JP2002189942A - System and method for patent license fee collection, and encoding device and decoding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a patent license fee collection system which can properly collect a patent license fee. SOLUTION: The patent license fee collection system is a system which collects the patent license fee from a dealer or manufacturer by a patent license managing company 1 and allots the license fee to the patentees. The patent license managing company 1 has a patent database 10 which stores information regarding registered patents, a key database 11 which stores key data for ciphering determined by patent groups, and a computer 12; and the computer 12 when receiving information regarding the constitution of coded software retrieves corresponding patent information from the patent database 10, requests the dealer or manufacturer of the encoded software to pay for the patent license fee according to the retrieval result, and sends out patent license information according to the answers to the payment answered by dealer or manufacturer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to data encoding / coding.
The present invention relates to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalties for decoding, a patent royalties collection method, and an encoding device and a decoding device applied to the patent royalties system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, standardization of encoding of data such as images, videos, sounds, sounds, and CGs has been promoted, and multimedia has been rapidly promoted. In particular, in ISO / IEC 14496 (MPEG-4), standardization of multimedia encoding (compression format) is being promoted.
In this standard, in addition to the conventional video / audio data encoding, it is possible to define the spatial / temporal arrangement of each medium, and this is called a scene description. Also,
Each media is called an object. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, a scene description in which an image 601, a video image 602, and audio data 603 are arranged spatially / temporally is possible.

As a method of the scene description itself, VRML (Vir
BIFS (BInary Format for Scene des
cription) has been adopted. A description of the BIFS binarization method is omitted.

[0004] In addition to the scene description, data called an object descriptor (hereinafter referred to as OD) indicating the attribute of each object is added. The attributes include media attributes (video, audio, image, etc.), copyright holder information, QoS (Quality of Service) information, content rating information, and the like. These attributes themselves are included in the OD as one descriptor each.

Next, the bit stream will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the entire configuration of the bit stream.

As shown in FIG. 24, a bit stream is composed of an initial object descriptor 1401 storing properties of the entire bit stream (such as a profile of the bit stream), a BIFS stream 1402 storing scene information, and subsequent objects. ODs 1403 and 1406 in which the attribute of the attribute is described. In this example, two ODs 1403, 1406 (OD
1, OD2). In each OD, a plurality of elementary stream descriptors (hereinafter, referred to as ESD) indicating attributes of each media stream (this is called an elementary stream) can be described. Also, each OD
The ESs in the list are ES1 and ES2.

According to the standard, copyright management information and access control information can be added to each OD and ES. This information is stored in IPMP (Intellectual Property Manager).
mentand Protection) information. The details of the IPMP information itself are described by a descriptor called an IPMP descriptor. Actually, there are many implementation examples in which encryption is used for access control.

[0008] However, the IPMP method (descriptor syntax) is not specified, and is a free syntax. Also, RA (Registration Authority)
Describes only the registered IPMP system type number.

As described above, regarding the OD, ESD, and IPMP descriptors, as shown in FIG. 24, they must be placed at the head of the stream before each elementary stream. However, each descriptor can add, delete, or change the descriptor by inserting an update command in the middle of the stream.

Next, details of the IPMP descriptor will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the IPMP descriptor.

As shown in FIG. 25, the IPMP descriptor has a descriptor tag 1601 for indicating the type of the descriptor, and the total length (number of bytes) of the descriptor.
Field 1602 indicating a descriptor ID
1603, IPMPS_Type indicating security type number
1604 and an option field 1605. In the option field 1605, data accompanying IPMP can be appropriately inserted. The syntax in this field is free.

Next, a system encoder for generating these bit streams will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system encoder for generating a bit stream.

The system encoder includes an object descriptor generator 1701, a media encoder 1702, and an IPMP controller 170, as shown in FIG.
3, a BIFS encoder 1704, an update control unit 1705, and a multiplexer (MUX) 1706. The object descriptor generator 1701
The above-described descriptor is appropriately generated according to the properties of the bit stream. Media encoder 1
702 actually encodes data such as video and audio. An IPMP controller 1703 controls media encoding. BIFS encoder 1704
Converts the scene information into binary. The update control unit 1705 inserts a command for updating properties such as OD, ESD, and IPMP descriptor as needed. A multiplexer (MUX) 1706 finally multiplexes the above descriptors and media streams as one SL packet.

Next, the configuration of a decoder (reproducer) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a decoder.

The decoder comprises a demultiplexer 1801 and a descriptor parser 1802 as shown in FIG.
, BIFS decoder 1803, and media decoder 180
4, the IPMP controller 1805, and the synchronization control unit 180
6 and a renderer 1807.

The demultiplexer 1801 discriminates each descriptor and ES. Descriptor parser 1802
Determines the type of descriptor based on the tag information,
The contents of each descriptor are decrypted and set in each section as appropriate. The BIFS decoder 1803 decodes the binarized BIFS stream and reconstructs a scene structure. The media decoder 1804 actually decodes a media decoder for video, audio, image, and the like. The renderer 1807 is a mechanism for appropriately displaying and reproducing each object according to the scene structure. The IPMP controller 1805 performs media playback control (playback restriction, effect control, etc.) according to the information of the IPMP descriptor and IPMP_ES. For example, if the data is encrypted, the data is transferred to the media decoder 1804 after decrypting the code. A synchronization control unit 1806 controls synchronization between media.

Here, the method of transferring data from the encoder side shown in FIG. 26 to the decoder (reproducer) side shown in FIG. 27 is not specifically described, but in the case of transmission over a network, all data are transferred as one bit stream. In general, transmission and reception are performed in the same session.

On the other hand, as the content becomes more complicated and more sophisticated as in the MPEG encoding method, organizations engaged in standardization work /
There is a growing trend among companies to recover the costs of standardization work by paying for technology royalties. In fact, regarding MPEG-2, a patent licensing company has been established, and royalty fees for important patents related to MPEG-2 are charged by each company for a uniform amount for each product. Codec companies and other companies have become licensees to collectively license MPEG-2 patents, and are paying royalties. Payments are based on self-reports from each company.

[0019]

However, it is very difficult to accurately grasp the sold product by such self-reported collection. In addition, when downloading a new tool or software with the extension of the function, calculation of the royalty fee for the added portion becomes complicated and may not be collected correctly.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for collecting a license fee and a method for collecting a license fee which can properly collect a license fee.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an encoding device and a decoding device which enable proper collection of a license fee.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an encoding apparatus and a coding apparatus capable of properly collecting a license fee even when the conditions of use of a patent are changed due to a function expansion due to a version upgrade or the like. A decoding device is provided.

[0023]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A royalties collection system for collecting royalties by associating coding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging coded data with a patent right holder having a patent necessary for the configuration of the coding means. A patent information storage unit configured to store patent information necessary for the configuration of the encoding unit; a configuration information reception unit configured to receive configuration information relating to the configuration of the encoding unit; Patent information searching means for searching for patent information optimal for the content received by the receiving means, and billing means for paying a royalty to the seller or producer of the encoding means based on the search result of the patent information searching means. And a payment response receiving means for receiving a payment response to the bill from the seller or the manufacturer; and transmitting patent use permission information according to the payment response. Characterized in that it comprises a permission information transmitting unit that.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to the first aspect, the configuration information receiving means has a manufacturer information receiving means for receiving information of a manufacturer of the encoding means. It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system of the first aspect, the permission information sending means includes an encryption key for creating a key for encrypting a content with respect to the patent information. It is characterized by having generating means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to the first aspect, the encoding means comprises: a patent information transmitting means for transmitting information relating to a patent used by the encoding means; Patent information encoding means for encoding information on a patent to be issued, permission information receiving means for receiving patent use permission information sent from the permission information sending means, and permission information for encoding the received patent use permission information Encoding means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to the first aspect, the encoding means includes a function extension means for extending the function of the encoding means, and a patent for use in the function extension. Patent information transmitting means for transmitting information about the patent, patent information encoding means for encoding the information about the patent to be used, permission information receiving means for receiving the patent use permission information sent from the permission information sending means, Permission information encoding means for encoding the received patent use permission information.

[0028] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
In the patent royalties collection system according to any one of the above, the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a royalties associated with decoding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and a patent right holder having a patent necessary for the configuration of the decoding means are associated with each other. A system for collecting patent royalties, comprising: a patent information storage unit for storing patent information necessary for the configuration of the decryption unit; a configuration information receiving unit for receiving information on the configuration of the decryption unit; Means for searching patent information optimal for the content received by the configuration information receiving means, and payment of a license fee to a seller or a manufacturer of the decoding means based on the search result of the patent information search means. Means for invoicing, a payment response receiving means for receiving a payment response to the request from the seller or the manufacturer, Characterized in that it comprises a permission information sending means for sending the license information.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to the seventh aspect, the configuration information receiving means includes a manufacturer information receiving means for receiving information of a manufacturer of the decoding means. Features.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to the seventh aspect, the permission information sending means includes an encryption key for creating a key for encrypting a content with respect to the patent information. It is characterized by having generating means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to the seventh aspect, the decoding means decodes information relating to a patent used at the time of encoding, and the patent use permission information. Permission information decoding means for decoding information, patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding, information on patents used at the time of the decoded encoding, information on patents held at the time of decoding held And decoding control means for controlling decoding of the encoded data by using any of the decoded patent use permission information.

[0033] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to the seventh aspect, the decoding means is a patent information decoding means for decoding information relating to a patent used at the time of encoding, and is necessary for function expansion. Patent information transmitting means for transmitting information on patents, function expanding means for expanding the functions, permission information decoding means for decoding the patent permission information, and patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding And decoding control means for controlling decoding based on any of the information on the patent used at the time of the decoded encoding, the information on the patent used at the time of the decoding held, and the decoded patent use permission information. It is characterized by the following.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection system according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. There is a feature.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a patent is used by associating an encoding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data with a patent right holder having a patent required for the configuration of the encoding means. A method for collecting a royalties, comprising: receiving configuration information relating to the configuration of the encoding means; and storing the patent information necessary for the configuration of the encoding means. Searching for patent information corresponding to the information; requesting a distributor or manufacturer of the encoding means to pay a patent royalty based on the search result; and responding to the request from the distributor or manufacturer. The method comprises the steps of receiving a payment reply and transmitting patent use permission information in response to the payment reply.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for collecting a license fee according to the thirteenth aspect, the method further comprises a step of receiving information on a manufacturer of the encoding means.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for collecting a license fee according to the thirteenth aspect, there is provided a method for generating a key for encrypting a content with respect to the patent information.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for collecting a license fee according to the thirteenth aspect, the encoding means transmits information relating to a patent used by the encoding means, Encoding the information; receiving the patent use permission information transmitted from the permission information transmitting means; and encoding the received patent use permission information.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for collecting a license fee according to the thirteenth aspect, the encoding means extends a function of the encoding means, and information relating to a patent used in the function extension. Transmitting the license information, encoding the information on the patent to be used, receiving the license information transmitted from the license information transmitting means, and encoding the received license information. And characterized in that:

The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. There is a feature.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a royalties are associated with a decoding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and a patent right holder having a patent necessary for the structure of the decoding means. A method for collecting royalties, comprising: receiving information on the configuration of the decryption means; and storing, from a storage means for storing patent information necessary for the configuration of the decryption means, a patent corresponding to the received configuration information. Searching for information, requesting a distributor or manufacturer of the decryption means to pay a royalty based on the search result, and receiving a payment response to the request from the seller or manufacturer. And transmitting the patent use permission information in response to the payment reply.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the method for collecting a license fee according to the nineteenth aspect, the method further comprises a step of receiving information on a manufacturer of the decryption means.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided the method for collecting a license fee according to the nineteenth aspect, further comprising a step of creating a key for encrypting the content with respect to the patent information.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the patent royalties collection method of the nineteenth aspect, the decoding means decodes information relating to a patent used at the time of encoding, and decodes the patent use permission information. And controlling the decoding of the encoded data by any one of the following: information on the patent used at the time of the decoded encoding, information on the patent to be used at the time of decoding, which is stored in advance, and the decoded patent use permission information. And a process.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the method for collecting royalties according to the nineteenth aspect, the decoding means decodes information relating to a patent used at the time of encoding, and information relating to a patent required for function expansion. Transmitting the, the step of extending the function, the step of decoding the patent permission information, information on the patent used at the time of decoding the decoded, information on the patent used at the time of decoding is stored in advance, Controlling decryption using any of the decrypted patent use permission information.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method for collecting royalties according to any one of the nineteenth to twenty-third aspects, the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. There is a feature.

The invention according to claim 25 is used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data, and is applied to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalties in association with a patent right holder. And patent information transmitting means for transmitting information about the patent to be used,
Patent information encoding means for encoding information on the patent to be used, permission information receiving means for receiving patent permission information from the patent royalties collection system, and permission information for encoding the received patent use permission information Encoding means.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the encoding device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method.

The invention according to claim 27 is used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data, and is applied to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalties in association with a patent right holder. A function extension unit for extending a function, a patent information transmission unit for transmitting information on a patent used in the function extension, a patent information encoding unit for encoding information on the patent to be used, and the patent It is characterized by having permission information receiving means for receiving patent use permission information from the royalty collection system, and permission information encoding means for encoding the received permission information.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the encoding device according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method.

The invention according to claim 29 is a decoding apparatus used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and applied to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalties in association with a patent right holder. Patent information decoding means for decoding information on patents used at the time of encoding, permission information decoding means for decoding patent use permission information, patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding, Decoding control means for controlling decoding of the coded data by one of the decoded information on the patent used at the time of encoding, the held information on the patent used at the time of decoding, and the decoded patent use permission information; It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 30 is characterized in that, in the decoding device according to claim 29, the encoded data is data encoded by the MPEG-4 encoding method.

The invention according to claim 31 is a decoding apparatus used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and applied to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalties in association with a patent right holder. Patent information decoding means for decoding information on patents used at the time of encoding, patent information transmitting means for transmitting information on patents required for function expansion, function expansion means for expanding the functions, and patent permission information Permission information decoding means for decoding the information, patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding, information on patents used at the time of the decoded encoding, and patents used at the time of the held decoding. And decryption control means for controlling decryption based on any of the information and the decrypted patent use permission information.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the decoding device according to the thirty-first aspect, the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method.

[0055]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a patent royalties collection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the encoding method
The case where the MPEG-4 encoding method is used will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the patent licensing system collects royalties from an encoder maker 2 and a decoder maker 4 by a patent license management company 1 and distributes the royalties to the patent owner 6. System.
Here, the patent owner 6 holds a patent essential for encoding and decoding. In the present embodiment, the patent held by the patent holder 6 is a patent essential for encoding or decoding of the MPEG-4 encoding method, and the encoder manufacturing company 2 uses the patent held by the patent holder 6. Produces and sells coding software and equipment. Encoding software and devices sold by encoder manufacturer 2 are content provider 3
The content provider 3 creates encoded data of the content using the purchased encoding software or device. Also, the decoder production company 4
It produces and sells software and devices for decryption using patents owned by the patent owner 6. Decoding software and devices sold by the decoder manufacturing company 4 are purchased by the user 5, and the user 5 decodes and uses the encoded data of the content.

Next, the system of the patent license management company 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the patent license management company of FIG.

In the patent license management company 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a system for collecting a license fee and distributing the license fee is constructed, and this system accumulates information on registered patents. Patent database 10
A key database 11 for storing key data for performing encryption determined for each patent group, a patent database 10, a computer 12 for managing the key database 11 and performing various processes, and a patent license management company 1
And a communication interface 13 for managing and controlling communication with the outside.

The communication interface 13 is connectable to an AV terminal 15 and a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as PC) 16 via a public network (including a dedicated line) 14. The AV terminal 15 is a terminal that handles MPEG-4 encoded data, and the PC 16 has a function of generating and decoding MPEG-4 encoded data. Generally, these AV terminals 1
5. The PC 16 is owned by the content provider 3 or the user 5 (FIG. 1). In addition, the communication interface 13 is a patent holding company 17 that possesses essential patents,
Individual patent holders 18 with essential patents, MPEG-4
The AV terminal 15 that performs encoding and decoding of the encoding method is manufactured.
Manufacturer 19 to sell, software production company 2 that produces and sells software that encodes and decodes MPEG-4 encoding system
0, it is communicably connected to a bank 21 that performs remittance and deposit of cash and the like. Here, the patent holder 17 and the patent holder 18 constitute the patent holder 6 shown in FIG. Also,
Here, the bank 21 is illustrated as an institution that performs settlement, but is not limited to this. Further, although the form of the product is an AV terminal or software, the present invention is not limited to this.

In the above configuration, the patent holder 17 or the patent holder 18 as the patent owner 6 requests the patent license management company 1 through the communication interface 13 to manage the patent license and registers the patent. The operation of the computer 12 at this time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the computer when the patent license is registered by the patent owner in the patent license management company 1 in FIG.

The computer 12 of the patent license management company 1 performs a patent registration process for a patent license upon receiving a request from the patent holder 6 (patent holder 17 or patent holder 18).

In this patent registration process, as shown in FIG. 3, first, in step S1, information on a patent essential for an encoding system is received from the patent holding company 17 or the patent holder 18 via the communication interface 13. In the subsequent step S2, the received information on the patent is registered in the patent database 10, and at the same time, the patent information belonging to the same classification is determined by encoding / decoding, the class is classified, and the patent is registered in the patent database 10. For example, MPEG-
Regarding the video coding method of 4, the profile is set by the tool to be used. For example, Simple Pro
Profiles such as file, Core Profile, and Main Profile are set. In such a case, each Prof
Classification is performed for each ile, and these are determined depending on the payment method and classification of the license fee.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S3, wherein key data is generated. Here, when a new class is created in the patent database 10, keys necessary for encryption and decryption are generated. In the following step S4, the generated key is stored in the key database 11 corresponding to the class.

Next, the process proceeds to step S5, in which the distribution ratio is determined for each patent owner in accordance with the number of patents registered for each class, stored in the computer 12, and the process ends.

Next, the content providing company 3 or the user 5 sets the encoder manufacturing company 2 or the decoder manufacturing company 4
The case of using a product purchased from the company will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of software sold by the encoder manufacturing company of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of software sold by the decoder manufacturing company of FIG. Here, the product will be described as software, but there is no problem if one or all of the products are realized by hardware.

The software sold by the encoder manufacturer 2 (shown in FIG. 4) or the software sold by the decoder manufacturer 4 (shown in FIG. 5) is MPEG-4.
Includes an encoding or decoding program for the system, video, and audio data employed in the encoding method.

Specifically, the software sold by the encoder manufacturing company 2 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
System encoding program, video encoding program,
Audio encoding program, encryption encoding program,
It consists of patent information, producer information, program specifications, and a communication program. The system encoding program includes processing of encoded data relating to IPMP.
The encryption encoding program performs encryption encoding for encrypting encoded data in order to determine whether or not copyright protection and patent licensing are performed. Also, the communication program
This is a program for communicating with the patent license management company 1. The patent information is patent information used for encoding, and the maker information is information of the encoder manufacturing company 2. Further, in the program specifications, software profiles and tools are listed.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, software sold by the decoder manufacturer 4 includes a system decryption program, a video decryption program, an audio decryption program, an encryption decryption program, patent information, manufacturer information,
It consists of program specifications and communication programs.
The system decryption program includes decryption data processing related to IPMP. The encryption / decryption program performs an encryption / decryption process in order to determine whether there is a copyright protection and a patent license. The communication program is a program for communicating with the patent license management company 1. The patent information is patent information used for decoding, and the maker information is information of the decoder manufacturing company 4. Further, in the program specifications, software profiles and tools are listed.

Next, a procedure for obtaining approval for using the product will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure when the content provider or the user obtains a license from the patent license management company to use the product in the patent royalty collection system of FIG. The procedure for obtaining authorization to use this product is performed by software purchased by the content provider or the user. Here, a procedure in which the content provider 3 or the user 5 obtains a license for using a product purchased from the encoder manufacturer 2, that is, software, will be described as an example.

When obtaining authorization to use the product, as shown in FIG. 6, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the authorization destination has already been authorized. Is completed, and if not approved, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the communication program is started. In step S103, the maker information, program specifications, and patent information are transmitted to the patent license management company 1. Upon receiving the transmitted information, the patent license management company 1 transmits key data for encryption as proof of patent license. The details will be described later.

Next, in step S104, the key data from the patent license management company 1 is received and obtained. In step S105, the communication program is terminated, the encryption program is started, and the flow advances to step S106. In step S106, the key data obtained by the encryption program is replaced with invalid key data recorded in advance. Here, the key data will be used for encryption for representing the license of the patent right.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S107, where the encryption program is terminated, and the present process is terminated.

The content providing company 3 or the user 5
The procedure for obtaining a license to use a product (decoding software) purchased from the decoder manufacturing company 4 is the same as the above procedure, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

Next, the procedure of the patent license management company 1 when permitting use of a patent will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure when the patent license management company permits the use of a patent in the patent royalty collection system of FIG. Here, the PC shown in FIG.
16 has software installed on it and PC1
From 6, creator information, program specifications, and patent information are input to the communication interface 13 via the public line network 14 by a communication program.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the computer 12 of the patent license management company 1, first, in step S201, creator information, patent information, and program specifications are input. A minimum patent group including a necessary patent is searched from the program specification, and in step S203, key data corresponding to the searched patent group is read from the key database 11, and is read from the communication interface 13 via the public line network 14. To the PC 16.

Then, the process proceeds to step S 204, in which the patent royalties are distributed and accumulated for each patent owner unit according to the distribution ratio of the patent owner unit according to the number of patents registered for each class. In step S205,
Based on the producer information, make a request for payment of patent royalties,
This is sent to the software production company 20, which is the creator, and the procedure for licensing the patent is completed.

The procedure for performing encoding using a product whose license has been licensed in this manner will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing encoding using a product whose patent is licensed, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of MP encoded data.

In this encoding process, as shown in FIG.
First, in step S301, the encoding program and the encryption program of each medium are started, and the subsequent step S301
At 302, data of content to be encoded is input.

Next, in step S303, IPMP encoding is performed. In step S304, a new IPMPS_Type is defined in the IPMP encoding format in addition to the existing IPMP encoding.

In this process, as shown in FIG.
A newly defined IPMPS_Type 153 is added. This IPMPS_Type 153 is a new security type number indicating the information of the licensed patent. Here, 1
Set to 1000 in hexadecimal. Then, Patent_Type 154, which is a code indicating the type of patent information, is added. If the content is 01h, this corresponds to the system (ISO / IEC 14496-
1) This indicates that patent information related to encoding is described in the option field. The content is 02
If h, this indicates that patent information on video (ISO / IEC 14496-2) coding is described in the option field. Further, if the content is 03h, this indicates that patent information relating to audio (ISO / IEC 14496-3) encoding is described in the option field.

Further, a Patent List 155 is added. This is an encoded list of patent numbers, which is a list of patent countries and patent numbers. For example, DE 69130329, FR 00564597, FR 00630157, GB 00
As represented by 564597, GB 00630157..., The first two letters represent the country (eg, DE for Germany), and the subsequent digits represent the patent number. This is encoded by the Lampel-Ziv method. The encoded data 170 encodes the licensed patent information of the system with IPMP encoded data,
The encoded data 171 encodes the licensed patent information of the video with IPMP encoded data.
Encodes patent information for which audio is licensed using IPMP encoded data.

Next, in step S304, the system encoding program, the video encoding program, and the audio encoding program are appropriately activated for the data of each content to generate each encoded data. Subsequent step S3
At 05, an encryption program is started, and encryption relating to a patent license is performed using key data. At this time, if the license for use of the patent is not received, the data is encrypted with invalid key data. Then, in step S306, the encoding program and the encryption program of each medium are terminated, and the present processing is terminated.

The procedure for decoding the data thus encoded will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
0 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing decryption using a product licensed for patent.

In this decoding process, as shown in FIG.
First, in step S351, a decryption program and an encryption decryption program for each medium are started, and in step S352, encoded data to be decrypted is input. Then, in step S353, the CPU decodes the IPMP encoded data and decodes the patent information.

Then, the process proceeds to step S354, and the license is correctly received based on the determination result such as whether the IPMP encoded data has been correctly decoded and whether the decoded patent information matches the patent information recorded on the decoding side. It is determined whether or not the data has been encoded by the encoding means. As a result of this determination, if the license has not been correctly received, the process proceeds to step S357, and if it is determined that the license has been correctly received, the process proceeds to step S35.
Go to 5.

In step S355, the encryption / decryption program decrypts the encryption relating to the patent license using the key data. At this time, if the encoding means does not receive a license to use the patent, it cannot be correctly decrypted because it is encrypted with invalid key data. If the decryption means does not receive a license to use the patent, the correct key data has not been received, so that the encryption cannot be correctly decrypted. Subsequently, in step S356, the encoded data that has been decrypted is decrypted by each decryption program, and data of each medium is obtained and reproduced.

Then, the flow advances to step S357 to terminate the decryption program and encryption / decryption program for each medium.
Then, the present process ends.

With such a series of selection operations, when the license of the patent is not properly granted, distribution of the content can be prevented and the collection of the license fee can be appropriately and easily performed. That is, the patent license management company 1
It is possible to easily and surely charge the royalty to the encoder manufacturer 2 and the decoder manufacturer 4, and finally pay the fee to the patent owner 6 in accordance with the accumulation of the collected royalty.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to the MPEG-4 encoding method as an example, the present invention is not limited to this.

The patent code may be provided by the patent license management company 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the encryption program uses encryption for licensing a patent, but encryption for copyright protection may be further performed.

Further, the encoder manufacturing company manufactures the encoding means, the decoder manufacturing company manufactures the decoding means, the purchaser of the encoding means is the content provider, and the purchaser of the decoding means is the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a patent royalties collection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of FIG. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The encoder manufacturing company 42 produces and sells software and apparatus for encoding using the patents owned by the patent owner 6, and the decoder producing company 44 decodes software and devices using the patents owned by the patent owner 6. Build the device,
Sold, encoder production company 42, decoder production company 4
4 licenses product licenses to patent license management company 51
It is configured to obtain from. Here, encoding software and devices sold by the encoder manufacturer 42 are purchased by the content provider 43, and decoding software and devices sold by the decoder manufacturer 44 are purchased by the user 5.

In the present embodiment, the procedure of requesting the management of the patent license of the patent owned by the patent owner 6 and registering the patent is performed in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment ( See the flowchart in FIG. 3).

Next, when the encoder manufacturing company 42 or the decoder manufacturing company 44 sells a product, it is necessary to obtain a license from the patent license management company 1 for the product. The procedure for obtaining this permission will be described with reference to FIG.

When the encoder manufacturing company 42 or the decoder manufacturing company 44 obtains a license to use the product, as shown in FIG. 12, first, in step S401, the maker information, the program specifications, and the number of products are managed by the patent license management. Send to company 1. In the patent license management company 1 receiving these information, as in the first embodiment described above,
The processing is performed according to the flowchart of FIG.

In the following step S402, the key data from the patent license management company 1 is received and obtained, and in step S403, the obtained key data is incorporated into the encrypted portion of the product, and this processing ends. I do. The key data is subsequently used for encryption for representing the license of a patent.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the encoder manufacturing company 42 or the decoder manufacturing company 44 sells a product, the license to use the product is obtained from the patent license management company 1. And the encoder manufacturing company 42 or the decoder manufacturing company 44 can collectively pay the license fee. This makes it possible to easily collect the royalty fee.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a patent royalties collection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of software sold by the encoder manufacturer, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of software sold by the decoder manufacturer of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of a computer when a patent license is registered by a patent owner in the patent license management company shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for obtaining a license for using the product from the management company, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for allowing the patent license management company to use a patent in the patent royalties collection system of FIG. 13, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of IPMP encoded data generated by using a patent-licensed product. FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing procedures for decoding using a patent-licensed product. Reference numeral 22 denotes an encoder manufacturing company or a decoder manufacturing company in the royalties collection system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which obtains the authorization regarding patent use when a company upgrades a version. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the patent licensing system collects royalties from an encoder production company 52 and a decoder production company 54 by a patent license management company 51 and distributes the royalties to the patent owner 6. System.

Here, the patent owner 6 holds a patent essential for encoding and decoding. In the present embodiment, the patent held by the patent holder 6 is a patent essential for encoding or decoding of the MPEG-4 encoding method, and the encoder manufacturing company 52 uses the patent held by the patent holder 6. Produces and sells coding software and equipment. Encoder manufacturing company 52
Are purchased by the content provider 53, and the content provider 53 creates encoded data of the content by using the purchased encoding software or device. The decoder manufacturing company 54 manufactures and sells decoding software and devices using the patents held by the patent owner 6.
Decoding software and devices sold by the decoder production company 54 are purchased by the user 55, and the user 55 decodes and uses the encoded data of the content.

The software sold by encoder manufacturer 52 (shown in FIG. 14) or the software sold by decoder manufacturer 54 (shown in FIG. 15)
Includes an encoding or decoding program for each system, video, and audio data employed in the MPEG-4 encoding method. Here, the product is described as software, but a product in which a part or all of the functions of the software is realized by hardware can be handled in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 14, for example, software sold by the encoder manufacturer 52 includes a system encoding program, a video encoding program, an audio encoding program, an encryption encoding program, a registration number, manufacturer information, and a program. It consists of specifications / serial numbers, communication programs, and version upgrade programs. The system encoding program includes processing of encoded data relating to IPMP. The encryption encoding program performs encryption encoding for encrypting encoded data in order to determine whether or not copyright protection and patent licensing are performed. The communication program is a program for communicating with the patent license management company 51. The registration number is the registration number of the patent group used for encoding, and the maker information is information of the encoder manufacturing company 52. Further, software profiles and tools are listed as program specifications and serial numbers. The version upgrade program is a version upgrade program for upgrading encoded data or software downloaded from the encoder manufacturing company 52 as necessary.

The software sold by the decoder production company 54 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a system decryption program, a video decryption program, an audio decryption program, an encryption decryption program, patent information, producer information, program specification / serial number. , Communication programs,
It consists of an upgrade program. The system decryption program includes decryption data processing related to IPMP. The encryption / decryption program performs an encryption / decryption process in order to determine whether there is a copyright protection and a patent license. The communication program is a program for communicating with the patent license management company 51.
The patent information is patent information used for decoding, and the maker information is information of the decoder manufacturing company 54. Furthermore, the program specification and serial number
Software profiles and tools are listed. Further, the version upgrade program is a version upgrade program for upgrading the encoded data or software downloaded from the encoder manufacturing company 52 as necessary.

In the above configuration, the patent holder 17 or the patent holder 18, which is the patent owner 6, sends the patent license management company 51 via the communication interface 13 to the patent license management company 51.
Request patent license management and register the patent. The operation of the computer 12 at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

The computer 12 of the patent license management company 51 performs a patent registration process for a patent license upon receiving a request from the patent holder 6 (the patent holder 17 or the patent holder 18).

In this patent registration process, as shown in FIG. 16, first, in step S501, the patent holding company 17 or the patent holder 1 via the communication interface 13.
8, information on patents essential for the encoding method is received. In step S502, the received information on patents is registered in the patent database 10, and at the same time, patent information belonging to the same classification in encoding / decoding is obtained. Judge, classify, and register in patent database 10. For example, with regard to the MPEG-4 video coding method, a profile is set by a tool to be used. For example, Si
Profiles such as mple Profile, Core Profile, and Main Profile are set. In such a case, class classification is performed for each Profile, and these are determined depending on the payment method and the classification of the license fee.

Next, the flow advances to step S503 to generate key data and a registration number. Here, when a new class is created in the patent database 10, a key necessary for encryption and decryption is generated, and a registration number to be assigned to the class classification is generated. Subsequent step S
At 504, the generated key and registration number are stored in the key database 11 in association with the class.

Next, the process proceeds to step S505, in which the distribution ratio is determined for each patent owner in accordance with the number of patents registered for each class, stored in the computer 12, and the process ends.

Next, registration of a product sold by the encoder manufacturing company 52 or the decoder manufacturing company 54 will be described. Encoder manufacturer 52 or decoder manufacturer 5
When the product 4 sells a product, the product approval process is performed on the patent management company 51 in order to obtain a license for the product. This procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

In this product authorization process, as shown in FIG. 17, first, in step S451, maker information, program specifications, and a product serial number are transmitted to the patent license management company 51. Upon receiving such information, the patent license management company 51 returns key data for encryption and a registration number assigned to each of the granted patent groups to the encoder manufacturing company 52 or the decoder manufacturing company 54 as evidence of a patent license. This is performed according to a flowchart shown in FIG. In a succeeding step S452, key data and a registration number from the patent license management company 51 are received and acquired. Then, step S453 is performed.
Then, the acquired key data is incorporated into the encrypted portion of the product, the registration number is recorded, and the process ends. This key data is subsequently used for encryption for representing the license of the patent.

Next, the procedure of the patent license management company 51 for permitting the use of the patent will be described with reference to FIG.

At the computer 12 of the patent license management company 51, as shown in FIG.
In step 1, maker information, program specifications, and a product serial number are input to the communication interface 13 from the maker 19 or the software production company 20, and the process proceeds to step S60.
In step 2, a minimum patent group including a necessary patent is retrieved from the patent database 10 from the patent information or the program specifications, and the process proceeds to step S603. Step S60
In step 3, based on the producer information, a request for payment of a patent royalties is created and sent to the manufacturer 19 or software production company 20, which is the producer.

Then, the flow advances to step S604 to confirm payment from the maker 19 or the software production company 20 to the bank 21. Here, when the input is confirmed, step S6
Go to 05. In step S605, the royalty is distributed and accumulated for each patent owner unit in accordance with the distribution ratio of the patent owner unit according to the number of patents registered for each class. Key data and registration number corresponding to the group of patents
1 and sent out via the communication interface 13. The transmitted key data and registration number are
Sent to 19 or software production company 20. Then, the present process ends.

When the use of the patent is granted in this way,
It becomes possible to perform encoding or decoding using the product. The procedure for performing encoding and decoding using the product for which a license is granted is the same procedure as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

However, regarding encoding, step S3
In the IPMP coding of 03, the coded data shown in FIG. 19 is generated. This IPMP encoding format uses existing IP
Define a new IPMPS_Type 180 in addition to MP encoding. This new IPMPS_Type 180 is a new security type number indicating the information of the licensed patent.
Here, it is assumed to be 1002 in hexadecimal. Also, a Maker_Type 181 for identifying a maker is added, and if the content is 01h, a number unique to the maker (decryption data 18
2) is described in the option field. If it is 02h, the patent license management company 51
Indicates that the registration number (encoded data 183) sent from is described in the option field. further
If 03h, the product serial number (encoded data 18
4) indicates that it is described in the option field. The encoded data 182 is obtained by encoding a manufacturer-specific number with IPMP encoded data.
Is obtained by encoding the registration number with IPMP encoded data,
The encoded data 184 is obtained by encoding the serial number of the product using IPMP encoded data.

The procedure for decoding the data thus encoded will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

In this decoding process, as shown in FIG.
First, in step S701, a communication program is started, and in step S702, coded data to be decoded is input. In step S703, IPMP coded data is decoded and patent information is decoded.

Next, the process proceeds to step S704, where it is determined whether or not the IPMP encoded data has been correctly encoded by the encoding means that has been properly licensed, based on the result of the determination as to whether the data has been correctly decoded. If the result of this determination is that the license has not been correctly received, this processing ends. If it is determined that the permission has been correctly received, the process proceeds to step S705.

In step S705, the profile obtained by decryption is compared with the profile of the decryption means installed when the decryption software is sold. If the profile obtained by decryption is included in the profile of the decryption software, The process proceeds to step S706.
In this case, since the profile is wider than that of the encoded data, tools are available, and it is not necessary to newly extend functions and tools. On the other hand, when the profile obtained by decoding is not included in the profile of the decoding software, the process proceeds to step SS709 in FIG. In this case, since the profile is narrower than the encoded data,
The tools are not available, and new functions and tools need to be extended to perform decoding correctly.

In step S706, the encryption / decryption program and the decryption program for each content are started, and in step S707, the encryption is decrypted with key data.
Decrypt and reproduce each content. Then, step S7
In step 08, the decryption program and encryption / decryption program for each medium are terminated, and this process is terminated. At this time, if the encoding means does not receive a license to use the patent, it cannot be correctly decrypted because it has been encrypted with invalid key data. Also, if the decryption means does not receive a license to use the patent, it will not receive the correct key data,
Similarly, the code cannot be decrypted correctly.

On the other hand, in step S709, the communication program is activated, and in step S710, the registration number of the encoded data and the registration number of the decoding software are transmitted to the decoder manufacturing company 54 to request the necessary functions and Remit the appropriate amount. Then, in step S711,
A required function is requested by the decoder manufacturing company 54 and the function is downloaded. Decoder production company 5 at this time
The operation of No. 4 will be described later. Then, Step S71
Proceed to 2.

In step S712, new key data and a registration number are obtained, and in step S713, the communication program is terminated and the encryption / decryption program is started. Then, the process proceeds to step S714 to replace the obtained key data for decrypting the encryption by the encryption program with the previously recorded key data. This key data is subsequently used for encryption for representing the license of the patent.

Then, the flow advances to step S715 to start a decryption program for each content, and the flow advances to step S707 shown in FIG. Then, in step S707, after decrypting the encryption with the key data, each content is decrypted and reproduced.

The user 55 or the content providing company 53
When the software used by the user is extended and upgraded, the user 55 or the content provider 5
3 needs to obtain a new license from the encoder manufacturer 52 or the decoder manufacturer 54 for use of the software patent. FIG. 22 shows a procedure of a version upgrade process performed by the encoder manufacturing company 52 or the decoder manufacturing company 54 when obtaining a new license for using the patent.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In this version upgrade processing, as shown in FIG. 22, first, in step S801, the user 5
5 to input the registration number of the encoded data and the registration number of the decoding software. In step S802, an extension function to be downloaded is searched. Then, in step S803, payment from the user 55 is confirmed.

Next, in step S804, the extended function is transmitted, and in step S805, the key data of the software realizing the extended function and a new registration number are sent to the user 55. In step S806, the license fee for the upgraded extended function is transferred to the patent license management company 5 via a bank, for example.
1 and the process ends.

The patent license management company 51 pays a fee to the patent owner 6 in accordance with the accumulation of the collected patent royalties.

As described above, even when the conditions of use of the patent change due to the extension of the tools to be used due to version upgrade or the like, the collection of the patent royalties can be appropriately and easily performed. In other words, it is possible to easily and reliably charge the patent royalty.

In the present embodiment, the key data and the registration number are managed by the software production company, but may be managed by the patent license management company 51.

[0134]

As described above, according to the patent royalties collection system of the present invention, the patent information storage means for storing the patent information necessary for the configuration of the encoding means, and the configuration information relating to the configuration of the encoding means. Information receiving means for receiving the information, patent information retrieving means for retrieving, from the patent information storing means, patent information most suitable for the contents received by the composition information receiving means, and sale of the encoding means based on the retrieval result of the patent information retrieving means. Invoicing means for requesting payment of royalties to the original or producer, Payment response receiving means for receiving payment replies to requests from sellers or producers, and permission to send patent licensing information in response to payment replies Since it has information sending means,
Patent royalties can be properly collected.

According to the patent royalties collection system of the present invention, the patent information storage means for storing the patent information necessary for the configuration of the decryption means, the configuration information receiving means for receiving information on the configuration of the decryption means, the patent information Patent information search means for searching for the best patent information from the storage means for the content received by the configuration information receiving means, and payment of a royalty fee to the seller or manufacturer of the decryption means based on the search result of the patent information search means Means, a payment response receiving means for receiving a payment response to a request from a seller or a producer, and a permission information transmitting means for transmitting patent use permission information in response to the payment response. It can be collected properly.

According to the patent royalties collection method of the present invention, the step of receiving the configuration information relating to the configuration of the encoding unit and the configuration information received from the storage unit which stores the patent information necessary for the configuration of the encoding unit Searching for patent information corresponding to the above, a step of requesting a distributor or a manufacturer of the encoding means to pay a patent royalty based on the search result, and receiving a payment response to the request from the distributor or the manufacturer. And a step of transmitting the patent use permission information in response to the payment answer, so that the patent royalty can be properly collected.

According to the patent royalties collection method of the present invention, the step of receiving the information on the configuration of the decryption means and the method of collecting the patent information necessary for the configuration of the decryption means correspond to the configuration information received from the storage means. Searching for patent information, requesting the seller or manufacturer of the decryption means to pay a patent royalty based on the search result, receiving a payment response to the request from the seller or manufacturer, and paying A step of transmitting the patent use permission information in response to the answer, so that the license fee can be collected appropriately.

According to the encoding apparatus of the present invention, a patent information transmitting means for transmitting information about a patent to be used, a patent information encoding means for encoding information about a patent to be used, and a patent royalties collection system. Since it has permission information receiving means for receiving patent permission information and permission information coding means for coding the received patent use permission information, an encoding device that enables proper collection of patent royalties is provided. Can be provided.

According to the encoding apparatus of the present invention, a function extending means for extending a function, a patent information transmitting means for transmitting information on a patent used for the function extension, and a patent information for encoding information on a patent to be used It has encoding means, permission information receiving means for receiving patent license information from the patent royalties collection system, and permission information encoding means for encoding the received permission information. It is possible to provide an encoding device that enables proper collection of a license fee even when the usage conditions of a patent change due to the change.

According to the decoding apparatus of the present invention, a patent information decoding means for decoding information related to a patent used at the time of encoding, a permission information decoding means for decoding patent use permission information,
Patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding, and any one of information on patents used at the time of decoding, decoded information on patents used at the time of decoding, and decoded patent use permission information And decoding control means for controlling the decoding of the encoded data. Therefore, it is possible to provide a decoding device which can appropriately collect the license fee.

According to the decoding apparatus of the present invention, the patent information decoding means for decoding information relating to the patent used at the time of encoding, the patent information transmitting means for transmitting information relating to the patent required for the function extension, and the function extension are performed. Function extension means, permission information decoding means for decoding patent permission information, patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding,
It has decoding control means for controlling decoding based on any one of the information on the patent used at the time of decoding, the information on the patent used at the time of decoding, and the decoded patent use permission information. Thus, even if the conditions of use of a patent are changed due to a function extension, a decryption device that can properly collect a license fee can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a patent royalties collection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the patent license management company in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a computer when a patent license is registered by a patent owner in the patent license management company 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of software sold by the encoder manufacturing company in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of software sold by the decoder manufacturing company in FIG. 1;

6 is a flowchart showing a procedure when a content provider or a user obtains a license from a patent license management company to use a product in the patent royalty collection system of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure when a patent license management company permits use of a patent in the patent royalty collection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing encoding using a product whose patent is licensed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of IPMP encoded data.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing decryption using a product licensed for patent use.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a patent royalties collection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for obtaining a license for a product sold by the encoder manufacturing company or the decoder manufacturing company of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a patent royalties collection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of software sold by the encoder manufacturing company in FIG.

15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of software sold by the decoder manufacturing company in FIG.

16 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a computer at the time of patent registration of a patent license from a patent owner in the patent license management company of FIG.

17 is a flowchart showing a procedure when a content provider or a user obtains a license from a patent license management company to use the product in the patent royalty collection system of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure when a patent license management company permits use of a patent in the patent royalty collection system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19: Generated using patented product
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of IPMP encoded data.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing decryption using a product licensed for patent use.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing decryption using a product licensed for patent use.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which an encoder manufacturer or a decoder manufacturer in the patent royalties collection system of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene in the MPEG-4 encoding method.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an entire configuration of a bit stream.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an IPMP descriptor.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system encoder for generating a bit stream.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a decoder.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,51 Patent license management company 2,42,52 Encoder production company 3,43,53 Decoder production company 4,44,54 Content provider company 5,45,55 User 6 Patent owner 10 Patent database 11 Key database 12 Computer 13 Communication interface 14 Public network 15 AV terminal 16 PC 17 Patent holder 18 Patent holder 19 Maker 20 Software production company 21 Bank

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A patent usage method for collecting a royalties by associating an encoding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data with a patent right holder having a patent necessary for the configuration of the encoding means. A fee collection system, comprising: a patent information storage unit configured to store patent information necessary for a configuration of the encoding unit; a configuration information reception unit configured to receive configuration information relating to a configuration of the encoding unit; and the patent information storage unit. A patent information search means for searching for patent information optimal for the content received by the configuration information receiving means; and a payment of a license fee to a seller or a manufacturer of the encoding means based on a search result of the patent information search means. Request means for receiving a payment response to the request from the seller or the manufacturer, and a patent response in accordance with the payment response. And a license information transmitting means for transmitting license information. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said configuration information receiving means includes a manufacturer information receiving means for receiving information on a manufacturer of said encoding means. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said permission information transmitting means includes an encryption key generating means for generating a key for encrypting a content with respect to said patent information.
Patent royalties collection system as described. 4. The encoding means comprises: a patent information transmitting means for transmitting information on a patent used by the encoding means;
Patent information encoding means for encoding the information on the patent to be used, permission information receiving means for receiving the patent use permission information sent from the permission information sending means, and encoding the received patent use permission information 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising permission information encoding means. 5. The encoding means includes a function extension means for extending a function of the encoding means, a patent information transmitting means for transmitting information on a patent used in the function extension, and an information on the patent to be used. Patent information encoding means for encoding, permission information receiving means for receiving the patent use permission information sent from the permission information sending means, and permission information encoding means for encoding the received patent use permission information. The patent royalties collection system according to claim 1, further comprising: 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method.
6. The system for collecting patent royalties according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. Collection of patent royalties for associating decoding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data with a patent right holder having a patent required for the configuration of the decoding means, and collecting a royalties A system, comprising: a patent information storage unit that stores patent information necessary for the configuration of the decoding unit; a configuration information receiving unit that receives information about the configuration of the decoding unit; Patent information search means for searching for patent information optimal to the content received by the reception means, Claiming means for billing the seller or manufacturer of the decryption means based on the search result of the patent information search means, and paying a royalty fee. A payment response receiving means for receiving a payment response to the bill from the seller or the manufacturer; and transmitting patent use permission information in response to the payment response. And a license information sending unit for issuing a license fee. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said configuration information receiving means includes a manufacturer information receiving means for receiving information on a manufacturer of said decoding means. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said permission information transmitting means has an encryption key generating means for generating a key for encrypting a content with respect to said patent information.
Patent royalties collection system as described. 10. The decoding means comprises: a patent information decoding means for decoding information on a patent used at the time of encoding; a permission information decoding means for decoding the patent use permission information; and information on a patent used at the time of decoding. Patent information holding means, and information on the patent used at the time of the decoded encoding, information on the patent used at the time of the decoding held, and the decoded patent use permission information. 8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising decoding control means for controlling decoding. 11. The decoding means comprises: a patent information decoding means for decoding information relating to a patent used at the time of encoding; a patent information transmitting means for transmitting information relating to a patent required for function extension; and a function for extending the function. Extension means, permission information decoding means for decoding the patent permission information, patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding, information on patents used at the time of the decoded encoding, 8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising decryption control means for controlling decryption based on any of the information on the patent used at the time of decryption and the decrypted patent use permission information. 12. The system according to claim 6, wherein the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. 13. Use of a patent for collecting a royalties by associating an encoding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data with a patent right holder having a patent necessary for the configuration of the encoding means. A fee collection method, comprising: a step of receiving configuration information relating to a configuration of the encoding unit; and a patent information corresponding to the received configuration information from a storage unit that stores patent information necessary for the configuration of the encoding unit. Searching for; a step of requesting a distributor or a manufacturer of the encoding means to pay a license fee based on the search result; and a step of receiving a payment response to the request from the distributor or the manufacturer. And transmitting a patent license information in response to the payment response. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of receiving information on a manufacturer of said encoding means. 15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of creating a key for encrypting the content with respect to the patent information. 16. The encoding means includes a step of transmitting information on a patent used by the encoding means, a step of encoding information on the used patent, and a step of transmitting the patent transmitted from the permission information transmitting means. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of receiving the license information and a step of encoding the received license information. 17. The encoding unit according to claim 1, further comprising: extending a function of the encoding unit; transmitting information relating to a patent used in the extension; and encoding the information relating to the patent to be used. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of receiving the patent use permission information sent from the permission information sending means, and a step of encoding the received patent use permission information. . 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. 19. Collection of patent royalties for associating decoding means used on a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data with a patent right holder having a patent necessary for the configuration of the decoding means, and collecting a royalties A method, comprising: receiving information on the configuration of the decoding unit; and searching patent information corresponding to the received configuration information from storage means for storing patent information necessary for the configuration of the decoding unit. Requesting a distributor or manufacturer of the decryption means to pay a license fee based on the search result; receiving a payment response to the request from the distributor or manufacturer; and Sending out license use information in response to the request. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising a step of receiving information on a manufacturer of said decryption means. 21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising a step of creating a key for encrypting the content with respect to the patent information. 22. The decoding means, comprising: a step of decoding information relating to a patent used at the time of encoding; a step of decoding the patent use permission information; and a step of storing the information relating to the decoded patent used at the time of encoding. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of controlling the decoding of the encoded data by using any of the information on the patent used at the time of decoding and the decoded patent use permission information. Method. 23. The decoding means, comprising: decoding information relating to a patent used at the time of encoding; transmitting information relating to a patent required for a function extension; extending the function; And the step of controlling decoding by any of the information on the patent used at the time of the decoded encoding, the information on the patent to be used at the time of decoding that is held in advance, and the decoded patent use permission information. 20. The method according to claim 19, comprising: 24. The method according to claim 19, wherein the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. 25. An encoding device used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and applied to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalty in association with a patent right holder. Patent information transmitting means for transmitting information about patents, patent information encoding means for encoding information about the patents to be used, permission information receiving means for receiving patent permission information from the patent royalties collection system, A coding device for coding the received patent use permission information. 26. The encoding apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. 27. An encoding device used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and applied to a patent royalties collection system in which a patent royalty is collected in association with a patent right holder. A patent information transmitting unit that transmits information about a patent used in the function extension; a patent information encoding unit that encodes information about the patent to be used; A coding apparatus comprising: permission information receiving means for receiving patent use permission information; and permission information coding means for coding the received permission information. 28. The encoding apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. 29. A decoding device used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and applied to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalties in association with a patent right holder. Patent information decoding means for decoding information on used patents, permission information decoding means for decoding patent use permission information, patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding, and Decoding control means for controlling the decoding of the encoded data by using any of the information on the patent of use, the information on the patent used at the time of the held decoding, and the decoded patent use permission information. Decoding device. 30. The decoding device according to claim 29, wherein said encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method. 31. A decoding device used in a content distribution system for exchanging encoded data and applied to a patent royalties collection system for collecting a patent royalties in association with a patent right holder. Patent information decoding means for decoding information on used patents, Patent information transmitting means for transmitting information on patents required for function extension, Function extension means for extending the functions, Permission information decoding for decoding patent permission information Means, patent information holding means for holding information on patents used at the time of decoding, information on patents used at the time of the decoded encoding, information about patents used at the time of decoding held, the decoded A decryption control means for controlling decryption based on any of the patent use permission information. 32. The decoding device according to claim 31, wherein the encoded data is data encoded by an MPEG-4 encoding method.