JP2001283017A - Digital contents sales method and device to be used for it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To disable the third party to utilize digital contents even when the digital contents is stolen on the sales of the digital contents. SOLUTION: A buyer transmits the buying instruction of music data to a store (step S1-1). His/her own name, etc., is transmitted to the store (step S1-2). Signature data is transmitted to a network store (step S1-3). The store embeds the transmitted signature data into the music data (step S1-4) and transmits the music data to the buyer (step S1-5). The buyer receives this music data (step S1-6) and defroses it (step S1-7). On defrozing it, the signature data is inputted, and only when it is coincident with the embedded signature data, the music data is defrozen and played (step S1-8). Consequently, even when the music data is stolen during transmission, the third party who is not capable of inputting the signature data cannot know the contents of the music data, thereby secure online transaction is realized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to the technology of so-called online shopping. In particular, it relates to a technology for selling digital contents online.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, online commercial transactions have been widely performed. In this transaction, not only tangible goods,
Intangible so-called digital contents are also subject to transactions.

[0003] In the conventional so-called online shopping, when digital contents are sold, the digital contents are downloaded to the purchaser using an encrypted communication technique. Since such encrypted communication is difficult to decipher, it is considered that the secrecy of the communication can be maintained.

[0004]

However, while downloading digital content may be safe, it may be stolen by another person after the download is completed, like a normal tangible object. .

[0005] Further, even if the encrypted communication is used, it cannot be said that there is no possibility that the digital contents are stolen during downloading and used by others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a mechanism for preventing the use of a digital content by a third party even if the digital content is stolen when selling the digital content. It is to realize.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, identification data for recognizing a person is embedded in digital content itself, and data inputted by a user is data similar to the identification data. In such a case, the digital content is configured to be usable.

More specifically, the present invention employs the following means.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for selling digital contents online, comprising the steps of: ordering a digital content from a seller; An identification data transmitting step of transmitting the purchaser's identification data, an embedding step in which the seller embeds the identification data in digital content, and transmitting the digital content in which the identification data is embedded to the purchaser Transmitting a digital content.

[0010] Since the digital content in which the identification data is embedded is transmitted, even if the digital content is stolen during transmission,
Third parties cannot know the contents.

[0011] Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the purchaser uses the transmitted digital content, when the same identification data as the identification data is input to a device for storing the digital content, A digital content selling method, comprising the steps of: placing a digital content in a usable state.

With such a configuration, only the purchaser who knows the identification data can use the digital content.

[0013] Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the purchaser uses the transmitted digital content, when the same identification data as the identification data is input to a device for storing the digital content, A decompression step of decompressing the digital content.

With this configuration, only the purchaser who knows the identification data can decompress the digital content.

[0015] Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the purchaser uses the transmitted digital content, when the same identification data as the identification data is input to a device for storing the digital content, And a reproducing step of reproducing the digital content.

With this configuration, only the purchaser who knows the identification data can reproduce the digital content.

Next, the present invention provides a method for selling digital content, comprising the steps of: a purchaser ordering digital content from a seller; and the buyer providing the seller with identification data of the buyer. Giving the identification data, giving the seller an embedding of the identification data in the digital content, storing the digital content in which the identification data is embedded in a predetermined recording medium, and purchasing the recording medium by the purchaser. Providing a digital content to a user.

Since the digital content in which the identification data is embedded is provided, even if the recording medium is stolen thereafter, a third party cannot know the content.

[0019] The present invention also provides a digital content providing system, wherein when the purchaser uses the provided digital content, the purchaser inputs the same identification data as the identification data to a device for reading the digital content. A digital content selling method, which comprises a step of placing the digital content into a usable state.

With this configuration, only the purchaser who knows the identification data can use the digital content.

[0021] The present invention also provides a digital camera, wherein the purchaser inputs the same identification data as the identification data to a device for decompressing the digital content when using the provided digital content. A decompressing step of decompressing the content.

With such a configuration, only the purchaser who knows the identification data can decompress the digital content.

[0023] The present invention also provides a digital camera, wherein when the purchaser uses the provided digital content and inputs the same identification data as the identification data to a device for reproducing the digital content, And a reproducing step of reproducing the content.

With such a configuration, only the purchaser who knows the identification data can reproduce the digital content.

Further, the present invention is the digital content selling method, wherein the identification data is biometric data of the purchaser.

Since biometric data is difficult to forge, it is extremely difficult for a third party to use the identification data.

Further, the present invention is the digital content selling method, wherein the biometric data is signature data of the purchaser.

Since the signature data reflects the habit of the writing style of the purchaser, it is difficult to forge the signature data. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for a third party to use the signature data.

Further, the present invention is the digital content selling method, wherein the identification data is a password.

Since the password can be arbitrarily specified, the purchaser can freely set the password.

Next, the present invention is characterized in that in a recording medium storing digital content, identification data specified by a user who intends to use the digital content is embedded in the digital content. This is a recording medium to be used.

With such a recording medium, a person who knows the identification data in the recording medium can be determined to be a proper owner.

Further, the present invention is the recording medium wherein the identification data is the biometric data of the user.

With such a recording medium, a person who can input biometric data in the recording medium can be determined to be an authorized owner. In particular, biometric data is difficult to forge. Therefore, the legitimate owner can be determined more accurately.

Further, the present invention is the recording medium wherein the biometric data is signature data of the user.

With such a recording medium, it is possible to determine that a person who can input signature data in the recording medium is an authorized owner. In particular, since the signature data reflects the individuality of the writer, it is difficult to forge the signature data. Therefore,
It is possible to determine the correct owner more accurately.

Further, the present invention is the recording medium, wherein the identification data is a password.

Since the password can be set arbitrarily by each individual, a recording medium in which the password is freely set can be obtained.

Still further, according to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for creating the digital content in which identification data of a user of the digital content is embedded, wherein identification data acquiring means for acquiring the identification data from the user of the digital content; Embedding means for embedding the acquired identification data in the digital content.

With this configuration, it is possible to embed the identification data specified by the user in the digital content.

Still further, according to the present invention, in an apparatus using digital content in which predetermined identification data is embedded, identification data obtaining means for obtaining the identification data from a user, the obtained identification data, Comparing means for comparing the identification data embedded in the digital content with the digital content, and when the two identification data are determined to be the same data as a result of the comparison by the comparing means, the digital content can be used. And a use means for placing the digital content in an appropriate state.

With this configuration, only a person who knows the identification data can use the digital content.

Further, according to the present invention, in an apparatus for decompressing digital content in which predetermined identification data is embedded, identification data acquisition means for acquiring the identification data from a user, the acquired identification data, Comparing means for comparing identification data embedded in the digital content, and decompression for decompressing the digital content when both of the identification data are determined to be similar data as a result of the comparison by the comparing means. Means for decompressing digital content.

With this configuration, only a person who knows the identification data can decompress the digital content.

Further, according to the present invention, in an apparatus for reproducing digital content in which predetermined identification data is embedded, identification data obtaining means for obtaining the identification data from a user, the obtained identification data, Comparing means for comparing identification data embedded in the digital content with the digital content; and reproducing the digital content when both the identification data are determined to be the same data as a result of the comparison by the comparing means. Means for reproducing digital content.

With this configuration, only a person who knows the identification data can reproduce the digital content.

[0047]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of a digital content selling method according to a preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of step S1-7 in FIG. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a purchaser purchases music data as digital content. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which signature data of a purchaser is used as identification data.

First, as shown in FIG.
In 1, a purchaser browses a web page of a network store via the Internet or the like. And
The purchaser selects music data to be purchased from the WEB page, and transmits the purchase instruction to the network store.

Subsequently, in step S1-2, the purchaser inputs his / her name, address, credit card number, and the like, and transmits them to the network store.

In step S1-3, the purchaser inputs the signature data and transmits it to the network store.

The feature of the first embodiment is that
That is, the purchaser has input the signature data as the data to identify himself. This signature data is embedded in the music data as described later. Then, as described later, the music data is decompressed only when the same signature data as the signature data is input.

The signature data can be obtained using an electronic tablet or the like connected to a computer which is a terminal on the purchaser side. This electronic tablet can detect the position of the pen on the tablet by electromagnetic coupling or the like, and can transmit the coordinate value of this position in real time to a computer which is a terminal on the purchaser side. As a result, it is possible to acquire handwriting of the pen at the time of signature as time-series data of pen coordinate values.

In step S1-4, the store seller receives the transmitted signature data and embeds the signature data in the music data.

For this embedding, various embedding forms can be adopted. Generally, music data and the like are often compressed and coded in order to reduce the capacity. It is conceivable to insert the signature data at a predetermined position in the compression-encoded music data. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing this state. As shown in FIG. 3, the signature data is divided and sandwiched at several places in the compression-encoded music data.

The embedding may be performed in any format as long as the identification data can be inserted into the digital content. For example, identification data may be embedded so as to be widely distributed in digital content, as in a so-called electronic watermark technology.

In step S1-5, the seller transmits music data to the purchaser. In step S1-6, the purchaser receives the transmitted music data.

In step S1-7, the purchaser decompresses the music data. As described above, digital contents such as music data are often compression-coded in order to reduce the capacity, and must be decompressed and decoded when used. The detailed operation of step S1-7 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In step S2-1 in FIG. 2, the purchaser activates decompression software on the computer and attempts to decompress the received music data.

Next, in step S2-2, the decompression software prompts the purchaser to input the signature data. In response, the purchaser enters signature data. To input the signature data, a handwritten electronic tablet or the like is used as described above.

In step S2-3, the decompression software compares the signature data. This comparison is performed by comparing the signature data acquired in step S2-3 with the signature data embedded in the music data. As a result of this comparison, the two are similar,
If it is determined that the data is signed by the same person, the two are determined to be “matched”, and the process proceeds to step S2-4. On the other hand, if the two are not similar, it is determined that an unauthorized person other than the purchaser is trying to decompress the music data, and the decompression is refused (step S2-5).

A method of determining whether or not a user is the principal based on whether or not the input signature data is similar to data registered in advance has been widely used as an individual authentication technique. In the first embodiment, the personal authentication technology is used to determine whether or not the person who has purchased the music data is authorized.

In the first embodiment, decompression software that operates on a computer is used as a means for decompressing music data. However, it is also preferable that such software be incorporated in a music player.

When incorporated in a music player, it functions as a decompression device functionally. A functional block diagram of such a decompression device is shown in FIG.

First, the decompression device has an obtaining means 10 for obtaining a signature of a valid purchaser. This acquisition means 1
For 0, the above-mentioned electronic tablet or the like is used.

The famous data acquired by the acquisition means 10 is transmitted to the comparison means 12. The comparing means 12 extracts the signature data embedded in the music data, and compares the signature data with the signature data obtained by the obtaining means 10. As a result of the comparison, when it is determined that the two are similar and the same person has written, an instruction to permit decompression is given to the decompression means 14.

The decompression means 14 decompresses the compressed music data on the basis of the decompression permission command and makes the music data reproducible.

If the music data has been decompressed, the process returns to step S1-8 in FIG. 1 and the purchaser can listen to the music data. According to the configuration of the apparatus shown in FIG.
Will play.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the seller embeds the signature data for identifying the purchaser in the digital content and transmits the embedded digital content. Therefore, even if a malicious third party steals the digital content (music data) during transmission, the music data cannot be decompressed without knowing the signature data. Therefore, it is possible to realize a sales method in which only authorized users can use the digital content.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the third party who stole the digital content during transmission cannot know the contents of the digital content, what kind of digital content the purchaser purchased is Can not know. As a result, it is possible to protect the privacy of the purchaser.

Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, an example in which digital contents are sold online has been described. However, a data format in which identification data is embedded in digital contents can also be used in so-called over-the-counter sales.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the operation in the case of over-the-counter sales.

First, in step S5-1, the purchaser orders music data at a store.

Next, in step S5-2, the purchaser inputs the signature data using an electronic tablet or the like at the store.

In step S5-3, the seller of the store embeds the signature data of the purchaser in the music data. The embedding operation itself is exactly the same as in the first embodiment.

In step S5-4, the seller stores the music data in the recording medium 20, such as a CD-R, and in step S5-5, the purchaser receives the CD-R. Music data in which signature data as shown in FIG. 3 is embedded is stored in the recording medium 20 such as a CD-R.

In step S5-6, the purchaser decompresses the music data purchased on his own computer, and in step S5-7, the purchaser reproduces the music data. The operations in steps S5-6 and S5-7 are exactly the same as steps S1-7 and S1-8 in FIG.

According to such a sales method, the CD-
Even if the recording medium 20 such as R is stolen by a third party, the third party cannot know the contents of the digital content. As a result, fraudulent acts can be prevented, and the privacy of the purchaser who has purchased the product can be protected.

Embodiment 3 In Embodiments 1 and 2 above, the seller has
The signature data is embedded in the music data. FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of a device used for this embedding operation.

As shown in this figure, this apparatus has an acquisition means 10. The obtaining unit 10 is a unit that obtains the signature data of the purchaser, and includes an electronic tablet or the like.

The signature data obtained by the obtaining means 10 is transmitted to the embedding means 22. The embedding means 22 embeds the signature data in the purchased music data. The music data in which the signature data is embedded is directly transmitted to the purchaser online or supplied to the storage unit 24.

The storage means 24 stores the music data in which the signature data is embedded in the recording medium 20. This recording medium 20 is handed over to the purchaser at the point of sale at the point of sale.

The embedding means 22 and the storage means 24
Is preferably realized by a program operated on a computer.

Fourth Embodiment In the first to third embodiments, "decompression" is performed when the identification data matches. However, if the digital content is put in a usable state, "decompression" is performed.
Other processes other than the above may be used. For example, it is preferable that digital content such as a movie or music can be reproduced when the identification data matches.

Fifth Embodiment In the first to fourth embodiments, signature data, which is a type of biometric data, is used as identification data. However, other types of biometric data may be used.

For example, it is known that individuals can be identified by fingerprints, voiceprints, retinal patterns, and the like, and forgery is difficult. Even when these biometric data are used as identification data, the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 6 In Embodiments 1 to 5 described above, biometric data is used as identification data, but any data can be used as long as it can identify an individual. For example,
It is also preferable to use data known only to the purchaser, such as a password, as identification data.

However, when a password is used as identification data, “match” in the above comparison means perfect match. In the signature data, the signature data is slightly different every time the signature is made. However, in the case of the password, the identity is basically confirmed based on whether or not the input password completely matches the data registered in advance.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, even if the digital contents are stolen by a third party during transmission, the contents of the digital contents are not known. In addition, the privacy of the buyer can be protected. Further, even if the recording medium of the purchased digital contents is stolen, the contents are not known to a third party, and privacy is protected.

According to the present invention, since the identification data is embedded in the digital content, only the person who knows the identification data uses the digital content.
Decompression, reproduction, etc. become possible.

Further, according to the present invention, since the identification data is personal biometric data, counterfeiting is difficult and more secure transactions are possible. Further, according to the present invention, since the identification data is a password, the identification data can be set freely.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since it is a recording medium on which digital content in which identification data is embedded is recorded, it is difficult for a third party to know the content even if it is stolen.

Further, according to the present invention, a device capable of embedding identification data in digital content can be obtained. Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus which can be used, decompressed, reproduced, etc., only by a person who can input the same identification data as the identification data in the digital content.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an operation of a digital content selling method according to a preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of step S1-7 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state where signature data is sandwiched at a predetermined position in compression-encoded music data.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the decompression device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation in the case of over-the-counter sales according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus used for an operation of embedding signature data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Acquisition means 12 Comparison means 14 Decompression means 16 Reproduction means 20 Recording medium 22 Embedding means 24 Storage means

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G10L 11/00 G11B 20/10 H G11B 20/10 G10L 9/00 EF term (reference) 5B017 AA07 BA05 CA16 5B049 AA05 BB11 CC05 CC10 DD01 EE00 EE09 FF09 GG02 GG04 GG07 GG10 5B085 AE00 AE25 AE29 5D044 AB05 AB07 BC04 CC06 DE22 DE27 DE47 DE50 EF05 FG18 GK17 HH15 HL11 9A001 CC02 EE03 JJ13 JJ25 JJ67 LL03

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A method for selling digital content online, comprising: a purchaser ordering digital content from a seller; and identifying the buyer transmitting identification data of the buyer to the seller. A data transmitting step, an embedding step in which the seller embeds the identification data in digital content, and a transmitting step of transmitting the digital content in which the identification data is embedded to the purchaser. Digital content sales method. 2. The digital content selling method according to claim 1, wherein when the purchaser uses the transmitted digital content, identification data similar to the identification data is stored in a device that stores the digital content. And a step of placing the digital content in a state where the digital content can be used when the user inputs the digital content. 3. The digital content selling method according to claim 1, wherein when the purchaser uses the transmitted digital content, identification data similar to the identification data is stored in a device that stores the digital content. And a decompressing step of decompressing the digital content when the user inputs the digital content. 4. The digital content selling method according to claim 1, wherein when the purchaser uses the transmitted digital content, identification data similar to the identification data is stored in a device that stores the digital content. And a reproducing step of reproducing the digital content when the user inputs the digital content. 5. A method for selling digital content, wherein a purchaser places an order for digital content with a seller, and wherein the purchaser provides the seller with identification data of the purchaser. An embedding step in which the seller embeds the identification data in digital content; and providing the digital content in which the identification data is embedded in a predetermined recording medium, and providing the recording medium to the purchaser. A digital content selling method, comprising: 6. The digital content selling method according to claim 5, wherein the purchaser inputs identification data similar to the identification data to a device that reads the digital content when using the provided digital content. Placing the digital content in a usable state in the event that the digital content is sold. 7. The digital content selling method according to claim 5, wherein when the purchaser uses the provided digital content, the purchaser transmits identification data similar to the identification data to a device that decompresses the digital content. A decompressing step of decompressing the digital content when inputted. 8. The digital content selling method according to claim 5, wherein, when the purchaser uses the provided digital content, the purchaser transmits identification data similar to the identification data to a device that reproduces the digital content. And a reproducing step of reproducing the digital content when input. 9. The digital content selling method according to claim 1, wherein the identification data is biometric data of the purchaser. 10. The digital content selling method according to claim 9, wherein said biometric data is signature data of said purchaser. 11. The digital content selling method according to claim 1, wherein the identification data is a password. 12. A recording medium storing digital content, wherein the digital content has identification data designated by a user who intends to use the digital content embedded therein. 13. The recording medium according to claim 12, wherein the identification data is biometric data of the user. 14. The recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the biometric data is signature data of the user. 15. The recording medium according to claim 12, wherein the identification data is a password. 16. An apparatus for creating the digital content in which identification data of a user of the digital content is embedded, identification data acquiring means for acquiring the identification data from a user of the digital content, and the acquired identification data Embedding means for embedding the digital content into the digital content. 17. An apparatus using digital content in which predetermined identification data is embedded, identification data obtaining means for obtaining the identification data from a user, the obtained identification data, and the digital content to be used. Comparing means for comparing the identification data embedded in the digital content; and using the digital content in a usable state when both the identification data are determined to be similar data as a result of the comparison by the comparing means. Means, and a digital content utilization device, comprising: 18. An apparatus for decompressing digital content in which predetermined identification data is embedded, identification data acquisition means for acquiring the identification data from a user, the acquired identification data, and the digital content to be decompressed. Comparison means for comparing the identification data embedded therein; and, as a result of the comparison by the comparison means, decompression means for decompressing the digital content when both identification data are determined to be the same data. A digital content decompression device characterized by including: 19. An apparatus for reproducing digital content in which predetermined identification data is embedded, identification data acquisition means for acquiring the identification data from a user, the acquired identification data, and the digital content to be reproduced. Comparison means for comparing the identification data embedded therein; and, as a result of the comparison by the comparison means, when both identification data are determined to be similar data, reproduction means for reproducing the digital content. A digital content playback device characterized by including: