JP2003338124A - Data recording and reproducing device, and data reproduction method in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reproduce data which is recorded in a medium and restricted in reproduction, without updating information recorded in the medium. <P>SOLUTION: Data restricted in reproduction, and right information including information for identifying the data, and reproduction restriction information for indicating the reproduction restriction, are recorded in the medium (recording medium) 108. When the data is reproduced, reproduction restriction information on the data stored in a non-volatile memory (an information storage means) 111 is compared with data reproduction restriction information read from the medium, so that it is determined whether the data can be reproduced or not. When the data can be reproduced, and also the reproduction is performed, reproduction restriction information is updated by reflecting the result of the reproduction, and rewritten in the non-volatile memory. When information concerning the data is not stored in the non-volatile memory, i.e., the data is reproduced for the first time, etc., reproduction restriction information read from the medium is stored in the non-volatile memory. <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 data recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing copyrighted contents such as audio data and video data, and a data reproducing method in the data recording / reproducing apparatus, and in particular, reproduction restrictions are set. The present invention relates to a data recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing existing data (data with reproduction restriction) and a data reproducing method in the data recording / reproducing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when distributing copyrighted audio data or video data (also called contents), the contents are recorded on a storage medium (also called a package medium) such as a CD, a DVD or a video cassette. , It was sold or transferred. In this case, the purchaser of the package medium (recording medium) was not restricted in playing the content purchased at an appropriate price. In other words, the selling price (the price paid by the purchaser) includes the right to play those contents indefinitely.

However, in recent years, transmission lines such as the Internet have developed, and distribution of data (also referred to as distribution) has come to be performed via such transmission lines regardless of package media. Compressed audio data and video data are mainly used for data distribution using the Internet and the like, and data can be distributed within a reasonable time even on a relatively narrow band transmission line. In many of these data distribution systems, the data is stored in the server of the distribution source, and the data is distributed on demand in response to the user's request, and the payment for the data (payment) is performed at the time of distribution or at the time of viewing. Be seen.

In the case of conventional data distribution using packaged media, the purchaser purchases media and incidental materials (cases, jackets, booklets, etc.) as substances at an appropriate price, rather than purchasing data or rights. It is considered that it is natural that the infinite reproduction is compensated for the viewing. On the other hand, in the case of data distribution using the Internet etc., there is no so-called package as a substance, only the data and the right are distributed to the purchaser, and the purchaser pays the right for the content. It becomes the image.
Therefore, there is an environment in which the “limited distribution” of restricting the right to use the content to reduce the price (or make it free) is accepted by the user.

Here, the restricted usage right mainly includes a restriction on reproduction (hereinafter, reproduction restriction) and a restriction on copying (hereinafter, copy restriction). In the present specification,
Mainly handles the former process related to playback restrictions. There are a plurality of types of reproduction restrictions that restrict the reproduction of data, such as the following reproduction permission restriction, reproduction number restriction, reproduction accumulated time restriction, and reproduction date restriction.

1. Playback permission restriction Playback permission restriction is when data is recorded on the medium by the data distributor in advance (when data is recorded on the package medium), but when data is recorded on the medium by the user. Even when it is downloaded via the Internet or the like and the data is recorded on the medium by the user side, it means that the reproduction of the data is prohibited until the data distribution side obtains the reproduction permission of the data. There are several methods for obtaining the data reproduction permission (that is, removing the data reproduction permission restriction).・ Method to obtain playback permission by paying (billing) fee ・ Method to obtain playback permission by obtaining a password for data playback, not the fee

2. Reproduction count limitation Reproduction count limitation means limiting the number of times data is reproduced. This limitation on the number of reproductions makes it possible to limit the number of reproductions so that only five reproductions are possible. It should be noted that, for example, it is necessary to predefine, to what extent (for example, 50% or the like) the total reproduction time of the data should be reproduced before counting the number of reproduction times as one. is there.

3. Playback cumulative time limit The playback cumulative time limit refers to limiting the cumulative time of playing all or part of the data. Due to this reproduction cumulative time limit, for example, 1 for the data
It is possible to limit the accumulated reproduction time in such a way that only reproduction for 5 minutes is possible.

4. Reproduction date restriction (with reproduction expiration date or expiration date) Reproduction expiration date restriction means that reproduction up to a predetermined expiration date (reproduction expiration date or expiration date) is permitted and reproduction thereafter is prohibited. Due to this reproduction date limit, for example, 200
It becomes possible to limit the reproducible date by how only the reproduction by September 30, X is possible. In addition, the reproduction deadline limit is from the purchase date and time and the date and time when the first reproduction was performed.
Allow playback only for a certain number of days (months, weeks, etc.),
This also includes the case of prohibiting subsequent reproduction.
Thus, for example, for the data purchased on September 1, 200X, a reproduction deadline of 30 days is set,
It is also possible to restrict the reproduction to be possible until September 30, X year.

When the data is distributed or sent, the information (right information: usage rule) for managing the reproduction permission restriction, the reproduction count restriction, the reproduction cumulative time restriction, the reproduction date restriction, etc. is also distributed together with the data. Or it will be sent. When data is recorded on the medium, right information related to the data is also recorded on the medium at the same time.
As a result, at the time of reproducing the data, it is possible to read the right information related to the data at the same time and determine whether the data can be reproduced.

Regarding the reproduction permission restriction, the reproduction count restriction, and the reproduction accumulated time restriction among the above-mentioned four kinds of reproduction restrictions, it is necessary to rewrite the right information itself and related information when data is reproduced. . That is, for example, regarding the reproduction permission restriction, it is necessary to record that the reproduction permission is received as the right information, and regarding the reproduction number restriction and the reproduction accumulated time restriction, the remaining reproduction is performed due to the data reproduction. It is necessary to subtract the number of times and the remaining cumulative time. On the other hand, regarding the reproduction date limit, before the reproduction of the data is started, it is determined whether the reproduction is possible only by comparing the date of the calendar in the data recording / reproducing apparatus with the reproduction deadline. No need to update.

In the case of recording or reproducing the data with the reproduction restriction as described above, particularly when acquiring the data to be reproduced through the Internet or the like, the processing of receiving, recording, reproducing, etc. of the data on the user side is performed. , All the same PC (Pe
rsonal Computer: personal computer) can be performed. The PC has an HDD (Hard Disk
k Drive: Hard disk drive) is a recording / playback device that has a storage medium, such as a real-time clock that can measure time even when the power is off (hereinafter called a calendar clock).
Therefore, theoretically, it is possible to process any of the reproduction-restricted data items 1 to 4 above.

Next, a conventional recording / reproducing process of data with reproduction restriction will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional data recording / reproducing apparatus with reproduction restriction. In the data recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 7, each functional block is shown as an individual unit, but it is also possible to realize the data recording / reproducing apparatus by a unit in which the functions of a plurality of blocks are integrated. Further, as described above, the data recording / reproducing device shown in FIG. 7 can be realized by a PC.

First, a case where data is recorded by the data recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The data recording operation is started by an instruction from the user via the user interface unit 701. First, the data receiver / transmitter 702 receives data from the outside such as the Internet or a digital interface, and sends the received data to the right information separation / synthesis unit 703. The right information separating / combining unit 703 separates the right information included in the received data, and the right information is separated into the main control unit /
Send to main memory 704, main controller / main memory 7
The rights information is analyzed by 04.

After the analysis by the main control unit / main memory 704 is completed, the right information is sent from the main control unit / main memory 704 to the formatter / deformatter 705 and converted into a predetermined format by the formatter / deformatter 705. On the other hand, the right information separation / synthesis unit 703
The data (content portion) from which the right information has been separated by is also sent to the formatter / deformatter 705 and converted into a predetermined format by the formatter / deformatter 705. Furthermore, formatted data (hereinafter referred to as formatted data)
In general, the copyright protection system encryption / decryption unit 706 generally performs a copyright protection process by a predetermined copyright protection system (for example, encryption). In addition,
It is also possible to perform copyright protection processing on the formatted right information (hereinafter, referred to as formatted right information), for example, by a copyright protection method such as encryption. The formatted data and the formatted right information that have been subjected to the copyright protection processing are written to the medium (recording medium) 708 via the medium writing / reading unit 707. Recording of data on the medium 708 is completed by the above operation.

Next, a case where data is reproduced by the data recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The data reproducing operation is also started by an instruction from the user via the user interface unit 701. First, the media writing / reading unit 707 reads the formatting right information relating to the data instructed to be reproduced by the user from the medium (recording medium) 708. The formatted right information read from the medium 708 is, if necessary, the copyright protection system encryption / decryption unit 7
Decoding by 06 is performed, and further, formatter / deformatter 705 cancels the format. The right information thus obtained is sent from the formatter / deformatter 705 to the main control unit / main memory 704, and the right information is analyzed by the main control unit / main memory 704 to permit the data reproduction. Whether or not is determined.

At this time, for example, if the following conditions are satisfied, the reproduction of the data is permitted. -When playback is already permitted for data with playback permission restrictions, or when a new playback permission is obtained at the start of data playback.・ When the count value of the number of remaining playbacks is not zero in the data with limited playback counts. -If the count value of the remaining playback time is not zero for data with playback cumulative time limit. When the remaining reproduction time is shorter than the reproduction time length of the data, it is necessary to control the reproduction to be stopped at the time when the data is reproduced for the remaining reproduction time even during the reproduction of the data.

On the other hand, if the above conditions are not satisfied, reproduction of the data is not permitted, a message such as "reproduction is not permitted" is displayed, and the reproduction operation is ended.

When the reproduction is permitted, predetermined formatted data is read from the medium 708, and if necessary, decrypted by the copyright protection system encryption / decryption unit 706, and further, formatter / deformatter. 705
Formatting is canceled by. The data obtained in this way is used by the formatter / deformatter 70.
5 is sent to the data reproducing unit 709, and is mainly reproduced and output as an analog signal to the outside. Similarly, it is also possible to combine the reproduction-permitted data with the right information in the right information separating / combining unit 703 and output the data to the outside via the data receiver / data transmitter 702.

Next, when the reproduction of the data is completed, for example, the right information is updated as follows, and the updated right information is written to the medium 708 by the same procedure as the recording operation described above. The process ends. -In the case of the reproduction permission restricted data, when the reproduction permission is newly obtained at the time of starting the reproduction of this data, the right information indicating the reproduction permission is updated. -For data with a limited number of playbacks, the count value of the remaining number of playbacks recorded in the right information is decremented by one. -For data with a limited cumulative playback time, the count value of the remaining playback time recorded in the rights information is decremented by the time of the current playback.

[0021]

However, when reproducing the data for which the reproduction permission limit, the reproduction count limit, and the reproduction accumulated time limit are set, the right information related to the reproduced data is updated and stored in the medium. The rights information will always be rewritten. In addition, some media, such as a DVD-RW disc, have performance that deteriorates when the number of rewrites exceeds 1000, and it is a problem to reduce the number of rewrites for such media. Becomes

In addition, like package media,
A pre-recorded disc of a ROM type (non-writable) is mainly used as a disc in which contents (data) are recorded in advance, and right information is recorded in a non-writable part of the medium. In this case, the right information cannot be rewritten by the data recording / reproducing device.

By obtaining a reproduction permission each time reproduction is performed by the reproduction device, reproduction-restricted data can be reproduced without rewriting the information on the medium.
This is a very troublesome task for the user side, and there is a problem in that the data distribution side also has troublesome management of the charge related to the reproduction permission.

In order to solve the above problem, for example, it is possible to reproduce the reproduction-restricted data without rewriting the information on the medium, and by updating the reproduction restriction relating to the reproduction, the history that the reproduction is performed is recorded. An object of the present invention is to provide a data recording / reproducing apparatus and a data reproducing method in the data recording / reproducing apparatus, which can be reflected in the subsequent reproduction of the reproduction restricted data.

[0025]

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, when reproducing data on a medium (recording medium), a reproduction restriction relating to the data to be reproduced is set in a non-volatile memory (information storing means). I am trying to read from.
Further, in particular, in the present invention, as reproduction restrictions, there are reproduction permission restrictions for restricting whether data can be reproduced, reproduction number restrictions for restricting the number of times of data reproduction, and reproduction cumulative time restrictions for restricting an accumulated time of data reproduction. This is used to limit the reproduction of data. Further, the reproduction limit updated by the reproduction of the data is stored in the non-volatile memory, and the updated reproduction limit can be recorded in the medium.

That is, according to the present invention, the recording medium on which the reproduction-restricted data and the right information including the identification information of the data and the reproduction-restriction information indicating the reproduction restriction of the data are recorded. Playback of said data from
And a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording the data on the recording medium, the information storing means capable of storing identification information and reproduction restriction information of the data as management information, A unit for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from a recording medium and information recorded in the information storage unit are referred to, and information on the data to be reproduced is stored. If not, means for storing the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium as the management information in the information storage means, and the management information of the management information of the data to be reproduced. Before the means for reading from the means, the reproduction restriction information of the management information read from the information storage means, and the right information read from the medium. A judgment means for judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced using the reproduction restriction information, and if the judgment means judges that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced, the reproduction means should reproduce the data. Reproducing means for reproducing data, and information updating means for updating the contents of the management information read from the information storing means according to the reproduction result of the data to be reproduced by the reproducing means,
The management information updated by the information updating means,
A data recording / reproducing apparatus having means for storing new management information in the information storage means is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the data for which reproduction permission restriction for limiting reproduction is set, identification information of the data, and reproduction permission restriction information indicating the reproduction permission restriction of the data are included. A data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium on which right information recorded, and recording the data on the recording medium, the identification information of the data and reproduction permission restriction information. To
An information storage means capable of being stored as management information,
A unit for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from the recording medium, and information related to the data to be reproduced is stored by referring to the information recorded in the information storage unit. If not,
Means for storing the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium in the information storage means as the management information; and means for reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means. , The reproduction permission restriction information of the management information read from the information storage means and the reproduction permission restriction information of the right information read from the medium are used to reproduce the data to be reproduced. Determination means for determining whether or not it is possible, and reproduction permission acquisition means for obtaining reproduction permission for the data to be reproduced when the determination means determines that the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is impossible. And if it is judged by the judgment means that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced, or by the reproduction permission acquisition means, the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced is obtained. If the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced is obtained by the reproduction means for reproducing the data to be reproduced, the reproduction read from the information storage means if the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced is acquired by the reproduction permission acquisition means. The information updating means for adding to the management information of the data to be reproduced, the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced, and the management information updated by the information updating means, as the new management information. There is provided a data recording / reproducing device having means for storing in a storage means.

Further, according to the present invention, the data for which the number of times of reproduction for which the number of times of reproduction is limited is set, the identification information of the data and the number of times of reproduction limit information for indicating the number of times of reproduction of the data are included. A data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium having recorded therein the right information to be recorded and recording the data to the recording medium, the identification information of the data and reproduction count limitation information. To
An information storage means capable of being stored as management information,
A unit for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from the recording medium, and information related to the data to be reproduced is stored by referring to the information recorded in the information storage unit. If not,
Means for storing the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium in the information storage means as the management information; and means for reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means. Reproduction of the data to be reproduced by using the reproduction count limit information of the management information read from the information storage means and the reproduction count limit information of the right information read from the medium. Determining means for determining whether or not it is possible, and if the determining means determines that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced, the reproducing means for reproducing the data to be reproduced, and the reproducing means for reproducing the data to be reproduced When data is reproduced, the remaining number of reproducible times of the data to be reproduced described in the management information read from the information storage means is set to 1 Information updating means for subtracting, the management information updated by the information update means, and means for storing in said information storing means, the data recording and reproducing apparatus having are provided as new management information.

Further, according to the present invention, the data for which the reproduction cumulative time limit for limiting the reproduction cumulative time is set, and
Reproduction of the data from a recording medium on which right information including identification information of the data and reproduction accumulated time limit information indicating the reproduction accumulated time limit of the data is recorded, and
A data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording the data on the recording medium, comprising: information storage means capable of storing identification information of the data and reproduction accumulated time limit information as management information; A unit for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from a recording medium and information recorded in the information storage unit are referred to, and information on the data to be reproduced is stored. If not, means for storing the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium as the management information in the information storage means, and the management information of the management information of the data to be reproduced. Means for reading from the means, the reproduction cumulative time limit information of the management information read from the information storage means, and the right read from the medium. A judgment means for judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the reproduction accumulated time limit information of information; and a case where the judgment means judges that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced. A reproduction means for reproducing the data to be reproduced, a clock means for measuring a reproduction time of the reproduction of the data to be reproduced by the reproduction means, and a management information read from the information storage means. When the remaining reproducible time of the data to be reproduced and the reproduction time measured by the clocking means have the same value, the reproduction is controlled to end the reproduction of the data to be reproduced by the reproducing means. Control means,
When the reproduction of the data to be reproduced by the reproduction means is completed, the time counting means measures from the remaining reproducible time of the data to be reproduced described in the management information read from the information storage means. There is provided a data recording / reproducing apparatus having information updating means for reducing the reproduction time, and means for storing the management information updated by the information updating means as new management information in the information storing means.

Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned invention, there is provided a recording medium writing means for recording the management information updated by the information updating means as new right information on the recording medium. A characteristic data recording / reproducing apparatus is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned invention, it is possible to electrically record, read and erase information as the information storing means, and retain the stored contents even when the power is turned off. There is provided a data recording / reproducing device, which is characterized by using a semiconductor memory capable of recording.

Further, according to the present invention, the recording medium on which the reproduction-restricted data and the right information including the identification information of the data and the reproduction-restriction information indicating the reproduction restriction of the data are recorded. A data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from the recording medium and recording the data to the recording medium, the data to be reproduced and the data to be reproduced from the recording medium. Regarding the data to be reproduced by referring to the information recorded in the information storage means capable of storing the identification information and the reproduction restriction information of the data as management information. When no information is stored, the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is used as the management information. To read the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, the reproduction restriction information of the management information read from the information storage means, and read from the medium. And a judgment step of judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the reproduction restriction information of the right information, and it is judged in the judgment step that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced. In this case, a reproducing step of reproducing the data to be reproduced, an information updating step of updating the contents of the management information read from the information storing means according to a reproduction result of the data to be reproduced, and the information. And a step of storing the management information updated in the updating step as new management information in the information storage means. Definitive data reproduction method is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the data for which reproduction permission restriction for limiting reproduction is set, the identification information of the data, and the reproduction permission restriction information for indicating the reproduction permission restriction of the data are included. A data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium having rights information recorded therein and recording the data to the recording medium, the reproducing being performed from the recording medium. Information to be read and the right information of the data to be reproduced, and information recorded in information storage means capable of storing the identification information of the data and the reproduction permission restriction information as management information. If the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is referred to. Storing the management information as the management information in the information storing means, reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storing means, and permitting the reproduction of the management information read from the information storing means. A judgment step of judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced using the restriction information and the reproduction permission restriction information of the right information read from the medium; and the reproduction in the judgment step. If it is determined that the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is impossible, it is determined that the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced can be acquired, and the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is possible in the determination step. If the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced is acquired in the reproduction permission acquisition step, the data to be reproduced is reproduced. When the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced is acquired in the reproduction step and the reproduction permission acquisition step, the data to be reproduced is included in the management information of the data to be reproduced read from the information storage unit. A data recording / reproducing apparatus having an information updating step of adding the fact that the reproduction permission according to the above has been obtained, and a step of storing the management information updated in the information updating step in the information storing means as new management information. A method for reproducing data is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the data for which the number of times of reproduction for which the number of times of reproduction is limited is set, the identification information of the data and the number of times of reproduction limit information for indicating the number of times of reproduction of the data are included There is a data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from the recording medium on which the right information is recorded and recording the data to the recording medium. Information to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced, and information recorded in information storage means capable of storing the identification information of the data and the reproduction count limitation information as management information. If the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is referred to. Information in the information storage means as the management information, reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, and reproducing the management information read from the information storage means. A judgment step of judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced using the number-of-times limitation information and the reproduction number-of-times limitation information of the right information read from the medium; When it is determined that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced, a reproduction step of reproducing the data to be reproduced, and when the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is performed, the management read from the information storage means An information updating step for reducing the remaining number of times of remaining reproduction of the data to be reproduced described in the information by one, and before updating in the information updating step Management information, and storing in said information storing means, the data reproducing method in the data recording and reproducing apparatus having are provided as new management information.

Further, according to the present invention, the data for which the reproduction cumulative time limit for limiting the reproduction cumulative time is set, and
Reproduction of the data from a recording medium on which right information including identification information of the data and reproduction accumulated time limit information indicating the reproduction accumulated time limit of the data is recorded, and
A data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording the data on the recording medium, comprising: reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from the recording medium. When the information relating to the data to be reproduced is not stored by referring to the information recorded in the information storage means capable of storing the identification information of the data and the reproduction accumulated time limit information as management information Storing the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium in the information storage means as the management information, and the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means. Reading, the reproduction cumulative time limit information of the management information read from the information storage unit, and reading from the medium. A judgment step of judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the reproduction cumulative time limit information of the right information, and the reproduction of the data to be reproduced in the judgment step. When determined, the reproduction step of reproducing the data to be reproduced, the time counting step of measuring the reproduction time of the reproduction of the data to be reproduced, and the management information read from the information storage means When the remaining reproducible time of the data to be reproduced and the reproduction time measured in the timing step have the same value, a reproduction control step of controlling to terminate the reproduction of the data to be reproduced, When the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is completed, the remaining reproduction of the data to be reproduced described in the management information read from the information storage means is possible. From the time interval, a data updating step of reducing the reproduction time measured in the clocking step, and a step of storing the management information updated in the information updating step as new management information in the information storing means. A data reproducing method in a recording / reproducing apparatus is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned invention, there is provided a recording medium writing step of recording the management information updated by the information updating means as new right information on the recording medium. A data reproducing method in a characteristic data recording / reproducing apparatus is provided.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a data recording / reproducing apparatus and a data reproducing method in the data recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the data recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a data recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

The data recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a user interface section 101, a data receiver / transmitter 102, a right information separating / combining section 103, a main control section / main memory 104, a formatter / deformatter 105, and a copyright protection system. Encryption / decryption unit 106, media writing / reading unit 107, data reproducing unit 10
9, a memory writing / reading unit 110, and a non-volatile memory (information storage unit) 111. Note that the user interface unit 101, the data receiver / transmitter 102, the right information separation / synthesis unit 103, the main control unit / main memory 104, the formatter / deformatter 105, the copyright protection system encryption /
Decoding unit 106, media writing / reading unit 10
7. The data reproducing section 109 is the same as the conventional data recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. Further, like the data recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 7, each functional block is shown as an individual unit, but it is also possible to realize the data recording / reproducing apparatus by a unit in which the functions of a plurality of blocks are integrated. , PC can also be used.

On the medium (recording medium) 108, contents such as audio data and video data and right information are recorded. Further, the right information includes the unique ID of each content and the reproduction restrictions (reproduction permission restriction, reproduction number restriction, reproduction accumulated time restriction, etc.) set for each content. The unique ID is an identifier (identification information) unique to the data, and includes, for example, country information, copyright holder information (record company name, etc.), creation date, data identification information, sub information, etc. obtain. In the present invention,
In addition to the identification information (in the case of audio data, the song name, etc.) being set for each data, it is preferable that unique sub-information (distribution ID, etc.) for each distribution data be set. Also, when recording on the medium 108, sub information corresponding to each data is generated, and the unique I of each data is generated.
It is also possible to add to D. Conventionally, the unique ID
It is possible that the unique ID is added to the data and supplied, and it is included in the right information and recorded on the medium 108. However, it is clarified that this unique ID is not conventionally used for management of the reproduction restriction. Leave. In the present invention, when managing the reproduction restriction, since the data is identified by using the unique ID set for each data, the reproduction permission / non-permission is not given to erroneous data.

Further, the data recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a memory writing / reading unit 110. The memory writing / reading unit 110 is a nonvolatile memory (information storage unit) 1 different from the medium 108.
The data in 11 is read and the data is written in the memory. In addition, the nonvolatile memory 111
Is a kind of semiconductor memory, for example, which is capable of electrically recording information, reading information, erasing information, etc., and retains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. Also,
This nonvolatile memory 111 is called a flash memory.

Next, the processing relating to the reproduction of the data recorded on the medium 108 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the reproducing process of the data recorded on the medium in the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is a process common to the following first to third embodiments.

The reproducing operation is performed by the user interface section 1
It is started by an instruction from the user via 01. First, in step S201, the medium writing / reading unit 107 reads out the formatting right information related to the data instructed to be reproduced by the user from the medium 108, and if necessary, the read out formatting right information. Copyright protection encryption / decryption unit 1
The data is decoded by 06 and the formatter / deformatter 105 cancels the format. The right information thus obtained is sent from the formatter / deformatter 105 to the main controller / main memory 104.

On the other hand, in the non-volatile memory 111, information in which specific IDs regarding data recorded in advance on the medium 108 and rules such as reproduction restrictions are described (hereinafter collectively referred to as management information or a management information table). And have been saved. In step S202, the memory writing / reading unit 110 reads this management information table from the nonvolatile memory 111, and the read management information table is sent from the memory writing / reading unit 110 to the main control unit / main memory 104. The management information table is read from the non-volatile memory 111 immediately after the power of the data recording / reproducing apparatus is turned on, not at the start of reproduction of individual data, and the main control unit / main memory 104 is read.
May be sent to.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the management information table used in the present invention. In the management information table, a unique ID (identification information unique to each data) of reproduced data and reproduction restriction information corresponding to each data are recorded. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which, as the reproduction restriction information, for example, reproduction permission restriction information, reproduction count restriction information, and reproduction accumulated time restriction information corresponding to each data are recorded, and for each case, The first to third embodiments will be classified and described.

As described above, the unique ID is a unique identifier that allows each data to be identified. In FIG. 3, the unique ID is shown.
, But is composed of a combination of letters, symbols, numbers and the like. On the other hand, as the reproduction permission restriction information, information indicating whether or not reproduction is permitted is recorded. Although FIG. 3 shows a mode in which the encryption key (decryption key) necessary for reproducing the data is recorded when the reproduction is permitted, for example, whether the reproduction is simply permitted or not is shown. It is also possible to record information other than the encryption key, such as the indicated value (1: licensed, 0: not licensed). Also, in the reproduction permission restriction information regarding the data for which the reproduction permission restriction is not set (particularly, the data for which the reproduction count limit or the reproduction accumulated time limit is set), record "no information". Is preferred.

The contents and formats shown in FIG. 3 are examples, and the format of the unique ID and the format and the number of digits of other information can be set arbitrarily. It is also possible to encrypt each information in the management information table and the management information table itself so that each information in the management information table is not easily read and recorded in the non-volatile memory 111. .

The main controller / main memory 104 stores the right information received from the formatter / deformatter 105,
The following processing is performed using the management information table received from the memory writing / reading unit 110. First, in step S203, the main controller / main memory 104
Refers to the right information to determine the type of reproduction restriction of the data to be reproduced (content for which the user has given a reproduction instruction). That is, it is determined whether the data is data with reproduction permission restriction, data with reproduction count restriction, or data with reproduction accumulated time restriction. If there is no playback restriction, playback can be performed as it is.If the data has a playback time limit, the date and time can be referenced by the timekeeping means built into the data recording / playback device. Then, it is determined whether the data can be reproduced. The above operations are operations common to the following first to third embodiments, and these operations will be referred to as "common processing blocks".

<First Embodiment> The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
As an embodiment of the present invention, a process relating to the reproduction of the reproduction permission restricted data recorded on the medium 108 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the reproduction process of the reproduction permission restricted data recorded on the medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the "common processing block" (processing from step S201 to step S203) shown in FIG.
When it is determined that the data to be reproduced is the data with the reproduction permission restriction, first, in step S401, the main control unit / main memory 104 refers to the right information and determines whether or not the reproduction permission is obtained. (Whether playback has been approved)
To judge. If the reproduction of the data has been permitted, in step S410, the reproduction process of the data is performed. It should be noted that the case where the reproduction permission has been given means that the information indicating that the reproduction permission has been written is written in the right information of the data recorded in advance in the medium 108 together with the data.

On the other hand, if the reproduction permission has not been granted, in step S402, the main controller / main memory 104.
Is the same unique ID as the data in the management information table
Compare whether or not exists. If the same unique ID exists, it is determined in step S410 that this data is already reproduction-permitted, reproduction is permitted, and the data is reproduced. On the other hand, if the same unique ID as the data does not exist in the management information table, the processing from step S403 below is performed. Even if the unique ID exists, for example, when the decryption key (encryption key) for decrypting the data does not exist (or when the reproduction cannot be performed due to the change of the decryption key). In addition, it is also possible to perform the processing after step S403 below.

Next, in step S403, it is confirmed whether or not the reproduction permission of the data can be obtained. For example, when it is necessary to connect to an external Internet or the like to obtain the reproduction permission, the right information separation / synthesis unit 103 and the data receiver / transmitter 1 shown in FIG.
Attempt to connect to the outside via 02. If the connection is possible, the process proceeds to step S404. If the connection is impossible (for example, the line is disconnected or the connection to the Internet is not permitted), the reproduction is not permitted in step S420, that is, the reproduction is impossible. And ends.

In step S404, the actual reproduction permission process is performed. There are various types of reproduction permission processes. For example, there is a method in which a predetermined server as a connection destination performs a charging process for reproducing the data and obtains reproduction permission from the predetermined server. In this case, a decryption key (encryption key) may be supplied together with the reproduction permission. In addition, there is a method in which the reproduction permission is obtained by the user inputting a password. In this case, the user is prompted to input a password via the user interface unit 101 shown in FIG. 1, and whether or not the password is correct is confirmed by communication with a predetermined server at the connection destination, and if the password is correct, reproduction is permitted. . In the present invention,
The method for obtaining the reproduction permission is not limited to the above method, and any method for obtaining the reproduction permission can be used.

When the reproduction permission is acquired from the outside in step S404, the unique ID and the reproduction permission restriction information (decryption key, etc.) are newly added in the management information table and the management information table is updated in step S405. To do. Then, in step S406, the data reproducing unit 109 reproduces the data according to the updated management information table. Further, step S4
At 07, the memory writing / reading unit 110
Then, the process of writing back the updated management information table to the non-volatile memory 111 is performed, and the process ends. On the other hand, step S4
If the reproduction permission cannot be acquired from the outside in 04, reproduction of the data is not permitted in step S420, that is, reproduction is impossible and the process ends.

In the above-mentioned permission, a predetermined server as a licensee may confirm a player-specific ID (player-specific ID) and then give a reproduction permission only to the predetermined player. . In such cases,
From the data recording / reproducing device to the predetermined server, the player-specific I
It is also possible to transmit D, obtain reproduction permission, and further record the player unique ID in the management information table of the non-volatile memory 111.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the reproduction permission of the data on the medium 108 can be read and written by the data recording / reproducing apparatus.
Since the data is read from 11 and written, it is possible to reproduce the reproduction-restricted data without rewriting the right information recorded in the medium 108. Further, in particular, when the non-volatile memory 111 is fixedly installed inside each data recording / reproducing apparatus, the reproduction permission is given to each data recording / reproducing apparatus, and the reproduction permission management and illegal operation of the data in the medium 108 are illegal. It is possible to reliably prevent the reproduction of various data. Therefore, the data for which the reproduction permission is given by the predetermined data recording / reproducing apparatus can be reproduced thereafter without receiving the reproduction permission from the outside. On the other hand, the non-volatile memory 111 can be attached to and detached from the data recording / reproducing device. This allows the user to
08 and the nonvolatile memory 111 can be carried, and the data on the medium 108 and the nonvolatile memory 11 can be carried.
By reading the management information table in No. 1, data can be reproduced by another data recording / reproducing apparatus.

<Second Embodiment> Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As an embodiment of the present invention, a process related to the reproduction of the reproduction-limited data recorded on the medium 108 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the reproduction process of the reproduction number restricted data recorded on the medium according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the "common processing block" (processing from step S201 to step S203) shown in FIG.
When it is determined that the data to be reproduced is data with a limited number of reproductions, first, in step S501, the main control unit / main memory 104 has the same unique ID as the data to be reproduced in the management information table. Compare whether or not.

If the same unique ID exists in step S501, it is confirmed in step S502 whether or not the value of the reproduction count restriction information (reproduction count restriction information shown in FIG. 3) in the management information table is zero. . In the management information table of FIG. 3, in the case of data with a limited number of playbacks,
The number of remaining reproductions (the number of times reproduction is possible) is shown as the reproduction count restriction information. Further, in the case of data which is not limited to the number of times of reproduction, "no information" is recorded in the information on the number of times of reproduction limitation.

If the value of the reproduction count limit information in the management information table is other than zero, the reproduction is permitted, and step S
In 510, the reproduction process is performed by the data reproducing unit, and when the value of the reproduction number limit information in the management information table is zero, the reproduction of the data is not permitted in step S520, that is, the reproduction is not performed. It becomes impossible and ends. Although a detailed description is omitted here, when the value of the number-of-reproductions limitation information is zero, the same processing as step S404 of the first embodiment is performed to connect to a predetermined server and reproduce. It is also possible to release the data reproduction restriction by acquiring (i.e., increasing the value of the reproduction count restriction information).

On the other hand, at step S501, the same unique ID
When the data does not exist (that is, when the data is reproduced for the first time), in step S503, the main control unit / main memory 104 determines that the unique ID of the data and the reproduction count limit information described in the right information. (Remaining number of reproductions) is added to the management information table of the nonvolatile memory 111 via the data writing / reading unit 110. As a result, when the data is reproduced for the first time, the maximum number of reproducible times included in the right information of the data is recorded in the management information table of the nonvolatile memory 111. Then, in step S510, a reproduction process of the data is performed by the data reproduction unit 109.

In step S510, the reproduction process is performed to reproduce the data once, and when the reproduction is completed once, in step S511, the reproduction count limit information in the management information table is decremented by 1 to obtain the management information. Updates the table reproduction count limit information. In addition, "one playback is completed"
As for the determination, whether all the data (100%) is reproduced is once, or to some extent (for example, 50%).
% Or more) It is preferable to predefine its definition, such as whether it should be played once. For example,
When the reproduction is forcibly terminated and the reproduction according to the above definition is less than “one time”, the reproduction number limit information in the management information table is not updated. Further, step S5
At 12, the memory writing / reading unit 110
Then, the process of writing back the updated management information table to the non-volatile memory 111 is performed, and the process ends.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the number of times data is reproduced on the medium 108 can be read and written by the data recording / reproducing apparatus.
11. When the content is read from 11, and the reproduction is performed for the first time, the maximum number of reproducible times specified in the right information in the medium 108 is written. Therefore, the right information recorded in the medium 108 must be rewritten. Instead, it is possible to reproduce data with a limited number of reproductions. Further, in particular, when the nonvolatile memory 111 is fixedly installed inside each data recording / reproducing apparatus, the number of times of reproducing is limited for each data recording / reproducing apparatus, and the number of times of reproducing the data in the medium 108 is managed. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent illegal data reproduction. on the other hand,
It is also possible to make the non-volatile memory 111 removable from the data recording / reproducing device. This allows the user to carry the medium 108 and the non-volatile memory 111, and by reading the data on the medium 108 and the management information table in the non-volatile memory 111, the data can be reproduced by another data recording / reproducing device. It will be possible.

<Third Embodiment> Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As an embodiment of the present invention, a process relating to reproduction of data with reproduction accumulated time limit recorded on the medium 108 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining a reproduction process of reproduction accumulated time limited data recorded on a medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the "common processing block" (processing from step S201 to step S203) shown in FIG.
When it is determined that the data to be reproduced is the reproduction accumulated time limited data, first, in step S601,
The main controller / main memory 104 compares whether or not the same unique ID as the data to be reproduced exists in the management information table.

If the same unique ID exists in step S601, the value of the reproduction accumulated time limit information (reproduction accumulated time limit information shown in FIG. 3) in the management information table is confirmed in step S602. In the management information table of FIG. 3, in the case of the data with the accumulated reproduction time limit,
As the reproduction accumulated time limit information, the remaining reproduction time (reproduction possible time) is shown in units of seconds, for example. Further, in the case of data that is not provided with the reproduction cumulative time limit, “no information” is recorded in the reproduction cumulative time limit information.

When the value of the reproduction cumulative time limit information in the management information table is other than zero, the reproduction is permitted, the reproduction processing is performed by the data reproduction unit 109 in step S610, and the reproduction information in the management information table is also changed. When the value of the reproduction cumulative time limit information is zero, the reproduction of the data is not permitted in step S620, that is, the reproduction becomes impossible and the process ends. Although detailed description is omitted here, when the value of the reproduction cumulative time limit information is zero, the same processing as step S404 of the first embodiment is performed, and reproduction is performed by connecting to a predetermined server. By acquiring the available time (that is, increasing the value of the reproduction cumulative time limit information), it is possible to release the data reproduction limit.

On the other hand, in step S601, the same unique ID
If the data does not exist (that is, when the data is reproduced for the first time), in step S603, the main control unit / main memory 104 determines that the unique ID of the data described in the right information and the reproduction accumulated time limit. Information (remaining reproduction time) is added to the management information table of the non-volatile memory 111 via the data writing / reading unit 110. As a result, when the data is reproduced for the first time,
The maximum reproducible time included in the right information of the data is recorded in the management information table of the non-volatile memory 111. Then, in step S610, the data reproducing unit 109 performs reproduction processing of the data.

When the reproduction process is performed in step S610, the reproduction time is counted from zero at the same time as the reproduction of the data is started in step S611. This count value indicates the time during which the data is reproduced this time. The reproduction of the data is basically performed until the reproduction end command is issued. The reproduction end command is generated when the reproduction is forcibly terminated by the user. However, even when the end of the data is reached (that is, the reproduction of the data ends), the main control unit / Main memory 104 automatically generates a playback end command.

During reproduction of the data, step S612 is performed.
In the above, the main controller / main memory 104 constantly monitors whether or not a reproduction end command is issued. Further, the main control unit / main memory 104, in step S613, indicates the "remaining reproduction time" indicated by the reproduction accumulated time limit information.
It constantly monitors whether the count value and the count value have become the same value. If a reproduction end command is issued during reproduction of the data (that is, reproduction ends, for example), or if the "remaining reproduction time" and the count value are the same value, in step S614. The reproduction of the data and the counting of the reproduction time are ended. Even when the reproduction is in progress, when the “remaining reproduction time” indicated by the reproduction accumulated time limit information and the count value are the same value (that is, the remaining reproduction time is longer than the time length of the data). If it is smaller), the reproduction is ended at that point.

When the reproduction process is completed, step S61
5, the value obtained by subtracting the count value from the reproduction start time to the reproduction end time of the relevant data relating to the present reproduction from the reproduction accumulated time restriction information in the management information table (“reproduction accumulated time restriction information in the management information table” − “ This count value ”)
Is updated as new reproduction cumulative time limit information and the management information table is updated. Further, in step S616, the memory writing / reading unit 110 performs a process of writing back the updated management information table to the non-volatile memory 111, and the processing ends.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the remaining reproducible time of data on the medium 108 is read from the non-volatile memory 111 which can be read and written by the data recording / reproducing apparatus, and When the reproduction is performed for the first time, the maximum reproducible time defined by the right information in the medium 108 is written.
It is possible to reproduce the reproduction-restricted time limited data without rewriting the right information recorded in 08. Further, in particular, when the nonvolatile memory 111 is fixedly installed inside each data recording / reproducing apparatus, the reproduction time is limited for each data recording / reproducing apparatus, and the reproduction time of the data in the medium 108 is limited. It is possible to surely perform management and prevention of illegal data reproduction. Further, by making the non-volatile memory 111 removable from the data recording / reproducing apparatus, the user can carry the medium 108 and the non-volatile memory 111, and the data on the medium 108 and the non-volatile memory 11 can be carried.
By reading the management information table in No. 1, data can be reproduced by another data recording / reproducing apparatus.

Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments of the present invention, the nonvolatile memory 11 is further updated.
It is also possible to record the management information written back in 1 as new right information in the medium 108. As a result, for example, the reproduction permission restriction that the data of the medium 108 can be reproduced indefinitely is released (first embodiment), and the data of the medium 108 can be reproduced without being limited in the number of times. Releasing the reproduction count restriction (second embodiment), the medium 10
When it is possible to obtain the reproduction cumulative time limit release (third embodiment) in which the data of No. 8 can be reproduced without being limited in time (third embodiment), it is possible to record that fact on the medium 108. Become.

Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments of the present invention, the nonvolatile memory 11 in the data recording / reproducing apparatus is used.
By recording a management information table (unique ID and various reproduction restriction information) relating to reproduction restriction in No. 1, reproduction restricted data can be reproduced without rewriting the right information recorded in the medium 108. However, the present invention is not limited to the above three types of reproduction restrictions (reproduction permission restriction, reproduction number restriction, reproduction accumulated time restriction), and can be applied to other reproduction restrictions. is there. For example, as another reproduction restriction, reproduction of only a part of the data (only the top 10%, etc.) is permitted (for example, in the case of data that can be auditioned), and the entire reproduction is permitted by separate permission. By using the method of the present invention, it is possible to manage the reproduction restriction of the data and reproduce the data by recording the information indicating that the entire reproduction is permitted in the non-volatile memory 111. .

The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 can be executed and controlled mainly by the main controller / main memory 104. That is, a program that enables execution of the data reproduction method in the data recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is stored in the storage unit of the main control unit / main memory 104, other program storage means, or the like. It is also possible to execute the data reproducing method in the data recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention by executing the program by the main memory 104.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the data on the medium (recording medium) is reproduced, the reproduction restriction relating to the data to be reproduced is read from the non-volatile memory. It is possible to reproduce the reproduction-restricted data without rewriting the registered right information. Furthermore, after the data reproduction, the reproduction restriction of the reproduced data is updated according to the reproduction result of the data, so that the reproduction restriction of the reproduction restricted data can be surely complied with.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a data recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process of data recorded on a medium according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a management information table used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process of reproduction permission restricted data recorded on a medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process of reproduction limited data recorded on a medium according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process of reproduction accumulated time limited data recorded on a medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional data recording / reproducing apparatus with reproduction restriction.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 701 User interface section 102,702 Data Receiver / Transmitter 103, 703 Rights information separation / synthesis unit 104, 704 Main control unit / main memory 105,705 Formatter / Deformatter 106, 706 Copyright protection encryption / decryption unit 107, 707 Media writing / reading unit 108, 708 Media (recording medium) 109, 709 Data playback unit 110 memory writing / reading unit 111 Non-volatile memory (information storage means)

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5B065 CA14 CC08 CS01 PA04 PA11                 5C053 FA13 FA23 GB06 GB21 JA21                       KA01 KA24 KA26                 5D044 AB05 AB07 BC06 CC04 DE48                       DE50 FG18 GK12 HL02

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. Reproduction of the data from a recording medium on which reproduction restriction is set and right information including identification information of the data and reproduction restriction information indicating the reproduction restriction of the data is recorded. And a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording the data on the recording medium, the information storing means capable of storing the identification information and the reproduction restriction information of the data as management information, A unit for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from the recording medium, and information related to the data to be reproduced is stored by referring to the information recorded in the information storage unit. If not, means for storing the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium as the management information in the information storage means, Means for reading the management information of the data to be produced from the information storage means, the reproduction restriction information of the management information read from the information storage means, and the reproduction of the right information read from the medium Determining means for determining whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced using the restriction information; and the data to be reproduced when the judging means judges that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced. Reproducing means for reproducing the information, information updating means for updating the contents of the management information read from the information storing means in accordance with the reproduction result of the data to be reproduced by the reproducing means, and the information updating means. The updated management information,
A data recording / reproducing apparatus having means for storing new management information in the information storage means. 2. The right information including data for which reproduction permission restriction is set to limit reproduction permission and reproduction, and reproduction permission restriction information indicating the reproduction permission restriction of the data is recorded. A data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium and recording the data to the recording medium, wherein identification information of the data and reproduction permission restriction information are stored as management information. An information storage unit capable of performing, a unit for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from the recording medium, and information referred to in the information storage unit, When the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is used as the management information. Means for storing in the information storage means, means for reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, the reproduction permission restriction information of the management information read from the information storage means, and the medium Determination means for determining whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the reproduction permission restriction information of the right information read from, and reproduction of the data to be reproduced by the judgment means. If it is determined that the reproduction is not possible, a reproduction permission acquisition unit that can acquire the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced, and if the determination unit determines that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced, or A reproduction means for reproducing the data to be reproduced when the reproduction permission acquisition means acquires the reproduction permission for the data to be reproduced; Therefore if the playback permission data to be the reproduction is acquired, the management information of the data the to be reproduced read out from said information storing means,
Information updating means for adding a fact that a reproduction permission for the data to be reproduced has been obtained, and the management information updated by the information updating means,
A data recording / reproducing apparatus having means for storing new management information in the information storage means. 3. Right information including data for which a reproduction count limit is set to limit the number of times of reproduction and identification information of the data and reproduction count limit information indicating the reproduction count limit of the data is recorded. A data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium and recording the data to the recording medium, wherein identification information of the data and reproduction count limit information are stored as management information. An information storage unit capable of performing, a unit for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from the recording medium, and information referred to in the information storage unit, When the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is used as the management information. Means for storing in the information storage means, means for reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, the reproduction count limitation information of the management information read from the information storage means, and the medium Determination means for determining whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the reproduction number limitation information of the right information read from the, and the reproduction of the data to be reproduced by the determination means. When it is determined that the data is to be reproduced, the reproducing means reproduces the data to be reproduced, and when the reproducing means reproduces the data to be reproduced, the management information read from the information storing means is described. Information updating means for reducing the remaining number of times of remaining reproduction of the data to be reproduced by 1, and the management information updated by the information updating means,
A data recording / reproducing apparatus having means for storing new management information in the information storage means. 4. A right including data for which a reproduction cumulative time limit is set for limiting a reproduction cumulative time, identification information of the data, and reproduction cumulative time limit information indicating the reproduction cumulative time limit of the data. A data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium on which information is recorded, and recording the data on the recording medium, the identification information of the data and reproduction accumulated time limit information. Information storing means capable of storing as management information, means for reading the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced from the recording medium, and recorded in the information storing means. When the information is referred to and the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is first written. Means for storing the management information in the information storage means, means for reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, and the reproduction accumulated time of the management information read from the information storage means Determining means for determining whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the restriction information and the reproduction cumulative time restriction information of the right information read from the medium; When it is determined that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced, a reproducing unit that reproduces the data to be reproduced, a clocking unit that measures a reproduction time of the reproduction of the data to be reproduced by the reproducing unit, and the information storage The remaining reproducible time of the data to be replayed, which is described in the management information read from the means, and the replay time measured by the timekeeping means are the same. When the value becomes, the reproduction control unit controls the reproduction unit to end the reproduction of the data to be reproduced; and when the reproduction unit ends the reproduction of the data to be reproduced, the information storage unit Information updating means for subtracting the reproduction time measured by the time measuring means from the remaining reproducible time of the data to be reproduced described in the read management information, and the management updated by the information updating means information,
A data recording / reproducing apparatus having means for storing new management information in the information storage means. 5. The recording medium writing unit for recording the management information updated by the information updating unit as new right information on the recording medium, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The data recording / reproducing apparatus as described in 1. 6. A semiconductor memory capable of electrically recording, reading, and erasing information and capable of retaining stored contents even when power is turned off is used as the information storage means. 6. The data recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data recording / reproducing apparatus is provided. 7. The reproduction of the data from a recording medium on which the reproduction restriction is set and the right information including the identification information of the data and the reproduction restriction information indicating the reproduction restriction of the data is recorded. And a data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording the data on the recording medium, wherein the data to be reproduced and the right information of the data to be reproduced are recorded from the recording medium. Refer to the information recorded in the information storage means capable of storing the identification information of the data and the reproduction restriction information as management information, and the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored. In this case, a step of storing the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium in the information storage means as the management information. Reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, the reproduction restriction information of the management information read from the information storage means, and the right information read from the medium. A determination step of determining whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced using the reproduction restriction information; and if the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is determined in the determination step, the reproduction is performed. Data to be reproduced, an information updating step of updating the content of the management information read from the information storing means according to a reproduction result of the data to be reproduced, and an information updating step of updating the information. And storing the management information as new management information in the information storage means. Method. 8. The right information including data for which reproduction permission restriction is set to restrict reproduction permission and reproduction, and reproduction permission restriction information indicating the reproduction permission restriction of the data is recorded. A data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium and recording the data to the recording medium, comprising the data to be reproduced and the reproduction from the recording medium. Reading the right information of the data to be reproduced, and referring to the information recorded in the information storage means capable of storing the identification information of the data and the reproduction permission restriction information as the management information. If the information about the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is used as the management information. Storing in the information storage means, reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, the reproduction permission restriction information of the management information read from the information storage means, A determination step of determining whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced using the reproduction permission restriction information of the right information read from the medium; and reproduction of the data to be reproduced in the determination step. Is determined to be impossible, a reproduction permission obtaining step capable of obtaining a reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced, and a case where it is determined that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced in the determination step, or A reproduction step of reproducing the data to be reproduced when the reproduction permission of the data to be reproduced is acquired in the reproduction permission acquisition step, When the reproduction permission for the data to be reproduced is acquired in the reproduction permission acquisition step, the reproduction permission for the data to be reproduced is included in the management information of the data to be reproduced read from the information storage unit. And a step of storing the management information updated in the information updating step in the information storage means as new management information. . 9. Data for which a reproduction count limit is set to limit the number of reproductions, and right information including identification information of the data and reproduction count limit information indicating the reproduction count limit of the data are recorded. A data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from the recording medium and recording the data to the recording medium, the data to be reproduced and the reproduction from the recording medium. Reading the right information of the data to be reproduced, and referring to the information recorded in the information storage means capable of storing the identification information of the data and the reproduction count limitation information as the management information. If the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right information of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is used as the management information. Storing the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, the reproduction count limitation information of the management information read from the information storage means, A judgment step of judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the reproduction number limitation information of the right information read from the medium; and a judgment step of the data to be reproduced in the judgment step. If it is determined that reproduction is possible, a reproduction step of reproducing the data to be reproduced, and if reproduction of the data to be reproduced is performed, it is described in the management information read from the information storage unit. The information updating step of reducing the remaining number of times of remaining reproduction of the data to be reproduced by 1, and the management information updated in the information updating step, And a step of storing the same as management information in the information storage means. 10. A right to include data for which a reproduction cumulative time limit is set for limiting a reproduction cumulative time, identification information of the data, and reproduction cumulative time limit information indicating the reproduction cumulative time limit of the data. A data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing the data from a recording medium on which information is recorded and recording the data to the recording medium, the method comprising: reproducing from the recording medium. A step of reading data and the right information of the data to be reproduced, and information recorded in an information storage means capable of storing the identification information of the data and reproduction accumulated time limit information as management information. If the information regarding the data to be reproduced is not stored, the right of the data to be reproduced read from the recording medium is referred to. Storing information as the management information in the information storage means, reading the management information of the data to be reproduced from the information storage means, and reproducing the management information read from the information storage means. A judgment step of judging whether or not the data to be reproduced can be reproduced by using the accumulated time restriction information and the reproduction accumulated time restriction information of the right information read from the medium; When it is determined that the data to be reproduced can be reproduced, the reproduction step of reproducing the data to be reproduced, the timing step of measuring the reproduction time of the reproduction of the data to be reproduced, and the information storage means Remaining reproducible time of the data to be reproduced, which is described in the read management information, and the reproduction measured in the time counting step. When the time has the same value, a reproduction control step of controlling the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is ended, and when the reproduction of the data to be reproduced is ended, the reproduction is read from the information storage means. From the remaining reproducible time of the data to be reproduced described in the management information, an information updating step of subtracting the reproduction time measured in the time counting step, and the management information updated in the information updating step, And a step of storing the same as management information in the information storage means. 11. The recording medium writing step of recording the management information updated by the information updating means as new right information on the recording medium, according to any one of claims 7 to 10. 13. A data reproducing method in a data recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of the above.