JP2003323515A - Merchandise providing method, merchandise providing system, server, contents providing system, contents rental system, contents executing device, contents releasing device, contents providing method, and contents executing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To expand sales channel and usage of merchandise provided via the Internet by distributing a CD storing merchandise having a restricted use to release the merchandise from such restriction via the Internet. <P>SOLUTION: A large number of CD 11 including a ROM area 12 recording product versions with a restricted use as well as trial versions of a plurality of kinds of software and a writable RW area 13 is prepared, temporarily placed at PC shops or other stores, and distributed to a person interested in the software. When a PC 31 having the CD 11 set in a drive 32 calls a server 31 via the Internet 100, the server 21 delivers a release key to the PC 31 after completing user registration. The removing key is then written in the RW area 13 of the CD 11, thereby unrestricting the product versioned software. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a product providing method, a product providing system, which provides a user with products and contents.
The present invention relates to a server device, a content providing system, a content lending system, a content executing device, a content releasing device, a content providing method, a content executing method, and a content lending method, and more particularly, to a device capable of expanding a sales route.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a software product such as a program used in a terminal device such as a personal computer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a PC) has been previously stored in a CD (Compact Disk).
sc) -Sold in a specific shop such as a PC shop while being recorded in ROM (Read Only Memory)
(Provided).

For such products as software, a CD-ROM in which a trial version is recorded may be attached free of charge to a PC magazine or the like for sales promotion. For the product version of this software product, the trial version is tried. The user again P
It is common to go to a C shop to buy.

In addition to software products, CDs on which music is recorded are also sold at specific stores such as CD shops.

[0005]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-76115

[0006]

However, in such conventional product sales, for example, even if one wishes to purchase a software product, he / she has to go to an unfamiliar PC shop, and the details of PC are detailed. There was a problem that it was difficult for those who did not.

In addition, even if a software product is purchased through the popular Internet in recent years, there is a problem that a large amount of communication charges and communication time are required for a large-capacity program or the like.

Therefore, the CD-attached to magazines and the like
When the product version is recorded in the ROM and used, there is a problem in that it is difficult to reliably collect the fee even if the transfer of the fee is requested.

On the other hand, a CD has a read-only ROM.
It has been proposed to form an area and a writable / readable RW (Read / Write) area for HB (Hybrid) formation.
(For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In order to solve such a problem, an HB-CD in which a trial version and a product version of a software product are recorded is distributed for free or at low cost, and the use of the product version is restricted. , It is best if the usage restrictions can be lifted if the product version fee can be reliably collected.

Further, the HB-CD is capable of starting up the software without installing it on the PC, thereby enhancing advantages such as avoiding an inexperienced user from making the PC out of order. it can.

[0011] Also, a complete version (commercial version) of a music CD, etc.
If you can put in a preview version and distribute it in the same way, you can expand the sales route.

Furthermore, it is necessary to prevent illegal use of contents such as game programs, music, video data, and illegal use in rental. On the other hand, it is also necessary to promote second-hand sales of content. When a write-once or rewritable disk-type storage medium such as this HB-CD is used, it is possible to rewrite the release key and rewrite the content on the user side device that executes the content. It is also possible to incorporate a mechanism for promoting sales.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by distributing a CD recording products whose use is restricted so that the use restriction can be released, the sales route of the product is expanded and the use of the product is expanded. The purpose is to Further, the present invention is
The purpose is to prevent illegal use of contents and promote second-hand sales.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides a write-once or rewritable disk type storage medium in which a product whose usage restriction can be released by writing a release key is recorded. The process of preparing,
Distributing the disk type storage medium, and a step in which a terminal device connected to a drive device capable of writing the release key to the disk type storage medium calls a server device that manages provision of the product via a network. And a step of delivering the release key to the terminal device when the server device requests the release key, and a step of writing the release key received by the terminal device into the recording medium. Is a method of providing a product.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a disk type storage medium in which a product whose usage restriction is released by writing a release key is recorded, and a drive capable of writing the release key on the disk type storage medium. A terminal device connected to the device; and a server device that holds the release key and manages the provision of the product, the server device comprising:
The product providing system is characterized in that, when called and requested via a network, the release key is delivered to the terminal device and written in the disk type storage medium.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 is a server device which is connected so as to be callable via a network and manages the merchandise recorded on the disk type storage medium so that the usage restriction can be released by writing a release key. A holding means for holding the release key, a connection confirmation means for confirming that the drive device in which the disk type storage medium is set is called by a terminal device, and A server device, comprising: a write control unit that delivers the release key and writes the release key to the disk type storage medium when requested by the terminal device confirmed to be set.

In the inventions according to claims 1, 5, and 6, a disk-type storage medium is attached to a magazine, and, for example, in the case of a software product, a PC is used.
If you want to use the trial version if you want to use the trial version without having to go to the PC shop, if you want to use the full version, please do not go to the PC shop etc. By simply calling the server device via a network such as the Internet and requesting the release key to be written in the compact disk, the use restriction of the product version can be released and the software product can be provided to the user. here,
A disc-type storage medium that can be additionally written or rewritten has H
B-CD (hybrid CD), CD-R, CD-
RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, etc. are included.

The invention according to claim 2 provides the invention according to claim 1.
In the commodity providing method described in (1), the disc-type storage medium stores a commodity that can be activated while being set in the drive device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the disk-type storage medium has the merchandise that can be started while being set in the drive device recorded therein, so that, for example, software is not installed in the PC. It can be started up and used, and does not make the PC malfunction.

The invention according to claim 3 is the same as claim 1
In the product providing method according to [1], a plurality of products that can be activated while being set in the drive device are recorded in the disk-type storage medium, and the release key is prepared so that a product whose usage restriction is released can be selected. It is characterized by

According to the invention of claim 3, a plurality of merchandise which can be activated while being set in the drive device are recorded in the disc type storage medium, and the release key selects a merchandise whose use restriction is released. By being prepared as much as possible, a wide variety of products can be recorded and distributed in the disc type storage medium, and the products can be arbitrarily selected and used.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as claim 1.
In the commodity providing method described in (1), the recording medium is provided with an identifier for identifying a distribution place, and the server device delivers the release key to the terminal device on condition that the identifier is obtained. .

The invention according to claim 8 is the same as claim 6
In the server device described in the paragraph 1,
It is characterized in that the release key is transferred to the terminal device on condition that the identifier of the distribution place given to the disk type storage medium is obtained.

According to the fourth and eighth aspects of the present invention, the disc type storage medium is provided with an identifier for identifying a distribution place, and the server device is provided with the release key on condition that the identifier is obtained. By passing the information to the terminal device, it is possible to specify the store or the like that has distributed the disk-type storage medium by the identifier.

The invention according to claim 7 is the same as claim 6
In the server device described in the paragraph 1,
The release key is transferred to the terminal device on condition of user registration.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the writing control means transfers the release key to the terminal device on condition that the user registration is performed, so that the user registration for using the product is naturally and It can be done reliably.

The invention according to claim 9 is the same as that of claim 6.
In the server device according to [4], when a plurality of products are recorded in the disk-type storage medium, the writing control means transfers the release key corresponding to the product for which usage restriction is released to the terminal device. It is characterized by

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of products are recorded on the disk type storage medium, the writing control means causes the write key to cancel the use restriction according to the product. By transferring the product to the terminal device, various kinds of products can be recorded and distributed in the disk type storage medium, and the products can be arbitrarily selected and used.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the sixth aspect, the cancel key is used to determine a charging fee according to a product whose usage restriction is canceled by the cancel key, and the cancel key. Charging procedure means for performing a procedure for collecting a charging fee with the requesting terminal device.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the charging fee can be reliably collected from the user who uses the product.

Here, as the products to be recorded in the disk type storage medium, for example, software, music, images,
Examples include videos, but needless to say, this is not the only option.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in a content executing method for executing a content, a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium is in a hidden state in which it cannot be externally referenced and is inexecutable. The decrypting step of decrypting the content prerecorded in the state into a referable state, and the decrypting by executing only from the disc type storage medium recorded and recorded in the disc type storage medium. And an enabling step of storing the content decrypted by the encrypting step in a volatile memory in an executable state.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the content execution device for executing the content, the read-only area of the write-once or rewritable disk type storage medium is in a hidden state in which it cannot be externally referenced and is inexecutable. Decoding means for decoding the content prerecorded in a state into a referable state, and the content that is recorded in the disk type storage medium and can be executed only from the recorded disk type storage medium, Validating means for storing the content decrypted by the decrypting means in a volatile memory in an executable state.

According to the eleventh and twelfth aspects of the present invention, the data is prerecorded in the read-only area of the write-once or rewritable disk type storage medium in a hidden state that cannot be referenced from the outside and in an unexecutable state. The decrypted content is decrypted into a referable state, recorded on the disc-type storage medium, and executed only from the recorded disc-type storage medium, so that the decrypted content is in an executable state. By storing the content in the volatile memory, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the content recorded in the disk storage medium.

That is, since the contents are recorded in the disc type storage medium in a hidden manner, it is difficult to copy the contents because they cannot be referenced from the outside. Further, since the means for performing the activation cannot be executed only from the disc-type storage medium on which the means is recorded, even if the disc-type storage medium is illegally copied, it is not possible to put the contents into an executable and valid state. Further, although the activated content is stored in the non-volatile memory, there is no means for reading and executing the content from the non-volatile memory. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent illegal copying or illegal use of the provided content.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in a content providing method for providing content to a content executing device for executing content from a content providing server connected to a network, the content executing device provides the content in a read-only area. From a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium in which is divided into a plurality of pieces, and only a part of the content is recorded in an executable state, and other content is recorded in a hidden state in which it cannot be referenced from the outside. A key request step of requesting the content providing server for a release key for executing the content recorded in the concealed state; and, in the content providing server, receiving the release key request from the content execution device, The content that requested the release key for execution A key transmission step of transmitting to the execution device, a key acquisition step of acquiring the release key from the content providing server in the content execution device, and a release key acquired by the key acquisition step in the content execution device A recording step of recording in the writable area and deleting all or part of the release key for the already executed content from the writable area; and in the content execution device, the release key is acquired by the key acquisition step. In this case, a decrypting step of decrypting the content recorded in the concealed state into an executable state is included.

The invention according to claim 14 is a content providing system for providing content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing device for executing the content, wherein the content executing device stores the content in a read-only area. From a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium in which is divided into a plurality of pieces, and only a part of the content is recorded in an executable state, and other content is recorded in a hidden state in which it cannot be referenced from the outside. A key management unit for requesting a release key for executing the content recorded in the concealed state from the content providing server, and acquiring the release key from the content providing server; and a release key acquired by the key management unit. Is recorded in the writable area and the Recording means for deleting all or part of the release key for content from the writable area, and a state in which the content recorded in the concealed state can be executed when the release key is acquired by the key management means. And a decryption unit for decrypting the decryption means, and the content providing server receives the request for the release key from the content execution device and transmits the release key to be executed to the content execution device that has made the request. A key transmission means is provided.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in a content execution device for executing content, the content is divided into a plurality of read-only areas, and only a part of the content is recorded in an executable state, and Key management means for acquiring a release key for executing the content recorded in the concealed state from a write-once or rewritable disk-type storage medium in which the content is recorded in the concealed state that cannot be referenced from the outside, The release key acquired by the key management unit is recorded in the writable area, and the release key for the already executed content is deleted from the writable area. When the release key is acquired, the content recorded in the hidden state is decrypted into an executable state. Decoding means for, characterized by comprising a.

According to the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth aspects of the invention, in the content execution apparatus, the content is divided into a plurality of read-only areas,
In addition, only some contents were recorded in an executable state, and other contents were recorded in a hidden state that could not be referenced from the outside.Recorded in a hidden state from a write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium. Requesting the release key for executing the content from the content providing server, receiving the release key request from the content executing device in the content providing server, and transmitting the release key to be executed to the requesting content executing device. Then, in the content execution device, the release key is acquired from the content providing server, and in the content execution device, the acquired release key is recorded in the writable area, and at the same time, all or one of the release keys for already executed content is recorded. Part is deleted from the writable area, and the release key is In this case, by decrypting the content recorded in the concealed state into an executable state, only a part of the divided content can be used at the end of the content usage, so that the content cannot be re-authorized illegally. The use can be prevented.

The invention according to claim 16 is a content providing method for providing a content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing apparatus for executing the content, wherein the content executing apparatus can add or rewrite. A transmission step of transmitting a request for a release key of the content, unique information of the disc-shaped storage medium, and a content providing server, when the content is re-executed after the execution of the content recorded on the disc-shaped storage medium is finished; In the content providing server, a key transmitting step of receiving a request for the release key from the content execution apparatus and transmitting the release key to be executed to the content execution apparatus that has made a request; The release key Purchased at a price reduced from the previous time the release key is received from the content providing server, a key acquisition step of receiving the purchased release key, and in the content execution device, when the release key is received by the key acquisition step, It is characterized by including a decryption step of decrypting and executing the content, and a recording step of overwriting the received release key in the write area of the disc type storage medium in the content execution device.

The invention according to claim 17 is a content providing system for providing content to a content executing device executing content from a content providing server connected to a network, wherein the content executing device is writable or rewritable. When the content recorded in the read-only area of the disc-type storage medium is completed and the content is re-executed, the request for the content release key, the unique information of the disc-type storage medium, and the content providing server are transmitted. In the case where the requested release key is purchased from the content providing server at a price reduced from the last time the release key is received, and the release key is received by the key management means for receiving the purchased release key. To decrypt and decrypt the content Means and a recording means for overwriting the received release key in the writing area of the disc type storage medium, wherein the content providing server receives the release key request from the content execution device and executes it. It is characterized by further comprising key transmitting means for transmitting a target release key to the content execution device that has made a request.

According to the sixteenth and seventeenth aspects of the present invention, in the content execution device, the content recorded in the read-only area of the write-once or rewritable disk type storage medium is executed again after the execution of the content is completed. In this case, the request for the release key of the content, the unique information of the disc-type storage medium, and the transmission step of transmitting to the content providing server, and the content providing server receives the release key request from the content execution device, Send the release key to the requested content execution device, and the content execution device purchases the requested release key from the content providing server at a price reduced from the last time the release key was received and receives the purchased release key. However, if the content execution device receives a release key, The content execution device overwrites the received release key in the write area of the disc-type storage medium, so that the purchase price of the release key becomes cheaper each time it is used. Utilization can be promoted.

Further, since the difference in the release key for each use can be regarded as the value of the used content, the distribution price of the used content can be managed.

The invention according to claim 18 is the content providing system according to claim 17, wherein the content providing server corresponds to the medium identification information unique to the disk type storage medium and the medium identification information. It further comprises a storage unit for storing use history information recorded in association with user identification information of one or a plurality of users who have used the content recorded in the disc type storage medium, and the transmission unit stores the release key of the release key. When the request is received, the point information is transmitted to the content execution device of the user who first uses the content based on the usage history information.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, when the content providing server receives the request for the release key, the content providing server sends the point information to the content executing apparatus of the user who first uses the content based on the use history information. By transmitting, the first-time purchase user himself / herself desires to reuse the content, and the reuse of the content can be further promoted.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content execution device for executing the content, the content recorded in the read-only area of the write-once or rewritable disk type storage medium is executed again after the execution of the content is completed. In this case, the request for the content release key, the unique information of the disk-type storage medium and the content providing server are transmitted, and the requested release key is at a price reduced from the last time the release key is received from the content providing server. A key management unit for purchasing and receiving the purchased release key, a decryption unit for decrypting and executing the content when the release key is received by the key management unit, and the received release key for the disc. Recording means for overwriting the writing area of the mold storage medium.

According to the invention of claim 19, like the inventions of claim 16 and claim 17, since the purchase amount of the release key becomes cheaper each time it is used, the reuse of the content is promoted. be able to. It is possible to manage the distribution price of used content.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the content execution device according to the nineteenth aspect, the key management means is configured to execute the content recorded in the disk-type storage medium a predetermined number of times after the execution. When the content is re-executed, the request for the release key of the content, the unique information of the disc type storage medium and the content providing server are transmitted, and the requested release key is received from the previous release key from the content providing server. It is characterized by purchasing at a reduced price and receiving the purchased release key.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, when the content recorded on the disk type storage medium is executed a predetermined number of times by the key management means and the content is re-executed, the content release key is deleted. The request and the unique information of the disk type storage medium and the content release server are transmitted, and the requested release key is purchased from the content supply server at a price reduced from the last time the release key is received, and the purchased release key is received. By doing so, after using the content a predetermined number of times, the purchase price of the release key becomes cheaper,
The reuse of content can be promoted.

The invention according to claim 21 is the content execution device according to claim 19, wherein the key management means requests the release key of the content when the content is executed after a predetermined period has elapsed. And the unique information of the disc-type storage medium and the content-providing server, and the requested release key is purchased from the content-providing server at a price reduced from the last time the release key is received, and the purchased release key is received. It is characterized by

According to the invention of claim 21, when the content is executed after the lapse of a predetermined period by the key management means, the content release key request, the unique information of the disc type storage medium and the content providing server are transmitted. However, by purchasing the requested release key from the content providing server at a price reduced from the previous time the release key was received, and receiving the purchased release key, the purchase price of the release key becomes cheaper after the lapse of a predetermined period. , It is possible to promote the reuse of contents.

The invention according to claim 22 is the content execution device according to claim 19, wherein the key management means further receives the release key purchased and then the device-specific information. Generating a specific environment releasing key based on the above, the decrypting means decrypts and executes the content when the specific environment releasing key is generated, and the recording means stores the specific environment releasing key. The writing area of the disk type storage medium is overwritten.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the key management means, after receiving the purchased release key, generates the specific environment release key based on the received release key and the device unique information, and decrypts it. When the specific environment release key is generated by the means, the content is decrypted and executed, and the recording means overwrites the specific environment release key on the writing area of the disk type storage medium, thereby limiting the use of the content. It can be canceled with a key having unique information, and the content can be prevented from being used by other devices.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the content execution device for executing the content, when the content recorded in the write-once or rewritable disk-type storage medium is installed, the writing of the disk-type storage medium is performed. It is characterized by comprising license management means for reducing the number of licenses of the contents recorded in the feasible area.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, when the content recorded on the disc-type storage medium which can be additionally written or rewritten is installed, the content recorded on the writable area of the disc-type storage medium is By reducing the number of licenses, it is possible to prevent one content from being illegally installed in a plurality of devices.

Further, in the invention according to claim 24, in the content execution apparatus according to claim 23, the license management means further stores the contents of the disk type storage medium when the installed content is uninstalled. The number of licenses is increased.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the license management means further increases the number of licenses of the disk type storage medium when the installed contents are uninstalled,
Even if you install the content once, uninstalling it will increase the number of licenses.
The same user who purchased the license can easily transfer the content to another device without any restrictions of the license.

The invention according to claim 25 is the content execution device according to claim 24, wherein the license management means further requests the content providing server to add the number of licenses, When the additional release key is received from the providing server, the number of licenses recorded in the writable area of the disk type storage medium is increased by the additional license number.

The invention according to claim 26 is a content providing system for providing content to a content executing device executing content from a content providing server connected to a network, wherein the content executing device is the content providing server. On the other hand, when requesting addition of the license number of the content and receiving the release key for the addition from the content providing server,
The content providing server further comprises key management means for increasing the number of licenses recorded in the writable area of the disc-type storage medium by the number of additional licenses, and the content providing server requests addition of the number of licenses of the content from the content execution device. And a key transmitting means for transmitting the additional release key to the content execution apparatus that has made a request when the request is received.

The invention according to claim 27 is a content providing method for providing a content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing device for executing content, wherein the content executing device provides the content providing server. On the other hand, a key request step of requesting an addition of the number of licenses of the content, and a request for an additional release key when the content providing server receives a request of adding the number of licenses of the content from the content execution device. And a key transmitting step of transmitting to the content execution device,
In the content execution device, when an additional release key is received from the content providing server, a key management step of increasing the number of licenses recorded in the writable area of the disk storage medium by the additional license number. And are included.

According to the twenty-fifth, twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention, the content execution device requests the content provision server to add the number of licenses of the content, and the content provision server executes the content execution device. When a request to add the number of licenses of content is received from the content execution device, the release key for the addition is sent to the requested content execution device, and when the content execution device receives the release key for the addition from the content providing server, the disc is released. By increasing the number of licenses recorded in the writable area of the mold storage medium by the number of additional licenses, the number of licenses for the content can be freely changed, which is convenient for the content user.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the content executing method for executing the content, when the content recorded in the write-once or rewritable disk-type storage medium is installed, the writing of the disk-type storage medium is performed. A license management step of reducing the number of licenses of the content recorded in the feasible area is included.

According to the invention of claim 28, like the invention of claim 23, it is possible to prevent one content from being illegally installed in a plurality of devices.

[0064] The invention according to claim 29 is the content execution method according to claim 28, wherein the license management step further comprises: The number of licenses is increased.

According to the invention of claim 29, as in the invention of claim 24, even if the content is once installed, the number of licenses is increased by uninstalling it. It is possible for the user to easily transfer the content to another device without any restrictions of the license.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the invention, in the content releasing device for releasing the use restriction of the content to be rented to the user, the content recorded in the read-only area of the write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium is lent. In this case, a recording means is provided for recording a limitation release key for temporarily permitting the use of the content in the writable area of the disc type storage medium.

According to the thirtieth aspect of the present invention, when the recording means lends the content recorded in the read-only area of the write-once or rewritable disk type storage medium, the use of the content is temporarily permitted. By recording the limitation release key for writing in the writable area of the disc-type storage medium, the content lending side can accurately determine the number of times the content is rented and the rental fee (copyright usage fee) by the limitation release key. It can be managed and rental approval can be done smoothly. In addition, it is not necessary for the user who received the loan of the content to access the network to acquire the license to acquire the license, which facilitates the user when executing the content.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the content releasing apparatus according to the thirtieth aspect, when the content recorded in the read-only area of the disk type storage medium is lent, the license connected to the network is used. Key management means for transmitting a request for the limitation release key to the server and receiving the limitation release key from the license server, wherein the recording means stores the limitation release key received from the license server. The data is recorded in a writable area of the disk type storage medium.

Further, the invention according to claim 32 is recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium in a content execution device for executing a loaned content by releasing a content use restriction. When executing the content, determine whether or not the content can be executed based on the restriction release key for temporarily allowing the use of the content, and execute the content when it is determined that the content can be executed. Means to enable,
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 35 is a content in which a content releasing device connected to a license server via a network releases a usage restriction of the content and lends the content, and the lended content is executed by the content executing device. In the lending system,
In the case of lending a content recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium, the content cancellation device requests a limitation cancellation key for temporarily permitting the use of the content by the license. Key management means for transmitting to the server to receive the restriction release key from the license server; and recording means for recording the received restriction release key in a writable area of the disk type storage medium, When the license server receives the request for the limitation release key from the content releasing apparatus, the license server transmits the limitation releasing key to the content releasing apparatus that has made the request, and the content executing apparatus is the disk type. When executing the content recorded on the storage medium, the content is recorded based on the limitation release key. Executable whether the judged, when it is determined feasible, characterized by comprising a an effective means for executing the content.

Further, in the invention according to claim 36, the content releasing device connected to the license server via the network releases the use restriction of the content and lends the content, and the content is executed by the content executing device. In the lending method, when the content releasing device lends a content recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disk-type storage medium, a request for a limitation release key for temporarily allowing the use of the content A key request step of transmitting the limitation release key to the license server, and when the license server receives a request for the limitation release key from the content release apparatus, transmits the limitation release key to the content release apparatus that has made the request. Key transmission step In Ceiling releasing device, when receiving the restriction cancellation key from the license server,
A recording step of recording the received restriction release key in a writable area of the disc type storage medium; and when executing the content recorded in the disc type storage medium in the content execution device, the limitation release key Determining whether or not the content is executable based on the above, and validating the content when it is determined to be executable.

Claims 31, 32 and 35
Further, according to the invention of claim 36, in the case of lending the content recorded in the read-only area of the write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium, the content canceling device temporarily permits the use of the content. The request for the restriction release key is sent to the license server, and when the license server receives the request for the restriction release key from the content cancellation device, the restriction cancellation key is transmitted to the requested content cancellation device. When the limitation release key is received from the license server, the received limitation release key is recorded in the writable area of the disc-type storage medium, and the content execution device executes the content recorded in the disc-type storage medium. Whether the content can be executed based on the restriction release key Cross and, by executing the content when it is determined feasible, if there is a request for limiting the release key in the content server side, it is possible to record the record information, even in the license server,
The number of times the content is rented and the rental fee (copyright usage fee) can be accurately and centrally managed, and the rental permission can be smoothly granted. Further, according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the user who has rented the content to access the license server via the network to obtain a license such as a restriction release key, which is convenient for the user when executing the content. Planned.

The invention according to claim 33 is, in the content execution device according to claim 32, wherein the validating means executes the content, the content of which the current date and time is set to the limitation release key is displayed. It is characterized in that the content is executed by determining whether or not the content is included in the availability deadline, and determining that the content is executable when the current date and time is included in the availability deadline.

According to the thirty-third aspect of the present invention, when the content is executed, the validation means determines whether or not the current date and time is included in the expiration date of the content set in the limitation release key. Accurately managing content rental fees (copyright usage fees) based on the expiration date by determining that the content is executable when the current date and time is included in the expiration date and executing the content. The rental license can be smoothly provided. Further, according to the present invention, since it is not necessary to write the count of the number of times of use in the disc-type recording medium, the content execution device does not need a recording mechanism for the disc-type recording medium, and the content can be used with a simple configuration. it can.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the content execution apparatus according to the thirty-second aspect, when the content is executed, recording means for reducing the number of times the content set in the limit release key can be used. Further, the enabling means may determine whether the usable count of the limit release key is greater than 0 when executing the content, and may be executed when the usable count is greater than 0. And executing the content.

According to the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, when the recording means reduces the number of times the content set to the limit release key can be used when the content is executed, and the validating means executes the content. By determining whether the number of times the limit release key can be used is greater than 0 and executing the content when the number of times of availability is greater than 0, the content is rented and the rental fee is rented. (Copyright usage fee) can be managed accurately based on the number of times it can be used, and rental permission can be smoothly granted.

[0077]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to the accompanying drawings, a product providing method, a product providing system, a server device, a content providing system, a content lending system, a content executing device, a content releasing device, and a content providing method according to the present invention. The preferred embodiments of the content execution method and the content lending method will be described in detail.

(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 4 are views showing an embodiment of a product providing system including a server device for executing the product providing method using the Internet according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a product providing system using the Internet stores a plurality of types of software products.
The (recorded) compact disc (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a CD) 11 is distributed to an unspecified person or a person who is somewhat interested, and the server device 21 manages the use of the product. CD to general PC (terminal device)
After setting the drive device 32 connected to 31 and trying the trial version, the product version of the software product desired to be used can be activated through the Internet 100 and used. In other words, this product providing system is a system for distributing (providing) a desired software product to a person who does not intend to purchase the software product by distributing the CD 11 to the person who wants to use it as a user. is there.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the CD 11 is C
CD-R or CD-with reading process from D-ROM
In addition to being formed into a standard shape that can be set in a general drive device 32 capable of executing reading processing for RW, a ROM area 12 and an RW area 13 are formed as shown in FIG. 2B. Is made into an HB-CD, and the CD 11 is a trial version and a product version of a plurality of types of software products that can be started up and used simply by setting it in the drive device 32 without installing it in the PC 31. The merchandise sales company 200 burns and records the data in the ROM area 12, and a simple packaging so that a large amount can be placed in a temporary store 300 such as a supermarket or a convenience store not related to a PC in addition to a PC shop. Has been. It should be noted that the RW area 13 is written with setting information and the like when the software is activated.

In the ROM 12 of the CD 11, a trial version which can be used as it is by selecting it and a release key corresponding to the software product are written in the RW area 13 so that the activation of the software is permitted. The product version in which the server is restricted and a program for calling the server device 21 through the Internet 100 to open a home page (HP) requesting a release key are recorded, and the ROM area 12 is also recorded. Is recorded with ID data (identifier) that identifies the temporary store 300. The ID data recorded in the ROM area 12 is, for example, a chain store nationwide such as a convenience store stores the ID data for specifying the chain store, while it is unspecified in the case of an individual store. The ID data shown is recorded and the individual ID data is displayed as a sticker on the package or the like.

The server device 21 is connected so as to be callable (accessible) from various terminal devices such as the PC 31 via the Internet, and manages the sale (provision) of software products in the CD 11. The device 21 has a user information database 22 that stores names and addresses of users who have purchased software products in the CD 11 and a release key for each software product in the CD 11 (provided on the HP). A content database (holding means) 23 that stores various kinds of information about software products (the usage method is recorded in the ROM area 12 of the CD 11) and a user who requests the release key to purchase the software product (product version). Billing system that executes procedures to collect billing charges from users
(Billing determination means, charging procedure means) 24.

This server device 21 is a CD
When a person who sets 11 in the drive device 32 and tries the trial version selects access to the HP provided by the server device 21 managing the software product according to the guidance at the time of starting the CD 11, the PC 31 Is called via the Internet 100 from
Data for opening an HP that provides a list of software products to be sold and various information thereof is read out from the Kosants database 23 and returned. The software product is selected from the HP and a release key is requested. When set, the CD set in the drive device 32
11. If the ID data acquisition process (connection confirmation), user registration process, and software product billing process of 11 are performed, the release key of the selected software product is set to PC3.
It is designed to be handed over to 1 to release the usage restrictions of the product version. That is, the server device 21 constitutes a connection confirmation means and a writing control means.

Next, a product providing method using the Internet will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the product providing company 200 wishing to sell a software product has a ROM area 1 in which trial versions and product versions of a plurality of types of software products are burned.
2 and a large number of CDs 11 having rewritable RW regions 13 formed and prepared (step S11), PC shop,
At a specialty shop other than a PC, or at a temporary store 300 for unspecified users (consumers) such as a supermarket, a large amount is placed for free distribution (or sale at low cost) (step S12). Therefore, the CD11 package can be manufactured at a low cost with a simple specification that can be distributed in large quantities, and can be manufactured not only at a PC shop but also at a fishing tackle store, for example, by placing a CD11 storing a pair of fishing-related goods. An unspecified number of people, such as those with some interest, can easily get the CD 11. Needless to say, one type of software product may be stored in the CD 11.

After this, the person who obtained the CD11 is the PC3
By setting the drive device 32 of No. 1 and activating the trial version of any software product (step S13), it is possible to try what the stored software product is (step S14). . The trial version of this software product can be driven without being installed in the PC 32, and does not cause the PC 31 to malfunction.

If there is a favorite software product in the trial version, a request for browsing the HP provided by the server device 21 via the Internet 100 is made according to the selection instruction on the start screen or the end screen while the trial version is operating. (Step S15), simply select the software product you want to purchase in the HP
The C31 can execute a control process for canceling the use restriction of the product version of the CD 11 with the server device 21 to purchase a desired software product (step S16).
Even with the product version of this software product, it can be driven simply by setting the CD 11 in the drive device 32 without installing it in the PC 31, and the PC 31 does not get in trouble.

Therefore, an unfamiliar user who is not the owner of the PC 31 but who is temporarily renting the PC 31 does not make the PC 31 out of order and prevents the CD 11 from being illegally installed on a plurality of PCs 31. You can enjoy software products such as games just by carrying them around.

At this time, in the control process with the PC 31, the server device 21 is called up from the PC 31 via the Internet 100, as shown in FIG.
When a request to browse P is received, data transmission (return) for opening the HP is performed (step S21), and when a software product desired to be purchased is selected in the HP, software is selected each time the software product is selected. Receiving a purchase request for a product
(Steps S22, S23) If another software product is not selected and the end of selection is instructed (Step S23), the procedure for selling the selected software product is continued.

As the sales procedure of this software product, first, the server device 21 accesses the PC 31 and the RO of the CD 11 set in the drive device 32.
By searching the M area 12, the connection of the CD 11 to the PC 31 set in the drive device 32 is confirmed, and the ID data identifying the temporary store 300 to which the CD 11 is distributed is read and acquired (step S2
4) Check whether the ID data is valid ID data that can specify the temporary store 300 (step S25). If the ID data cannot be specified, the package of the CD 11 is used. I of the sticker attached to
Open the page for inputting D data. Send data, instruct to input the ID data, and step S25.
Return to step S26.

On the other hand, the ID obtained by reading or input
When the data is valid and the temporary store 300 can be specified, the acquired ID data and the selected software product information are stored while being associated with the user information database 22, the content database 23, and the charging system 24, respectively. And proceed to step S27 and thereafter (step S
25, S26).

Next, the server device 21 transmits the data to open the page for user registration by inputting the name and address of the software product as well as the type and number of the credit card for deducting the price (billing fee) of the software product, A registration process is performed to store the input user information in the user information database 22 (step S27),
A charging process such as confirmation of the validity / invalidity of the credit card by the charging system 24 and determination of a charging fee according to the selected software product is executed (step S28).

Next, when the user registration and the billing process are performed without delay, the release key of the selected software product is read from the content database 23 and sent to the PC 31 for delivery (step S29). The usage restriction of the product version of the desired software product is released by writing it in the RW area 13 of the CD 11, and data for opening a page related to the software product is transmitted (step S30), and the sales procedure of the software product is completed.

Therefore, the product providing company 200 is
Software products in the CD 11 can be sold outside the shop, and it can be expanded as a user to people who rarely go to the PC shop. At the same time, the user who uses the software product can be surely and naturally registered, and the charging fee can be surely collected from the user. In addition, the user information database 22 and the content database 2
It is also possible to easily collect user information such as the distribution place of the CD 11 in 3 and the purchased software product, and to collect statistics regarding the user. On the other hand, even a person unfamiliar with the PC 31 or the like can obtain the software product without going to a PC shop or the like.

Since a wide variety of software products can be recorded on this CD 11, it is possible to distribute a single CD 11 to a plurality of types of software products of a common genre and to various people. Corresponding software products can be provided, and the user can arbitrarily select and use the software products.

On the other hand, the temporary store 300 or the like to which the used CD 11 is distributed can be specified by the ID data of the CD 11, and a back margin payment contract can be made.

As described above, in this embodiment, the CD1
1 can be distributed and the release key received from the server device 21 via the Internet 100 can be written in the RW area 13 of the CD 11 to purchase the software product (product version) in the CD 11, People who like software products can get the product version and use it without going to a PC shop. Therefore, temporary stores 30 that do not directly relate to PCs such as supermarkets are used to sell software products.
It can be expanded to 0, and users who do not go to PC shops can purchase and use software products.

The CD 11 has a drive unit 3
By recording a plurality of types of software products that can be activated while being set to 2, it is possible to easily obtain and use a wide variety of software products.
You can use it without making 1 sick. Therefore, even if the user is not accustomed to the PC 31 or the like, the user can use the PC 31 with peace of mind and the range of users can be expanded.

Further, the release key is transferred to the CD 11
By obtaining ID data of the user and user registration including billing information as a condition, sales can be promoted by a back margin contract specifying the temporary store 300, and user registration can be made sure and natural. You can easily collect user information such as the distribution place of CD11 and purchased software products and collect statistics about users,
In addition, it is possible to reliably collect the development cost and the like by reliably charging.

Here, the CD 11 in this embodiment is
Since a blank can be formed between the areas 12 and 13 to form the ROM area 12 and the RW area 13, in the method of copying until the end of the data, the software product in the CD 11 is illegally copied. I can't.

Since the CD 11 stores the software product to be activated in the drive device 32, the CD 11 cannot be activated even if the software is copied to the hard disk device (HDD) of the PC 31 and is charged. It is also possible to prevent the spread of the information.

Further, the CD 11 has a drive device 32.
Since the software product to be activated by is stored, if multiple versions are sold and the data becomes unusable because the versions are not supported, the software product is driven and supported. It can also store software products that make available even versions of data that are not available.

On the other hand, this CD11 has RW area 1
Not only can the release key be written in 3 to release the usage restrictions of the product version in the ROM area 12, but at the same time, a password etc. can be set in the RW area 13 to inadvertently browse and use data such as private images and videos It can be made possible to avoid being done.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case of a CD in which software is recorded as a product is explained, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the trial version and the complete version of music are stored in the ROM area 1
The CD11 recorded in 2 is a music that is well suited to the situation and aimed at the user, for example, a CD11 that records a plurality of songs of artists often heard at ski resorts.
Can be distributed at the ski resort, or by distributing a CD 11 in which a plurality of popular karaokes are recorded at a karaoke store, the sales efficiency can be improved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since it is possible to surely register the user, as shown in FIG.
In addition to the sales route via the temporary store 300, the trial version of the new product and the CD 11 storing the product version can be sent directly to the registered user. If you like the product, you can purchase it if you like it.

Even if the CD 11 is attached to a magazine and distributed, the magazine can be processed in the same manner as the temporary store 300, and the product version of the software product can be processed as usual in a specialized shop such as a PC shop. Needless to say, it may be sold on the Internet, or may be downloaded via the Internet for sales.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is premised that the user is always charged, but it goes without saying that the usage key of the product version of the software product may be canceled by the cancel key only by user registration.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 is a content execution apparatus capable of preventing unauthorized use of content such as game programs, music and video data. FIG. 6 shows a content execution device 60 according to the second embodiment.
It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of 0. As shown in FIG. 6, the content execution device 600 according to the second embodiment is
It mainly includes a decryption unit 602, an activation unit 604, a license key management unit 603, and an HB-CD interface unit 606.

The program and data as the provided contents are pre-recorded in the read-only area (ROM area) of the HB-CD (hybrid CD) in a state where the concealment process is performed. Here, concealment means encrypting a program or data to make its contents inaccessible to the outside. In addition, as the concealment processing, it is also possible to integrate the programs and data composed of a plurality of modules into a single file. At this time, the programs and data may be compressed and integrated into a single file. Furthermore, as concealment processing,
As described above, the file integrated into a single file may be encrypted.

When the release key is valid, the decryption unit 602 sets the decrypted program 61 in the HD 610 by making the concealed program or data accessible to the outside.
The first data is stored as the decrypted data 612. Here, “decryption” in the present embodiment means that when the concealment process encrypts a program or data,
Decoding an encrypted program or data. Further, when the concealment process is a process of integrating programs and data into a single file, it means a process of expanding a single file into a plurality of original programs and data. Further, when the compression processing is performed in the concealment processing, the decompression processing is also included in the decoding.

The validating unit 604 is generated in the main storage device by executing the validating program stored in the read-only area (ROM area) of the HB-CD 605. In addition, this activation program determines whether or not it has been started from HB-CD605.
Judgment is made by checking the frame value indicating the unique data recorded in the unique area of the C, and when it is started from other than the HB-CD605, that is, the illegally copied C
When it is started from D or the like, the processing is ended.

On the HB-CD605, the ATIP (Absol
ute Time In Pre-groove) is generated. Last Posib in ATIP
The information of le Start Time Of Lead out is written. This information is
It consists of each information of Second and Frame, and a value is assigned to each information. In the frame information, the industry group “Orange Forum” allocates a plurality of unique values to each media vendor. Each media vendor allocates the allocated unique value to its own media. Therefore, AT of each HB-CD
IP's Last Possible Start Ti
Frame information of meOf Lead out (hereinafter,
It is called "frame value". ) Has a unique value for each type of media. The validating unit 604 of this embodiment checks the frame value recorded in the unique area of the HB-CD 605.

The activation unit 604 generated on the main storage device by executing the activation program as described above.
Is to make the decrypted program 611 executable and copy the decrypted data 612 to the RAM 620 which is a volatile memory. Specifically, the validating unit 604 is a dedicated execution program for the decrypted program 611, and the decrypted program 611 is executed by the dedicated execution program.
When executing, the decrypted program is copied to the RAM 620 as the activated program 621.

The validating unit 603 is a dedicated viewer or a dedicated player for the decrypted data 612, and the decrypted data 612 has already been decrypted when the decrypted data 612 is executed by the dedicated viewer or the dedicated player. The data 612 is the RAM 6 as the activated program 622.
Copied to 20.

In addition to the dedicated execution program, the dedicated viewer or the dedicated player, the validating unit 603 acquires the validating key from a server on the Internet and decrypts the validating key. Completed program 61
1 and the decrypted data 622 to be written to the RAM 620 as the validated program 621 and the validated data 622, respectively, and the validated program 621 can be executed only when the validation key is written.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the validated data 622 can be browsed.

The license key management unit 603 requests and obtains a concealment program and a release key for enabling decryption when decrypting the concealed data. The HB-CD interface unit 606 is an HB-CD
This is an interface for controlling read / write with respect to 605.

The content execution device 600 according to the second embodiment includes a control device (not shown) such as a CPU and RA.
A storage device (not shown) such as M620 or ROM, an output device (not shown) such as a display device, an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard or a mouse, and an HD 610 as an external storage device. This is a normal computer configuration.

The content execution program executed by the content execution apparatus 600 according to the second embodiment is a file of an installable format or an executable format.
It is provided by being recorded in a computer-readable storage medium such as a B-CD, a CD-ROM, a floppy (R) disc (FD), or a DVD.

Further, the content execution program of the second embodiment may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. It is also possible to send via a network.

The content execution program according to the present embodiment is loaded into the main storage device by being read from the storage medium and executed by the content execution device 600, and each unit described in the above functional configuration is stored in the main storage device. It is designed to be generated in.

Next, the content execution processing by the content execution apparatus 600 of the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, the concealment program stored in the HB-CD 606 and the decryption process of the concealment data will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the concealment program and the concealment data decoding process.

First, the license key management unit 603 sends a request for a release key for decryption to a server (not shown) on the Internet (step S70).
1). When the license key management unit 603 receives the release key from the server (step S702), the decryption unit 703 determines the validity of the release key (step S703). Here, as the determination of the validity of the release key, for example, the received release key is compared with the key recorded in the program or the data in advance, and when the two match, it is determined to be valid.

When it is determined that the received release key is valid, the decryption unit 602 causes the HB-CD.
The concealment program and the concealment data recorded on the HDD are decrypted (step S704), and the decrypted program 611 and the decrypted data 612 are recorded on the HD.
It is stored in 610. Then, the decryption unit 602 writes the received release key in the writable area (RW area) of the HB-CD (step S705). Here, the decrypted program 611 and the decrypted data 612 do not necessarily need to be stored in the HD 610, and may be configured to perform sequential decryption processing at the request of the validation unit 604.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the received release key is invalid, the decryption unit 602 decrypts the concealment program and the concealed data because the release key is not valid. An error message to the effect that it cannot be output is output (step S706).

When the content concealed by such processing is decrypted, the activation program stored in the HB-CD 605 is activated next, and the activation unit 60 is activated.
4. The content validation process of 4 is performed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of content validation processing by the validation unit 604.

The validating unit 604 first reads the Read AT.
The I command is executed (step S801). As a result, a frame value, which is unique identification data recorded in the unique area of the HB-CD 605, is obtained as a return value (step S802). Then, the frame value acquired from the HB-CD 605 and the validating unit 604, that is, the frame value held by the validating program are read (step S803), and it is determined whether or not they match (step S804).

If the two frame values match, the validating unit 604 determines that the validating program was started from the HB-CD 605 recorded when the product was provided, and the decrypted program is executed. 611 is started and the decrypted data 612 is browsed (step S80).
5). On the other hand, if the frame values do not match,
The validating unit 604 determines that the validating program is activated from the illegally copied storage medium, outputs an error message indicating the possibility of illegal copying (step S806), and decrypts The processing ends without starting the completed program 611 and browsing the decrypted data 612. At this time, the execution of the validation program itself also ends.

As described above, in the content execution device 600 according to the second embodiment, since the content is recorded in the HB-CD 605 in advance in a concealed manner, it is difficult to copy it because it cannot be referenced from the outside. Moreover, since the activation program cannot be executed only from the HB-CD 605 in which the activation program itself is recorded, even if the HB-CD 605 is illegally copied, the content cannot be set to the activation state in which it can be executed. Further, the activated contents are stored in the RAM 620 which is a non-volatile memory.
There is no means to read and execute content from M620. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent illegal copying or illegal use of the provided content.

(Third Embodiment) The content providing system according to the third embodiment is composed of a game program, music,
When a content such as video data is divided into a plurality of pieces, the usage restriction can be released for each of the divided pieces of content.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content providing system of the third embodiment. Figure 9
The content providing server 901 shown in FIG. 2 provides content such as game programs, music, and video data, and sends a release key to a user's PC (content execution device) 902. The user's PC 902 and a network such as the Internet. Connected by. In addition,
In the third embodiment, the content execution device is set to the user's P
Although it is referred to as C, it is also possible to use a game device that exclusively executes the game program as the content execution device.

In the content providing system of the third embodiment, the content of the game program is divided and stored in the ROM area of the HB-CD 902. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the game program is divided into programs of chapters 1 to 6 in the order of progression of the game, and the programs of chapters 1 to 6 are externally referred to as concealment programs. It is stored in an impossible state. Also, in the RW area of the HB-CD 902, a Chapter 1 content release key for decrypting the program of Chapter 1 and releasing the usage restriction is recorded. Therefore, when the content is purchased, the user can execute only the program of Chapter 1.

Here, the concealed state has the same meaning as in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, a game program is given as an example of content,
musics. The same applies to video data.

When the user executes the program of the first chapter and executes the program of the second chapter, the user's PC 902 requests the content server 901 via the Internet for the release key of the program of the second chapter. To do. Upon receiving this, the content providing server 901 receives the second
The release key of the chapter program is transmitted to the user's PC 902. When the user's PC 902 receives the release key of the program of Chapter 2, the received release key is transferred to the HD-CD.
Write to the 903 RW area. Then, the unlocking key is used to decrypt the concealment program of Chapter 2 and execute the program of Chapter 2. As described above, every time the program of each chapter is executed, the release key is received from the content providing server 901 and the concealment program is decrypted. The release key for the program of the chapter that has already been executed is deleted, so that it becomes inexecutable by the user.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user PC 902 which is the content execution device of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the user PC 902 includes a management unit 1004, a recording unit 1001, and a decoding unit 1.
002, the license key management unit 1003, and the HB-C
The D interface unit 606 is mainly provided.

Similar to the content execution device 600 and the validation unit 604 of the second embodiment, the management unit 1004 has HB-
It is determined whether or not it is started from the CD903 by checking the frame value indicating the unique data of the HB-CD, and when it is started from other than the HB-CD903, that is, when it is started from the illegally copied CD or the like. Ends the processing. The determination process is the same as the determination process in the validation unit 604 of the second embodiment, and thus the description will be omitted.

The recording unit 1001 conceals and records the release key for the program of the already executed chapter in the writable area (RW area) of the HB-CD 903.

The decryption unit 1002, when the release key of each chapter received from the content providing server 901 is valid,
The concealment program of the chapter corresponding to the release key is decrypted in a state in which it can be referenced from the outside, temporarily stored in an HD (not shown) or the like, and the decrypted content is executed.

The license key management unit 1003 requests and obtains a release key for enabling the decryption and releasing the use restriction when decrypting the concealment program of each chapter. The HB-CD interface unit 606 is similar to the HB-CD interface unit 606 in the HB-CD interface unit 606 in the second embodiment.
An interface for controlling read / write with respect to the CD 605.

The content execution device 901 of the third embodiment may also be configured as a game device dedicated to a game, in addition to the configuration of a normal computer.

Next, the content execution processing by the content providing system of the third embodiment configured as described above will be explained. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of decrypting the content of each chapter by the user PC 902 (content execution device).

It is assumed that the game programs up to the chapter n−1 are currently used and the game program under the chapter n is used next. First, the license key management unit 10
In step S110, a request for a release key for the program of chapter n to be used from now on is sent to the content providing server 901 via the Internet (step S110).
1). When the content providing server 901 receives the request for the release key of the program of Chapter n, it sends the release key, so the license management unit 1 of the user PC 902.
The release key of the program of Chapter n is received by 102 (step S1102).

In the user PC 902, the decryption unit 1002
The validity of the received chapter n content cancellation key is determined according to (step S1103). When it is determined that the n-th chapter content release key is valid, it is received from the content providing server 901, and the n-th release key determined to be valid is written in the RW area of the HB-CD 903 ( Step S1104). Next, the recording unit 1001 sends the release key of the n-1th chapter, which has been used, to the RW
It is deleted from the area (step S1105). By such processing, the content of the chapter whose use has been completed cannot be referenced by the user PC and cannot be executed.

Then, the decoding unit 1002 causes the HB
-Decrypt and execute the content of the nth chapter using the release key of the nth chapter written in the RW area of the CD 903 (step S1106).

In the third embodiment, the release key of the n-1th chapter that has been used is overwritten in the RW area of the HB-CD903. However, when a write-once compact disc is used, Add a release key to the R area,
The chapter release key may be configured to be processed by software so that it cannot be referred to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1103 that the release key is not valid, an error message to that effect is output (step S1107), and the process ends.

In the content providing system according to the third embodiment, all the release keys for the contents of the chapters that have been used are deleted, but the contents of some chapters are deleted so that the program cannot be continuously executed. It may be configured to conceal only the release key for. For example,
When decrypting the contents of Chapter 6, only the release key for the contents of Chapter 1 was deleted, and the release keys for the contents of Chapters 2 to 5 were left without being deleted from the RW area. Can also be configured. This prevents the content from continuing to execute from Chapter 1.

As described above, in the content providing system according to the third embodiment, the content execution device acquires the release key from the content providing server, decrypts the content recorded in the concealed state into the executable state, and executes the already executed content. Since the release key of all or part of the content of is deleted from the RW area, only a part of the divided content can be used at the end of use of the content,
It is possible to prevent unauthorized reuse of content.

(Embodiment 4) The content providing system according to Embodiment 4 prevents illegal use of content in pre-sale of contents such as game programs, music, and video data, while promoting pre-sale. For this reason, when the content is used after a certain period of time or after a certain number of times of use, the selling price of the release key for releasing the content use restriction from the content providing server is reduced and provided. The specific environment release key is generated and recorded on the HB-CD.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content providing system of the fourth embodiment. A content providing server 1201 shown in FIG. 12 is a server (content execution device) 1202 of a store, a temporary store, or a second-hand store for providing and releasing content such as game programs, music, and video data, and a user's PC.
(Content execution device) 1203, 1204 is transmitted. The content providing server 1201, a server (content execution device) 1202 of a store, a temporary store, or a second-hand store and user PCs (content execution devices) 1203 and 1204 are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet. In the fourth embodiment, the user PC is used as the content execution device, but it is also possible to use a game device that exclusively executes the other game program as the content execution device.

In the content providing system according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, an HB-CD 1207 in which contents such as game programs, music, video data, etc. are recorded from a store, a temporary store, or a used store. When the purchased user A executes the content on the user PC 1203, the release key for decrypting the content is purchased from the content providing server 1201. Then, the user A completes the use of the content, and the HB-CD120
7 is transferred to the user B, and when the user B uses the content on his / her own user PC 1204, the user B purchases the release key from the content providing server 1201. The purchase price at this time is reduced by the release key of the user A.

Alternatively, when the user A completes the use of the content and sells the HB-CD 1207 to a store, a temporary store or a second-hand store, the store, the temporary store or the second-hand store uses the content. In order to enable this, a store, a temporary store, or a second-hand store purchases the release key from the content providing server 1201. The purchase price at this time is reduced by the release key of the user A.

The purchased release key and user PC1
An HB-CD is generated by generating a specific environment release key for releasing the usage restriction of the content from the device-specific data unique to 204.
Write in the RW area of 1207. For this reason, the content execution device other than the content execution device that generated the specific environment release key cannot execute the content recorded in the HB-CD 1207, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the content.

Also, the content providing server 1201
The HD 1205 holds a user usage history database 1206, and this user usage history database 120
6 is associated with the unique data (frame value) of the HB-CD 1207 in which the content is recorded on the HB-CD 12
The mail address of the user who used the 07 content is recorded as history data. Then, when the release key is requested from the user B, the store, the temporary store, or the second-hand store, the content providing server 1201 refers to the user usage history database 1206 and refers to the user A who is the first purchaser. The point information is transmitted to the user PC. This will promote second-hand sales of content.

FIG. 13 shows a server 1202, a user PC 1203, 1 which is a content execution device according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of 204. Server 1
As shown in FIG. 13, the 202 and the user PCs 1203 and 1204 include a management unit 1304, a recording unit 1301, a decryption unit 1302, a license key management unit 1303, and H.
A B-CD interface unit 606 is mainly provided.

Similar to the validation unit 604 of the content execution device 600 of the second embodiment, the management unit 1304 has HB-
It is determined whether or not it is activated from the CD 605 by checking the frame value indicating the unique data of the HB-CD, and when it is activated from other than the HB-CD 605, that is, when it is activated from an illegally copied CD or the like. Ends the processing. The determination process is the same as the determination process in the validation unit 604 of the second embodiment, and thus the description will be omitted.

The recording unit 1301 stores the specific environment release key generated from the release key and the mail address of the user who uses the content of the HB-CD 1207 in the HB-CD 120.
7 is recorded in the RW area.

If the release key received from the content providing server 1201 is valid, the decrypting unit 1302 sends the HB
-Decrypt and execute the concealment program stored in the CD 1207 so that it can be referenced from the outside.

The license key management unit 1303 requests and obtains a release key for enabling decryption when decrypting the concealment program. Also, the license key management unit 1303 generates a specific environment release key specific to the device, from the obtained release key and the device unique data of the content execution device.

The HB-CD interface unit 606 is the same as the HB-CD interface unit 606 in the HB-CD interface unit 606.
An interface for controlling read / write with respect to the CD 605.

In the HB-CD 1207, a frame value is recorded in advance in the unique area, a concealment program is recorded in the ROM area, and a specific environment release key and a mail address of the user are written in the RW area. .

The content execution device 901 of the fourth embodiment may also be configured as a game device dedicated to a game, in addition to the normal computer configuration.

Next, the content execution processing by the content providing system of the fourth embodiment configured as described above will be explained. FIG. 14 shows a server (content execution device) 1202 of a store, a temporary store, or a used store.
Or user's PC (content execution device) 1203, 12
14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process of decrypting the contents of each chapter by 04.

First, the license key management unit 1303 sends a request for a release key, HB-CD specific data (flash value), and a mail address of a user who will use the contents of the HB-CD 1207 to the contents providing server 1201 ( Step S1401).

When the license key management unit 1303 receives the release key from the content providing server 1201 (step S1402), it acquires the device unique data of its own device (step S1403). Here, the device-specific data corresponds to the device, the HD, the serial number of the CPU, and the like. The release key is sent when purchased from the administrator of the content providing server 1201. The purchase price of the release key is lower than the price of the release key for the first use, but lower than the price of the release key for the second use. It has become. Further, as the number of times increases, the purchase price of the release key decreases.

Next, the license key management unit 1303
A specific environment release key is generated using the received release key and the acquired device unique data (step S1404).
The specific environment release key only needs to be related to the release key and the device-specific data, and its generation method is not particularly limited.

Next, the recording unit 1301 stores the generated special environment release key and the mail address of the user in the HB
-Saving in the RW area of the CD 1207 (step S14)
05). Then, after the decryption unit 1302 determines the legitimacy of the specific environment release key, if it is legitimate, the concealment program stored in the RW area is decrypted to execute the decrypted program. (Step S1
406).

On the other hand, the content providing server 1201 performs the following processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the content providing server 1207.

In the content providing server 1201, the release key request, the HB-CD specific data (flash value), the user's data from the content executing device such as the server 1202 of the store, the temporary store or the second-hand store or the user PCs 1203, 1204, and the user's user. When the e-mail address is received (step S1501), the release key is transmitted to the requested content execution device (step S1502). Then, the HB-CD received in the user usage history database 1206
The email address received in association with the unique data (flash value) is recorded as a usage history (step S15).
03).

FIG. 16 shows the user usage history database 1
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of 206. As shown in FIG. 16, in correspondence with the HB-CD specific data (frame value),
The mail address of the user who has used the contents of the HB-CD 1206 is recorded as a history.

Then, from the user use history database 1206, the mail address of the user when the content of the HB-CD 1207 is used for the first time is read, and the point information is transmitted to the user of that mail address (step S1504), and the point reward is given. To do. For example, in FIG.
In the case where the user A is the user at the first use, the user A transfers the HB-CD 1206 in which the content is recorded to the user B, and the user B requests the release key, the content providing server 1201 Points will be returned to the user A at the time of first use.

In the content providing system according to the fourth embodiment, the purchase price of the release key is reduced when the content is used for the second time or later, or the release key is purchased when the content is used after a certain period of time has elapsed since the content was provided. The price may be reduced. In this case, in the content providing server 1201, the user usage history database 120
6. Further, the use date and time of the content may be recorded, and the purchase price of the release key may be reduced when the release key is requested after a lapse of a preset period from the first use date and time. .

In the content providing system of the fourth embodiment, the specific environment release key is generated from the device unique data of the user PC 1203 (content executing device) and recorded in the RW area. Similar to the content, the content is divided into a plurality of contents in advance and recorded on the HB-CD 1207, and when the use of a part of the divided content is ended and the next part of the content is used, it is used from now on. It may be configured to restrict the usage of the divided content a plurality of times by purchasing and executing a cancellation key for canceling the usage restriction of the content to be used. Furthermore, in this case, for some contents, it is possible to release the usage constraint by purchasing the release key so that it can be executed, and for other contents, the usage constraint cannot be released and executed. It may be configured so that it cannot be enabled.

As described above, in the content providing system of the fourth embodiment, the specific environment release key for releasing the use restriction of the content is generated by using the device unique data which is the information unique to the device executing the content. HB-C
Since the contents are written in the RW area of D1207, the content execution devices other than the content execution device that generated the specific environment release key access the content providing server separately to receive the release key and use the device unique data of the device. Unless a new specific environment release key is generated, HB-
The content recorded on the CD 1207 cannot be executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the illegal use of the content provided by the HB-CD 1207.

Further, in the content providing system of the fourth embodiment, since the purchase amount of the release key becomes cheaper each time it is used, the reuse of the content can be promoted. Moreover, since the difference between the release keys for each use can be regarded as the value of the used content, the distribution price of the used content can be managed.

(Embodiment 5) The content providing system of Embodiment 5 shows the number of licenses recorded on the HB-CD when contents such as game programs, music, and video data are installed from the HB-CD. HB- when decreasing and uninstalling content
This is to increase the number of licenses recorded on the CD.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content providing system of the fifth embodiment. A content providing server 1701 shown in FIG. 17 transmits a release key for content such as a game program, music, and video data to a user PC (content execution device) 1702. The content providing server 1701 and the user PC (content execution device) 1702 are connected by a network such as the Internet. In the fifth embodiment as well, the user PC is used as the content execution device, but it is also possible to use a game device that exclusively executes the other game program as the content execution device.

Like the user PCs 1702 and 1703,
When the content is installed from the HB-CD 1705, the license number of the RW area of the HB-CD 1705 is reduced, and when the content is uninstalled like the user PC 1704, the license number of the RW area of the HB-CD 1705 is increased. There is.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user PC 1702 which is the content execution device of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the user PC 1702 mainly includes a management unit 1804, a decryption unit 1802, a license key management unit 1803, and an HB-CD interface unit 606.

Similar to the validation unit 604 of the content execution device 600 of the second embodiment, the management unit 1804 has HB-
It is determined whether or not it is started from the CD 1705 by checking the frame value indicating the unique data of the HB-CD, and when it is started from other than the HB-CD 1705, that is, when it is started from the illegally copied CD or the like. Ends the processing. The determination process is the same as the determination process in the validation unit 604 of the second embodiment, and thus the description will be omitted.

The decryption unit 1802 decrypts the HB-CD concealment program when the release key is valid.

The license key management unit 1803 requests and obtains a release key for enabling decryption when decrypting the concealment program. Also, the license key management unit 1003 is the R of the HB-CD 1701.
The number of licenses stored in the W area is increased or decreased.

The HB-CD interface unit 606 is the same as the HB-CD interface unit 606 in the HB-CD interface unit 606.
An interface for controlling read / write with respect to the CD 605.

In the HB-CD 1705, the frame value is recorded in advance in the unique area, the concealment program is recorded in the ROM area, and the number of licenses and the license (release key) are written in the RW area.

The content execution device 1702 of the fifth embodiment may have a normal computer configuration or a game device dedicated to a game.

Next, the content execution processing by the content providing system of the fifth embodiment configured as described above will be explained. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of content license processing by the license key management unit 1803 of the user PC 1702.

The license key management unit 1803 determines whether or not the installation has been performed (step S190).
1), if done, R of HB-CD1705
The number of licenses recorded in the W area is decreased by 1 (step S1902). Further, the license key management unit 1803 determines whether or not the uninstallation has been performed (step S1903), and if the uninstallation has been performed, R
The number of licenses recorded in the W area is incremented by 1 (step S1904).

When it is desired to increase the number of licenses, the user PC 1702 changes the contents providing server 17
A license request is made to 01. At this time, the content providing server 1701 transmits the additional release key to the user PC 1702. On the user PC 1702,
The number of licenses of the HB-CD 1705 is added to the number of licenses to be added and written.

As described above, in the content providing system according to the fifth embodiment, when the content recorded on the HB-CD is installed, the number of licenses of the content is reduced, so that one content is illegally stored in a plurality of devices. Can be prevented from being installed on.

Further, when the installed content is uninstalled, the number of licenses recorded on the HB-CD is increased. Therefore, the same user who purchased the license can transfer the content to another device by convenience. Migration can be easily done without license restrictions.

(Embodiment 6) The content lending system according to the sixth embodiment allows contents to be rented by setting a limit release key for temporarily releasing the use limit of the content by the rental store. Accurately manage the number of rentals, and smoothly license the rental.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content lending system of the sixth embodiment. The license server 2004 and the content cancellation device 2001 shown in FIG. 20 are connected by a network such as the Internet.

The license server 2004 is installed at the content provider that provides the rental store with the HB-CD 2003 in which the contents such as game programs, music, and video data are recorded, and issues a restriction release key for the contents. . The limitation release key is a key for releasing the use limitation of the content only for a certain period, and has a usable period.

The content releasing device 2001 is installed in a rental shop, accesses the license server 2004 at the time of renting the content to the user, receives the limitation releasing key of the content to be rented, and receives the limitation releasing key. The data is written in the RW area of the HB-CD2003.

The rental shop lends to the user the HB-CD 2003 in which the limitation release key for this content is written. The user who has rented the HB-CD 2003 reproduces and executes the content recorded in the HB-CD 2003 by the user PC (content execution device) 2002, but when the expiration date set in the limitation release key elapses. Is the end of the content usage period,
Execution of contents becomes impossible, and HB-CD2003
Will be returned to the rental store.

HB-CD returned at the rental shop
In the case of lending 2003 again, the content cancellation device 2001 accesses the license server 2004, obtains the limited cancellation key with a new expiration date, writes it in the RW area of the HB-CD 2003, and lends it to the user. . Here, when there is a request for a limit release key from the content release device 2001 of the rental store, the license server 2004, unique data such as the frame value of the HB-CD 2003, the sent limit release key and other rental date and time, the rental store The identification data such as the IP address of the content cancellation device 2001 is recorded in the license history database 2006. As a result, the number of times the content is rented can be centrally managed.

In the sixth embodiment as well, the user PC is used as the content execution device, but it is also possible to use a game device that exclusively executes the game program as the content execution device. Further, the content cancellation device 2001 has a normal computer configuration.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the content cancellation device 2001 according to the sixth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 21, the content canceling device 2001,
Management unit 2104, recording unit 2101, license key management unit 2103, HB-CD interface unit 606
It is mainly equipped with.

Similar to the validation unit 604 of the content execution device 600 of the second embodiment, the management unit 2104 has HB-
Whether or not the CD 2003 is started is determined by checking the frame value indicating the unique data of the HB-CD, and when it is started from other than the HB-CD 2003, that is, when it is started from an illegally copied CD or the like. Ends the processing. The determination process is the same as the determination process in the validation unit 604 of the second embodiment, and thus the description will be omitted.

The license key management unit 2103 transmits a request for a limit release key to the license server 2004 at the time of renting the content, and the license server 20
It receives the limitation release key issued in 04.

The recording unit 2101 receives the restriction release key received by the license key management unit 2103, from the HB-CD 20.
03 RW area.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the user PC 2002, which is a content execution device.
The user PC 2002, as shown in FIG.
204, a decryption unit 2402, an activation unit 2206,
The HB-CD interface unit 606 is mainly provided.

The management unit 2204 controls the content cancellation device 2
Since it has the same function as the management unit 2104 of 001, the description thereof will be omitted.

The decrypting unit 2202 has the HB-CD2003.
It decrypts the concealment program recorded in (1) to a referable state and temporarily stores it in an HD (not shown) or the like.

The validating unit 2206 uses the HB-CD2003.
Is generated in the main storage device by executing the activation program stored in the ROM area.
Further, the activation program reads the restriction release key written by the content release apparatus 2001 in the RW area of the HB-CD 2003, and determines whether the content such as the game program can be used.

The HB-CD interface unit 606 is the same as the HB-CD interface unit 606 in the HB-CD interface unit 606.
An interface that controls the read processing for the CD 605.

In the HB-CD 2003, the frame value is recorded in advance in the unique area, the concealment program and the activation program are recorded in the ROM area, and the limitation releasing key is written in the RW area by the content releasing device 2001. ing. In the present embodiment, the expiration date of the content is set in the restriction release key.

Next, the content canceling process by the content lending system of the sixth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described. In the present embodiment, a case of renting a game program or the like as content will be described as an example, but the same applies to the case of content such as music data and video data.

At the rental shop, when renting out the HB-CD 2003 in which the content is recorded to the user, the content release device 2001 acquires the limitation release key from the license server 2004. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a limit release key acquisition process and a writing process to the HB-CD 2003 by the content release device 2001 of the rental shop.

First, the license key management unit 2103
Requesting the release key from the license server 200
4 (step S2301). Then, the license key management unit 2103 uses the license server 2004
Receives the limitation release key issued by the user (step S2)
302).

[0210] Next, the recording unit 2101 sends the restriction release key received by the license key management unit 2103 to the HB
-Record in the RW area of CD2003 (step S23)
03). This makes it possible to cancel the temporary usage restriction of the content.

Next, the execution processing of the contents of the HB-CD 2003 in which the limitation release key is recorded by the user PC 2002 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of content execution processing by the user PC 2002.

The validating unit 2206 first determines the HB-CD 20.
The limitation release key is read from the RW area 03 (step S2401). Then, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is before the expiration date set in the read limitation release key. (Step S2402).

If it is before the expiration date, it is determined that the program is still available, and the concealment program recorded in the HB-CD 2003 by the decryption unit 2202 is made available for external reference. The program is decrypted (step S2403) and the program decrypted by the validation unit 2206 is executed (step S240).
4).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2402 that the current date and time has passed the expiration date, the validation unit 2206 outputs an error message indicating that the expiration date has passed (step S240).
5) The process ends without decrypting and executing the concealment program.

As described above, HB- after the expiration date has passed
The CD 2003 is returned to the rental shop. However, when the HB-CD 2003 that has been used up is lent at the rental shop, the content canceling device 2001 shown in FIG.
After performing the process of acquiring the limitation release key according to the above procedure and the process of writing the new limitation release key into the HB-CD 2003, the user PC 2002 cannot execute the content unless the user is lent.

As described above, in the content lending system of the sixth embodiment, the content releasing device 2001
A limitation release key for temporarily permitting the use of the content is recorded in the RW area of the HB-CD2003, and the user P
When the content is executed, the C2002 determines whether the content can be used or not based on the expiration date of the limitation release key and the current date and time. Therefore, the number of times the content is rented and the rental fee can be accurately managed. The license can be smoothly provided. In addition, the license server 2 is provided on the user side who has received the loan of the content
It is not necessary to access 004 via the Internet to acquire the restriction release key, which facilitates the user in executing the content.

Further, in the content lending system of the sixth embodiment, since it is determined whether or not the content can be used only by the expiration date, it is necessary to write the count of the number of times of use in the RW area of HB-CD2003. Absent. Therefore, the user PC 2002 sets the HB-CD 20
No need for a recording mechanism such as a recording drive for 03
Content can be used with a simple configuration.

(Modification of Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment described above, the expiration date of the content is set in the limit release key. May be used. In this case, the user PC 2002 needs to perform a process of reducing the number of times that the limitation release key recorded in the RW area of the HB-CD can be used each time a content such as a program is executed.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user PC 2002 (content execution apparatus) when using a restriction release key for which the number of times content can be used is set. The user PC 2002 is shown in FIG.
5, the management unit 2204 and the recording unit 2501
, Decryption unit 2202, validation unit 2506, and HB-
A CD interface unit 2507 is mainly provided. Since the management unit 2204 and the decoding unit 2202 have the same functions as the user PC 2002 shown in FIG. 22, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

In the HB-CD 2003, the frame value is recorded in advance in the unique area, the concealment program and the activation program are recorded in the ROM area, and the limitation cancellation key is written in the RW area by the content cancellation device 2001. ing. In the present embodiment, the number of times content can be used is set in the limit release key.

The recording section 2501 writes each time the program as the content is executed by the user PC 2002, the usable count of the limit release key recorded in the RW area of the HB-CD 2003 is reduced by one.

The validating unit 2206 uses the HB-CD2003.
HB-CD2 is generated on the main memory by executing the activation program stored in the ROM area of
The limitation release key written by the content release apparatus 2001 in the RW area 003 is read to determine whether the content such as the game program can be used.
In this modification, the number of times the content can be used is set in the limit release key, and the number of times the content can be used is reduced by 1 by the recording unit 2501 each time the content is executed. Whether or not the content is available is determined by whether or not it is greater than 0.

Next, the execution processing of the contents of the HB-CD 2003 in which the limitation release key is recorded by the user PC 2002 will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a procedure of content execution processing by the user PC 2002.

The validating unit 2506 first determines the HB-CD 20.
The limitation release key is read from the RW area 03 (step S2601). Then, it is determined whether or not the usable number of times set in the limit release key is larger than 0 (step S2602).

If the number of times of use is larger than 0, it is determined that the program is still executable, and the concealment program recorded in the HB-CD 2003 by the decryption unit 2202 is made externally accessible. The program is decrypted (step S2603), and the program decrypted by the validation unit 2506 is executed (step S260).
4). Then, the validating unit 2506 causes the HB-CD
The usable number of times of the limitation release key recorded in the RW area of 2003 is reduced by 1 and recorded (step S26).
05).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2602 that the usable count is 0, it is determined that the program has already been executed by the usable count, and the validation unit 2206 outputs an error message indicating that the usable count has been exceeded. Is output (step S2606), the process ends without decrypting and executing the concealment program.

[0227] Thus, HB- after the expiration date has passed
The CD 2003 is returned to the rental shop. However, when the HB-CD 2003 that has been used up is lent at the rental shop, the content canceling device 2001 shown in FIG.
After performing the process of acquiring the limitation release key according to the above procedure and the process of writing the new limitation release key into the HB-CD 2003, the user PC 2002 cannot execute the content unless the user is lent.

As described above, in the content lending system of the modification of the sixth embodiment, the content canceling device 2001
Whether a content release key for temporarily permitting the use of the content is recorded in the RW area of the HB-CD 2003 and whether the content can be used by the user PC 2002 depending on the number of times the content release key can be used. Since it is determined whether or not the number of times the content has been rented and the rental fee can be accurately managed, the rental permission can be smoothly granted.

In the sixth embodiment and its modification, the content cancellation device 2001 accesses the license server 2004 at the time of rental to acquire the restriction cancellation key,
Although the usage restrictions on the content were temporarily released by writing on the HB-CD2003, the selling price of the HB-CD2003 was granted qualifications for receiving the restriction release key multiple times, and the license was granted at the end of the multiple times. It may be configured to access the server 2004 and obtain new limitation release keys for a plurality of times.

Further, in the sixth embodiment and its modification, the content releasing device 2001 of the rental shop accesses the license server 2004 to acquire the limitation releasing key. However, the user of the user who has lent the HB-CD2003. It is also possible to access the license server 2004 from the PC 2002 side via the Internet and acquire the restriction release key.

Further, in the sixth embodiment and its modification, the content release device 2001 of the rental shop accesses the license server 2004 to obtain the limitation release key, but the content release is performed without accessing the license server 2004. The device 2001 may generate the restriction release key and record the generated restriction release key in the RW area of the HB-CD 2003.

[0232]

As described above, according to the first, fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the user can simply write the release key by calling the server device via the network such as the Internet. Can use the products recorded in the distributed disc type storage medium, and the person who likes can obtain the product version of the product without going to a specific shop. Therefore, the sales route of the product can be expanded, and the possibility of using the product can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by recording the merchandise which can be started up while being set in the drive device in the disc type storage medium, for example, the software is installed in the PC to make it malfunction, It is possible to distribute products that can be activated and used as they are without being lost. Therefore, even if unfamiliar, it can be used without anxiety and the range of users can be expanded.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the disk type storage medium can be selected and used by the user by making it possible to select the product for which the use restriction is released by the release key. A variety of products can be distributed. Therefore, the user can easily obtain a wide variety of products.

According to the inventions according to claims 4 and 8, the disc type storage medium is provided with an identifier for identifying the distribution place, and the use restriction of the product is released on condition that the identifier is obtained. By doing so, the distribution location of the disk-type storage medium can be specified, and the information of the distribution location can be utilized. Therefore, for example, it is possible to pay the back margin to the store and collect statistics about the user.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the user registration can be made natural and reliable by releasing the use restriction of the product on condition of the user registration.
Therefore, the user information can be easily collected.

According to the invention of claim 9, a wide variety of merchandise can be recorded and distributed in the disc type storage medium, and the merchandise can be arbitrarily selected and used.

According to the invention of claim 10,
By canceling the usage restriction of the product on the condition of the charging procedure, the charging fee can be surely collected from the user. Therefore, the development cost can be reliably recovered.

Further, according to the inventions of claims 11 and 12, it is possible to reliably prevent illegal copying or illegal use of the content recorded in the provided disk type storage medium. Play.

Further, according to the inventions of claim 13, claim 14 and claim 15, at the end of the use of the content, only a part of the divided content can be used, and the unauthorized reuse of the content is prevented. There is an effect that can be.

Further, according to the sixteenth and seventeenth aspects of the present invention, since the purchase amount of the release key becomes cheaper each time it is used, there is an effect that the reuse of the content can be promoted. Further, since the difference between the release keys for each use can be regarded as the value of the used content, it is possible to manage the distribution price of the used content.

Further, according to the invention of claim 18,
The user who purchases for the first time himself / herself desires to reuse the content, so that the reuse of the content can be further promoted.

Further, according to the invention of claim 19,
Since the purchase amount of the release key becomes cheaper each time it is used, it is possible to promote the reuse of the content. Further, it is possible to manage the distribution price of the used content.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention,
After the content is used a predetermined number of times, the purchase price of the release key becomes cheaper, and the reuse of the content can be promoted.

Further, according to the invention of claim 21,
After the lapse of a predetermined period, the purchase amount of the release key becomes cheaper, and the reuse of the content can be promoted.

[0246] According to the invention of claim 22,
There is an effect that the use restriction of the content can be released by the key having the information unique to the apparatus, and the use of the content in other devices can be prevented.

Further, according to the invention of claim 23,
It is possible to prevent one content from being illegally installed in a plurality of devices.

Further, according to the invention of claim 24,
Even if you install the content once, uninstalling it will increase the number of licenses.
The effect is that the same user who purchased the license can easily transfer the content to another device without any restrictions of the license.

Further, according to the inventions of claim 25, claim 26 and claim 27, it is possible to freely change the number of licenses for contents, which is advantageous for contents users.

According to the invention of claim 28,
It is possible to prevent one content from being illegally installed in a plurality of devices.

According to the invention of claim 29,
Even if you install the content once, uninstalling it will increase the number of licenses.
The effect is that the same user who purchased the license can easily transfer the content to another device without any restrictions of the license.

[0252] According to the invention of claim 30,
The number of times the content is rented and the rental fee (copyright usage fee) by the limited release key on the side that rents the content
It is possible to accurately manage the property and to smoothly perform the rental approval. Further, according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the user who has received the loan of the content to access the network to acquire the license and acquire the license, and it is possible to achieve the convenience of the user when executing the content. .

Further, claim 31, claim 32, claim 3
According to the fifth and thirty-sixth aspects of the present invention, since history information can be recorded when the content server side requests the limit release key, the license server side also rents the content and rents the content. (Copyright usage fee) can be accurately and centrally managed, and rental licenses can be smoothly granted. Further, according to these inventions, it is not necessary for the user who received the loan of the content to access the license server via the network to obtain the license such as the limitation release key, and it is convenient for the user when executing the content. Is planned.

According to the invention of claim 33,
The content rental fee (copyright usage fee) can be accurately managed based on the expiration date, and the rental permission can be smoothly provided. Also,
According to the invention of claim 33, since it is not necessary to write the count of the number of times of use into the disc type recording medium, the content execution device does not need a recording mechanism for the disc type recording medium and uses the content with a simple configuration. There is an effect that can be.

According to the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the number of times the content is rented and the rental fee (copyright usage fee) can be accurately managed based on the number of times the content can be used, and the rental permission can be smoothly granted. It has the effect of being able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual configuration diagram of a product providing system including a server device that executes a product providing method according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a compact disc which is a main part of the product sales system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a product providing method by the product selling system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a product providing method by the product selling system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating an effect (product providing method) according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a content execution device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a concealment program and a concealment data decoding process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of content validation processing by the validation unit.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content providing system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a user PC that is a content execution device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process of decrypting the content of each chapter by the user PC (content execution device).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content providing system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server and a user PC that are content execution devices according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process of decrypting the content of each chapter by a server of a store, a temporary store, or a second-hand store or a user's PC.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed in the content providing server.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user usage history database.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content providing system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a user PC that is a content execution device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of license processing of content by the license key management unit of the user PC.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of processing in the content lending system of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a content cancellation device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a user PC that is a content execution device according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a limit release key acquisition process and an HB-CD write process by the content release device of the rental shop.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure of content execution processing by the user PC according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a user PC that is a content execution device according to a modification of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a procedure of content execution processing by a user PC according to a modification of the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CD 12 ROM area 13 RW area 21 Server device 22 User information database 23 Content database 24 Charging system 31 PC 32 Drive device 100 Internet 200 Product providing company 300 Temporary store 600 Content execution device 601, 1001, 1301, 2, 101, 2501 Record Parts 602, 1002, 1302, 1802, 2102, 2
202 Decryption unit 603, 2206, 2506 Activation unit 604, 1003, 2103 License key management unit 605, 903, 1207, 1303, 1803, 20
03 HB-CD 606 HB-CD interface unit 610, 1205 HD 611 Decoded program 612 Decoded data 620 RAM 621 Enabled program 622 Enabled data 901, 1201, 1701 Content providing server 902, 1203, 1204 1702-1704, 2
002 User PC 1004, 1304, 1804, 2104, 2204
Management unit 1202 Store, temporary store, second-hand store server 1206 User usage history database 2001 Content release device 2004 License server 2006 License history database

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 12/14 G06F 15/00 330Z 15/00 330 9/06 660C H04L 9/08 H04L 9/00 601B (72) Invention Person Wataru Ito 2-14-29 Uchiyama, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City F-term in Rico Elemex Co., Ltd. (reference) 5B017 AA03 AA06 BA04 BB10 CA09 CA15 5B076 FB11 5B085 AA08 AC04 BA06 BG02 BG03 BG04 BG07 5J104 AA16 EA04 PA10 PA15 MA15 ) [Title of Invention] Product providing method, product providing system, server device, content providing system, content lending system, content executing device, content releasing device, content providing method, content executing method and content lending method

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. A step of preparing a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium in which a product whose usage restriction is released by writing a release key is recorded; a step of distributing the disc-type storage medium; A step in which a terminal device connected to a drive device capable of writing the release key in a storage medium calls a server device that manages provision of the product via a network; and when the server device is requested for the release key And a step of writing the release key received by the terminal device to the recording medium. 2. The product providing method according to claim 1, wherein the disk-type storage medium stores a product that can be activated while being set in the drive device. 3. The disk-type storage medium stores a plurality of merchandise that can be activated while being set in the drive device, and the release key is prepared so that the merchandise whose usage restriction is released can be selected. The product providing method according to claim 1. 4. The recording medium is provided with an identifier for identifying a distribution place, and the server device delivers the release key to the terminal device on condition that the identifier is obtained. The method for providing products described in. 5. A disk-type storage medium in which a product whose usage restriction can be released by writing a release key is recorded, and a terminal device to which a drive device capable of writing the release key is connected to the disk-type storage medium. A server device that holds the release key and manages provision of the merchandise, and the server device delivers the release key to the terminal device when requested by being called through the network. A merchandise providing system characterized by being written in the disk type storage medium. 6. A server device which is connected so as to be callable through a network and manages products recorded in a disk type storage medium such that usage restrictions can be released by writing a release key. From holding means for holding, connection confirmation means for confirming that the drive device in which the disk type storage medium is set is called from the connected terminal device, and terminal device in which the set of the disk type storage medium has been confirmed A server device, comprising: a write control unit that delivers the release key when requested and writes the release key in the disk storage medium. 7. The server device according to claim 6, wherein the writing control means transfers the release key to the terminal device on condition of user registration. 8. The write control means transfers the release key to the terminal device on condition that an identifier of a distribution place given to the disk-type storage medium is obtained. The server device described. 9. When a plurality of products are recorded in the disk-type storage medium, the writing control means transfers the release key corresponding to the product for which usage restriction is released to the terminal device. The server device according to claim 6, wherein the server device is a server device. 10. A procedure for collecting a billing fee between a billing determination unit that decides a billing fee according to a product whose usage restriction is released by the release key and the terminal device that requests the release key. 7. The server device according to claim 6, further comprising: charging procedure means for performing. 11. A content execution method for executing a content, wherein the content is prerecorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium in a hidden state incapable of being referenced from outside and in an unexecutable state. A decrypting step of decrypting into a referable state, and by executing only from the disc type storage medium recorded in the disc type storage medium and recorded,
And a validating step of storing the content decrypted by the decrypting step in a volatile memory in an executable state, the content executing method. 12. A content execution device for executing content, wherein the content is pre-recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disk type storage medium in a hidden state that cannot be externally referenced and in an unexecutable state. And a decoding means for decoding into a state in which the disk type storage medium is recorded, and the information can be executed only from the disk type storage medium recorded on the disk type storage medium and recorded by the decoding means. A content execution device, comprising: an enabling unit that stores the content in a volatile memory in an executable state. 13. A content providing method for providing content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing apparatus for executing the content, wherein the content executing apparatus divides the content into a plurality of read-only areas, and Content recorded in a concealed state from a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium in which only one part of the content is recorded in an executable state and other contents are recorded in a concealed state that cannot be referenced from the outside. A key request step of requesting the release key for executing the content release server to the content providing server; and, in the content providing server, receiving the release key request from the content execution device and requesting the release key to be executed. Key transmission to be sent to the content execution device A key acquisition step of acquiring the release key from the content providing server in the content execution device, and recording the release key acquired in the key acquisition step in the writable area in the content execution device, A recording step of deleting all or a part of the release key for the already executed content from the writable area; and the concealment state when the release key is acquired by the key acquisition step in the content execution device. And a decrypting step of decrypting the content recorded in step 1 into an executable state. 14. A content providing system for providing content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing apparatus for executing the content, wherein the content executing apparatus is configured such that the content is divided into a plurality of read-only areas, and Content recorded in a concealed state from a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium in which only one part of the content is recorded in an executable state and other contents are recorded in a concealed state that cannot be referenced from the outside. And a key management unit for requesting a release key for executing the above, from the content providing server, and acquiring the release key from the content providing server, and recording the release key acquired by the key management unit in a writable area. Together with the release key for already executed content Recording means for deleting all or part of the writable area from the writable area; and decryption for decrypting the content recorded in the concealed state into an executable state when the release key is obtained by the key management means. The content providing server includes a key transmitting unit that receives the release key request from the content execution device and transmits the release key to be executed to the content execution device that has made the request. A content providing system characterized by the above. 15. In a content execution device for executing content, the content is divided into a plurality of read-only areas, only some of the content is recorded in an executable state, and other content cannot be referenced from outside. Key management means for acquiring a release key for executing the content recorded in the concealed state from a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium recorded in a different concealed state, and a release obtained by the key management means Recording means for recording the key in the writable area and deleting all or part of the release key for the already executed content from the writable area; and a case in which the release key is acquired by the key management means. A decryption unit that decrypts the content recorded in the concealed state into an executable state, Content execution device, characterized in that. 16. A content providing method for providing a content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing apparatus for executing the content, wherein the content executing apparatus records the content on a rewritable or rewritable disc type storage medium. When the content is re-executed after execution of the content, a request for a content release key, unique information of the disk-type storage medium, and a transmission step of transmitting to the content providing server; A key transmitting step of receiving a request for the release key from the execution device and transmitting the release key to be executed to the content execution device that has made a request; and, in the content execution device, providing the release key requested by the content providing device. Previous solution from server A key acquisition step of purchasing at a price reduced from the time of receiving the removal key and receiving the purchased release key, and in the content execution device, when the release key is received by the key acquisition step, the content is decrypted. A content providing method, comprising: a decrypting step to be executed; and a recording step of overwriting the received release key in a writing area of the disc type storage medium in the content executing apparatus. 17. A content providing system for providing content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing apparatus for executing the content, wherein the content executing apparatus is a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium. When executing the content again after the execution of the content recorded in, the request for the content release key, the unique information of the disc type storage medium, and the content providing server are transmitted, and the requested release key is
When the purchase key is purchased from the content providing server at a price reduced from the previous time the release key is received, and the release key is received by the key management unit, and when the release key is received by the key management unit,
The content providing server includes: a decrypting unit that decrypts and executes the content; and a recording unit that overwrites the received release key in a write area of the disc-type storage medium. A content providing system comprising: a key transmitting unit that receives a release key request and transmits the execution target release key to the content execution device that has made the request. 18. The content providing server, wherein one or a plurality of users who have used the medium identification information unique to the disc type storage medium and the content recorded in the disc type storage medium corresponding to the medium identification information. Further comprising storage means for storing the usage history information recorded in association with the user identification information, and when the request for the release key is received by the transmission means, the content is first displayed based on the usage history information. 18. The content providing system according to claim 17, wherein the point information is transmitted to the content execution device of the user who has used it. 19. In a content execution device for executing content, when the content recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium is completed and the content is re-executed, the content is released. The key request, the unique information of the disc-type storage medium, and the content release server, and the requested release key are sent,
When the purchase key is purchased from the content providing server at a price reduced from the previous time the release key is received, and the release key is received by the key management unit, and when the release key is received by the key management unit,
A content execution device comprising: a decryption unit that decrypts and executes the content; and a recording unit that overwrites the received release key in a write area of the disk storage medium. 20. The key management means, when the content recorded on the disk-type storage medium is executed a predetermined number of times and then re-executes the content, requests the release key of the content and the disk-type. Characteristic information of the storage medium and the content release server are transmitted, the requested release key is purchased from the content supply server at a price reduced from the last time the release key is received, and the purchased release key is received. The content execution device according to claim 19, 21. When the content is executed after a lapse of a predetermined period, the key management means transmits a request for a release key of the content, unique information of the disc-type storage medium, and a content providing server to request. 20. The content execution apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the release key is purchased from the content providing server at a price reduced from the price when the release key was received last time, and the purchased release key is received. 22. The key management means, after further receiving the purchased release key, generates a specific environment release key based on the received release key and device-specific information, and the decryption means comprises: The decrypted content is executed when a specific environment release key is generated, and the recording unit overwrites the specific environment release key in a write area of the disc-type storage medium. 19. The content execution device according to item 19. 23. In a content execution device for executing content, the content recorded in a writable area of the disc-type storage medium when the content recorded in a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium is installed. A content execution device comprising license management means for reducing the number of licenses. 24. The license management means further comprises:
The content execution device according to claim 23, wherein when the installed content is uninstalled, the number of licenses of the disk storage medium is increased. 25. The license management means further comprises:
When the content providing server is requested to add the number of licenses and the additional release key is received from the content providing server, the number of licenses recorded in the writable area of the disc-type storage medium is added. 25. The content execution apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the number of licenses is increased. 26. In a content providing system for providing content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing apparatus for executing content, wherein the content executing apparatus provides the content providing server with the number of licenses of the content. Key management means for increasing the number of licenses recorded in the writable area of the disk-type storage medium by the number of additional licenses when the additional key is requested and the additional release key is received from the content providing server. When the content providing server receives a request for adding the number of licenses of the content from the content executing apparatus, the content providing server includes a key transmitting unit that transmits a release key for the addition to the requesting content executing apparatus. Content provision system characterized by Mu. 27. A content providing method for providing content from a content providing server connected to a network to a content executing device for executing content, wherein the content executing device provides the content providing server with the number of licenses of the content. A key request step for requesting addition of the content execution server, and in the content providing server, when the content execution device receives a request for adding the number of licenses of the content, the content execution device that requests the release key for the addition A key transmitting step of transmitting the number of licenses recorded in the writable area of the disc-type storage medium when the additional release key is received from the content providing server in the content execution device; Key to increment by a number A content providing method comprising: a management step. 28. A content executing method for executing a content, wherein the content recorded in a writable area of the disc-type storage medium when the content recorded in a write-once or rewritable disc-type storage medium is installed. A method of executing content, comprising a license management step of reducing the number of licenses of the license. 29. The license management step further comprises:
29. The content executing method according to claim 28, wherein the number of licenses of the disk type storage medium is increased when the installed content is uninstalled. 30. In a content canceling device for canceling a use restriction of content lent to a user, when renting a content recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium,
A content releasing device, comprising: a recording unit that records a limitation releasing key for temporarily permitting use of the content in a writable area of the disk type storage medium. 31. When lending a content recorded in a read-only area of the disk-type storage medium, the request for the restriction release key is transmitted to a license server connected to a network, and the license server sends the request. A key management means for receiving the restriction release key is further provided, and the recording means records the restriction release key received from the license server in a writable area of the disk type storage medium. Item 30. The content cancellation device according to item 30. 32. A content execution device for executing a loaned content by releasing a usage restriction of the content, when executing the content recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium, Determine whether or not the content can be executed based on the limitation release key for temporarily allowing the use of
A content execution device, comprising: an enabling unit that executes the content when it is determined that the content is executable. 33. When the content is executed, the validation means determines whether or not the current date and time is included in the expiration date of the content set in the restriction release key, and the current date and time is the available date and time. 33. The content execution device according to claim 32, wherein the content is executed by determining that the content is executable when the content is included in the deadline. 34. The recording medium further comprises a recording unit that reduces the number of times the content set to the limitation release key can be used when the content is executed, and the validating unit, when executing the content,
The content is executed by determining whether or not the number of times the limit release key can be used is greater than 0, and determining that the limit release key is executable when the number of times of use is greater than 0. 32. The content execution device according to item 32. 35. In a content lending system, wherein a content releasing device connected to a license server via a network releases a content use restriction to lend the content, and the lending content is executed by the content executing device. When lending a content recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disk-type storage medium, sends a request for a limitation release key to temporarily allow the use of the content to the license server. And a key management unit that receives the restriction release key from the license server, and a recording unit that records the received restriction release key in a writable area of the disk-type storage medium. From the content release device, the limited release key When the request is received, the limitation release key is transmitted to the requested content release device, and the content execution device executes the content recorded in the disk storage medium, A content lending system comprising: an enabling unit that determines whether or not the content can be executed based on the limit release key, and executes the content when it is determined that the content is executable. . 36. A content lending method, wherein a content release device connected to a license server via a network releases a content usage restriction to lend a content, and the lended content is executed by a content execution device. In the case of lending a content recorded in a read-only area of a write-once or rewritable disc type storage medium, a request for a limitation release key for temporarily allowing the use of the content is transmitted to the license server A key requesting step; a key transmitting step of the license server, when the request for the limitation releasing key is received from the content releasing apparatus, the key transmitting step of transmitting the limitation releasing key to the content releasing apparatus that has made the request; In the release device, A recording step of recording the received limitation release key in a writable area of the disc type storage medium when the limitation release key is received from the license server; When executing the recorded content, it is determined whether or not the content can be executed based on the limitation release key, and when it is determined that the content can be executed, an enabling step of executing the content, A method of lending content, including: