JP2003186724A - Information processing system, information processing device and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a control program to be stored in memory which cannot be rewritten even if a function is added afterward. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic device 1 has a main function and a subordinate function, if control information set on the electronic device 1 indicates prohibition of use, a function corresponding with the subordinate function is not executed on the electronic device 1. In this status, a user is not allowed to use the subordinate function. If the control information indicates to allow the use, the function corresponding with the subordinate function is executed ad libitum. In this status, the user is allowed to use the subordinate function. In other words, a manufacturer can add the subordinate function to the electronic device 1 by putting the electronic device 1 in the marketplace with the control information to indicate the prohibition of the use being set and allowing the function corresponding with the subordinate function to be executed ad libitum by switching the control information to indicate to allow the use afterward. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus capable of adding a function later. The present invention relates to a method, a recording medium, and a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A new function may be added later to an electronic device placed on the market.

[0003] For example, when the infrastructure for supporting a predetermined service is not prepared, when the service is provided prematurely, or when the content is handled, problems such as copyright are still unsolved. For example, when the electronic device is sold, the function is added (added) after the function related to the service can be started without adding the function to the electronic device. .

As a method of adding a new function, there is a method of upgrading a program for controlling an electronic device to a program corresponding to the new function. Specifically, the manufacturer of the electronic device provides the user with a program for controlling the electronic device corresponding to the new function, and the user installs the provided program for control in the electronic device. The program for controlling electronic devices is upgraded.

[0005]

However, when a function is added by upgrading the control program as described above, the control program is eventually rewritten, so that the electronic device control The memory area in which the program for memory is stored must be composed of a rewritable memory. That is, an expensive memory must be used as compared with a non-rewritable memory, which causes a problem of high cost.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to add a function to an electronic device at a low cost.

[0007]

In an information processing system according to the present invention, a terminal stores a control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or the use of the first function is permitted. Means and a first setting processing execution means for executing a first setting processing for enabling the first function only when the control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted,
When the first setting process is executed by the first setting process execution means and the first function is enabled, the first function process corresponding to the first function is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. First function processing execution means, first input means for inputting a command for changing the content of control information output from the control device, and change of the content of control information input by the first input means According to the command to change the control information, a second setting process executing unit for executing the second setting process for enabling the second function, and a second setting process executing unit for executing the second setting process. And a second function processing executing means for executing the second function processing corresponding to the second function according to the operation on the operation unit when the second setting function is executed and the second function is enabled. Equipped, the control device enables the first function in the terminal A second input means for inputting a command to perform and a command for changing the content of the control information to the terminal when a command for enabling the first function of the terminal is input by the second input means. And means.

In the information processing system of the present invention, the terminal stores the control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or the use of the first function is permitted, and the control information is the first information. Only when the use of the first function is permitted, the first setting process for enabling the first function is executed, the first setting process is executed, and the first function is enabled. Then, the first function process corresponding to the first function is executed according to the operation on the operation unit, and the command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device is input and input. According to the command for changing the content of the control information, the content of the control information is changed, the second setting process for enabling the second function is executed, the second setting process is executed, and the second function is executed. When activated, the second device responds to the operation on the operation unit. When the second function process corresponding to is executed, the control device inputs a command for enabling the first function in the terminal, and a command for enabling the first function in the terminal is input, the control information A command to change the contents of is output to the terminal.

A first information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores first control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted. A first setting process executing means for executing a first setting process for enabling the first function only when the first control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted; The first setting process is executed by the first setting process execution unit, and the first setting process is executed.
When the function of is activated, the first function processing corresponding to the first function is executed according to the operation on the operation unit.
First functional processing execution means and the controller output the first
Input means for inputting a command for changing the content of the control information, changing means for changing the content of the first control information in accordance with the command for changing the content of the first control information input by the input means, The second setting process is executed by the second setting process executing means for executing the second setting process for enabling the second function, and the second function is enabled by the second setting process executing means. And a second functional process executing means for executing a second functional process corresponding to the second function in response to an operation on the operation unit.

The storage means further stores second control information indicating that the use of the second function is prohibited or that the use of the second function is permitted, and the second setting processing means is the second setting processing means. Two
The second setting process is executed only when the control information of 1 indicates that the second function is enabled, and the input unit displays the content of the second control information output from the control device. A command for changing is further input, and the changing unit is configured to change the first control information according to a command for changing the content of the first control information or a command for changing the content of the second control information, which is input by the input unit.
It is possible to change the contents of the control information or the second control information.

A first information processing method according to the present invention comprises a storage step of storing control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted. , A first setting process execution step of executing a first setting process for enabling the first function only when the use of the first function is permitted, and a first setting process execution When the first setting process is executed in the process of the step and the first function is enabled, the first function process corresponding to the first function is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. The contents of the control information according to the function processing execution step, the input step for inputting the command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device, and the command for changing the content of the control information input in the processing of the input step Change step to change the The second setting process is executed by the second setting process execution step for executing the second setting process for enabling the function of the second setting process, and the second function is enabled by the process of the second setting process execution step. And a second functional process execution step of executing a second functional process corresponding to the second function when the operation unit operates.

The program of the first recording medium of the present invention is
A storage control step of controlling storage of control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function, and control information permitting use of the first function , The first setting process execution control step of controlling to execute the first setting process that enables the first function and the first setting process execution control step When the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function corresponding to the operation on the operation unit is performed.
For controlling execution of first functional processing corresponding to the function of
Function processing execution control step, an input control step that controls the input of a command that changes the content of control information that is output from the control device, and a command that changes the content of the control information that is input in the processing of the input control step A change control step for controlling the change of the content of the control information, a second setting process execution control step for controlling the execution of the second setting process for enabling the second function, and a second setting process execution When the second setting process is executed in the process of the control step and the second function is enabled, the second setting corresponding to the operation on the operation unit is performed.
For controlling execution of second functional processing corresponding to the function of
And a functional process execution control step of.

A first program of the present invention is a storage control step for controlling storage of control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function; , A first setting process execution control step of controlling so that the first setting process for enabling the first function is executed only when it indicates that the use of the first function is permitted. When the first setting process is executed in the process of the first setting process execution control step and the first function is enabled, the first function corresponding to the first function corresponding to the operation on the operation unit. The first functional process execution control step for controlling the execution of the process, the input control step for controlling the input of the command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device, and the input control step Change the contents of control information A change control step for controlling a change in the content of the control information, a second setting process execution control step for controlling execution of a second setting process for enabling the second function, and a second setting process When the second setting process is executed in the process of the execution control step and the second function is enabled, the execution of the second function process corresponding to the second function corresponding to the operation on the operation unit is controlled. And a second functional process execution control step for causing a computer to execute a process.

A first information processing apparatus and method of the present invention,
In addition, in the program, control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted is stored, and the control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted. Only when the first function is activated, the first setting process for enabling the first function is executed. When the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the operation unit is operated. According to a command for changing the content of the input control information, a command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device is executed according to the first function processing corresponding to the first function. The content of the control information is changed, the second setting process for enabling the second function is executed, and the second
When the setting function is executed and the second function is enabled, the second function process corresponding to the second function is executed according to the operation on the operation unit.

The second information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit for storing control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or the use of the first function is permitted, and the control information is stored in the storage unit. , A first setting process executing means for executing a first setting process for enabling the first function only when the use of the first function is permitted, and a first setting process execution A first function process for executing a first function process corresponding to the first function in response to an operation on the operation unit when the first setting process is executed by the means and the first function is enabled. Executing means, changing means for changing the contents of the control information according to the control signal for changing the contents of the control information, and second setting processing executing means for executing the second setting processing for enabling the second function. , The second setting processing execution means executes the second setting processing, When the second function is enabled, it is possible to communicate with a terminal provided with a second functional process executing means that executes a second functional process corresponding to the second function in response to an operation on the operation unit, and An input unit for inputting a command for enabling the first function of the terminal, and a control signal for changing the content of the control information when the command for enabling the first function of the terminal is input by the input unit. And a supply means for supplying to.

According to a second information processing method of the present invention, storage means for storing control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function, and control information , A first setting process executing means for executing a first setting process for enabling the first function only when the use of the first function is permitted, and a first setting process execution A first function process for executing a first function process corresponding to the first function in response to an operation on the operation unit when the first setting process is executed by the means and the first function is enabled. Executing means, changing means for changing the contents of the control information according to the control signal for changing the contents of the control information, and second setting processing executing means for executing the second setting processing for enabling the second function. , The second setting processing execution means executes the second setting processing, An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal, including a second functional process executing unit that executes a second functional process corresponding to the second function when the second function is enabled And an input step of inputting a command for enabling the first function of the terminal, and controlling when the command of enabling the first function of the terminal is input in the processing of the input step. And a supplying step of supplying a control signal for changing the content of information to the terminal.

The program of the second recording medium of the present invention is
Storage means for storing control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted;
A first setting process executing unit that executes a first setting process that enables the first function only when the control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted; A first setting process is executed by the setting process execution means, and when the first function is enabled, a first function process corresponding to the first function is executed according to an operation on the operation unit. Second functional processing executing means, changing means for changing the content of the control information according to a control signal for changing the content of the control information, and second.
Second setting processing executing means for executing the second setting processing for enabling the function of
And a second function processing executing means for executing the second function processing corresponding to the second function according to the operation on the operation unit when the second setting function is executed and the second function is enabled. A program of an information processing device capable of communicating with a provided terminal, comprising an input control step of controlling input of a command for enabling the first function of the terminal, and a first function of the terminal by processing of the input control step. And a supply control step of controlling the supply of the control signal for changing the content of the control information to the terminal when the command for enabling is input.

In a second program of the present invention, a storage means for storing control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function, and the control information are The first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process for enabling the first function and the first setting process executing means only when the use of the first function is permitted. When the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, first function process executing means for executing a first function process corresponding to the first function in response to an operation on the operation unit. A change means for changing the content of the control information in accordance with a control signal for changing the content of the control information; a second setting processing executing means for executing a second setting processing for enabling the second function; The second setting process execution means executes the second setting process, Of the information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the terminal, the second function processing executing unit executing the second function processing corresponding to the second function when the function of is activated. A program,
In the processing of the input control step for controlling the input of the command for enabling the first function in the terminal and the processing of the input control step,
When a command for activating the first function of the terminal is input, the computer is caused to execute a process including a supply control step of controlling the supply of the control signal for changing the content of the control information to the terminal. .

A second information processing apparatus and method of the present invention,
In addition, in the program, a storage unit that stores control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted, and the control information permits the use of the first function. And a first setting process execution unit that executes the first setting process that enables the first function, and the first setting process execution unit executes the first setting process. And when the first function is activated,
The first corresponding to the first function according to the operation on the operation unit
A first function processing executing means for executing the function processing of the above, a changing means for changing the content of the control information according to a control signal for changing the content of the control information, and a second function for enabling the second function.
Second setting processing executing means for executing the setting processing of
The second setting process is executed by the second setting process execution means, and when the second function is enabled, the second function process corresponding to the second function is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. A control signal for changing the content of the control information when a command for enabling the first function in the terminal including the second function processing execution means is input and a command for enabling the first function in the terminal is input. Is supplied to the terminal.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An outline of the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The electronic device 1 shown in FIG. 1A has a main function and a sub-function, but as shown in FIG. 1B, the control information set in the electronic device 1 represents "prohibition of use". If so, the processing corresponding to the sub-function is not executed in the electronic device 1. That is, in this case, the user cannot use the secondary function. It should be noted that although the display of the “subordinate function” in FIG. 1B is shaded, this means that the subordinate function is not available in the electronic device 1. The same applies in other cases.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1C, the control information is "
In the case of “permitting use permission”, the process corresponding to the subordinate function is appropriately executed in the electronic device 1. That is, in this case, the user can use the subordinate function.

That is, the manufacturer of the electronic device 1 sets the control information indicating "prohibition of use", and the electronic device 1
Is placed on the market, and when the service corresponding to the subordinate function can be started after that, the control information is changed to indicate "permit to use" and the processing corresponding to the subordinate function is performed. The sub-function can be added to the electronic device 1 by performing the process as appropriate. Since the process corresponding to the main function is appropriately executed regardless of the content of the control information, the user can use the main function from the beginning of purchase.

Therefore, in the present invention, the addition of the sub-function is performed by changing the control information, and the control program (the control program for performing the processing corresponding to the main function and the sub-function) is not rewritten. Since it does not exist, the manufacturer can store the control program in the electronic device 1 using a non-rewritable memory (for example, a mask memory).

A method for changing the control information (a method for adding a sub-function) will be described. In this example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the electronic device 1 connected to the personal computer 2 is connected to the personal computer 2 from the personal computer 2. This is performed by inputting a predetermined control signal.

Specifically, the manufacturer of the electronic device 1 sends a control signal to the user of the electronic device 1 online or offline, for example, when the service corresponding to the sub-function can be started. A program to be transmitted to the electronic device 1 (hereinafter referred to as a control information changing program) is provided. The user connects the personal computer 2 to the electronic device 1 and activates the control information changing program on the personal computer 2,
By supplying a control signal to the electronic device 1, the content of the control information is changed.

The processing of the personal computer 2 by the control information changing program performed here mainly transmits a control signal to the electronic device 1, and is different from the process when the control program of the electronic device 1 is upgraded. Can be done quickly. Further, since the control program itself is not processed at all, problems such as damage of the control program do not occur in the work of adding a function.

FIG. 2 shows an example of use of the information processing system when the electronic device 1 is the mini disc player 1.

The mini disc player 1 shown in FIG.
Although it has a reproduction function as a main function and a bookmark function as a subsidiary function, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the control flag set in the mini disc player 1 is off, the mini disc player 1 In, the processing corresponding to the bookmark function (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as bookmark processing) is not executed. That is, in this case, the user cannot use the bookmark function.

The reproduction function means a reproduction button A (or a reproduction button B provided on the remote controller 3).
In response to a predetermined operation with respect to, the audio data stored in a magneto-optical disc (not shown) mounted (not shown) is reproduced and output from the headphones 4.

The bookmark function will be described in detail later. For example, when a favorite song is played from the radio broadcast being listened to, the user performs a predetermined operation on the play buttons A and B. By storing the time at that time in the mini disc player 1 and sending the time later to a predetermined server (not shown), the information on the music searched by that server and radio-broadcast at that time is obtained. This is a function that can be performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2C, when the control flag is "on", the mini disc player 1
In, the bookmark process is executed as appropriate. That is, in this case, the user can use the bookmark function.

Therefore, the manufacturer of the mini disc player 1 can set the control flag in the "off" state to start the sale of the mini disc player 1 and then start the service corresponding to the bookmark function. Then, the bookmark function can be added to the mini disc player 1 by changing the control flag to the “on” state so that the bookmark process is executed at a proper time. In the case of this example, the processing corresponding to the reproduction function (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as reproduction processing) is
Since it is executed at appropriate times regardless of the state of the control flag, the user can use the playback function from the beginning of purchase.

Therefore, in this case, the bookmark function is added by changing the control flag, and the control program is not rewritten.
Using a non-rewritable memory (mask memory),
A control program (control program compatible with both the reproduction function and the bookmark function) can be stored in the mini disc player 1.

In the case of this example, as a method of changing the control flag (method of adding a bookmark function), as shown in FIG. 2A, the mini disk player 1 connected to the personal computer 2 is connected to the personal computer 2 from the personal computer 2.
This is performed by inputting a predetermined control signal.

Specifically, the manufacturer of the mini disc player 1 can control the user of the mini disc player 1 online or offline, for example, when the service corresponding to the bookmark function can be started. A control flag changing program for transmitting a signal to the mini disc player 1 is provided. The user connects the personal computer 2 to the mini disc player 1, activates the control flag changing program in the personal computer 2, and supplies a control signal to the mini disc player 1, whereby the state of the control flag of the mini disc player 1 is reached. To change.

The mini-disc player 1 has a reproducing function, a bookmark function, a recording function that a recording / reproducing apparatus generally has, a content information editing function, and the like. These functions are the main functions. Alternatively, it can be a sub-function.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of the mini disc player 1.

The system controller 11 composed of a microcomputer stores a control flag 11A in a built-in memory. System controller 11
Performs a process for enabling the reproduction function (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a reproduction function setting process) when the power is turned on, but a process for enabling the bookmark function (hereinafter, referred to as a process)
As for the bookmark function setting process), only when the control flag 11A is turned on,
Do it. Since the control flag 11A needs to be stored even when the power is off, it can be stored in the EEPROM 14.

The reproduction function setting process is, for example, the operation unit 1.
6 or the remote controller control section 17 so that the operation information when the reproduction buttons A and B are pressed only once can be recognized as a reproduction start command.

The bookmark function setting process is, for example, operation information obtained when the reproduction buttons A and B are pressed twice in succession, which is obtained from the operation unit 16 or the remote control unit 17, as bookmark processing. This is processing that enables recognition as a command for time information storage processing (described later). Note that here, the operation information when the play buttons A and B are pressed twice consecutively is used, but in addition, the operation information when the play buttons A and B are long pressed can be used. However, the operation information (operation information used in the reproduction function) when the reproduction buttons A and B are pressed only once is excluded.

That is, when the control flag 11A is off, the bookmark function setting process is not performed. In this case, therefore, even if the play buttons A and B are pressed twice in succession, the system controller 11 can display the time information. Do not memorize. After all, in this case, the user cannot use the bookmark function.

The ROM 12 stores a control program for performing processing (reproduction processing) corresponding to the reproduction function executed by the system controller 11 and bookmark processing corresponding to the bookmark function. The RAM 13 appropriately stores data necessary for the system controller 11 to execute the program.

The EEPROM 14 stores the timer 15 supplied from the system controller 11 during the bookmark processing.
The time information obtained from is stored. EEPROM14 also
In the bookmark processing, the device ID of the mini disk player 1 used when acquiring the search information is stored.

The operation unit 16 indicates a portion used for user operation, and is provided with various operation keys and operators (reproduction button A, etc.) as dials. As an operator, for example,
In addition to playback, recording, pause, stop, FF (fast forward), R
Operators related to recording / reproducing operations such as EW (fast reverse) and AMS (cue search), normal reproduction, program reproduction,
Operators related to play modes such as shuffle reproduction, and further operators for display mode operation for switching the display state on the display unit 18, and track (program) division, track connection, track deletion, track name input, disk name input Operators are provided for program editing operations such as. The operation information from these operation keys and dials is supplied to the system controller 11.

The remote controller control section 17 inputs operation information from the remote controller 3 in accordance with an operation on an operator such as the play button B and supplies it to the system controller 11.

The system controller 11 includes an operation unit 16
Alternatively, the operation control according to the operation information from the remote controller control unit 17 is executed.

The display operation of the display section 18 is controlled by the system controller 11. That is, the system controller 11 transmits the data to be displayed when executing the display operation to the display driver (not shown) in the display unit 18. The display driver drives the display operation of a display (not shown) by a liquid crystal panel or the like based on the supplied data, and executes the display of required numbers, characters, symbols and the like. The display section 18 shows the operation mode state, track number, recording time / reproduction time, editing operation state, etc. of the disc being recorded / reproduced.

The communication section 19 is, for example, a USB (Universal Se
(serial bus) is used as a communication interface standard to communicate with the personal computer 2.

A disk (magneto-optical disk) 21 on which audio data is recorded is rotationally driven by a spindle motor 22. The optical head 23 irradiates the disk 21 with laser light during recording and reproduction.

The optical head 23 outputs a high level laser for heating the recording track to the Curie temperature during recording, and a relatively low level laser for detecting data from the reflected light by the magnetic Kerr effect during reproduction. Output. Therefore, the optical head 23 is equipped with a laser diode as a laser output means, an optical system including a polarization beam splitter, an objective lens, and a detector for detecting reflected light. Objective lens 23a
Is held by the biaxial mechanism 24 so as to be displaceable in the radial direction of the disc and in the direction toward and away from the disc.

The optical head 2 with the disk 21 sandwiched therebetween.
The magnetic head 25a is arranged at a position facing 3 in FIG. The magnetic head 25a performs an operation of applying to the disk 21 a magnetic field modulated by the supplied data.
The entire optical head 23 and the magnetic head 25a are movable in the disk radial direction by a sled mechanism 26.

The information detected from the disk 21 by the optical head 23 by the reproducing operation is supplied to the RF amplifier 27. The RF amplifier 27 calculates the reproduction RF signal and the tracking error signal T by calculating the supplied information.
E, a focus error signal FE, groove information (absolute position information recorded as pregroove (wobbling groove) on the disc 21) GFM, and the like are extracted.

The extracted reproduction RF signal is sent to the encoder /
It is supplied to the decoder unit 28. Further, the tracking error signal TE and the focus error signal FE are supplied to the servo circuit 29. The groove information GFM is supplied to the address decoder 30.

The servo circuit 29 outputs various servo drive signals according to the supplied tracking error signal TE, focus error signal FE, track jump command, access command from the system controller 11, rotation speed detection information of the spindle motor 22, and the like. Then, the biaxial mechanism 24 and the sled mechanism 26 are controlled to perform focus and tracking control, and the spindle motor 22 is controlled to a constant linear velocity (CLV).

The address decoder 30 decodes the supplied groove information GFM to extract the address information. This address information is supplied to the system controller 11 and used for various control operations. Playback RF
For the signal, the encoder / decoder unit 28 outputs E
FM demodulation, decoding processing such as CIRC is performed,
At this time, addresses and subcode data are also extracted,
It is supplied to the system controller 11.

The audio data (sector data) which has been subjected to EFM demodulation, decoding such as CIRC in the encoder / decoder unit 28 is once written in the buffer memory 32 by the memory controller 31. The reading of data from the disk 21 by the optical head 23 and the transfer of the reproduced data in the system from the optical head 23 to the buffer memory 32 are performed at 1.41 Mbit / sec, and are usually performed intermittently.

The data written in the buffer memory 32 is read at the timing when the reproduction data is transferred at 0.3 Mbit / sec, and is supplied to the encoder / decoder section 33. Then, reproduction signal processing such as decoding processing with respect to audio compression processing is performed there to obtain a digital audio signal of 44.1 KHz sampling and 16-bit quantization. This digital audio signal is sent to the D / A converter 34.
Is converted into an analog signal by the output processing unit 35, and level adjustment, impedance adjustment, and the like are performed, and the analog signal is output from the line output terminal 36 to an external device as an analog audio signal Aout. Also headphone output HPout
Is supplied to the headphone output terminal 37 and is output to the connected headphones 4.

The digital audio signal decoded by the encoder / decoder section 33 is also supplied to the digital interface section 38 so that it can be output from the digital output terminal 39 to the external device as the digital audio signal Dout. . For example, it is output to an external device in a transmission form using an optical cable.

When the recording operation is executed on the disk 21, the recording signal (analog audio signal Ain) supplied to the line input terminal 42 is supplied to the A / D converter 4
After being converted to digital data by 1, the data is supplied to the encoder / decoder unit 33 and subjected to audio compression encoding processing. Alternatively, when a digital audio signal Din is supplied to the digital input terminal 40 from an external device, the digital interface unit 38 extracts the control code and the like, and the audio data is encoded / encoded.
It is supplied to the decoder unit 33 and subjected to audio compression encoding processing. Although not shown, it is naturally possible to provide a microphone input terminal and use the microphone input as a recording signal.

The recording data compressed by the encoder / decoder unit 33 is once written and accumulated in the buffer memory 32 by the memory controller 31 and then read out in units of a predetermined amount of data to be encoded / decoder unit. Sent to 28. Then, after being subjected to encoding processing such as CIRC encoding and EFM modulation in the encoder / decoder section 28, it is supplied to the magnetic head drive circuit 25.

The magnetic head drive circuit 25 supplies a magnetic head drive signal to the magnetic head 25a in accordance with the encoded recording data. That is, the magnetic field of N or S is applied to the disk 21 by the magnetic head 25a. At this time, the system controller 11
The optical head 23 is controlled so as to output laser light of a recording level.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the personal computer 2. An input / output interface 56 is connected to the CPU 51 via a bus 55, and when the user inputs a command from the input unit 58 including a keyboard and a mouse via the input / output interface 56, the CPU 51 receives, for example, , A ROM 52, a hard disk 54, or a program stored in a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 61, an optical disk 62, a magneto-optical disk 63, or a semiconductor memory 64 mounted on the drive 60
Load it into M53 and execute. Further, the CPU 51 outputs the processing result to the display unit 57 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) via the input / output interface 56, if necessary. The communication unit 59 is a USB
It has a communication interface such as and communicates with the mini disc player 1.

Next, the operation of the mini disc player 1 for performing the processing for enabling the reproduction function or the bookmark function, which is performed when the power is turned on, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1, the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 detects the state of the control flag 11A set in the built-in memory.

In step S2, the system controller 11 determines whether the control flag 11A is in the "on" or "off" state. If it is determined that the control flag 11A is in the "off" state, the system controller 11 proceeds to step S3 to reproduce. Executes function setting processing (playback function (main function) is enabled). Then, the process ends. That is, in this case, in the mini-disc player 1, only the reproduction process is appropriately executed, but the bookmark process is not executed, so that the user cannot use the bookmark function.

If it is determined in step S2 that the control flag 11A is in the "ON" state, the system controller 11 proceeds to step S4 and executes the bookmark function setting process together with the reproducing function setting process (reproducing function Bookmark function (both primary and secondary functions) will be enabled). Then, the process ends. That is, in this case, the bookmark process is appropriately executed together with the reproduction process. As a result, for example, the play buttons A and B
With a single pressing operation on, the playback process starts,
By pressing the playback buttons A and B twice in succession, the time information storage process is performed as the bookmark process. Therefore, the user can use both the playback function and the bookmark function.

Next, the operation of the mini disc player 1 and the personal computer 2 when the state of the control flag 11A of the mini disc player 1 is changed (when a subordinate function is added) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To do.

The mini disc player 1 and the personal computer 2 are connected as shown in FIG. 2A, and in step S21, the personal computer 2
When the control flag changing program is started, step S
22, the CPU 51 of the personal computer 2
Makes an inquiry to the mini disc player 1 about the state of the control flag 11A via the communication unit 59.

When the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 receives an inquiry about the state of the control flag 11A from the personal computer 2, the system controller 11 proceeds to step S
11, the state of the control flag 11A is detected, and in step S12, the communication unit 19 is controlled to set the detected state of the control flag 11A to the personal computer 2
To notify.

CPU 51 of personal computer 2
Determines in step S23 whether or not the notification indicates that the control flag 11A is in the "off" state.
If it is determined that the notification was “off”,
In step S24, the communication unit 59 is controlled to transmit a control signal for changing the state of the control flag 11A to the mini disc player 1.

In step S13, when the control signal from the personal computer 2 is received, the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 changes the control flag 11A from the "off" state to the "on" state.

Next, in step S14, the system controller 11 controls the communication unit 19 to transmit the fact that the state of the control flag 11A has been changed to the personal computer 2 and terminate the processing.

CPU 51 of personal computer 2
In step S25, the mini disc player 1
According to the notification that the state of the control flag 11A is changed, it is confirmed that the change of the control flag 11A is successful. Then, the process ends.

At step S23, the control flag 11A is set to "
When it is determined that the notification is not the "off" state, the CPU 51 of the personal computer 2 ends the process. That is, at this time, steps S24 and S.
Since the process of 25 is skipped (the control signal is not transmitted), the control flag 11A is not changed (it remains in the ON state).

When the state of the control flag 11A becomes "ON" as described above, the bookmark function becomes effective when the processing described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is performed.

Next, the bookmark function will be described in detail. FIG. 7 shows an outline of an information search system that provides a service corresponding to the bookmark function.

It is assumed that the user is listening to a radio broadcast from the broadcasting station 101 via the radio 102, for example. Therefore, when a favorite song is played from the radio broadcast, the user can use the bookmark function of the play buttons A and B of the mini disc player 1.
Are pressed twice in succession.

The system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 starts the bookmark process when the operation information when the reproduction buttons A and B are pressed twice in succession is input from the operation unit 16 or the remote control unit 17. Then, the time information including the time read from the timer 15 at that timing is stored in the EEPROM 14.

FIG. 8 shows the contents stored in the EEPROM 14. In the EEPROM 14, the time information is stored together with the device ID of the mini disk player 1 in correspondence with the number indicating the recording order.

Returning to FIG. 7, the user connects the mini disk player 1 to the personal computer 2 after returning home, for example.

When the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 detects that the personal computer 2 is connected to the personal computer 2, it reads out the time information and the device ID stored in the EEPROM 14, and the personal computer 2 via the communication section 19. Send to.

The user further performs a predetermined operation on the personal computer 2. Thereby, the personal computer 2 receives the time information and the device ID input from the mini disc player 1 via the communication line 104 such as the Internet and the bookmark search engine 10
Send to 3.

The search unit 113 of the bookmark search engine 103 searches the database 111 and the database 112 using the time information and the device ID sent from the personal computer 2 as search conditions, and sends the search result to the personal computer 2.

The database 111 stores, for example, playlists provided by the broadcasting station 101 as shown in FIG.

In the case of the example in FIG. 9, the playlist includes the name (StationName) of the broadcasting station 101, the broadcasting area (Area) of the broadcasting station 101, the broadcasting start time (Start Time) of the content (for example, music),
The broadcast end time (End Time) of the content and the content name (Content) are associated with each other.
The playlist is created for each content.

Since the broadcasting station 101 broadcasts not only music but advertisements of products as one broadcast content, the content name can be a product name in addition to the music name.

The broadcasting station 101 is not limited to a radio broadcasting station, but may be a television broadcasting station or CATV (Cable Television) that performs television broadcasting by radio or cable, a cable broadcasting station that performs cable broadcasting mainly on songs, and the like. May be

Although only one broadcasting station 101 is shown in FIG. 7, the bookmark search engine 103
The database 111 of stores the playlists provided by a plurality of broadcasting stations.

The database 111 also stores associated information of content in association with the content name. For example, associated information of the music is stored in association with the music name. The accompanying information of the music is, for example, the number of the music CD on which the music is recorded, CD title information, or image data of the CD jacket, information such as the performer name (singer name) or composer name of the music, and the like. Is the lyrics and commentary of the song. The accompanying information of these music pieces may be stored in another database that can be searched by the bookmark search engine 103. Further, not only the information on the music but also the product information and the like are stored in the database 111 in association with the product name, for example.

The database 112 stores information about customers for each device ID of a terminal (for example, the mini disc player 1) that can use the information search system. The information about the customer is acquired by displaying a registration screen as shown in FIG. 10 on the display unit 57 of the personal computer 2 and inputting predetermined information therein.

The name of the user is entered in the "Name" field of the registration screen. The device ID of the mini disk player 1 owned by the user is input in the “bookmark ID” field.

The device ID is input by communication between the mini disc player 1 and the personal computer 2. That is, the personal computer 2 sends a request for reading the device ID to the mini disc player 1. Based on this request, the mini disc player 1 reads the device ID from the EEPROM 14 and sends it to the personal computer 2. In the personal computer 2, the received device ID is referred to as "Bookmark I".
It is displayed in the column of “D” and stored in the RAM 53, for example.

In the "Postal code" and "City code" fields, for example, the postal code of the area in which the user resides and the area code of the public telephone line are entered. An area in which the user acts is schematically shown based on the contents input in those fields. The area in which the user acts is not limited to the zip code or area code, and for example, information indicating a geographical area may be input. It is also possible to input the area name set in advance independently.

In the "radio station" field, information specifying a radio station that the user selects frequently is input. In this example, the broadcasting station name is entered, but not limited to this,
For example, the frequency band of radio broadcasting may be input.

In the "Card No." field, the credit card or cash card number of the user is entered. The address of the user is entered in the "address" field. These are, for example, information used for billing processing for use of services.

The information entered in each of the fields on the registration screen described above is stored in the RAM 53.

Returning to FIG. 7, the CPU 51 of the personal computer 2 reads the information input from the registration screen from the RAM 53 based on a predetermined operation, controls the communication unit 59, and causes the bookmark search engine 103 to transmit the information. At this time, it is possible to encrypt each transmitted information by a predetermined method.

The bookmark search engine 103 stores the registration information from the personal computer 2 in the database 1
Accumulate to 12.

That is, after all, the search unit 113 searches the database 112 for the registration information corresponding to the device ID, and uses the detected registration information as a search condition to search the database 111 at the time indicated by the time information. Information (for example, in the case where the content is a music piece) the music title of the music, the album name in which the music is recorded, the publisher of the album, performer information, link information, etc. are searched. Search unit 113
Transmits the finally obtained search result to the personal computer 2 as a candidate of information desired by the user.

Next, the operation of the mini disc player 1 for storing time information (setting a bookmark) will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S31, the system controller 11 of the mini disk player 1 sets operation information, that is, a bookmark, when the reproduction buttons A and B are pressed twice in succession from the operation unit 16 or the remote control unit 17. It is determined whether or not a command is input.

If it is determined in step S31 that the operation information when the reproduction buttons A and B are pressed twice in succession is input from the operation unit 16 or the remote controller control unit 17, the process proceeds to step S32, and the system controller 11
Stores the time read from the timer 15 at that timing as time information in the EEPROM 14 in association with a predetermined number as shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S31 that the operation information when the reproduction buttons A and B are pressed twice in succession is not input from the operation unit 16 or the remote control unit 17, or in step S32. When the time information is stored, the process ends. Note that this process described above
It is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing.

Next, the processing procedure for acquiring information about the content broadcast at the time indicated by the time information stored in this way will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S51, the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 determines whether or not communication with the personal computer 2 is possible (whether or not the personal computer 2 is connected), and it is determined that communication is possible. If determined, the process proceeds to step S52,
The time information and the device ID stored in the EEPROM 14 are read out, and the personal computer 2 is read via the communication unit 19.
Send to.

CPU 51 of personal computer 2
When receiving the time information and the device ID transmitted from the mini disc player 1 via the communication unit 59, the bookmark search engine 103 via the communication line 104.
Send to.

Next, in step S53, the bookmark search engine 103 searches for information based on the time information and the device ID transmitted from the personal computer 2.

Specifically, the bookmark search engine 1
The search unit 113 of 03 searches the database 112 based on the device ID of the mini-disc player 1, and reads the registration information of the user registered with the device ID.

Next, the search unit 113 uses the database 111.
, Which is displayed in the registration information read from the database 112, for example, broadcast station information (registration screen (see FIG.
The playlist corresponding to the information entered in the “radio station” column of 0) is read out. Then, the search unit 113 further detects a playlist corresponding to the time information from the playlist thus read (for example, the broadcast start time is before the time indicated by the time information, and the broadcast end time is , Detects a playlist that is after the time indicated by the time information).

Next, the search unit 113 reads out the associated information accumulated in association with the detected playlist content name.

In this way, when the bookmark search engine 103 (search unit 113) detects the playlist and the accompanying information, in step S54, the bookmark search engine 103 (personal information) stores them as personal information as information about the content broadcast at the time indicated by the time information. Send to computer 2.

Next, in step S55, the CPU 51 of the personal computer 2 receives the search result transmitted from the bookmark search engine 103 (information on the content broadcast at the time indicated by the time information).
Is displayed on the display unit 57 to prompt confirmation of whether or not the information required by the user has been retrieved.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the display screen of the display unit 57 of the personal computer 2 at this time. At the top of the screen, the user name, device ID, and
And the area name is displayed. The area name is
In the registration screen of FIG. 10 described above, the input field is omitted.

In the example of FIG. 13, three radio broadcasting stations "A
AAA ”, radio broadcasting station“ BBBB ”and radio broadcasting station“ CCCC ”, and one CATV (Cable Television)
Information regarding the content broadcasted at the time indicated by the time information (the time indicated by the “designated time” in FIG. 13) is displayed by the four broadcast stations “DDD”.

In the broadcasting station "AAAA", the radio broadcasting station "BBBB", and the CATV broadcasting station "DDD",
It is assumed that the music piece is being broadcast at the time indicated by the time information, and that the advertisement has been broadcast at the broadcasting station “CCCC”.

At the broadcasting station "AAAA", as the information on the content broadcast at the time indicated by the time information, the broadcasting station name and the frequency band information of the broadcasting, and below the broadcasting station "AAAA" are the time information. A jacket image A1 of a CD in which the music broadcasted at the time is recorded is displayed, and the music title and singer name A2 and the selling price A3 of the CD are displayed below the jacket image A1.

Further below that, a button A4 that is operated when the voice data of the music is transferred from the bookmark search engine 103 to the personal computer 2 and is reproduced is displayed. When the button A4 is operated, the transferred voice data is not stored in the predetermined storage device, for example, the hard disk 54 of the personal computer 2.

Below the button A4, for example, a button A5 that is operated when it is desired to purchase a CD containing the music is displayed. On the lower side, the audio data of the music is downloaded and, for example, the hard disk 5
Button A6, which is operated when it is desired to store it in No. 4, is displayed. In addition, by pressing button A5 and button A6, C
When D is purchased or music is downloaded, for example, the credit card or cash card is debited based on the number entered in the "card No." field of FIG.

At the broadcasting station "BBBB", the broadcasting station name and the frequency band information of the broadcasting are given as the information on the contents broadcast at the time indicated by the time information, and the broadcasting station "BBBB" is the time information at the lower side thereof. A jacket image B1 of a CD containing the music broadcast at the time is displayed, and the song name and singer name B2 and the selling price B3 of the CD are displayed.

Further below, buttons B4 to B6 corresponding to the buttons A4 to A6 are displayed.

At the broadcasting station "CCCC", the broadcasting station name and the frequency band information of the broadcasting are given as the information on the contents broadcasted at the time indicated by the time information, and the broadcasting station "CCCC" is at the bottom of the time information. An image C1 of the product introduced in the advertisement being broadcast at the time is displayed.

On the lower side, the information C2 regarding the product is displayed. In addition, here, button A4
Although the buttons corresponding to the button A6 or the buttons B4 to B6 are not displayed, it is possible to separately provide a button for requesting the purchase of the displayed product.

The user refers to these jacket images, song titles and singer names, and audio data of the songs, and the like, and the user selects a desired song from the songs searched and broadcast by each registered broadcasting station. You can choose.

If there is a large amount of information to be displayed and it cannot be displayed on the screen at once, the switching button (the button displayed in the lower left corner in the figure) is operated to display other information. Can be displayed.

If the desired information is not displayed, the user operates the re-search button (the button displayed in the lower left corner in the figure) to re-display the bookmark search block 103. It is possible to search and display the newly searched information.

Returning to FIG. 12, in step S56,
The CPU 51 of the personal computer 2 determines whether the re-search button on the screen shown in FIG. 13 has been operated,
When it is determined that the operation is performed, that is, when the search result does not include the information required by the user, the process proceeds to step S57, and the fact is transmitted to the bookmark search engine 103 via the communication unit 59.

Thereafter, the processing returns to step S53,
The search unit 113 of the bookmark search engine 103 changes the search condition and searches again. For example, the target of the broadcasting station as the search condition is “postal code” on the registration screen of FIG.
And based on the information entered in the "city code" field, it is expanded to all the receivable broadcasting stations within the range specified by these information. Further, the target of the broadcasting station as the search condition may be expanded to an area adjacent to the areas input in the fields of "zip code" and "city code".

In the re-search, the search condition is set on the side of the bookmark search engine 103,
It can be set by the user.

If it is determined in step S56 that the re-search button has not been operated, that is, if the displayed information includes desired information, step S58.
Proceed to. For example, when any of the buttons A1 to A4, the buttons B1 to B4, or the buttons D1 to D7 is operated, the process proceeds to step S58.

In step S58, the processing corresponding to the operated button is performed. For example, when the button A6 is operated, the CPU 51 of the personal computer 2
Via the communication unit 59, the song name and singer name A2,
Send to the bookmark search block 103. The search unit 113 of the bookmark search block 103 uses the song name and singer name A transmitted from the personal computer 2.
2 voice data is read from the database 111,
It is transmitted to the personal computer 2. The CPU 51 of the personal computer 2 transmits the audio data from the bookmark search block 103 to, for example, the mini disc player 1. The system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 records the audio data transmitted from the personal computer 2 on the disc 21.

After that, the processing ends. The search information acquisition process described above is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing.

In the above, the playback button A of the mini disc player 1 with the bookmark function enabled,
For B, an operation different from the case of using the playback function (2
The time information is stored when the operation is repeatedly performed). However, the time information is stored when the same operation as when the playback function is used (operation of pressing once) is performed. Can be stored.

In this case, the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 further has a control flag for the reproducing function, and enables the reproducing function depending on its state.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the control flag for the bookmark function is "on" and the control flag for the reproducing function is "off", the reproducing function is enabled when the power is turned on. Since the processing for performing the bookmark function is performed without performing the processing, the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 does not start the playback processing when the playback buttons A and B are operated only once. The time information is stored in the EEPROM 14.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the control flag for the bookmark function is "off" and the control flag for the reproduction function is "on", the reproduction function is enabled when the power is turned on. However, when the playback buttons A and B are operated only once, the system controller 11 of the mini disc player 1 this time outputs the time information. Start the playback process without storing.

That is, in this case, when one of the functions is set to be valid, the state of each control flag is controlled so that the other function is disabled.

Further, in the above, the play buttons A and B are used as the operators, but other operators can also be used, for example.

Further, in the above, the case where the time information is stored in order to use the information retrieval system has been described as an example, but as shown in FIG. 15, the mini disc player 1 is provided with the tuner 101, and the user Tuner 101
When listening to the radio broadcast received by, for example, when a favorite song is played, the user can store the frequency band of the broadcast station by operating the playback buttons A and B together with the time at that time. .

The frequency band stored here is transmitted to the bookmark search engine 103 together with the time information,
Since the bookmark search engine 103 is used as a search condition, the bookmark search engine 103 can efficiently perform information search.

In the example of FIG. 15, the mini disc player 1
Although the tuner 101 is provided inside the main body of the tuner, as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to provide 1.

In the present specification, the steps for writing the program provided by the medium are not limited to the processing performed in time series according to the order described, but are not necessarily performed in time series. It also includes processing that is executed objectively or individually.

In this specification, the system means
It represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of devices.

[0145]

According to the information processing system of the present invention, the terminal stores the control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or the use of the first function is permitted, and the control information is stored. Indicates that the first function is permitted to be used, the first setting process for enabling the first function is executed, the first setting process is executed, and the first setting process is executed. When the function is enabled, the first function process corresponding to the first function is executed according to the operation on the operation unit, and the command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device is input, According to the input command for changing the content of the control information, the content of the control information is changed, the second setting process for enabling the second function is executed, the second setting process is executed, and the second setting process is executed. When the function of is activated, the second
When the control device executes the second function processing corresponding to the function of, the command for inputting the first function in the terminal is input, and the command for enabling the first function in the terminal is input, Since the command for changing the content of the control information is output to the terminal, for example, the program for executing the first functional process and the second functional process can be stored in the non-rewritable memory.

A first information processing apparatus and method of the present invention,
In addition, according to the program, control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted is stored, and the control information permits the use of the first function. Is displayed, the first setting process for enabling the first function is executed, and when the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the operation on the operation unit is performed. According to the first function processing corresponding to the first function is executed, a command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device is input, and according to the command for changing the content of the input control information. , Changing the contents of the control information, executing the second setting process for enabling the second function, executing the second setting process, and when the second function is enabled, According to the operation, execute the second function processing corresponding to the second function. Because, for example, a program for executing the first function processor and the second function processor,
It can be stored in a non-rewritable memory.

A second information processing apparatus and method of the present invention,
According to the program, the storage means for storing the control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or the use of the first function is permitted, and the control information indicates that the use of the first function is performed. The first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process for enabling the first function and the first setting process by the first setting process executing means perform the first setting process only when the permission is displayed. When the first function is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function processing execution means for executing the first function processing corresponding to the first function according to the operation on the operation unit, and the content of the control information. Changing means for changing the contents of the control information in accordance with the control signal for changing, the second setting processing executing means for executing the second setting processing for enabling the second function, and the second setting processing executing means. The second setting process is executed by
When the second function is enabled, the first function in the terminal including the second function process executing means for executing the second function process corresponding to the second function according to the operation on the operation unit is performed. When a command to enable is input and a command to enable the first function in the terminal is input, the control signal for changing the content of the control information is supplied to the terminal.
For example, a program for executing the first functional process and the second functional process can be stored in a non-rewritable memory.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an information processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the mini disc player of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the personal computer in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a mini disc player when performing processing for enabling a reproduction function or a bookmark function.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a mini disk player and a personal computer when changing a control flag.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of an information search system that provides a service corresponding to a bookmark function.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a storage state of time information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a playlist.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a time information storage process as a bookmark process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for acquiring search information.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of search information.

FIG. 14 is another diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing system of the present invention.

15 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the mini disc player in FIG.

16 is a diagram showing another example of the remote controller 3 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 mini disk player, 2 personal computer, 3 remote controller 3 headphones,
11 system controller, 11A control flag,
12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 EEPROM, 15 timer, 16 operation unit, 17 remote controller control unit, 1
8 display unit, 19 communication unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An information processing system comprising a terminal and a control device, wherein the terminal stores control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function. Storage means and first setting processing for executing first setting processing for enabling the first function only when the control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted When the first setting process is executed by the executing unit and the first setting process executing unit and the first function is enabled, the first function is supported according to the operation on the operation unit. First functional process executing means for executing a first functional process, first input means for inputting a command to change the content of the control information output from the control device, and the first input Content of the control information input by means Changing means for changing the contents of the control information according to a command for changing the second information, and a second setting processing for enabling the second function.
When the second function is enabled by executing the second setting process by the second setting process executing unit and the second setting process executing unit, the second setting process is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. Second function processing executing means for executing a second function processing corresponding to the function of, and the controller inputs a command for enabling the first function in the terminal. And the first input in the terminal by the second input means.
An information processing system comprising: an output unit that outputs a command for changing the content of the control information to the terminal when a command for validating the function is input. 2. An information processing device communicable with a control device, which stores first control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function. And a first setting process for enabling the first function only when the first control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted. When the first setting process is executed by the setting process executing unit and the first setting process executing unit and the first function is enabled, the first function is performed according to an operation on the operation unit. First functional process executing means for executing a first functional process corresponding to, input means for inputting a command for changing the content of the first control information output from the control device, and the input means Change the content of the first control information input by According to a command that, second to perform a changing unit that changes contents of the first control information, the second setting processing to enable the second function
When the second function is enabled by executing the second setting process by the second setting process executing unit and the second setting process executing unit, the second setting process is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a second functional process executing means for executing a second functional process corresponding to the function of. 3. The storage means further stores second control information indicating prohibition of use of the second function or permission of use of the second function. The setting processing means, only when the second control information indicates that the second function is enabled,
The second setting processing is executed, the input unit further inputs a command for changing the content of the second control information output from the control device, and the changing unit is input by the input unit. The command to change the content of the first control information, or the second command
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the content of the first control information or the second control information is changed in accordance with an instruction to change the content of the control information. 4. An information processing method for an information processing device capable of communicating with a control device, wherein control information indicating prohibition of use of a first function or permission of use of the first function is stored. A storing step and a first setting process for executing a first setting process for enabling the first function only when the control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted. When the first setting process is executed by the execution step and the process of the first setting process execution step and the first function is enabled, the first function is performed according to an operation on the operation unit. A first functional process execution step of executing a first functional process corresponding to, an input step of inputting a command to change the content of the control information output from the control device, and a process of the input step. The system entered According to a command to change the contents of information, the second to perform a changing step of changing the contents of the control information, the second setting processing to enable the second function
When the second setting process is executed in the second setting process execution step and the second function is enabled in the process of the second setting process execution step A second functional process execution step of executing a second functional process corresponding to the second function. 5. A program of an information processing device capable of communicating with a control device, the storage of control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function. And a storage control step of controlling, and a first setting process for enabling the first function is executed only when the control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted. In the first setting process execution control step, and the first setting process execution control step
Setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function process execution for controlling execution of the first function process corresponding to the first function according to an operation on the operation unit is executed. A control step, an input control step for controlling the input of a command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device, and a command for changing the content of the control information input in the processing of the input control step A change control step for controlling a change in the content of the control information, a second setting process execution control step for controlling execution of a second setting process for enabling the second function, and the second setting. In the processing of the processing execution control step, the second
Setting process is executed and the second function is enabled, the second function process for controlling execution of the second function process corresponding to the second function in response to an operation on the operation unit. A recording medium having a computer-readable program recorded thereon, the recording medium including an execution control step. 6. A program of an information processing device capable of communicating with a control device, the storage of control information indicating prohibition of use of the first function or permission of use of the first function. And a storage control step of controlling, and a first setting process for enabling the first function is executed only when the control information indicates that the use of the first function is permitted. In the first setting process execution control step, and the first setting process execution control step
Setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function process execution for controlling execution of the first function process corresponding to the first function according to an operation on the operation unit is executed. A control step, an input control step for controlling the input of a command for changing the content of the control information output from the control device, and a command for changing the content of the control information input in the processing of the input control step A change control step for controlling a change in the content of the control information, a second setting process execution control step for controlling execution of a second setting process for enabling the second function, and the second setting. In the processing of the processing execution control step, the second
Setting process is executed and the second function is enabled, the second function process for controlling execution of the second function process corresponding to the second function in response to an operation on the operation unit. A program for causing a computer to execute a process including an execution control step. 7. A storage unit that stores control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted; The first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process for enabling the first function only when the use is allowed is permitted, and the first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process. When the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function process execution is performed, which executes the first function process corresponding to the first function in response to an operation on the operation unit. Means for changing the content of the control information according to a control signal for changing the content of the control information; and a second setting process for enabling the second function.
When the second function is enabled by executing the second setting process by the second setting process executing unit and the second setting process executing unit, the second setting process is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal, the second information processing apparatus including a second function processing execution unit that executes a second function processing corresponding to the function of Means for supplying the control signal to the terminal, the control signal changing the content of the control information when a command for enabling the first function of the terminal is input by the input means. An information processing device characterized by: 8. A storage unit that stores control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted; The first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process for enabling the first function only when the use is allowed is permitted, and the first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process. When the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function process execution is performed, which executes the first function process corresponding to the first function in response to an operation on the operation unit. Means for changing the content of the control information according to a control signal for changing the content of the control information; and a second setting process for enabling the second function.
When the second function is enabled by executing the second setting process by the second setting process executing unit and the second setting process executing unit, the second setting process is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal, comprising: a second functional processing executing means for executing a second functional processing corresponding to the function of And an input step of inputting
An information processing method, comprising: supplying a control signal for changing the content of the control information to the terminal when a command for enabling the function of is input. 9. A storage unit that stores control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted; The first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process for enabling the first function only when the use is allowed is permitted, and the first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process. When the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function process execution is performed, which executes the first function process corresponding to the first function in response to an operation on the operation unit. Means for changing the content of the control information according to a control signal for changing the content of the control information; and a second setting process for enabling the second function.
When the second function is enabled by executing the second setting process by the second setting process executing unit and the second setting process executing unit, the second setting process is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. Is a program of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal, the second function processing executing unit executing a second function processing corresponding to the function of, and a command for enabling the first function in the terminal. An input control step of controlling the input of the control signal, and in the processing of the input control step, when a command for activating the first function in the terminal is input, the control signal for changing the content of the control information is input. And a supply control step of controlling supply to a terminal. 10. Storage means for storing control information indicating that the use of the first function is prohibited or that the use of the first function is permitted; The first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process for enabling the first function only when the use is allowed is permitted, and the first setting process executing means for executing the first setting process. When the first setting process is executed and the first function is enabled, the first function process execution is performed, which executes the first function process corresponding to the first function in response to an operation on the operation unit. Means for changing the content of the control information according to a control signal for changing the content of the control information; and a second setting process for enabling the second function.
When the second function is enabled by executing the second setting process by the second setting process executing unit and the second setting process executing unit, the second setting process is executed according to the operation on the operation unit. Is a program of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal, the second function processing executing unit executing a second function processing corresponding to the function of, and a command for enabling the first function in the terminal. An input control step of controlling the input of the control signal, and in the processing of the input control step, when a command for activating the first function in the terminal is input, the control signal for changing the content of the control information is input. A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a supply control step of controlling supply to a terminal.