JP2001229652A - Recording medium, recording and reproducing device and reproduction control information gathering system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage medium and a recording and reproducing device in which a reproduction frequency in the random reproduction of digital data recorded in a recording medium can be dynamically decided. SOLUTION: This recording medium 100 for recording digital data is provided with a contents data storage area 10, a reproduction control information storage area 20 provided with a parameter for deciding the reproduction frequency at the time of random reproduction and an index information storage area 30. Since the individual pieces of reproduction control information provided in the reproduction control information storage area 20 can be updated, the reproduction frequency is dynamically decided at the time of the reproduction by deciding the reproduction frequency by using the reproduction control information in this recording and reproducing device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium for recording digital data and a recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the recorded digital data, and more particularly to a recording medium for recording digital data including reproduction control information. And a recording / reproducing apparatus for randomly reproducing digital data using the reproduction control information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a recording medium for storing digital data, a laser disk (registered trademark) (L
D), compact disc (CD), mini disc (M
Optical discs such as D) and DVD are widely used.
Furthermore, in recent years, semiconductor memories that are smaller in size than these optical discs and have no sound skipping are showing signs of spreading.

Information recorded on these recording media is generally reproduced sequentially. However, particularly in the case of playing music, the content data, that is, the order in which the music is played, may be interchanged and played. As one of such reproducing methods, conventionally, random reproduction for randomly selecting and reproducing content data recorded on a recording medium has been performed.

[0004] In this random reproduction, random numbers are generally used in order to randomly determine content data to be reproduced. Therefore, a recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content data is provided with a random number generator. The random number generator reproduces the content data corresponding to the obtained random number value, thereby realizing random reproduction.

Here, in general, since the random number generator outputs a numerical value in a predetermined range with almost equal probability, the frequency at which each content data is selected by the recording / reproducing apparatus in random reproduction is often Are identical.

As a reproduction method similar to the conventional random reproduction described above, there is shuffle reproduction. Shuffle playback means that a plurality of pieces of content data stored in a recording medium are played back at random, but once played back, the content data is stored on the playback device side so that each content data is not played back again. Is played back once. This method is described in Jpn.
No. 6989.

Further, there is a method of providing a bias in the appearance frequency of content data by providing a flag for designating the number of times of the shuffle reproduction in the random reproduction on the optical disk as described above. This method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-807509. According to this method, it is possible to use a counter at the time of shuffle reproduction and to prevent data whose number of times of reproduction exceeds the value specified in the flag from being reproduced.

[0008]

However, according to the above-described conventional method, when performing random reproduction,
The frequency of appearance of each content data is static once determined, and cannot be changed dynamically. For example, random reproduction is performed at an appearance frequency that reflects a user's content data usage state, such as increasing the reproduction frequency of recently recorded content data or increasing the reproduction frequency of content data that has been frequently reproduced in the past. It is difficult.

In the case of sequential playback without random playback, since the appearance frequency is still static, the playback should be performed in an order that takes into account the appearance frequency reflecting the user's content data usage. It is difficult. The conventional method has such a problem.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording method capable of dynamically changing the appearance frequency or appearance order of each content data not only when reproducing the content data sequentially but also at random. An object of the present invention is to provide a medium and a recording / reproducing device. A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for collecting and using reproduction control information used in these recording media and recording / reproducing devices.

[0011]

A first aspect of the present invention is a readable and writable recording medium for recording digital data, wherein the digital data can be reproduced by a predetermined recording / reproducing apparatus. One or more pieces of content data and playback control information used by the recording and playback apparatus to determine content data to be played back. The playback control information is referred to when the recording and playback apparatus performs normal playback, and the content data playback is performed. Playback path information that determines the order, and are referred to when the recording and playback device performs special playback,
Determining the reproduction frequency of the content data includes a reproduction frequency parameter, and the reproduction frequency parameter can be updated.

As described above, according to the first aspect, not only when content data is reproduced sequentially but also randomly, the appearance frequency or appearance order of each content data is set according to the user's preference. It is possible to provide a recording medium that can be dynamically changed together.

A second invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the reproduction frequency parameter is updated based on information of content data selected at the time of performing normal reproduction.

As described above, according to the second aspect, reproduction is performed based on information of content data selected at the time of performing normal reproduction in the recording / reproducing apparatus, for example, information on the reproduction date / time and the number of times of reproduction. Since the frequency parameter is updated, the user's preference can be reflected on the reproduction frequency parameter.

A third invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the reproduction control information includes date and time information at which the content data was recorded.

As described above, according to the third aspect, when reproducing the content data, the appearance frequency or the appearance order of each content data can be dynamically changed based on the date and time information when the content data was recorded. A recording medium can be provided.

A fourth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the reproduction control information includes information on the date and time when the content data was reproduced last time.

As described above, according to the fourth aspect, when reproducing the content data, the appearance frequency or the appearance order of each content data is dynamically changed based on the date and time information when the content data was reproduced last time. Recording medium can be provided.

A fifth invention is the invention according to the first invention, wherein the reproduction control information includes information on the number of times the content data has been reproduced.

As described above, according to the fifth aspect, when reproducing the content data, the appearance frequency or the order of appearance of each content data is dynamically changed based on the information on the number of times the content data has been reproduced. Recording medium can be provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing digital data on / from a recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control information is read from the recording medium, and the reproduction path included in the read-out reproduction control information is included. A determining unit for generating information for determining content data to be reproduced based on one of the information and the reproduction frequency parameter; a selecting unit for selecting content data to be reproduced based on the information generated by the determining unit; And a reproducing unit for reading out and reproducing the content data selected by the unit from the recording medium.

As described above, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the frequency of appearance or the order of appearance of each piece of content data can be determined according to the user's preference not only when reproducing the content data sequentially but also randomly. It is possible to provide a recording / reproducing device that can be dynamically changed in accordance with the above.

A seventh invention is an invention according to the sixth invention, wherein, when the special reproduction is performed, the determining unit determines the number of reproductions based on the reproduction frequency parameter of the read reproduction control information.
When playing two or more content data at random,
The reproduction frequency of each of the content data is determined, and the selection unit randomly selects the content data to be reproduced so as to have the reproduction frequency determined by the determination unit.

As described above, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of dynamically changing the appearance frequency of each piece of content data in accordance with the user's preference when reproducing the content data at random. be able to.

An eighth invention is an invention according to the seventh invention, wherein the selection unit comprises: a random number generator for generating a random number value;
It is a table that associates random numbers with content data, and includes a random number correspondence table used to determine content data to be reproduced.

As described above, according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of dynamically changing the appearance frequency of each content data by using a random number generator and a random number correspondence table.

A ninth invention is an invention according to the sixth invention, wherein, when normal reproduction is performed, the determining unit determines the content data based on the reproduction path information of the read reproduction control information. The reproduction order is determined, and the selection unit selects the content data to be reproduced so as to have the reproduction order determined by the determination unit.

As described above, according to the ninth aspect, there is provided a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of dynamically changing the reproduction order of each content data in accordance with the user's preference when reproducing the content data in order. be able to.

[0029] A tenth invention is a invention according to the sixth invention, wherein the reproduction control information is updated by writing new reproduction control information to the recording medium in order to update the reproduction control information recorded on the recording medium. A part.

As described above, according to the tenth aspect, since the reproduction control information can be updated at any time, it is possible to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of dynamically changing the reproduction frequency or the reproduction order of the content data. it can.

[0031] An eleventh invention is an invention according to the tenth invention, wherein the update unit controls the reproduction control recorded on the recording medium based on the information of the content data selected at the time of performing the normal reproduction. Update information.

As described above, according to the eleventh aspect, since the reproduction control information is updated at the time of normal reproduction, the recording / reproducing apparatus which can dynamically change the reproduction frequency or the reproduction order of the content data in accordance with the user's preference. Can be provided.

A twelfth invention is an invention according to the sixth invention, wherein the determining unit includes a timer for generating time information, and using the time information generated by the timer, the reproduction frequency of each of the content data. To determine.

As described above, according to the twelfth aspect, there is provided a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of calculating the reproduction frequency or the reproduction order of each content by using time information generated by a timer and dynamically changing these. Can be provided.

According to a thirteenth aspect, an information service provider collects reproduction control information relating to the reproduction frequency of content reproduced by a user, sells the information to a corresponding content distributor, and provides the user who provided the reproduction control information with the information service provider. A playback control information collection system for giving a privilege to
A user system provided on the user side, an information service provider system provided on the information service provider side,
A system for a content distributor provided on the content distributor side is provided, and the system for the user, the system for the information service provider, and the system for the content distributor are connected by a network for mutually communicating information, The system for the user transmits the reproduction control information to be provided by the user via the network, and the system for the information service provider receives the reproduction control information transmitted from the system for the user and uniquely corresponds to each user. The corresponding content is transmitted to the system for the content distributor who sold the corresponding content via the network, and the system for the content distributor transmits the reproduction control information and the corresponding ID transmitted from the system for the information service provider. Receives the password that uniquely corresponds to the ID And line, via the network, and transmits the password to the information service provider for the system, the information service providers for the system, a password and ID transmitted from the system for content distributors,
The system transmits the ID and password transmitted from the information service provider system via the network to the content distributor system via the network, and sends the privilege to the corresponding user system via the network. Request and content seller system,
The presented ID and password are authenticated, and a privilege corresponding to the authenticated user is given.

As described above, according to the thirteenth aspect, by providing the reproduction control information, the user can enjoy various benefits suited to his / her preference, and the personal information can be directly sold to the contents. Does not pass to traders. Also, the information service provider can receive the information fee by providing the reproduction control information from the user to the content distributor. Furthermore, the content distributor can grasp the needs of the user from the reproduction control information, and can then promote new sales or preferential sales to each user to promote the sales.

A fourteenth invention is an invention according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the user system is a communication unit that communicates with each of the information service company system and the content seller system via a network. And a playback control information management unit that manages playback control information to be provided by the user and transmits the information to the information service provider system via the communication unit at a predetermined timing. A communication unit that communicates via the network with each of the user system and the content distributor system, a user information management unit that manages information about the user including the ID, and associating the reproduction control information with the ID and the corresponding content And a playback control information database for storing and storing the information. A communication unit that communicates with each of the service provider system and the user system via a network, a privilege providing unit that gives a privilege to the user system via the communication unit, and a password issuance and management. And a password management unit that authenticates the correspondence between the ID and the password presented from the user system.

[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) First, a recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a data structure diagram of a recording medium 100 which is a semiconductor memory. In FIG. 1, a recording medium 100 includes a content data storage area 10, a reproduction control information storage area 20, and an index information storage area 30. The content data storage area 10 includes at least one or more content data. In the example of FIG. 1, the content data storage area 10 includes N pieces of content data, that is, content data # 1, content data # 2,..., Content data #N.
In the present embodiment, the content data is music data, and its format is MP3 (MPEG1).
AUDIO LAYER3). However, the format of music data is linear PCM
Other formats such as (LPCM) may be used. The content data is not limited to music data, but may be video data, character data, or data obtained by combining these.

On the other hand, the reproduction control information storage area 20 contains at least one or more pieces of reproduction control information. The reproduction control information has a one-to-one correspondence with the content data described above. Here, each piece of playback control information corresponding to the content data # 1, content data # 2,..., Content data #N is playback control information # 1, playback control information # 2,. And

Further, the playback control information includes content data identification information 21, a playback frequency indirect factor 22, and a playback frequency direct factor 23. The content data identification information 21 is information for identifying each corresponding content data. The reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 is information used indirectly to determine the reproduction frequency at the time of random reproduction. The reproduction frequency direct factor 23 is a value used as it is as the reproduction frequency at the time of random reproduction. Thus, the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 and the reproduction frequency direct factor 23
Is used as a reproduction frequency parameter to determine the reproduction frequency of the corresponding content data. Note that the reproduction control information may include only one of the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 and the reproduction frequency direct factor 23.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a data structure diagram of the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22. The reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 includes content data recording date / time information 22a, content data last reproduction date / time information 22b, and content data total reproduction count information 22c.

The content data recording date / time information 22a is
This is information indicating the date and time when the corresponding content data was recorded on the recording medium 100. The content data previous reproduction date / time information 22b is information indicating the date / time when the corresponding content data was reproduced last time. The content data total reproduction number information 22c is information indicating the total number of reproduction times indicating the total number of reproduction times after the corresponding content data is recorded on the recording medium 100. The components of the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 are not limited to the above three components, and it is sufficient that at least one component indicates information related to the content data. Further, the information indicating the date and time is typically composed of year, month and day, but may be a part of the information and may further include the time.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a data structure diagram of the reproduction frequency direct factor 23. The reproduction frequency direct factor 23 stores a reproduction frequency value itself corresponding to each content data. This reproduction frequency value is stored in reproduction frequency information described later. The reproduction frequency information includes a reproduction frequency corresponding to each piece of content data, and is used for random reproduction in a storage / reproduction device described later.

In FIG. 3, the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 is
A frequency value 23a of the reproduction frequency information 1, a frequency value 23b of the reproduction frequency information 2, and a frequency value 23c of the reproduction frequency information 3 are included. That is, the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 includes frequency values in three types of reproduction frequency information. Therefore, in such a configuration, random playback can be performed at three different playback frequencies by the storage and playback device described below. Note that the above is only an example, and the number of components of the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 is not limited to three, and it is sufficient to store a frequency value in at least one type of reproduction frequency information.

Next, referring to FIG. 1, in the index information storage area 30, the playback device retrieves each content stored in the content data storage area 10 and each playback control information stored in the playback control information storage area 20. This is an area for storing information (for example, a recording address or the like) required at that time. In the present embodiment, the FAT (File Al
A recording table and the like are managed by a location table (File) file system, and information necessary in the FAT file system is stored in the index information storage area 30.
Shall be recorded. However, instead of the FAT file system, UDF (Universal Disk)
For example, another file system such as “Format” may be used, or the recording address may be managed without using the file system.

In the above description, a semiconductor memory is used as the recording medium 100. However, the recording medium is not limited to the semiconductor memory, but may be any rewritable recording medium such as a DVD-RAM capable of updating reproduction control information. It may be something.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a recording / reproducing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the recording medium 100 according to the first embodiment and the recording / reproducing device 200 according to the present embodiment described above with reference to FIG. The recording medium 100 is, for example, SD
(Secure Digital) card. The recording / reproducing apparatus 200 includes a recording / reproducing audio player for recording / reproducing digital data recorded on the recording medium 100.

In FIG. 4, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 includes a reproducing frequency determining section 50, a content data selecting section 60,
And a reproducing unit 70. The reproduction frequency determination unit 50 reads out each piece of reproduction control information included in the reproduction control information storage area 20 of the recording medium 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1, and determines the reproduction frequency of each content data in the content data storage area 10 based on this. decide. Content data selector 6
0 randomly selects content data to be reproduced according to the reproduction frequency determined by the reproduction frequency determination unit 50. The playback unit 70 plays back the selected content data.

Here, it is assumed that there are two types of methods for reproducing content data using the present recording / reproducing apparatus: normal reproduction and special reproduction. First, the normal reproduction means a method of reproducing the corresponding content data using the description order of the reproduction control information 20 on the recording medium 100 in FIG. 1, that is, the order from the reproduction control information # 1 to the reproduction control information #N. It is. Of course, during normal playback,
The content corresponding to the playback control information # 1 does not necessarily have to be played first, but may be played in order from the content arbitrarily selected by the user. Also,
The user may end the reproduction in the middle and select a new content to reproduce. The information in the order from the reproduction control information # 1 to the reproduction control information #N is called reproduction path information. Therefore, although the reproduction path information is included in the reproduction control information 20, the reproduction path information may be newly provided separately from the reproduction control information 20. next,
The trick play is a playback method of dynamically determining the playback order, and is a method of dynamically playing back content data using the playback frequency indirect factor 22 or the playback frequency direct factor 23 in the recording medium 100. In each embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that a special reproduction method is used for reproduction unless the user arbitrarily selects and reproduces the content.

Note that the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 may include a reproduction control information updating unit 80 for updating the reproduction control information included in the reproduction control information storage area 20 of the recording medium 100 according to the usage status of the content data. In such a case, the reproduction control information of the content data reproduced by the recording / reproducing device 200 is updated as necessary. For example, the reproduction date / time and the number of times of reproduction in each piece of reproduction control information are updated each time the reproduction is performed or collectively at the end of the reproduction. Preferably, the reproduction control information updating unit 80 performs the above-described operation only during normal reproduction, every time reproduction is performed, or collectively at the end of reproduction. This is because, during normal reproduction, the content to be reproduced is determined according to the user's preference. Of course, the above-described operation may be performed in both the normal reproduction and the special reproduction.

The reproduction frequency determining unit 50 provided in the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 includes a reproduction control information acquisition unit 51
And a reproduction frequency information generation unit 52 and a reproduction frequency information storage unit 53. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4, the reproduction frequency determination unit 50 may further include a timer 54.

The content data selecting section 60 includes a random number generator 61 and a random number correspondence table 62. Playback unit 70
Includes a decoder 71, a DA converter 72, and a speaker 73. Of course, the speaker 73 may be a headphone or the like, may be provided outside the apparatus, and may be connected to the playback unit 70 via an audio output terminal.

Hereinafter, the operation of each unit in the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 will be described in detail. First, the reproduction frequency determination unit 5
0 reads out the reproduction control information included in the reproduction control information storage area 20 of the recording medium 100, and determines the reproduction frequency of each content data included in the content data storage area 10 based on the readout.

Here, in the reproduction frequency determination section 50, the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51 reads the reproduction control information recorded on the recording medium 100. For reading, recording address information recorded in the index information storage area 30 is used.

The reproduction frequency information generating unit 52 generates reproduction frequency information including the reproduction frequency corresponding to each content data based on the reproduction control information acquired by the reproduction control information acquiring unit 51.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the reproduction frequency information. As shown in FIG. 8, the reproduction frequency information includes content data identification information 21 and a reproduction frequency value at the time of random reproduction of each content data. The content data identification information 21 includes, for example, an ISRC (Intern) for identifying a music title.
national Standard Recordin
g Code) is used.

Here, a method of generating the reproduction frequency information in the reproduction frequency information generation unit 52 will be described. First, a method using the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining the reproduction frequency of each content data included in the content data storage area 10 using the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22.

Here, an example of processing when the processing is performed in accordance with the procedure of FIG. 5 using the content data recording date / time information 22a included in the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 as the information for generating the reproduction frequency information will be described.

In step S501 of FIG. 5, the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51 has a function of selecting M content data to be reproduced at random reproduction from the N content data stored in the recording medium 100. It is checked whether the device 200 is provided. If a selection function is provided, the process proceeds to step S502
Proceed to. If not, the process proceeds to step S5.
Go to 03.

In step S502, the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51 selects M pieces of content data to be reproduced from the N pieces of content data stored in the recording medium 100. Regarding the selection of the M pieces of content data, a method in which the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 determines based on an input from a user, a method in which the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 determines based on information recorded on the recording medium 100, and the like can be considered. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S504.

In step S 503, the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51 selects all N pieces of content data stored in the recording medium 100 as a reproduction target.
Therefore, M = N. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S504.

In step S 504, the reproduction frequency information generation unit 52 receives from the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51 the content data recording date / time information 22 a corresponding to the M pieces of content data to be reproduced. FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the received data.

In step S 505, the reproduction frequency information generating unit 52 sets the M pieces of content data # 1 to #
Each date information included in the content data recording date / time information 22a corresponding to M is processed into a form that is easy to compare. Here, the number of days elapsed from the reference date is calculated, and these are calculated as T1 and T1.
2, ..., TM. The reference date is the oldest date among the dates corresponding to the M pieces of content data. FIG. 7 shows a case where the reference date is 1 in the example of FIG.
It is the figure which showed the value of T1-T5 when it is May 1, 999.

In step S506, the reproduction frequency information generation unit 52 sets the maximum one of these M data to Tmax and the minimum one to Tmin. Therefore, Tmax is the one with the largest number of days since the reference date,
That is, the value corresponds to the content data recorded most recently. In the example of FIG. 7, Tmax = 34,
Tmin = 0.

In step S507, the reproduction frequency information generation unit 52 calculates the reproduction frequency value of each content data using the following equation (1). Here, it is assumed that 1 ≦ i ≦ M, and [x] represents a maximum integer not exceeding x.

(Equation 1)

Here, in the above equation (1), the weight reference value is a parameter that determines the influence on the reproduction frequency value of the content data recording date / time information 22a, and is a non-negative value. The larger the weight reference value is, the more remarkably the influence on the reproduction frequency value of the content data recording date / time information 22a is reflected. Further, the base frequency value is a value that is evenly allocated to the M pieces of content data to be reproduced, and is a non-negative value. Of course, the base frequency value may be 0.

FIG. 8 shows that the base frequency value in the example of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a result of calculation by substituting 0 into the weight reference value and substituting it into Equation (1), assuming that the weight reference value is 34; In FIG. 8, for example, the reproduction frequency value corresponding to the content data # 1 is calculated by substituting each value into the equation (1), [30+ (6-0 / 34-
0) × 34] = 36.

Through the above steps, reproduction frequency information is generated, and the processing in FIG. 5 ends. In step S507 described above, equation (1) is used as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the playback control information acquired by the playback control information acquisition unit 51 may be used when generating the playback frequency information. Any formula may be used as long as it is a parameter.

In generating the reproduction frequency information, in addition to the above-described method, a method of using the time information by the timer 54 and the time information included in the reproduction control information in combination is also conceivable. When such a method is used, the reference date in step S505 can be set as the date at the time of reproduction by referring to the time information from the timer 54. The time information by the timer 54 is typically the current date including the date, but may be a part of the current date or may include the current time.

As described above, if the content data recording date / time information 22a stored in the recording medium 100 is used to determine the reproduction frequency, the reproduction frequency of the recently recorded content data can be increased, and the user's preference can be improved. It is possible to automatically create the combined reproduction frequency information.

The reproduction frequency information is created by using the content data recording date / time information 22b recorded on the recording medium 100, the content data previous reproduction date / time information 22b, and the content data total reproduction count information 22c. You may. These pieces of information can be used for creating reproduction frequency information in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the description is omitted.

Next, a method using the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for determining the reproduction frequency of each content data included in the content data storage area 10 using the reproduction frequency direct factor 23. Here, a processing example in the case where the reproduction frequency information is generated according to the procedure of FIG. 10 using the frequency value 23a of the reproduction frequency information 1 included in the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 as the information for generating the reproduction frequency information will be described.

Note that steps S1001 to S1 in FIG.
The operation of 003 is the same as the operation of steps S501 to S503 in FIG. That is, the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51 checks whether or not the recording / reproducing device 200 has a function of selecting content data (Step S).
1001), when the selection function is provided, among the N pieces of content data stored in the recording medium 100,
The M content data to be reproduced is selected (step S1002), and if the selection function is not provided, all N content data stored in the recording medium 100 are selected as the reproduction target (step S1003).

Next, in step S1004, the reproduction frequency information generation unit 52 receives the frequency value 23a of the reproduction frequency information 1 for the M pieces of content data to be reproduced from the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51, and receives this at the time of random reproduction. The playback frequency value is used.

Through the above steps, reproduction frequency information is generated, and the processing in FIG. 10 ends. As described above, if the reproduction frequency of each content data is determined using the reproduction frequency direct factor 23, the processing is further simplified as compared with the case where the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 is used.

Therefore, for example, the reproduction control information updating unit 80
May be operated to record the reproduction frequency value calculated using the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 on the recording medium 100 as the reproduction frequency direct factor 23.

Although the frequency value 23a of the reproduction frequency information 1 is used in the above example, a frequency value of other reproduction frequency information may be used. The information used in generating the reproduction control information is not limited to one type, and a plurality of pieces of information stored in the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 and the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 may be used in combination by a predetermined method.

As described above, when the reproduction frequency information is generated in the reproduction frequency information generation unit 52, the reproduction frequency information storage unit 53 in FIG. 4 stores the generated reproduction frequency information.

Next, the content data selecting section 60 selects content data to be reproduced based on the reproduction frequency information determined by the reproduction frequency determining section 50. In FIG. 4, a content data selection unit 60 includes a random number generator 61
And a random number correspondence table 62. Hereinafter, the operation of the content data selection unit 60 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for selecting content data to be reproduced. FIG.
In step S1101, the content data selection unit 60 first obtains the reproduction frequency information stored in the reproduction frequency information storage unit 53.

Next, in step S1102, the content data selecting section 60 creates a random number correspondence table 62 using the reproduction frequency information obtained in step S1101. At this time, it is necessary to create the random number correspondence table 62 in accordance with the characteristics of the random number generator 61 (such as what value is to be generated and at what probability). here,
The random number generator 61 generates non-negative integers (0 to RANDMAX) with the same probability, and it is assumed that RANDMAX is sufficiently large.

FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying a random number correspondence table 62 created based on the reproduction frequency information of FIG. In the example of FIG. 9, random numbers are assigned to each piece of content data in order from 0 so that the reproduction frequency value matches the number of random numbers in the random number correspondence table. Therefore, 208 numerical values from 0 to 207 are associated with each content data.

Next, in step S1103, the content data selecting section 60 acquires a random number value that is a non-negative integer from the random number generator 61. Further, step S110
In 4, the content data selection unit 60 compares the random number value acquired in step S1103 with the value in the random number correspondence table 62 and selects content data to be reproduced. When the random number correspondence table 62 in FIG. 9 is used, the obtained random number value is not necessarily in the range of 0 to 207, and thus the obtained random number value is converted to a remainder value divided by 208 before use. Shall be. Therefore, referring to FIG. 9, for example, when the remainder value is 59, the content data # 2 is selected, and when the remainder value is 203, the content data # 5 is selected. Through the above steps, the content data to be reproduced is selected.

[0102] The reproducing section 70 shown in FIG. 4 reproduces the content data selected by the content data selecting section 60. The selected content data (here, MP3 music data) is decoded by the decoder 71,
The digital-to-analog conversion is performed by the DA converter 72 and the music is reproduced from the speaker 73.

When the reproduction control information updating unit 80 is provided, the reproduction control information updating unit 80 updates the reproduction control information included in the reproduction control information storage area 20 in accordance with the usage status of the content data. Its operation has been described above.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 200 is configured so that a recording / reproducing audio player is used. However, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 is not limited to this, and any recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording / reproducing digital data can be used. It may be. Further, the recording medium 100 may be any recording medium as long as it is a rewritable recording medium, as described in the description of the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a recording / reproducing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the recording medium 100 according to the first embodiment and the recording / reproducing device 210 according to the present embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 12, the recording / reproducing device 210
Reproduction order determination unit 500 and content data selection unit 60
0 and a reproducing unit 70. Playback order determination unit 50
0 reads the reproduction control information and determines the reproduction order of each content data. Content data selection unit 600
Selects content data according to the determined reproduction order. The playback unit 70 and the playback control information updating unit 8
Since 0 is the same as that of the components of the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

The reproduction order determining unit 500 provided in the recording / reproducing apparatus 210 includes a reproduction control information acquisition unit 51
And a reproduction order information generation unit 520 and a reproduction order information storage unit 530. The playback control information acquisition unit 51 and the timer 54 are the same as the components of the playback frequency determination unit 50 in FIG.

The operation of each unit in the recording / reproducing apparatus 210 will be described below, focusing on differences from the operation of each unit in the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. First, the reproduction order determination unit 500 reads the reproduction control information included in the reproduction control information storage area 20 of the recording medium 100, and determines the reproduction order of each content data included in the content data storage area 10 based on the read control information. .

Here, in the reproduction order determination section 500,
The reproduction order information generating unit 520 creates reproduction order information including a reproduction order corresponding to each content data based on the reproduction control information acquired by the reproduction control information acquisition unit 51. The data structure of the playback order information includes the content data identification information 21 and the playback order value of each piece of content data, similarly to the playback frequency information of FIG.

Here, the reproduction order information generation unit 520
Will be described below. First, a method using the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for determining the reproduction order of each content data included in the content data storage area 10 using the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22.

Here, as in the case of FIG. 5, the content data recording date / time information 22a included in the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 is used as the information for generating the reproduction order information, and is performed according to the procedure of FIG. An example of the processing will be described.

First, steps S601 to S60 in FIG.
5 performs exactly the same processing as steps S501 to S505 in FIG. Next, in step S606 of FIG. 13, the reproduction order information generation unit 52
0 is M data T1, T2,..., TM as shown in FIG.
Are sorted in ascending or descending order, and numbers are assigned in order.

Next, in step S607, the reproduction order information generation unit 520 transmits the
Number of content data (number of songs) to be reproduced on 10
Checks whether or not was specified. If the number of reproductions has been specified, the process proceeds to step S608. If not, the process proceeds to step S609.

In step S608, assuming that the designated number of music pieces is L, the reproduction order information generation unit 520 sorts the M pieces of data T1, T2,.
From M, the first L pieces of information are extracted, and other information is deleted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S609.

Next, in step S609, the reproduction order information generation unit 520 stores the data created as described above as reproduction order information in the reproduction order information storage unit 530.

[0098] As in the case of creating the reproduction frequency information, a method of using the time information by the timer 54 can be considered in the creation of the reproduction order information.

As described above, if the content data recording date / time information 22a stored in the recording medium 100 is used for determining the reproduction order, if the content data is sorted in ascending order, the reproduction order of the recently recorded content data is changed. When the content data is sorted in descending order, the reproduction order of previously recorded content data can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to automatically create the reproduction order information according to the user's preference.

In creating the reproduction order information, in addition to the method using the content data recording date / time information 22a recorded on the recording medium 100, the content data previous reproduction date / time information 22b and the content data total reproduction count information 22c are used. You may. These pieces of information can be used to create reproduction order information in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the description is omitted.

The method using the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 is almost the same as the method using the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22. That is, in the step S605 of FIG. 13, the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 is different from the method using the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 only in that the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 is already processed in a form that can be easily compared.

In the above example, the frequency value 23a of the reproduction frequency information 1 is used, but the frequency value of other reproduction frequency information may be used. The information used in generating the reproduction control information is not limited to one type, and a plurality of pieces of information stored in the reproduction frequency indirect factor 22 and the reproduction frequency direct factor 23 may be used in combination by a predetermined method.

Next, the content data selection unit 6 shown in FIG.
00 selects the content data to be reproduced in order based on the reproduction order information determined by the reproduction order determination unit 500. The selected content data is reproduced by the content data selection unit 60.

When the reproduction control information updating unit 80 is provided, the reproduction control information updating unit 80 updates the reproduction control information included in the reproduction control information storage area 20 in accordance with the usage status of the content data. Its operation has been described above.

The above embodiment has been described only as an example of a system in which the best effects can be expected at present. The present invention can be implemented and changed without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the recording / reproducing device 210 may be any recording / reproducing device capable of recording / reproducing digital data, similarly to the recording / reproducing device 200. As described above, the recording medium 100 may be any rewritable recording medium.

(Fourth Embodiment) First, the necessity of the system according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The reproduction control information used by the recording medium and the recording / reproducing apparatus is information indicating what content the user prefers to reproduce. Therefore, such playback control information is
This is extremely useful information for the content distributor to know the user's preference. However, it is not necessary for the user to provide such personal information to the content distributor, and it is troublesome. Therefore, a system is required to allow the user to arbitrarily provide the reproduction control information and to effectively collect and use the reproduction control information. Such a system will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing how the system according to the fourth embodiment operates. FIG.
In this system, an information service provider collects and manages reproduction control information stored on a user's recording medium, and provides the content distributor with a user system 1000 used by the user. System 2000 for information service providers used by the company and system 3 for content sellers used by the content seller
000. These systems are typically interconnected by a communication network such as the Internet. Hereinafter, the operation of the present system will be described for each step.

In step S1 of FIG. 14, first, the content distributor sells content data such as music to the user. The sold content is transmitted from the content distributor system 3000 to the user system 1000. Of course, the content is not limited to sales via communication lines, but is recorded on recording media,
For example, it may be sold through a retailer or the like.

Next, in step S2, the user
In order to receive benefits and the like in return for providing playback control information regarding the content, apply for membership registration with an information service provider. Specifically, the user system 1000
Transmits member registration information such as a name, an address, and an e-mail address for uniquely identifying a user to the information service provider system 2000. Of course, the user's application may be made by mail, telephone, or the like without passing through a communication line.

In step S3, the information service company receives a membership registration application from the user and issues a uniquely corresponding member ID to the user. Specifically, the information service provider system 2000 refers to the received member registration information, and transmits a user-specific member ID to the user system 1000 using an electronic mail or the like. Of course, the member ID may be notified to the user by mail, telephone, or the like without passing through a communication line.

In step S4, the user provides, at predetermined time intervals, for example, playback control information corresponding to each content stored in the storage medium used by the user to the information service provider. Specifically, the user system 1000 transmits the above-mentioned reproduction control information to the information service provider system 2000 at appropriate time intervals. In this way, the information service provider system 2000 accumulates the reproduction control information managed by each user, and classifies and stores the content corresponding to the reproduction control information for each seller.

In step S5, the information service provider provides the content distributor with reproduction control information from the user corresponding to the sold content. More specifically, the information service provider system 2000 transmits the collected playback control information to the content seller system 3000 as a set of the playback control information required by the content seller and the corresponding member ID. I do. The reason why the member ID is used in combination is that the user is made anonymous, so that personal information other than the reproduction control information is not given to the content distributor.

In step S6, the content distributor pays the information service provider for the provision of the reproduction control information. Specifically, the system 3000 for the content distributor remits a fee to the system 2000 for the information service provider using an electronic payment currency or the like. Of course, the remittance may be performed by bank transfer, cash transfer, or the like without using a communication line.

In step S7, the content distributor notifies the information service provider of the password required for the user to receive the privilege, together with the corresponding ID. Specifically, the content distributor system 300
No. 0 creates a password so that only the user can receive a privilege provided to a certain user, pairs it with an ID corresponding to the user, and transmits it to the information service provider system 2000. Further, the password may be created by the information service provider and notified to the content distributor together with the corresponding ID.

In step S8, the information service provider receives the password from the content distributor and notifies the user of the password. Further, the information service provider may notify the user of information on benefits and the like provided by the content distributor. Specifically, the information service provider system 2000 refers to the received member registration information and
For example, a password, privilege information, and the like corresponding to each user are transmitted to E.00 using electronic mail or the like. of course,
The password may be notified to the user by mail, telephone, or the like without passing through a communication line.

In step S9, the user requests the prepared content and the like from the content distributor using the member ID and the password notified from the information service provider. Specifically, the user system 1000 transmits a member ID and a password to the information service provider system 2000, and requests the information service provider system 2000 to transmit prepared benefits and the like.

In step S10, the information service provider receives the member ID and password notified by the user, and when the information service provider can confirm the identity of the user, provides the user with prepared privileges and the like. Specifically, the information service provider system 2000 receives and authenticates the member ID and the password from the user system 1000, and transmits a prepared privilege or the like when confirming the user. Examples of benefits include free content and trial content, special sales and preferential sales, various points where goods and services can be received when a certain amount is accumulated, and new information, such as profits that users want to obtain. Any benefits may be provided.

Next, a detailed configuration of the present system will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system 1000 for a user, a system 2000 for an information service provider, and a system 3000 for a content distributor.

In FIG. 15, the user system 100
0 includes a recording medium according to the first embodiment, a reproduction control information management unit 1002 that manages reproduction control information stored in the recording medium, and a communication unit 1001 that communicates with the outside. The information service provider system 2000 includes a communication unit 2001 that communicates with the outside, a user information management unit 2002 that manages information about the user, and a reproduction control information database 2003 that stores all reproduction control information provided by the user. And The content distributor system 3000 includes a communication unit 3001 for communicating with the outside.
And a content providing unit 3002 for providing content to be sold to the user, a password managing unit 3003 for managing a password corresponding to the user ID, and a privilege providing unit 3004 for providing a privilege to the user. These systems are typically interconnected via a communications network such as the Internet. Hereinafter, the operation of each component will be described.

In the user system 1000, the recording medium stores information including reproduction control information and content data as described in the first embodiment. The content data is typically transmitted from the dealer system 3000 via the communication line, as described above in step S1 of FIG.

The reproduction control information management section 1002 manages the reproduction control information stored in the recording medium, and typically inputs and transmits the information to the communication section 1001 at predetermined time intervals. The transmission of the reproduction control information may be performed via the communication unit 1001 when a certain amount is accumulated, or may be performed based on a user's instruction. Further, a part or all of the reproduction control information management unit 1002 may be included in the recording / reproducing device described in the second embodiment.

The communication unit 1001 is composed of a modem, a dial-up router, and the like, and typically communicates with the information service provider system 2000 or the content distributor system 3000 via the Internet to exchange various information. This operation is as described above in the description of each step in FIG.

Note that the user system 1000 may further include a user terminal not shown in FIG. 15 for performing a member registration procedure and receiving an ID, a password, and the like. Typically, the user terminal is a personal computer installed with software for sending and receiving electronic mail and accessing a homepage.

Next, the information service provider system 200
0, the configuration and operation of the communication unit 2001 are the same as those of the communication unit 1001. User information management unit 2002
Is a user system 1000 via the communication unit 2001.
(For example, user's personal information and ID) received from the content distributor system 3000
Manage information such as passwords received from. Further, the user information management unit 2002 manages the reproduction control information received from the user, and
Enter 003. Playback control information database 2003
Creates and accumulates a database in which the playback control information, the member ID, the type and name of each content, the name of the seller, and the like are mutually associated. The playback control information thus accumulated is classified for each dealer and transmitted to each system including the information service provider system 2000.

The information service provider system 200
0 may further include a presentation unit (not shown) so as to present the statistics of the reproduction control information stored in the reproduction control information database 2003. Specifically, the presentation unit (not shown) includes the reproduction control information database 2003
Is analyzed, and the contents reproduced by each user are sorted in order of reproduction frequency. Then, the presenting unit presents a popular content ranking on the homepage or the like, with the most frequently reproduced content at the top. With this configuration, the interest of each user in the content is increased, and the sale of the content can be promoted.

In system 3000 for the content distributor, the configuration and operation of communication unit 3001
001 is the same. The content providing unit 3002 stores content to be sold to a user, and sells the content in response to a request from the user. As described above, in the present system, the content providing unit 3002 is not an essential component.

The password management unit 3003 generates a password uniquely corresponding to each ID, and stores and manages the password. When the information service provider system 2000 generates a password, the password management unit 3003 receives and manages the password. The privilege providing unit 3004 provides a prepared privilege in response to a request from the user. Specifically, the privilege providing unit 3004 receives the ID and the password from the user, and inquires of the password management unit 3003 whether the password is correct. The password management unit 3003 authenticates whether or not the user is properly accessing based on the correspondence between the ID and the password.
If the password is correct, the privilege providing unit 3004 transmits a predetermined privilege corresponding to the ID, or adds points and the like. In addition, the privilege providing unit 3004,
For example, access to a homepage that cannot be generally accessed may be permitted. When determining the privilege corresponding to each ID, it is effective to refer to the reproduction control information of the user. Then, since a privilege suitable for the user's preference can be given, sales can be promoted.

As described above, according to the present system, the user can enjoy various privileges suited to his / her taste by providing the reproduction control information. Also, since the personal information is not passed directly to the content distributor, there is no need to worry about sending unnecessary information. In addition, the information service provider can receive an information fee from the content seller by converting the information from the user into a database and providing the information to the content seller. Further, by receiving the user information, the content distributor can grasp the needs of the users, and can then promote new sales, preferential sales, etc. to each user to promote sales.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a reproduction frequency indirect factor in a recording medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure example of a reproduction frequency direct factor in the recording medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus and a recording medium according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for generating reproduction frequency information using a reproduction frequency indirect factor in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reproduction frequency information generation procedure S504.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reproduction frequency information generation procedure S505.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reproduction frequency information generation procedure S507.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example and a data example of a random number correspondence table.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for generating reproduction frequency information using a reproduction frequency direct factor in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for selecting content data.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus and a recording medium according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for generating reproduction frequency information using a reproduction frequency indirect factor in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation of a reproduction control information collection system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a reproduction control information collection system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 content data storage area 20 playback control information storage area 21 content data identification information 22 playback frequency indirect factor 22a content data recording date / time information 22b content data previous playback date / time information 22c content data total playback count information 23 playback frequency direct factor 23a playback frequency information 1 frequency value 23b frequency value of reproduction frequency information 2 23c frequency value of reproduction frequency information 30 index information storage area 50 reproduction frequency determination unit 51 reproduction control information acquisition unit 52 reproduction frequency information generation unit 53 reproduction frequency information storage unit 54 timer Reference Signs List 60 content data selection unit 61 random number generator 62 random number correspondence table 70 reproduction unit 71 decoder 72 DA converter 73 speaker 80 reproduction control information update unit 100 recording media 200, 210 recording / reproduction device 520 reproduction frequency information Generation unit 530 Playback frequency information storage unit 600 Content data selection unit 1000 User system 1001 Communication unit 1002 Playback control information management unit 2000 Information service company system 2001 Communication unit 2002 User information management unit 2003 Playback control information database 3000 For content sellers System 3001 Communication unit 3002 Content providing unit 3003 Password management unit 3004 Privilege providing unit

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A readable and writable recording medium for recording digital data, wherein the digital data is two or more content data that can be reproduced by a predetermined recording / reproducing device; Playback control information used to determine the content data to be played back, wherein the playback control information is referred to when the recording and playback device performs normal playback, and playback path information that determines a playback order of the content data; A reproduction frequency parameter that is referred to when the recording / reproducing apparatus performs special reproduction and that determines a reproduction frequency of the content data, wherein the reproduction frequency parameter can be updated. 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction frequency parameter is updated based on information of content data selected when performing normal reproduction. 3. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control information includes date and time information when the content data was recorded. 4. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control information includes date and time information of the last time the content data was reproduced. 5. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control information includes information on the number of times the content data has been reproduced. 6. A recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing digital data on / from a recording medium according to claim 1, wherein said reproduction control information is read from said recording medium, and said reproduction path included in said read reproduction control information. A determining unit that generates information that determines content data to be reproduced based on any of the information and the reproduction frequency parameter; and a selecting unit that selects content data to be reproduced based on the information generated by the determining unit. A recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: a reproducing unit that reads out and reproduces the content data selected by the selecting unit from the recording medium. 7. When the trick play is performed, the determining unit includes:
Based on the reproduction frequency parameter of the read reproduction control information, the reproduction frequency of each of the content data when randomly reproducing the two or more pieces of the content data is determined. 7. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the content data to be reproduced is randomly selected so as to have a reproduction frequency determined by the unit. 8. A random number generator for generating a random number, a table for associating the random number with the content data, and a random number correspondence table used to determine content data to be reproduced. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, comprising: 9. When the normal reproduction is performed, the determination unit includes:
Based on the reproduction path information of the read reproduction control information, the reproduction order of the content data is determined, and the selection unit converts the content data to be reproduced so as to have the reproduction order determined by the determination unit. select,
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6. 10. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: an updating unit for writing new reproduction control information on the recording medium in order to update the reproduction control information recorded on the recording medium. 11. The reproduction unit according to claim 10, wherein the update unit updates the reproduction control information recorded on the recording medium based on information of content data selected when performing normal reproduction.
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1. 12. The determining unit includes a timer for generating time information, and determines a reproduction frequency of each of the content data using the time information generated by the timer.
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6. 13. An information service provider collects reproduction control information relating to the reproduction frequency of content reproduced by a user and sells the information to a corresponding content distributor.
A reproduction control information collection system that provides a privilege to a user who has provided the reproduction control information, a system for a user provided on the user side, a system for an information service provider provided on the information service provider side, A system for a content distributor provided on the side of the content distributor, wherein the system for the user, the system for the information service provider, and the system for the content distributor are connected by a network for mutually communicating information. The system for the user, via the network,
The reproduction control information transmitted by the user is transmitted.The information service provider system receives the reproduction control information transmitted from the user system, and combines the reproduction control information with an ID uniquely corresponding to each user. Via a network, transmitting the corresponding content to the system for the content distributor who sold, the system for the content distributor receives the playback control information and the corresponding ID transmitted from the system for the information service provider, Issues a password that uniquely corresponds to the ID, transmits the password to the information service provider system via the network, and the information service provider system is transmitted from the content seller system. Password and the ID
To the corresponding user system via the network, the user system transmits the ID and the password transmitted from the information service provider system,
Via the network, present to the content seller system to request the privilege, the content seller system, the presented ID
A reproduction control information collection system that authenticates a password and a password and gives a privilege corresponding to the authenticated user. 14. The system for the user, a communication unit for communicating with each of the system for the information service provider and the system for the content seller via the network, and reproduction control information to be provided by the user. And a playback control information management unit that transmits the information to the information service provider system at a predetermined timing via the communication unit. The information service provider system includes the user system and the content sales. A communication unit that communicates with each of the trader systems via the network; a user information management unit that manages information about the user including the ID; and associating the playback control information with the ID and the corresponding content. And a playback control information database for storing the content. A communication unit for communicating with each of the information service provider system and the user system via the network; and providing the privilege to the user system via the communication unit. 14. The reproduction control information collection according to claim 13, comprising: a privilege providing unit that issues and manages the password, and a password management unit that authenticates a correspondence between the ID and the password presented from the user system. system.