JP2002175218A - Storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a copy of control information between memory cards while preventing leakage of the information and an illicit copy, and to eliminate limitation by the number of slots in an equipment. SOLUTION: Key information is recorded in a data storage area 15 of the memory card 10, and plural actual informations are recorded in plural data storage areas 25 of the memory card 20. The information is copied from the memory card 10 to the memory card 20 to make the corresponding actual information effective. When the key information is copied, a copy history is recorded in the memory card 10, an identification number of the memory card 20 in a copied side is also recorded therein, and the key information is allowed thereafter to be recopied to the memory card 20 having the same identification number. The memory card 20 obtaining the key information is inserted into the slot of the equipment, and the equipment is allowed thereby to use the actual information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for storing control information of a predetermined device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are card-shaped recording media utilizing semiconductor memory and magnetic recording. These card-shaped recording media are used in various devices such as PCs, OA devices, home electric appliances, game machines, and industrial devices.

[0003] A general use form of a card recording medium in these devices will be described. During the operation of the device,
Alternatively, after a series of operations of the device is completed, a card recording medium is inserted into a slot provided in the device. Then, by executing a write instruction to the card recording medium by a predetermined operation, the operating state of the device in progress, setting information, and the like are saved.

[0004] One example of a use form of such a card recording medium is a use form in a game machine. The user can use a medium (cartridge or CD-
ROM) on the game machine and enjoy the game. Then, during the progress of the game or when the game is temporarily stopped, the state of the game in progress is stored in the card recording medium.

[0005] These card recording media include those having electrical contacts and those using RF (radio frequency) cards that do not have electrical contacts using electromagnetic waves. Since a card recording medium having no electrical contact can transmit and receive data in a non-contact manner, a troublesome operation of inserting the card recording medium into a slot provided in the device can be eliminated.

[0006]

The main purpose of the use of the card recording medium described above is to preserve the state of the device. On the other hand, if you want to add a function to the device control program or change the function,
Modifying the control program is a very complicated task. Therefore, a method of supplying a medium on which such additional information is recorded as a card recording medium is conceivable.

[0007] By using the card recording medium for supplying control information in this way, it is possible to flexibly change the control of the device. However, information recorded on a plurality of card recording media can be used simultaneously. In some cases, it may be necessary to control the equipment, or the work efficiency of the equipment may be improved by using it at the same time.

However, the number of slots of devices such as PCs and OA devices is limited. Generally, the number of card slots is one or two, so the number of usable cards, that is, the number of data that can be handled Will be limited.
The use of manually replacing the card recording medium as needed is a very cumbersome operation when attachment / detachment to a device frequently occurs.

On the other hand, it is possible to copy information from a plurality of cards to a larger storage device and electronically select and use necessary information from the information. However, information whose right is to be protected is improperly used. May be copied to

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present invention combines a small-capacity memory card and a large-capacity memory card to prevent leakage and unauthorized copying of information and supply control information to devices. The purpose is to provide.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for storing control information of a predetermined device, comprising: a first storage medium for storing the control information; A second storage medium for copying the control information from a first storage medium and storing a copy thereof, wherein the first storage medium records a copy history when the control information is copied; Means for restricting copying again after the history is recorded, wherein the second storage medium is a storage medium readable by the device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the storage system according to the first aspect, the first storage medium further stores a copy destination of the second storage medium when the control information is copied. A means for acquiring an identification number, means for recording the acquired identification number, and means for permitting re-copying on the second storage medium on which the identification number is recorded.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the storage system according to the first or second aspect, the first storage medium is a relatively small-capacity storage medium, and the second storage medium is a relatively small-capacity storage medium. It is a large-capacity storage medium, wherein the second storage medium stores copies of a plurality of pieces of control information copied from a plurality of first storage media.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the storage system according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising:
When the control information is copied from the first storage medium to the second storage medium, a means for encrypting the control information is included.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the storage system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control information is a key for giving validity to actual information for controlling the device. Information, the second storage medium includes, in a storage area thereof, the actual information in an invalid state in advance, the system includes means for copying the key information from the first storage medium to the second storage medium. Means for giving validity to the actual information stored in the second storage medium by duplicating the key information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the storage system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, actual information for controlling the device is stored in a third storage means provided in the device. Wherein the control information includes key information for imparting validity to the actual information, wherein the system is configured to copy the key information from the first storage medium to the second storage medium; Means for adding validity to the actual information provided in the third storage means by reading the second storage medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the storage system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control information includes actual information for controlling the device. It is characterized by including means for copying the real information from the first storage medium to the second storage medium, and means for supplying the real information to the device by reading the second storage medium.

The invention according to claim 8 is a system for storing control information of a predetermined device, wherein actual information for controlling the device is stored in a storage means readable by the device. A first storage medium for storing key information for giving validity to actual information, a wireless communication unit enabling mutual communication between the first storage medium, and the first storage medium via the wireless communication unit; Means for giving validity to the actual information by reading the key information held in a storage medium.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the storage system according to the eighth aspect, the storage means stores a plurality of pieces of the real information, and further includes:
There is provided a means for simultaneously reading each key information held by the plurality of first storage media, thereby giving validity to the plurality of pieces of real information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the storage system according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, the device is a game machine, and the actual information is character information appearing in a game. It is characterized by the following.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

{1. Embodiment 1 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a home game machine 50. The consumer game machine 50 includes a slot 55, and a game program can be read from the game cartridge by inserting a game cartridge into the slot 55. The user can execute the game by setting a game cartridge and performing a predetermined operation using the controller 59 or the like. The video output from the game machine 50 is sent to the display 6 via the connection cable,
An image of the game is displayed on the display 6.

In the present embodiment, the game program executed in the game machine 50 is supplied via a game cartridge, but the game program is a CD.
-A type supplied by a ROM or a DVD-ROM may be used. The game program may be downloaded from the Internet by providing the game machine 50 with a communication function.

The game machine 50 also has a memory slot 5
1 and 52 are provided. Depending on the game program,
One that can save the state of the game in progress,
Some can save customized states. When the user wants to save the state after the game has been advanced, the user can save the progress state and the set state of the game by inserting a memory card into the memory slot 51 (or 52). .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the storage system according to this embodiment. As shown, the storage system includes a game machine (control device) 50, a small-capacity memory card 10 for data transport, and a large-capacity memory card 20 for data storage.

Here, as described above, the memory cards 10 and 20 in the present embodiment are not storage media for storing the state of the game, but storage data for giving additional control to the game. It is used as a medium. Of course, it can be used for the purpose of storing the state of the game, and may be shared as a storage medium for storing the state.

The game machine 50 has interfaces 510 and 520 with a memory card, copying means 53, and a control device 54. Interfaces 510 and 520
Is an interface for controlling communication with a memory card inserted in the memory slots 51 and 52 described above.
The control device 54 is a device for realizing all functions as the game machine 50 in the present embodiment. The control device 54 includes the slot 55 and the slot 5 shown in FIG.
5, means for controlling communication with the interface of the game cartridge via the interface 5, means for receiving a control command from the controller 59 and controlling the game program, and the like.

The memory card 10 is capable of storing a relatively small amount of data. The small-sized memory card 10 is inserted into a memory slot 51 (or 52) of the game machine 50 to play a game. Although it is possible to provide control information to the memory device 50, in the present embodiment, data recorded on the memory card 10 is copied to the large-capacity memory card 20, and the memory card 20 is inserted into the memory slot 52 (or 51). ), The game machine 50 reads data recorded on the memory card 20 (10).

The advantage of copying the data recorded on the small-capacity memory card 10 to the large-capacity memory card 20 firstly is that there is no restriction on the number of memory slots. is there. That is, since the number of memory slots provided in the control device (game device 50) is limited (usually one or two slots), it is necessary to read data from a plurality of memory cards. It is necessary to replace the memory card every time and read all the memory cards, which is very troublesome. Therefore, by copying data recorded on a plurality of memory cards to a large-capacity memory card, data can be read only by one operation of reading the large-capacity memory card. It is.

A second advantage is that data stored in a plurality of memory cards can be accessed simultaneously. As described above, in the method of accessing the data recorded on the memory card while replacing the memory card with one or two slots, it is impossible to access these plural data at the same time. become. On the other hand, by concentrating the data on a large-capacity memory card, the control device (game machine 50) can perform simultaneous operations (simultaneous operations are not possible in a strict sense, This makes it possible to access a plurality of data.

A third advantage is that there is no need to carry a plurality of memory cards. Necessary data is collected and stored in one memory card 20, so that it is excellent in portability and portability.

<1. Copy of Key Information> A small-capacity memory card 1 utilizing the storage system configured as described above
An embodiment in which key information is copied from 0 to a large-capacity memory card 20 will be described.

First, the definitions of the terms "actual information" and "key information" commonly used in the following embodiments will be described. Actual information is a program that controls equipment,
Indicates setting information. That is, the actual information is substantial information for controlling the device. When the device is operable by the execution of the control program, the actual information recorded on the memory card can be added to change the operation or add functions. Becomes

The key information is key information for giving validity to the above-mentioned actual information. For example, the actual information recorded on the memory card is set invalid in the initial state. In this initial state, the game machine cannot read and execute the real information from the memory card, and can execute the real information only when the key information is verified. .

As shown in FIG. 2, each memory card 10
Has a data storage area 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the data storage area 15 stores key information 30 of game characters. As shown in the figure, key information 30, 30 of characters X, Y is recorded on the two memory cards 10, 10, respectively.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the large-capacity memory card 20 has a plurality of data storage areas 25 and 2.
, But as shown in FIG. 3, in this data area 25, actual information 31
Is recorded. As shown in FIG.
Records actual information 31, 31 of characters X, Y.

That is, actual information 31, 31 of a plurality of characters is recorded on the memory card 20 in advance, and these data are invalid (unusable). The key information 30 for validating each of the real information 31 is stored in the memory card 10.
It is recorded in.

As a use form of such a memory card, for example, when a certain game is purchased, a character card (memory card 20) in which a plurality of character information is recorded in addition to a game cartridge in which a game program is recorded. Attached. The user can advance the game by setting a game cartridge. However, if a user wants to add a character, the user can select a required character from the characters recorded on the character card (memory card 20). select.
Then, the user purchases the memory card 10 on which the key information 30 of the selected character is recorded. This makes it possible to use only the specific actual information 31 in the character card as valid.

By adopting such a method, for example, only the key information 30 needs to be recorded on the memory card 10 sold separately, so that a small-capacity memory card can be used as the memory card 10. Become.

Further, since the real information is not to be copied, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the real information. Particularly, if the copying of the actual information from the character card (memory card 20) on which the actual information is recorded is prohibited, the leakage can be surely prevented.

Next, a method of copying the key information 30 will be described. First, the memory card 10 and the memory card 20 are inserted into the memory slots 51 and 52 of the game machine 50. Thereby, the memory card 10 and the game machine 50
Can be communicated via the interfaces 11 and 510, and the memory card 20 and the game machine 50 can be communicated via the interfaces 21 and 520.

The controller 59 of the game machine 50
By performing a predetermined operation using, for example, the copying unit 5
3 is executed, and the key information 30 recorded on the memory card 10 is copied to the memory card 20. At this time, the key information 30 is encrypted by the encryption circuit 12 and decrypted by the encryption circuit 22 of the memory card 20, so that data leakage can be prevented.

The key information 30 copied to the memory card 20 is recorded in a predetermined storage area. Game console 50
Is executed by referring to the key information 30 to make the corresponding real information 31 valid.

That is, the key information 30 of the character recorded on the memory card 10 can be decrypted only by the memory card 20 on which the actual information 31 of the character is recorded, thereby preventing unauthorized copying of data. You can do it. For example, even when the actual information 31 of the character recorded on the memory card 20 and the corresponding key information 30 recorded on the memory card 10 are copied to another memory card, the key information 30 is used. Therefore, the actual information 31 of the character cannot be executed as valid.

The access control circuit 13 provided in the memory card 10 leaves a copy history in the history storage means 14 when the key information 30 is copied to the memory card 20.

The history storage means 14 is writable only once. When the copy history is written in the history storage means 14, the access control circuit 13 further stores the key information 30 in another memory card. There is a means for restricting the user from making copies. By imposing such copy restrictions, one memory card 10
To prevent the key information 30 from being illegally copied to a large number of memory cards 20.

After duplicating the key information 30, unauthorized copying should be prevented for other memory cards, but copying may be permitted again for the same memory card 20. .

For this reason, in the present embodiment, the memory card 20 holds a unique identification number in the identification number storage area 27, and the access control circuit 13 of the memory card 10 When the information 30 is copied, the identification number of the memory card 20 is obtained, and the identification number is stored together with the copy history in the history storage unit 1.
4 is written. Thus, even after the copy history is written in the history storage unit 14, the access control circuit 13 can specify the identification number of the memory card 20 of the copy destination when a copy request of the key information 30 occurs. The identification number recorded in the history storage unit 14 is collated, and if the identification numbers match, copying can be permitted.

By adopting such a method, it is possible to copy the key information 30 to the valid memory card 20 a plurality of times.
Even if the key information 30 copied to the memory card 10 has been deleted, the key information 30 can be copied again from the same memory card 10.

In the above description, the key information 30 relating to a single character has been described as being stored in the memory card 10. However, the key information 30 of a plurality of characters is stored in the memory card 10 within the capacity of the memory card 10. May be recorded. The same applies to the following embodiments.

In this embodiment, the method of copying information from the memory card 10 to the memory card 20 has been described by using the game machine 50.
A dedicated copy machine may be installed in a convenience store or the like.

<2. Master Key> Next, an embodiment in which the key information 30 is copied from the small-capacity memory card 10 to the large-capacity memory card 20 and the memory card 20 is used as a master key will be described. The configuration of the storage system is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the contents of data recorded in the data storage area 25 of the memory card 20 are different.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the data storage area 15 of the memory card 10, key information 30 of a game character is recorded in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, two memory cards 10 and 10 have key information 30 and 30 of characters X and Y, respectively.
Is recorded.

On the other hand, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the actual information 31 of the game character is not recorded in the data storage area 25 of the memory card 20. As shown in the figure, actual information 31 of characters X and Y
Are recorded in the game cartridge in advance.
Alternatively, it can be obtained via a network such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or the Internet,
The obtained actual information 31 of the character may be recorded in another storage device.

That is, real information 31 of a plurality of characters is recorded in advance in a game cartridge or the like, and these data are in an invalid (unusable) state. Then, the key information 30 for validating each of the real information 31 is recorded on the memory card 10.

As a use form of such a memory card, for example, when a certain game is purchased, actual information 31 of a plurality of characters is recorded in a game cartridge in which a game program is recorded. The user can proceed with the game by setting the game cartridge in the game machine 50. However, when a user wants to add a character, the required character among the characters recorded in the game cartridge is required. The memory card 10 on which the key information 30 is recorded is obtained (for example, purchased).

Further, when it is desired to use a plurality of characters, a plurality of memory cards 10 are obtained, and the key information 30 recorded on the plurality of memory cards 10 is copied to one memory card 20. . Thus, by inserting the memory card 20 as a master key into the memory slot 52 (or 51) of the game machine 50, a plurality of characters in the game cartridge can be used at the same time.

The method of copying the key information 30, the method of storing the copy history, and the method of obtaining the identification number of the copy destination memory card 20 are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIG. Is secured.

<3. Copy of Real Information> Next, an embodiment of copying the real information 31 of the game character from the small-capacity memory card 10 to the large-capacity memory card 20 will be described. Note that the configuration of the storage system is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the contents of data recorded in the data storage areas 15 and 25 of the memory card 10 and the memory card 20 are different.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the data storage area 15 of the memory card 10, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, real information 31 of a game character is recorded. As shown in the figure, actual information 31, 31 of characters X, Y are recorded in the data storage areas 15, 15 of the two memory cards 10, 10, respectively.

On the other hand, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the actual information 31 of the game character is not recorded in the data storage area 25 of the memory card 20.

That is, as in the above-described embodiment, the actual information 31 of a plurality of characters is not recorded in the memory card 20 or the game cartridge in advance, but is individually stored in each memory card 10. Has been recorded. Each of these real information 31 is stored in the memory card 2
By copying to 0, a memory card 20 having valid actual information 31 of a plurality of characters is created.

As a use form of such a memory card, for example, when a certain game is purchased, only standard character information is recorded in a game cartridge in which a game program is recorded. The user can proceed with the game by setting the game cartridge. However, when the user wants to add a character, the user obtains (for example, purchases) the memory card 10 on which the necessary real information 31 of the character is recorded. You do it. This memory card 10 is inserted into the memory slot 5 of the game machine 50.
1 (52), it is possible to add a single character.

Further, when it is desired to use a plurality of characters, a plurality of memory cards 10 are purchased, and the real information 31 recorded on the plurality of memory cards 10 is copied to one memory card 20. By inserting the memory card 20 having the actual information 31 of a plurality of characters into the memory slot 52 (or 51) of the game machine 50, it is possible to simultaneously use the plurality of character information in the memory card 20. It becomes.

The method of copying the key information, the method of storing the copy history, and the method of obtaining the identification number of the copy destination memory card 20 are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIG.
Prevents unauthorized copying.

The method of copying the real information 31 requires a somewhat large storage capacity in the memory card 10. Or, it is suitable when the actual information 31 is setting information having a relatively small data capacity.

{2. Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is also described using the game machine 50A as an example. Game console 5
The configuration of 0A is basically the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1, except that the communication interface between the memory card and the game machine is of a non-contact type.

As shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG.
0A) has a reader 51A. Reader 51A
May be configured integrally with the game machine 50A, or may be configured separately. In the case of another configuration, wired and wireless communication may be performed between the game machine 50A main body and the reader 51A.

The reader 51A is a non-contact type card interface. By arranging the memory card 10A near the reader 51A, wireless communication with the interface 11A of the memory card 10A is enabled.

The memory card 10A, as shown in FIG.
An interface 11A, a data storage area 15A, an antenna 17A, and a protocol control circuit 18A are provided.

The interface 11A is connected to the antenna 17A
The communication control is performed with the reader 51A via the. In addition, the protocol control circuit 18A
This is a circuit for controlling communication performed with the communication interface A.

As in the first embodiment, the memory card 10A also has a data storage area 15A, in which key information 30 of a game character is recorded. That is, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, real information 31 of a plurality of characters is recorded in the game cartridge in advance, and the information is invalid.

When the user wants to use an additional character from the actual information 31 of a plurality of characters recorded in the game cartridge, the user obtains the memory card 10A in which the key information 30 of the character is recorded (for example, Purchase). By arranging the memory card 10A at a position near the reader 51A, the game machine 50 reads the key information of the memory card 10A and makes the specific character information in the game cartridge valid.

Further, when the user wants to use a plurality of character information recorded in the game cartridge, as shown in the figure, he obtains a plurality of memory cards 10A on which corresponding key information 30 is recorded, and Is arranged at a position near the reader 51A. As a result, the game machine 50A can simultaneously read the plurality of key information 30 from the plurality of memory cards 10A, and can simultaneously make the plurality of character information recorded in the game cartridge valid. .

With such a configuration, it is not necessary to copy a plurality of pieces of key information 30 to one memory card as in the case of creating the master key in the first embodiment. In other words, by arranging the plurality of memory cards 10A recording the key information 30 as they are near the reader 51A, the plurality of key information 30 can be read.

In this embodiment, the reader 51
A is formed in a sheet shape, and a plurality of memory cards 10A can be arranged on the reader 51A.

In the second embodiment, since the interface between the memory card 10A and the reader 51A is wireless communication, it is not suitable for communication of very large information at the present stage. Key information 30
It handles information with small data capacity such as.

However, except for the problem of data capacity restriction in wireless communication, the second embodiment also has
The actual information 31 of the character may be recorded on the memory card 10A. That is, by obtaining the memory card 10A in which the actual information 31 of the character is recorded and by arranging the memory card 10A in a position near the reader 51A, a new character can be added to the game. Further, by arranging a plurality of types of memory cards 10A recording the actual information 31 of the characters at positions near the reader 51A, it becomes possible to add a plurality of characters.

{3. Modified Example [0113] The target (actual information) to which a function is added in the above-described embodiment has been described using character information appearing in a game as an example, but another stage (space) of the game is supplied as additional information. You may do so.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, all the game machines have been described as examples, but the storage system of the present invention can also be used in control devices such as home appliances, OA devices, and industrial machines. It is.

Further, in the second embodiment, it has been described that the key information can be read by using the wireless communication interface without inserting the memory card 10A into the memory slot. When the reader 51A is configured by a sheet-like reader,
By arranging a plurality of memory cards 10A on the reader, a plurality of key information can be read.
The control of the control device (game device) may be changed depending on the arrangement of the memory card 10A.

For example, in the case of a Sengoku battle game, the arrangement of the memory card 10A on the reader may be directly used as the formation in the game. Memory card 10A
Corresponds to each character (warlord). In addition to the electronic control by the controller, the memory card 10A
It is possible to enjoy how to physically operate the.

Further, by increasing the area of the sheet-shaped leader, the present invention can be applied to sports games such as soccer and rugby. The game can be enjoyed while physically changing the formation so that the memory card 10A corresponds to each character (player).

The memory card 1 of the embodiment described above
A memory remaining amount checking mechanism may be provided at 0 (10A) and 20. For example, if a simple viewer is provided on the memory card so that the remaining amount and the used amount of the memory can be checked, it is convenient for data addition work and the like.

[0085]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control information is copied from the first storage medium to the second storage medium, the copy history is left in the first storage medium, and the copy history is stored in the first storage medium. After the recording, the duplication is restricted again, so that unauthorized copying of the control information can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the control information is copied, the first storage medium further stores the second copy destination.
Means for recording the identification number of the storage medium;
Since the storage medium is permitted to be copied again, even if the control information is deleted, the control information can be restored to a valid storage medium.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first storage medium is a storage medium having a relatively small capacity, the second storage medium is a storage medium having a relatively large capacity, and a plurality of storage mediums stored in the first storage medium. Since the control information is copied to the second storage medium,
The first storage medium can be constituted by a low-cost medium.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the copy from the first storage medium to the second storage medium is encrypted.
It is possible to prevent information leakage.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second storage medium stores actual information for controlling the device, and the first storage medium stores key information for validating the actual information. 1
Since the key information is copied from the storage medium to the second storage medium, only the small-capacity key information is stored in the first storage medium, so that the capacity of the first storage medium can be reduced. It is possible to speed up the duplication process.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the actual information for controlling the device is stored in the third storage means, and the key information stored in the first storage medium is copied to the second storage medium. Is read, the actual information is made effective, so that the capacity of the first storage medium can be similarly reduced. Further, by copying a plurality of pieces of key information to the second storage medium, the second storage medium can be used as a master key.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the first storage medium stores the actual information and copies the actual information to the second storage medium, it is possible to flexibly modify the control of the device. Become.

In the invention according to claim 8, since the key information is read from the first storage medium via the wireless communication means, the operation of inserting the storage medium into the slot of the device becomes unnecessary.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the key information is read from the plurality of first storage media via the wireless communication means. The control information can be simultaneously activated.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the present invention is applied to a game machine, and a character appearing in a game can be added.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overview diagram of a consumer game machine using a storage system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of a storage system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment for copying key information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which key information is duplicated to generate a master key.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment for copying real information.

FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of a storage system according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 small-capacity memory card 15 data storage area 20 large-capacity memory card 25 data storage area 27 identification number storage area 30 key information 31 actual information 50 control device (home game machine) 51 memory slot 52 memory slot 55 slot (for cartridge insertion) )

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 19/00 G06K 19/00 Q H04L 9/08 H04L 9/00 601E 9/10 621A 9/32 673B 673E (72) Inventor Takekuni Yamamoto 4-6-1 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi Inside Megachips Co., Ltd. Reference) 2C001 BA00 BA06 BD00 BD04 CB00 CB02 CB05 CB06 5B017 AA07 BA07 BB10 CA14 5B035 AA02 AA13 BB09 BC00 CA11 CA29 CA38 5B065 BA09 PA04 PA14 5J104 AA07 AA13 AA16 EA06 EA17 KA02 NA02 NA35 NA36 NA37

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A system for storing control information of a predetermined device, comprising: a first storage medium that stores the control information; and a second storage medium that copies the control information from the first storage medium and stores a copy of the control information. The first storage medium includes: a unit that records a duplication history when the control information is duplicated; and a unit that restricts duplication again after the duplication history is recorded. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the second storage medium is a storage medium readable by the device. 2. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the first storage medium further obtains an identification number of the second storage medium as a copy destination when the control information is copied. A storage system comprising: means for recording the acquired identification number; and means for permitting re-copying on the second storage medium on which the identification number is recorded. 3. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the first storage medium is a relatively small-capacity storage medium, and the second storage medium is a relatively large-capacity storage medium. Wherein the second storage medium stores copies of a plurality of control information copied from a plurality of first storage media. 4. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein said control information is copied when said control information is copied from said first storage medium to said second storage medium. Means for encrypting information,
A storage system comprising: 5. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes key information for giving validity to actual information for controlling the device. The second storage medium includes, in its storage area, the actual information in an invalid state in advance, the system includes: means for copying the key information from the first storage medium to the second storage medium; Means for imparting validity to the actual information stored in the second storage medium by duplicating the information. 6. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein actual information for controlling said device is stored in a third storage means provided in said device. The control information includes key information for giving validity to the real information, and the system includes: a unit configured to copy the key information from the first storage medium to the second storage medium; Means for giving validity to the actual information provided in the third storage means by reading the information. 7. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes real information for controlling the device, and the system stores the first storage. A storage system comprising: means for copying the actual information from a medium to the second storage medium; and means for supplying the actual information to the device by reading the second storage medium. 8. A system for storing control information of a predetermined device, wherein real information for controlling the device is stored in a storage device readable by the device, and the real information is First key information that accumulates
A wireless communication unit that enables mutual communication between the storage medium and the first storage medium; and reading the key information held by the first storage medium via the wireless communication unit, thereby realizing the actual Means for imparting validity to information. 9. The storage system according to claim 8, wherein said storage means stores a plurality of said real information, and further stores said plurality of first storage media via said wireless communication means. A storage system, comprising: a unit for simultaneously reading each key information to be held, thereby giving validity to a plurality of pieces of the real information. 10. The storage system according to claim 5, wherein the device is a game machine, and the real information is character information appearing in a game. Storage system.