JP2001243355A - Device and method for charging processing and device and method for reproducing data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize rational charging in a system for charging when reproducing the contents of music or the like. SOLUTION: In a first step S21, a reproducing place (area) is identified on the basis of identification information from a reproducing place identifying part 19. Indexes by areas are previously stored in the memory part of a secure decoder and in a step S22, the indexes by areas are read out. The index by areas is a coefficient set for each area. For example, the index by areas of '1' is set in the U.S.A., '1.5' is set in Japan and '0.5' is set in the People's Republic of China. In a step S23, the real price of contents is determined. That is, the real price is determined by multiplying the charging information (3 points/30 seconds, for example), of contents to be reproduced by the index by areas. In a step S24, the determined real price is displayed for a user. When contents are reproduced, charging is performed on the basis of the determined real price.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a billing apparatus and method applied to, for example, the reproduction of electronically distributed music content, and a data reproducing apparatus and method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Compact Disc (C)
D), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digita
l Video Disc) and the like, various types of copy protection techniques for preventing illegal copying have been proposed and put into practical use for copyright protection. For example, SCMS (Serial
Copy Management System (CD) can be converted from CD to MD (Mini Dis
Even if the first generation copy to c) is permitted, the second generation copy from the MD to another medium is prohibited. Also,
There is also known a copy generation restriction method for restricting what generation copy can be created.

On the other hand, recently, with the rapid development of networks such as the Internet, music contents have been distributed via networks. Under such circumstances, EMD (Electronic Musi) using networks such as the Internet and satellite broadcasting
c Distribution) has started, and a copyright management method in EMD has been proposed. In EMD, a user can obtain music content by charging. Also in this EMD, techniques such as SCMS and copy generation restriction described above are being used to prevent illegal copying.

As described above, the conventional copyright protection method restricts copying by using copy protection technology and protects the rights of the copyright holder. It was an obstacle in distributing it to For example, one of the conventional copyright protection systems is a levy system. This is DAT (Digital Audio
Taperecorder), which is implemented in MD, and users of digital recording equipment pay compensation that is added to the product price. Nowadays, with the development of networks, hardware (players, players, etc.) are used so that content distributed via networks can be received and played by personal computers (personal computers).
In many cases, media and content do not correspond one-to-one, and such a levy system is not suitable as a copyright protection system.

[0005] When a plurality of songs are recorded on a medium such as a CD, the user may want to listen to only one or a few of the songs, and may not want to purchase the entire medium. is there. In addition, the copy protection technology hinders the promotion and distribution of music content. Rather, distributing music content free of charge enables the advertisement and distribution of the music content to be performed in a short time, and it is also possible to reduce the cost for the advertisement and distribution.

[0006] In consideration of such a problem, a distribution system in which distribution is free and charging is performed at the time of reproduction is preferable.
In such a system, the playback billing process includes:
There can be various things. Depending on the variety of playback charges,
The billing process has not been conventionally performed. Also, it is necessary to be able to safely pass listening right data for generating a listening right to a user.

[0007]

The price of a packaged media is usually determined according to the economic situation of the country in which it is sold. For example, the price of package media is determined based on copyright fees, media production costs, and the like in the country. On the other hand, in a system in which the distribution of contents is free and charging is performed at the time of reproduction, the countries to be reproduced are not fixed, and the same contents are reproduced in different countries. If charging is made uniformly for the reproduction of content, a problem arises that does not match the economics of the country or region where the reproduction is made. In a typical case, in a country where prices are low, the price for regeneration needs to be low.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a playback / charging system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and in which the distributed software is decrypted, even if the region or country to be reproduced changes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a billing apparatus and method, and a data reproducing apparatus and method, which can set a reasonable fee.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a method for distributing compression-encoded and / or encrypted software free of charge and decoding the distributed software. A billing system in a billing system in which a billing process is performed, wherein a billing fee is changed in accordance with a location where the software is decoded. Claim 6 is a method for performing such a billing process.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data reproducing apparatus in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge, and when the distributed software is decoded, a billing process is performed. A decoding means for decoding the software, a charging means for charging in accordance with the decoding, and a decoding location detecting means for identifying the decoding location, wherein the charging means is charged by the charging means in accordance with the detected decoding location. The data reproducing apparatus is characterized in that the fee for the data can be changed. The invention according to claim 10 is a method for reproducing data in this way.

[0011] The invention of claim 11 provides compression encoding and / or
Alternatively, the encrypted software is distributed free of charge, and when the distributed software is decrypted, in the billing system in the billing system in which the billing process is performed, the distributed software determines the identifier of the place where the software is generated. The billing processing device is characterized in that a fee to be charged is set based on the place of occurrence. A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for performing the billing process as described above.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the compression encoding and / or
Alternatively, the encrypted software is distributed free of charge, and in decrypting the distributed software, in a data reproducing apparatus in a billing system configured to perform a billing process, decryption means for decrypting the software, It is characterized by comprising charging means for charging and detecting means for detecting an identifier of the place where the software is generated, wherein a fee charged by the charging means is set in accordance with the detected identifier. It is a data reproducing device. The invention according to claim 15 is a method for reproducing data in this way.

[0013] In the invention of claims 1, 6, 7 and 10,
The billing system is determined according to the location where the content is played, without any special work, so that the price level, the value of the content, etc. can be played at a rate that matches the actual situation of regional disparities, The distribution source of the content can also set an appropriate fee. In the inventions of claims 11, 13, 14, and 15, the charging system is set based on the location where the content is generated. Therefore, even if the content is played back in any region or country, if the location where the content is generated is the same, The content can be played for the same fee. The user can play the content at a fee according to the content irrespective of the location of the content, while obviating the burden of setting a fee depending on the region or country from the source of the content.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a music distribution system will be described below. First Figure 1
The outline of the music distribution system will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 1, 101 indicates a music content provider, for example, a record company, and 102 indicates a content server. The record company 101 produces and distributes music content. The record company 101 also performs compression encoding, encryption, and embedding of a watermark for music content. The content server 102 stores the content produced by the record company 101.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a copyright management mechanism. For example, JASRAC (Japan Music Copyright Association) is a specific example of the copyright management mechanism 102. The record company 101 registers a right with the copyright management mechanism 103 and receives a copyright fee from the copyright management mechanism 103.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a user device having a function of reproducing the distributed music content. User device 1
04 reproduces the distributed music content,
It has a function of performing playback charging processing. That is, by decrypting the encryption and decrypting the compression encoding,
The content can be played and a fee is charged for decryption. Content server 102 and user device 10
4, a content distribution company intervenes as needed, and distributes the content in the content server 102 to the user. There are several distribution means used by distribution companies. One of them is the store 105
It is. For example, a medium in which contents are recorded is distributed as an appendix of a magazine. Internet, C
Wired network 1 such as ATV (cable television)
06 is used as content distribution means. Further, a mobile phone network 107 and a satellite network 108 such as satellite broadcasting and satellite communication are also used as a means for distributing contents.

In the present invention, it does not prevent the use of the content distribution means for pay distribution as the content distribution means. In the case of a medium such as a CD, the copyright fee for the recorded music is
Included in the price. Free distribution and decryption (playback)
May be recorded in an area other than the area on the CD where the paid content is recorded.

FIG. 1 shows an extended CD 121 as one of the media distributed by the store 105. Extension C
The area 122 on the inner peripheral side of D121 is an area in which music data in the same format as that of the existing CD and whose distribution is paid and whose reproduction is free is recorded. The area 123 on the outer peripheral side is an area in which contents whose distribution is free and whose reproduction is charged are recorded. Since the content is compression-encoded, music data of a required length can be recorded even if the area 123 is small.

In the case of a medium such as an MD and a memory card other than a CD, areas that can be distinguished from each other include contents whose distribution is free and reproduction is free, and contents whose distribution is free and reproduction is chargeable. Can be recorded.
In addition, a service that distributes music content using satellite television broadcasting may be used to distribute content whose distribution is free and whose reproduction is charged.

[0020] The user device 104 can receive the content free of charge. In addition, the received content can be freely redistributed. Here, “free” does not include actual costs such as communication costs and electricity costs, and means that copyright fees are free. User device 104
Is played back, more specifically, a billing process is performed when decrypting the encryption. The listening right data 109 is used for the billing process. Listening right data 1
09 is stored in a memory in the prepaid card and the secure decoder. Under the control of the listening right data management company, the listening right data 109 can be rewritten by a charging charger owned by the user or a sales terminal installed in the nearest store.

[0021] The listening right data 109 is used as a price for the playback charge of the content, and is used instead of money. The listening right data 109 is, for example, a reproducible frequency, and the frequency is decremented each time the user device 104 reproduces the content to be charged. For example, when the unit is referred to as a point, the song A is defined as requiring three points of listening right data every 30 seconds. Song B
Can set required listening right data for each content, such as one point every 30 seconds.
The present invention can be applied not only to the right of listening data but also to the case where money is paid as a value for reproduction, but in one embodiment,
The content reproduction fee is paid by the listening right data.

In addition, a settlement center 110 exists for settlement of the price in connection with the record company 101, the copyright management mechanism 103, and the user device 104. The settlement center 110 includes an authentication / billing server 111.
The payment center 110 performs payment with a bank or a credit card company (not shown).

When the user device 104 requests the reproduction of the received content, the user device 104 requests the authentication / charging server 111 to authenticate the user device 104 (indicated by the route A1). If the user device 104 is a legitimate user and authentication is established, the authentication / billing server 111 issues a billing request to the user device 104 (path A).
2). Further, the user device 104 is connected to the settlement center 1
A payment is made with the customer 10 (route A3).

The settlement center 110 informs the authentication / charging server 111 that charging has been performed or charging is possible, as shown by the route A4, and requests the content server 102 for content. (Path A5). The content server 102 passes the key data for decrypting the encryption to the authentication / billing server 111 (path A6). The authentication / billing server 111 passes the key data to the user device 104 (path A7). The user device 104 can decrypt and reproduce the encryption using the key data. When the content is decrypted, it is determined that the content has been reproduced, and the point of the listening right data 109 is decremented by, for example, -1. When the point reaches 0, the user device 109 cannot decode.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a system relating to the listening right data 109, in which distribution of music contents and transmission / reception of data for decryption of encryption are omitted. The player 201 is shown as corresponding to the user device 104. The player 201 has a built-in secure decoder 202. The player 20
1 is, for example, a portable audio device. In FIG. 2, music content is recorded on a medium (optical disk, memory card, or the like) reproduced by the player 201, as indicated by a broken line. As shown in FIG. 1, various methods for distributing music content can be used.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a listening right data charger as a user terminal. The data charger 204 includes the secure decoder 202 of the player 201 and the payment center 1
10 or a data sales terminal 206 installed in a record store, a convenience store, or the like, and functions as a listening right data relay device. For example, a plurality of user devices (CD player, MD (mini disc)
Player, in-car audio equipment, etc.)
The data charger 204 is shared by a plurality of user devices. The data charger 204 is configured to be portable.

The secure decoder 20 in the player 201
2 and the data charger 204 communicate via a wired or wireless communication path, and the listening right data is transferred from the data charger 204 to a memory in the secure decoder 202. The listening right data is, for example, the player 201
Corresponding to the reproducible number information or reproducible time.

Further, the playback history information (playback log) of the player 201 is transmitted from the player 201 to the data charger 204 via a wired or wireless communication path 205. The reproduction log includes the identifier of the decrypted digital data and / or the condition of the decryption. Specifically, it includes information such as the type of music content that has been listened, the number of times of reproduction, and the reproduction time. Further, the reproduction log includes an identifier for specifying a chargeable person, such as an owner of the user terminal and an identifier of the user device. Secure decoder 20
2 and the data charger 204 perform authentication, and when the authentication is established, the encrypted listening right data and reproduction log are transmitted.

The listening right data is passed from the settlement center 110 to the data charger 204 via a communication path 207, for example, a telephone line. Alternatively, the listening right data passed from the settlement center 110 to the sales terminal 206 via the communication path 209 is passed to the data charger 204 via the communication path 205. Also in this case, authentication and encryption are performed to ensure security.

The playback log downloaded to the data charger 204 is transmitted via the communication path 207 to the settlement center 110.
Sent to Alternatively, the sales terminal 2 via the communication path 205
06. The sales terminal 206 receives the listening right data from the settlement center 110 via the communication channel 209 and sends a reproduction log to the settlement center 110. further,
The payment of the obtained listening right data is paid to the settlement center 110. The communication path 209 is a telephone line, the Internet, or the like.

The settlement right 110 and the listening right data charger 204 transmit and receive the listening right data and the reproduction log via the communication path 207. Also in this case, authentication and encryption are performed to ensure security. Regarding the settlement of the listening right data, there are banks and credit card companies 208. The bank or credit card company 208 withdraws an amount corresponding to the listening right data written in the data charger 204 from the user's pre-registered bank account at the request of the settlement center 110.

Further, the settlement center 110 is entrusted by the record company 101 to manage services relating to the listening right data. Further, the settlement center 110 provides the record company 101 with technology relating to the listening right data, and pays a music listening fee. Record company 10
As described with reference to FIG. 1, by registering a copyright in the copyright management mechanism 103, the user requests a copyright management and receives a copyright fee from the copyright management mechanism 103. .

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the listening right data charger 204 moves, sums, and divides a part or all of the viewing right data with another charger through a communication device such as a non-contact communication device. It is possible. Also,
The data charger 204 can transfer the right-of-listening data to a prepaid card having an IC card structure in addition to the secure decoder 202 of the player 201.

FIG. 3 shows the record company 101, the settlement center 110, the listening right data charger 204, and the listening right data selling terminal 2 in the charging processing system shown in FIG.
06 and the mutual relationship between the bank and the credit card company 208. The settlement center 110 has a function of selling the listening right data between the charger 204 and the sales terminal 206, collecting a reproduction log, and thereby performing settlement of the price.

FIG. 4 shows the functions of the settlement center 110 connected to the listening right data terminal 210 (listening right data charger 204 or sales terminal 206) in more detail. In FIG. 4, the route indicated by a solid line indicates a process necessary for executing the charging process, and the route indicated by a broken line indicates a process necessary for performing the charging process. In many cases, the dashed path is made by mail (document transfer), and the processing of the solid path is performed by data communication.

First, the processing based on the broken line path will be described. Between the record company 101 and the settlement center 110, the record company 101 performs business consignment registration with the settlement center 110 (block 211). The settlement center 110 passes marketing data to the record company 110 and makes various reports (block 21).
2).

The customer 213 who is the owner of the listening right data charger 204 is a bank or a credit card company 208.
A contract is concluded with the company for payment of fees and withdrawal of fees from accounts. The customer 213 informs the settlement center 110 of the change in the contract content and the like, and the settlement center 110 inputs and corrects customer information (block 214). The settlement center 110 issues an invoice / receipt to the customer 213 and mails it (block 215).

Next, the processing by the solid line route will be described. The settlement center 110 sends the listening right data to the listening right data terminal 210 in response to the request of the customer. In that case, the customer is specified, and the authenticated and encrypted data is sent via the communication server 216. The customer management system 217 specifies the authenticated customer with reference to the customer information in the database 218. Then, based on the amount of the transferred listening right data, the financial settlement system 21
9 is requested to withdraw the fee. The financial settlement system 219 requests the bank and the credit card company 208 to pay a fee from the customer's account, and the fee is paid. Upon receipt of the payment completion report by the settlement center 110, a receipt is issued to the customer.

Authentication is performed prior to the transfer of the listening right data to the listening right data terminal 210. Then, the settlement center 110 receives the reproduction log from the listening right data terminal 210 via the communication server 216. The received playback log is decrypted by the communication server 216 and sent to the playback log management system 220. The reproduction log includes a terminal identifier for specifying the customer (listening right data terminal 210), an identifier for specifying the decrypted / reproduced music content, and data on the number of times, time, and period of listening to each music content. Have been. The terminal identifier is mainly used for transferring the listening right data as described above and for charging.

The reproduction log management system 220 once stores the reproduction log in the database 218, and when predetermined,
For example, a playback log or data obtained by processing the playback log in a batch process is transferred to the listening fee settlement system 221 every month.
The listening fee settlement system 221 calculates a listening fee (copyright fee) for each song by referring to information such as songs registered in the database 218 at the time of outsourcing from the record company 101. It is also possible to calculate a listening fee for each item such as a composer, a lyricist, a singer, a performer, etc. in addition to the music. The listening fee for each song calculated by the listening fee settlement system 221 is the record company 10
Paid for one.

As described above, the settlement center 110 transfers the listening right data to the customer 213 and requests a listening fee, while the settlement center 110 calculates and distributes the listening fee for each music. Therefore, there is no need for the record company 101 to perform customer management, calculate a listening fee, or perform a task of distributing. Further, since the settlement center 110 is an organization independent of the record company 101, it is possible to make a business outsourcing contract with a plurality of record companies and to enrich the types of music contents that can be selected by customers. it can.

Various types of billing processes are possible. The charging process is roughly classified into a purchase type, a type in which a viewing fee is charged to gross, and a frequency type in which a viewing fee is charged every time the encryption is decrypted by the secure decoder. The purchase type is a type that is not charged for the reproduction process once purchased. The type in which the viewing fee is charged to the gross is a monthly type in which the viewing fee is paid together, a viewing period, a type in which the viewing time is limited, and the like.

Several forms are possible as a frequency type in which a viewing fee is charged each time the encryption is decrypted by the secure decoder. In the first mode, the amount or frequency is subtracted from a preset amount (prepaid card, electronic money) or frequency each time the content is reproduced. If the balance or the remaining frequency is insufficient, the reproduction cannot be performed. In the second mode, an amount or a frequency is added every time the content is reproduced. When the accumulated amount or frequency reaches a preset amount or frequency, reproduction becomes impossible. In the third mode, the frequency or the amount is added or subtracted according to the reproduction time of the content.

The amount of money or the frequency may be fixed or may be weighted according to the content. The charging process is performed in correspondence with one title of the content (one song in the example of music) or a plurality of titles of the content (album in the example of music).

As a method of defining the content reproduction processing, the reproduction may be performed when the entire content is reproduced, or the reproduction may be performed when the reproduction time of the content is longer than a predetermined time. It may be good. In addition, there is no charge for the reproduction of promotional content for promoting diffusion and distribution. Further, even for the content to be charged, for example, the reproduction of the top part of the content, for example, 10 seconds from the top, may be free, or the reproduction of only the highlight part of the content may be free. As described above, when the content charged for the reproduction process and the content whose reproduction process is free are mixed, the charge / free is identified by the accompanying information.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the accompanying information. The accompanying information is data added before distributed content data (compression-encoded and encrypted content, for example, audio data). The accompanying information is encrypted as needed. In addition, recordable media include:
It is added before the content data and recorded, or recorded in the data management area of the medium 1. In the case of a read-only medium, accompanying information is recorded in the data management area. In the case of an optical disk, a management area is generally provided in an innermost area of the disk. In the case of a memory card, for example, file management data in which one piece of music data is treated as one file is defined.

As shown in FIG. 5, the accompanying data has a fixed value (fixed code) 301 at the beginning. Fixed value 301
Is a fixed code of 1 byte (8 bits), for example, "111"
10000 ". The fixed value 301 indicates that the subsequent data is accompanying data. Data following the fixed value 301 will be described in order.

The total number of 8-bit contents 302 indicates the total number of contents in a package, for example, an optical disk.
After that, the content number 303 (8 bits) is arranged (recorded). The content number 303 indicates the order in the total number, and the first # 1 content is arranged first. 256 starting from content number 303
The unit of the bit indicates the associated information on # 1.

After the content number 303, a title 304 (128 bits) of the content is arranged. The title 304 is a title name, ISRC (Interna
National Standard Recording Code) (copyright code). The language and code for describing the title name are specified in advance. ISRC
Is composed of a country code (two-digit ASCII characters), an owner code (three-digit ASCII characters), a recording year (two-digit number), and a serial number (five-digit number). After the content title 304, a 4-bit flag FLG1 (305), FLG2 (306), FL
G3 (307) and FLG4 (308) are arranged.

The flag FLG1 indicates whether or not there is a copyright.
In the case of content without copyright, FLG1 = 000
It is set to 0. An example of a content without copyright is content whose copyright has expired. The flag FLG2 indicates the presence or absence of encryption. For unencrypted content, F
LG2 = 0000. Generally, content without copyright is not encrypted. The flag FLG3 indicates whether or not the content is for promotion. In the case of promotion content, FLG3 = 0000. The flag FLG4 indicates whether or not the content is original content of the user. In the case of own original content, FLG3 = 0000.

After the above-mentioned flag, accompanying information relating to charging is arranged. If any of the above-mentioned flags FLG1 to FLG4 is (0000) as to whether or not the content is premised on the billing process, it is understood that the content is a content that does not require billing. The associated information related to charging includes an 8-bit charging type 309 and a 96-bit charging processing condition 310. The billing type 309 is information for distinguishing the purchase type, gross type, frequency type, and the like as described above. The billing process condition 310 is data representing information on a billing process condition for each billing type.

As an example, in the case of the purchase type, the data of the purchase price is arranged (or recorded) as the charging processing condition 310, and in the case of limiting the number of gross reproductions, the data of the number of reproductions is set as the charging processing condition 310. Placed,
In the case of limiting the gross type reproduction period, the data of the reproduction period (eg, one day, one week, one month, etc.) is stored in the charging processing condition 310.
In the case of the frequency type, the frequency data (1
Yen / 2 minutes, 1 yen / 1 minute, 1 yen / 30 seconds,...) Are arranged as the charging processing conditions 310. Furthermore, even if the content is premised on charging, the condition for free viewing can be arranged as the charging process condition 310.

After the information about the content number # 1 (256 bits), information about the next content (content number # 2) is arranged. The configuration of the information regarding the content number # 2 is the same as the data arrangement regarding the content number # 1 described above. Hereinafter, information on all contents in the package is recorded.

FIG. 6 shows the overall configuration of the player 201 having the secure decoder 202. The secure decoder 201 is configured as a one-chip IC, as indicated by a broken line. Also, the secure decoder 201
Has a so-called tamper resistant configuration. That is, the configuration is such that the contents cannot be understood from the outside and cannot be falsified.

[0055] The medium 1 stores music data that has been compression-encoded and encrypted. Further, data necessary for the reproduction accounting process accompanies the compression-encoded and encrypted data. The compression-encoded and encrypted data is referred to as content data, and the data for playback charging processing is referred to as accompanying data. However, in the present invention, it is not always necessary that both the compression encoding and the encryption are performed. Even with compression encoding alone, the purpose of copyright protection can be achieved if the decoding method is not disclosed.

As the medium 1, a memory card, a recordable optical disk, a read-only optical disk, or the like can be used. In the case of a recordable medium, as described above, it is possible to download data distributed via a network such as a satellite network, a mobile phone network, or the Internet. Content data and accompanying data recorded on the medium 1 are supplied to the secure decoder 202 via the interface 2. From the secure decoder 202, an analog audio signal is output. The analog audio signal is reproduced by a speaker, headphones or the like via an amplifier or the like.

The secure decoder 202 includes an encryption decoder 11, a compression encoder decompressor 12, and a D / A converter 1.
And 3. The encryption is DES (Data Encr
yption Standard). DES is one type of block cipher that blocks plain text and performs cipher conversion for each block. DES is 64 bits for a 64-bit input.
A cryptographic conversion is performed using a bit (56-bit key and 8-bit parity) key, and 64 bits are output. DE
Encryption other than S may be used. For example, DES is a common key system that uses the same key data for encryption and decryption, but may use RSA encryption, which is an example of public key encryption that uses different key data for encryption and decryption. The key data is, as described above, the user device 1 for which authentication has been established.
04.

The secure decoder 202 includes a control unit 14 including a CPU, a CPU interface 15 for performing communication between the control unit 14 and an external CPU, and a memory unit 1.
6, a communication unit 17 and an antenna 18 for receiving the listening right data from the prepaid charger and transmitting the reproduction log to the prepaid charger, and a reproduction place identification unit 19
Is provided. The control unit 14 receives the associated data separated in the previous stage of decoding in the decoder 11, and performs control for decoding and decompressing.

The communication unit 17 and the antenna 18
This is for performing communication with the listening right data charger in a non-contact manner. This communication is performed using an encrypted protocol, provided that the communication is authenticated.
Since not only the data but also the power can be received from the charger, even if the power of the entire player 201 is off, the reception right data can be received and the reproduction log can be transmitted. The received listening right data is stored in the memory unit 1
6 is stored. Further, a reproduction log of the player 201 is also stored in the memory unit 16. The memory unit 16 is a nonvolatile memory that retains its stored contents even when the power is turned off.

[0060] The reproduction location identification section 19 is provided for specifying the location where the player 201 reproduces the content. For example, a position measuring function such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) or a position detecting function of a mobile phone can be used. In one embodiment, there is no need for precise position measurement,
It suffices if a country or a domestic area can be identified by measurement. When the player 201 (secure decoder 202) itself has an area code assigned to each destination in advance, the playback location can be identified by the destination code. Further, when the listening right data given to the player 201 has a settlement place code,
The reproduction place may be specified using the settlement place code. The identification information of the reproduction location identification section 19 is supplied to the control section 14.

The copy output can be output from the decoder 11 to the outside of the secure decoder 202. Whether or not to output is controlled by the control unit 14. The output copy output includes the accompanying information and the content data. Further, the decoder 11 and the decompressor 12
It has a function of omitting the decoding process and the decompression process, respectively, based on an instruction from the control unit 14. Thereby,
It is possible to reproduce audio data that has not been encrypted and audio data that has not been compression-encoded (linear PCM).

In order to control the overall operation of the player 201, a system controller indicated by 21 is provided. The system controller 21 includes a CPU,
The operation of the secure decoder 202 is controlled by communicating with the control unit 14 in the secure decoder 202. Also, an operation unit 22, a display 23, a memory unit 24, a modem 2 via a bus with the system controller 21.
5 is connected. Further, the system controller 2
1 is a reproducing operation of the medium 1 and a medium interface 2
Control the operation of.

The operation section 22 is a switch, a key or the like operated by the user, and generates an instruction for controlling the operation of the player 201. The display 23 is made of, for example, a liquid crystal, and is used for displaying a menu for controlling the operation of the player 201 and displaying an operation state. The memory unit 24 is an external memory provided because the capacity of the memory in the system controller 21 is small. The modem 25 is connected to a public line and used for data communication with the outside. For example, the secure decoder 20
By transferring the reproduction log in the second memory section 16 to the memory section 24, the remaining number of reproducible times or reproducible time can be displayed on the display 23, and the replay log can be transmitted via the modem 25. Have been. Further, it is possible to receive the listening right data via the modem 25.

The user operates the operation unit 22 to instruct reproduction of a desired content in the medium 1. If the content is free for reproduction, even if an analog output is generated through the secure decoder 202, the listening right data stored in the memory unit 16 is not changed. If the reproduced content is to be charged for reproduction, the listening right data in the memory unit 16 is changed.

Next, an example of the billing process performed in the player 201 (see FIG. 6) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This processing is performed by the control unit 14 and the system controller 21 in the secure decoder 202.
It is done by The first step S1 is
The playback standby state is such that the content to be played back exists on the medium 1. Specifically, when the content distributed by EMD is stored in the medium 1 or when the content is already recorded on the medium 1, the reproduction standby is performed. In step S2, it is determined whether or not a reproduction instruction has been issued by the user pressing the reproduction button of the operation unit 22.

That the result of step S2 is negative,
It is meant to mean a copy operation. Step S
In 3, it is determined whether the content is a copy of the content for free reproduction. Free playback content means content for which playback is not charged. The determination in step S3 is made with reference to the identifier included in the accompanying information. If the content is free reproduction content, the copy output of the decrypted code from the secure decoder 202 is prohibited for copyright protection (step S4).

If it is determined in step S3 that the content is not a copy of the content for free reproduction, that is, a copy of the content for charge reproduction, a copy of the content for charge reproduction is output from the secure decoder 202 (step S5). ). Copying of the content for billing reproduction is free. However, this copy output is data that has been encrypted and compression-encoded with the accompanying information.

If it is determined in step S2 that the reproducing operation has been instructed, it is determined in step S6 whether or not to accept the billing process. For example, player 2
01, a message is displayed on the display 23, and the user responds by operating the operation unit 22. If the user does not accept the billing process, free reproduction cannot be performed (step S7). However, there is a case where partial free reproduction indicated by a charging process condition in the accompanying information, for example, reproduction of a head portion or a highlight portion of a music piece can be performed free of charge. If the accounting process is to be accepted, in step S8, a playback accounting condition relating to the content to be actually reproduced is presented on the display 23. The accounting condition is presented based on the information on the accounting condition in the accompanying information.

In step S9, it is determined whether the charging type is the purchase type. If it is a purchase type, a charge for purchase is made (step S10). Then, step S11
In the decoder 11 of the secure decoder 202,
The encryption is decrypted using the key, and free reproduction is performed in step S12. In this case, copying of the content to be reproduced for free is prohibited. However, a move, that is, a process in which the original data is not left unlike the copy, is possible.

If it is determined in step S9 that the type is not the purchase type, it is determined in step S13 whether the type is a gross type, for example, a monthly type. If a monthly contract exists, it is determined in step S14 whether or not the song is a contracted song. If so, free reproduction is performed in step S15. Copying of the content for billing reproduction can be freely performed.

If it is determined in step S13 that the content is not of the monthly type, it is determined that the content is to be charged in the frequency type. Then, in step S17,
The encryption is decrypted, and charging reproduction is performed in step S18. In the charging reproduction, as described above, charging is performed according to the frequency of reproduction, the reproduction time, and the like. Copying of the content for billing reproduction can be freely performed. Further, in the case where it is determined in step S14 that it is not within the range of the monthly contract, the charging reproduction process (steps S17 and S18) is performed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the above-described reproduction charging system, the charging process is changed depending on the reproduction location of the content, in consideration of the fact that the content is distributed all over the world and the reproduction location is not fixed. is there.

FIG. 8 shows an outline of a process for changing a billing process at a reproduction place in one embodiment. This process is performed by the control unit 14 of the secure decoder 202 of the player 201. In the first step S21, the playback location (area) is identified based on the identification information from the playback location identification unit 19.

In the memory section 16 of the secure decoder 202, a regional index is stored in advance, and step S22 is performed.
In, the regional index is read. The regional index is
This is a coefficient set for each region. For example, regional indices such as 1 for the United States, 1.5 for Japan, and 0.5 for China are set. In step S23, the price of the actual content is determined. That is, the actual price is determined by multiplying the billing information (for example, 3 points / 30 seconds) of the content to be reproduced by the regional index. Therefore, in the example of the regional index described above, the price is highest in Japan and lowest in China. Then, in step S24, the determined actual price is displayed to the user via the display 24. The processing in FIG. 8 is performed in association with step S8 in FIG.
When the content is reproduced, a fee is charged based on the determined actual price.

In FIG. 8, as in step S25 indicated by a broken line, a table of the correspondence between the area name and the price is inserted into the accompanying information of the content, and when the playback location is identified, the price is immediately changed from the identified location. May be determined. For example, the charging condition 3 in the accompanying information shown in FIG.
Such a table may be inserted as the ten data. The table may be stored in the memory unit 16 of the secure decoder 202. However, if a table is provided for each content, there is an advantage that a price for each region can be set for each content.

It should be noted that the price can be changed for each area by the same processing as described above even when the reproduction place identification section 19 is configured to regard the reproduction place as the registered area or the sales area of the player. However, in this case, while it is easy to identify the playback location, if the player is a portable player such as an in-vehicle player or a mobile phone with a playback function and is taken to a country different from the registered area, the regional index will be different. There is a problem that does not change.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In another embodiment, the fee structure is changed according to the place of payment for billing, specifically, the place of the settlement center that manages the listening right data purchased by the user, instead of the place of reproduction. For example, the content has a list of prices in each currency as information. Schedules do not necessarily have to be linked to currency exchange rates. The player can select the currency to be paid every time the reproduction is performed, and pays the fee in the selected currency. As another example, a player or user registers a settlement place and a currency for paying a fee, and the currency pays the fee.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In still another embodiment, the fee is determined from the place where the content is generated, for example, the country. For the content, the origin code of the content, for example, a country code indicating the country, is inserted into the accompanying information shown in FIG. The country code may be inserted in the charging process condition 310 or may use the ISRC country code inserted in the content title 304. Regardless of the playback location, the playback device, the copy generation, etc., the fee system switches according to the country code. In addition, the return destination of the billing income is finally processed according to the country code.

The function of switching the fee system according to the country code may be provided by the player, or the fee may be changed by referring to the country code at the time of settlement.
In the case of a player, the actual price is determined by the country code of the content instead of the playback location in one embodiment. As described above, the result (history) of the reproduction is downloaded to the settlement center as a reproduction log. In the reproduction log, the reproduced content title (including the country code), the user identifier, and the fee (listening right data) generated by the reproduction are inserted. Then, at the time of settlement made with reference to the reproduction log, a fee is calculated by performing weighting corresponding to the country code. Processing between settlement centers in different countries is performed with reference to a country code.

In the above description, the listening right data is used as the reproduced price. However,
The present invention can be applied to a case where payment is made using actual money (including electronic money) instead of the listening right data. For example, in one embodiment where the fee varies by playback location, the content has billing information expressed in the currency of the country, and the player multiplies the regional correction factor by the currency of the country to determine the actual price. In yet another embodiment, where the fee structure is determined based on the location of the content, the content has a country code and billing information, while the player has a currency conversion table and converts the currency to the currency of the country of the playback location. The displayed charge is displayed. The currency conversion table is
It is rewritten each time the right to listen data is purchased.

In the above-described embodiment, audio content has been mainly described. However, content other than audio, such as video data, still image data, character data, computer graphic data, game software, and computer programs, can also be used. The present invention can be applied in the same manner as described above.

[0082]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, no special operation is required, and the charging system is determined according to the content reproduction location. The content can be reproduced at a price that matches the actual situation of the disparity, and the content distribution source can also set an appropriate fee. In addition, according to the present invention, the charging system is set based on the place where the content is generated. Therefore, even if the content is reproduced in any region or country, if the place where the content is generated is the same, the content is reproduced at the same fee. Can be. The user can play the content at a fee according to the content irrespective of the location of the content, while obviating the burden of setting a fee depending on the region or country from the source of the content.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing listening right data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for describing listening right data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a function performed by a settlement center in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of content to be distributed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a player according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a billing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a charging process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... medium in which contents are stored, 11 ... decryption unit for encryption, 12 ... decompression unit for compression and encoding, 19 ...
・ Playback location identification unit, 21: System controller,
101: Record company, 103: Copyright management mechanism, 104: User device, 109: Listening right data, 110: Payment center, 201: Player, 202: Secure decoder , 204 ・ ・ ・ Listening right data charger

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G11B 20/10 H04M 15/00 Z 5K025 H04M 15/00 G10L 9/00 N 9A001 9/18 M (72) Inventor Tatsuya Inokuchi 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Junichi Kudo 6-35-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation F-term (reference) 5B049 AA01 BB00 BB26 CC10 CC36 DD05 FF07 GG04 GG07 GG10 5B085 AC04 5D044 AB05 BC04 CC04 DE17 DE50 FG18 HL08 HL11 5D045 DA20 5D108 BF12 BF20 5K025 BB10 FF17 FF40 GG28 9A001 EZ03 EJ03 EZ03

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A billing system in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and a billing process is performed when decoding the distributed software. A billing processing device characterized in that a fee to be charged can be changed in accordance with a place where the billing has been made. 2. The charging processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the software to be distributed includes information indicating a relationship between a decryption place and a fee. 3. The charging processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the decoding apparatus includes information indicating a relationship between a decoding place and a fee. 4. The charging processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information indicating the relationship between the decoding location and the fee is a coefficient for weighting. 5. The accounting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information indicating the relationship between the decryption location and the fee is a table representing the correspondence between the two. 6. A billing method in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and a billing process is performed when decoding the distributed software. A billing method, wherein a fee to be charged is changed according to the place where the billing is performed. 7. A data reproducing apparatus in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and billing processing is performed when decoding the distributed software. Decoding means, charging means for charging in accordance with the decoding, and decoding location detecting means for identifying the decoding location, wherein the fee charged by the charging means varies according to the detected decoding location. A data reproducing apparatus characterized in that the data reproducing apparatus can be used. 8. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said decoding location detecting means is a position measuring means. 9. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said decoding location detecting means detects a decoding location from information given to said decoding means. 10. A data reproducing method in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and billing processing is performed when decoding the distributed software. And a step of charging for the decryption, and a step of detecting the decryption location for identifying the decryption location, wherein the fee to be charged can be changed according to the detected decryption location. A data reproducing method characterized by the above-mentioned. 11. A billing system in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and billing processing is performed when decoding the distributed software. A billing apparatus, wherein the software has an identifier of a place where the software is generated, and a fee charged based on the place where the software is generated is set. 12. The accounting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the identifier is a code for identifying a country. 13. A billing method in a billing system, wherein compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge, and billing is performed when decoding the distributed software. A billing method, wherein the software has an identifier of a place where the software is generated, and a fee charged based on the place where the software is generated is set. 14. A data reproducing apparatus in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and billing processing is performed when decoding the distributed software. Decoding means, charging means for charging in accordance with the decoding, and detecting means for detecting an identifier of the location where the software is generated. In accordance with the detected identifier, the fee charged by the charging means is reduced. A data reproducing device characterized by being set. 15. A data reproducing method in a billing system in which compression-encoded and / or encrypted software is distributed free of charge and billing processing is performed when decoding the distributed software. And charging the data in accordance with the decryption, and detecting the identifier of the location where the software is generated. The fee charged by the charging means is set in accordance with the detected identifier. A data reproducing method characterized by doing so.