JP2003076354A - Electronic paper and method for transmitting data to electronic paper - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic paper which allows an incorporated memory having a limited capacity to be efficiently utilized and allows for limitation of the information disclosure range based on copyright protection, contracts, or the like. SOLUTION: With respect to an electronic paper 10, a CPU 11a stores data in the incorporated memory when receiving the data from an information data server trough a network N. When a prescribed time passes after data storage, the data are erased, or the data are stored in an external memory and erased from the incorporated memory. When the data are not displayed for a prescribed time, the CPU 11a erases the data. When an indication to copy the reception data to another recording medium is given, a message indicating that it cannot be copies is displayed on a display part 12. Or this message is displayed on the display part 12 in the case that it has been copied prescribed number of or more times.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electronic paper and a method for transmitting data to electronic paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers, the Internet, mobile terminals and the like have been rapidly spread, and along with this, a large amount of electronic information has been handled in daily life. Electronic information is, specifically, LCD (Liquid Cry).
It is displayed on a display such as an stal display) or an EL (Electro Luminescence), and a person acquires and processes a lot of information via these display devices. Therefore, display devices, which are interfaces between humans and information, are being developed with the aim of achieving higher precision, power saving, and downsizing.

Under such circumstances, electronic paper having both the advantage of paper and the advantage of display is currently being researched and developed. It is electrically rewritable with electronic paper,
It is desirable that the information displayed once is retained without power consumption, has little irritation to the eyes, is thin like a paper, lightweight and portable, and flexible. ing. Further, it has been proposed that the device is not limited to a display device but has a built-in CPU and a semiconductor memory, and further obtains and displays information such as newspapers and books via a communication network.

[0004]

However, since the electronic paper is required to be small and thin, the capacity of the built-in memory is limited. Further, when information such as newspapers and books becomes available as digitized data via a communication network, copying (copying) will be facilitated. Therefore, it is necessary to have a means for protecting the copyright of these information. Is coming.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an electronic paper which can efficiently utilize a built-in memory having a limited capacity. A second problem is to provide electronic paper in consideration of cases where it is desired to limit the range of information disclosure due to copyright protection or contracts.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is an electronic paper comprising a receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and a storage means for storing the data, in the electronic paper. After storing the data received by the storage means by the storage means, a data erasing means for erasing the received data from the storage means when a predetermined time has elapsed is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data erasing means erases the received data after a predetermined time corresponding to the type of data received by the receiving means has elapsed. Is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In the invention described above, the storage means stores data relating to the date and time when the data is stored in the storage means in association with the data, and the data erasing means stores the data when a predetermined time has elapsed from the date and time. Is deleted from the storage means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores data relating to the predetermined time period associated with the type of data, and the data erasing means uses the predetermined time period. The data received by the receiving means is erased based on the data regarding

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic paper comprising a receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and a storage means for storing the data. After storing the data received by the receiving means by the storage means, the data erasing means is provided for erasing the received data when a predetermined time has elapsed without displaying the received data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the data erasing means displays the received data after the received data stored in the storage means is displayed by the display means. Without receiving the predetermined time, the received data is erased.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic paper comprising a receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and a storage means for storing the data. After the data is displayed by the display unit, the data erasing unit deletes the received data from the storage unit when a predetermined time elapses without displaying the data.

According to the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving data via the communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and a storage means for storing the data in a built-in memory. In the electronic paper, a controller for controlling to store the received data in an external recording medium after a predetermined time has elapsed after the data received by the receiving means is stored in the storage means; The data erasing means for erasing the received data from the means is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving data via the communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and a storage means for storing the data in a built-in memory. The provided electronic paper is provided with copy prohibiting means for controlling the data received by the receiving means to be stored in the storage means and then being prohibited from being copied to a recording medium other than a built-in memory. It is characterized by that.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the ninth aspect, the copy prohibiting means determines that the data received by the receiving means is data for which copying is prohibited, If it is determined that the data is copy-protected data, it is controlled to copy the data to a memory different from the built-in memory.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and a storage means for storing the data in a built-in memory. The electronic paper is provided with copy limiting means for limiting the number of times the received data is copied to a recording medium other than a built-in memory after the data received by the receiving means is stored in the storage means to a predetermined number or less. It is characterized by that.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic paper having a receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and an internal memory for storing the data. It is characterized in that it comprises a transfer prohibiting means for controlling transfer of data stored in the built-in memory to a memory different from the built-in memory.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the twelfth aspect, the transfer prohibiting means judges that the data received by the receiving means is data for which transfer is prohibited, and the data is transferred. When it is determined that the data is transfer prohibited data, the transfer of the data to a memory different from the internal memory is controlled to be prohibited.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the transfer prohibiting means determines that the data is different from the built-in memory when it is determined that the data is copy prohibited data. The feature is that the transfer is controlled so as to be prohibited from being transferred to the memory.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means receives the data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits the data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. The data transmitting method is characterized in that the transmitting means transmits data including information regarding a storage time of the data in the electronic paper to the electronic paper.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the information regarding the storage time of the data is information for erasing the data after a predetermined time has elapsed since the electronic paper stored the data. It is characterized by being.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means receives the data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits the data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. In the data transmission method, the data according to the data transmission request includes information for erasing the data after a predetermined time elapses without displaying the data after the data is stored in the electronic paper. It has a feature.

In the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means receives the data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits the data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. In the data transmission method, the data in response to the data transmission request includes information for erasing the data when a predetermined time has elapsed after the data is displayed on the electronic paper.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the receiving means receives the data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits the data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. In the data transmitting method, the data according to the data transmission request transmitted by the transmitting means includes information for restricting copying of the data by the electronic paper.

The invention of claim 20 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 19, the information for restricting copying of the data is a program for prohibiting copying of the data. I am trying.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, in the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the information for limiting copying of the data is a program for limiting the number of times the data is copied. There is.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the invention, the receiving means receives the data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits the data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. In the data transmission method, the data according to the data transmission request transmitted by the transmission means includes information for restricting the electronic paper from transferring the data.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the invention, in the twenty-third aspect of the invention, the information for restricting the transfer of the data is a program for prohibiting the transfer of the data. I am trying.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the electronic paper in this embodiment is a display device that can display electronic data, and preferably a display device that can hold display data even after power is turned off and power supply is stopped.

[First Embodiment] First, the configuration will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration when the electronic paper 10 according to the present embodiment obtains information via the network N and performs each process described later including a data erasing process. As shown in FIG. 1, electronic paper 10
And an information data server 2 including a newspaper database 21, a weekly magazine database 22 and a monthly magazine database 23.
0 and 0 are connected to each other via the network N so that data can be transmitted and received.

The network N is an information network (communication network) constructed by using a leased line or an existing public line, but WAN (Wide Area Network) or LAN (Local)
Various line forms such as Area Network) can be applied. The electronic paper 10 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly via the base station C.

Next, the internal structure of the electronic paper 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an electronic paper 10.
3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic paper 10 includes a CPU 11a and a RAM 11
The control unit 11, the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, the storage unit 14, and the communication unit 15 which also function as data erasing means, copy prohibiting means, copy restricting means, and transfer prohibiting means of the present invention having b.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11
The a reads various control programs stored in the storage unit 14 and centrally controls the operation of each unit according to the control programs. Further, the CPU 11a, in accordance with the read control program, performs data transmission / reception processing, display processing, data storage processing in the storage unit 14, data erasing processing, data type erasing processing, non-display data erasing processing, external memory storage, which will be described later. Processing, copy prohibition processing, copy restriction processing, etc. are executed, and the results are stored in the RAM 11b and displayed on the display unit 12. Then, the processing result stored in the RAM 11b is stored in a predetermined storage destination of the storage unit 14.

The CPU 11a first executes a data receiving process in response to a user's data receiving instruction (input by the operation unit 13). When executing the data reception process, the CPU
When there is a connection request from the operation unit 13 to the information data server 20, 11a starts communication with the information data server 20 via the network N, specifies the data to be acquired, and receives it from the information data server 20. . When the data receiving process is completed, the CPU 11a executes the data storing process to store the received data in the storage unit 14, and in the data erasing process, erases the data when a predetermined time has elapsed after the data is stored.

Further, the CPU 11a erases the data when a predetermined time corresponding to the type of the received data elapses after the data is stored in the storage unit 14 when the data type erasing process is executed.

Further, when executing the non-display data erasing process, the CPU 11a erases the received data from the storage unit 14 after storing the received data in the storage unit 14 and if there is no instruction to display the data for a predetermined time. Also, after displaying the received data, even if there is no instruction to display the received data for a predetermined time, the data is deleted from the storage unit 14.

When executing the external memory storing process, the CP
The U 11 a stores the received data in the external memory and erases the data from the storage unit 14 which is a built-in memory when a predetermined time passes after the reception data is stored in the storage unit 14.

When executing the copy prohibition process, the CPU 11a
After storing the received data in the storage unit 14, when there is an instruction to copy the received data to another recording medium other than the storage unit 14, the display unit 12 displays a message indicating that the received data cannot be copied, and the received data is copied. Not performed.

When executing the copy restriction process, the CPU 11a
After storing the received data in the storage unit 14, if there is an instruction to copy the received data to another recording medium other than the storage unit 14, the copy is executed if the number of times of copying the received data is less than a predetermined number. However, if the number of times of copying is a predetermined number of times or more, the fact that copying cannot be performed is displayed on the display unit 12, and the received data is not copied.

When executing the transfer prohibition process, the CPU 11a
After storing the received data in the storage unit 14, if there is an instruction to transfer the received data to another recording medium other than the storage unit 14, the display unit 12 displays a message that the transfer is not possible, and the received data is not copied. Not performed.

RAM (Random Access Memory) 11b
Is the electronic paper 10 read from the storage unit 14 in the above-described various processes controlled by the CPU 11a.
Is a temporary storage area for system programs, control programs, input or output data, and parameters that can be executed by.

The display section 12 is formed by sandwiching colored ink between two resin films, and changes the display color by adsorbing or desorbing the colored ink by applying a predetermined voltage. . The display method of the display unit 12 is
Not limited to this, various methods such as microcapsule electrophoresis, in which a colored liquid and white fine particles are put in a transparent microcapsule and the white fine particles are electrophoresed by applying a voltage, are applied. It is possible. The display unit 12 receives the received data such as newspaper data, weekly magazine data, and monthly magazine data received from the information data server 20 via the network N on the display screen according to the instruction of the display signal input from the CPU 11a, and the above-mentioned data. CP
The processing results of various processing in U11a are displayed.

The operation section 13 includes various function buttons fixedly provided on the electronic paper 10 or the electronic paper 10.
A keyboard equipped with character / alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, and various function keys that is detachably attached to the keyboard, a pen that is a pointing device, etc., and various buttons or keys pressed by the keyboard. The CPU 1 uses the pressing signal and the operation signal from the pen as input signals.
Output to 1a.

The storage section 14 is a semiconductor memory built in the electronic paper 10. The storage unit 14 stores a system program corresponding to the electronic paper 10, various processing programs such as data erasing processing that can be executed on the system program, data processed by these programs, and newspaper data input through the network N. Received data such as weekly magazine data and monthly magazine data is stored.
In the present embodiment, the received data received from the information data server 20 includes, in addition to display information such as newspaper information,
The information includes an identifier indicating the type of display information, transfer availability information of the received data, and information about the copy availability of the received data or the number of times the copy is allowed.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 14 stores the information data server 20 in the built-in memory as shown in FIG.
Information data storage file 1 for storing received data such as newspaper data, weekly magazine data and monthly magazine data received from
41 and a data type time setting file 142. Hereinafter, the data structures in the information data storage file 141 and the data type time setting file 142 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data storage example of an information data storage file 141 for storing received data such as newspaper data, weekly magazine data and monthly magazine data received from the information data server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the information data storage file 141 has an identification code (eg, “N123”, “W45” uniquely assigned to identify the content of the received data received from the information data server 20.
6 ”,“ M789 ”, ... Here, N is newspaper data,
W represents weekly magazine data and M represents monthly magazine data. ) As an "information ID", and date / time data indicating the date and time when the received data received is stored (for example, "2001/7/1 6:30", "2001/6/30 20:15"). "," 2001
/ 6/7 13:30 ", ...) as a" storage date and time "and a storage date and time area 141b, and date and time data indicating the date and time when the received data was last displayed (for example," 2001/7/5 19 :Four
0 ”,“ 2001/6/30 23:50 ”,“ 2001/7/2 20:50 ”, ...
.) Is stored as “final display date and time” and received data such as received characters, images and voices (for example, “newspaper A”, “weekly magazine B”, “monthly magazine C”, ... ..) is stored as “display information”, and numerical data indicating the number of times the received data received is copied (for example, “2”, “1”, “0”, ...).
Is stored as "copy count" in the copy count area 141e
And a transfer permission / prohibition information area 141f for storing data indicating whether or not the received data can be transferred (for example, Yes if yes, No if not), and numerical data indicating the number of times the received data can be copied. (For example, "5",
“2”, “0” ...) As a “copiable number”, a copyable number information area 141g is stored.

The external memory A is a memory which is detachably attachable to the electronic paper 10 and is composed of a magnetic or optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory or the like.

The communication unit 15 is built in the electronic paper 10 or is detachably attached to the electronic paper 10.
It is composed of an internal adapter, etc., and is a dedicated line or I
Communication control is performed with the information data server 20 connected to the network N via a communication line such as an SDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) line. Electronic paper 10
May be configured to be wirelessly connected to the network N, in which case the communication unit 15 is configured to include an antenna B capable of wireless communication with the base station C.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the CPU 11 a of the electronic paper 10 performs data reception processing when a data reception instruction is input from the operation unit 13, and acquires data from the information data server 20. The data receiving process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. By operating the operation unit 13 from the user, the information data server 2
When there is a connection request to 0 (step T1; Y), the CPU
11a starts the communication with the information data server 20 via the network N by the communication unit 15 (step T
2) The information to be obtained, for example, newspaper data is specified in the information data server 20 (step T3). The information data server 20 reads the newspaper data from the newspaper database 21, transmits the newspaper data to the communication unit 15 via the network N, and the CPU 11a receives the newspaper data via the communication unit 15 (step T4).

When the data receiving process is completed, the CPU 11
a shifts to the data storage process of FIG. 12, and stores the information ID corresponding to the received newspaper data in the information ID area 141 of the information data storage file 141 in the internal memory of the storage unit 14.
In a, the stored date and time is the storage date and time area 14 of the file.
1b shows the received newspaper data in the display information area 141d of the file, and the transfer permission / inhibition information transmitted by the information data server 20 in association with the received newspaper data in the transfer permission / inhibition information area 141f. It is stored in the possible number information area 141g (step T11).
It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the information ID is attached according to the identifier representing the type of data included in the received data received.

When the data storage process is completed, the CPU 11
a executes a data erasing process. The data erasing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a predetermined time has passed since the date and time stored in the storage date and time area 141b of the information data storage file 141, for example, the predetermined time and one month stored in the storage unit 14 (step S1; Y), the CPU 11a determines that Data 141a-
141d is erased (step S2).

As described above, according to the electronic paper 10, when the designated data is received from the information data server 20, the received data is stored in the built-in memory, and when a predetermined time passes after the data is stored, the data is stored. Is automatically erased. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently use the built-in memory having a limited capacity.

The description in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the electronic paper according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the time from the storage of the data to the deletion is one month, but the time is not limited to this, and the data is stored and then deleted according to the type of the received data. The time until may be changed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data storage example of the data type-specific time setting file 142 that stores the types of received data received and the storage times for storing (saving) the received data in association with each other. As shown in FIG. 4, the data type time setting file 142 sets the identification data (for example, “N”, “W”, “M”, ...) Representing the type of received data as “data type”. The data type area 142a to be stored and time data (for example, “3 days”, “3 weeks”, “3 months”, ...) Representing a predetermined storage time of received data corresponding to the data type are “stored”. And a storage time area 142b for storing as "time". Then, based on the information ID, the CPU 11a may delete the received data when the time corresponding to the time stored in the storage time area 142b has elapsed. Further, the storage time may be arbitrarily set by the user when receiving the data for each data.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a data type erasing process for changing the time from the storage to the erasing depending on the type of the received data. Hereinafter, the erasing process for each data type will be described with reference to FIG. CP
When the data reception process and the data storage process are completed, the U 11a determines the type of display information by the identifier such as the alphabet of the information ID stored in the information ID area 141a of the information data storage file 141, and sets the time by data type. It is determined whether or not the storage time corresponding to the type of display information determined from the file 142 has elapsed. If it is determined that the storage time has elapsed (step S11; Y), the received data is erased from the internal memory (step S12). ).

According to the data type erasing process, for example, newspaper data has three days, weekly magazine data has three weeks, and monthly magazine data has three months.
The time to be stored can be changed according to the update time of each database. Therefore, the data storage period can be automatically managed according to the type of display information, and the convenience of the electronic paper can be improved.

When the user arbitrarily sets the time from the storage of the received data to the deletion of the received data,
The information ID 141a is set to, for example, "Nn123" so that the user can set the storage time,
Data type 1 of data type time setting file 142
It is preferable to add "Nn" as 42a.

In the first embodiment, the data such as newspaper information transmitted from the information data server 20 includes an identifier indicating the type of display information (for example, N indicating newspaper information). The electronic paper 10 selects the storage time stored in the storage unit 14 based on the identifier, and when the storage time corresponding to the data has elapsed, the electronic paper 10 is stored according to the erasing program stored in the electronic paper 10. The example of erasing the data stored in the unit 14 has been described. As a modified example, the information data server 20
However, in the data such as newspaper information to be transmitted, information regarding the storage time of the data in the storage unit 14 of the electronic paper 10 or the date and time of erasing the data (for example, 48 hours after the data transmission of the information data server 20, or 48 hours after the data is received from the electronic paper 10, or 48 hours after the data is stored in the storage unit 14 of the electronic paper 10) and the like is transmitted to the electronic paper 10.
Stores information about the storage time of this data or storage time such as the date and time of data deletion in the storage unit 14 in association with display information such as newspaper information, and based on the information about the storage time, the electronic paper 10 is stored. There is a method of erasing the data recorded in the storage unit 14 according to the stored erasing program. In addition, the information data server 20
However, the data such as newspaper information to be transmitted may include the data erasing program and be transmitted to the electronic paper 10. In this case, the electronic paper 10 receives the data transmitted from the information data server 20, stores the data in the storage unit 14, and then, when the storage time according to the erase program included in the stored data elapses, The data stored in the storage unit 14 is deleted according to the deletion program.

[Second Embodiment] As an application example of the first embodiment, an embodiment of a non-display data erasing process for erasing data which is not displayed for a predetermined time from a built-in memory will be described in detail below. Note that the configuration of the electronic paper 10 in the present embodiment is similar to that in the above-described first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to each component, and the illustration and description of the configuration are omitted.

The non-display data erasing process executed by the electronic paper 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 11a uses the data reception process (see FIG.
(Refer to FIG. 12) and after the data storage processing (see FIG. 12) is completed, when the operation unit 13 gives an instruction to display the display information stored in the storage unit 14 (step S21; Y),
The display information is displayed on the display unit 12, and the date and time displayed in the final display date and time area 141c of the information data storage file 141 is stored (step S22).

When the date and time data is stored in the last display date and time area 141c of the information data storage file 141 (step S23; Y), the CPU 11a has a predetermined time from the last display date and time, for example, a predetermined value stored in the storage unit 14. It is judged whether the time and one month have passed (step S2
4) When the predetermined time stored in the storage unit 14 has elapsed (step S24; Y), the received data stored in the storage unit 14 is erased (step S26). On the other hand, if the date and time data is not stored in the final display date and time area 141c in step S23 (step S23;
N), the CPU 11a determines whether a predetermined time, for example, one month has elapsed from the date and time data stored in the storage date and time area 141b (step S25), and determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S25; Y). ), The storage unit 14
The received data stored in is deleted (step S26). Until the CPU 11a determines that the predetermined time has passed in step S24 or step S25.
Repeatedly executes the corresponding processing in steps S21 to S25.

In this embodiment, step S24
The predetermined time compared in step S25 and the predetermined time compared in step S25 are the same one month, but the invention is not limited to this.
For example, the predetermined times compared in step S24 may be set shorter than the predetermined times compared in step S25, and the respective times may be different.

As described above, according to the electronic paper 10 of the present embodiment, when the designated data is received from the information data server 20, the received data is stored, and after the data is stored, the data is displayed. If a predetermined time has not passed, the received data stored in the storage unit 14 is automatically deleted. Further, even when the display is performed after the data is stored, the received data stored in the storage unit 14 is automatically deleted when a predetermined time has elapsed from the date and time when the data was last displayed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently use the built-in memory of the limited capacity of the electronic paper 10 by automatically erasing the data that is less important to the user.

The description content in the second embodiment is a preferable example of the electronic paper according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second
In the embodiment, when the received data is displayed after being stored, the display date and time is stored and the received data is deleted when a predetermined time has elapsed from the date and time when the display was last performed. Since it can be considered that the received data is somewhat important to the user, it goes without saying that the automatic deletion may not be performed.

The time from the storage of the received data to the deletion of the received data may be uniform regardless of the content of the received data, or may be changed for each type of display information as shown in FIG. Good. The user may be allowed to freely set the storage time at the stage of receiving the data.

In the second embodiment, the electronic paper 10 is used.
Is not displayed for a predetermined time after the data transmitted from the information data server 20 is stored in the storage unit 14 or displayed, for example, for a predetermined time (one month) stored in the storage unit 14. Elapses, the electronic paper 1
0 according to the erasing program stored in 0
The example of erasing the data stored in No. 4 has been described. As a modified example of the second embodiment, the information data server 20 includes, in the data to be transmitted, information regarding the storage time (retention period) of the data in the storage unit 14 of the electronic paper 10 (for example, the electronic paper). 10 hours after the data is stored in the storage unit 14 of the device 10 and 72 hours after the data is displayed on the display unit 12), and the electronic paper 10 sends the electronic paper 10 based on the information regarding the storage time of the data. There is a method of erasing the data stored in the storage unit 14 according to the erasing program stored in the paper 10. Further, the information data server 20 may include a data erasing program in the data to be transmitted and transmit the data to the electronic paper 10. In this case, the electronic paper 10 receives the data transmitted from the information data server 20, stores the data in the storage unit 14, and then when the storage time according to the erasing program included in the stored received data elapses. , Storage unit 1 according to the erase program
The received data stored in 4 is deleted.

[Third Embodiment] As an application example of the first embodiment, data having a predetermined time after processing (for example, a predetermined time after data storage) has been externally attached from the internal memory. An embodiment of the external memory storage processing for storing in the memory will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, an example in which the process serving as the starting calculation is a process of storing data in the storage unit 14 will be described, but various processes such as a display process can be applied. The configuration of the electronic paper 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the respective components, and the illustration and description of the configuration are omitted.

The external memory storage processing executed by the electronic paper 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 11a uses the data reception process (see FIG.
(Refer to FIG. 12) and the data storage process (see FIG. 12) are completed, and after the data is stored in the data storage process, a predetermined time, for example, one month has elapsed (step S31; Y), the data is automatically stored in the external memory A. Is stored (step S3
2), the data in the information data storage file 141 is erased (step S33).

Here, the external memory A may be a memory that can be attached to and detached from the electronic paper 10, or the electronic paper 10 may be connected to another server, a terminal, or the like and built in or attached to the other server, the terminal, or the like. It may be a stored memory. Further, data may be transmitted from the communication unit 15 via a transmission medium of a network line such as WAN, LAN or the like and stored in a memory built in or attached to another server, terminal or the like. Good.

As described above, according to the electronic paper 10, when the designated data is received from the information data server 20, the received data is stored, and after the processing such as storing the data and displaying the data on the screen is performed, a predetermined data is stored. After a lapse of time, the data is stored in the external memory A and the data in the internal memory is erased. Therefore, the received data can be accumulated without worrying about the free space of the electronic paper 10, and the convenience of the electronic paper 10 can be improved.

The description content in the third embodiment is a preferred example of the electronic paper according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the time from the processing of data to the storage of the data in the external memory A may be uniform regardless of the content of the data, or may be changed for each type of data. When the time from the processing of data to the storage of the data in the external memory A is changed for each data type, the data is stored in the external memory A in association with the data type, as in FIG. Memorize the time up to, CP based on this time
The U 11a may store the data in the external memory A.
In addition, the user may be allowed to freely set at the stage of receiving data. In addition, it is preferable that the date and time when the data is stored in the storage unit 14 is used as the starting date and time for determining whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the information data server 20 may transmit the data including the time from the processing of the data to the storage in the external memory A. Further, the information data server 20 may transmit the data to be transmitted including a program for storing the data in the external memory A after a predetermined time has elapsed from the processing of the data and deleting the data from the storage unit 14. .

[Fourth Embodiment] As an application example of the first embodiment, a copy prohibition process is executed after storing received data so that the data cannot be copied to a recording medium other than the built-in memory. The form will be described in detail. In addition,
The configuration of the electronic paper 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the respective components, and the illustration and description of the configuration are omitted.

Copy prohibition processing executed by the electronic paper 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the data receiving process and the data storing process are completed, the CPU 11a operates the operating unit 13 to instruct to copy the data stored in the recording medium other than the built-in memory by the data storing process (step S41; Y). CPU
11a displays on the display unit 12 that the data cannot be copied to another recording medium (for example, the external memory A) and notifies the data, and does not copy the data to another recording medium ( Step S42).

As described above, according to the electronic paper 10, when the designated data is received from the information data server 20, the received data is stored, and after the data is stored, the data is stored in a recording medium other than the built-in disk. When there is a copying instruction, the fact that copying is not possible is displayed on the display unit 12 to notify it, and control is performed so that copying is not performed. Therefore, unauthorized copying is not possible, and electronic paper in consideration of copyright protection can be provided.

The contents described in the fourth embodiment are a preferred example of the electronic paper according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the copy prohibition process, the CPU 11a determines whether or not the data instructed to be copied in step S41 is the data prohibited from being copied to another recording medium, and the data is prohibited from being copied. If it is determined that the data has been recorded, in step 42, the fact that the data cannot be copied to another recording medium may be displayed on the display unit 12 to notify. This can be realized by storing the information regarding the propriety of copying together with the display information in the information data storage file 141 and determining whether to prohibit the copying based on this information. This allows
Copying can be prohibited according to the characteristics of data, and convenience can be improved.

Further, by applying the above-mentioned fourth embodiment,
After storing the received data, it is also possible to control so that the data cannot be transferred to a recording medium other than the built-in memory.
In this case, when an instruction to transfer data to a recording medium other than the built-in memory is issued by operating the operation unit 13, C
The PU 11a displays the fact that the data cannot be transferred to another recording medium on the display unit 12 to notify it and controls not to transfer.

Further, as in the case of the copy prohibition, when it is judged that the data instructed to be transferred to another recording medium is the transfer prohibited data, the transfer is controlled not to be performed. Good. This can be realized by determining the transfer availability based on the transfer availability information stored in the transfer availability information area 141f of the information data storage file 141. Note that the transfer availability may be determined according to the number of times copying is possible instead of the transfer availability information. For example, when the number of times copying is possible is “0”, transfer is also disabled.

In the fourth embodiment, the electronic paper 10 is used.
After the data transmitted from the information data server 20 is stored in the storage unit 14, the operation unit 13 is operated to copy or transfer the data to a recording medium other than the storage unit 14 which is a built-in memory. E-paper 1 when instructed
The example has been described in which the display unit 12 displays that copying or transfer cannot be performed according to the copy prohibition program or the transfer prohibition program stored in 0. As a modified example of the fourth embodiment, when the information data server 20 transmits the display information such as newspaper information that prohibits copying or transfer, the information data server 20 copies the data in the data to be transmitted. You may transmit to the electronic paper 10 including a prohibition program or a transfer prohibition program. In this case, the electronic paper 10 receives the data transmitted from the information data server 20, stores the data in the storage unit 14, and then the operation unit 1
When an instruction to copy or transfer the data to a recording medium other than the built-in memory is made by operating 3,
According to the copy or transfer prohibition program, the fact that the copy or transfer cannot be performed is displayed on the display unit 12, and the copy or transfer is controlled not to be performed.

[Fifth Embodiment] As an application example of the fourth embodiment, a copy restriction process for limiting the number of times of copying the data to a recording medium other than the built-in memory after storing the received data to a predetermined number of times. The embodiment will be described in detail. In addition,
The configuration of the electronic paper 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the respective components, and the illustration and description of the configuration are omitted.

Copy restriction processing executed by the electronic paper 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the data receiving process and the data storing process are completed, the CPU 11a stores the storage unit 14 in a recording medium other than the built-in memory.
If there is an instruction to copy the data stored in (step S51; Y), the CPU 11a causes the copy number area 141e to be copied.
It is determined whether or not the number of times of copying stored in is a predetermined number of times, for example, a predetermined number of times or less stored in the storage unit 14 (step S52), and when it is determined that the number of times of copying is a predetermined number or less (step S52) Y), the data is copied, and a value obtained by adding 1 to the number of times stored in the copy count area 141e is stored in the copy count area 141e (step S53). If it is determined that the number of times is not less than the predetermined number of times, that is, the number of times is greater than the predetermined number of times (step S52; N), CP
The U 11a notifies that copying is not possible on the screen (step S54), does not perform copying, and ends the copy restriction process.

As described above, according to the electronic paper 10, when the designated data is received from the information data server 20, the received data is stored, and after the data is stored, the data is stored in a recording medium other than the built-in disk. When there is a copy instruction, it is determined whether or not the number of times the data has been copied up to the present is a predetermined number of times or less. Then, if the number of times of copying is less than or equal to the predetermined number of times, copying is executed and the number of times of copying area 141 is reached.
Add 1 to the value of e. If it is determined that the number of times of copying exceeds the predetermined number of times, it is displayed on the display unit 12 that copying cannot be performed, and copying is not performed. Therefore, unnecessary copying of the received data is restricted, and the electronic paper in consideration of copyright protection can be provided.

The description content in the fifth embodiment is a preferred example of the electronic paper according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined number of times as the criterion for determining whether or not to make a copy may be set in advance to a uniform number regardless of the type of data.
The number of times copying is possible may be changed depending on the type of data. This is the information data storage file 141
This can be realized by determining whether or not copying is possible with the number of times stored in the number of possible copying information area 141g set as a predetermined number. Further, depending on the data, the predetermined number of times may be set to infinity. As a result, copying can be restricted according to the characteristics of the data, and convenience can be improved.

In the fifth embodiment, the electronic paper 10 is used.
Is stored in the electronic paper 10 when there is an instruction to copy data including display information such as newspaper information transmitted from the information data server 20 to the recording medium other than the built-in memory by operating the operation unit 13. According to the copy restriction program, the number of times the data has been copied, which is stored in the storage unit 14 up to the present time, is read, and it is determined whether or not the number of times is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times stored in the storage unit 14, The example in which copying is performed only when the number of times is equal to or less than the predetermined number has been described. In this modification, the information data server 20 is
In the data including the display information such as newspaper information to be transmitted, information including a predetermined number of times that can be copied to a memory other than the built-in memory (for example, twice) is transmitted and transmitted to the electronic paper 10. There is a method of limiting the number of times the data stored in the storage unit 14 is copied according to a copy limiting program stored in the electronic paper 10 based on information about a predetermined number of times the data can be copied. Further, the information data server 20 may include the data copy restriction program in the data such as newspaper information to be transmitted, and transmit the data to the electronic paper 10. In this case, the electronic paper 10 receives the data transmitted from the information data server 20, stores the data in the storage unit 14, and then, when there is an instruction to copy the data to a recording medium other than the built-in memory, the copy restriction program. According to the above, the number of times the data has been copied, which is stored in the storage unit 14 up to the present time, is read to determine whether or not the number is less than or equal to a predetermined number included in the program. Copy only to.

The first to fifth embodiments can be executed independently, but the first embodiment and the fourth or fifth embodiment and the second embodiment Form and Fourth or Fifth Embodiment, Third Embodiment and Fourth
Alternatively, by executing the method in combination with the fifth embodiment, it is possible to efficiently use the built-in memory having a limited capacity, and at the same time realize a more convenient electronic paper in consideration of copyright protection. Is possible. In addition, regarding the detailed configuration and the detailed operation of the electronic paper 10,
Modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0085]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic paper in which a built-in memory having a limited capacity can be efficiently used. Further, it is possible to provide an electronic paper in consideration of a case where the disclosure range of information is limited due to copyright protection, a contract, or the like by making it difficult or prohibited to copy the information recorded in the built-in memory.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing an overall configuration when an electronic paper 10 according to the present invention obtains information via a network N.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of electronic paper 10 shown in FIG.

3 is a diagram showing an example of data storage inside an information data storage file 141 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data storage inside a data type time setting file 142 of FIG.

5 is a flowchart of a data erasing process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a data type erasing process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a non-display data erasing process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an external memory storage process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a copy prohibition process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG.

10 is a flowchart showing a copy restriction process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing a data reception process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing a data storage process executed by the CPU 11a of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 electronic paper 11 Control unit 11a CPU 11b RAM 12 Display 13 Operation part 14 Memory 141 Information data storage file 142 Time setting file by data type 15 Communication 20 Information data server 21 newspaper database 22 Weekly magazine database 23 Monthly Magazine Database

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification Code FI Theme Coat (Reference) G09G 5/00 555D

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An electronic paper comprising a receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, a displaying means for displaying information based on the data, and a storing means for storing the data, wherein the receiving means receives the data. An electronic paper, comprising: data erasing means for erasing the received data from the storage means when a predetermined time elapses after the stored data is stored in the storage means. 2. The electronic paper according to claim 1, wherein the data erasing means erases the received data when a predetermined time period corresponding to the type of the data received by the receiving means elapses. 3. The storage means stores data relating to the date and time when the data is stored in the storage means in association with the data, and the data erasing means stores the data when a predetermined time has elapsed from the date and time. 3. The electronic paper according to claim 1, wherein the electronic paper is erased from the storage means. 4. The storage means stores data relating to the predetermined time, which is associated with a type of data, and the data erasing means receives data received by the receiving means based on the data relating to the predetermined time. The electronic paper according to claim 2, wherein the electronic paper is erased. 5. An electronic paper comprising: receiving means for receiving data via a communication network; display means for displaying information based on the data; and storage means for storing the data, the receiving means receiving the electronic paper. An electronic paper, comprising: a data erasing unit that erases the received data after a predetermined time has elapsed without displaying the received data after the stored data is stored in the storage unit. 6. The data erasing means erases the received data when the reception data stored in the storage means is displayed by the display means and then the reception data is not displayed and a predetermined time elapses. The electronic paper according to claim 5, wherein 7. An electronic paper comprising receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, display means for displaying information based on the data, and storage means for storing the data, wherein the data is the display. An electronic paper, comprising: a data erasing means for erasing the received data from the storage means after a predetermined time has passed without displaying the data after being displayed by the means. 8. An electronic paper comprising: receiving means for receiving data via a communication network; display means for displaying information based on the data; and storage means for storing the data in a built-in memory. After storing the data received by the receiving means by the storage means, when a predetermined time elapses, a controller for controlling the received data to be stored in an external recording medium; and the data received from the storage means. An electronic paper comprising a data erasing means for erasing data. 9. An electronic paper comprising: receiving means for receiving data via a communication network; display means for displaying information based on the data; and storage means for storing the data in a built-in memory. After storing the data received by the receiving means by the storage means, a copy prohibiting means is provided for controlling so that the received data cannot be copied to a recording medium other than a built-in memory. paper. 10. The copy prohibiting means judges that the data received by the receiving means is copy prohibited data, and if it is judged that the data is copy prohibited data, 10. The electronic paper according to claim 9, wherein the electronic paper is controlled so that copying of the data into a memory different from the built-in memory is prohibited. 11. An electronic paper comprising: receiving means for receiving data via a communication network; display means for displaying information based on the data; and storage means for storing the data in a built-in memory. After the data received by the receiving means is stored in the storage means, a copy limiting means for limiting the number of times of copying the received data to a recording medium other than a built-in memory to a predetermined number or less is provided. Electronic paper. 12. An electronic paper having a receiving means for receiving data via a communication network, a display means for displaying information based on the data, and an internal memory for storing the data, the electronic paper being stored in the internal memory. An electronic paper, comprising: transfer prohibiting means for controlling transfer of the stored data to a memory different from the built-in memory. 13. The transfer prohibiting means judges that the data received by the receiving means is transfer prohibited data, and if it is judged that the data is transfer prohibited data, 13. The electronic paper according to claim 12, wherein the electronic paper is controlled so as to be prohibited from being transferred to a memory different from the built-in memory. 14. The transfer prohibiting means, when it is judged that the data is copy prohibited data, controls the transfer to prohibit transfer of the data to a memory different from the built-in memory. The electronic paper according to claim 13, which is characterized in that. 15. A method of transmitting data to an electronic paper, wherein the receiving means receives a data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits data according to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. A method for transmitting data to electronic paper, wherein the transmitting means transmits data including information regarding a storage time of the data in the electronic paper to the electronic paper. 16. Information relating to the storage time of the data is:
16. The method of transmitting data to electronic paper according to claim 15, wherein the electronic paper is information for erasing the data after a predetermined time has passed since the electronic paper stored the data. 17. A method of transmitting data to an electronic paper, wherein the receiving means receives a data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits data according to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. To the electronic paper, wherein the data according to the data transmission request includes information for erasing the data after a predetermined time elapses without displaying the data after the data is stored in the electronic paper. Data transmission method. 18. A method of transmitting data to an electronic paper, wherein the receiving means receives a data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. A method of transmitting data to electronic paper, wherein the data according to the data transmission request includes information for erasing the data when a predetermined time has elapsed after the data is displayed on the electronic paper. 19. A method of transmitting data to an electronic paper, wherein the receiving means receives a data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. A method of transmitting data to electronic paper, wherein the data transmitted by the transmission means in response to the data transmission request includes information for restricting copying of the data by the electronic paper. 20. The method for transmitting data to electronic paper according to claim 19, wherein the information for restricting copying of the data is a program for prohibiting copying of the data. . 21. The method of transmitting data to electronic paper according to claim 19, wherein the information for restricting copying of the data is a program for restricting the number of times of copying the data. 22. A method of transmitting data to an electronic paper, wherein the receiving means receives a data transmission request transmitted from the electronic paper, and the transmitting means transmits data corresponding to the data transmission request to the electronic paper. A method of transmitting data to electronic paper, characterized in that the data according to the data transmission request transmitted by the transmission means includes information for limiting transfer of the data by the electronic paper. 23. The method of transmitting data to electronic paper according to claim 22, wherein the information for restricting the transfer of the data is a program for prohibiting the transfer of the data. .