JP2003242037A - Device and method for operating and managing contents - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and a method for operating and managing contents having a mechanism capable of proving a fact that the content data permitted while being limited in use condition such as a digital cinema has been surely deleted. <P>SOLUTION: The content data recorded in the media having a specific ID code are read, the read content data are recorded in a unit using the content data, the automatically or manually recorded data are deleted, the deletion history information on the deleted content data are generated, and the deletion demonstration information including the ID code specific to the media is prepared based on the generated deletion history information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a content operation management apparatus and a content operation management method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a content operation management device and a content operation management method provided with a mechanism capable of certifying that content data licensed with a usage condition such as a digital cinema is surely erased.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, distribution and distribution of various contents are being switched from an analog system to a digital system.
The movie industry is no exception. It is considered that when a digitally recorded movie is distributed, there is no deterioration in image quality and sound quality, and management is easy.

[0003]

However, if a digitally recorded movie or other copyrighted material is illegally copied, the content creator will suffer a great financial loss.
For this reason, many creators are careful about digitizing content. This is especially true for items that have a high economic value and require a great deal of work to produce. Therefore, in order to promote the provision of content to the market, it is necessary to create a mechanism that can gain the support of content creators.

Therefore, the present invention proposes a content operation management apparatus and a content operation management method, such as a digital cinema, which is provided with a mechanism capable of certifying that the content data licensed with use conditions is surely erased.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the content operation management apparatus and the content operation management method according to the present invention are configured as follows.

(1) Content reading means for reading content data recorded on a medium having a unique ID code, and content data read by the content reading means for a device using the content data. Content recording means, content erasing means for erasing content data recorded in a device using the content data, and erasing content data by the content erasing means generates erasure history information of the content data. Content erasure history generating means, and erasure proof creating means for creating erasure proof information including a unique ID code of the medium based on the erasure history information from the content history generating means. A content operation management device characterized by: (2) The content operation management apparatus according to (1), wherein the medium is a medium including a memory in which the unique ID code is recorded. (3) The content operation management apparatus according to (1), wherein the unique ID code of the medium is a production management number given when the medium is manufactured. (4) When the content data is recorded by a plurality of devices, the erasure certificate creating means stores all of the erasure history information generated when the content data of the plurality of devices are erased. The contents operation management apparatus according to (1), characterized in that, after confirmation, erasure certification information including a unique ID code of the medium is created. (5) The erasure certificate creating means can output data and / or print out erasure certificate information (1)
The content operation management device described in 1.

(6) The content data recorded on the medium having a unique ID code is read, and the read content data is recorded on a device using the content data, and the content data is automatically or manually recorded. Erasing the recorded content data, generating erasure history information of the erased content data, and creating erasure certification information including a unique ID code of the medium based on the generated erasure history information. Content management method characterized by. (7) The content operation management method according to (6), wherein the unique ID code of the medium is a production management number assigned when the medium is manufactured. (8) When the content data is recorded by a plurality of devices, all of the erase history information generated when the content data of the plurality of devices are erased is created. The content operation management method according to (6), characterized in that the erasure certification information including the unique ID code of the medium is created after the confirmation.

The content operation management apparatus, the content operation management apparatus, and the content operation management method have the following effects.

When the content data read by the content reading means is recorded in the device using the content data by the content recording means and the device using the content data uses the content data for a predetermined period and / or a predetermined number of times. The content erasing means erases the recorded content data, the content erasing history generating means generates the erasing history information of the content data, and the erasure certificate creating means uniquely identifies the medium based on the created erasing history information. Since the erasure certification information including the ID code of the
Data and content recorded by the content recording means
The erasure confirmation is performed by collating with the data, and the erasure of the content data can be surely confirmed.

Further, when the content data is recorded in a plurality of devices, a unique ID code is obtained after confirming all the deletion history information generated when the content data of each device is deleted. Since the erasure certification information including is generated and output, it can be confirmed that all content data has been erased surely.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of a content operation management apparatus and a content operation management method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are for explanation only and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

First, a general outline of a digital cinema system using a content operation management apparatus and a content operation management method according to the present invention will be described.

The digital cinema system shown in FIG. 1 comprises a film distribution unit 10, a telecine conversion unit 20, a media production unit 30, and a digital cinema screening unit 40.

The film distribution unit 10 includes 35 mm, 16 mm, and super 16 mm negative / positive films having contents recorded by analog signals or digital signals, 9.5 mm, S-8 mm, W-8 mm, etc. The release print film 110 to be distributed to each theater is created from the original film 100, and is sent to the telecine conversion unit 20.

The telecine converter 20 includes a telecine machine 21.
0, audio encoder 220, digital VTR 23
0 and the like, and digitization for converting a video signal / audio signal recorded on the release print film 110 distributed from the film distribution unit 10 into a digital cinema (e-cinema), television broadcast, or video / DVD. The source data is generated by performing the format conversion as well as the source conversion, and the source data is recorded in a medium such as the master (mother) medium 240.

The telecine machine 210 converts the video signal / audio signal recorded on the release print film 110 into digital data, or converts the converted video signal / audio signal.
An audio encoder 220 and a digital VTR 2 are added by adding a content ID code that manages content data that is an audio signal and performing format conversion.
A device that outputs to 30.

For example, the video signal is SDI (Seria).
l Digital Interface) signal and PA
L (Phase Alternating Line)
Converted to a digital signal of the system, the audio signal is
AES / EBU Digital Audio (Audio En
Gineering Society / Europe B
roadcasting Union digital
It is converted into an audio signal and output.

Further, the telecine machine 210 is an NTSC (N
national Television System
Commitee), PAL (Phase Alt)
erning Line), SECAM (SEqu)
It is also possible to perform mutual conversion of different color television systems, such as the NTSC / PAL / SECAM mutual system conversion, and mutual conversion (down-conversion / up-conversion) of high-definition television and current television systems, such as the initial color and memory). it can.

The audio encoder 220 is a device that digitizes an analog or digital audio signal with high efficiency and high quality, records and transmits it, and converts it into a digital audio signal of a format compatible with a digital stereophonic system.

For example, like the Dolby E encoder,
The digital audio signal is separated into front left and right (L / R), center (C), rear left and right (L / R), and ultra-low-pitched parts, and the left (Lch), center (Cch), and right (Rch) of the main speaker. And 5 speakers of surround left (SLch) and surround right (SRch) that support the rear sound field, sound effects, and reverberation effect of the playback environment, and a subwoofer (SW) that can play only one deep bass It is a device for converting into an audio signal of a format compatible with digital 5.1ch multi-channel.

The digital VTR 230 is a telecine machine 21.
0 and the audio encoder 220, the digitized and format-converted video / audio signals are converted and integrated into editable contents for showing in a digital cinema, and a streamer such as a digital β-cam. The device has a function of recording on a tape or the like to create a master (mother) medium 240.

The media production section 30 includes a video server 31.
0, a media deck 320, etc., and converts the content (video signal / audio signal) recorded in the master (mother) medium 240 into a state in which it can be displayed as a digital cinema, and a medium 350 such as a streamer tape.
Are recorded, duplicated, and distributed (distributed / transmitted) to each cinema theater or the like provided with the digital cinema screening unit 40.

The video server 310 includes a recording medium such as a hard disk, and is a master (mother) medium 240.
Content (video signal / audio signal) recorded in
Read out and separated into video signal and audio signal respectively, convert the separated video signal and audio signal into a server-dedicated package format and record them on the hard disk, and individually manage the cinema server 420 of each digital cinema screening unit 40. A function of adding the ID code for the cinema server to the data converted into the server-dedicated package format and converting it into the cinema system-dedicated format that can be shown on the cinema server 420, and the data converted into the cinema system-dedicated format as packet data as a media deck It is a device having a function of sending to 320.

The media deck 320 is the video server 3
The packet data sent from 10 is received, reconstructed and recorded according to the format of the medium 350, and the ID code for the medium for individually managing the medium 350 is recorded (added) in the memory 351 built in the medium 350. It is a device with functions.

The medium 350 is (EEPROM (El
electrically erable and pro
A memory 351 such as a grammable ROM) is provided in a cartridge (housing) or the like, which is a recording medium capable of continuously reading / writing data, and the memory 351 can manage the medium itself.
For example, the recording medium is a cassette tape type recording medium such as a streamer tape, and more specifically, an AIT (Advanc
ed Intelligent Tape) A recording medium such as a tape.

The digital cinema screening section 40 is provided with an upload manager 410, a cinema server 420, a projector 430, an audio decoder 440, a DA converter 460, a theater audio system 470, etc. is there.

The upload manager 410 has a recording medium such as a media deck or a hard disk capable of reading the data recorded on the medium 350, and the media I recorded on the memory 351 of the medium 350.
A function of automatically reading content data (video signal / audio signal) recorded on the medium 350 by checking D, recording it on the hard disk and reconstructing it, a cinema server ID included in the reconstructed data A function of collating a plurality of ID codes, such as a code and a content ID code for managing the content itself, and transmitting management data such as packet data to the cinema server 420, management information such as screening organization information, and the like. Each cinema server 4
20, and a function of operating and managing each cinema server 420 according to these information, each cinema server 4
It is a device equipped with a function of sending an erasing instruction of the content data recorded in 20, confirming erasure of the recorded data, and outputting erasure certification information.

The cinema server 420 is provided with a recording medium such as a hard disk, and has a function of reconstructing packet data sent from the upload manager 410 and converting it into a cinema system dedicated package format which is a format in which it can be shown. A function to convert the data (video signal / audio signal) reconstructed in the system-dedicated package format to the server-dedicated package format and record it on the hard disk, and the content data (video signal / audio signal) recorded on the hard disk as the video signal. The function of separating the audio signal and decoding it into a predetermined digital signal, the function of sending the decoded digital signal to the projector 430 and the audio decoder 430, the content recorded in the hard disk Over data (video signal / audio signal)
Is a device equipped with a function of erasing and erasing completion information.

The data (video signal / audio signal) recorded on the hard disk of the cinema server 420 is separated into a video signal and an audio signal, the video signal is converted into an SDI signal or a PAL system signal, and the projector 43 is used.
0, the audio signal is converted into a digital audio signal such as an AES / EBU signal, and then sent to the audio decoder 430.

The projector 430 is connected to the cinema server 42.
The video signals (SDI signal and PAL signal) sent from 0 are component signals (luminance signal Y and color difference signal R-
Y, B-Y) and other optical signals, and the screen 440
It is a device that projects on.

The screen 440 is the projector 430.
The optical signal converted and projected by is reflected and displayed as an image.

The audio decoder 450 is an audio signal (AES / E) sent from the cinema server 420.
It is a device that decodes a digital audio signal such as a BU signal) and outputs the decoded signal to the DA converter 460.

The DA converter 460 is a device that converts the audio signal decoded by the audio decoder 450 into an analog signal and outputs it to the theater audio system 470.

The theater audio system 470 includes an equalizer, an amplifier, a speaker (not shown), etc.
This is a system for reproducing the analog signal converted by the DA converter 460. For example, Dolby Digital 5.1
In the ch system, the left of the main speaker (Lc
h), center (Cch), right (Rch), and surround left (SLch) and surround right (SRc) that support the rear sound field, sound effects, and reverberation effect of the playback environment.
Digital 5.1ch with 5 speakers of h) and a subwoofer (SW) that can reproduce only one deep bass
It is a stereophonic sound system that supports multiple channels.

In the digital cinema system shown in FIG. 1, the process from the creation of the digital cinema to the end of the screening will be described with reference to the flows shown in FIGS. 2 is a signal flow showing the flow of the video signal / audio signal of the digital cinema system, and FIG. 3 shows the format of the video signal / audio signal handled by each device in the signal flow of FIG. It was explained along.

The film distribution unit 10 is a 35 mm, 16 mm or super 16 mm negative / positive film in which contents are recorded by analog signals or digital signals owned by movie companies, 9.5 mm, S-. The release print film 110 to be distributed to each theater is created from the original film 100 such as 8 mm or W-8 mm, and the created release print film 110 is sent to the telecine conversion unit 20 (distribution / transmission).

In the telecine conversion section 20, first, the video signal / audio signal recorded on the release print film 110 by the telecine machine 210 is converted into digital data, and the converted video signal / audio signal = content data. A content ID code for managing is added and converted into a predetermined format. Also, the presentation content information related to this content data is added.

The video signal is SDI (Serial Di
digital interface signal or PAL (Ph)
It is converted into a digital signal of the assembling Alternating Line system and output to the digital VTR 230.

The audio signal is AES / EBU digital audio (Audio Engineering).
Society / Europe Broadcasti
ngUnion digital audio) signal and output to the audio encoder 220.

The audio encoder 220 converts the audio signal converted by the telecine machine 210 into a digital audio signal in a format corresponding to the digital stereophonic system. For example, in the case of the Dolby E encoder, the audio signal sent is "Dolby Digital: 5.1 ch + analog 2 ch" → "Dolby E:
5.1ch / 2ch ”→“ 4ch (Dolby E: 2ch
+ Analog: 2 ch) "format digital audio signal and output to the digital VTR 230.

Next, the digital VTR 230 converts / integrates the video signal / audio signal sent from the telecine machine 210 and the audio encoder 220 into an editable content for showing in a digital cinema, and integrates it into a digital β cam. Create a master (mother) media 240 by recording on a streamer tape such as

The video signal is converted into the MPEG2 format (1/2 compression), the audio signal is added with an error correction code, and recorded according to the recording method of a medium such as a digital β cam, and the master (mother) medium 240 is recorded. Create
Send to the media production section 30.

Next, in the video server 310 of the media creating section 30, the content (video signal / audio signal) recorded in the master (mother) medium 240 is read and separated into a video signal and an audio signal, respectively, and the separated video signal And an audio signal are converted to a server-dedicated package format and recorded on a hard disk, and a cinema server ID code for individually managing each cinema server 420 for distributing contents is added,
The cinema server 420 converts the converted data into a cinema system-dedicated format, and sends the converted data to the media deck 320 as packet data.

In the media deck 320, media (streamer tape) 350 is set. Specifically, A
A streamer tape such as an IT2 tape is set, the packet data sent from the video server 310 is received and reconstructed, and the format (AI) of the medium 350 is set.
Media ID for recording according to the T2 tape format) and managing the media 350 individually in the memory 351 built in the tape cartridge (housing) or the like.
Write the code.

The media (streamer tape) 350 created by the media production section 30 is distributed to each theater (screen / theater) equipped with a digital cinema screening section 40 for screening a digital cinema.

In the digital cinema screening section 40 of each theater, the media (streamer tape) 350 sent to the upload manager 410 is set, and the media ID code recorded on the media (streamer tape) 350 is checked. Performed, the recorded content (video signal / audio signal) is automatically read, recorded on the hard disk and reconfigured, and the cinema server ID code included in the reconfigured data and the content ID for managing the content Multiple I, such as code
Check the D code.

If the collation is normal, the content data (video signal / audio signal) is sent to the cinema server 420 as packet data. If the collation is not normal, an error message is displayed and the content (video signal / audio signal) recorded on the hard disk is erased.

Also, the upload manager 410
The management information for operating and managing the content data sent to each cinema server 420 and the show content information that is information related to the content data are sent to each cinema server 420.

The management information is, as shown in FIG. 4, based on the contents of the cinema to be shown, BGM,
Information on "programs" (one show unit) in which various contents such as information, commercials, chimes, start / end announcements, notices, and guides are edited in time series, information on "A program" when multiple cinemas are shown, Information on "B program"
.., information on a plurality of "programs", and a time schedule for one day organized based on the "programs", from 10:00 to
"Day program" information such as "A program", 12:30 to BGM, 14:30 to "B program", 14:30 to BGM ... If there are a plurality of "A program" information, "A program", "B program""
Information ... "Multiple" day organization "information and" day organization "
Organization information for a predetermined period based on, "A organization" from the first day to the third day, "B organization" from the fourth day to the seventh day, ...
Information about the operation of the screening is included, such as "time schedule" information.

Further, the screening content information includes, as shown in FIG. 5, types of works (contents) indicating the type of content such as a main part, a trailer, a CM, a guide, information, a start / end announcement, a chime, and BGM. Content work name, distributor (copyright holder) name, PAL / N
Type of video signal such as TSC / HD, image frame mode of video signal such as Cinesco / 85 Vista / HD / 66 Vista / Standard / TV, audio mode indicating the channel in which the audio signal is recorded, content show time, etc.
Contains information about the content to be shown.

Subsequently, the cinema server 420 reconstructs the packet data sent from the upload manager 410, converts it into a cinema system dedicated package format which is a format in which it can be shown, and reconverts it into a cinema system dedicated package format. The constructed data (video signal / audio signal) is converted to a server-dedicated package format and recorded on the hard disk.

Next, when the cinema is screened, the cinema server 420 converts the data (video signal) converted into the server-specific package format and written to the hard disk according to the management information and the screening content information sent from the upload manager 410. (/ Audio signal) is separated into a video signal and an audio signal and decoded into a predetermined digital signal.

The video signal is converted into an SDI (PAL) signal and sent to the projector 430, and the audio signal is converted into
It is converted into an AES / EBU signal (digital audio signal) and sent to the audio decoder 430.

The projector 430 is connected to the cinema server 42.
A video signal (SDI signal) sent from 0 is converted into an optical signal such as a component signal (luminance signal Y and color difference signals RY, BY) by a video data (SDI) converter 432, and is converted into a screen 440. And the screen 440
The optical signal converted and projected by the projector 430 is reflected and displayed as an image.

On the other hand, the audio decoder 450 has an audio signal (AE) sent from the cinema server 420.
A digital audio signal such as an S / EBU signal) is decoded and output to the DA converter 460. The DA converter 460 converts the audio signal decoded by the audio decoder 450 into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the theater audio system 470. .

In the theater audio system 470,
The equalizer and amplifier adjust the sound and volume of the analog-converted audio signal, and the speaker outputs the audio signal synchronized with the video signal.

When the predetermined screening period (number of times) ends based on the management information and the like, the upload manager 410 sends an instruction to delete the recorded content data to the cinema server 420.

When there is a deletion instruction, the cinema server 420 deletes the data (content) recorded in the hard disk and outputs the deletion history information to the upload manager 410.

Upon receiving the erasure history information from the cinema server 420, the upload manager 410 checks the hard disk of the cinema server 420 to confirm that the content data has been deleted, and obtains the erasure certification information including the erasure history information. Create and output.

Then, the erasure certification information and the medium (streamer tape) 350 are returned to the distributor (film distributor 10) which is the distributor (copyright holder).

Next, a specific process for protecting the copyright of the content (video signal / audio signal) in the digital cinema system as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the processing steps for protecting the copyright of the contents in the order of digital cinema creation → distribution → screening → erasure / return. FIG.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a process based on the block diagram of FIG. 6.

First, in the telecine converter 20, the release print film 1 distributed from the film distributor 10
The video signal / audio signal recorded in 10 is digitized in order to form a digital cinema (e-cinema), and when format data is converted to generate source data, a copyright holder is used by using a digital watermark (Watermark) technology. By embedding management information such as name, management number, and number of times of copying as a content ID code, it is possible to prevent illegal copying and data tampering, and to identify not only the fact of data tampering but also its location. The recorded source data is recorded on a medium such as the master (mother) medium 240.

In the media production section 30, the video server 3
By reading the video signal / audio signal recorded on the mother tape 240 at 10 and recording the video signal / audio signal on a recording medium such as a hard disk in accordance with the proprietary server-only package format of the video server 310, the same function can be obtained. It is impossible to copy unless the server has

Subsequently, a cinema system ID code for individually managing and specifying the delivery destination cinema server 420 is added to the video signal / audio signal recorded in the server-dedicated package format, and this ID code is collated. By converting the content into a format exclusively for the cinema system that allows the content to be reproduced only by the distributed cinema server 420, the format becomes a format unique to each cinema server 420 for showing the digital cinema (reproducing the content). However, the content distributed to the other cinema server 420 cannot be reproduced.

Then, the video signal / audio signal which is converted into the format exclusively for the cinema system and recorded is packetized and recorded on the medium (streamer tape) 350. As the medium (streamer tape) 350, a medium in which a data writable memory 351 is incorporated in a housing is used, and a medium-dedicated ID code for managing the medium itself is recorded in the memory 351. By using the unique production control number recorded at the manufacturing stage of the media as the ID code for exclusive use of the media, it is possible to manage illegal duplication and outflow in the theater of the distribution destination.

In the digital cinema screening unit 40, the upload manager 410 checks the media ID, converts the packet data (video signal / audio signal) recorded in the media 350 into a format exclusive for the cinema system, and writes the converted data. Furthermore, by checking the ID code for the cinema server and then sending the data (video signal / audio signal) to the cinema server 420, it is possible to send the predetermined data to the specific cinema server 420.

In the cinema server 420, the data recorded in the cinema system dedicated format sent from the upload manager 410 is read and converted into the server dedicated package format, and the cinema server 4 is read.
Recording on the hard disk in 20 makes recording impossible unless the server has the same function.

On the other hand, the upload manager 410
The content ID information is recorded, and when each cinema server 420 downloads data (content), by recording the cinema server ID information specifying the downloaded cinema server 420, the transmitted content and the cinema that downloaded this content are recorded. Manages the server 420.

When the cinema server 420 finishes showing a predetermined period (number of times), the instruction from the upload manager 410 or the data (video signal / video signal recorded in the cinema server 420 by the cinema server 420 itself).
The audio signal) is deleted, and the deletion history is output by the upload manager 410 or the cinema server 420 (data / printed matter) and returned to the distributor together with the medium 350.

Next, a concrete processing procedure for protecting the copyright of contents in such a digital cinema will be concretely described with reference to FIG.

The video / audio signal which is an analog signal recorded on the film (release print) 110 supplied from the film supply unit 10 is transferred to the telecine machine 21.
0, digitally converted by the audio encoder 220.

The video signal is, for example, a serial digital component (Serial Digital Com).
component / D-1 compliant digital video signal (270 Mbps).

The audio signal is, for example, AES / EB.
U Digital Audio (AudioEngineer)
ng Society / Europe Broadca
sting Union digital audio
o) compliant digital audio signal (48 kHz /
20 bit), and is further converted by the audio encoder 220 into a format compatible with a digital stereophonic system after being digitized and transmitted with high efficiency and high quality. For example, Dolby Digital: 5.
1ch + analog: 2ch) → (Dolby E: 5.1c
h / 2ch) → (Dolby E: 2ch + analog 2c
h) The above conversion is performed.

When this video signal or audio signal is digitally converted, management information such as a copyright holder name, a management number, and the number of times of copying is applied to the content I by using a digital watermark (Watermark) technique for each of the video signal and the audio signal.
It is also possible to embed it as a D code.

The telecine machine 210 (and the audio encoder 220) is an SD which is a digitally converted video signal.
The I signal and the AES / EBU signal, which is a voice signal, are sent to the digital VTR 230.

The digital VTR 230 is a telecine machine 21.
0 (and the audio encoder 220) sends SDI signals and AES / EBU signals, which are converted and integrated into editable states for showing as digital cinema, respectively, to create master data, which is recorded on a medium or the like. .

The SDI signal which is a video signal is, for example, M
EPG2 (Motion Picture Expert)
Converted to digital signal in ts Group2 format (1 /
2) and an error correction code is added to the AES / EBU signal which is an audio signal.

Then, the video signal converted to MPEG2 (1/2 compression) and the audio signal added with the error code are integrated and recorded on the medium. For example, recording is performed in a format conforming to the format format (Tape-rec / PB) of the digital β-cam to create the mother tape 240.

It is also possible to embed the management information such as the name of the copyright holder, the management number, and the number of times of copying as a content ID code in this master data by using a digital watermark technology.

Next, the video server 310 processes the video signal / audio signal recorded on the mother tape 240 into a state in which it can be displayed as a digital cinema, and manages the content and the recorded medium, and
Performs processing such as illegal copy protection.

The video server 310 first reads out and decodes the video signal / audio signal recorded on the mother tape 240.

The video signal is an SDI signal (270 Mbp).
s), audio signals are AES / EBU signals (48 kHz)
z / 20 bit).

Next, the decoded video signal / audio signal is separated, encoded and divided into a plurality of files (filed).

Next, the video signal and audio signal filed according to the server-specific package format unique to the video server 310 are recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk.

Since this server-dedicated package format is not disclosed, copying is not possible unless the server has the same function.

Subsequently, the video signal and the audio signal recorded in the server-dedicated package format are shuffled based on the server cinema system ID code to be converted into the cinema system-dedicated format.

The server cinema system ID code distributes the content having the same content to a plurality of cinema servers 420. Therefore, the cinema server 420 of the distribution destination is managed and managed individually.
This is for enabling the content to be played back only by the cinema server 420 that has been identified and collated with this ID code.

Therefore, the cinema system ID for this server
Since the cinema system dedicated format shuffled by the code is a format unique to each cinema server 420 for showing a movie (reproducing a content), the same content cannot be reproduced even if the content is distributed to another cinema server 420. .

Next, the video signal and audio signal converted in the cinema system dedicated format are converted into communicable packet data (non-real time) and output to the tape deck 320.

Specifically, in the case of transmitting packet data through a LAN, the head of each packetized data indicates the head of the data, and preamble data for synchronizing communication and Ethernet (R )
A header is added, and FCS (frame check sequence) data for checking a transmission error is added to the end of the data.

Next, in the tape deck 320, a medium (streamer tape) 350, which is a medium in which a writable / erasable memory 351 is built in the housing, is set, and output from the video server 310 according to the recording format of this medium. The recorded packet data is recorded, and a media dedicated ID code for managing itself is recorded (written) in the memory 351 of the medium (streamer tape) 350.

In the case of AIT tape, MPEG file data is divided into several blocks, one block data is randomized, scrambled to form a data package, and data is recorded as 18 frames (18 tracks): 1 Gp. : AIT-2 tape drive format (6 tracks) + (data management: 2 tracks) can be managed as a single packet file (6
Data is recorded in the format of 400 rpm, non-real time packet data).

Therefore, with this ID code dedicated to the media, it is possible to individually manage the media distributed to each cinema server 420 for showing a movie (reproducing a content).

Specifically, the non-overlapping production control number recorded individually in the manufacturing stage in the memory 351 having the built-in AIT tape is used as the medium dedicated ID code, or the production control number and the medium dedicated ID code are used. It is also possible to use them in combination.

The memory 351 built into the AIT tape is provided with areas such as header information, volume information, system log information, user area, etc., and the number of times content is loaded, the number of times of access, the number of times of rewriting, Since the total number of groups, the group accessed last time, the total number of error checks, etc. are recorded, the usage status of the tape, that is, the usage information of the content can be managed by reading these information.

Subsequently, the media (streamer tape) 350 created through the above-described processing steps is distributed to each theater, and the screening unit 40 of each theater uploads the distributed media (streamer tape) 350. Set to manager 410.

The upload manager 410 starts reading (automatic) of the set medium (streamer tape) 350, and registers the media-only I registered in advance.
The D code is collated with the same code extracted from the memory 351 of the medium (streamer tape) 350.

If the collation of the media dedicated ID code is normal, the video signal and the audio signal, which are the packet data recorded on the medium (streamer tape) 350, are read out and reconstructed, and converted into the cinema system dedicated format. And record it on the hard disk.

Then, the server cinema system ID code is extracted and recorded from the data converted into the cinema system dedicated format, and the upload manager 410
The cinema system ID code for the server registered in advance is checked, and if normal, each cinema server 420
Process shifts to. If the collation is not normal, an error message or the like is displayed, the processing is interrupted, the data is converted to the cinema system dedicated format and the recorded data is erased.

Each cinema server 420 reads the data recorded in the cinema system exclusive format to the upload manager 410 only when the upload manager 410 successfully collates the server cinema system ID code, and It is converted to a dedicated package format and recorded on the hard disk in each cinema server 420.

On the other hand, the upload manager 410
The content ID information uniquely assigned to the content (movie, cinema) itself is recorded, and when each cinema server 420 downloads the data (content), the cinema server ID information identifying the downloaded cinema server 420 is recorded. To do.

Next, the case of showing the contents recorded in the cinema server 420 in this way will be described.

Each cinema server 420 separates the video signal data and the audio signal data from the data (contents) recorded in the hard disk in the server-dedicated package format into a file (divided into a plurality of files). .

Then, the separated video signal data and audio signal data which have been made into a file are decoded and converted into digital data which can be displayed and outputted.

The video signal is, for example, a serial digital component (Serial Digital Com).
component / D-1 compliant digital video signal (270 Mbps), which is output to the projector 430.

The audio signal is, for example, AES / EB.
U Digital Audio (AudioEngineer)
ng Society / Europe Broadca
sting Union digital audio
o) compliant digital audio signal (48 kHz /
20 bit) and output to the audio decoder 450.

The projector 430 is connected to the cinema server 42.
The video signals (SDI signal and PAL signal) sent from 0 are component signals (luminance signal Y and color difference signal R-
Y, B-Y) and other optical signals, and the screen 440
, The screen 440 reflects the optical signal converted and projected by the projector 430 and projects it as an image.

On the other hand, the audio decoder 450 decodes the audio signal (AES / EBU signal) sent from the cinema server 420 in synchronization with the video signal and outputs it to the DA converter 460. The audio signal decoded by the decoder 450 is converted into an analog signal and output to the theater audio system 470.

In the theater audio system 470,
The equalizer 471 and the amplifier 472 adjust the sound and volume, and output the audio signal synchronized with the video signal to the speaker 473.

Next, a case will be described in which the data (content) recorded in each cinema server 420 is erased when the predetermined screening period (number of times) ends.

The upload manager 410 manages each cinema server 420 and the data (content) recorded therein according to the theater management information such as the number of times of showing and the program to be shown, and when the predetermined showing period ends, the corresponding cinema The server 420 is instructed to erase the data (content).

The cinema server 420 that has received the deletion instruction
The data (content) recorded on the hard disk in the device itself is erased, and the erase completion information is sent to the upload manager 410.

The erasing completion information includes the content ID uniquely assigned to the content (movie, cinema) itself.
Information, cinema server ID identifying the cinema server 420
It includes information, date and time of deletion, server cinema system ID code, and the like.

The upload manager 410 compares the deletion completion information sent from the cinema server 420 with the content ID information, the cinema server ID information, the cinema system ID code for the server, etc., which are pre-recorded in its own device, and deletes them. While confirming the completion information, the cinema server 4
The hard disk of 20 is checked to confirm that the content data has been erased.

Confirmation of erasure completion information and cinema server 42
When the check in the 0 hard disk is completed, unique information such as the serial number and the production control number recorded in the memory 351 of the medium (streamer tape) 350, which is not duplicated, and which cannot be tampered with is read out. The erasure certification information is created and output together with the erasure completion information.

The output of the erasure certification information can be output as data or can be printed and output. When the upload completion is confirmed by the upload manager 410, all the related data are erased. Alternatively, it may be erased after a certain period of time.

When the medium (streamer tape) 350 is returned to the distributor (film distributor 10) which is the distributor (copyright holder), the erasure certification information is attached (transmitted) and sent.

Further, it is a schematic structure of a multiplex theater having a plurality of screens as shown in FIG.
No. 1 theater 40a-No. 16 theaters 40p has 16 theaters, and the theater operation control unit 401
, Screening server units 402a to 402d, system commanders 380a to 380d, and digital cinema screening units 40a to 40p. The functions and operations of each unit and each device and the connection configuration are the same as those described above, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In such a case, in the case of a multiplex theater, content data may be shown on a plurality of screens, and one medium (streamer tape) 350 to a plurality of cinema servers 420a to 420d.
Content data will be recorded (downloaded) on the screen, and the period and number of screenings will differ depending on the screen.

Therefore, the upload manager 410
Completes the erasure by collating the erasure completion information sent from each of the cinema servers 420a to 420d with the content ID information, the cinema server ID information, the server cinema system ID code, etc. which are recorded in advance in the device itself. In addition to checking the information, the hard disk of each cinema server 420 is checked in its entirety to confirm erasure of all content data.

After the confirmation of all the erasure completion information and the check in the hard disk of each of the cinema servers 420a to 420d is completed, the serial number and the production control number recorded in the memory 351 of the medium (streamer tape) 350. Distributor (film distributor 10) that is a distributor (copyright holder) that reads unique information that is not duplicated and that cannot be tampered with, and creates and outputs erasure certification information together with erasure completion information. When the medium (streamer tape) 350 is returned, the erasure certification information is attached (transmitted) and sent.

As in the above, the output of the erasure certification information is
The data can be output as data or can be printed and output. When the upload manager 410 confirms that the output is completed, all related data is deleted. Alternatively, it may be erased after a certain period of time.

[0124]

According to the content operation management apparatus, the content operation management apparatus, and the content operation management method, the following effects can be obtained.

When the content data read by the content reading means is recorded by the content recording means in the device that uses the content data, and the device that uses the content data uses the content data for a predetermined period and / or a predetermined number of times. The content erasing means erases the recorded content data, the content erasing history generating means generates the erasing history information of the content data, and the erasure certificate creating means uniquely identifies the medium based on the created erasing history information. Since the erasure certification information including the ID code of the content can be created and data output and / or print output can be performed, the content
Data and content recorded by the content recording means
The erasure confirmation is performed by collating it with the data, and it is possible to confirm the erasure of the content data without fail.
If the medium is returned to the distributor (copyright holder) of the content or the medium with the erasure certification information added, the erasure of the data can be certified.

If the content data is recorded in a plurality of devices, all the deletion history information generated when the content data of each device is deleted is confirmed, and then the unique ID code Since the erasure certification information including is generated and output, it can be confirmed that all content data has been erased surely.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital cinema system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of content data (video signal / audio signal) in the digital cinema system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a process of format conversion of content data in the digital cinema system of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of management information (screening organization information) in a digital cinema.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of exhibition content information in a digital cinema.

6 is an explanatory view schematically showing a process of copyright protection of content data in the digital cinema system of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a processing process of copyright protection of the content data of FIG. 6;

8 is an explanatory diagram specifically showing a process of format conversion of content data in the digital cinema system of FIG.

9 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a multiplex theater by the digital cinema system of FIG. 1. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Film distribution unit, 100; Film (original), 110; Film (release print) 20: Telecine conversion unit, 210; Telecine machine, 220;
Audio encoder, 230; digital VTR, 24
0: Master (mother) media 30; Media production department, 310; Video server, 32
0: Media deck, 350: Media (recording medium),
351; Memory 40; Digital Cinema Screening Unit, 410; Upload Manager, 420; Cinema Server, 430, Projector, 432; SID Signal Converter, 440; Screen,
450; Audio Decoder, 460; DA Converter, 470; Theater Audio System

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G11B 27/00 G11B 27/00 A // H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 P (72) Inventor Yoshio Hatano 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Akihiko Hosoi 6-7-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo F-Term (Sony Corporation) 5B017 AA07 BA08 CA16 5C053 FA13 JA21 5D044 AB07 BC08 CC03 CC05 DE28 DE49 DE50 DE54 EF05 FG18 GK12 HL02 5D110 AA02 AA13 AA29 BB01 BB11 DA04 DA12 DA13 DB03 DC05 DC16 DC27 DD16 DE04 DE08 EA07

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. Content reading means for reading content data recorded on a medium having a unique ID code, and content data read by the content reading means for a device using the content data. Content recording means, content erasing means for erasing content data recorded in a device using the content data, and erasing content data by the content erasing means to generate erasure history information of the content data. A content erasure history generation means, and erasure proof generation means for generating erasure proof information including a unique ID code of the medium based on the erasure history information from the content history generation means. Characteristic content operation management device. 2. The content operation management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium is a medium including a memory in which the unique ID code is recorded. 3. The content operation management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unique ID code of the medium is a production management number assigned when the medium is manufactured. 4. When the content data is recorded by a plurality of devices, the erasure certificate creating means stores erasure history information generated when the content data of the plurality of devices are erased. The content operation management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after confirming all of them, the erasure certification information including the unique ID code of the medium is created. 5. The content operation management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasure certificate creating means can output and / or print out erasure certificate information as data. 6. The content data recorded on a medium having a unique ID code is read, and the read content data is recorded on a device that uses the content data, and the recording is performed automatically or manually. Erasing the erased content data, generating erasing history information of the erased content data, and creating erasing certification information including the unique ID code of the medium based on the generated erasing history information. Characterized content operation management method. 7. The content operation management method according to claim 6, wherein the unique ID code of the medium is a production management number assigned when the medium is manufactured. 8. When the content data is recorded by a plurality of devices, the deletion history information is created when the content data is recorded by a plurality of devices. 7. The content operation management method according to claim 6, wherein erasure certification information including a unique ID code of the medium is created after all of the above are confirmed.