JP2002024450A - Copyright protecting software and recording medium with the program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a copyright protecting software and a recording medium with the program recorded thereon, with which a copyright holder is protected from the multiple copy of a literary work and use, etc., of the literary work is made available even with an information processor applying the registration of the literary work or information processor in the destination of moving as well. SOLUTION: This software is provided with a literary work 1 whose copyright is to be protected, a register means 3 for applying a registration for permitting the use of the literary work 1 or canceling a functional limitation, an identification means 5 for identifying whether the registration is applied by the register means 3 or not, an information processor 10 preserving the register means 3 and the identification means 5 and/or literary work 1, and registration application information acquiring software processing process information caused by each software processing process of at least one of OS information of the information processor 10, the register means 2 and the literary work 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to copyright protection software and a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and in particular, protects a copyright holder from multiple copies of a copyrighted work, and registers a copyrighted work by using the copyrighted work. The present invention relates to copyright protection software and a recording medium on which the program is recorded, which can be performed by the information processing apparatus or the destination information processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many trial software or shareware software such as software with limited functions downloaded from the Internet are provided with a trial period, after which the use is restricted or registration is completed. Functions are restricted until a password or the like is input. Then, when the user wants to use the function continuously or wants to use the function normally, the user applies for registration to the author. After that, the restrictions are released by inputting the password transmitted from the author or the like to the computer.

[0003]

By the way, such a shareware software or the like can be installed and used on a plurality of personal computers with the password. Therefore, it was in a situation where it was easily transferred to another person.

[0004] The above-described problem also occurs in software, music, and the like provided on a CD-ROM or the like.
In particular, software, music, image data, and the like supplied and distributed as digital information are problematic because the quality does not deteriorate even when copied.

[0005] In addition, permission to connect to the Internet and access to the homepage is currently managed by a password and the like, and if this password is known, even a person other than the registration applicant can freely use the work on the homepage and the like. There is also a problem that can be used.

[0006] Further, the user does not always access these literary works from a single determined information processing device, and in view of recent technological advances in information processing devices,
There is a high possibility that the information processing device will be replaced soon. For this reason, it is necessary to have a degree of freedom in use while protecting the copyright.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and protects a copyright holder from multiple copies of a work and uses an information processing apparatus or a processing apparatus for which use of the work has been applied for registration of the work. An object of the present invention is to provide copyright protection software that can be used in a destination information processing apparatus and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention provides a work whose copyright is to be protected, a registration means for applying for registration to release the use permission or the function restriction of the work, and Identification means for determining whether or not a registration application has been made by the means, an information processing apparatus in which the registration means and the identification means and / or the work are stored, and OS information of the information processing apparatus The registration means and registration application information from which software processing progress information generated due to each software processing progress of at least one of the literary works is obtained, and a part or all of the registration application information is It is characterized by being used for the judgment by the identification means.

The copyrighted work is, for example, software such as business software and game software, music, images, moving image files, homepages on the Internet, broadcast data broadcast from broadcasting stations, videos, and the like. In the registration means, a registration application for canceling the use permission or the function restriction of the target work is made.

The identification means determines whether or not the registration application has been made by the registration means. The information processing device is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, a game machine, a television, a mobile phone, or the like. A registration unit and an identification unit are stored in the information processing device. The copyrighted work may be stored in this information processing device, but may also be stored on the Internet in the form of a homepage or the like.

As the registration application information, OS information of the information processing apparatus, software processing progress information generated due to the software processing progress of at least one of the registration means and the literary work is obtained. Software processing progress
For example, processing steps unique to the software, such as starting from installation of each software, starting, registering, using, data processing, ending, uninstalling, and the like.

The software processing progress information specified by, for example, capturing temporary progress information from these processing steps has a high degree of arbitrariness, and is different from software installed in the same information processing apparatus or installed in another information processing apparatus. It can be distinguished from the same software.

More specifically, for example, the time for installing the software as a copyrighted work, the installation destination, and the like will differ depending on each user, and the time for pressing the operation switches will also differ. Therefore, this software processing progress information is used as registration application information for registration application by the registration unit and determination by the identification unit.

[0014] As a result, keywords and the like used at the time of registration application are always different, and it is difficult for a third party to decrypt and plagiarize the keywords and the like. Further, even when there are a plurality of works, different keywords or the like are assigned to each of the works, so that it is possible to accurately manage a plurality of works stored in the same file, for example. Even when software is upgraded and the same software name is used, it is possible to distinguish each version.

Since such a keyword can be used in accordance with the course of software processing, no special keyword generation / acquisition means is required, and the keyword can be easily and reliably acquired. Part or all of the registration application information is used for the determination by the identification means. As a result of the judgment by the identification means,
If a part or all of the registration application information matches, the use of the copyrighted work is permitted or the function restriction is released.

[0016] As described above, the use of a literary work other than the information processing apparatus for which registration has been applied cannot be performed.

Further, the present invention provides a work whose copyright is to be protected, a registration means for making a registration application for releasing the use permission or function restriction of the work, and a registration application made by the registration means. Identification means for determining whether or not the information has been stored; an information processing apparatus in which the registration means and the identification means and / or the work are stored; OS information of the information processing apparatus; Software processing progress information generated due to at least one software processing progress of at least one of the copyrighted work and / or registration application information from which system information unique to the information processing apparatus is acquired; Alternatively, the identification unit is configured independently of the copyrighted work under a predetermined association, and a part or all of the registration application information is determined by the identification unit. Characterized in that the need was.

The registration application information includes OS information of the information processing apparatus, software processing progress information generated due to each software processing progress of at least one of the registration means and the literary work, and / or information unique to the information processing apparatus. System information is obtained. The registration unit and / or the identification unit are configured independently of the copyrighted work under a predetermined association. The predetermined association means that the startup processing and the transfer of the password and the like have an association.
Therefore, the copyright protection software can be easily applied to a newly constructed work as well as an existing work in a simple modification or as it is. For this reason, it is easy for the copyright owner to use it. The registration means and identification means can be standardized and standardized for all works. Therefore, from the user's point of view, the registration application method, the use method of the literary work, and the like are common to all the literary works, and are easily used. Part or all of the registration application information is used for determination by the identification means.

Since the registration means and the identification means are constituted by software independent of the work, comprehensive management of the work becomes easy. This software is stored in the taskbar, etc., except when necessary, such as when applying for registration. The software may be different for each type of work, but the type of work may be selectable using the same software.

Further, the present invention relates to copyright protection software which makes it possible to transfer the right to release the use permission or the function restriction of a work between a plurality of information processing apparatuses, wherein the copyrighted work is to be protected. And two information processing devices that are the source and destination of the right to release the permission to use or restrict the function of the work, and the permission or use of the work approved for the information processing device at the source. A movement code for moving the right to release the function restriction to the destination information processing apparatus;
A movement judging means for judging whether or not the movement is permitted by the movement code, wherein when the movement is recognized by the judgment of the movement judging means, use of the work is not permitted or the function is not permitted in the one information processing apparatus. The use of the copyrighted work is permitted or the function restriction is released in the other information processing apparatus. Further, the present invention is copyright protection software which enables the right to release the use permission or the function restriction of a copyrighted work which has been applied for registration to be transferred between a plurality of information processing apparatuses. Work to be registered, registration means for making a registration application for releasing the use permission or function restriction of the work, and identification means for judging whether or not the registration application has been made by the registration means. Two information processing apparatuses in which the registration unit and the identification unit and / or the copyrighted work are stored, and are the transfer source and the transfer destination of the right to release the use permission or the function restriction of the copyrighted work; A moving code for moving the right to release the use permission or the function restriction of the copyrighted work granted to the information processing device to the destination information processing device,
A movement judging means for judging whether or not the movement is permitted by the movement code, wherein when the movement is recognized by the judgment of the movement judging means, use of the work is not permitted or the function is not permitted in the one information processing apparatus. The use of the copyrighted work is permitted or the function restriction is released in the other information processing apparatus.

[0021] The right to use the copyrighted work or the right to cancel the function restriction in the information processing apparatus for which registration has been applied can be transferred to another information processing apparatus. The moving code moves the right to release the use permission or the function restriction of the copyrighted work granted to the source information processing apparatus to the destination information processing apparatus.

The mobile code may be stored in a floppy disk, a file between networks, or the like, or may be transmitted wirelessly or by wire. It may be attached to an e-mail or the like. It may be via a site on the Internet or a specific storage means provided on the Internet. The movement code may be restricted such as the type of information processing apparatus that can move, the number of times of movement, permission / non-permission of movement, and once moving, cannot return to the movement source.

As described above, for example, even if the user has permission to use a copyrighted work for one information processing apparatus, it can be easily used by another information processing apparatus owned by the registration applicant. In this case, the original information processing apparatus cannot be used.

Also, the registration applicant himself can use it in different places such as a house and a company. Even if the information processing device is newly purchased, the user can switch to a new information processing device with simple processing. As described above, while the use of the copyrighted work is prohibited, the information processing apparatus other than the information processing apparatus for which registration has been applied can be used.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 shows a schematic overall configuration diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, software 1 with limited functions
(Including trial software etc.) can be downloaded or compact disc (CD (MD,
DVD and the like) and floppy disks (FD). Software with limited functions 1
Are application software, shareware software, game software, video software, music software, and the like.

When the software 1 with limited functions is installed in the personal computer 10, the executable file 7 is stored in a predetermined location of the basic drive (for example, when Microsoft Windows 95 is used as an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS), a window is used).
The file F1 is created in the s directory, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 2, this file F1 contains information unique to the personal computer obtained from hardware information of the personal computer 10, OS information such as a user name and a product ID number, and an installation destination of the software 1 with restricted functions. A drive and a directory (hereinafter referred to as directory information), installation information such as installation execution date / time / minute / second, information as to whether or not the OS of the personal computer has been returned to the start, and uninstall information of the software 1 with limited functions are stored. I have.

In FIG. 2, the software 1 with each function restriction is shown.
A history of installation information is taken for each installation. Therefore, if the file F1 already exists when the software 1 with limited functions is installed, the file F1 is not overwritten and updated, but a history of the installation information is obtained. Also, file F
By not being overwritten and updated, the data of the original file F1 is not lost when the software 1 with limited functions is uninstalled and reinstalled as described later.

The information unique to the personal computer 10 is, for example, a personal computer model such as FMVT423B for a personal computer made by Fujitsu or PC9821Xa16W30 for a personal computer made by NEC, and is information that can be obtained by software from existing hardware information. However, this model does not necessarily need to be a full model, and may be partial information such as PC9821 and FMV.

That is, the information unique to the personal computer 10 is not newly recorded and prepared for the present invention, but may be any information that can be read from existing hardware or system information. However, even if it is readable, it is not preferable that it can be easily changed, such as a CPU model. That is, information that is premised on replacement of parts is not preferable as information. In addition, modem location information, e-mail personal information, e-mail address, co
okie, IP address, etc. can also be used. However, since such information may be the same data on other personal computers and the like, it is desirable to use it in combination with other hardware and system information.

The OS information includes, for example, Windows
95 The user name, product ID number, OS installation execution date and time, etc. set at the time of installation. In the case of using the OS installation execution date and time, for example, it is possible to refer to the update date and time of each directory of the basic drive where the OS is installed.

The installation information of the software 1 with restricted functions includes, for example, the name of the software 1 with restricted functions,
Directory information where the software 1 with limited functions is installed, and year, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the execution of the installation. As shown in FIG. 2, a history of the directory information and the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the execution of the installation is stored each time the installation of the software 1 with restricted functions is executed.

As described above, the directory information and the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the execution of the installation are also acquired when information on when, where, and what software is installed on this personal computer can be installed. This is because it is possible to identify the personal computer that was used.

However, it is not necessary to have all of these pieces of information. For example, it is possible to identify a personal computer on which the software 1 with limited functions is sufficiently installed, for example, only by the date, month, day, hour, minute and second of the execution of the installation of the software 1 with limited functions. is there. To make it difficult for the user to recognize the date, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the installation execution, the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the installation execution may be intentionally shifted by a predetermined time.

The software 1 is activated by the first activation or the like.
Is executed, and by using the time of each node to be used or the like, it is also possible to substitute the installation information. The date, time, minute, and second of the file created at the time of application for registration, which will be described later, may be used, or these pieces of information may be appropriately combined as data.

Further, instead of (or in combination with) the installation information, it is possible to use the numbers and symbols randomly generated by the function-limited software 1 as the registration application information. This is because it is sufficient for the registration applicant and the registered applicant to have the same data, even for randomly generated numbers and symbols, to identify the personal computer to be used and the software 1 with limited functions.

The reason why the history is stored is that the case where the software 1 with restricted functions is reinstalled after being uninstalled is considered. This is because drives and directories may be installed differently during reinstallation.

The directory information and the date, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the execution of the installation are summarized for each piece of software 1 with function restriction and shown as one file in FIG. 2, but are made independent for each piece of software 1 with function restriction. File. It is desirable that such information be encrypted and stored.

The function-restricted software 1 is one in which the function for use is restricted. In addition to the original application software part created by the copyright holder, the software with function restriction 1 incorporates a registration software part 3 for officially registering the software with function restriction 3 and identification software 5 to be described later. Have been.

In order for the registration software part 3 to function, for example, the H of the function-restricted software 1 is set so as not to disturb the use of the original application software part.
This function and the like are incorporated in ELP and the like. Alternatively, a special icon display or an executable file format may be used. When the user tries the software 1 with limited functions and wants to continue the formal registration, he selects HELP, and then selects the registration application button 11 by a click operation or the like.

The following operation is executed by selecting the registration application button 11. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the registration application button 11 is clicked in step 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as S1), in step 3, for example, the latest installation information is selected from the history of the file F1 of the software 1 with restricted functions. Then, with respect to the directory information and the execution date, month, day, hour, minute, second,
Mark * as shown in. Then, in step 5,
The installation information before this installation information is deleted from the history. This is because only the latest information with the mark * is used as registration information.

Next, in step 7, a backup request for the file F1 is displayed on the screen to insert a storage disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or MO into a floppy disk drive or the like. At this time, step 9
Then, the file name is saved by changing the file name to Fa with an arbitrary name in order to hide the file existence position under the windows directory.

As described above, the backup of the file F1 is performed by the OS such as Windows 95 after the registration application.
Is re-installed. In this case, the registration application work is wasted. Therefore, if it is clear that the OS will not be reinstalled after the registration application, the backup operation can be omitted.

Next, in the case where the application for registration of the software 1 with limited functions is to be transmitted by e-mail, step 11
Click the e-mail registration application icon in. At this time, e-mail software that is associated with the function-restricted software 1 such as Microsoft Exchange by Microsoft Corporation or registered in advance is automatically started in step 13, and an e-mail is automatically created in step 15.

In the automatic creation of an e-mail, first, a predetermined destination (for example, a copyright manager) is automatically set based on information from the registration software part 3. Further, the following mail text is automatically input from the information stored in the file F1. Items necessary for registering the software 1 with restricted functions, such as the OS to be used, the personal computer model, the user name, the software name, and the registration fee, are selected and entered in the mail text.

When the number of software is more than one or more than one personal computer is used, the OS, personal computer model, user name, software name, registered Required items such as fees are selected and displayed. At this time, in order to fluctuate the registration fee according to the number, the total number is confirmed, a preset registration fee is allocated and displayed according to the total number, and the total amount is described.

If there is no mistake in this display, step 17
Then, the user clicks the confirmation button. Step 19
The e-mail is sent. At this time, the file F1 is also attached and transmitted. However, in order to hide the location of the file F1, the name of the file F1 is changed to Fa and the file is attached.

The contents of the file F1 are encrypted. If the file F1 is automatically attached at the time of transmission of the e-mail, the file can be transmitted without being recognized by the user. The file F1 attached to the e-mail is deleted immediately after the transmission is completed in step S23.

As a result, the user can omit troublesome registration work. Confirmation can be performed promptly without error in inputting information. In addition, since this data is stored in the e-mail, it is possible to easily refer to the target personal computer on which the software 1 with the function limitation 1 can be used later by confirming the purchase and starting the e-mail software. Since the transmission data is text data, the amount of data is small, so the transmission load is light. The application for registration of the software 1 with restricted functions may be communicated with a server computer via a site on the Internet.
At this time, by clicking the registration application button 11,
The file is automatically connected to a site on the Internet provided by the copyright manager, and the file F1 is transmitted to the transmission destination by the registration software part 3 in the form of an e-mail attachment. The contents of the file F1 are analyzed by the server computer,
The personal computer model, user name, software name, registration fee, etc. are selected and displayed on the homepage. If there is no mistake in this display, the user clicks the confirmation button provided on the homepage. Since the data at the time of registration is stored in the server computer, it is possible to confirm the purchase or refer to the target personal computer on which the software 1 with the function restriction can be used later on the homepage.

The data for which registration has been applied is stored by the copyright manager or the like. If an abnormality of the software 1 with restricted functions is confirmed for each manufacturer or model of personal computer,
By searching and specifying these users, the information, version upgrade information, or version upgrade software can be promptly provided to the users.

When the user makes an inquiry to the software 1 with limited functions, the user clicks an inquiry button (not shown), and the OS, personal computer model, user name, and the like are obtained from the information stored in the file F1. , Necessary items such as software name are automatically inputted. The destination is also entered automatically. The user describes only the content of the inquiry and sends it as an e-mail by clicking the confirmation button. Therefore, the inquiry operation can be easily performed while proving that the inquiry is from the user himself. In addition, it is also possible to make an inquiry to the software 1 with restricted functions via a site on the Internet. At this time, when the inquiry button is clicked, the site is automatically connected to a site on the Internet provided by the copyright manager, and the file F1 is transmitted to the destination in the form of an e-mail attachment. The contents of the file F1 are analyzed by the server computer, and the OS used, the model of the personal computer, the user name, the software name, and the like are determined. The user can make an inquiry by filling in an inquiry item in an inquiry column provided on the homepage and transmitting it.

On the other hand, a user who cannot use Internet mail clicks the mail registration application icon in step 25. At this time, a text editor is automatically activated in step 27, and a display in which items necessary for the registration application are entered is displayed in step 29. The text sentence has the same description as the mail sentence. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a text editor as long as text can be displayed. If there is no mistake in this display, the user presses the confirmation button in step 31.

Thereafter, at step 33, a request screen for inserting a floppy disk or the like into the floppy disk drive or the like is displayed. In step 35, the file F1 is stored in a floppy disk or the like with the name changed to Fa, and the text of the registration application is also stored. The contents of the file F1 are encrypted. In step 37, a registration application can be made by mailing the floppy disk to the copyright manager.

Thereafter, the user remits the software purchase price on the net, by mail, or by bank transfer. After confirming the payment, the transmission destination extracts necessary information FB from the information of the transmitted file F1.

The necessary information FB is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a personal computer model, a user name, a product ID number, a software name, directory information in which the software 1 with limited functions is installed, and execution information when the installation is performed. (The directory information and the date, month, day, hour, minute, and second of execution are marked *), which is sufficient information to specify the personal computer on which the software 1 with restricted functions is installed.

The restriction release file 8 is provided with a restriction release instruction in addition to the information FB. Since the transmission data of the restriction release file 8 is also text data, the transmission load is light since the data amount is small. The e-mail contains an e-mail message.

The mail text contains information FB excluding the software name, the purchase price, the type of personal computer that can be used, the number of PCs, and the like.
Is not displayed as confidential. The sender (copyright manager) attaches the restriction release file 8 to a mail and sends it to the user. However, if the application for registration of the software with limited functions 1 is made by communication with a server computer via a site on the Internet, predetermined confirmation items are displayed on the homepage after the confirmation of the application for registration is completed. Then, after the user operates the confirmation button, the restriction release file 8 may be attached to the mail and automatically transmitted to the user. The received restriction release file 8 is automatically saved under a predetermined directory.
Regarding the registration application sent by mail, a text message in which the restriction release file 8 and the registration completion and a part of the content of the information FB are described is stored on a floppy disk and mailed. However, the text may be output on paper.

Next, a method of releasing the function limitation of the software 1 with function limitation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 5 is incorporated in the identification software 5, for example. In FIG. 5, in step 51, after receiving the e-mail transmitted from the copyright manager or the like, the user saves the restriction release file 8. However, when communicating with the server computer via a site on the Internet, the restriction release file 8 may be automatically saved. It is also desirable to keep the floppy disk when it is sent by mail. In step 53, the software 1 with limited functions is executed.

Next, in step 55, for example, the file F1 is stored in the windows directory of the basic drive.
It is determined whether or not exists. If the file F1 exists, the process proceeds to step 57. In step 57, the user is caused to select the restriction release file 8 or the drive or directory where the restriction release file 8 exists. When the restriction release file 8 is automatically stored in a predetermined directory or the like, it can be automatically read.

When a registration application is made by mail and a floppy disk is not in the floppy disk drive, a floppy disk is requested. However, the restriction release file 8 may be automatically searched. Then, in a step 59, it is determined whether or not the contents of the file F1 and the contents of the information FB of the restriction release file 8 match.

However, when performing this comparison, the software 1 with limited functions is required after the previous registration application work.
May be uninstalled, and then the software 1 with restricted functions is reinstalled. At this time, the installation drive and directory may have been installed differently than when the file F1 was installed.

Therefore, when such uninstallation has been performed, the directory information in which the software with restricted functions 1 is installed is not to be compared. For this reason, the uninstallation information of the software 1 with restricted functions is described in the file F1. However, install drive and directory
If it is not used as information for specifying the personal computer to be used, no uninstall information is required.

File F1 Contents and Restriction Release File 8
If the contents of the information FB of the registrant match, in step 61 it is determined that the registrant is the personal computer at the time of registration application. In addition,
When communication is performed with a server computer via a site on the Internet, such determination can be made on the server side. Then, in step 63, a restriction release command is executed to release the restriction of the software 1 with function restriction. The execution of the restriction release instruction is determined by, for example, whether or not the restriction release instruction of the information FB matches a restriction release instruction incorporated in the software 1 with limited functions. Prior to the registration application, the user confirms the trial using the trial version software, and the copyright-restricted software 1 is simultaneously sent from the copyright manager or the like when the restriction release file 8 is transmitted after the registration application. Then, the software with limited functions 1 is associated with the trial version software on the same personal computer (by overwriting files in the same directory, and when installing the software with limited functions 1, it is necessary to associate addresses and the like with the trial version software). (Preferably), the function restriction may be released by a restriction release command (for example, a password).

However, instead of this match determination, the file F
Function restrictions such as what to select as the contents of the information FB from among the contents of item 1 and the order of the items, and how to divide the contents of the information FB according to a predetermined rule so as to mix the information, etc. It is also possible to determine a rule between the attached software 1 side and the copyright manager side in advance and make a comparison judgment so that the restriction release instruction is not required.

Further, such determinations may be used in combination. In this way, codes that have been converted into information under a predetermined rule are difficult to determine even if they appear as data outside the personal computer, and are safe in terms of information leakage.

In step 65, since the software with limited functions 1 may be uninstalled and reinstalled even after the application for registration, the unnecessary history information (data after the * mark) is stored in the file F1. Remove from. In step 67, the software can be started in the state of software with no function restriction (hereinafter referred to as software 9 without function restriction).

Next, the case where the file F1 does not exist in step 55 will be described. At this time, step 69
Is displayed, and the processing ends without releasing the function restriction. If the content of the file F1 and the content of the information FB of the restriction release file 8 do not match in step 59, the process proceeds to step 71, and it is automatically determined whether or not the OS is reinstalled.

The determination at this time is performed, for example, as follows. When the OS is reinstalled, the date and time of the windows directory and the like of the basic drive and a plurality of setting files are newly set. On the other hand, it is known from the contents of the information FB of the restriction release file 8 that the date, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the execution of the installation of the software 1 with restricted functions are performed.

The date and time are displayed in windows of the basic drive.
Compare with date and time of directory etc. If the date and time of the windows directory and the like are newer than the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second of the execution of the installation of the software 1 with restricted functions, the OS has been reinstalled after the registration application. On the other hand, if it is old, the OS has not been reinstalled.

If the OS has been reinstalled, the process proceeds to step 73. On the other hand, if the OS has not been reinstalled, the computer is not the personal computer when the registrant applied for registration. Then, an error is displayed, and the processing ends without releasing the function restriction.

In step 73, the information unique to the personal computer among the contents of the file F1 and the information FB of the restriction release file 8 is compared. If the result of this comparison is a match, it is determined that it is an emergency case where the OS has been reinstalled on the same personal computer as at the time of the registration application, and the process proceeds to step 75. On the other hand, if the result of the comparison does not match, the process proceeds to step 69, an error is displayed, and the process ends without releasing the function restriction.

At step 75, a request is made to insert the file Fa stored for backup stored on a floppy disk or the like into a floppy disk drive or the like. In step 77, the file name is changed to F1
And save this file under the windows directory.

Then, in a step 79, the UP code indicating the fact that the OS has been reinstalled is stored in the file F1.
To save. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 61, where the registrant is determined to be the registrant, and the subsequent processing is performed. To do this,
The reason why the OS is reinstalled is that it is determined to be limited to an emergency. In such a case, since the file F1 at the time of the registration application is also lost, some care is required.

Next, a method of indicating intention to use a plurality of (N) personal computers at the time of registration application will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The same elements as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, in step 91, it is required to insert a floppy disk into a predetermined floppy disk drive. This floppy disk is shown in FIG.
It is desirable to use the same floppy disk used for the backup described in the above.

This is for minimizing the number of floppy disks to be used. In step 93, the contents of the file FN (F1, F2, F3...) Are stored as a file Fa on this floppy disk. It is desirable that the contents of the file Fa be encrypted. When a network is constructed, the contents of the file FN may be stored in a predetermined file stored in a specific personal computer (for example, a personal computer connected to the Internet), without using a floppy disk. Further, it is also possible to save the data via a site on the Internet or a specific storage means provided on the Internet.
When a personal computer is connected via the Internet, it is necessary to connect to the Internet each time, so that the files may be independent files F1, F2, F3,.

At step 95, an inquiry is made as to whether or not there is another personal computer that wants to use the software 1 with limited functions. If the YES button is clicked, the registration application operation on the personal computer is stopped or terminated in step 97 without setting a selection completion key indicating completion of the selection in the floppy disk.

If the user wants to apply for registration of the second personal computer with respect to the use of the software 1 with limited functions, the process returns to step 1. The software with limited functions 1 is also installed on a second personal computer. Then, in step 91, the same floppy disk used for the first unit is required.

In step 93, the contents of the file F2 are additionally described in the file Fa of the floppy disk.
However, the file FN (F1, F2, F3,...) May be stored independently. If the user wants to use another personal computer, he or she clicks the YES button in step 95. If there is no more personal computer to use, click the NO button. At this time, in step 99, the selection completion key is stored in the file Fa, a floppy disk, or the like.

Next, in step 11, the user goes to a personal computer connected to the Internet, activates the software 1 with restricted functions, and clicks a registration application icon. Subsequently, in step 101, the same floppy disk used in step 91 is requested. Step 10
In step 3, if the selection completion key exists in the file Fa or the floppy disk, the number of personal computers selected in step 105 is added up.

Then, in step 107, the total amount is calculated. The calculation of the total amount is performed based on a predetermined amount according to the degree of increase in the number of units, such as lowering the price per unit as the number of units increases or setting the price stepwise. Alternatively, the relationship between the increase in the number of units and the price may be calculated as an approximate curve. Thereafter, the processing of Steps 13 to 23 is subsequently performed. If the selection completion key does not exist, the process is repeated from step 1 because there are still PCs to be registered. At this time, in the case of a personal computer for which registration has already been applied, it is desirable to send a message of "already registered." When applying for registration, as described above, communication with the server computer may be performed via a site on the Internet.

The same processing is performed when the mail registration application icon is clicked in step 25. That is, if the same floppy disk is requested in step 101, and if the selection completion key exists in this floppy disk in step 103, the number of personal computers selected in step 105 is totaled. Then, in step 107, the total amount is calculated. Then, subsequently, steps 27-
The process of step 37 is performed. If there is no selection completion key, the process is repeated from step 1.

The method for releasing the function restriction of the function-limited software 1 is the same as that in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, a method of activating the software 9 with no function restriction will be described. In FIG. 7, step 111
Then, the software 9 without function restriction is started. At step 113, the file FN (F1, F2, F3...)
Does not exist, there is a high possibility that the software 9 with no function restriction has been copied from another personal computer, so the function of the software 9 without function restriction is restricted again in step 115.

If the file FN exists, the flow advances to step 117 to determine whether the file FN has an UP code. If the UP code does not exist, it is determined that the OS has not been reinstalled, and
At step 19, the contents of the file FN are
It is compared with S information.

The reason why the information is compared with the information peculiar to the personal computer and the OS information is to accurately determine whether or not to use the personal computer when applying for registration. If they do not match, it is not the use of the registered personal computer, so in step 115 the function of the software 9 without function limitation is again limited. If the comparison results match, the software 9 without function restriction is used as it is in step 121.

On the other hand, if the UP code exists in step 117, the OS has been reinstalled.
In step 123, the contents are compared with the contents of the file FN using only the information unique to the personal computer. This is because the OS information may have been changed by reinstalling the OS. If the comparison results match, step 12
In step 1, the software 9 without function restriction is used as it is.

By adopting such a method of starting the software 9 with no function restriction, when both the file FN and the software 9 with no function restriction are copied from a registered personal computer to be used illegally on another personal computer,
It is possible to effectively cope with a case where only the software 9 with no function restriction is copied and attempted to be illegally used on another personal computer.

Next, a description will be given of a method of moving the software 9 having no function restriction between personal computers so that the software 9 can be used.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts, and the corresponding data flow is shown in FIG. Now, it is assumed that the data shown in FIG. 2 exists in the file F1 of the personal computer 1. However, the data of the file F1 is shown in FIG. 10 only for the installation time and the model of the personal computer for simplification (see step (1) in FIG. 10).

Then, the personal computer 1 is in the state of the software 9 with no function restriction. The software 1 with the function restriction is installed in the personal computer 2, and the function is restricted. As a next stage from this state, the personal computer 2 is set to the state without function restriction, and the function of the personal computer 1 is restricted.

First, the operation and processing of the personal computer 2 will be described. In FIG. 8, in step 201, the software 1 with the function restriction of the personal computer 2 is started. Then, in step 203, the transfer application button 31 is clicked on the screen of the software 1 with limited functions of the personal computer 2.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the personal computer 2 has a click time T1S (S is a sign indicating that an application has been made), which is the time when the move application button 31 is clicked, and the model PC2S of the personal computer 2. Is created (step (1) in FIG. 10). This data is created only once, and is not created even if the transfer application button 31 is clicked thereafter.

The created data is overwritten, for example, with the data of the file FN under the windows directory of the personal computer 2. Therefore, no initial data at the time of installation remains as shown in FIG.
Only S and PC2S are stored.

At step 205, the data storage location is queried, so that the location is selected. However, the storage location may be set in advance. The selection is a movable medium such as a floppy disk, or any place in the hard disk if it is desired to move between personal computers connected to the network. It may be via a site on the Internet or a specific storage means provided on the Internet. The data T1 is stored in the storage location selected in step 207.
S, save PC2S.

Next, the operation and processing of the personal computer 1 will be described. In step 209 of FIG. 9, the software 9 without function restriction of the personal computer 1 is started. In order to indicate that the personal computer 1 is in the state without the function restriction, the personal computer 1 displays the model of the personal computer 1 on the screen, for example, P
C1 is displayed (step (1) in FIG. 10). Step 2
In step 11, the user clicks the move acceptance button 33 from the screen (step (2) in FIG. 10). At step 213, the data storage location is queried and selected. However, the storage location may be set in advance. If saved via a site on the Internet, the cookie
The server can automatically authenticate the user based on the data and extract the storage file.

At step 215, the data stored at step 207 is read and added to the data of the file F1. In step 217, the type of the personal computer 2, for example, the type of the personal computer 2 received is displayed on the personal computer 1 (step (2) in FIG. 10). At this time, the display of PC1 (with no function restriction) and the display of PC2 (with function restriction) are distinguished by color coding or the like.

Further, both PC1 and PC2 are displayed as switches. Data is accumulated as a history in time series. In addition, the processing of the transfer application of FIG. 8 and the transfer reception of FIG. 9 may be repeated, and a larger number of switches may be displayed by switch. In this case, the destination can be selected from the plurality of personal computers.

Next, the operation and processing on the personal computer of the transfer source will be described. At step 231 in FIG. 11, the destination personal computer is selected. For example, in step (3) of FIG.

Thereafter, in step 233, a floppy disk or the like is requested. As this floppy disk, the above-mentioned floppy disk may be used, or an independent disk may be used. If it is desired to move between personal computers connected to a network, it may be located anywhere on the hard disk. If saved via a site on the Internet,
The server automatically authenticates the user from the okie data,
It is possible to extract saved files.

At step 235, the time T2 at which the switch of the PC2 is clicked and the P indicating that the function restriction release is transferred from the personal computer 1 to the personal computer 2 are added to the data of the file F1.
C1-PC2R (R is a release request signal) is additionally described, and the same data is stored in a floppy disk or the like. At this time, the data is stored as a reference file Q1 on a floppy disk or the like. This reference file Q1 is transmitted via a site on the Internet. Then, in step 237, the software 9 without function limitation of the source personal computer (personal computer 1) is set to have function limitation, and is changed to the software 1 with function limitation.

Next, the operation and processing on the destination personal computer will be described. In FIG. 12, in step 251, the software 1 with function restriction of the personal computer 2 is started.
In step 253, the used personal computer button 35 on the screen of the software 1 with limited functions is clicked (step (4) in FIG. 10). In step 255, a data storage location is selected. In the case of a floppy disk, a floppy disk is required. If the data is stored via a site on the Internet, the server automatically authenticates the user from the communicated cookie data, and the reference file Q1
Can be extracted and downloaded.

At step 257, the data of the reference file Q1 is read from a floppy disk or the like. At this time, as shown in step (4) of FIG.
From the contents of 1, the personal computers PC1 at the time of registration application and all of the personal computers to which S is added (PC1 and PC2 in the case of the step (4) in FIG. 10) are displayed. At this time, PC1-P
The source PC 1 and the destination PC 2 may be displayed in different colors from the C2R.

Next, it is determined from the data read in step 259 whether or not a personal computer other than the personal computer has a restricted function. In the case of step (3) in FIG. 10, since PC1 is restricted by PC1-PC2R, YES is determined, and the routine proceeds to step 261. On the other hand, if NO is determined, the function restriction is not released in step 260.

In step 261, it is determined whether or not the release request signal R is directed to the personal computer. In this case, since it is directed to PC2, YES is determined, and the routine proceeds to step 263. On the other hand, if NO is determined, the function restriction is not released in step 260.

In step 263, it is determined whether or not the data of the file FN of the personal computer is included in the data read from the floppy disk or the like in step 257. In the case of FIG. 10, since only T1S and PC2S are stored in the file FN of the personal computer 2, they are included in the data of the step (3) read from a floppy disk or the like. Therefore, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step 265. On the other hand, if NO is determined, step 26
With 0, the function restriction is not released.

At step 265, it is determined whether or not the release request signal R is newer than the data of the personal computer. Whether the signal is a new release request signal R is determined based on the data accumulation order.
However, assuming that there is no difference in the set time between the personal computers, the determination may be made based on the time T. A serial number indicating the cumulative order of data may be assigned, and the determination may be made based on the serial number. Or you may judge by combining these.

If it is determined that the received signal is not the new release request signal R, "old movement command" is displayed in step 267, and the function restriction is not released in step 260. In the case of a new release request signal R, the process proceeds to step 269.
In step 269, it is determined whether or not the latest release request signal R has not yet been received.

If the request has been received, "already received" is displayed in step 271 and the function restriction is not released in step 260. If not received, the process proceeds to step 273, where the data of the reference file Q1 such as a floppy disk is overwritten and updated with the file FN of the destination personal computer.

Thereafter, in step 275, the restriction on the software 1 with function restriction is released. And step 27
In step 7, the release request signal R is deleted from the data of the floppy disk or the like and the file FN. Then, this step 2
At 79, the display of the released personal computer is performed by color coding or the like.

As described above, software 1 with limited functions
Of the personal computer 2 is released, and the movement of the personal computer used is completed. Thus, for example, even when a new personal computer is purchased, the personal computer can be easily moved from the personal computer before the purchase to the personal computer after the purchase, by performing this transfer operation.

Further, it is possible to use a personal computer different from a registered personal computer while maintaining the number of registered personal computers. Therefore, between home and office, between multiple computers in office, between computers connected by network,
Between computers that can use the Internet, between computers that can use the Internet and computers that cannot use it,
In each case, the right to use can be transferred between personal computers that cannot use the Internet.

If the user wants to release the function limitation of the software 1 with function limitation again on the personal computer 1,
In step 231 of the step (2), the personal computer 2 is selected as the destination personal computer PC1. At this time, the history is stored in the file FN in the personal computer 2 as shown in step (5) in FIG. The data of the reference file Q1 is overwritten and updated on the floppy disk or the like. The data of the reference file Q1 is text data, has a small capacity,
This can be conveniently stored on a single floppy disk or the like together with other data. Then, it is not always necessary to continuously overwrite and update the data of the same reference file Q1, and the data may be newly stored. Thereafter, the same processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is repeated. Further, the process of the transfer application and the transfer reception need only be performed once at first. Subsequent operations are simple between the source and destination.

The same applies to the case where the personal computer 2 is in the state of the software 9 with no function restriction and the user wants to release the function restriction of the software 1 with function restriction on the personal computer 3 which is the third personal computer. At step 203 in FIG. 8, the transfer request button 31 is clicked on the personal computer 3.
At this time, file F under the windows directory
In M, only the click time T4S of the transfer application button 31 and the model PC3S of the personal computer 3 are stored. This data is also stored on a floppy disk or the like.

Then, the user moves the floppy disk or the like,
The move acceptance button 33 is clicked on the personal computer 2. At this time, the data of T4S and PC3S is added to the existing data. By this work, PC 2
1, PC2 and PC3 are displayed as switches, and the current P
The fact that C2 is in the process of releasing the function restriction is color-coded.

Therefore, in step 231 of FIG.
Click. The file FN in the personal computer 2 has T5, PC2-PC3 next to the data of T4S and PC3S.
R is added on top. The same data is also stored on the requested floppy disk or the like.

As described above, the histories are successively stored in the pile. The reason why the history is added is that even if the contents of a floppy disk or the like are completely copied and stored, the copied data becomes old data and cannot be used every time the history is added. The software 9 with no function restriction of the personal computer 2 has the function restriction and the software 1 with the function restriction
Becomes

Subsequently, the operation is shifted to the personal computer 3, and the personal computer button 35 is clicked in step 253 of FIG. Then, this floppy disk or the like is selected. As described above, at step 279, the fact that the PC 3 is releasing the function restriction is displayed in different colors. The function restriction of the software 1 with the function restriction in the personal computer 3 is released, and the software 9 without the function restriction is obtained.

If the floppy disk or the like is destroyed or lost or the reference file Q1 is deleted, the reference file Q1 to be updated does not exist in step 233 when the moving operation is performed. Is created again.

Further, which personal computer is currently releasing the function restriction can be confirmed from any personal computer by clicking the personal computer button 35 in step 253 in FIG. 12 and selecting this floppy disk or the like. is there. However, the reference file Q1 is stored in a predetermined directory.
If the file is automatically stored and can be referred to, the operation of selecting a floppy disk or the like becomes unnecessary.

Further, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the transfer application button 31 is clicked on the destination personal computer, and the transfer acceptance button 33 is clicked on the source personal computer. However, the transfer application is made on the transfer source PC, the function of the software 9 with no function restriction of the transfer source PC is restricted, the data of the file FN is stored in the reference file Q1 such as a floppy disk, and the transfer is accepted on the transfer destination PC for reference. The function restriction of the software 1 with function restriction may be released by referring to the file Q1.

Next, a method for organizing data when the data amount of the reference file Q1 on a floppy disk or the like becomes large will be described. Since the reference file Q1 is only text data, a considerable amount of history can be stored. However, it is conceivable that another data file or the like exists on the same floppy disk, so that the data can be organized.

In the software 9 with no function restriction, when it is necessary to arrange data, the data arrangement button 37 is clicked. By this click, File F
The contents of N are organized into the data of FIG. At this time, the reference file Q1 may be arranged at the same time.

In FIG. 13, the first data T
0 and PC1 simply describe the data shown in FIG. 2 as described in the step (1) of FIG. The first data, the data with S for which the transfer was requested, and the last move command are left, and the data in the middle is deleted. Then, the reference number A is assigned to each personal computer (PCs 1 to 3 in the example of FIG. 13). However, the rearranging code A is not given to the personal computer (PC4 in the example of FIG. 13) after the data has been rearranged.

The flowchart corresponding to FIG. 12 is changed as shown in FIG. That is, when it is determined in step 261 that the release request signal R is directed to the personal computer, the process proceeds to step 281 where it is determined whether or not the rearranging code A directed to the personal computer exists.

If the reference code A exists, step 2
Proceed to 83 to delete the reference code A for the personal computer. Then, the process proceeds to step 265. Therefore, the process of step 263 is not performed. On the other hand, if the rearranging code A does not exist, the process of step 263 is performed.

Thus, each personal computer, floppy disk, etc., is automatically organized every time the personal computer is released.

Next, after performing the processing of FIG. 11 so as to restrict the function of the personal computer currently in use for use by another personal computer, it is desired to use the personal computer again without moving to another personal computer. The following describes the case where

At this time, in step 253 of FIG. 14, the personal computer button 35 is clicked, and then this floppy disk or the like is selected. In step 259, it is determined that the personal computer, not another personal computer, is restricted, so the function restriction is continued in step 260.

In this state, the displayed personal computer P
For example, a switch of the PCM, which is the personal computer, is clicked from among C1, PC2,... PCM,.
At this time, in the example of FIG. 15, after it is determined that the personal computer from which the latest history information has been transferred is PCM, the reference file Q
T9 and PCM-PCNR from file 1 and file FN are deleted.

The same applies to the case where a floppy disk or a file is destroyed, lost or deleted before moving to another personal computer. Returning to the source personal computer, click the personal computer button 35 in step 253 of FIG.
Then, this floppy disk or the like is selected. In this state, for example, a switch of the PCM which is the personal computer is clicked. If the reference file Q1 does not exist on a floppy disk or the like, the data is stored from the file FN.

Next, the software 9 without the function restriction when the function restriction release is considered to be moved between the personal computers 9
Is started as shown in FIG. Note that the same elements as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 16, in step 291, a destination personal computer is extracted from the latest movement history data in the file FN. For example, in the example of PCM-PCN in FIG. 13, PCN is extracted. This data is compared with personal computer-specific information (eg, PCN) in step 123. If they match, the software 9 without function restriction is directly executed in step 121. If they do not match, in step 115, the function of the software 9 without function restriction is restricted.

The reference file Q1 and the file FN
May be protected by, for example, a password. Preferably, the contents are encrypted.

Next, a case will be described in which the software 9 with no function restriction is uninstalled on the destination personal computer. In FIG. 17, in step 251, the software 1 with limited functions is reinstalled. At this time, since the file FN already exists, it is not overwritten and updated.

As a premise, if the uninstallation software is provided as an executable file or the like, the time T _UN at which the executable file was started and the uninstallation information UN code indicating the fact that the executable file was executed are stored in the file F.
Record in N.

At step 301, UN is added to the file FN.
It is determined whether the code exists. If it exists, the process proceeds to step 303, where the latest movement history data is extracted from the file FN. For example, the PCM-PC shown in FIG.
N is extracted. In step 305, it is determined whether or not the UN code has occurred after the latest movement history data. Comparison of this time is performed between the PCM-PCN T9 and the time is the time of occurrence of _{T UN} in FIG.

If the UN code is generated after the latest movement history data, the function-limited software 1 is uninstalled and then reinstalled after the function limitation of the destination personal computer is released. It can be judged as the case. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 259 to perform exception application.

This exception is applied by simplifying the processing of FIG. 12 as follows. First, in step 259, it is determined whether the latest movement history data is restricted to another personal computer. If YES, it is determined in step 261 whether the personal computer is directed to the personal computer. If the personal computer is directed to this personal computer, it can be determined that the personal computer has been used before the uninstallation.
Release the restriction with. Step 259, Step 261
If the determination result is NO, the function restriction is continued at step 260.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 305 that the UN code does not occur after the latest movement history data, it is determined that uninstallation has occurred in the past and is ignored. Processing is performed.

If the uninstallation software is not provided as an executable file or the like, it is determined whether or not the uninstallation has been performed as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the fact of installation is left as a history in the file FN. If it is determined in step 307 that the installation has been performed after the latest movement history data, it is determined that uninstallation has been performed.
It is assumed that processing after 59 is performed.

Next, a case where the OS of the transfer destination personal computer is reinstalled will be described. At this time, measures are taken as shown in FIG. The same elements as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

First, in step 251, the software 1 with restricted functions is reinstalled. At this time, the file FN is newly created. In step 253, the used personal computer button 35 is clicked, and thereafter, this floppy disk or the like is selected. In step 311, the latest movement history data (T9, PCM-PCN in the example of FIG. 13) is extracted from the reference file Q1.

At step 313, it is determined whether or not the OS has been reinstalled after T9 which is the latest movement history data. The automatic determination as to whether or not the OS has been reinstalled is the same as the processing in step 71. If the OS has not been reinstalled after the latest movement history data, the same processing as in step 259 of FIG. 14 is performed as usual.

On the other hand, if the OS is reinstalled after the latest movement history data, it can be determined that it is an emergency. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 259 to perform exception application. This exception is applied by simplifying the processing of FIG. 14 as follows. Step 259 and Step 261
If both are YES, the restriction is released in step 275. Then, in step 315, the data of the reference file Q1 is updated to the file FN.

As another countermeasure for the case where the OS of the destination personal computer is reinstalled, it is conceivable to return the state of all personal computers to the initial state at the time of completion of registration. That is, if the OS is reinstalled in step 313 of FIG. 18, the history data of the file FN and the reference file Q1 are deleted, and the OS of the reference file Q1 is re-installed on the destination personal computer. The UP code, which is the fact that has been performed, is stored.

This UP code is detected by another personal computer,
If the UP code is not supported, the history data is deleted. After the deletion, the UP code corresponding to each personal computer is processed. However, only the personal computer at the time of registration leaves the initial data of FIG. 2 and deletes other data.

Next, O is executed on a personal computer other than the destination personal computer.
The case where S is reinstalled will be described. In this case, the problem can be dealt with by re-installing the software with limited functions 1 and then performing the transfer application shown in FIG. 8 and the transfer acceptance process shown in FIG.

Next, a description will be given of a method of canceling the function restriction in units of personal computers or a group of a plurality of the software 9 without function restriction collectively.

When implementing this method, it is desirable to store initial data and history data at the time of registration of a plurality of software 9 with no function restriction (software 1 with function restriction) as one file FN. Alternatively, it is necessary to know in advance which file each of the grouped history data of the software 9 without function restriction (software 1 with function restriction) is stored.

As shown in FIG. 19A, a personal computer PC
In the file FN of J, the histories of software 1 to software 3 which are software 1 with limited functions are stored. The functions of software 1 and software 3 have been released from the personal computer PCJ. In addition, the function restriction of the software 2 is released by another personal computer PCM, and the function restriction is restricted by the personal computer PCJ.

In this state, the user clicks the move button 39 for each group from the screen of the software 9 without any function restriction (step 321 in FIG. 20). Step 323
By this click, software whose destination is the personal computer is selected. In the example of FIG. 19A, software 1 and software 3 are selected.

The switches of the selectable personal computers PC are displayed. In step 325, one personal computer to which the user is to move is selected. For example, the personal computer PCX is selected. By this selection, the history of each software is shown in FIG.
The latest movement history data PCJ-PCXR is added to the software 1 and the software 3. At this time, since the software 2 is used in a personal computer PCM other than the personal computer PCX, it is not changed.

Note that T11 of software 1 and T8 of software 3 in FIG. 19B are the same data in the case of time information, and are numbers accumulated for each software in the case of cumulative numbers. In the case of a combination of the time information and the accumulated number, the accumulated number portion is different data. When it is expected that the time data differs for each personal computer, a combination of the time information and the cumulative number is desirable.

In step 326, the latest movement history data PCJ-PCXR is given a symbol G indicating that the data is moved collectively in groups.

At step 327, the data storage location is queried for selection. This selection may be a floppy disk, or any location on the hard disk if one wishes to move between personal computers connected to the network, or a site on the Internet. The history of the file FN is stored in the storage location selected in step 329 except for the software 2. In step 331, the functions of the software 1 and the software 3 in the personal computer PCJ are restricted.

Next, the user moves to the destination personal computer PCX, and clicks the move button 39 for each group from the screen of one piece of software with function restriction 1 (step 341 in FIG. 21). In step 253, the used personal computer button 35 on the screen of the software with limited functions 1 is clicked. In step 255, a data storage location is selected.
However, the storage location of this data can be set in advance.

In the case of a floppy disk, a floppy disk is required. Step 257 and step 32
The data stored in 9 is read from a floppy disk or the like. In step 343, a group collective movement code G is detected from the data read.

When the group collective movement code G is detected, the processing after step 259 shown in FIG.
For example, according to the stored data of step 329, the processing of step 259 and subsequent steps is performed for software 1 and software 3.

For each of the software 1 with function restriction, in step 275, instead of releasing the restriction, if all the determination results in steps 259 to 269 are YES, the restriction release key is set together with the group collective movement code G. The file FX is recorded for software 1 and software 3. The above processing is performed at once for all the function-restricted software 1 that has been moved in a state where the function-limited software 1 is not executed.

When the software 1 with function restriction is executed in step 251, it is determined whether or not the group collective movement code G and the restriction release key are present. Is canceled. After the release, the group collective movement code G and the restriction release key are deleted. On the other hand, if not present, the processing after step 253 is performed according to FIG.

Even when the groups are moved collectively in FIG. 20, the function restriction release processing is not performed on all the function-limited software 1 at once as in the processing in FIG. As shown in (1), the restriction may be released for each software 1 with function restriction. In this case, FIG.
Step 2 is repeated. If the group collective movement code G is not detected in step 343, an error is displayed in step 347.

The following processing is performed for each function-restricted software 1 in order to release the function restriction. In the processing of FIG. 14, a step 254 is provided between step 253 and step 255 for determining whether or not the group collective movement code G has been detected. If it is detected, the process of step 255 is not performed. In this case, instead of step 257, file F
Data is read from the history data of the function-limited software 1 whose file name in X matches. After that, the processing after step 259 is performed.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, it has been described that the function limitation of the software 1 with function limitation is released or limited according to the condition. It is likewise possible to limit or cancel by, for example. In this case, a password is also given by the copyright manager as information FB of the restriction release file 8. This password is also stored in the history data of the file FN and the reference file Q1.

For example, step 111 in FIG. Step 121 can be executed by automatic input of a password or the like, and the function limitation of step 115 can be dealt with by not administering a password or the like. Similarly, step 237 in FIG. 11 can be handled by restricting the function by not administering a password or the like.

For inputting a password or the like, for example, a password input field may be clicked, and then a password administration key button (not shown) may be clicked. At this time, the password of the normal software 11 is extracted from the file FN and is applied to the password input box. Further, steps 251 and 27 in FIGS.
5, Step 260, Step 111, Step 115 of FIG. 16, Step 251, Step 275 of FIG.
Step 260 can be similarly changed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention is another aspect of the method described in the flowchart of FIG. 6 regarding a method of indicating intention to use a plurality of (N) personal computers when applying for registration.

In FIG. 6, a personal computer to be used is determined in advance and registration is applied, but in FIG. 22, a plurality of personal computers (N
This is a method to collectively apply for registration and determine the PC you want to use after registration. However, only one device applies for registration in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the first embodiment of the present invention. This is the case.

At step 401 in FIG. 22, the restriction release file 8 includes N use permission signals. Next, in step 402, the software 1 with function restriction is executed. In step 403, the file Fx
(X = 1 to N) is the window of the basic drive, for example.
It is determined whether it exists in the directory.

If file Fx exists, step 4
Go to 04. If the file Fx does not exist, step 4
End at 15 or do not release the function restriction. In step 404, the user is caused to select the restriction release file 8 or the drive or directory where the restriction release file 8 exists.

At this time, if, for example, a floppy disk is not in the floppy disk drive, a floppy disk is requested. In step 405, it is determined whether or not the file Fx is the file F1 used when only one device was applied for registration. When the file Fx is the file F1, the process proceeds to step 407, where the file F1
It is determined whether or not the content of the information FB and the content of the information FB of the restriction release file 8 match.

However, when performing this comparison, consider the case where the software 1 with restricted functions is uninstalled after the previous registration operation, and then the software 1 with restricted functions is reinstalled after that in the case of FIG. Is the same as

File F1 Contents and Restriction Release File 8
When the contents of the information FB of the above information match, it is determined that there is no mistake in the personal computer at the time of registration. Then, step 409
It is determined whether the function limitation of the software 1 with function limitation has already been released. If not, the process proceeds to step 411 to release the function restriction. After that, in Step 413, the software 9 with no function restriction becomes executable.

On the other hand, if the function limitation of the software 1 with function limitation has already been released in step 409, the process ends in step 415.

If it is determined in step 407 that the contents of the file F1 and the contents of the information FB of the restriction release file 8 do not match, steps 71 to 79 in FIG.
The same processing as in step 61 is performed, and if it is determined that the OS has been reinstalled, then step 411 is performed.
The restriction is released with.

On the other hand, if Fx does not match F1 in step 405, the flow advances to step 425 to compare the contents of the file Fx with the contents of the file Fα (α = 2 to M, where M is the number of registered data). I do. If the contents of the file Fx match the contents of the file Fα, the personal computer has already been registered in step 427, so that step 4
Go to 15 and end.

If the contents of the file Fx do not match the contents of the file Fα, the flow advances to step 429 to determine whether M is equal to or smaller than N-1. If M is N-1 or less,
Step 431 because there is still room for new registration.
To make an inquiry as to whether or not to register the currently used personal computer as the (M + 1) th personal computer.

When registering as the (M + 1) th personal computer, the YES button is pressed in step 433. If the personal computer is not to be registered as the (M + 1) th personal computer, the NO button is pressed in step 435, and the process ends in step 415. When the YES button is pressed in step 433, step 4
Proceed to 37.

At step 437, the latest installation information is selected from the history of the file F1M + 1 of the software 1 with restricted functions. Then, a mark * is added to this directory information and the date, month, day, hour, minute, and second of execution. After that, the installation information before this installation information is deleted from the history.

In step 439, the file F1M + is inserted so that a storage disk may be inserted into the floppy disk drive or the like on a floppy disk or MO in case of emergency.
1 is displayed on the screen. At this time, the file name is saved by changing the file name to FaM in order to hide the file existence position under the windows directory. Note that the file Fa is stored in the software 9 with no function restriction.
M is associated.

Thereafter, in step 411, the restriction is released. As a result, in step 413, the (M + 1) -th non-functional software 9 can be used. As described above, it is possible to use the software 9 with no function restriction on the number of personal computers previously permitted by the copyright holder by a simple operation.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention, the case where the registration software part 3 and the identification software 5 part are combined with the function-limited software 1 from the beginning is used. On the other hand, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the registration software portion 3 and the identification software 5 are independent software, and are used separately from the software 1 with limited functions.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a display screen of the copyright protection software 51 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the left half of the screen, for example, Microsoft Explorer screen,
A tree display unit 41 in which drives, directories, and files are shown in a tree structure in a hierarchical structure.

In this screen, an executable file for installation, a compressed file, a file for starting software, and the like are displayed. The right half of the screen is an activation icon display section 43 on which, for example, icons for activating each software are shown. A button unit 45 is provided above the tree display unit 41 and the activation icon display unit 43.

Next, the operation of the copyright protection software 51 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Third of the present invention
In the embodiment, first, the software 1 with limited functions and the copyright protection software 51 supplied by download or CD are installed in a personal computer. Next, the copyright protection software 51 is activated, and the display screen of FIG. 23 is displayed.

An execution file for starting the software 1 with restricted functions is selected from the tree display section 41, and then an icon creation button (not shown) of the button section 45 is clicked. At this time, an activation icon 43a of the function-limited software 1 is created in the activation icon display section 43. However, the startup files may be listed in a format such as a table instead of the startup icons 43a.

As a result, the association between the startup icon 43a and the startup execution file is performed. Therefore, by clicking the activation icon 43a,
After the determination as to whether or not the registered personal computer is to be used is made, a step-by-step process such as executing the startup execution file can be performed. It is possible to execute the startup executable file of the software 1 with function restriction alone, but in this case, the function restriction is not eliminated.

At this time, for example, a file name is extracted from the startup execution file. This file name may be used as the name of the startup icon 43a. Then, a file F1 shown in FIG. 2 is created. Let the file name be the software name,
The execution date / time / minute / second is, for example, the click time of the icon creation button. Also, it detects and records the directory where the startup execution file exists.

Since the click time and the directory have a history under the same software 1 with limited functions, even if the same software 1 with limited functions is upgraded, for example, the registration application information performed at the first time Can be referred to. The information unique to the personal computer and the OS information are similarly recorded.

The start-up icon 43a of the function-restricted software 1 can also be registered in the start menu, start-up, or desktop by selecting the option setting. By activating the activation icons 43a registered in these, the same functions as those of the activation icons 43a of the activation icon display unit 43 can be obtained.

As information for specifying the software 1 with restricted functions, the capacity of the execution file for startup and the update date and time may be recorded in addition to the file name. A history of such information may be taken.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the registration button 11, the e-mail registration request icon, the mail registration request icon, and the confirmation button are operated from the button part 45.
In step 1, after selecting the activation icon 43a of the software 1 with limited functions, the registration application button 11 is clicked.

In step 3, instead of the installation information, the latest one of the click time of the icon creation button and the directory information of the startup execution file is selected. If it is desired to apply for registration of a plurality of software 1 with restricted functions, the processing of steps 1 to 5 is repeated.

In the process of executing the software with limited functions 1 in step 53 of the flowchart of FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, after selecting the startup icon 43a, the user clicks the execution button (not shown) of the button section 45. . However, activation can also be performed by double-clicking the activation icon 43a or the like.

In step 55, when it is determined that the file F1 exists, it is determined whether or not the file F1 has a restriction release key for the software 1 with the function restriction. If the restriction release key already exists, the process jumps to step 117 in FIG. On the other hand, if there is no restriction release key, the process proceeds to step 57.

Subsequently, when it is determined in step 61 that the registrant is the registrant, the flow proceeds to step 63. In step 63, first, a restriction release key for the software 1 with the function restriction is given to the file F1.
At this time, a password or the like is extracted from the information FB of the restriction release file 8 and stored in the file F1.

The method for releasing the function restriction is described in, for example, FIG.
Perform as in 4. However, as a premise of FIG. 24, it is assumed that a password or the like is added to the information FB of the restriction release file 8 of FIG. In consideration of the case where the same function-limited software 1 is upgraded, it is desirable that the password be changed every time the version is upgraded.

As a result, even if the upgraded software 1 with restricted functions is installed in the same directory, it is possible to perform processing such as restricting different functions at each stage of upgrading. Therefore, even in such a case, the registrant of the previous version can use the function of the previous version as it is. In addition, it is assumed that a password or the like is compared each time the software 1 with function restriction is activated, and whether or not the restriction is released is determined.

In FIG. 24, at step 350, it is determined whether or not a restriction release key for the software 1 with the function restriction exists in the file FN. If it exists, the copyright protection software 51 creates a file Fβ in a predetermined directory or the like in step 351 and records a password in this file Fβ.

At this time, if there is a password for each version upgrade, it is desirable to record all passwords as a history in Fβ. On the other hand, step 35
If it is 0 and there is no restriction release key, step 35
In step 4, the process jumps to step 57 in FIG. Thereafter, in step 352, the startup execution file is operated, and the software 1 with restricted functions is automatically started.

The software 1 with restricted functions first reads the password recorded in the file Fβ at step 353. Then, in step 355, if the password coincides with the password previously set in the software 1 with function restriction, the software 1 with function restriction is released in step 357 to become the software 9 without function restriction.

Then, in step 359, this password is immediately deleted from file Fβ to prevent leakage. However, this deletion may be performed by the copyright protection software 51 when terminating the copyright protection software 51. Step 35
If no password match is found in step 5, the function-restricted software 1 continues the restriction in step 356.
Before applying for registration, the user confirms the trial using the trial version software.
When the restriction release file 8 is transmitted after the registration application, it is simultaneously transmitted from the copyright manager or the like. Then, the software with limited functions 1 is associated with the trial version software on the same personal computer (by overwriting files in the same directory, and when installing the software with limited functions 1, it is necessary to associate addresses and the like with the trial version software). (Preferably), the function restriction may be released by a password under the above-described processing.

On the other hand, another embodiment of FIG. 24 is shown in FIG. When it is determined in step 61 of FIG. 5 that the user is the registrant, the start-up execution file is operated in step 360, and the software 1 with restricted functions is automatically started. Then, in step 362, it is determined whether or not a restriction release key for the software 1 with the function restriction exists in the file FN.
If there is, in step 361 the copyright protection software 51 automatically inputs a password in the password field on the password input screen of the software 1 with restricted functions. Also,
A password field for inputting a password may be designated by a mouse operation or the like, and then the password may be automatically input.

On the other hand, if there is no restriction release key in step 362, step 366 proceeds to step 5 in FIG.
The process jumps to step 7 again to determine whether or not the user is the registrant. After the password is entered in step 361, step 363
By automatically operating the confirmation button, it is determined in step 364 whether or not the password matches a password previously set in the software 1 with limited functions. When they match, the restriction is released in step 365, and the software 9 with no function restriction is obtained. If they do not match, step 36
At 7, the function restriction is continued.

Also, the registration application on another personal computer in step 95 of FIG. 6 is processed by making an inquiry on the display screen of the copyright protection software 51. Step 11 in FIG.
Executing the software 9 with no function restriction at 1 means executing the software 1 with function restriction.

As in step 53 of FIG. 5, after selecting the startup icon 43a, the user clicks the execution button (not shown) of the button section 45. Step 121 also releases the restriction as shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. Step 115
Then, the restriction release key for the function-restricted software 1 in the file FN is deleted. The transfer request button 31 in FIG. 8, the transfer reception button 33 in FIG. 9, and the personal computer whose transfer has been received in step 217 are also provided in the button unit 45.

Step 201 in FIG. 8 is to select an executable file for starting the software 1 with restricted functions from the tree display section 41 on the personal computer to be moved to, and then to create an icon button (not shown) on the button section 45. Click to start the icon 43a for starting the software 1 with limited functions
Is prepared. Then, the activation icon 43a is selected.

The destination button in step 231 in FIG. 11 selects the destination personal computer displayed on the button section 45 with the activation icon 43a selected. In the function restriction at step 237, after the destination personal computer is selected, the restriction release key for the function-restricted software 1 in the file FN is deleted.

The personal computer button 3 shown in FIGS. 12 and 14
5 is also provided on the button section 45. In step 251, the activation icon 43a is activated. Step 275
Is the same as the above-described processing of step 63 in FIG.

Executing the software 9 with no function restriction in step 111 of FIG. 16 means executing the software 1 with function restriction. Step 121 also releases the restriction as shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. In step 115, the restriction release key for the software 1 with the function restriction in the file FN is deleted.

Note that the execution of the software 9 with no function restriction in step 111 can be performed by double-clicking from the start menu, start-up, or the desktop. Therefore, at the stage of use, each software can be executed without being aware of the existence of the copyright protection software 51. Can be used.

The button unit 45 is also provided with a move button 39 for each group in step 321 in FIG. Switch display of the selectable personal computer PC is also performed by the button unit 45. Then, in step 325, one personal computer which is a destination is selected from the selected personal computers. Startup icon 43a
Is used in this personal computer, and is displayed in different colors. In step 331, the restriction release key for the function-limited software 1 transferred from the personal computer is deleted.

Next, the user moves to the destination personal computer PCX, and clicks the move button 39 for each group from the button section 45 of the copyright protection software 51 (step 34 in FIG. 21).
1). At step 253, the used personal computer button 35 of the button section 45 is clicked. In step 255, a data storage location is selected. In the case of a floppy disk, a floppy disk is required. In step 257, the data stored in step 329 is read from a floppy disk or the like. In step 343, a group collective movement code G is detected from the data read.

When the group collective movement code G is detected, the processing after step 259 shown in FIG.
Then, for each of the software 1 with function restriction, in step 275, instead of releasing the restriction,
If all the determination results in steps 259 to 269 are Y
In the case of ES, the restriction release key is recorded together with the group collective movement code G in each function-limited software 1 of the file FX.

The above processing is performed at once for all the software 1 with restricted functions that have been moved in a state where the software 1 with restricted functions is not executed. Thereafter, the function restriction is released according to FIG.

When the software with limited functions 1 is provided with an uninstall software as an executable file or the like, the user selects this executable file or the like and then clicks an uninstall button (not shown) of the button section 45. And so on.

At this time, the time T _UN at which the execution file was activated and the uninstallation information UN code indicating the fact of execution are recorded in the file FN. In the case where the uninstall software is not provided as an execution file or the like, it is determined whether or not the uninstallation has been performed based on whether or not there is a fact that the software has been installed after the latest movement history data of the file FN.

Note that these points are the same in the second embodiment of the present invention, and the execution of the function-restricted software 1 in step 402 of FIG.
After selecting a, the execution button of the button unit 45 (not shown)
Click. The use inquiry of the personal computer is also processed by making an inquiry on the display screen of the copyright protection software 51.

In step 411, a restriction release key for the function-restricted software 1 is given to the file FN, and the restriction is released as shown in FIG. 24 or FIG.
In step 415, the restriction release key for the software 1 with the function restriction is not given to the file FN.

As described above, by using the copyright protection software 51, it is possible to easily manage even the software 1 with the function restriction which is created independently of the copyright protection software 51. In addition, a single piece of the copyright protection software 51 can manage a plurality of software 1 with restricted functions.
The existing function-limited software 1 can be applied only by a simple modification of changing the method of processing a password (for example, reading a password from a file specified in advance). If the copyright protection software 51 automatically inputs a password into the password field, no correction is required. Therefore, it effectively contributes to shareware software distributed on the Internet. Also, an independent registration software part 3 and an identification software part 5
(Copyright protection software 51) is prepared in advance, and the registration software portion 3 and the identification software portion 5 (copyright protection software 51) are provided for each of the software 1 with function restriction as shareware software. They may be set together and distributed on the Internet. In this case, the software 1 with limited functions and the copyright protection software 51 are associated in advance as described above. Then, at the time of decompression after downloading or the like, the startup icon 43a of the software 1 with restricted functions is registered in the start menu, startup, or desktop. However, the registration location may be selected by setting options. After the activation icon 43a is clicked by the association between the activation icon 43a and the execution executable file of the software 1 with limited functions, it is determined whether or not to use the registered personal computer. , An execution file for startup can be executed. Registration application and transfer processing can also be performed using the registration software part 3. Of course, it is possible to execute the startup execution file of the software 1 with function restriction as in the past, but in this case, the function restriction is not eliminated. Even in the case of such a set distribution, it can be applied to the existing function-limited software 1 only by a simple modification of changing the processing method of the password (for example, reading the password from a file specified in advance). The software 1 with restricted functions can be used on a registered personal computer. Also, an independent registration software part 3 and an identification software part 5 (copyright protection software 5)
1) may be prepared in advance, and the registration software portion 3 and the identification software portion 5 (copyright protection software 51) may be incorporated into each shareware software or the like and distributed on the Internet. Even in this case, the present invention can be applied to the existing software 1 with limited functions only by simple modification.

Further, this usable personal computer can be sequentially moved. If it is moved, the original PC will be unusable. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the movement in the office, the movement between the home and the company, and the like. Moving work is also easy. Even if you purchase a new PC, you can easily transfer to a new PC. In this case, the right to use the software on the previous PC is transferred to the PC after purchase. It is also possible to move the function restriction release on a group basis or on a personal computer basis. A part of the registration application process by the registration software part 3,
The use right transfer processing and the identification processing by the identification software part 5 can be performed not on the personal computer but on the Internet server.

It is possible to easily cope with the case where the OS is reinstalled or the floppy disk is damaged. There is no problem that the copyright manager is forced to give permission to use a plurality of software due to a new purchase of the personal computer or reinstallation of the OS, which may occur when the personal computer used is limited.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the third embodiment of the present invention, the registration software part 3 and the identification software 5 of the first and second embodiments of the present invention are independent software, Is applied to video distribution software such as moving images and still images, music distribution software, compact discs containing video, music, and the like (hereinafter, music distribution software, etc.).

The music distribution software or the like is, for example, a trial-limited file 61 whose trial is limited so that an intro part or a characteristic part can be seen and heard only for a short time or only for a predetermined period after installation. In the case of a still image or the like, the size is limited, or the number of pixels or color is limited. FIG. 26 shows an example of a display screen of the copyright protection software 71 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same components as those in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 26, the left half of the screen is a tree display section 41 in which drives, directories, and files are displayed in a tree structure in a hierarchical structure like a Microsoft Explorer screen. However, instead of a simple file name, the file name is extracted from the trial limited file 61, and the file name is changed to an easy-to-understand name such as the song name and displayed.

Further, only music distribution software or the like may be displayed in a list. The right half in the screen is, for example, a player 65 in the case of music distribution software or a moving image.
The player 65 may be originally incorporated in the copyright protection software 71. Alternatively, for example, the player may click the start 63 on the task bar and select a necessary player 65 from the start menu.

Note that the player 65 may be activated independently of the copyright protection software 71 when performing a performance or the like. Further, the copyright protection software 71 may be independent of the copyright protection software 51, or may be made together by selecting a mode. In this case, for example, a mode selection button for selecting each mode of application software, game software, music, moving image, still image, and the like is provided in the button section 45.

When the information stored in a compact disk or the like has a large capacity, all data is not filed and stored on the hard disk by installation, but a song name or a password for releasing the trial restriction is used. What is necessary is just to save the minimum required as a file. The trial restricted file 61 is supplied by download, CD, or the like. If you want to continue listening and listening through trial use, first apply for registration as follows.

In FIG. 3, a trial restricted file 61 is selected from the tree display section 41, and then the registration request button 11 of the button section 45 is clicked. The installation information in step 3 is, for example, the time when the registration application button is clicked or the time when the trial restricted file 61 is selected. If it is desired to apply for registration of a plurality of trial-limited files 61 due to the presence of a plurality of songs or the like to be heard, the processing of steps 1 to 5 is repeated. Then, a selection completion button (not shown) of the button unit 45 is clicked. After that, the processing after step 7 is performed.

It is assumed that a password and the like are added to the information FB of the restriction release file 8 in FIG. Also,
It is assumed that the trial-limited file 61 is compared with a password or the like each time it is started, and it is determined whether or not to release the limitation. The process of executing the software with limited functions 1 in step 53 of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is assumed to be originally not in the form of an executable file when the trial limited file 61 is a data file of music distribution software or the like. You. Therefore, it is not suitable for execution.

Therefore, the processing of executing the software 1 with limited functions in step 53 is to activate the copyright protection software 71. In step 55,
When the file FN exists, it is determined whether or not the restriction release key exists in the trial restricted file 61 of the file FN. When there are a plurality of files FN, it is determined whether or not the restriction release key exists in the trial restricted files 61 of all the files FN.

When a plurality of trial restricted files 61 exist in one file FN, it is determined whether or not a restriction release key exists for all trial restricted files 61. If there is no restriction release key,
Proceed to step 57.

It should be noted that the trial restricted file 61 for which registration has been applied in FIG.
The process may proceed to step 57 if the restriction release key does not exist in 1. If it is determined in step 61 that the registrant is the registrant, the process proceeds to step 63, in which a restriction release key is set for the trial restricted file 61 (each song or the like) in the file FN. In step 67, the trial restricted file 61 in which the restriction release key is set is distinguished by color coding or the like.

Also, the registration application on another personal computer in step 95 of FIG. 6 is processed by making an inquiry on the display screen of the copyright protection software 51. Step 11 in FIG.
The process of executing the software 9 with no function restriction in step 1 starts the copyright protection software 71. In step 113, it is determined whether or not the corresponding files FN exist for all the trial-limited files 61. In step 117, it is determined whether or not an UP code exists in the contents of the file FN.

In the step 121, this step 121
27 and 28 are performed in place of the processing of FIG.
In FIG. 27, in step 501, the trial restricted file 61 is selected from the tree display section 41. At this time, the trial restricted file 61 for which the restriction release key is set in step 67 is distinguished by color-coded display or the like, and can be selected from the trial restricted file 61, so that it is easy to select.

After the selection, at step 503, a selection button (not shown) of the button section 45 is clicked. If it is desired to select a plurality of songs, steps 501 to 505 are repeated. When the selection is completed in step 505, the process proceeds to the next step 507, and the selection completion button (not shown) of the button section 45 is clicked.

At this time, reproduction is performed in the subsequent processing according to the selected order. However, step 505 and step 5
A process of exchanging the order selected during 07 may be inserted.

If the selection completion button is clicked, it is determined in step 509 whether or not a restriction release key has been set for the first selected tune, for example. If the restriction release key has been set, the password assigned to the song is applied to the file Fβ in step 511.

If the restriction release key has not been set, the password is not administered to the file Fβ in step 513. In step 515, it is determined whether or not the processing has been performed on all the selected trial-limited files 61.
If all has been completed, the process stops at step 517.

Next, a method of reproducing the selected trial restricted file 61 will be described.

In FIG. 28, in step 531, the player 65 clicks the play button. Player 65
First, in step 533, data is read from the trial-limited file 61 in the selected order. This data includes a password in addition to the music data. Subsequently, in step 535, the data of the file Fβ is read.

At step 537, trial-limited file 61
The data read from the file Fβ is compared with the data read from the file Fβ. If the password corresponding to the trial-limited file 61 (for example, music) matches, the trial restriction is canceled in step 539.

Then, in step 541, this password is immediately deleted from the file Fβ to prevent leakage. However, this deletion may be performed by the copyright protection software 71 when terminating the copyright protection software 71. On the other hand, if the passwords do not match, the trial restriction is continued at step 543.

In step 537, it is determined whether or not the passwords match. However, instead of the password, the information FB of the restriction release file 8 in FIG. (For example, sampling data) are added as data, and if a restriction release key exists, this data is administered to the file Fβ. Then, the data read from the trial restricted file 61 and the data read from the file Fβ may be compared.

Also, instead of comparing the data read from the trial restricted file 61 with the data read from the file Fβ, if the trial restricted file 61 has a restriction release key, the player 65 It is also possible to reproduce the trial limited file 61 unconditionally. At this time, for example, in step 511,
A predetermined key for the trial restricted file 61 is administered to the file Fβ.

If the predetermined key exists in the trial restricted file 61 of the file Fβ, the player 65 releases the restriction of the trial restricted file 61 in step 539 and continues playing. However, Player 6
In the case where the copyright protection software 71 and the copyright protection software 71 are integrated, there is no need to exchange predetermined keys via such a file Fβ. .

In FIG. 7, for the trial restricted file 61 in which the file FN does not exist in step 113,
Proceeding to step 115, the processes of FIGS. 27 and 28 are not performed, and the trial restriction is not released. Step 119
And if they do not match in step 123, the file FN
The restriction release key is deleted from the trial restricted file 61. The transfer request button 31 in FIG. 8, the transfer reception button 33 in FIG. 9, and the personal computer whose transfer has been received in step 217 are also provided in the button unit 45.

The destination button in step 231 of FIG. 11 switches the destination personal computer displayed on the button section 45 with the trial restricted file 61 selected. The function restriction in step 237 deletes the restriction release key for the main trial restricted file 61 of the file FN after the destination personal computer is selected.

The personal computer button 3 shown in FIGS. 12 and 14
5 is also provided on the button section 45. The activation of the software with function restriction in step 251 is the activation of the copyright protection software 71. A step 275 sets a restriction release key in the file FN for each music piece (the trial restricted file 61) and the like. In step 279, the trial restricted file 61 in which the restriction release key is set is distinguished by color coding or the like.

The function restriction at step 260 is as follows.
N is not to be given a restriction release key for the trial restricted file 61. The process of executing the software 9 with no function restriction in step 111 of FIG. 16 starts the copyright protection software 71.

In the step 121, this step 121
27 and 28 are performed in place of the processing of FIG.
In step 115, the restriction release key for the trial restricted file 61 of the file FN is deleted.

The button unit 45 is also provided with a move button 39 for each group in step 321 in FIG. Switch display of the selectable personal computer PC is also performed by the button unit 45. Then, in step 325, one personal computer which is a destination is selected from the selected personal computers. Trial restricted file 6
1 indicates a color-coded display of a file FN that can be used on the personal computer based on the presence of the restriction release key.

When it is not appropriate to manage with a password like a still image, a predetermined key may be administered in step 511 in FIG. This predetermined key is desirably a key common to all still images, unlike a password different for each music piece.

In step 531 in FIG. 28, image display software is activated. In step 533, a file name or the like for distinguishing a still image is read. In step 535, a predetermined key is read from the file Fβ. If the predetermined key exists in step 537, the function restriction is released in step 539.

Note that these points are the same in the second embodiment of the present invention, and the process of executing the software 1 with the function restriction in step 402 of FIG. 22 starts the copyright protection software 71. . The use inquiry of the personal computer is also processed by making an inquiry on the display screen of the copyright protection software 71.

In step 411, a restriction release key is set in the file F1 for each music piece or the like. In step 413, the trial restricted file 61 in which the restriction release key is set
Are distinguished by color coding or the like. In step 415,
The restriction release key for the trial restricted file 61 is not assigned to the file FN.

Since the reproduction of the player 65 can be performed by performing the processing shown in FIG. 28, it is started independently of the copyright protection software 71, and the user selects the trial restricted file 61 on the Microsoft Explorer screen, or 6
The reproduction process is also possible in accordance with the procedure such as file-open in 5.

Although the copyright protection software 71 has been described as being independent of the player 65 and the like, the functions of the copyright protection software 71 may be included in the player 65 and the like. Further, the player 65 and the like may be constituted by hardware, and the copyright protection software 71 may be incorporated therein. In this case, the buttons of the button unit 45 may be buttons configured by hardware.

In the present invention, the hardware has been described as a personal computer. However, the present invention is not limited to a personal computer, but can be widely applied to any information processing device (game machine, mobile phone, television, etc.) handling a copyrighted work. . The floppy disk may be another movable recording medium (memory, card, or the like).

In addition, in addition to the information FB, the restriction release file 8 of each embodiment indicates that movement between information processing devices (which may be between different information processing devices) includes software with function restriction. A movement restriction code that is restricted or disabled may be assigned to each 1 or trial restricted file 61. In this case, it is possible to move only between the specified number of times (for example, once), the specified period, and between the specified information processing devices, or to use the software 1 with limited functions only with the information processing device for which registration has been requested. .

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when connecting to the Internet or the like, it is impossible to connect from an information processing device for which registration has been applied or an information processing device for which use permission has been moved. When connecting to the Internet or the like, if the user ID and the password set for each provider match, it becomes possible to access from any information processing device, even if there are a plurality of devices. For this reason, connection from any information processing device other than the registration application or transfer application is disabled.

An example of the display screen of the copyright protection software 81 is
This is the same as the display screen of the copyright protection software 51 of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The provider registration is selected by a mode selection switch (not shown) of the copyright protection software 81. The provider name is, for example, copyright protection software 81
More selectable. At this time, the UR of this provider
It is desirable that L be selected at the same time. Further, it is desirable that a provider name that can be selected by selecting an area such as a residence is displayed.

An execution file (or icon) for starting the Internet connection is selected from the tree display section 41, and then an icon creation button (not shown) of the button section 45 is clicked. At this time, the activation icon display section 43 displays
An Internet connection start icon 83a is created. Thus, the association between the startup icon 83a and the startup execution file is performed.

Therefore, by clicking the start-up icon 83a, it is possible to perform a step-by-step process such as executing the start-up execution file after determining whether or not to use the registered personal computer. . Then, a file F1 shown in FIG. 2 is created. The software name is the provider name, and the execution date / time / minute / second is, for example, the click time of the icon creation button. Also, directory information is not required.

At step 1 in FIG. 3, the registration application button 11 is clicked. If there is no problem in the items described in the e-mail or the like in steps 15 and 29, the confirmation button is clicked in steps 17 and 31.

In the restriction release file 8, in addition to the information FB, the user I. D. And a password. To execute step 53 in FIG. 5, after selecting the startup icon 83a, the user clicks an execution button (not shown) of the button unit 45.

In step 59, it is determined whether or not the contents of the file F1 and the contents of the information FB of the restriction release file 8 match. As a result, if they match, a use permission code is described in the provider name of the file F1 in step 63.
In this case, the user I. D. And the password in the file F1.

When connecting to the Internet, it is determined from the provider name and the user name whether or not a use permission code exists in the file F1. If there is, after the processing of FIG. 7 is performed, the password is automatically input on the dial-up connection screen and transmitted, thereby completing the connection. If the use permission code does not exist, the dial-up connection screen is not erased or activated, and no connection to the Internet is made.

For input of a password or the like, for example, a password input field may be clicked, and then a password administration key button (not shown) may be clicked from the button section 45. Alternatively, a password input field may be clicked, and then the password may be automatically administered. At this time, a password for the provider is extracted from the file F1, administered to the password input box, and transmitted.

Executing the software 9 with no function restriction in step 111 of FIG.
Is the same as In step 121, it is determined whether or not a use permission code exists in the file F1 based on the provider name and the user name when connecting to the Internet.

If there is, after the processing of FIG. 7 is performed, the password is automatically input and transmitted on the dial-up connection screen, and the connection is completed. If the use permission code does not exist, the process proceeds to step 115, where the dial-up connection screen is not deleted or activated, and the connection to the Internet is not performed. If there is no match in step 119 or the like, the use permission code is deleted from the file F1.

When the use of the Internet is transferred between information processing devices, the processing of FIG. 8 and thereafter is performed. Step 201 in FIG. 8 is to select an execution file (or icon) for starting the Internet connection from the tree display section 41 on the personal computer to be moved to, and then click an icon creation button (not shown) of the button section 45. Then, an activation icon 83a is created. Then, the activation icon 83
Select a. In step 203, the user clicks a transfer application button from the button section 45. In step 209,
The start icon 83a is selected on the transfer source personal computer.
In step 235 of FIG. 11, the provider name, the user name, the password, and the like are also stored.

In step 251 of FIG. 12, the start icon 83a is selected on the destination personal computer. Step 27
In 5, the same processing as in step 121 is performed. Note that the restriction release file 8 may be further provided with a movement restriction code. According to the movement restriction code, it is possible to restrict the movement destination to only one place, or to disallow movement.

As described above, only the registrant himself can use it. It becomes impossible to access the Internet from multiple information processing devices at the same time. The right to use the Internet can be easily transferred even when replacing information processing equipment. The password stored in the file F1 is encrypted, can be decrypted and used only when used, and is not notified to the registrant in a document or the like. Since the connection screen is immediately deleted after connecting to the Internet, it is not easily known and lending to others is difficult.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, copyright protection software is used for a WWW (World Wide Web) homepage or the like to which entry is permitted by a password or the like.

An example of the display screen of the copyright protection software 91 is as follows.
This is the same as the display screen of the copyright protection software 51 of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. A password issuance is selected from a mode selection switch (not shown) of the copyright protection software 91. Connect to the Internet and open the homepage where you want permission to issue a password.

At this time, by clicking the registration application button 11, the file F1 is created. As shown in FIG. 2, the file F1 contains a homepage title in place of the software name, and a URL of the homepage in place of the directory.
Are automatically obtained and recorded. In addition, registration application button 1
The date / time / minute / second when 1 is clicked is recorded.

A registration application is made according to FIG. 3, and a restriction release file 8 is transmitted. The restriction release file 8 contains information F
B in addition to user I.B. D. , A password is provided.
Further, a movement restriction code may be added. Execution of step 53 in FIG. 5 is activation of the copyright protection software 91.

If there is no restriction release key in step 57, a request screen for selecting a restriction release file is displayed. If it is confirmed in steps 59 and 61 that the user is the registrant, the process proceeds to step 63. In step 63, a homepage entry permission code is given to the homepage title of the file F1.

Next, after reopening the homepage,
A password administration key (not shown) is clicked on the button section 45. In this case, first, the homepage title,
Automatically extract the URL of the homepage. Then, the homepage title from which the contents of the file F1 are automatically extracted,
It is compared with the URL of the homepage.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a homepage entry permission code corresponding to the homepage exists, and if it exists, the user ID. D. , The password is extracted,
It is administered and transmitted to a password input field and the like. This eliminates the need to remember a different password for each homepage. The operation is extremely simple and can be performed in a short time. Only the registrant himself can use it.

When the title of the homepage exists in the contents of the file F1, the color or the like of the password administration key may be changed to indicate that the password can be clicked.

The title of the homepage for which password registration has been requested and the URL of the homepage are displayed in the tree display section 41.
May be listed. Then, a home page title and a URL of the home page are selected from the tree display section 41, and an Internet connection start icon 83a is started from the start icon display section 43. This allows
Open the homepage simultaneously with the Internet connection,
User I. D. And automatic password administration.

In FIG. 7, the copyright protection software 91 is started in step 111. If there is a mismatch at step 119 or the like, the homepage entrance permission code is deleted at step 115. In step 121, processing after clicking the password administration key from the button section 45 becomes possible. In FIG. 8, in step 201, a homepage title and a homepage URL are selected from the tree display section 41. In step 203, the user clicks a transfer application button from the button section 45.

In step 209 of FIG. 9, the copyright protection software 91 is activated. In step 237 of FIG. 11, the homepage entry permission code of the personal computer of the transfer source is deleted. In step 251 of FIGS. 12 and 14, the copyright protection software 91 is activated on the destination personal computer. Step 27
As a result of updating the file F1 in step 3, the homepage title, the homepage entry permission code for each URL of the homepage, and the like are also updated. In the processing after step 321 in FIG. 20, it is also possible to move all homepage titles, homepage URLs, passwords, and the like in groups.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the copyright is protected in units of broadcasting stations such as digital broadcasting, for example, not in units of the software 1 with limited functions or the limited files 61 for trial use. Is intended to protect the data obtained.

[0288] The viewer makes a registration application for viewing on a broadcast station basis. At the time of registration application, the file F1 in FIG. 2 is created. However, the OS information and the directory information are unnecessary if they are not enough to specify each information processing device. Instead of the installation information such as the installation execution date / time / minute / second, for example, the execution date / time / minute / second at the time of registration application is set. Further, as information for specifying each information processing device, information in which use of a specific operation switch is recorded together with execution date / time / minute / second may be used. Also, a code for identifying a broadcasting station is recorded instead of the software name.

If the contents of the file F1 and the contents of the information FB of the restriction release file 8 match at step 59 in FIG. 5, it is determined at step 61 that the registrant is the information processing device at the time of registration application. The restriction release file 8 may be obtained via the Internet or the like. Then, in step 63, the user can view the program. When the user wants to view the program on another information processing device, the program is performed according to the moving method described in the first embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. In this case, the processing of steps 201, 209, 251 and 111 is the activation of each information processing device. The process of step 121 enables viewing of a program.

When each program is to be recorded, a program name, a movement permission code, a code specifying a broadcast station, etc. received along with the program are additionally recorded in the file F1. As the movement permission code corresponding to the program, a code transmitted using a carrier band of characters or the like different from a carrier band of a video or the like may be used. The movement permission code is added to the program as a digital signal, and is a code for designating permission as to whether a work to be recorded or the like can be moved between information processing devices.

In FIG. 7, in step 119, the content of the file F1 is compared with the execution date / time / minute / second at the time of registration application instead of the information unique to each information processing device and the OS information.
It is determined whether or not the information processing device at the time of the registration application. If it is determined that the device is an information processing device at the time of application for registration, the program recorded in step 121 can be viewed.

When a movement permission code exists in a program,
According to FIGS. 8 and 9, the user can move to the information processing device for which the transfer has been requested and view the information by the processing in FIG. At this time, in the step 237 in FIG. 11, the information cannot be viewed on the source information processing device. The movement history stored at this time may be stored not in a medium such as a floppy disk but by a video deck in association with a work to be recorded on a video tape. In this case, FIG. 11, FIG.
In Steps 253 and 255 in FIG. 14, there is no need to select the location of the data.

[0293]

As described above, according to the present invention, the software processing progress information is used as registration application information for registration application by the registration means and determination by the identification means, so that the information processing apparatus other than the information processing apparatus for which the registration application has been made. The use of copyrighted works in the site will not be possible. It is difficult for a third party to decrypt and plagiarize the registration application information. No password is required to confirm the identity of the registrant.

[0294] By configuring the registration means and the identification means with software independent of the work, comprehensive management of the work becomes easy.

[0295] Further, the copy of the copyrighted work is prohibited by the movement code, and can be used by other information processing apparatuses other than the information processing apparatus for which registration was requested.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 2] Contents of file of software with limited functions

[Figure 3] Flow chart (registration application method)

Fig. 4 Contents of restriction release file

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (a method for releasing function restrictions of software with function restrictions).

Fig. 6 Flowchart (Method of indicating intention to use multiple computers when applying for registration)

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (a method of starting software with no function restriction).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart (a method for moving software having no function restriction between personal computers so that the software can be used).

FIG. 9 is a flow chart (a method of moving software having no function limitation between personal computers so that the software can be used).

FIG. 10 is a view showing a data flow corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (operation and processing on a personal computer of a movement source).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart (operation and processing on a destination personal computer)

FIG. 13 Contents of file FN at the time of data reduction

FIG. 14 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 12 at the time of data reduction.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state of data in one usage example.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart (a method of starting software with no function restriction when considering moving the function restriction release between personal computers).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart (when software with no function restriction is uninstalled on a destination personal computer)

FIG. 18 is a flowchart (when the OS of the transfer destination personal computer is reinstalled)

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a data flow in a case where the function restriction is released in units of personal computers or a group of a plurality of software having no function restriction collectively.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart (a method of releasing function restrictions in units of a personal computer or a group of a plurality of software without function restrictions collectively).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart (a method of releasing function restriction in units of personal computers or a group of a plurality of software having no function restriction collectively).

FIG. 22 is another embodiment of the flowchart of FIG. 6;

FIG. 23 shows an example of a display screen of the copyright protection software according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart (method for releasing function restriction).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart (another embodiment of FIG. 24);

FIG. 26 shows an example of a display screen of the copyright protection software according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart (example of use of the fourth embodiment of the present invention);

FIG. 28 is a flowchart (a method of reproducing a file with a trial restriction).

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Software with Function Restriction 3 Software for Registration 5 Identification Software 8 Restriction Release File 9 Software without Function Restriction 10 PC 11 Registration Application Button 31 Move Application Button 33 Move Accept Button 37 Data Organize Button 39 Group Move Button 41 Tree Display 43 Start-up icon display part 45 Button part 51, 71, 81, 91 Copyright protection software 61 Trial restricted file 65 Player

Claims (26)

[Claims] Claims 1. A work whose copyright is to be protected, a registration means for applying for registration for canceling a use permission or a functional restriction of the work, and a registration application for which the registration means has been applied. Identification means for judging whether or not there is, an information processing apparatus in which the registration means and the identification means and / or the work are stored, and any one of OS information of the information processing apparatus, the registration means and the work Or at least one piece of software processing progress information generated due to each software processing progress is provided with the registration application information obtained, and a part or all of the registration application information is used for the determination by the identification unit. Characteristic copyright protection software. 2. A work whose copyright is to be protected, registration means for making a registration application for releasing the use permission or function restriction of the work, and a registration application made by the registration means. Identification means for judging whether or not there is, an information processing apparatus in which the registration means and the identification means and / or the work are stored, and any one of OS information of the information processing apparatus, the registration means and the work Or at least one software processing progress information generated due to each software processing progress and / or registration application information from which system information unique to the information processing apparatus is acquired, and the registration unit and / or the identification unit Indicates that the copyrighted work is constituted independently of each other under a predetermined association, and that part or all of the registration application information has been used for the determination by the identification means. Characteristic copyright protection software. 3. The OS information includes at least one of a user name, a product ID number, and an OS installation execution date and time. The software processing progress information resulting from the registration unit is transmitted to a key operation of the registration unit. The software processing progress information including the time information resulting from the work and / or the random signal generated by the registration unit, and the software processing progress information resulting from the work is the time information resulting from activation of a file including the work or selection of the file. 3. The copyright protection software according to claim 1, wherein the copyright protection software includes information on a directory where the work is installed. 4. The copyright protection software according to claim 1, wherein system information unique to the information processing apparatus is used as the registration application information in addition to the software processing progress information. . 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of registration application means for collectively applying for registration by said registration means to a plurality of works and / or a plurality of information processing apparatuses. 4. The copyright protection software described in 4. 6. A registration application information disclosure means for disclosing partial data of the registration application information including system information unique to the information processing device and unique information identifying the work to a registration applicant at the time of registration application, Confirmation of the registration application information disclosed by the registration application information disclosure means after registration application and / or
6. The copyright protection software according to claim 2, further comprising a registration application information storage means for storing the inquiry for a failure of the work or the like. 7. A copyright protection software which enables the use of a work or the right to release function restrictions to be transferred between a plurality of information processing apparatuses, wherein the work whose copyright is to be protected is Two information processing devices that are the source and destination of the right to release the use permission or function restriction of the object,
A moving code for moving the right to use the work or release the function restriction granted to the information processing apparatus at the source to the information processing apparatus at the destination, and whether or not the movement is permitted by the moving code Movement determination means for determining,
When the movement is determined by the movement determining means, the use of the work is not permitted or the function is restricted in the one information processing apparatus, and the use of the work is permitted or restricted in the other information processing apparatus. Copyright protection software whose restrictions are lifted. 8. Copyright protection software that enables a user to transfer the right to release a use permission or a function restriction of a licensed work that has been applied for registration between a plurality of information processing apparatuses, wherein the copyright is protected. Copyrighted work, registration means for applying for registration to release the use permission or function restriction of the work, and identification means for determining whether or not the registration application has been made by the registration means, The registration unit and the identification unit, and / or the information processing apparatus, in which the copyrighted work is stored, and two information processing apparatuses which are a transfer source and a transfer destination of a right to release use permission or function restriction of the work, A moving code for moving the right to use the work or release the function restriction granted to the information processing device to the destination information processing device, and a moving code for judging whether or not the movement is permitted by the moving code. When the movement is permitted by the movement determining means, the use of the work is not permitted or the function is restricted in the one information processing apparatus, and the work is prohibited in the other information processing apparatus. Copyright protection software characterized in that use of the software is permitted or function restrictions are released. 9. The work according to claim 7, wherein predetermined data for identifying the source information processing apparatus and the destination information processing apparatus is recorded in the movement code. Rights protection software. 10. The information processing apparatus further includes a movement information display unit for displaying a movable information processing apparatus and displaying an information processing apparatus for which use of the copyrighted work is permitted or a function restriction is released. 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein:
Or the copyright protection software described in 9. 11. A group-by-group moving means for grouping a plurality of rights to release the use permission or function restriction of the work or to move the right to the information processing apparatus. , 8, 9 or 10. 12. A use-time judging means for judging whether or not the copyrighted work is used in an information processing device permitted by the identification means and / or the movement judgment means,
12. A work use permitting means for permitting use of the work or canceling function restriction according to a result of the use time judging means. Copyright protection software. 13. An OS re-installation detecting means for detecting that the OS has been reinstalled and / or the uninstallation or re-installation of the copyrighted work, and the OS re-installation detecting means for re-installing the OS. Is detected, whether or not the registration application has been made by the registration means, or the registration application has been made by the registration means, and the right to release the use permission or function restriction of the work 13. The copyright protection software according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: an OS re-installation identification unit that determines whether the destination is a destination of the OS. 14. The copyright protection software according to claim 1, further comprising a data organizing unit for organizing the registration application information and / or the mobile code. 15. A history of the registration application information and / or the mobile code is accumulated.
4. The copyright protection software according to any one of 4. 16. The copyright protection software according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the copyrighted work is software with a function restriction or software without a function restriction. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a viewing means capable of viewing the copyrighted work.
Copyright protection software described in section. 18. The copyright protection software according to claim 17, wherein a viewing order of the copyrighted work is selectable. 19. A WWW (World Wide) permitted to enter by connection to the Internet or a password or the like.
Web) is copyright protection software that, when entering a homepage or the like, prevents connection or entry from an information processing apparatus for which registration has been applied or an information processing apparatus for which use by moving has been permitted, and the copyrighted work is 16. The image information or audio information displayed on the Internet, and the registration means performs a registration application for viewing the copyrighted work. Copyright protection software described in. 20. The registration application information includes a provider name,
20. The copyright protection software according to claim 19, wherein at least one of a provider URL, a homepage title, and a homepage URL is included. 21. An extracting means for automatically extracting a homepage title and / or a URL of a homepage from the copyrighted work, and the homepage title and / or the URL of the homepage automatically extracted by the extracting means match the contents of the registration application information. 21. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising: a judging unit for judging whether or not to do so, and a password etc. selecting unit for selecting a password etc. corresponding to the home page from the judgment result of the judging unit. Copyright protection software. 22. Copyright protection software which makes it impossible to view broadcast data broadcasted by digital broadcasting or the like on an information processing apparatus for which registration has been applied or for which use by moving has been permitted. The copyrighted work is broadcast data, and the registration means performs a registration application for viewing the copyrighted work, and the registration application information includes a code identifying a broadcasting station. Copyright protection software according to any one of claims 1 to 15. 23. Viewing of recorded data obtained by recording or recording of broadcast data broadcasted by digital broadcasting or the like on an information processing device other than the information processing device for which registration has been applied or the use of which is permitted to be moved. Copyright protection software that disables the copyrighted work, wherein the copyrighted work is broadcast data, and the registration means is for making a registration application for viewing the copyrighted work; The copyright protection software according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a code for specifying a broadcast station. 24. A screen unit comprising a button unit capable of operating the registration unit and the identification unit and / or a work display unit capable of selecting the work.
24. The copyright protection software according to any one of Items 23 to 23. 25. The use permission of the work by the work use permission means is performed via a predetermined key, a predetermined password, or predetermined data included in the work. 25. The copyright protection software according to any one of 12 to 24. 26. A recording medium on which the program of the copyright protection software according to claim 1 is recorded.