JP2001312427A - Data processing server and data reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily reproduce data having been ciphered. SOLUTION: A data distribution system includes a vendor terminal 200 which stores deciphering information for deciphering the ciphered data and a user terminal 300 which deciphers the ciphered data by using a memory card 500 where the ciphered data and deciphering information are written by the vendor terminal 200 and displays data that a user can recognize. The vendor terminal 200 includes an input means through which the user inputs reproduction conditions, a writing means for writing the data to the memory card 500, and a control means which controls the writing means so that reproduction permission information corresponding to the reproduction conditions inputted from the input means, the ciphered data, and deciphering information are written to the memory card 500 on condition that charging processing is completed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for distributing digital data representing video, music, and the like, and more particularly to a technique for facilitating a reproduction contract and a reproduction renewal contract.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Digital data representing video, music, and the like is widely distributed via the Internet or recording media. Digital data obtained via the Internet or a recording medium is reproduced on a user's computer. As a system for charging such digital data reproduction, there is a reproduction charging system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-98441.

[0003] The reproduction charging system disclosed in this publication is a reproduction charging system including a server and a terminal for displaying video information recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium records scrambled video information and unscrambled digest information for the video information. The terminal includes a reproducing unit for reproducing the digest information recorded on the recording medium, a selecting unit for the user to select the video information based on the digest information displayed on the reproducing unit, and the video information selected by the selecting unit. Transmitting means for transmitting contract information including an expiration date at least enabling reproduction of video information to the server. When receiving the contract information from the terminal, the server includes a transmission unit for performing a billing process and transmitting a scramble key for canceling the scramble to the user side terminal. The terminal further includes a receiving unit for receiving the scramble key from the server, and a display unit for releasing and displaying the scramble by the scramble key by the reproducing unit during the expiration date according to the contract information.

According to the playback charging system disclosed in this publication, a disk-shaped recording medium is distributed as an appendix to a magazine or the like. The user who has obtained the recording medium accesses the server from his / her own terminal and transmits contract information including a reproduction period. When the server completes the billing process, a scramble key for descrambling is transmitted to the terminal. The terminal uses the received scramble key to release the scramble, and displays the video information so that the user can recognize it. Thereby, a plurality of video information is recorded on a recording medium,
When the user contracts only the video information requested by the user, the scramble can be released and the video can be viewed.

[0005]

However, in the reproduction charging system disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, it is necessary to obtain a recording medium and then communicate with a server to obtain a scramble key. The recording medium applicable to this system is only a medium recorded in a specific format called an inter-disc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and provides a data processing server and a data reproducing apparatus which are not limited to a recording medium, have high versatility, and can easily contract for reproduction. It is.

[0007]

A server according to a first aspect of the present invention is a data processing server for performing a process of writing digital data on a removable recording medium. The server includes: storage means for storing the encrypted digital data; decryption information for decrypting the digital data; information representing the digital data requested by the user; and conditions for reproducing the digital data. Is input to the user for inputting the information representing the reproduction condition, writing means for writing the information to the recording medium, storage means, input means and writing means, and When the condition is satisfied, the reproduction permission information corresponding to the reproduction condition input from the input means, the digital data specified by the information representing the digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information are written to the recording medium. Control means for controlling the storage means and the writing means.

According to the first invention, when the user inputs information representing digital data requested to be reproduced and conditions for reproducing the digital data, the reproduction is performed on the condition that the charging process and the like are completed normally. The permission information, the digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information are written on the recording medium. As a result, using a set-top box or the like that can read the recording medium, using the reproduction permission information and the decryption information written on the recording medium, as long as the reproduction permission information indicates the permission state, Data can be decrypted and output. as a result,
It is possible to realize a data processing server which is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily contract for reproduction.

A server according to a second aspect of the present invention is a data processing server that performs a process of writing digital data on a removable recording medium. The server is connected to the data reproducing device via a digital communication network. The data reproducing device reads the information written on the recording medium, and determines whether or not the digital data written on the storage medium can be reproduced based on the reproduction permission information read from the recording medium. A function of erasing digital data determined to be unreproducible from a recording medium. The data reproducing apparatus transmits, to the server, information indicating a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for the erased digital data, input by the user, and information indicating a digital data reception time at which the digital data is received from the server. It has a function to send. The data reproducing device writes the reproduction / update permission information transmitted from the server as new reproduction permission information to a recording medium, and stores the digital data transmitted from the server in response to the information indicating the reproduction / update condition transmitted to the server. When it is determined that the digital data can be written and reproduced, the digital data stored in the recording medium is decrypted using the decryption information and output. The server is
A storage unit for storing the encrypted digital data and decryption information for decrypting, a communication unit for communicating with the data reproducing apparatus, and a storage unit connected to the storage unit and the communication unit; And control means for controlling the storage means and the communication means. The control means receives, from the data reproducing apparatus, information representing the reproduction update condition and data representing the digital data reception time, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the reproduction update permission information corresponding to the received reproduction update condition. Means for generating, when the digital data reception time comes, the generated reproduction update permission information,
Means for controlling communication means so as to transmit digital data corresponding to the reproduction update condition to the data reproducing apparatus.

[0010] According to the second invention, the data reproducing apparatus comprises:
If the digital data cannot be reproduced based on the reproduction permission information, the digital data is erased from the recording medium. If the user wants to reproduce the digital data once erased from the recording medium again, he inputs the reproduction update condition and the digital data reception time from the data reproduction device, and the server confirms that the charging process for the reproduction update process has been normally completed. The playback update permission information and the digital data are transmitted to the data playback device as a condition. The data playback device writes the playback update permission information and the digital data received from the server on a recording medium. Thereby, even if the digital data is once erased based on the reproduction permission information, the reproduction update permission information and the digital data are transmitted from the server at a predetermined time (for example, using a data reproduction apparatus such as a set-top box). , During times of low communication traffic). As a result, it is possible to realize a data processing server that is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily make an update contract for reproduction.

A server according to a third aspect is a data processing server that distributes digital data to a data reproducing device. The data reproducing apparatus has a function of transmitting, to a server, information indicating digital data requested by the user and information indicating reproduction conditions, which are conditions for reproducing digital data, input by the user. A server configured to store the encrypted digital data and decryption information for decrypting the encrypted data, a communication unit configured to communicate with the data reproducing apparatus, the storage unit and the communication unit; When information is received from the data reproducing apparatus and a predetermined condition is satisfied, reproduction permission information corresponding to the reproduction condition included in the received information and information representing digital data requested by the user are provided. Control means for controlling the storage means and the communication means so as to transmit the specified digital data and the decryption information to the data reproducing apparatus.

According to the third invention, when the user inputs information representing the digital data requested to be reproduced and the conditions for reproducing the digital data, the server is provided on condition that the charging process and the like have been completed normally. , The reproduction permission information, the digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information are transmitted to the data reproducing apparatus and stored. This allows
In the data reproducing apparatus, digital data can be decrypted and output using the reproduction permission information and the decryption information received from the server, as long as the reproduction permission information indicates a permitted state. As a result, it is possible to realize a data processing server that is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily contract for reproduction.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the server is connected to the communication means, receives information representing a reproduction update condition from the data reproducing device, and satisfies a predetermined condition. Then, the information processing apparatus further includes a reproduction update control unit for controlling the communication unit to transmit the reproduction update permission information corresponding to the received reproduction update condition to the data reproduction device. The data reproducing device is input by the user,
It has a function of transmitting information representing a playback update condition, which is a new playback condition for digital data, to a server.

According to the fourth aspect, when a user who has played back digital data with the data playback device wants to update the playback condition of the digital data newly (for example, if the user wants to further extend the playback time, or if the playback time is indefinite) When the user inputs a playback update condition from the data playback device, the server transmits the playback update permission information to the data playback device on condition that the charging process for the playback update process is normally completed. Thereby, when it is desired to update the reproduction condition, the reproduction update permission information can be received from the server by using a data reproduction device such as a set-top box. Upon receiving the reproduction update permission information, the data reproduction device can reproduce the digital data. As a result, it is possible to realize a data processing server that is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily make an update contract for reproduction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the server further includes a reproduction / updating control unit connected to the storage unit and the communication unit for controlling the storage unit and the communication unit. . The reproduction update control means receives the information indicating the reproduction update condition and the data indicating the digital data reception time from the data reproduction device, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the reproduction update corresponding to the received reproduction update condition. Means for generating permission information, and controlling the communication means to transmit the generated reproduction / update permission information and digital data corresponding to the reproduction / update condition to the data reproduction apparatus when the digital data reception time comes. Means for The data reproducing device stores the information received from the server, and determines whether or not the stored digital data can be reproduced based on the stored reproduction permission information. Information indicating a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for the erased digital data, and information indicating a digital data reception time at which the digital data is received from the server. Is transmitted to the server, the reproduction / update permission information transmitted from the server is stored as new reproduction permission information, and the digital data transmitted from the server in response to the information representing the reproduction / update condition transmitted to the server is stored. Has a function of decrypting the stored digital data using the decryption information and outputting the data when it is determined that reproduction is possible. That.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a data reproducing apparatus comprises:
If the digital data cannot be reproduced based on the reproduction permission information, the digital data is deleted. If the user wants to reproduce the erased digital data again, the reproduction update condition and the digital data reception time are input from the data reproduction device, and the server is supposed that the charging process and the like for the reproduction update process are normally completed. The playback update permission information and the digital data are transmitted to the data playback device. Thereby, even if the digital data is once erased based on the reproduction permission information, the reproduction update permission information and the digital data are received from the server at a predetermined time by using a data reproducing apparatus such as a set-top box. it can. As a result, it is possible to realize a data processing server that is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily make an update contract for reproduction.

A data reproducing apparatus according to a sixth invention is a data reproducing apparatus for reproducing digital data recorded on a removable recording medium. The recording medium includes encrypted digital data specified by information representing digital data requested by the user, decryption information for decrypting the digital data, and reproduction permission information that is a condition for reproducing the digital data. Is a recording medium on which is written. The data reproducing apparatus includes a reading unit for reading information written on a recording medium, an output unit for outputting digital data requested by a user, a communication unit, a reading unit, and an output unit of the data reproducing device. And a control means for controlling communication means, reading means and output means of the data reproducing apparatus. The control means determines whether or not the digital data written on the storage medium can be reproduced, based on the reproduction permission information read from the recording medium, and determines that the reproduction is possible. Means for decrypting the digital data stored on the recording medium using the decryption information, and means for controlling the output means to output the decrypted digital data. including.

According to the sixth invention, when a user inputs information representing digital data requested to be reproduced and a condition for reproducing the digital data using a digital data vending device or the like in which digital data is stored. The reproduction permission information, the digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information are written on the recording medium on condition that the charging process or the like is normally completed. This recording medium is mounted on a data reproducing apparatus such as a set-top box, and the digital data is reproduced by using the reproduction permission information and the decryption information written on the recording medium as long as the reproduction permission information indicates a permission state. Can be decrypted and output. As a result, it is possible to realize a data reproducing apparatus which is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily contract for reproduction.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data reproducing apparatus comprising:
Communication means for communicating with any other device connected to the data communication network via the data communication network, writing means for writing information to a recording medium, and digital data. And input means for allowing a user to input information indicating a reproduction update condition which is a new reproduction condition for. The control means, when information representing the reproduction update condition is input from the input means,
And means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the information representing the input reproduction update condition to a predetermined server connected to the data communication network. The server has a function of receiving information representing the playback update condition from the data playback device and transmitting playback update permission information corresponding to the received playback update condition to the data playback device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Have. The control means further includes means for controlling the writing means so as to write the reproduction update permission information transmitted from the server as new reproduction permission information to the recording medium.

According to the seventh aspect, when a user who has played back digital data with a data playback device such as a set-top box wants to newly update the playback condition of digital data, when the user inputs the playback update condition from the data playback device, The server transmits the playback update permission information to the data playback device on condition that the charging process or the like for the playback update process is normally completed. The data reproduction device writes the received reproduction update information as new reproduction permission information to the recording medium. Thereby, when it is desired to update the reproduction condition, the reproduction update permission information can be received from the server by using a data reproduction device such as a set-top box. Upon receiving the reproduction update permission information, the data reproduction device can reproduce the digital data. As a result, it is possible to realize a data reproducing apparatus which is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily make an update contract for reproduction.

A data reproducing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the
Communication means for communicating with any other device connected to the data communication network via the data communication network, a writing means for writing information to a recording medium, Input means for allowing a user to input information representing a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for the digital data, and information representing a digital data reception time at which the digital data is received from the server. The control means determines whether or not the digital data written on the storage medium can be reproduced based on the reproduction permission information read from the recording medium, and determines that the reproduction cannot be performed. Means for erasing the input digital data from the recording medium, information indicating the reproduction update condition, and information indicating the digital data reception time are input from the input means, the information indicating the input reproduction update condition Means for controlling the communication means to transmit the information indicating the digital data reception time to a predetermined server connected to the data communication network. The server receives the information representing the playback update condition and the data representing the digital data reception time from the data playback device, and, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, sends the playback update permission information corresponding to the received playback update condition. It has a function of transmitting the generated reproduction update permission information and the digital data corresponding to the reproduction update condition to the data reproduction device when the digital data reception time is generated. The control means further includes means for controlling the writing means to write the reproduction / update permission information transmitted from the server as new reproduction permission information to the recording medium, and responding to the information indicating the reproduction / update condition transmitted to the server. Means for controlling the writing means so as to write the digital data transmitted from the server to the recording medium.

According to the eighth aspect, when the digital data cannot be reproduced based on the reproduction permission information, the data reproducing apparatus such as a set-top box erases the digital data from the recording medium. If the user wants to reproduce the digital data once erased from the recording medium again, he inputs the reproduction update condition and the digital data reception time from the data reproduction device, and the server confirms that the charging process for the reproduction update process has been normally completed. The playback update permission information and the digital data are transmitted to the data playback device as a condition. The data playback device writes the playback update permission information and the digital data received from the server on a recording medium. Thereby, even if the digital data is once erased based on the reproduction permission information, the reproduction update permission information and the digital data are received from the server at a predetermined time by using a data reproducing apparatus such as a set-top box. it can. As a result, it is possible to realize a data reproducing apparatus which is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily make an update contract for reproduction.

A data reproducing apparatus according to a ninth aspect is a data reproducing apparatus for reproducing digital data received from a server. The server has a function of storing digital data that has been subjected to encryption processing and decryption information for decrypting the digital data. The data reproducing apparatus includes: a communication unit for communicating with a server; information representing digital data requested by the user; and information representing a reproduction condition which is a condition for reproducing the digital data. Means, connected to communication means, storage means for storing information received from the server, output means for outputting digital data requested by the user, connected to communication means, storage means, and output means. And control means for controlling the communication means, the storage means and the output means. The control means includes means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the information input from the input means to the server. The server transmits the reproduction permission information corresponding to the reproduction condition included in the information received from the data reproduction device, the digital data specified by the information representing the digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information to the data reproduction device. It has a function to send. The control means further includes means for storing the reproduction permission information, digital data, and decryption information transmitted from the server in the storage means, and reproduction of the digital data stored in the storage means based on the reproduction permission information. Means for determining whether or not it is possible, and means for decrypting the digital data stored in the storage means using the decryption information when it is determined that the reproduction is possible, Means for controlling the output means to output the decrypted digital data.

According to the ninth aspect, in a data reproducing apparatus such as a set-top box, when a user inputs information indicating digital data requested to be reproduced and a condition for reproducing the digital data, a billing process or the like is performed. The reproduction permission information, the digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information are transmitted to the data reproducing device and stored on condition that the operation is normally completed. Thus, in the data reproducing apparatus, the digital data can be decrypted and output using the stored reproduction permission information and the decryption information as long as the reproduction permission information indicates the permission state. As a result, it is possible to realize a data reproducing apparatus which is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily contract for reproduction.

A data reproducing apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the data reproducing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the input means includes, in addition to a means for inputting information representing digital data and information representing reproducing conditions, The information processing apparatus further includes means for allowing a user to input information indicating a reproduction update condition that is a new reproduction condition for the data. The control means includes means for controlling the communication means so that, when the information representing the reproduction update condition is inputted from the input means, the information representing the inputted reproduction update condition is transmitted to the server. The server has a function of receiving information representing the playback update condition from the data playback device and transmitting playback update permission information corresponding to the received playback update condition to the data playback device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Have. The control means further includes means for causing the storage means to store the reproduction update permission information transmitted from the server as new reproduction permission information.

According to the tenth aspect, when a user who has played back digital data with a data playback device such as a set-top box wants to newly update playback conditions of digital data, when the user inputs playback update conditions from the data playback device,
The server transmits the playback update permission information to the data playback device on condition that the charging process or the like for the playback update process is normally completed. The data reproduction device stores the received reproduction update information as new reproduction permission information. This allows
When it is desired to update the reproduction condition, the reproduction update permission information can be received from the server by using a data reproduction device such as a set-top box. Upon receiving the reproduction update permission information, the data reproduction device can reproduce the digital data. As a result, it is possible to realize a data reproducing apparatus which is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily make an update contract for reproduction.

[0027] In a data reproducing apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the input means includes an erasing means in addition to the means for inputting information representing digital data and information representing reproducing conditions. The information processing apparatus further includes means for a user to input information indicating a new reproduction condition for the obtained digital data and information indicating a digital data reception time at which the digital data is received from the server. The control means includes means for erasing digital data determined to be unreproducible from the storage means, information indicating a reproduction update condition which is a new reproduction condition for the erased digital data, and digital data. Means for controlling the communication means to transmit, to the server, the information representing the inputted reproduction update condition and the information representing the digital data reception time when the information representing the reception time is inputted from the input means; including. When the server receives the information indicating the reproduction update condition and the data indicating the digital data reception time from the data reproduction device, the server generates reproduction update permission information corresponding to the received reproduction update condition. And a function of transmitting the playback update permission information and digital data corresponding to the playback update condition to the data playback device. The control means further includes means for storing the reproduction update permission information transmitted from the server in the storage means as new reproduction permission information, and the control means transmitted from the server in response to the information representing the reproduction update condition transmitted to the server. Means for storing digital data in the storage means is included.

According to the eleventh aspect, when the digital data cannot be reproduced based on the reproduction permission information, the data reproducing device such as a set-top box erases the digital data. If the user wants to reproduce the erased digital data again, the reproduction update condition and the digital data reception time are input from the data reproduction device, and the server is supposed that the charging process and the like for the reproduction update process are normally completed. The playback update permission information and the digital data are transmitted to the data playback device. The data playback device stores the playback update permission information and the digital data received from the server. Thereby, even if the digital data is once erased based on the reproduction permission information, the reproduction update permission information and the digital data are received from the server at a predetermined time by using a data reproducing apparatus such as a set-top box. it can. As a result, it is possible to realize a data reproducing apparatus which is not limited to a recording medium, has high versatility, and can easily make an update contract for reproduction.

[0029] The server according to the twelfth invention is characterized in that:
Charging means for performing a charging process on digital data in response to a user who has requested digital data, based on information necessary for the charging process received from the data reproducing apparatus. Further included. The predetermined condition is a condition that charging processing based on one of the reproduction condition and the reproduction update condition has been completed normally. The data reproducing device has a function of transmitting information necessary for billing processing to the server.

According to the twelfth aspect, digital data or the like can be written on a recording medium or transmitted to a data reproducing device on condition that the charging process is completed normally.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or third aspect, the control means further comprises means for calculating a charge for digital data reproduction based on the reproduction conditions. Including.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the billing amount can be calculated based on the reproduction conditions such as the reproduction period and the number of times of reproduction.

[0033] The server according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention comprises the second and fourth servers.
Alternatively, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the control unit further includes a unit for calculating a charge for the digital data reproduction update based on the reproduction update condition.

According to the fourteenth aspect, the billing amount can be calculated based on a new reproduction condition such as a reproduction period and the number of times of reproduction.

The server according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention further includes, in addition to the configuration of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, a user data storage unit for storing a situation where digital data reproduction is requested for each user. The means for calculating the charge includes means for calculating the charge based on the condition and the situation where the reproduction of the digital data stored in the user data storage is requested.

According to the fifteenth aspect, the situation where digital data is requested to be reproduced is stored for each user, and the charge amount can be discounted and calculated in accordance with, for example, the frequency of requesting the reproduction.

A data reproducing apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the data reproducing apparatus according to any one of the sixth to eleventh aspects, wherein the reproduction permission information selectively takes a first value and a second value. Information and information indicating conditions under which reproduction is permitted. The means for determining whether the reproduction of the digital data is possible determines that the reproduction of the digital data is possible when the selection information is the first value, and the selection information is the second value. Sometimes it includes means for determining that digital data cannot be reproduced. The control means includes means for determining whether or not the condition for permitting reproduction is satisfied, and responding to the condition that the condition for permitting reproduction is no longer satisfied, setting the selection information to the second value. Means for changing.

According to the sixteenth aspect, when the condition for permitting the reproduction is not satisfied, the data reproducing device changes the selection information to the second value representing a state where reproduction is impossible. The data reproduction device can easily determine whether or not reproduction is possible using selection information such as a reproduction permission flag.

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment> Referring to FIG. 1, a data distribution system according to the present embodiment stores digital data and stores the stored digital data in vendor terminal 2.
00 and the server 100 transmitting to the user terminal 300
And the vendor terminal 200 that writes digital data for which the user requests reproduction to the memory card 500, and the memory card 500 that is installed at the user's home and on which digital data is written is attached and written to the memory card 500. And a user terminal 300 that reproduces the received digital data and outputs video, audio, and the like. The server 100, the vendor terminal 200, and the user terminal 300 are connected to each other via a network 400. Memory card 500
Should be able to read and write digital data.
It is not limited to a specific one.

The processing in server 100 according to the present embodiment is realized by software executed on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a computer which is an example of the server 100. Referring to FIG. 2, this computer includes an FD (Flexible Disk) drive device 106 and a CD.
-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drive 1
08 and a monitor 104
, A keyboard 110 and a mouse 112.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer main body 102 includes the FD driving device 106 and the CD-R described above.
In addition to the OM driving device 108, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 120 and a memory 1
22, a fixed disk 124, and a network 400, and are connected to the vendor terminal 200 and the user terminal 300.
And a communication interface 126 for communicating with The FD 116 is mounted on the FD driving device 106.
A CD-ROM 118 is mounted on the CD-ROM drive 108.

The server 100 is realized by computer hardware and software executed by the CPU 120. Generally, such software is FD
116, a CD-ROM 118 or the like, and stored and distributed, read from the recording medium by the FD drive device 106 or the CD-ROM drive device 108, and temporarily stored in the fixed disk 124. Further fixed disk 12
4 to the memory 122 and executed by the CPU 120. The hardware itself of the computer shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention relating to the server is the FD11
6. Software recorded on a recording medium such as the CD-ROM 118 and the fixed disk 124.

Since the operation of the computer itself shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a description will be given of the vendor terminal 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an external view of the vendor terminal 200. As shown in FIG.
The vendor terminal 200 inputs a monitor 204 that displays index data indicating an overview of digital data that can be selected by the user, and information that specifies the digital data selected by the user based on the index data displayed on the monitor 204. , User ID (Identification)
Keyboard 210 for inputting password and password
And a memory card read / write unit 230 that inserts the memory card 500 and writes digital data into the inserted memory card 500 and reads digital data from the memory card 500.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the vendor terminal 200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the vendor terminal 200 is a CP that controls the entirety of the vendor terminal 200.
U220 and a monitor 204 controlled by the CPU 220 for displaying index data of digital data and the like.
And a keyboard 210 for the user to input necessary information
And a memory 22 for storing a program executed by the CPU 220 and intermediate data of the executed program, etc.
2, a memory card read / write unit 230 controlled by the CPU 220 to write digital data to the inserted memory card 500 and read digital data from the memory card 500, and connected to the network 400 to communicate with the server 100. And a communication interface 226 for performing the operations. The vendor terminals shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are installed in rental video shops, convenience stores, station yards, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, user terminal 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows an external view of the user terminal 300. As shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 300 has a memory card read / write unit 330 for reading digital data stored in the memory card 500 and writing digital data in the memory card 500 when the memory card 500 is inserted. Set-top box 302 and set-top box 302
And a monitor 350 for displaying digital data stored in the memory card 500 as video information.

FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of the user terminal 300 shown in FIG. The set-top box 302
CPU 3 for controlling the entire set-top box 302
20 and a memory 3 for storing a program executed by the CPU 320 and intermediate data of the executed program
22 and the digital data stored in the inserted memory card 500 under the control of the CPU 320,
A memory card read / write unit 330 for writing digital data to the memory card 500;
00, and a communication interface 326 for communicating with the server 100.

When a reproduction key exists in the memory card 500, the CPU 320 can create a scramble key using the scramble function stored in the memory card 500. The CPU 320 descrambles the scrambled digital data read from the memory card 500 via the memory card read / write unit 330 using the generated scramble key, and
Can be displayed as video information. Using a remote controller (not shown) and a keyboard displayed on the monitor 350, the user
, A user ID and a password can be input. In the following description, information represented by digital data is described as video information, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, music information. In that case, the monitor 350 becomes a speaker.

Referring to FIG. 8, data distribution information transmitted from server 100 to vendor terminal 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the data distribution information includes a header,
It includes server ID, data ID, index data, reproduction key information, scramble function information, right information, remaining storage availability information, and scrambled data. The server ID is the server 100 that has distributed this data distribution information.
Is information for uniquely identifying a server from among a plurality of servers connected to the network 400. The data ID is
This is information for uniquely specifying the scrambled data included in the data distribution information from among a plurality of data communicated via the network 400. The index data is information indicating the outline of the scrambled data included in the data distribution information. The reproduction key information is, for example, a flag that takes one of “0” and “1”. The scramble function information is information on a function for creating a scramble key for performing descrambling. The right information is information indicating the contents of the right such as copyright regarding the scrambled data included in the data distribution information. The remaining storage enable / disable information is information indicating whether the scrambled data stored in the memory card 500 is to be left and stored when the reproduction permission data described later is no longer satisfied. If the remaining storage availability information is negative information about keeping the data, for example, when the playback period in the playback permission data has elapsed, the scrambled data recorded on the memory card 500 is erased. Is done.

Referring to FIG. 9, reproduction request information transmitted from vendor terminal 200 to server 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the reproduction request information includes a header, a vendor ID, a user ID, a password, a coupon use flag, a data ID, and reproduction condition data. The vendor ID is the vendor terminal 20 that has transmitted the reproduction request information.
0 is information for uniquely identifying a plurality of vendor terminals connected to the network 400. The user ID is information for uniquely identifying the user who transmitted the reproduction request information from the users of the data distribution system. The password is a password input by the user corresponding to the user ID for using the data distribution system. The coupon use flag is information indicating whether or not to use a coupon at the request of the user. The coupon is a service for discounting the billing amount according to the usage history. The data ID is for uniquely identifying data requested by the user who has transmitted the reproduction request information. The reproduction condition data is, for example, a reproduction period, the number of times of reproduction, the number of set-top boxes 302 permitted to be reproduced, and the like, and is a reproduction condition requested by the user who transmitted the reproduction request information.

Referring to FIG. 10, the reproduction permission information transmitted from server 100 to vendor terminal 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the reproduction permission information includes a header,
It includes a server ID, a user ID, a data ID, and reproduction permission data. The reproduction permission data is information generated after the server 100 performs the accounting process and transmitted from the server 100 to the vendor terminal 200, corresponding to the reproduction condition data of the reproduction request information shown in FIG. The reproduction permission data includes, for example, a reproduction period, the number of reproductions, and the number of set-top boxes permitted to reproduce.

Referring to FIG. 11, digital information transmitted from vendor terminal 200 to memory card 500 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, this digital information has a hierarchical structure. The digital information includes a header, reproduction key information, scramble function information, data management information, and scrambled data. The data management information includes data ID, right information, reproduction management information, user I
D and usage history information. The usage history information is information indicating the usage history of the data distribution system by the user in accordance with the user ID. The reproduction management information includes a reproduction period, the number of times of reproduction, the number of reproductions, a server ID, a vendor ID, and remaining storage availability information.

Referring to FIG. 12, reproduction extension request information transmitted from set top box 302 to server 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the reproduction extension request information includes a header, a set top box ID,
D, password, coupon use flag, data ID, and reproduction extension condition data. Set Top Box I
D is information that uniquely identifies the set-top box 302 that has transmitted the reproduction extension request information. The reproduction extension condition data, like the reproduction condition data described above, includes a reproduction extension period for requesting reproduction extension, the number of reproduction extensions, the number of set-top boxes 302 permitted to be reproduced, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 13, reproduction extension permission information transmitted from server 100 to set-top box 302 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the reproduction extension permission information includes a header, a server ID, a user ID, and a data I.
D, reproduction extension permission data and reproduction key information. The reproduction extension permission data, like the above-described reproduction permission data, includes a reproduction period in which reproduction extension is permitted, the number of times of reproduction, the number of set-top boxes 302 permitted to be reproduced, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 14, digital data stored in fixed disk 120 of server 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, the digital data is a server management I for the server 100 to manage the digital data.
D, data ID, index data, reproduction key information,
Scramble function information, right information, remaining storage availability information,
Includes scrambled data and delivered vendor terminal IDs. As the delivered vendor terminal ID, a list of the vendor terminals 200 to which the server 100 has delivered the scrambled data has been stored corresponding to the data ID. Note that the server 100 distributes new data to the vendor terminal 200 at regular intervals as described later. At this time, retransmission is prevented based on the delivered vendor terminal ID.

Referring to FIG. 15, digital data stored in memory 222 of vendor terminal 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the digital data includes a vendor management ID, data ID, index data, reproduction key information, scramble function information, right information, remaining storage availability information, and scramble processing for the vendor terminal 200 to manage the digital data. Included data. FIG.
The digital data shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the server 100 shown in FIG.
Server 100 based on the digital data stored in
Are stored on the basis of the data distribution information shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 16, user data stored in server 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the user data includes a user ID, a password, user information, use history information, a coupon use flag, a coupon amount, and a charging amount. The user information includes gender, age, and preference information of the user specified by the user ID. Based on the user information, the preference of each user can be analyzed, and only the index data of the video information corresponding to the preference can be displayed on the monitor 204.
The coupon amount is set to, for example, 10% of the integrated billing amount. The charge amount indicates the amount charged by the user specified by the user ID during this fixed period (for example, one year) in this data distribution system. The coupon amount and the billing amount are integrated values within a certain period.

Referring to FIG. 17, the reproduction permission information for each user stored in server 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the reproduction permission information for each user includes, for each user ID, a data ID and data representing reproduction permission contents. The data representing the reproduction content includes the reproduction period, the number of times of reproduction, and the number of set-top boxes 302 permitted to be reproduced.

Referring to FIG. 18, data stored in memory card 500 will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, the memory card 500 stores reproduction key information, scramble function information, data management information, user ID, use history information, scrambled data, and reproduction result data. The data management information includes a data ID, right information, and reproduction management information. The reproduction management information includes a reproduction period, the number of times of reproduction, the number of reproductions, a server ID, a vendor ID, and remaining storage availability information. The playback result data includes the number of times digital data has been played back on the set-top box 302 and the number of set-top boxes 302 played back. Data other than the reproduction result data in the data shown in FIG. 18 is written to the memory card 500 by the memory card read / write unit 230 of the vendor terminal 200. Reproduction results data is stored in the set top box
2 is written by the memory card read / write unit 330. Note that the data shown in FIG. 18 shows an example of one piece of video information. However, one memory card 500 may include data corresponding to a plurality of pieces of video information.

Referring to FIG. 19, the automatic distribution processing executed by server 100 will be described.

Step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S)
At 100, CPU 120 of server 100 detects the current time. In S102, CPU 120 determines whether or not the current time is the automatic distribution time. The automatic distribution time is set, for example, every 12 hours, every 24 hours, or the like. If the current time is the automatic distribution time (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if the current time is not the automatic distribution time (NO in S102), the process returns to S100, detects the current time, and waits until the current time becomes the automatic distribution time.

At S104, CPU 120 determines that server 1
The data distribution information (FIG. 8) is transmitted to the designated vendor terminal 200 based on the digital data (FIG. 14) stored in the fixed disk 124 of the 00. At this time, the distribution target vendor terminals 200 may specify all the vendor terminals 200 at once, or in order to avoid a temporary load of communication traffic, a plurality of vendor terminals 200 may be set for each automatic distribution time. It may be specified by dividing into groups. By the processing in S104, the digital data shown in FIG. 15 is stored in the memory 222 of the vendor terminal 200.

At S106, CPU 120 determines whether or not the end of the automatic distribution processing has been detected. This decision
This is performed depending on whether or not a predetermined time has been reached. When the end of the automatic distribution processing is detected (YES in S106), the automatic distribution processing ends. On the other hand, if the end of the automatic distribution process is not detected (NO in S106), the process returns to S100, and the current time is detected. If the current time is the automatic distribution time, the data distribution information is sent to the vendor terminal. 200.

Referring to FIG. 20, a data reproduction request process executed in vendor terminal 200 will be described.

At S 200, CP of vendor terminal 200
U220 displays a screen for inputting a user ID and a password on monitor 204. At S202, CPU 220
Determines whether the input of the user ID and the password from the keyboard 210 has been detected. When the input of the user ID and the password is detected (YES in S202)
S), the process is moved to S204. On the other hand, if the input of the user ID and the password is not detected (N in S202)
O), the process returns to S202, and waits until the input of the user ID and the password is detected.

At S204, CPU 220 sets monitor 2
At 04, an initial screen for data request is displayed. S20
At 6, CPU 220 determines whether a data request has been detected. This determination is made when the predetermined input is
This is performed by inputting from 0. If a data request is detected (YES in S206), the process proceeds to S208. On the other hand, if the data request is not detected (S206)
NO), the process returns to S206, and waits until a data request is detected.

At S208, CPU 220 sets monitor 2
04 is stored in the memory 22 based on the index data of the digital data shown in FIG.
The index information of the digital data stored in 2 is displayed. In S210, CPU 220 determines whether or not an input for selecting data has been detected. This determination is made when a predetermined input is made from the keyboard 210. If data selection input is detected (YES in S210), the process proceeds to S212. On the other hand, if no data selection input is detected (NO in S210), the process returns to S210, and waits until a data selection input is detected.

At S 212, CPU 220 causes monitor 204 to display an input screen for the necessity of using the coupon. S2
At 14, CPU 220 determines whether or not an input of necessity of use of the coupon has been detected. If input of coupon use necessity is detected (YES at S214), the process proceeds to S216. On the other hand, if no input is detected in the coupon use necessity (NO in S214), the process returns to S214, and waits until the coupon use necessity input is detected.

At S 216, CPU 220 causes monitor 2
At 04, a reproduction condition input screen is displayed. At S218, CPU 220 determines whether or not an input of a reproduction condition has been detected. This determination is made by inputting the playback time limit, the number of playbacks, and the number of playbacks from the keyboard 210. If the input of the reproduction condition is detected (YES in S218), the process proceeds to S220. On the other hand, if the input of the reproduction condition is not detected (NO in S218), the process returns to S218, and waits until the input of the reproduction condition is detected.

At S220, CPU 220 outputs the reproduction request information (user ID, password, data ID) shown in FIG.
D, the necessity of use of the coupon and the reproduction condition data) are transmitted to the server 100.

At S222, CPU 220 determines that server 1
From 00, it is determined whether or not the reproduction permission information shown in FIG. 10 has been received. When the reproduction permission information is received from server 100 (YES in S222), the process proceeds to S226 in FIG. On the other hand, if the reproduction permission information has not been received from server 100 (NO in S222), the process proceeds to S224. In S224, CPU 220 determines whether or not a fixed time has elapsed since transmission of the reproduction request information to server 100. After a lapse of a predetermined time (YE in S224)
S), the process proceeds to S244 of FIG. On the other hand, the process returns to S222 and waits for the reception of the reproduction permission information from server 100 until a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the reproduction request information to server 100 (NO in S224).

Referring to FIG. 21, in S226, the CPU
220 causes the monitor 204 to display a communication normal completion screen. In S228, CPU 220 causes monitor 204
A memory card insertion request screen for prompting insertion of a memory card is displayed. At S230, CPU 220 causes memory card 50 to be
It is determined whether insertion of 0 has been detected. Memory card 5
If insertion of 00 is detected (YES in S230), the process proceeds to S232. On the other hand, if insertion of memory card 500 is not detected (NO in S230), the process proceeds to S23.
It returns to 0 and waits until the insertion of the memory card 500 is detected.

At S 232, CPU 220 transmits digital information (FIG. 11) to inserted memory card 500 via memory card read / write unit 230. By the process of S232, the memory card 500 is
Data is written as shown in FIG.

At S 234, CPU 220 determines whether or not the writing of the digital information to memory card 500 has been completed normally. This determination is made based on information from the memory card read / write unit 230. When the writing is completed normally (YES in S234), the process proceeds to S
236. On the other hand, if the writing has not been completed normally (NO in S234), the process proceeds to S246.

At S 236, CPU 220 causes monitor 2
04 is displayed with an inquiry screen as to whether or not to request further data. In S238, CPU 220 further determines whether or not an input of a data request has been detected. Further, when an input of a data request is detected (YE in S238).
S), the process returns to S208 of FIG. On the other hand, if the input of the data request is not further detected (N in S238)
O), the process is moved to S240.

At S240, CPU 220 sets monitor 2
At 04, a screen for permitting removal of the memory card 500 is displayed.

At S242, CPU 220 determines whether or not the end of data request acceptance has been detected. When the end of the data request reception is detected (YES in S242), the data reproduction request process ends. On the other hand, if the end of accepting the data request is not detected (NO in S242), the process returns to S200 in FIG.

At S 244, CPU 220 causes monitor 2
In 04, a communication error screen is displayed. At S246,
The CPU 220 causes the monitor 204 to display a write error screen. In S248, CPU 220 performs error processing after the processing in S244 and S246.
In this error process, for example, a process of generating a warning sound from the vendor terminal 200 is performed to call the operator of the vendor terminal 200.

Referring to FIG. 22, a data reproduction permission process executed by server 100 will be described. At S110, CPU 120 determines whether or not the reproduction request information shown in FIG. 9 has been received from vendor terminal 200 in response to the processing at S220 described above. If the reproduction request information is received from the vendor terminal (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112. On the other hand, if the reproduction request information has not been received from vendor terminal 200 (NO in S110), the process returns to S110, and waits for the reception of the reproduction request information from vendor terminal 200.

At S112, CPU 120 proceeds to S110
User ID in the reproduction request information shown in FIG.
The user authentication process is performed based on the password and the password. S
At 114, CPU 120 determines whether or not user authentication has been completed. When the user authentication is completed (YES in S114), the process proceeds to S116. On the other hand, if the user authentication has not been completed (NO in S114), the process proceeds to S1.
Moved to 32. If the process proceeds to S132 without completing the user authentication, the server 100 does not transmit the reproduction permission information to the vendor terminal. Therefore, the vendor terminal 2
A communication error is displayed on the monitor 204 of 00.

At S116, CPU 120 calculates a basic billing amount based on the reproduction condition data of the reproduction request information shown in FIG. In S118, CPU 120 determines whether or not the coupon use flag included in the reproduction request information shown in FIG. 9 is in a set state. If the coupon use flag is in the set state (YES in S118), the process proceeds to S120. On the other hand, if the coupon use flag is not set (NO in S118), the process proceeds to S126.

At S120, CPU 120 reads the coupon amount from the user data stored in fixed disk 120 of server 100 shown in FIG. At S122,
The CPU 120 calculates S from the basic amount calculated in S116.
A value obtained by subtracting the coupon amount read at 120 or S
The larger of 90% of the basic amount calculated in 116 is calculated as the discount charge amount. At S124, the CPU
120 pays out the used coupon amount.

At S126, CPU 120 proceeds to S116
The basic billing amount calculated in or the discount billing amount calculated in S122 is added to the billing amount of the user data shown in FIG. Further, CPU 120 calculates and integrates the coupon amount corresponding to the calculated charging amount.

At S128, CPU 120 performs a charging process with the basic charging amount or the discount charging amount. After the above-described processes, the fixed disk 124 of the server 100 stores the user data shown in FIG. 16 and the reproduction permission information for each user shown in FIG.

At S 130, CPU 120 transmits the reproduction permission information shown in FIG.

At S132, CPU 120 determines whether or not the end of data request acceptance has been detected. When the end of the data request reception is detected (YES in S132), the data reproduction permission process ends. On the other hand, if the end of the data request reception is not detected (NO in S132), the process proceeds to S
Returned to 110.

Referring to FIG. 23, the data display processing executed in set top box 302 will be described.

At S300, set-top box 30
The second CPU 320 includes a memory card read / write unit 33.
0, it is determined whether or not the insertion of the memory card 500 is detected. If insertion of memory card 500 is detected (YES in S300), the process proceeds to S302.
On the other hand, if the insertion of the memory card 500 is not detected (S3
(NO at 00), the process returns to S300, and waits until insertion of memory card 500 is detected.

At S 302, CPU 320 reads the reproduction management information from memory card 500. At this time, data is stored in the memory card 500 as shown in FIG.

At S304, CPU 320 detects the current date and time. At S306, CPU 320 proceeds to S302
It is determined from the playback period of the playback management information read in and the current date and time detected in S304 whether or not the current date and time are within the playback period. If it is within the reproduction period (S306
Is YES), the process proceeds to S308. On the other hand, if it is not within the reproduction period (NO in S306), the process proceeds to S
Moved to 314.

At S308, CPU 320 determines whether or not reproduction key information is stored in inserted memory card 500 via memory card read / write unit 330. If there is reproduction key information (YE in S308)
S), the process is moved to S310. On the other hand, if there is no reproduction key information (NO in S308), the process proceeds to S314. At this time, for example, when the reproduction key information is represented by a flag, when the flag is “1”, it is determined that there is a reproduction key, and when the flag is “0”, it is determined that there is no reproduction key information. Is done.

At S310, CPU 320 generates a scramble key based on the scramble function information stored in memory card 500 shown in FIG. S31
At 2, CPU 320 descrambles the scrambled data using the scramble key generated at S320.

At S314, CPU 320 performs a reproduction extension process if not within the reproduction period (NO at S306) and if there is no reproduction key (NO at S308). This reproduction extension process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The condition for performing the reproduction extension process is that the current date and time is not within the reproduction period (N in S306).
O) Not only when there is no playback key (NO in S308), but also when there is a playback key within the playback period. This indicates that the reproduction extension process can be performed when the user wants to newly update the reproduction condition.

At S316, CPU 320 causes monitor 350 to display an image based on the descrambled data. In S318, CPU 320 determines whether or not an input of a data display end request has been detected. When the input of the data display end request is detected (YE in S318)
S), the process is moved to S320. On the other hand, if the input of the data display end request is not detected (NO in S318), the process returns to S316, and the data is further displayed on monitor 350. In the above description, the data is descrambled collectively by the scramble key in the process in S312. However, the data may be descrambled while displaying the video until the input of the data display end request is detected.

At S320, CPU 320 rewrites the reproduction result data (number of reproductions, number of reproductions) of memory card 500. The data rewritten at this time is the number of reproductions and the number of reproductions of the reproduction result data shown in FIG. As for the number of reproductions, the set top box ID identified when the memory card 500 is inserted into the memory card read / write unit 330 is stored.

In S322, CPU 320 determines in S320
It is determined whether or not the reproduction permission condition is satisfied, based on the reproduction result data rewritten in and the reproduction permission condition (number of times, the number of units). If the reproduction permission condition is satisfied (S32
(YES in 2), the process proceeds to S326. On the other hand, if the reproduction permission condition is not satisfied (NO in S322),
The process proceeds to S324. At S324, CPU 32
0 erases the reproduction key information stored in the memory card 500 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 24, the reproduction extension process in S314 of FIG. 23 will be described.

At S330, set-top box 30
The second CPU 320 causes the monitor 350 to display an initial screen for reproduction extension. At S332, CPU 320 causes monitor 350 to display a user ID and password input screen after a predetermined time has elapsed from the process at S330.

At S334, CPU 320 determines that user I
It is determined whether the input of D and the password has been detected. This determination is made by the monitor 3 by the processing in S332.
This is performed by inputting a user ID and a password using a keyboard on the screen displayed at 50 and a remote controller (not shown). If the input of the user ID and the password is detected (YES in S334), the process proceeds to S
Moved to 336. On the other hand, if the input of the user ID and the password is not detected (NO in S334), the process proceeds to S
The process returns to 334 and waits until the input of the user ID and the password is detected.

In S336, CPU 320 causes monitor 3
At 50, an input screen for coupon use necessity is displayed. S
At 338, CPU 320 determines whether or not an input of necessity of use of the coupon has been detected. If the input of coupon use necessity is detected (YES in S338), the process proceeds to S340.
Moved to On the other hand, if input of coupon use necessity is not detected (NO in S338), the process returns to S338,
Wait until the coupon usage input is detected.

At S340, CPU 320 causes monitor 3
An input screen for the reproduction extension condition is displayed at 50. S342
, CPU 320 determines whether or not the input of the reproduction extension condition has been detected. If the input of the reproduction extension condition is detected (YES in S342), the process proceeds to S344.
On the other hand, if the input of the reproduction extension condition is not detected (NO in S342), the process returns to S342, and waits until the input of the reproduction extension condition is detected.

In S 344, CPU 320 transmits to server 100 playback extension request information (user ID, password, data ID, coupon use necessity, and playback extension condition) shown in FIG. At this time, the destination server is specified by the server ID included in the reproduction management information recorded on the memory card 500.

At S 346, CPU 320 makes server 1
From 00, it is determined whether or not the reproduction extension permission information shown in FIG. 13 has been received. If the reproduction extension permission information is received from server 100 (YES in S346), the process proceeds to S352. On the other hand, if the reproduction extension permission information has not been received from server 100 (NO in S346), the process proceeds to S348.

At S 348, CPU 320 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the reproduction extension request information to server 100. After a lapse of a certain time (S34)
(YES in 8), the process proceeds to S350. On the other hand, until the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in S348), the process returns to S346, and waits for reception of reproduction extension permission information from server 100.

In S350, CPU 320 causes monitor 3
A communication error screen is displayed on 50.

At S352, CPU 320 causes monitor 3
At 50, a communication normal completion screen is displayed. In S354, CPU 320 causes memory card read / write unit 33
0, the reproduction key is written to the memory card 500.

At S356, CPU 320 returns to S346.
Write the extended reproduction permission data included in the extended reproduction permission information (FIG. 13) received in the memory card 500 as the reproduction management information shown in FIG. In S358, CPU 3
20 determines whether the writing to the memory card 500 has been completed normally. When writing is completed normally (S3
(YES at 58), the data reproduction extension request process ends. On the other hand, if the writing has not been completed normally (NO in S358), the process proceeds to S360.

At S360, CPU 320 causes monitor 3
A write error screen is displayed on 50. At S362,
CPU 320 performs error processing after the processing in S350 and S360.

With reference to FIG. 25, the data reproduction extension permission process executed by server 100 will be described. In the following description, the same steps in FIG. 25 as those in FIG. 22 are denoted by the same step numbers. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

At S140, CPU 12 of server 100
0 determines whether or not the reproduction extension request information shown in FIG. 12 has been received from the set-top box 302 in response to the processing in S344 described above. When reproduction extension request information is received from set-top box 302 (YES in S140), the process proceeds to S112. On the other hand, if the reproduction extension request information is not received from set-top box 302 (NO in S140), the process returns to S140,
It waits for the reception of the reproduction extension request information from the set-top box 302.

When the user authentication process is completed (YES in S114), in S142, CPU 120 proceeds to S140.
The basic charge amount is calculated based on the reproduction extension condition data included in the reproduction extension request information received at.

After the billing process in S118 to S128 is performed, CPU 120 transmits the reproduction extension permission information shown in FIG.

At S146, CPU 120 determines whether or not the end of the reception of the data extension request has been detected. Upon detecting the end of the data extension request reception (YE in S146)
S), the reproduction extension permission process ends. On the other hand, until the end of the data extension request reception is detected (N in S146)
O), the process returns to S140, and further waits for reception of reproduction extension request information from the set-top box 302.

The operation of the data distribution system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[Server: Automatic Distribution Operation] Digital data is stored on the fixed disk 124 of the server 100 as shown in FIG. In this state, if server 100 determines that it is the automatic distribution time (YE in S102)
S), the data distribution information shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted to the vendor terminal 200 (S104). Thereby, the vendor terminal 2
The digital data shown in FIG. 15 is stored in the memory 222 of 00.

[Vendor Terminal: Data Reproduction Request Operation] The input screen of the user ID and the password is displayed on the monitor 204 of the vendor terminal 200 (S200).
In this state, when the user inputs a user ID and a password from the keyboard 210 (YE in S202).
S), an initial screen for requesting data is displayed on the monitor 204. When the user inputs a data request from keyboard 210 (YES in S206), index data of the digital data stored in user terminal 200 is displayed on monitor 204 (S208). At this time,
The user data is previously sent from the server 100 to the vendor terminal 20.
0, and the user data is stored in the memory 222 of the vendor terminal 200. The preference information corresponding to the input user ID can be read from the user data, and only the index data of the video information corresponding to the preference information of the read user data can be displayed on the monitor 204.

When the user performs an input to select digital data based on the index data displayed on monitor 204 (YES in S210), monitor 204 displays an input screen for necessity of use of coupon (S21).
2). When the user inputs coupon use necessity in response to the coupon use necessity input screen (YE in S214)
S), a screen for inputting the reproduction condition is displayed on the monitor 204 (S216). When the user inputs the reproduction condition in response to the reproduction condition input screen (YES in S218), reproduction request information shown in FIG.
00 (S220).

A reproduction permission operation is performed in the server.
When the vendor terminal 200 receives the reproduction permission information shown in FIG. 10 from the server 100 (YES in S222), a normal communication completion screen is displayed on the monitor 204 (S22).
6). A memory card insertion request screen is displayed on the monitor 204, and when the user inserts the memory card 500 into the memory card reading / writing section 230 (YE in S230)
S), the digital information shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted to the memory card 500, and the data shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the memory card 500 (S232). When the writing is completed normally (YES in S234), an inquiry screen as to whether or not to request further data is displayed on monitor 204 (S23).
6). If a data request is further input (YES in S238), the index data of the digital data stored in vendor terminal 200 is displayed again on monitor 204 (S208). On the other hand, if a request for further data is not input (NO in S238), monitor 204 displays a screen for permitting removal of memory card 500 (S238).
240), the user removes the memory card 500 from the memory card read / write unit 230.

[Server: Data Reproduction Permission Operation] Server 1
When 00 receives the reproduction request information shown in FIG. 9 from vendor terminal 200 (YES in S110), a user authentication process is performed based on the user ID and password included in the received reproduction request information (S112). When the user authentication process is completed (YES in S114), a basic billing amount is calculated based on the reproduction condition data included in the received reproduction request information (S116). If the coupon use flag is set (YES in S118),
The coupon amount is read from the user data stored in the fixed disk 124 (S120), and the discount charge amount is calculated (S122). The used coupon amount is settled (S124), the charging amount is integrated, and the coupon amount for the newly processed charging amount is calculated and integrated (S1).
26). A billing process is performed with the discount billing amount (S12).
8) When the billing process is completed, the vendor terminal 200
0 is transmitted (S130).

[Set Top Box: Data Display Operation] When the user inserts the memory card 500 storing digital data into the set top box 302 of the user terminal 300 installed at the user's home or the like (S30)
0 (YES), the set-top box 302 reads the reproduction management information from the memory card 500 (S302).
The current date and time are detected (S304), and if the current date and time are within the reproduction period based on the reproduction permission information and the current date and time (S306).
YES), it is determined whether or not there is reproduction key information (S308). If there is reproduction key information (YES in S308), a scramble key is generated based on the scramble function information stored inside memory card 500 shown in FIG. 18 (S310), and scramble is performed using the generated scramble key. The processed data is descrambled (S312). An image is displayed on the monitor 350 based on the descrambled data (S3
16). When the end of the data display is input (YES in S318), set top box 302 rewrites the reproduction result data of memory card 500 (S320). Based on the rewritten playback performance data and playback permission conditions,
If the reproduction permission condition is not satisfied (Y in S322)
ES), the reproduction key information is deleted (S324). After these operations, a screen for permitting the removal of the memory card 500 is displayed on the monitor 350 (S326).

[Set Top Box: Requesting Extension of Data Playback Operation] When it is desired to change the playback condition while playing back the digital data of the memory card 500 inserted in the set top box 302, or the playback condition is not satisfied. If so, the user can
2 to the server 100 using the data reproduction extension request.

An initial screen for reproduction extension is displayed on the monitor 350 (S330), and after a lapse of a predetermined time, a screen for inputting a user ID and a password is displayed on the monitor 350 (S332). When the user inputs the user ID and the password (YES in S334), an input screen for coupon use necessity is displayed on monitor 350 (S3).
36). If the user inputs coupon use necessity (YES in S338), monitor 350 displays an input screen for reproduction extension conditions (S340). When the user inputs the reproduction extension condition based on the reproduction extension condition input screen displayed on monitor 350 (YE at S342).
S), the reproduction extension request information shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted to the server 100 (S344).

The set-top box 302 is the server 1
When the reproduction extension permission information shown in FIG. 13 is received from 00 (YES in S346), a normal communication completion screen is displayed on monitor 350 (S352). The reproduction key information is written to the memory card 500 inserted into the memory card reading / writing section 330 (S354), and the received reproduction extension permission data is written to the reproduction management information of the memory card 500 (S356). When the writing is completed normally (YES in S358), the data reproduction extension request operation ends. Thereby, the set-top box 302 can reproduce data under the new reproduction condition.

[Server: Data Reproduction Extension Permitting Operation] When reproduction extension request information shown in FIG. 12 is received from set-top box 302 (YES in S140), user authentication processing is performed (S112). When the user authentication is completed (YES in S114), a basic billing amount is calculated based on the reproduction extension condition data (S142). If the coupon use flag is in the set state, the discount charge is calculated, and the charging process is performed with the discount charge (S12).
8). After the billing process is completed, the set-top box 302
Is transmitted as shown in FIG. 13 (S14).
4).

In the above description, the condition for shifting to the reproduction extension process (S314) is limited to a case where the current date and time is not within the reproduction period (NO in S306) and a case where there is no reproduction key (NO in S308). Not done. The reproduction extension process can be performed even when the user is within the reproduction period and there is a reproduction key, or when the reproduction condition is to be updated anew. In this case, the reproduction update processing is performed instead of the reproduction extension.

As described above, in the data distribution system according to the present embodiment, when the user inputs information representing digital data requested to be reproduced and reproduction conditions for reproducing the digital data at the vendor terminal, , On the condition that the billing process has been completed successfully,
Playback key information, digital data, and scramble function information are written to the memory card. The memory card in which these pieces of information are written is inserted into a set-top box installed in the user's home, and a scramble key is generated based on the reproduction key information written in the memory card. The digital data can be used to cancel the scramble processing of digital data, and video information or the like can be displayed on a monitor. Further, when the reproduction condition is changed even when the digital data can be reproduced in the set-top box, when the reproduction condition of the digital data is not satisfied, the user transmits the reproduction extension condition from the set-top box to the server, By receiving the reproduction extension permission information from the server, reproduction under new reproduction conditions becomes possible. As a result, as long as the reproduction key information written in the memory card indicates the permitted state, the digital data can be descrambled and the video can be output to the monitor. Further, it is possible to easily output the video on the monitor by extending the reproduction condition or changing the reproduction condition.

<Second Embodiment> A data distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention does not include the vendor terminal 200 of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 26, a data distribution system according to the present embodiment includes a server 100 and a user terminal 30.
0 and a network 400 connecting the server 100 and the user terminal 300. Since server 100, user terminal 300, and network 400 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 27, the reproduction extension request information transmitted from set top box 302 to server 100 will be described. In the following description, the detailed description of the same data in FIG. 27 as in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 27, the reproduction extension request information includes a header, a set top box ID, a user ID,
It includes a password, a coupon use flag, a data ID, reproduction condition data, and a reservation time. Reservation time is server 1
The time when the digital information is transmitted from 00 to the set-top box 302 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 28, the reservation information transmitted from server 100 to set-top box 302 will be described. As shown in FIG. 28, the reservation information includes a header,
It includes a server ID, a user ID, a data ID, a reservation ID, and a reservation time. The reservation ID is information for uniquely specifying a reservation for transmitting digital information from the server 100 to the set-top box 302 in the server 100.

Referring to FIG. 29, digital information transmitted from server 100 to set-top box 302 will be described. In the following description, in FIG.
Detailed description of the same data as in FIG. 11 of the embodiment will not be repeated here.

As shown in FIG. 29, the digital information includes a header, a set top box ID, a reservation ID, reproduction key information, scramble function information, data management information, and scrambled data.

Data management information includes data ID, right information, reproduction management information, user ID, and usage history information. The playback management information includes a playback time limit, the number of plays, the number of plays,
It includes a server ID and remaining storage availability information.

Referring to FIG. 30, digital information stored in fixed disk 120 of server 100 will be described. In the following description, the detailed description of the same data in FIG. 30 as in FIG. 14 of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 30, the digital information includes a server management ID, data ID, index data, reproduction key information, scramble function information, right information, remaining storage availability information, and data to be scrambled. FIG.
The difference from the digital information of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that the digital information of the second embodiment does not store the delivered vendor terminal ID.

Referring to FIG. 31, user data stored in fixed disk 120 of server 100 will be described. In the following description, the detailed description of the same data in FIG. 31 as in FIG. 16 of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 31, the user data includes a user ID, a password, user information, use history information, a coupon use flag, a coupon amount, a charging amount, and a reservation I.
D. The difference from the user data according to the first embodiment is that the user data according to the second embodiment stores a reservation ID.

With reference to FIG. 32, the reproduction permission information by reservation stored in server 100 will be described. In the following description, the detailed description of the same data in FIG. 32 as in FIG. 17 of the first embodiment will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 32, the reproduction permission information for each reservation includes, for each reservation ID, a reservation time, a set-top box ID, a data ID, and data representing reproduction permission contents.

Referring to FIG. 33, the data display processing executed in set top box 302 will be described.
In the following description, the same processes as those in FIG. 23 described in the first embodiment in FIG. 33 are denoted by the same step numbers. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

At S370, CPU 320 determines based on the playback management information recorded on memory card 500 that the result is not within the playback period (NO at S306).
If there is no reproduction key (NO in S308), reproduction extension processing is performed. This reproduction extension process is described in FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

At S372, CPU 320 rewrites the reproduction result data of memory card 500 after the reproduction of the digital data, and if the reproduction permission condition is not satisfied (S322).
NO), the scrambled data is deleted from the data of the memory card 500 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 34, the data reproduction extension request processing executed in set top box 302 will be described. In the following description, in FIG.
The same processes as those in FIG. 24 described in the embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

At S380, CPU 320 causes monitor 350 to display a user ID, password, and data ID input screen after a predetermined time has elapsed after displaying the initial screen of reproduction extension. At S381, CPU 320
It is determined whether the input of the user ID, the password and the data ID has been detected. When the input of the user ID, the password and the data ID is detected (YE at S381)
S), the process is moved to S336. On the other hand, user ID,
If the input of the password and the data ID is not detected (S
381), the process returns to S381, and the user I
Wait until input of D, password and data ID is detected.

At S 382, CPU 320 displays an input screen for the data reception time on monitor 350. S384
, CPU 320 determines whether or not the input of the data reception time has been detected. If the input of the data reception time is detected (YES in S384), the process proceeds to S386. On the other hand, if the input of the data reception time is not detected (S3
(NO in 84), the process returns to S384, and waits until the input of the data reception time is detected.

At S386, CPU 320 transmits to server 100 the playback extension request information (user ID, password, data ID, coupon use necessity, playback extension condition, and reservation time) shown in FIG. At this time, the reservation time included in the reproduction extension request information is the data reception time detected in S384.

At S388, CPU 320 causes server 1
From 00, the reservation information shown in FIG. 28 is received.

At S390, CPU 320 causes server 1
From 00, it is determined whether or not the digital information shown in FIG. 29 has been received. If digital information is received from server 100 (YES in S390), the process proceeds to S352.
If digital information is not received from server 100 (NO in S390), the process proceeds to S392.

At S392, CPU 320 determines at S388
It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the reservation time included in the reservation information received in. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the reservation time (YES in S392), the process proceeds to S350. On the other hand, until a predetermined time has elapsed from the reservation time (NO in S392), the process returns to S390, and waits for reception of digital information from server 100.

At S394, CPU 320 proceeds to S390.
Digital information received from the server 100 at (FIG. 29)
Is written to the memory card 500. At this time, the reproduction extension management information shown in FIG. 29 is recorded as reproduction management information. As a result, the data shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 35, the data reproduction extension permission process executed in server 100 will be described. In the following description, the same processes as those of FIG. 25 described in the first embodiment in FIG. 35 are denoted by the same step numbers. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

At S 150, after user authentication is completed, CPU 120 determines whether or not a data reception time has been received from set-top box 302. This decision
This is performed based on the reservation time included in the reproduction extension request information shown in FIG. 27, which is received from the set-top box 302 in S110. When the data reception time is received from set-top box 302 (YE in S150)
S), the process is moved to S152. On the other hand, if the data reception time is not received from the set-top box 302 (S
(NO at 150), the process proceeds to S154.

At S152, CPU 120 sets the reservation ID
To get. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S142.

At S154, CPU 120 performs an error process because there is no reserved time in the reproduction extension request information received from set-top box 302. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S146.

At S156, after performing the charging process, CPU 120 stores a reservation time, a set-top box ID, a content ID, and reproduction permission information for each reservation ID. By this processing, the fixed disk 1 of the server 100
24 stores the user data shown in FIG. 31 and the reproduction permission information for each reservation shown in FIG. At S158,
The CPU 120 causes the set-top box 302 to
The reservation information shown in FIG. After that, the process proceeds to S146.
Moved to

Referring to FIG. 36, the data retransmission processing executed by server 100 will be described.

At S170, CPU 120 detects the current time. In S172, CPU 120 determines whether or not there is a reservation ID whose current time is the reservation time based on the reproduction permission information for each reservation shown in FIG. If there is a reservation ID whose current time is the reservation time (YES in S172), the process proceeds to S174. On the other hand, when there is no reservation ID whose current time is the reservation time (S172)
NO), the process is returned to S174, the current time is detected again, and it is determined whether or not there is a reservation ID whose current time is a reservation time.

At S174, CPU 120 determines at S172
The digital information is transmitted to the set-top box 302 corresponding to the reservation ID determined to correspond. The digital information transmitted at this time is the digital information shown in FIG.

At S176, CPU 120 determines whether or not the end of the data retransmission processing has been detected. When the end of the data retransmission processing is detected (YES in S176),
This data retransmission processing ends. On the other hand, if the end of the data retransmission process is not detected (NO in S176), the process returns to S170.

The operation of the data distribution system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[Set Top Box: Data Playback Extension Request Operation] When the user inputs a data display end request while playing back video using the set top box 302 (YES in S 318), The reproduction result data is rewritten (S320).
If the reproduction permission condition is not satisfied (NO in S322), the reproduction key is deleted (S324), and the scrambled data is deleted (S372).

Memory card 5 storing digital information
00 is inserted in the user's home set-top box 302, and the current date and time is outside the playback period, there is no playback key, or the user is in the playback period and has a playback key, and he wants to update the playback conditions In this case, the reproduction extension processing is performed (S370).

The user uses the keyboard on the screen displayed on the monitor 350 and the remote controller of the set-top box 302 to transmit the user ID, password, and data ID.
D is input (YES in S381). When the user inputs the necessity of use of the coupon, the reproduction extension condition and the data reception time, (Y in S338, S342 and S384)
ES), the reproduction extension request information shown in FIG.
Sent to. After the predetermined processing in the server, the reservation information shown in FIG. 28 is received from the server 100 (S38).
9).

At the reserved time, set-top box 302 receives digital information shown in FIG. 29 from server 100 (YES in S390). A communication normal completion screen is displayed on the monitor 350 (S352), and digital information is written to the memory card 500 (S394). The reproduction extension permission data included in the received digital information is written in the reproduction management information of the memory card 500. Since the received digital information includes the scrambled data, the video can be output based on the reproduction extension permission data even if the scrambled data is deleted once.

[Server: Data Reproducing Extension Permitting Operation] The server 100 that has received the replay extension request information from the set-top box 302 performs a user authentication process, acquires a reservation ID (S152), and sets the set-top box 3
The reservation information generation unit 207 generates reservation information in which the reception time received from No. 02 is set as the reservation time. After charging is performed by the server 100, the reservation time, the set-top box I
D, content ID, and reproduction permission information by reservation including data representing reproduction permission contents are stored as shown in FIG. 32 (S156). The server 100 transmits the reservation information shown in FIG. 28 to the set-top box 302 (S1).
58).

[Server: Data Retransmission Operation] Server 10
0 detects the current time (S170), and if there is a reservation ID whose current time is the reservation time (YE in S172).
S), the digital information shown in FIG. 29 is transmitted to the set-top box 302 corresponding to the corresponding reservation ID (S).
174). Thereby, the set-top box 302
Can specify from the server 100 data representing a large amount of video information by designating a time period during which communication traffic is low.

In the above description, the conditions for shifting to the reproduction extension process (S370) are limited to the case where the current date and time are not within the reproduction period (NO in S306) and the case where there is no reproduction key (NO in S308). Not done. The reproduction extension process can be performed even when the user is within the reproduction period and there is a reproduction key, or when the reproduction condition is to be updated anew. In this case, the reproduction update processing is performed instead of the reproduction extension.

As described above, the data distribution system according to the present embodiment transmits the reproduction extension condition and the data reception time to the server using the set-top box. , The distribution time of the digital information is reserved. When the reservation time comes, the server transmits digital information including the requested digital data (scrambled data) and the reproduction extension permission information to a predetermined set-top box. The set-top box that has received the digital information writes the data into the memory card 500 as shown in FIG. Thus, in the second embodiment, the reproduction extension process can be performed as in the first embodiment.

As described above, the reproduction extension processing in the second embodiment has been described. In the second embodiment, the reproduction extension request information transmitted from the set-top box to the server is the same as that in the first embodiment. By changing to the reproduction request information, new digital data can be received by the set-top box without going through the vendor terminal. That is, information representing data to be newly reproduced and reproduction conditions can be transmitted from the set-top box to the server, and a reproduction key, reproduction permission information, and scrambled data can be received from the server. As a result, new data can be received without going through the vendor terminal.

Further, in the second embodiment, the mode using the memory card has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in the second embodiment, the set-top box 30 is used without using a memory card.
Alternatively, two internal memories may be used. As a result, the same effect can be achieved without using a memory card.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a data distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a computer that realizes a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an external view of a vendor terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a control block diagram of the vendor terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an external view of a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of the user terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing data distribution information transmitted from a server to a vendor terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing reproduction request information transmitted from the vendor terminal to the server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing reproduction permission information transmitted from the server to the vendor terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing digital information transmitted from the vendor terminal to the memory card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing reproduction extension request information transmitted from the set-top box to the server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing reproduction extension permission information transmitted from the server to the set-top box according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing digital information stored in a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing digital information stored in a vendor terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing user data stored in a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing user-specific reproduction permission information stored in a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing data stored in a memory card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of automatic distribution processing in the server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a procedure of a data request process in a vendor terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a procedure of a data request process in the vendor terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data reproduction permission process in the server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data display process in a set-top box according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data reproduction extension request process in the set-top box according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a data reproduction extension permission process in the server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an overall configuration diagram of a data distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing reproduction extension request information transmitted from a set-top box to a server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing reservation information transmitted from the server to the set-top box according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating digital information transmitted from a server to a set-top box according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing digital information stored in a server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing user data stored in a server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing reproduction permission information for each reservation stored in the server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data display process in a set-top box according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data reproduction extension request process in a set-top box according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data reproduction extension permission process in the server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data retransmission process in the server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 server, 102 computer main body, 104,
204, 350 monitor, 106 FD drive, 10
8 CD-ROM drive, 110, 210 keyboard, 112 mouse, 120, 220, 320 CP
U, 122, 222, 322 memory, 124 fixed disk, 126, 226, 326 communication interface, 200 vendor terminal, 230, 330 memory card read / write unit, 300 user terminal, 302 set top box, 400 network, 500
Memory card.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 512 G06F 17/60 512 H04L 9/10 H04L 9/00 621A (72) Inventor Shigeki Kuuga F-term (reference) in 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 5B017 AA06 BA07 BB09 CA09 CA16 5J104 AA16 EA04 NA02 NA35 NA37 NA41 PA11

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A data processing server for performing a process of writing digital data on a removable recording medium, the server comprising: an encrypted digital data; and decryption information for decrypting the encrypted digital data. Storage means for storing information indicating digital data requested by the user, and input means for allowing the user to input information indicating a reproduction condition that is a condition for reproducing the digital data; and A writing unit for writing information on a recording medium, connected to the storage unit, the input unit, and the writing unit, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the reproduction condition input from the input unit is satisfied. The corresponding reproduction permission information, the digital data specified by the information representing the digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information are Wherein said storage means to write on the recording medium comprising a control means for controlling the write means, the server. 2. A data processing server for performing a process of writing digital data to a removable recording medium, wherein the server is connected to a data reproducing device via a digital communication network, and wherein the data reproducing device is The information written in the recording medium is read, and based on the reproduction permission information read from the recording medium, it is determined whether or not the digital data written in the storage medium can be reproduced. Information indicating a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for the erased digital data, which is input by a user and erases the digital data determined to be unreproducible from the recording medium; and And information indicating the digital data reception time at which the digital data is received from the server. Writing the information as new reproduction permission information on the recording medium, writing the digital data transmitted from the server on the recording medium in response to the information indicating the reproduction update condition transmitted to the server, and enabling the reproduction. When it is determined that the digital data stored in the recording medium is decrypted using decryption information, the server has a function of outputting the decrypted digital data. Storage means for storing decryption information for decrypting; communication means for communicating with the data reproducing apparatus; connected to the storage means and the communication means; And control means for controlling a communication means, the control means comprising: information representing the reproduction update condition from the data reproducing apparatus; and a digital data reception time. Means for generating reproduction update permission information corresponding to the received reproduction update condition when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the digital data reception time is reached, the generation is performed. A server for controlling the communication unit so as to transmit the reproduced reproduction update permission information and the digital data corresponding to the reproduction update condition to the data reproducing device. 3. A data processing server for distributing digital data to a data reproducing apparatus, the data reproducing apparatus comprising: a data input device that inputs information representing a digital data requested by a user; Has a function of transmitting to the server information representing a reproduction condition, which is the condition of (i), wherein the server stores the encrypted digital data and the decryption information for decrypting the encrypted data. A communication unit for communicating with the data reproducing device; a communication unit for communicating with the data reproducing device; receiving the information from the data reproducing device, and satisfying a predetermined condition. Then, the reproduction permission information corresponding to the reproduction condition included in the received information and the information representing the digital data requested by the user are obtained. Server containing a digital data identified, and the descrambling information, and control means for controlling said storage means and said communication means to transmit to said data reproducing apparatus. 4. The data reproducing apparatus has a function of transmitting, to the server, information indicating a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for digital data, input by a user, and the server performs the communication. Means for receiving the information indicating the reproduction update condition from the data reproduction device, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, reproduce reproduction permission information corresponding to the received reproduction update condition. 4. The server according to claim 3, further comprising a reproduction update control unit for controlling the communication unit to transmit the data to the communication unit. 5. The data reproducing apparatus stores information received from the server, and determines whether or not the stored digital data can be reproduced based on the stored reproduction permission information, The digital data determined to be unreproducible is deleted, and information indicating a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for the deleted digital data, input by the user, and digital data from the server. And information representing the digital data reception time at which the reproduction update permission information transmitted from the server is stored as new reproduction permission information, and the information representing the reproduction update condition transmitted to the server is transmitted to the server. The digital data transmitted from the server is stored in response, and when it is determined that the reproduction is possible, the stored digital data is stored. The server has a function of decrypting data using decryption information and outputting the decrypted information. The server is connected to the storage unit and the communication unit, and controls the storage unit and the communication unit. Further comprising a reproduction update control unit, wherein the reproduction update control unit receives information representing the reproduction update condition and data representing the digital data reception time from the data reproduction device, and a predetermined condition is satisfied Means for generating reproduction update permission information corresponding to the received reproduction update condition; and when the digital data reception time comes, the generated reproduction update permission information and digital data corresponding to the reproduction update condition. And means for controlling the communication means to transmit the data to the data reproducing apparatus.
Server as described in. 6. A data reproducing apparatus for reproducing digital data recorded on a removable recording medium, wherein the recording medium has been subjected to an encryption process specified by information representing digital data requested by the user. A recording medium in which digital data, decryption information for decrypting the encryption, and reproduction permission information that is a condition for reproduction of the digital data are written, wherein the data reproducing apparatus includes: Reading means for reading information written on a medium, output means for outputting digital data requested by a user, communication means of the data reproducing apparatus, connected to the reading means and the output means, Control means for controlling the communication means, the reading means, and the output means of the data reproducing apparatus, wherein the control means comprises: Means for determining whether or not the digital data written in the storage medium can be reproduced, based on the reproduction permission information read from, and when it is determined that reproduction is possible, Means for decrypting the digital data stored in the recording medium using the decryption information, and controlling the output means to output the decrypted digital data. And a data reproducing apparatus. 7. The data reproducing apparatus, comprising: a communication unit for communicating with another arbitrary device connected to the data communication network via a data communication network; and a writing unit for writing information to the recording medium. Means, and input means for allowing a user to input information representing a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for digital data, wherein the control means comprises means for inputting information representing the reproduction update condition from the input means. When input, includes means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the input information representing the reproduction update condition to a predetermined server connected to the data communication network, wherein the server comprises: Receiving the information representing the reproduction update condition from the reproduction device, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the received reproduction update condition Has a function of transmitting the corresponding reproduction / update permission information to the data reproducing apparatus; and the control unit further writes the reproduction / update permission information transmitted from the server to the recording medium as new reproduction permission information. 7. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for controlling said writing means. 8. A data reproducing apparatus, comprising: a communication unit for communicating with another arbitrary device connected to the data communication network via a data communication network; and a writing unit for writing information to the recording medium. Means for inputting information representing a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for the erased digital data, and information representing a digital data reception time at which the digital data is received from the server, by a user. The control means, based on the reproduction permission information read from the recording medium, means for determining whether or not the digital data written on the storage medium can be reproduced. Means for erasing, from the recording medium, digital data determined to be unreproducible; and When information and the information indicating the digital data reception time are input from the input means, the information indicating the reproduction update condition and the information indicating the digital data reception time are input to the data communication network. Means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit to the predetermined server, the server receives information representing the reproduction update condition and data representing the digital data reception time from the data reproduction device. And when a predetermined condition is satisfied, generates reproduction update permission information corresponding to the received reproduction update condition, and when the digital data reception time comes, the generated reproduction update permission information and the reproduction update condition And a function of transmitting digital data corresponding to the data reproduction device to the data reproducing device. Means for controlling the writing means so as to write the reproduction / update permission information transmitted from the server as new reproduction permission information to the recording medium; and responding to the information indicating the reproduction / update condition transmitted to the server. The digital data transmitted from the server
7. A data reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: means for controlling said writing means so as to write on said recording medium. 9. A data reproducing apparatus for reproducing digital data received from a server, wherein the server has a function of storing encrypted digital data and decryption information for decrypting the encrypted digital data. The data reproducing apparatus comprises: a communication unit for communicating with the server; information representing digital data requested by a user; and information representing a reproduction condition that is a condition for reproducing the digital data. Input means for inputting by a user; storage means connected to the communication means for storing information received from the server; output means for outputting digital data requested by the user; and the communication means And a control means connected to the storage means and the output means for controlling the communication means, the storage means and the output means. The control unit includes a unit for controlling the communication unit so as to transmit the information input from the input unit to the server, and the server is included in information received from the data reproduction device Having a function of transmitting reproduction permission information corresponding to reproduction conditions, digital data specified by information representing digital data requested by the user, and the decryption information to the data reproducing apparatus; Further, means for storing the reproduction permission information, the digital data, and the decryption information transmitted from the server in the storage means, and stored in the storage means based on the reproduction permission information. Means for determining whether or not reproduction of the digital data is possible; and, if it is determined that reproduction is possible, the storage means Means for decrypting the stored digital data using the decryption information; and means for controlling the output means to output the decrypted digital data. , Data playback device. 10. The input means includes means for inputting information representing the digital data and information representing the reproduction condition, and information representing a reproduction update condition which is a new reproduction condition for the digital data. The information processing apparatus further includes means for a user to input, wherein the control means, when the information indicating the reproduction update condition is input from the input means, transmits the information indicating the input reproduction update condition to the server. Means for controlling the communication means, the server receives the information representing the reproduction update condition from the data reproduction device, and, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the received reproduction update condition Has a function of transmitting the corresponding reproduction update permission information to the data reproduction device, wherein the control unit further includes: Further comprising means for storing in said memory means to update permission information as the new reproduction permission information, the data reproducing apparatus according to claim 9. 11. The input means includes means for inputting information representing the digital data and information representing the reproduction condition, and information representing a new reproduction condition for the erased digital data; The system further includes means for allowing a user to input digital data reception time at which digital data is received from the server, wherein the control means reads the digital data determined to be unreproducible from the storage means. Means for erasing, information indicating a reproduction update condition, which is a new reproduction condition for the erased digital data, and information indicating the digital data reception time are input when input from the input means. Transmitting the information indicating the reproduction update condition and the information indicating the digital data reception time to the server. Means for controlling the communication means, when the server receives the information representing the reproduction update condition and the data representing the digital data reception time from the data reproduction device, A function of generating the corresponding reproduction update permission information and transmitting the generated reproduction update permission information and the digital data corresponding to the reproduction update condition to the data reproduction device when the digital data reception time comes. The control unit further includes: a unit for storing the reproduction update permission information transmitted from the server as new reproduction permission information in the storage unit; and a response to the information indicating the reproduction update condition transmitted to the server. The digital data transmitted from the server
10. The storage device according to claim 9, further comprising a storage unit.
A data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1. 12. The data reproducing apparatus has a function of transmitting information necessary for billing processing to the server, and the server performs digital data processing based on information necessary for billing processing received from the data reproducing apparatus. A billing unit for billing the digital data in response to a user who has requested the data, wherein the predetermined condition is a billing based on one of the playback condition and the playback update condition. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the condition is that the processing has been completed normally. 13. The server according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further includes a unit for calculating a charge for digital data reproduction based on the reproduction condition. 14. The server according to claim 2, wherein said control means further includes means for calculating a charge for digital data reproduction update based on said reproduction update condition. . 15. The server further includes a user data storage unit for storing a situation in which digital data reproduction is requested for each user, wherein the unit for calculating the billing amount includes the condition, 15. The server according to claim 13, further comprising: means for calculating a billing amount based on a situation in which reproduction of digital data stored in the user data storage means has been requested. 16. The reproduction permission information includes selection information for selectively taking a first value and a second value, and information indicating a condition under which reproduction is permitted, and the digital data can be reproduced. The means for judging whether or not there is, when the selection information is the first value, judges that the reproduction of the digital data is possible, and when the selection information is the second value, the reproduction of the digital data is judged. Means for judging that the reproduction is not possible, the control means comprises: means for judging whether or not the condition for permitting the reproduction is satisfied; and Means for changing the selection information to a second value in response to the data reproduction being no longer performed.