display data 291 to which the content belongs, and determines the predetermined image files 183-1 to 183. The image data stored in any one of -K is read, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed in the field 348.

The display operation instruction program 112 is
When a song name displayed in the field 352 is selected, when a predetermined image is dragged and dropped in the field 348, the dragged and dropped image is associated with the content corresponding to the selected song title. That is, the display operation instruction program 112
Converts the dragged and dropped image into a predetermined format, adjusts the size, reduces the color, stores and stores the image in the image file 183, and converts the name of the recorded image file 183 into a song title. It is recorded as data indicating the image file name of the corresponding content display data 221.

As shown in FIG. 38, when the content corresponding to the song title displayed in the field 352 is being reproduced (when sound is being output from the speaker 24), the display operation instruction program 112 outputs the field 348.
Then, an image (a so-called spectrum analyzer image) indicating the signal level of each frequency band (for example, every octave) of the output audio is displayed.

According to the user's settings, as shown in FIG. 39, when the content corresponding to the music title displayed in the field 352 is being reproduced, the display operation An image indicating a signal level corresponding to a lapse of time of the output audio during the period is displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, when the display operation instruction program 112 does not display the fields 351 and 352 due to the user's setting, the display operation instruction program 112 similarly reproduces the content. When the content is not reproduced, an image indicating the signal level of each frequency band of the output audio is displayed in the field 348, and when the content is not reproduced, the image corresponding to the selected package or content is displayed in the field 34.
8 is displayed.

Next, the registration processing executed when the content management program 111 and the display operation instruction program 112 are installed in the personal computer 1 and the display operation instruction program 112 is first activated will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 42. It will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S11, the display operation instruction program 112 of the personal computer 1 connects to the EMD registration server 3 via the network 2 by referring to a URL or the like stored in advance.

[0239] In step S12, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the data (the name of the user of the personal computer 1, the name necessary for registration) in the EMD registration server 3.
And a credit number, etc.) together with the ID of the content management program 111 stored in advance in the content management program 111. Step S1
In the processing of 2, the display operation instruction program 112
The ID of the display operation instruction program 112 stored in advance in the display operation instruction program 112 may be transmitted to the EMD registration server 3 together with data necessary for registration.

[0240] In step S13, the EMD registration server 3 receives the ID of the content management program 111. In step S14, the EMD registration server 3
Determines whether the ID of the content management program 111 is valid. If it is determined that the ID of the content management program 111 is valid, the process proceeds to step S15, where the name of the user of the personal computer 1 and Personal computer 1 based on credit number
Is registered, and a predetermined number of authentication keys (for example, EMD server 4
-1 to 4-3).

In step S16, the display operation instruction program 112 receives a predetermined number of authentication keys transmitted from the EMD registration server 3. In step S17, the EMD registration server 3 checks the personal computer 1
Then, the EMD selection program 131 is transmitted. In step S18, the display operation instruction program 112
The EMD selection program 131 transmitted from the MD registration server 3 is received.

In step S19, the display / operation instruction program 112 receives the received EMD selection program 13
1 to the content management program 111. In step S20, the content management program 111
Starts the EMD selection program 131, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S14 that the ID of the content management program 111 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S21, where the EMD registration server 3 transmits a predetermined error message to the personal computer 1 without performing registration. . In step S22, the display operation instruction program 112 receives the error message transmitted by the EMD registration server 3.

At step S23, display operation instruction program 112 displays the received error message, and the process ends.

Thus, the personal computer 1
When the display operation instruction program 112 is first activated, for example, an authentication key used for mutual authentication with the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3, and the EMD selection program 13
Get 1

Next, the process of recording from a CD by the recording program 113 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S41, the recording program 113 operates the drive 22, reads out data (such as the number of contents or recording time) corresponding to the content recorded on the CD mounted on the drive 22, and displays the data in a predetermined window. , A list of contents recorded on the CD is displayed.

[0247] In step S42, the recording program 113 sets a button 384 for acquiring information corresponding to the CD.
Is determined, and if it is determined that the button 384 for acquiring information corresponding to the CD has been clicked, the process advances to step S43 to execute a process of acquiring information corresponding to the CD. Details of the process of acquiring the information corresponding to the CD will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S44, the recording program 113 displays information corresponding to the CD obtained in step S43 in a predetermined window.

If it is determined in step S42 that the button 384 for obtaining information corresponding to the CD has not been clicked, it is not necessary to obtain information corresponding to the CD, so steps S43 and S44 are skipped. The procedure proceeds to step S45.

In step S45, the recording program 113 determines whether or not the button 386 for instructing the start of recording of the content recorded on the CD has been clicked, and when it is determined that the button 386 has not been clicked. Returning to step S45, the determination process is repeated until the button 386 is clicked.

If it is determined in step S45 that the button 386 has been clicked, the flow advances to step S46, where the recording program 113 records the program on the CD based on the check set in the field 383 in accordance with the song title. Content selection information indicating which content is to be recorded. In step S47,
The recording program 113, based on the content selection information,
Read the selected content from the CD.

In step S48, the recording program 113 causes the compression format conversion program 134 of the content management program 111 to compress the content read from the CD in a predetermined format such as ATRAC3. In step S49, the recording program 113 executes the encryption program 135 of the content management program 111.
Then, the compressed content is encrypted by a predetermined encryption method such as DES.

In step S50, the recording program 113 stores the compressed and encrypted content in the content database 114. In step S51, the recording program 113 generates usage rule data corresponding to the content stored in the content database 114, and stores the generated usage rule data in the content database 114 in the usage rule file 162 (stored in the content database 114). Associated with the assigned content). In step S52, the recording program 113 updates the display data file 182 based on the generated usage condition data or information corresponding to the CD.

In step S53, the recording program 113 activates a button 385 for setting whether to check out the content read from the CD to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 (automatic checkout). Button 3
85 is determined to be active, step S
Proceeding to 54, the display / operation instruction program 112 is started.

In step S55, the recording program 113 causes the display operation instruction program 112 to check out the content stored in the content database 114 to one of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S53 that the button 385 is not active, there is no need to check out, so steps S54 and S5
5 is skipped, and the process ends.

As described above, when the button 385 is activated and the process of recording from a CD is executed, the personal computer 1 stores the content read from the CD in the content database 114 and automatically stores the content in the portable device 6. Check out one of -1 to 6-3.

Similarly, if the check button 334 is checked, the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3
When the content is received from, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the received content in the content database 114 and causes the content management program 111 to check out the content to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

Next, the process of acquiring information corresponding to a CD by the recording program 113 corresponding to step S43 in FIG. 43 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S71, the recording program 113 stores a predetermined directory (for example, dialog 4
The information recorded in the directory of the HDD 21 specified in the field 404 of 61 is searched.

[0261] In step S72, the recording program 113 writes data (for example, the number of songs, the number of songs, etc.) corresponding to the content recorded on the CD mounted on the drive 22
Or playing time, etc.)
It is determined whether or not information corresponding to CD is recorded. If it is determined that information corresponding to CD is not recorded in the predetermined directory, the process proceeds to step S73, where the character string set in the field 401 is Then, it is determined whether or not CDNEW is selected.

If it is determined in step S73 that CDNEW has been selected, the process proceeds to step S74, where the recording program 113 transmits a CDNEW to a server (for example, WWW server 5-2) via the network 2. Connecting. In step S75, the recording program 113 causes the display 20 to display a screen (for example, a dialog box shown in FIG. 22) for inputting a search keyword. In step S76, the recording program 113 receives the input based on the screen,
A search keyword such as an album name, an artist name, a song name, or a product number is transmitted to a server corresponding to CDNEW.

In step S77, the recording program 113 receives information corresponding to a CD from a server corresponding to CDNEW.

[0264] In step S78, the recording program 113 associates the information corresponding to the CD with the content, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S73 that CDNEW has not been selected, that is, CDDB
Has been selected, the process proceeds to step S79, where the recording program 113 transmits the URL of the CDDB first site set in the field 402 via the network 2.
And the CDDB second set in the field 403
Connect to a server corresponding to CDDB (for example, WWW server 5-1) based on the URL of the site. Step S8
0, the recording program 113 stores data corresponding to the playing time of the content recorded on the CD in the CDD.
B is transmitted to the server corresponding to B.

At step S81, the recording program 113 receives information corresponding to a CD from a server corresponding to the CDDB.

[0267] In step S82, the recording program 113 transmits the CD received from the server corresponding to the CDDB.
It is determined whether or not there is more than one candidate in the data corresponding to, and if it is determined that there are more than two candidates, the process proceeds to step S83 to determine whether the user uses the information of any CD. Displays a dialog box for selecting.

In step S84, the recording program 113 selects one of the candidates based on the input in the dialog box, and proceeds to step S78 to associate the information corresponding to the CD with the content, and ends the processing. I do.

If it is determined in step S82 that there are no more than two candidates, the procedure proceeds to step S78, where the recording program 113 converts the information corresponding to the CD received from the server corresponding to the CDDB into the content. Then, the process ends.

If it is determined in step S72 that the information corresponding to the CD is recorded in the predetermined directory, the process proceeds to step S85, where the recording program 113 is executed.
Reads the information corresponding to the recorded CD, proceeds to step S78, associates the read information corresponding to the CD with the content, and ends the process.

As described above, the recording program 113
From one of two or more servers with different search procedures,
Obtain information corresponding to the CD. In the case where information corresponding to a CD has been acquired and recorded in the past, the recording program 113 uses the recorded information.

Next, for example, the display / operation instruction program 112 executed when the button 437 is clicked.
Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 45. In step S101, the display operation instruction program 112
Selects the first filtering data 551 stored in the filtering data file 181, for example, the filtering data 551-1.

[0273] In step S102, the display operation instructing program 112 sends the data stored in the display data file 182 and / or the history data stored in the history data file 184, and the selected filtering data 551. , The weight for the content is calculated.

In step S103, the display operation instruction program 112 selects a content belonging to the filtering package corresponding to the selected filtering data 551 based on the weight for the content calculated in the processing in step S102.

[0275] In step S104, the display operation instruction program 112 converts the content selected in step S103 into the selected filtering data 55.
Register in the filtering package corresponding to 1. That is, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the content ID corresponding to the selected content in the package display data 291 corresponding to the filtering package corresponding to the selected filtering data 551.

[0276] In step S105, the display operation instruction program 112 sets the filtering data file 1
All filtering data 55 stored in 81
It is determined whether or not the content has been registered in the filtering package corresponding to No. 1, and if it is determined that the content has not been registered in the filtering package corresponding to all the filtering data 551, step S10
In step S7, the next filtering data 551 stored in the filtering data file 181 is selected, and the process returns to step S102 to repeat the content registration process.

If it is determined in step S105 that the content has been registered in the filtering package corresponding to all the filtering data 551, the process ends.

Thus, the display operation instruction program 11
2 selects content based on the data stored in the display data file 182 and / or the history data stored in the history data file 184 and the selected filtering data 551, and Register the created content in the filtering package.

Next, for example, when the field 481 is displayed in the display / operation instruction window, the check-out or check-in processing executed by the operation instruction program 112 and the content management program 111 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Will be explained.

[0280] In step S121, the display operation instruction program 112 reads from the display data file 182 the possible number of checkouts corresponding to the content. In step S112, the display operation instruction program 112 displays the number of possible checkouts read out in step S121.

In step S123, the display operation instruction program 112 determines whether the button 491 for setting check-out or the button 492 for setting check-in has been clicked, and the button 491 for setting check-out or the check-in button 491 Button 4 to set
If it is determined that 92 has been clicked, step S1
24, and check out the content corresponding to the song name selected in the field 352, or in the field 4
A check-in of the content corresponding to the music title selected at 81 is set.

In step S125, the display operation instruction program 112 checks out the content corresponding to the song name selected in the field 352 executed in step S124 or checks in the content corresponding to the song name selected in the field 481. In response to the setting, the number of times that the content display data 221 in the display data file 182 can be checked out is updated, the process returns to step S121, and the process is repeated.

If it is determined in step S123 that neither the check-out setting button 491 nor the check-in setting button 492 has been clicked, the flow advances to step S126, and the display operation instruction program 112 executes the check-in or It is determined whether the button 484 for executing the checkout is clicked.

At step S126, button 484
If it is determined that is clicked, step S127
The display operation instruction program 112 proceeds to the check-in / check-out management program 132 of the content management program 111 in accordance with the setting of content check-out or content check-in.
Perform a check-out or check-in. The check-in / check-out management program 132
Based on the usage rule data stored in the usage rule file 162, it is determined whether or not check-out or check-in can be performed for each content, and check-out or check-in can be performed. If it is determined to be, check out or check in is executed.

If it is determined that execution of check-out or check-in is not possible, the check-in / check-out management program 132
Or do not perform check-in.

[0286] In step S128, the display operation instructing program 112 stores the content database 114 in the check-in / check-out management program 132 of the content management program 111 in response to the execution of the content check-out or content check-in. Usage condition file 162 (checkout,
Alternatively, the number of times that the use condition data stored in (corresponding to the checked-in content) can be checked out is updated.

[0287] In step S129, the display operation instructing program 112 causes the check-in / check-out management program 132 to store the usage condition file 1 corresponding to the checked-out or checked-in content.
The number of times that the user can check out is read out from the usage condition data stored in 62.

In step S130, the display operation instruction program 112 updates the history data stored in the history data file 184, and updates the history data stored in the history data file 184.
The display data for contents 221 of the display data file 182 is updated on the basis of the number of times that the content can be checked out read in the process of 129, the process returns to step S121, and the process is repeated.

At step S126, button 484
If it is determined that has not been clicked, no check-out or check-in is performed, so the process returns to step S121 and the process is repeated.

As described above, the display operation instruction program 11
2 changes the display in accordance with the check-out or check-in setting, and, based on the check-out or check-in setting, the content management program 1
11 causes checkout or checkin to be performed.

Next, an image pasting process executed by the display operation instruction program 112 when a predetermined image is dragged and dropped into the field 348 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Step S
In 151, the display operation instruction program 112 determines whether or not a package has been selected, and when it is determined that a package has been selected, step S152.
Then, the drag-and-drop image is converted into a predetermined size, the format is converted, and the color is reduced.

[0292] In step S153, the display operation instruction program 112 stores the image converted and color-reduced in step 152 in the image file 183.

[0293] In step S154, the display operation instruction program 112 determines whether or not the content has been selected. If it is determined that the content has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S155, where the image file 183 is selected.
(That is, the name of the recorded image file 183 is changed to any one of the package display data 211, the package display data 251 and the package display data 291 corresponding to the package). This is recorded as data indicating the file name), and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S154 that the content has been selected, the process proceeds to step S156, where the display operation instruction program 112 associates the image file 183 with the selected content (that is, the recorded file has been recorded). The name of the image file 183 is recorded as data indicating the image file name of the content display data 221 corresponding to the content), and the process ends.

[0295] If it is determined in step S151 that a package has not been selected, there is no target for associating an image, and the flow advances to step S157 to cause the display operation instruction program 112 to display a predetermined error message and perform processing. Ends.

Thus, the display operation instruction program 11
2 can paste the dragged and dropped image onto the package or the content (associate the image with the package or the content).

Next, the process of displaying an image, which is executed by the display operation instruction program 112, will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step S181,
The display operation instruction program 112 determines whether or not the content has been reproduced. If it is determined that the content has not been reproduced, the process proceeds to step S182, and determines whether or not a package has been selected.

If it is determined in step S182 that a package has not been selected, step S183
The display operation instruction program 112 displays a predetermined image (for example, an image indicating the provider of the display operation instruction program 112) in the field 348, returns to step S181, and repeats the display processing.

[0299] If it is determined in step S182 that a package has been selected, the flow advances to step S184, and the display operation instruction program 112 determines whether content has been selected.

If it is determined in step S184 that no content has been selected, step S185
The display operation instruction program 112 displays the image associated with the selected package in the field 348 (see the data indicating the image file name stored in the package display data 211). ,
The image data stored in any of the predetermined image files 183-1 to 183-K is read, and an image corresponding to the image data is displayed in the field 348), the process returns to step S181, and the display process is repeated. .

[0301] If it is determined in step S184 that the content is selected, the process proceeds to step S186, and the display operation instruction program 112 determines whether there is an image associated with the selected content.

[0302] If it is determined in step S186 that there is an image associated with the selected content, the process proceeds to step S187, where the display operation instruction program 112 deletes the image associated with the selected content. Displayed in the field 348 (the content display data 22 corresponding to the selected content)
1, the image data stored in any one of the predetermined image files 183-1 to 183-K is read out, and the image corresponding to the image data is read. (Displayed in field 348), and returns to step S181 to repeat the display process.

If it is determined in step S186 that there is no image associated with the selected content, the process proceeds to step S188, where the display operation instruction program 112 associates the selected content with the package to which the selected content belongs. The displayed image is displayed in the field 348, the process returns to step S181, and the display process is repeated.

[0304] If it is determined in step S181 that the content is being reproduced, the flow advances to step S189, and the display operation instruction program 112 determines whether display of the signal level of the sound corresponding to each frequency band is set. When it is determined that the display of the signal level of the sound corresponding to each frequency band is set, the process proceeds to step S190, and the signal level of the sound corresponding to each frequency band is displayed in the field 348, Step S181
And the display process is repeated.

If it is determined in step S189 that the display of the signal level of the sound corresponding to each frequency band is not set, the process proceeds to step S191, where the display operation instruction program 112 causes the sound output to the field 348 to be output. (The signal level corresponding to the lapse of time of the sound being output) is displayed, and the process returns to step S181 to repeat the display process.

Thus, the display operation instruction program 11
2 is a field 348 corresponding to the state of selection of the package or the content or the reproduction of the content.
Then, any of the image associated with the package, the image associated with the content, the signal level of the sound corresponding to each frequency band, or the waveform of the sound being output is displayed.

Note that the display operation instruction program 112
Depending on the user settings, when playing content,
The field 348 may display an image indicating the level of the currently output audio.

[0308] The method of compressing the content by the personal computer 1 has been described as, for example, ATRAC3. However, the method is not limited to ATRAC3.
rtsGroup 2 Audio Layer 3), TwinQV (TM), or
Any compression method such as AAC (MPEG2 Advance Audio Coding) may be used.

The method of encrypting the content by the personal computer 1 has been described as, for example, DES. However, the method is not limited to DES, and IDEA (International Data Encrypt) may be used.
cription algorithm), RAS which is a public key cryptosystem, or elliptic cryptosystem, or any other cryptosystem.

The content management program 111
For example, the content management program 111 may be independently provided inside the personal computer 1 and executed on hardware that cannot read the content management program 111 itself from the personal computer 1. Also,
The hardware that executes the content management program 111 may have tamper resistance.

[0311] The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software can execute various functions by installing a computer built into dedicated hardware or installing various programs. It is installed from a program storage medium to a possible general-purpose personal computer or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, a program storage medium for storing a program installed in a computer and made executable by the computer includes a magnetic disk 41 or 91 (including a floppy disk) and an optical disk 42. Or 92 (CD-ROM (Com
pact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versat
ile Disc), magneto-optical disk 43 or 93
(Including MD (Mini-Disc)) or semiconductor memory 4
Package media consisting of 4 or 94, or RO in which programs are stored temporarily or permanently
M12 or 62, HDD21 or 71, or the like. The storage of the program in the program storage medium is performed using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network or the network 2 such as the Internet, digital satellite broadcasting, or the like via an interface such as the communication unit 25 or 73 as necessary. Done.

[0313] In this specification, the step of describing a program stored in a program storage medium is not limited to processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. , And also includes processes executed in parallel or individually.

In the present specification, the system is
It represents the entire device composed of a plurality of devices.

[0315]

According to the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the information processing method according to the second aspect, and the program storage medium according to the third aspect, the first information is obtained based on the first procedure. Transmission of information corresponding to the content is requested to the providing device, transmission of the information corresponding to the content is requested to the second information providing device based on the second procedure, and the first information providing device and the second information are Since any one of the providing devices is set and one of the first requesting device and the second requesting device is selected based on the setting, information can be easily obtained from the information providing device that requests a different procedure. Will be able to

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a music data management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a personal computer 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an EMD registration server 3.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of usage condition data.

FIG. 6 shows display data 201 for an original package belonging to a display data file 182 and a content file 1
It is a figure explaining the example of the relation with 61-1 thru / or 161-N.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display data file 182.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between display data 241 for my select package and content files 161-1 to 161-N.

FIG. 9 is display data 281 for a filtering package.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between content files 161-1 to 161-N.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an EMD registration process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for executing a registration process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the EMD selection program 131.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by a purchase application 151;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by a purchase driver 141;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a property dialog box for setting selection of either the WWW server 5-1 or 5-2.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a property dialog box for setting selection of either the WWW server 5-1 or 5-2.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed by the recording program 113 on the display 20.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed by the recording program 113 on the display 20.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box 461 displayed on the display 20 by the recording program 113.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating processing of generating a filtering package.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display operation instruction window.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a process of recording from a CD.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring information corresponding to a CD.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating a filtering package.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a check-out or check-in process.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating an image pasting process.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying an image.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 personal computer, 2 network,
3 EMD registration server, 11 CPU, 12 RO
M, 13 RAM, 21 HDD, 41 magnetic disk, 42 optical disk, 43 magneto-optical disk,
44 semiconductor memory, 61 CPU, 62 RO
M, 63 RAM, 71 HDD, 91 magnetic disk, 92 optical disk, 93 magneto-optical disk, 94 semiconductor memory, 111 content management program, 112 display operation instruction program, 1
13 recording program, 114 content database, 131 EMD selection program, 132 check-in / check-out management program, 133
Encryption system conversion program, 134 compression system conversion program, 135 encryption program, 136 usage condition conversion program, 137 signature management program, 138 authentication program, 139 decryption program, 140 PD driver, 141 purchase driver, 142 purchase driver, 181 filtering data file, 182 display data file, 183 image file, 184 history data file, 301 authentication key

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kiyonobu Kojima 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Aida 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Makoto Shiroma 7-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation F-term (reference) 5B045 BB23 GG01 GG02 5B089 GA21 GB01 HA10 JA12 JA33 JB05 KA01 KC23 KH28 KH30 5D044 AB05 HL11 JJ06 5J104 AA07 AA08 KA02 LA02 NA27 PA09 9A001 BB02 BB03 BB04 CC03 CC08 DD10 EE02 EE03 HH15 HH23 JJ01 JJ18 JJ25 JJ27 JJ67 KK43 KK56 KK60 LL03

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for reading content recorded on an information recording medium, comprising: a first request for requesting a first information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to the content based on a first procedure; Means, second request means for requesting a second information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to the content, based on a second procedure, the first information providing apparatus and the second information providing apparatus An information processing apparatus, comprising: setting means for setting any one of the following; and selecting means for selecting one of the first requesting means and the second requesting means based on the setting of the setting means. . 2. An information processing method for an information processing device for reading content recorded on an information recording medium, comprising: requesting a first information providing device to transmit information corresponding to the content based on a first procedure. A first requesting step; a second requesting step of requesting a second information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to the content based on a second procedure; and the first information providing apparatus and the second A setting step for setting any one of the information providing apparatuses, and a selecting step for selecting one of the processing of the first requesting step and the processing of the second requesting step based on the setting in the processing of the setting step An information processing method comprising: 3. A program for information processing of an information processing apparatus for reading a content recorded on an information recording medium, the information being stored in a first information providing apparatus based on a first procedure. A first requesting step of requesting transmission of information, a second requesting step of requesting a second information providing apparatus to transmit information corresponding to the content, based on a second procedure, and the first information provision A setting step of setting one of an apparatus and the second information providing apparatus; and one of the processing of the first requesting step and the processing of the second requesting step based on the setting in the processing of the setting step. A program storage medium for causing an information processing apparatus to execute a program, comprising: