JP2002230895A - Data processing method, electronic apparatus and memory device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve the restriction on use relating to digital data including moving, reproducing and copying, and to protect copyright. SOLUTION: When additive music data Dy is recorded in a mini-disk 5a, an MD player 5 extracts a system identifier ID from the reproduced additive music data Dy (Sb8), compares the extracted system identifier ID and the system identifier ID held by the system and decides whether both coincide or not (Sb9). When both coincide, MD player 5 performs the reproduction of the additive music data Dy (Sb10) and if noncoincidence, the reproduction of the additive music data Dy is suspended (Sb7).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data processing method,
The present invention relates to an electronic device and a memory device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, music data in a recording medium such as a CD (compact disc: optical disk medium) and an EMD (Electr
onic Music Distribution (electronic music distribution service) is a new usage form in which digital data such as music data purchased on an electronic music distribution service is recorded on a hard disk of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) and enjoyed by being taken out to various electronic devices having a playback function. It is beginning to spread. Along with this, a technology for protecting the copyright of digital data used in this usage mode has been developed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the above-mentioned conventional copyright protection technique. In FIG.
3 is an identifier IDa as a unique identifier for identifying itself.
Is stored in the hard disk 33h. Also, the player 34 has an identifier I as a unique identifier for identifying itself.
Db is stored in the memory 34m. Thus, each electronic device has a unique identifier for identifying itself. The PC 33 and the player 34 can exchange data with each other. Also, arrow A1,
As shown in A2, the recording medium 35 can be inserted into and removed from the player 34, and data can be exchanged with each other while the recording medium 35 is loaded.

[0004] The PC 33 is supplied from the server 32 which performs EMD via the Internet INT or from a CD.
The music data D is acquired from 31 and recorded on the hard disk 33h. In this case, the hard disk 33h has a management table tb for managing the recorded music data D. The management table tb includes “Song I” as shown in FIG.
D, "number of remaining checkouts", and "checkout destination". Here, the “song ID” is an identifier for identifying the song, and is included in the song data D. The “number of remaining checkouts” is the number of times that the music data D corresponding to the music ID can be checked out.

[0005] Here, "check-out" refers to PC3
3 means transferring the music data D in the electronic device such as the player 34 to the electronic device such as the player 34, and conversely, returning the music data D in the electronic device such as the player 34 to the PC 33 is referred to as “check-in”. Transferring digital data between electronic devices in this way is referred to as “movement”. "Move" means that the song data is transferred from the source electronic device to the destination electronic device, in which case the source digital data is lost or cannot be used even if it exists. Become.
This is different from “duplication” in which digital data is increased one after another.

In this example, "the number of remaining checkouts"
Is set to an initial value of 3, and the value is decremented by one each time the music data D is checked out, and is incremented by one each time the music data D is checked in. That is, 3
It is possible to check out one electronic device, and no more. Also, for example, music data D
After checking out all three devices,
If a check-in is performed from one of them, the “number of remaining check-outs” changes from 0 to 1 and a new check-out becomes possible.

Next, “checkout destination” is an identifier of the electronic device at the checkout destination. In this “checkout destination” column, up to three identifiers are stored. Each item in the management table tb is appropriately rewritten by the PC 33 when the content is changed.

Next, an example of a process of writing the contents stored in the management table tb will be described for a song whose song ID is m1. First, the music data D (m1) is stored in the hard disk 33h.
, A record corresponding to the music data D (m1) is created in the management table tb. The “song ID” in the record is m1, and the “number of remaining checkouts”
Is the initial value of 3.

Next, as shown by an arrow A2, the player 34
Is loaded with a recording medium 35, and the music data D (m1) is
When the player 33 checks out the music data D (m1) to the player 34, the music data D (m1) is added with the identifier IDa of the PC 33, and then the music data D (m1) is stored in the recording medium 35.
Is replicated to At this time, the player 34 in the memory 34m
Is copied to the area ra in the recording medium 35 and passed to the PC 33. Then, in the column of the song ID “m1” in the management table tb, the “remaining checkout number” is subtracted by 1 as shown in FIG.
And the identifier IDb passed from the player 34 is stored in the “checkout destination”. In this state, the player 34 can reproduce the music data D (m1). Since the music data D (m1) remains in the hard disk 33h, the PC 33 can reproduce it. In this state, if the user temporarily sets the music data D
Even if the operation of checking out (m1) to the player 34 again is performed, the checkout cannot be performed because the identifier IDb of the player 34 is already stored in the corresponding “checkout destination” of the management table tb. I have. In other words, if the music piece data D has already been checked out, the same music data D cannot be checked out to the same “checkout destination” (this restriction is hereinafter referred to as movement restriction IS
1). However, if the music data D (m1) is checked in, the identifier “b” of the corresponding “checkout destination” in the management table tb is deleted.
Checkout to the player 34 is enabled again.

The music data D (m1) is stored in the player 34.
If you check-in to PC33 from
Compares the identifier added to the song data D (m1) with its own identifier IDa in the hard disk 33h,
Check-in is allowed only when both match. That is, the music data D can be checked in only to the check-out source PC (this restriction is hereinafter referred to as movement restriction IS2).

When the user removes the recording medium 35 as shown by the arrow A1 in the figure and reloads it into the player 34 as shown by the arrow A2 in the figure, and performs a predetermined reproduction operation, the player 34 , The identifier of the area ra and the memory 3
The music data D is reproduced only when the ID is matched with the 4m own identifier IDb and the two match. That is, the recording medium is
It is reproduced only by the player who has recorded on the recording medium (this restriction is hereinafter referred to as reproduction restriction SS1).

[0012] By these restrictions, unauthorized copying and unauthorized reproduction of the music data D can be prevented, and copyright protection of digital data is achieved. For example, even if a malicious third party steals the recording medium 35 on which the above-described music data D (m1) is recorded and attempts to reproduce the recording medium 35 with his / her player, the reproduction cannot be performed due to the reproduction restriction SS1.

[0013]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, when one of the electronic devices becomes unusable due to aging or failure, some inconveniences arise. For example, if the PC 33 becomes unusable and is replaced with a new PC, the music data D in the recording medium 35 cannot be checked in permanently due to the movement restriction IS2 (Inconvenience 1). If the music data D in the recording medium 35 becomes unusable due to disappearance or the like, the music data D in the PC 33 cannot be checked out to the player 34 even if the music data D exists in the PC 33 due to the movement restriction IS1. Therefore, the player 34
Cannot permanently reproduce the music data D (Inconvenience 2).
When the player 34 becomes unusable and is replaced with a new player, the recording medium 35 is restricted by the reproduction restriction SS1.
Cannot be reproduced by a new player. Therefore, the music data D cannot be reproduced forever (Inconvenience 3).

As described above, the conventional digital data copyright protection technology has a problem that the usability is rather deteriorated due to various restrictions on use such as movement and reproduction. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a data processing method, an electronic device, and a memory device which can relax restrictions on use of digital data such as movement, reproduction, duplication, and the like and can protect copyright.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a data processing method according to the present invention includes a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network. Assuming that it is used for a network system that stores a system identifier for identifying the system in one, when any one of the electronic devices copies or generates predetermined digital data, the digital data to be copied or generated is When the additional data is generated by adding the system identifier and the additional data is used in a certain electronic device, a system identifier stored in the electronic device or another electronic device and a system extracted from the additional data are used. An identifier is compared with the identifier, and use of the additional data is permitted only when the identifiers match.

Here, when the additional data is generated, it is preferable that an additional identifier indicating that the system identifier has been added is added to the predetermined digital data.

When data is used in each of the electronic devices, it is determined whether or not the additional identifier is added to the data to be used. If the additional identifier is not added, the data of the data is used. While the use is permitted, if the additional identifier is added, the system identifier stored in the electronic device or another electronic device is compared with the system identifier extracted from the additional data, and the two match. It is desirable to permit the use of the additional data only when performing the above.

Further, when the system identifier is transferred from one electronic device to another electronic device, it is desirable that the system identifier stored in the source electronic device be deleted or disabled. In addition, it is desirable to add the system identifier to the digital data by a digital watermark.

Next, in the electronic device according to the present invention,
Additional data that is used as a part of a network system including a network and that adds or adds a system identifier for identifying the system to the digital data to be copied or generated when the predetermined digital data is copied or generated. Means for generating, and when the additional data is used, the system identifier stored in the electronic device or another electronic device connected via the network and the system identifier extracted from the additional data. Means for permitting the use of the additional data only when the two data coincide with each other.

Next, the memory device according to the present invention is premised on being used in a network system having a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network, and stores a system identifier for identifying the network system. And a control unit that, when receiving a request to return the system identifier from each electronic device connected to the network system, reads the system identifier from the storage unit and returns the same. .

Further, the memory device includes a random number generation unit for generating a random number. In the initial state, the storage unit does not store the system identifier, and the control unit performs the random number generation under a predetermined condition. Causing the unit to generate the random number,
Preferably, the random number is stored in the storage unit as the system identifier.

[0022]

Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to music data. In this example, music data is taken as an example of a literary work, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to image data such as photographs, computer graphics, or movies, any other copyrighted data can be used. Anything can be applied.

1. 1. Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a music data recording / reproducing system A according to the embodiment and a peripheral configuration thereof. As shown in FIG.
C1, a memory device 2, a CD player 3, an MP3 player 4, an MD player 5, and a memory card player 6. These electronic devices are USB (universal)
serial bus) interface unit (not shown), and is connected by a USB cable via the host hub 1a, the hub 7, and the hub 8. In addition, PC
Numeral 1 is connected to the music data distribution server 9 via the Internet NET, so that the music data Dx can be downloaded from the music data distribution server 9.

The memory device 2 generates and stores a system identifier ID. The system identifier ID is for identifying the present system, and is referred to when copying the music data Dx or reproducing the copied music data Dx.

As will be described in more detail later, copying of the music data Dx is permitted only when the system identifier ID is held in any of the electronic devices constituting the music data recording / reproducing system A. When copying the music data Dx, the system identifier ID is added to the music data Dx. On the other hand, when the copied music data Dx is played, the system identifier ID added thereto and the music data recording / playback system are added. Reproduction (use) is permitted only when the system identifier ID held by A matches.

In this example, although the system identifier ID is stored in the memory device 2, the PC 1, the CD player 3, the MP3
The player 4, the MD player 5, and the memory card player 6 have built-in nonvolatile memories, and can store a system identifier ID in each memory.
That is, the system identifier ID is stored in any of the electronic devices constituting the music data recording / reproducing system A.

The CD player 3 reproduces digital data recorded on the CD 3a. MP3 player 4
Play music recorded in moving picture experts group audio layer 3 (3) format. The MD player 5 records and reproduces digital data on a magnetic disk MD (mini disc) 5a. The memory card player 6
The digital data is recorded on and reproduced from the memory card 6a. Digital data handled by the memory card player 6 is based on a predetermined standard such as MP3, a format unique to a manufacturer, or a MIDI format.

The PC 1 functions as a control center of the entire music data recording / reproducing system, and controls the operation of each electronic device. For example, when the user operates the PC 1, the music data Dx itself downloaded from the music data distribution server 9 or the copied music data Dx
Can be recorded on the MP3 player 4 under predetermined conditions.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the memory device 2. As shown in FIG.
Includes a control unit 21, a random number generation unit 23, a memory 23, and a USB interface unit 24.

The control unit 21 is connected to each component and functions as a control center for controlling the operation of the entire memory device 2. The random number generation unit 22 generates a random number according to an instruction from the control unit 21. This random number is the system identifier I
D.

Next, the memory 23 is a non-volatile storage unit, and can be configured using, for example, a flash memory. The memory 23 stores a system identifier ID. Since the memory 23 is a non-volatile storage unit, the system identifier ID is retained even when the power is turned off.

Next, the USB interface unit 24
This interface conforms to the USB standard. The memory device 2 is connected to the P via the USB interface unit 24.
It is connected to C1 and exchanges data with PC1.

In the above configuration, the control unit 21
When there is an inquiry about the system identifier ID from the first electronic device or another electronic device, the system identifier is read from the memory 23 and returned. When the system identifier ID is not stored in the memory 23, the control unit 21 generates a system identifier ID in the random number generation unit 22, stores the system identifier ID in the memory 23, and returns a response to the inquiry. . In addition, the control unit 21
The system identifier ID written in the memory 23 is not rewritten.

Therefore, the control unit 21 controls the memory device 2
Is built into the system, the system identifier ID is generated using the random number generator 22 only when the system identifier ID is first inquired. As described above, since the system ID is generated by the random number generation unit 22 without writing the system ID in the memory 23 in advance, it is not necessary to write the system ID in the memory 23 at the time of factory shipment. As a result, the manufacturing process of the memory device 2 can be simplified and mass production is possible.

In the music data recording / reproducing system A, the system identifier ID is stored in the memory device 2 for the following reason. First, since the system identifier ID is used when copying the music data Dx or reproducing the copied music data Dx, if the copying of the system identifier ID is allowed unnecessarily, the copyright can be effectively protected. become unable. Therefore, the system identifier ID needs to be held only in a specific electronic device in the music data recording / reproducing system A.

On the other hand, when a specific electronic device holding the system identifier ID fails, the copied music data Dx cannot be reproduced because the system identifier ID cannot be obtained. Therefore, a specific electronic device holding the system identifier ID is required to have a low failure rate. For example, the hard disk of the PC 1 has a mechanically movable part and thus easily breaks down.
Not suitable for memorizing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the system identifier ID is stored in the memory device 2 having no mechanically movable part and having a very low failure rate.

2. Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

2-1: Music Data Copying Process In this example, a process for copying music data Dx downloaded from the music data distribution server 9 to the MP3 player 4 will be described as an example of a copying process. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the music data recording / reproducing system in the copying process.

First, the PC 1 is connected to the music data distribution server 9.
The music data Dx is downloaded from and stored on the hard disk (step Sa1). Next, the user operates the PC 1 to transfer the music data Dx to the MP3 player 4.
When the PC 1 inputs a copy instruction, the PC 1 determines whether a system identification ID is stored therein (step Sa2). In this example, since the system identifier ID is stored in the memory device 2, the determination result is NO and P
C1 advances the processing to step Sa3. And PC1
Sends a system identifier request for returning the system identifier ID to each electronic device via the USB interface (step Sa3).

Next, when the memory device 2 receives the system identifier request, the control unit 21 of the memory device 2
Then, it is determined whether the system identifier ID is stored in No. 3 (step Sa4). When the system identifier ID is stored in the memory 23, the control unit 21 returns the system identifier ID read from the memory 23 to the PC 1 (Step Sa5).

On the other hand, when the system identifier ID is not stored in the memory 23, the control section 21 generates the system identifier ID in the random number generation section 22 and stores it in the memory 23.
(Step Sa6), and thereafter, the control unit 21
Returns the system identifier ID to the PC 1 (step Sa5).

Next, the PC 1 determines whether or not the system identifier ID has been returned in response to the system identifier request (step Sa7). When the system identifier ID is returned, the PC 1 generates additional music data Dy (step Sa8). The additional music data Dy is obtained by adding a system identifier ID to the original music data Dx and adding identification information indicating that the data is the additional music data Dy to the original music data Dx.

There are various modes for adding the system identifier ID to the music data Dx. In the first mode, a system identifier ID is added to the header of the music data Dx. In the second mode, the system identifier ID is dispersed and embedded in the music data Dx using a digital watermarking technique. Various other types are also conceivable, but in this embodiment, the second mode is adopted.

As with the case where the system identifier ID is added, the identification information is added to the music data Dx, and the identification information is embedded in the header portion. May be embedded, but in the present embodiment, the former is adopted.

As described above, the addition of the system identifier ID by the digital watermarking method prevents illegally extracting the system identifier ID from the additional music data Dy and using this to create a copy of the music data Dx. To do that.
The identification information is embedded in the header part when the original music data Dx or the additional music data D
This is because it is easy to determine whether it is y.

Thereafter, when the PC 1 transmits the additional music data Dy to the MP3 player 4 together with the recording command (step Sa9), the MP3 player 4 transmits the additional music data Dy.
Is recorded in the internal memory (step Sa10).

On the other hand, if the system identifier ID has not been returned in response to the system identifier request, the determination result of step Sa7 is NO, and the PC 1 stops recording the music data Dx (step Sa11).

That is, according to the present embodiment, when copying the music data Dx, it is determined whether or not the system identifier ID is held not only in the PC 1 but also in each electronic device connected thereto, and If the identifier ID is not held, the duplication of the music data Dx is stopped, while if the system ID is held, the additional music data Dy is generated and recorded.

Thus, if the system identifier ID is stored somewhere in the music data recording / reproducing system A,
Duplication processing becomes possible. In particular, if the system identifier ID is stored in the memory device 2 having no mechanically movable parts as in this example, it is possible to prevent the system identifier ID from being lost.

2-2: Moving Process of Music Data Next, a moving process of the music data Dx will be described. In the present embodiment, the downloaded music data Dx is
No limitation is imposed on the case where the data is transferred from No. 1 and recorded in the internal memory of the MP3 player 4. In this case, the music data Dx is deleted from the hard disk of PC1 or
Or it cannot be used.

The user pays for downloading the music data Dx. Further, unlike the above-described copying process, the moving process deletes the music data Dx stored on the hard disk of the PC 1 and the like, so that the use range is limited. Therefore, the free use of the original music data Dx is guaranteed by the moving process.

2-3: Playback Process of Music Data and Additional Music Data Next, the playback process of the music data Dx and the additional music data Dy will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the music data recording / reproducing system in the reproducing process. In this example, it is assumed that the MD player 5 reproduces the mini-disc 5a. However, each electronic device other than the MD player 5 operates in the same manner as when reproducing the MD player 5.

First, the MD player 5
a is reproduced, and it is determined whether the data recorded therein is the music data Dx or the additional music data Dy. Specifically, it is determined from the header of the reproduced data whether or not the identification information is undetected (step Sb1).

If the identification information is not detected by checking the header portion, the MD player 5 determines that the music data Dx is recorded, and reproduces the music data Dx (step Sb2). In this case, when the music data Dx reproduced by the MD player 5 is transferred to the PC 1, the PC 1 converts the music data Dx into an analog signal and outputs this to a speaker. This ensures free reproduction of the original music data Dx.

On the other hand, if the identification information is detected by checking the header portion, the MD player 5 determines that the additional music data Dy is recorded, and determines whether or not the system stores the system identification ID therein. Further judgment (step Sb
3). In this example, the system identifier ID is stored in the memory device 2.
Is stored, the determination result is NO, and the MD player 5 sends a system identifier request to each electronic device via the USB interface (step Sb4).

Next, when the memory device 2 receives the system identifier request, the control unit 21 of the memory device 2
The system identifier ID read from the MD player 5
(Step Sb5).

Next, the MD player 5 determines whether or not the system identifier ID has been returned in response to the system identifier request (step Sb6). System identifier ID
Is not returned, the determination result is NO,
The MD player 5 stops reproducing the additional music data Dy (step Sb7).

On the other hand, when the system identifier ID is returned, the MD player 5 sets the reproduced additional music data D
y to extract the system identifier ID (step Sb
8) Compare the extracted system identifier ID with the returned system identifier ID to determine whether they match (step Sb9).

If they match, the decision result is YE
In S, the MD player 5 plays back the additional music data Dy (step Sb10). In this case, when the MD player 5 transfers the additional music data Dy to the PC 1, the PC
1 causes the speaker to emit sound based on the additional music data Dy. On the other hand, if the system identifier IDs do not match,
The MD player 5 stops reproducing the additional music data Dy (step Sb7).

Thereafter, the MD player 5 determines whether or not there is a song to be reproduced next (step Sb11). When there is a song to be reproduced, the MD player 5 proceeds from step Sb1 to step Sb1.
The processing up to b11 is repeated, and when there are no more songs to be played, the playing processing ends.

In the reproducing process, the original music data Dx is referred to by referring to the identification information.
Is determined to be the additional music data Dy. If the music data is Dx, the reproduction is immediately permitted. On the other hand, if the music data is Dy, the reproduction is extracted from the system identifier ID and the additional music data Dy held by the system. Only when the system identifier ID matches, the additional music data Dy
Will be allowed to play.

Thus, the original music data Dx
Is guaranteed to play freely. In addition, since the additional music data Dy can be reproduced only in a system in which the additional music data Dy is copied, the copyright of the music data Dx is effectively protected, and the use of the music data Dx in a limited range is enabled. Can be guaranteed.

Further, the reproduction of the additional music data Dy is permitted based on the system identifier ID shared in the system, not the identifier individually possessed by each electronic device. Even in this case, it is possible to reproduce the additional music data Dy copied in the past by the replaced electronic device. Also, it is not limited to the case where it can not be used due to aging or failure, for example,
Even when a new product with good performance is released, the new product can be freely replaced later in the system.

2-4: Process for Moving System Identifier Next, the process for moving the system identifier ID will be described. The MP3 player 4, the MD player 5, or the memory card player 6 is a music data recording / reproducing system A
In many cases, the user carries it away from the computer. However, when the additional music data Dy is reproduced by the portable players 4 to 6 as described above, authentication based on the system identifier ID is required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the process of moving the system identifier ID can be performed as needed so that the additional music data Dy can be reproduced by the portable players 4 to 6. In the following description, it is assumed that the memory device 2 stores the system identifier ID in advance, and the user carries the MD player 5 separately from the music data recording / reproducing system A.

First, when the user operates the PC 1 to start the system identifier ID transfer processing program, the PC 1
1 displays on a monitor each electronic device connected to the system, and prompts the user to specify the electronic device to be carried away from the system (step Sc).
1). When the user operates the mouse or the like to select an electronic device to be detached and carried, the PC 1 specifies the selected electronic device as a destination of the system identifier ID (step Sc2). In this example, the memory device 2, C
D player 3, MP3 player 4, MD player 5, and memory card player 6 are displayed on the monitor screen,
The user selects the MD player 5 from these.

Next, the PC 1 sends a system identifier confirmation request for inquiring whether or not each electronic device has a system identifier (step Sc3). When this is received by each electronic device, each electronic device checks whether or not the system identifier ID is held therein and returns a system identifier confirmation response to the PC 1 (step Sc).
4). In this example, the memory device 2 has the system identifier ID
Since the memory device 2 transmits a response indicating that the system identifier ID is held to the PC 1, the other electronic devices transmit a response indicating that the other electronic device does not hold the system identifier ID to the PC 1. Send to

Thereafter, the PC 1 specifies which electronic device holds the system identifier ID based on the response from each electronic device (Step Sc5), and assigns the system identifier ID to the electronic device. Is transmitted (step Sc6).

When the electronic device holding the system identifier ID receives this transfer request, the electronic device transmits the system identifier ID stored in the internal memory to the PC 1 (step Sc7). At this time, the electronic device deletes or disables the system identifier ID stored in the internal memory.

Thereafter, when the PC 1 receives the system identifier ID, the PC 1 transmits the system identifier ID to the destination electronic device specified in step Sc2 (step Sc8). In this example, the system identifier ID is output from the memory device 2 and transferred to the MD player 5 via the PC 1.

Next, the destination electronic device stores the system identifier ID transmitted from the PC 1 in the nonvolatile internal memory (step Sc9). This completes the system identifier ID transfer process. In this example, the MD player 5 stores the system identifier ID in the internal memory.

The additional music data Dy copied to the MD 5 a using the system A cannot be reproduced without authentication using the system identifier ID, but the system identifier ID is stored in the internal memory of the MD player 5. Therefore, even when the user detaches the MD player 5 from the system A and carries it, the additional music data Dy can be reproduced.

On the other hand, when the MD player 5 is disconnected, the additional music data Dy cannot be reproduced in the system A because the system identifier ID is not held in each electronic device of the system A. However, when a certain user detaches and carries the portable players 4 to 6, it is not necessary for the user to reproduce the additional music data Dy in the system A.

Here, the system identifier ID is set to the system A
Is permitted to store a copy of the system identifier ID in the portable players 4 to 6, while the portable player 4 to 6 is connected to the system, the additional music data Dy is stored in various media. It is also possible to record the system identifier ID in the portable players 4 to 6 of the third parties. That is, a third party can freely reproduce the additional music data Dy, and the copyright cannot be effectively protected.

According to the above-described moving process, when the system identifier ID is transferred from one electronic device to another electronic device, the source system identifier ID is deleted or cannot be used. Can be limited to the range. Note that the MD player 5 is reconnected to the system A, and the system identifier ID is changed to the MD player 5.
Can be moved to the memory device 2 again.

3. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above,
For example, various modifications described below are possible. (1) In the above embodiment, the memory device 2 is connected to a PC
Needless to say, it may be built in the device 1. Alternatively, at least one of the electronic devices constituting the music data recording / reproducing system A may be provided with an IC card device, and the function of the memory device 2 may be loaded on the IC card. In this case, a SIM card having a CPU and a nonvolatile memory may be used as the IC card, and the system identifier ID may be stored in the memory.

(2) In the embodiment described above, the music data recording / reproducing system A manages the music data Dx and the additional music data Dy using one system identifier ID. For this reason, when another system identifier ID 'is stored in the electronic device newly connected to the system, the original system identifier ID and the new system identifier ID' conflict. In such a case, the PC 1 detects the conflict, inquires of the user which system identifier is to be used as the system identifier of the system A, and thereafter uses the one selected by the user as the system identifier of the system A. What should I do?

(3) In the present embodiment, the system identifier ID is automatically generated by generating a random number, but need not be generated by the random number. In short, if a system identifier ID that can identify the system can be generated,
Any method may be used.

(4) Although the USB is used as the interface standard in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.
EEE1394 (a serial interface standard for connecting a PC and peripheral devices) may be used. Alternatively, a LAN (loca) using Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like is used.
l area network). In short, any connection form may be used as long as data can be exchanged between electronic devices such as a PC, a player, and a memory device.

(5) In this embodiment, the example in which the system A is installed in the home has been described. However, the system A is not limited to the home and may be installed in another place such as an office or a building. For example, the present embodiment may be applied to an in-house LAN. In this case, the electronic device may be, for example, a server PC or a plurality of client PCs holding a shared file, and the recording medium may be a floppy (registered trademark) disk or an optical disk.

For example, a shared file is called from the own PC and copied to a hard disk or a floppy disk in the own PC. In this case, even if a malicious third party illegally takes out the floppy disk to the outside and inserts it into a PC connected to its own system, the system identifier I
Since D is different, the data cannot be seen. Therefore, there is no fear that the data in the shared file, which is a property unique to the company, is taken out and used illegally.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the music data Dx
However, a system identifier ID or identification information may be added when the original digital data is generated. As a result, it is possible to prevent document data created in the company from being taken out of the company or to prevent unauthorized duplication. In addition, it is possible to increase security only for highly confidential document data by entrusting whether or not to add identification information to the user.

That is, when any electronic device connected to the network system copies or generates predetermined digital data, a system identifier ID or identification information may be added to the copied or generated digital data. .

(6) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the process of moving the system identifier ID is performed for the portable players 4 to 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. The system identifier ID may be moved to an IC card having a wireless function. In this case, the IC card desirably has a built-in loop antenna.

An IC is provided for the MP3 player 4 and the MD player 5.
If the card has a wireless function, the additional music data Dy can be reproduced even when the user carries a plurality of portable players 4 to 6. That is, when the additional music data Dy is reproduced by each of the portable players 4 to 6, the system identifier ID may be wirelessly inquired of the IC card, and the IC card may be used for authentication.
Further, instead of an IC card, a mobile phone may have the above-described functions.

(7) In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the music data Dx has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, image data, audio data, moving image data, text data, program data, and the like may be used. In short, any digital data may be used.

[0086]

As described above, the data processing method of the present invention,
According to the electronic device and the memory device, it is possible to relax restrictions on use of digital data transfer, reproduction, duplication, and the like,
In addition, copyright can be protected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a music data recording / reproducing system A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a memory device 2 used in the system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a copy process of the system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a reproduction process of the system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of moving a system identifier in the system.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conventional technique for protecting copyright.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PC, 2 ... Memory device, 22 ... Random number generation part, 23 ...
Memory, 3 ... CD player, 4 ... MP3 player, 5 ...
MD player, 5a ... MD, 6 ... memory card player, 6a ... memory card.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A data processing method for use in a network system comprising a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network, wherein one of the electronic devices stores a system identifier for identifying the system. When any one of the electronic devices copies or generates predetermined digital data, the system identifier is added to the digital data to be copied or generated to generate additional data, and the additional data is used by a certain electronic device. In this case, the system identifier stored in the electronic device or another electronic device is compared with the system identifier extracted from the additional data, and use of the additional data is permitted only when both match. A data processing method characterized by the following. 2. The data processing method according to claim 1, wherein, when generating the additional data, an additional identifier indicating that the system identifier has been added is added to the predetermined digital data. 3. When data is used in each of the electronic devices, it is determined whether or not the additional identifier is added to the data to be used. If the additional identifier is not added, the data of the data is used. While the use is permitted, if the additional identifier is added, the system identifier stored in the electronic device or another electronic device is compared with the system identifier extracted from the additional data, and the two match. 3. The use of the additional data is permitted only when the additional data is used.
The data processing method described in 1. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the system identifier is moved from one electronic device to another electronic device, the system identifier stored in the electronic device of the movement source is deleted or disabled. 2. The data processing method according to 1. 5. The data processing method according to claim 1, wherein the system identifier is added to the digital data by a digital watermark. 6. An electronic device used as a part of a network system including a network, wherein when copying or generating predetermined digital data, a system identifier for identifying the system to the digital data to be copied or generated. Means for generating additional data by adding the following. When using the additional data, the electronic device or another electronic device connected via the network stores the system identifier and the additional data. Means for comparing with the extracted system identifier and permitting use of the additional data only when both match. 7. A memory device used in a network system having a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network, wherein the storage unit stores a system identifier for identifying the network system, and When receiving a request to return the system identifier from each electronic device connected to the
A control unit that reads the system identifier from the storage unit and returns the read system identifier. 8. A random number generator for generating a random number, wherein the storage unit does not store the system identifier in an initial state, and the control unit transmits the random number to the random number generator under a certain condition 8. The memory device according to claim 7, wherein the random number is generated, and the random number is stored in the storage unit as the system identifier.