JP2004054473A - Memory card, information apparatus and information distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a memory card with a use limiting function capable of easily setting a user, a use apparatus, use conditions or the like, and to provide a device and a method applied therewith. <P>SOLUTION: In the memory card 1 with a copyright protecting function incorporated with a controller LSI, a secure area 101 and a semi-secure area 102 are configured to store data for copyright protection such as key data or license data, and used as an area inaccessible with a command. On the other hand, a standard memory area 103 is used as an area accessible with a command, and encrypted contents or non-secure data are stored in a conventional memory card. This invention is configured by newly adding a use condition setting area part 104 in which use limit information is registered. An permitted user is limited to the reading of the data stored in the use condition setting area 104. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a memory card, an application device thereof, and an application method thereof, and more particularly, to a technology effective for a memory card having a use restriction function suitable for protection of a right of a memory card holder, protection of a secret, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Memory cards are already widely used in the AV and PC fields. In recent years, taking advantage of its excellent features such as high-speed access, compact and slim, and copyright protection technology, it has begun to expand its application equipment to the mobile, communication, home electrification, and health and medical fields. The construction of “Memory Card World” has begun.
[0003]
In these applied devices, memory cards are used as "bridge media" for bridging products, and are expected to create a comfortable lifestyle by being flexibly networked.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, as a result of the present inventor's study on the above-mentioned memory card technology, the following has been clarified.
[0005]
For example, memory cards are used in various devices as "bridge media" for bridging products, so the rights and secrecy of the memory card holder are damaged, and the contents of the memory card are falsified. There were also problems such as doing.
[0006]
Some memory cards have a copyright protection function, but these functions are stored in a secure area or a semi-secure area that cannot be accessed by a command, and ordinary users cannot use this technology.
[0007]
For this reason, a memory card with a function that can easily set the user, equipment used, and operating conditions for protecting the rights and secrets of general users or preventing tampering, and that is excellent in security and convenience, is provided. Realization is desired.
[0008]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to easily set a user, a device to be used, a use condition, and the like in order to protect the rights and secrets of a general user or prevent tampering in a memory card used as a “bridge media”. , A memory card with a use restriction function, and an application device and method thereof.
[0009]
The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The following is a brief description of an outline of typical inventions disclosed in the present application.
[0011]
That is, the memory card according to the present invention is characterized in that a use condition setting area for registering use restriction information of the memory card is provided in an area accessible by a command.
[0012]
The use condition setting area includes a super user ID setting unit for registering identification information of a person permitted to write / read the use condition setting area, a use permission of the memory card, and a use condition. A licensed user ID setting section for registering a person who is prohibited from writing in the setting area but is permitted to read, a licensed device ID setting section for registering identification information of a device permitted to use the memory card, a memory It comprises at least one use condition setting unit for registering the use condition information of the card.
[0013]
That is, a division is made between a super user and a licensed user, and only the super user can register information in all setting sections of the use condition setting area section, and the licensed user can access the use condition setting area section. Is limited to the read operation.
[0014]
Further, a memory area accessible by a command can be divided into a variable area for registering use restriction information and an area accessible to general users.
[0015]
That is, a function is also provided in which a memory area for storing information used in an operation with a use restriction function can be set as a superuser / application use setting area.
[0016]
Further, in a device equipped with the memory card, a memory card with a use restriction function is identified by processing of a memory card identification protocol between the device control system unit and the memory card. Then, in the processing of the superuser protocol via the device control system unit, superuser registration / authentication, setting / deletion of a licensed user, setting / deletion of a licensed device, setting / deletion of use conditions, content registration / deletion I do. On the other hand, authentication of a licensed user, authentication of a licensed device, and authentication of a use condition are performed by processing of a licensed user protocol.
[0017]
Also, an IP address such as IPv6 of the licensed device is used as ID information. When a data stream such as a digital broadcast is recorded on a memory card, writing and reading are performed in units of a predetermined packet defined by the “DVD Stream Recording” standard.
[0018]
With the technical means described above, a memory card with a use restriction function that can easily set the user, equipment to be used, use conditions, etc., for protecting the rights and secrets of general users and preventing tampering is realized. Becomes possible.
[0019]
The application device of the memory card includes an interface connectable to the memory card, a recording medium connected to the interface, and the like. Recording information recorded on a recording medium on a memory card, or recording information recorded on a memory card on a recording medium.
[0020]
Therefore, the security of the “bridge media” can be improved by applying the memory card with the use restriction function to a television receiver, a digital recording device, or an information home appliance connected to a network. . In addition, functions such as mechanical-less (no moving parts) time shift, chase playback, and pause can be easily realized by utilizing the features of the memory card.
[0021]
Further, the information transmission method as an application method of the memory card is such that the distribution information is distributed from a distribution company to a recording medium built in a device permitted to receive distribution of content information by a contract with the distribution company. Recording the content information, and based on the use restriction information registered in the memory card, among the content information recorded on the recording medium, only the content information permitted to be distributed to the memory card. Recording step.
[0022]
In other words, in an electronic newspaper distribution system or an electronic magazine distribution system using a memory card with a use restriction function as a medium, highly secure content distribution can be realized by the content distribution permission information registered in the use condition setting area. Can be.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing the embodiments, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description thereof will be omitted.
[0024]
(Embodiment 1)
1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a memory card according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a case where the present invention is applied to a memory card with a copyright protection function built in a controller LSI. Is a case where the present invention is applied to a memory card without a built-in controller LSI.
[0025]
First, an example of the configuration of the memory card according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The memory card 1 according to the first embodiment includes a secure area 101, a semi-secure area 102, a standard memory area 103 and the like when the controller LSI has a built-in copyright protection function.
[0026]
The secure area 101 and the semi-secure area 102 are areas for storing data for copyright protection, such as key data and license data, and are areas that cannot be accessed by commands.
[0027]
On the other hand, the standard memory area 103 is an area that can be accessed by a command, and in a conventional memory card, stores encrypted content and non-secure data.
[0028]
The memory card 1 with the use restriction function according to the first embodiment newly adds a use condition setting area 104 for registering the use restriction information of the memory card to a part of the standard memory area 103. Be composed.
[0029]
Further, another memory card 1a according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a standard memory area 103 as shown in FIG. 2 when the controller LSI is not built-in. Further, a use condition setting area 104 for registering the use restriction information of the memory card is newly added to the standard memory area 103 accessible by the command, thereby forming the memory card 1a with the use restriction function.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the use condition setting area unit 104 for registering use restriction information of a memory card.
[0031]
The use condition setting area unit 104 is, for example, a super user ID setting unit 105 for registering identification information of a person who is permitted to write / read the use condition setting area unit 104, a memory card is permitted and used. An authorized user ID setting unit 106 for registering a person who is prohibited from writing in the condition setting area unit 104 but is permitted to read the information, and a licensed device ID setting for registering identification information of a device permitted to use the memory card. A use condition setting unit 108 for registering information on use conditions of the memory card. The functions and operations of these setting units will be described later.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a device on which a memory card with a use restriction function of the present invention is mounted.
[0033]
The memory card-equipped device 2 includes, for example, a user IF unit 109 that performs device operations, a device control system unit 110 that integrally controls data and operations of the devices, a device application control unit 111 that executes and controls various application programs, and It is composed of a memory card IF unit 112 having an interface function between the memory card 1 (1a) with use restriction function and the memory card mounted device 2.
[0034]
Next, processing flows of various protocols in the memory card mounted device 2 will be described.
[0035]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of various protocol processes performed between the memory card with the use restriction function and the memory card mounted device 2 in the memory card mounted device 2.
[0036]
The protocol processing according to the first embodiment includes a superuser protocol for performing processing for registering / deleting a user, a device, and a use condition of a memory card, and a licensed user protocol for performing processing for authenticating a use restriction condition. Consists of two types.
[0037]
Each block of FIG. 4 related to these processes is shown in FIG. 5 as a related department system.
[0038]
The processing of the super-user protocol includes memory card identification for identifying the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function of the present invention and a general memory card, super-user registration for super-user registration, and super-user registration. Super user authentication for authentication, licensed user setting / deletion for user registration / deletion, licensed device setting / deletion for device registration / deletion, usage condition setting for registration / deletion of time of use etc. / Deletion, content registration / deletion for writing or deleting content, and application start / stop for executing an application program.
[0039]
On the other hand, the licensed user protocol includes a memory card identification, a licensed user authentication for certifying a user, a licensed used device authentication for certifying a device to be used, a use condition authentication for certifying a use condition, and application start / stop. Consists of
[0040]
Of the above processing, the application start / stop processing is also performed in a conventional memory card.
[0041]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of various protocols according to the first embodiment.
[0042]
First, the memory card identification protocol is executed to identify the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function (step S210).
[0043]
Next, a super user registration / authentication protocol is executed (step S220).
[0044]
Then, when the user is authenticated as a super user, processing of a permitted user setting / deletion protocol, a licensed device setting / deletion protocol, a use condition setting / deletion protocol, and a content registration / deletion protocol are executed (step S230).
[0045]
If it is authenticated that the user is not a super user, it is regarded as a licensed user, and the processes of a licensed user authentication protocol, a licensed device authentication protocol, and a use condition authentication protocol are executed below (step S240).
[0046]
Then, an application start / stop protocol process is executed (step S250).
[0047]
Hereinafter, specific operations of these various protocols, such as exchange of information between blocks, will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.
[0048]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the memory card identification protocol (step S210).
[0049]
First, the device control system unit 110 outputs a response request command to the memory card IF unit 112. Then, the memory card IF unit 112 returns a response signal indicating that the memory card is mounted to the device control system unit 110 when the memory card is mounted, and a response signal indicating that the memory card is not mounted to the device control system unit 110 when the memory card is not mounted.
[0050]
The device control system unit 110 stops operating when receiving a response signal indicating that the device is not mounted.
[0051]
On the other hand, when the response signal indicates that the device is mounted, a use condition setting area response request command is output to the memory card IF unit 112 next. Then, the memory card IF unit 112 sends a signal of no response in the case of the conventional memory card, and a signal of response in the case of the memory card 1 (1a) with use restriction function to the device control system unit 110. Reply.
[0052]
The device control system unit 110 determines that a signal without a response is a conventional memory card, and thereafter executes conventional protocol processing. On the other hand, the response signal is determined to be the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function, and thereafter, the super user registration / authentication protocol is executed.
[0053]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the super user registration / authentication protocol (step S220).
[0054]
First, the device control system unit 110 outputs a superuser ID read command to the memory card IF unit 112. Then, the memory card IF unit 112 uses the information read from the super user ID setting unit 105 of the use condition setting area unit 104 of the memory card 1 (1a) with use restriction function as a super user ID data response as a device control system. Return to unit 110. The memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function initializes the data in the use condition setting area 104 to, for example, all zeros at the time of factory shipment.
[0055]
Therefore, when the memory card 1 (1a) is not used, the super user ID setting unit 105 reads out all zeros and the registered super user ID data when used even once.
[0056]
In parallel, the device control system unit 110 outputs a super user ID input command to the user IF unit 109. Upon receiving this command, the user IF unit 109 enters the ID data input mode, and the user of the device inputs his / her own ID data, for example, using a numeric keypad. Then, the user IF unit 109 returns the input ID data to the device control system unit 110.
[0057]
Next, the device control system unit 110 executes data response confirmation between the memory card IF unit 112 and the user IF unit 109.
[0058]
First, when the data of the memory card IF unit 112 is all zero, an operation of writing data from the user IF unit 109 to the super user ID setting unit 105 of the use condition setting area unit 104 is executed. Then, the processing of super user ID registration and authentication (step S220) is completed.
[0059]
On the other hand, when the data in the memory card IF unit 112 is other than zero, a comparison verification for verifying whether or not the data matches with the data in the user IF unit 109 is executed.
[0060]
Then, when they match, it is determined that the user is a super user, the processing of the super user authentication is completed, and thereafter, processing of various protocols of the super user setting (step S230) is executed. If they do not match, it is determined that the user is a licensed user, and thereafter, the processing of the licensed user protocol (step S240) is executed.
[0061]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of various protocol processing (step S230) of the super user setting.
[0062]
First, an authorized user setting / deletion protocol process is executed (step S231). That is, the device control system unit 110 outputs a permitted user ID setting unit read command to the memory card IF unit 112. The memory card IF unit 112 uses the information read from the permitted user ID setting unit 106 of the use condition setting area unit 104 of the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function as a permitted user ID data response as a device control system. Return to unit 110.
[0063]
At the same time, the device control system unit 110 outputs a permitted user setting command to the user IF unit 109. Upon receiving this command, the user IF unit 109 enters the permitted user ID data input mode, and the super user inputs the ID data of the user whose use is permitted, for example, using a numeric keypad. Then, the user IF unit 109 returns the input ID data to the device control system unit 110.
[0064]
The device control system unit 110 performs data verification of the memory card IF unit 112 and the user IF unit 109. Then, the matching data of the two and the data in the user IF section 109 but not in the memory card IF section 112 are written to the licensed user ID setting section 106 of the use condition setting area section 104 by a write command for the licensed user ID setting section. Perform the write operation. When the write operation is completed, the memory card IF unit 112 returns a write completion signal. Thus, the protocol processing of the permitted user setting / deletion (step S231) is completed.
[0065]
Next, a licensed device setting / deletion protocol process is executed (step S232). That is, the device control system unit 110 outputs a permitted use device ID setting unit read command to the memory card IF unit 112. Then, the memory card IF unit 112 uses the information read from the permitted use device ID setting unit 107 of the use condition setting area unit 104 of the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function as a permitted use device ID data response as a device response. It is returned to the control system unit 110.
[0066]
At the same time, the device control system unit 110 outputs a permitted use device setting command to the user IF unit 109. Upon receiving this command, the user IF unit 109 enters the license use device ID data input mode, and the super user inputs the ID data of the device for which use is permitted, for example, using a numeric keypad. Then, the user IF unit 109 returns the input ID data to the device control system unit 110.
[0067]
As the device ID data, an IPv6 standard IP address or the like assigned to the device can be used. It is also possible to input the ID data of a device whose use is permitted by marking it from a device ID list prepared in advance.
[0068]
The device control system unit 110 performs data verification of the memory card IF unit 112 and the user IF unit 109. Then, the matching data of the two and the data in the user IF unit 109 but not in the memory card IF unit 112 are written by the licensed use device ID setting unit write command, and the licensed use device ID setting unit of the use condition setting area unit 104 is used. An operation of writing to 107 is executed. When the write operation is completed, the memory card IF unit 112 returns a write completion signal. Thereby, the protocol processing for setting / deleting the licensed device (step S232) is completed.
[0069]
Further, a usage condition setting / deletion protocol process is executed (step S233). That is, the device control system unit 110 outputs a use condition setting unit read command to the memory card IF unit 112. Then, the memory card IF unit 112 uses the information read from the use condition setting unit 108 of the use condition setting area unit 104 of the memory card 1 (1a) with use restriction function as the use condition data response as the device control system unit 110. Return to.
[0070]
In parallel, the device control system unit 110 outputs a use condition setting command to the user IF unit 109. Upon receiving this command, the user IF unit 109 enters a use condition data input mode, and the super user inputs data such as a time zone and a use time used as the use condition, for example, using a ten key. Then, the user IF unit 109 returns the input use condition data to the device control system unit 110.
[0071]
The device control system unit 110 performs data verification of the memory card IF unit 112 and the user IF unit 109. Then, an operation of writing the matching data and the data in the user IF unit 109 but not in the memory card IF unit 112 into the use condition setting unit 108 of the use condition setting area unit 104 by using the use condition setting unit write command. Execute When the write operation is completed, the memory card IF unit 112 returns a write completion signal. As a result, the protocol processing for use condition setting / deletion (step S233) is completed.
[0072]
Finally, a content registration / deletion protocol process is executed (step S234). That is, the device control system unit 110 outputs a content registration command to the user IF unit 109. Upon receiving this command, the user IF unit 109 enters the content registration data input mode, and the super user inputs data of the content to be registered, for example, using a numeric keypad. Then, the user IF unit 109 returns the input use condition data to the device control system unit 110.
[0073]
The device control system unit 110 searches for a necessary content from a built-in storage server or a storage server of a plurality of devices connected via a network based on the sent content information, and issues a registered content write command. , An operation of writing to the standard memory area is performed. When the write operation is completed, the memory card IF unit 112 returns a write completion signal. This completes the content registration / deletion protocol processing (step S234).
[0074]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of various protocol processing (step S240) for setting a permitted user.
[0075]
First, an authorized user authentication protocol process is executed (step S241). That is, the device control system unit 110 outputs a permitted user ID setting unit read command to the memory card IF unit 112. The memory card IF unit 112 uses the information read from the permitted user ID setting unit 106 of the use condition setting area unit 104 of the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function as a permitted user ID data response as a device control system. Return to unit 110.
[0076]
At the same time, the device control system unit 110 outputs a permitted user setting command to the user IF unit 109. Upon receiving this command, the user IF unit 109 enters the licensed user ID data input mode, and the licensed user inputs the ID data, for example, using a numeric keypad. Then, the user IF unit 109 returns the input ID data to the device control system unit 110.
[0077]
The device control system unit 110 performs data verification of the memory card IF unit 112 and the user IF unit 109. When they match, the user is authenticated with the licensed user, and the process proceeds to the next licensed device authentication protocol (step S242). On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that the user is not a licensed user, and the operation ends.
[0078]
Next, a license use device authentication protocol process is executed (step S242). That is, the device control system unit 110 outputs a permitted use device ID setting unit read command to the memory card IF unit 112. Then, the memory card IF unit 112 uses the information read from the permitted use device ID setting unit 107 of the use condition setting area unit 104 of the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function as a permitted use device ID data response as a device response. It is returned to the control system unit 110.
[0079]
The device control system unit 110 compares and verifies its own device ID with data from the memory card IF unit 112. If the own device ID is included, the device is authenticated as a licensed device, and the process proceeds to the next use condition authentication protocol (step S243). On the other hand, if not included, it is determined that the device is not a licensed use device, and the operation is terminated.
[0080]
Further, a use condition authentication protocol process is executed (step S243). That is, the device control system unit 110 outputs a use condition setting unit read command to the memory card IF unit 112. Then, the memory card IF unit 112 uses the information read from the use condition setting unit 108 of the use condition setting area unit 104 of the memory card 1 (1a) with use restriction function as the use condition data response as the device control system unit 110. Return to.
[0081]
The device control system unit 110 compares and verifies information such as the current time obtained by a function built into the device itself with data from the memory card IF unit 112. If the conditions are met, it is authenticated that the use conditions are satisfied, and the process proceeds to the application start / stop protocol (step S250). On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that the use condition is not satisfied, and the operation is terminated.
[0082]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the access is permitted only when the super user satisfies the licensed user, the licensed device, and the use condition registered in the memory card 1 (1a) with the use restriction function. Since it is possible, it is possible to easily realize the protection of the right and secret of the superuser who is the owner, the prevention of tampering, and the like, and a remarkable effect is obtained in improving the security and convenience as “bridge media”.
[0083]
(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0084]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a memory card with a copyright protection function built in a controller LSI according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0085]
The memory card 1b according to the second embodiment is different from the memory card 1b according to the first embodiment in that a use condition setting area unit 104 for registering use restriction information is provided in a part of a standard memory area 103 accessible by a command. Is the same as the memory card 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0086]
The difference is that a super user / application use setting area 113 including the use condition setting area section 104 when functioning as a memory card with a use restriction function, a general use area 114 when functioning as a conventional memory card, That is, the standard memory area 103 is divided and used.
[0087]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a memory card without a built-in controller LSI according to the second embodiment.
[0088]
Another memory card 1c according to the second embodiment is different from the memory card 1a according to the first embodiment in that a use condition setting area unit 104 is provided in a standard memory area 103 accessible by a command. The same is true.
[0089]
The difference is that a super user / application use setting area 113 including the use condition setting area section 104 when functioning as a memory card with a use restriction function, a general use area 114 when functioning as a conventional memory card, That is, the standard memory area 103 is divided and used.
[0090]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of various protocol processes according to the second embodiment.
[0091]
The procedure is almost the same as that shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 described in the first embodiment, except that the usage condition setting / deletion protocol (step S233) and the content registration / deletion protocol (step S234) of the super user portion in the figure are used. Meanwhile, an application use setting protocol (step S235) is newly added. Then, in this protocol processing, the area setting of the superuser / application use setting area 113 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is performed.
[0092]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of the application use setting protocol (step S235).
[0093]
First, the device control system unit 110 outputs a use area setting command to the user IF unit 109. Upon receiving this command, the user IF unit 109 enters the use area setting data input mode, and the super user inputs the capacity of the memory area used as the memory card with the use restriction function, for example, using a numeric keypad. Then, the user IF unit 109 returns the input memory capacity data to the device control system unit 110.
[0094]
Next, when the memory capacity data is zero, the device control system unit 110 determines that the area is not set, and ends the protocol processing. In other cases, an area setting command is output to the memory card IF unit to execute the area setting processing. The memory card IF unit 112 performs a process of setting a superuser application use setting area 113 used as a memory card with a use restriction function in the standard memory area 103. Then, the address of the set area is returned.
[0095]
The device control system unit 110 that has received the notification notifies the user IF unit 109 of the completion of the setting, and ends the protocol processing (step S235).
[0096]
Other various protocol processes are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0097]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to selectively use a memory card with a use restriction function and a conventional memory card according to the use situation, and the convenience is improved.
[0098]
In the following, applied products that apply this memory card with restricted use to television receivers, digital recording devices, or information home appliances connected via a network, and electronic newspapers using memory cards with restricted use as a medium The distribution system and the electronic magazine distribution system will be described.
[0099]
(Embodiment 3)
First, a television receiver to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied in Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.
[0100]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a television receiver to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied in the third embodiment.
[0101]
In the third embodiment, in addition to being used as a “bridge media”, functions such as time shift, chase playback, and pause are also utilized by utilizing the features of the memory card such as high-speed access, compact and slim, and mechanismless. It is easy to achieve.
[0102]
The television receiver according to the third embodiment includes a demodulation unit 20, a digital demodulation unit 21, a compression unit 22, switch units 23, 27, 29, a packetization unit 24, and a memory connected to a memory card according to the present invention. A card unit 25, a depacketizing unit 26, a decompressing unit 28, a display unit 30, a system control unit 31 and the like; an analog broadcast signal S1 is input to the demodulation unit 20; , And the output S5 of the compression unit 22 is input to the switch unit 23, the digital broadcast signal S2 is input to the digital demodulation unit 21, and the output S4 of the digital demodulation unit 21 is input to the switch unit 23. The output S6 of the switch unit 23 is input to the switch unit 27 and the packetizing unit 24, and the output of the packetizing unit 24 is input to the memory card unit 25. The output of the memory card unit 25 is input to the depacketizing unit 26, the output S7 of the depacketizing unit 26 is input to the switch unit 27, the output of the switch unit 27 is input to the expansion unit 28, and the expansion unit The output of the switch unit 29 is input to the switch unit 29, and the output of the switch unit 29 is input to the display unit 30.
[0103]
Next, the operation of the television receiver according to the third embodiment will be described.
[0104]
The analog broadcast signal S1 is subjected to a predetermined demodulation process in the demodulation unit 20, and is demodulated into a signal S3 including an image signal and an audio signal. Then, the compression unit 22 performs an image / audio compression process using the same method as that of digital broadcasting, and generates a data stream signal S5.
[0105]
On the other hand, the digital broadcast signal S2 is subjected to a predetermined digital demodulation process in the digital demodulation unit 21, and the data stream signal S4 is decoded.
[0106]
The switch unit 23 selects one of the signals and outputs the data stream signal S6. The packetizing unit 24 performs a packetizing process on the data stream signal S6, and converts the data stream signal S6 into packet data in units of a predetermined packet defined by, for example, the “DVD Stream Recording” standard, as described later. Then, the data is written to the memory card unit 25 in packet units. On the other hand, data read from the memory card unit 25 in packet units is subjected to depacket processing by the depacketizing unit 26, and is decoded into the original data stream signal S7.
[0107]
The switch unit 27 selects and outputs one of the signals. Then, the decompression unit 28 performs a decoding process on the data stream signal to decode the image signal and the audio signal.
[0108]
The switch unit 29 selects and outputs one of the signals, and displays this signal on the display unit 30.
[0109]
The system control unit 31 controls the operation and processing of each unit.
[0110]
In the third embodiment, functions such as time shift, chasing playback, and pause are realized by the route of the packetizing unit 24, the memory card unit 25, and the depacketizing unit 26. That is, it is realized by writing the current data to the memory card unit 25 and reading the previously recorded data. At this time, while the write data rate is about 6 Mbps, the write speed to the memory card is about 3 times as fast as 2 Mbytes / sec (corresponding to 16 Mbps). Can be. Further, if the capacity of the memory card is 4 GB, it is possible to perform a time shift of about 90 minutes, chase reproduction, and pause.
[0111]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of packet data conforming to the “DVD Stream Recording” standard when converting a data stream signal into packet data.
[0112]
According to this standard, one packet is composed of 2064 bytes, of which the packet identification ID is 12 bytes, the header information is 29 bytes, the application header is 9 bytes, the CRC is 4 bytes, and the remaining part is a data stream signal and its time. Stores the data string of the stamp. Writing and reading to and from the memory card are performed for each packet configured as described above. Then, the original stream can be reproduced while relatively observing the timing at the time of data input.
[0113]
(Embodiment 4)
Next, an example of a configuration of a digital recording device to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied in Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described.
[0114]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a digital recording device to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied according to the fourth embodiment.
[0115]
The digital recording device according to the fourth embodiment includes, for example, an input IF unit 40, a compression unit 41, a memory card unit 43 as an interface connectable to the memory card according to the present invention, and a recording medium connected to the interface. The output of the input IF section 40 is input to the compression section 41, and the output of the compression section 41 is input to the storage and recording section 42. The output of the storage / recording unit 42 is input to a decompression unit 44, and the output of the decompression unit 44 is input to an output IF unit 45. The input and output of the storage and recording unit 42 and the memory card unit 43 are bidirectionally connected.
[0116]
Image contents and music contents transmitted by broadcasting or the Internet are input to the input IF unit 40 via, for example, IEEE 1394 or the like, and extract digital data stream signals. When the input signal is an analog image or music signal, the input IF unit 40 converts the signal into a digital signal.
[0117]
The compression unit 41 performs, for example, an MPEG2 encoding process to compress the information amount. Note that a signal that has already been subjected to compression processing is subjected to transcoding processing for compressing the amount of information using a stream signal. Then, the signal is recorded on the storage recording unit 42, for example, a recording medium such as an HDD or a DVD.
[0118]
The decompression unit 44 performs decompression processing for decoding, and outputs a signal sequence that matches a predetermined interface (for example, IEEE 1394 or D5 format) at the output IF unit 45.
[0119]
On the other hand, a memory card section 43 mounted on the digital recording device is an interface section of the memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) with use restriction function according to the present invention, and is connected to the storage / recording section 42 as a recording medium. Processing for downloading stored content to the memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) and for recording information recorded on the memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) in the storage recording unit 42 I do.
[0120]
The control unit 46 executes various controls of the digital recording device and various protocol processes with the memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) with the use restriction function.
[0121]
Note that writing and reading to and from the storage recording unit 42 and the memory card 1 with use restriction function (1a, 1b, 1c) can also be executed in units of packet data having the configuration shown in FIG.
[0122]
(Embodiment 5)
Next, a description will be given of a memory card mounted device system to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0123]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a memory card mounted device system to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied in the fifth embodiment.
[0124]
As shown in FIG. 18, the device 50, the device 51, the device 52, and the device 53 each include a memory card IF unit 55 connected to the memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) according to the present invention. The memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) with the use restriction function according to the present invention is used between these devices as a "bridge media" for bridging products.
[0125]
In addition, a home network is constructed between the devices via a network 54. As this network, various systems such as a wireless LAN (IEEE802.11 or wireless 1394) and a wired communication (HomePNA or ECHONET) can be used.
[0126]
With this system configuration, in addition to the AV and PC fields, a group of applied product devices can be expanded to the mobile field, the communication field, the home electrification field, and the health / medical field. In addition, these applied product devices create a comfortable lifestyle by using a memory card with a use restriction function as a "bridge media" for bridging products.
[0127]
(Embodiment 6)
Finally, an electronic newspaper and electronic magazine distribution service to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0128]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an electronic newspaper and electronic magazine distribution service to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied according to the sixth embodiment.
[0129]
The electronic newspaper and electronic magazine distribution service system according to the sixth embodiment includes, for example, a distribution company 60, a broadband network 61, and a content distribution unit 62 installed in a store such as a contracted convenience store. .
[0130]
The distribution company 60 produces the latest contents (can include still images and moving images) of electronic newspapers and electronic magazines, and transmits these contents to the contracted content distribution unit 62 through the broadband network 61.
[0131]
The content distribution unit 62 is, for example, a large-capacity content storage server 63 (recording medium) for recording and storing content, and a memory on which the memory card card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) with a use restriction function according to the present invention is mounted. A card IF unit 64, a system management unit 65 that manages various protocol processing with the memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) with a function of storing and using contents and a processing of downloading contents; and a GUI and a voice guide. It comprises a user IF unit 66 for instructing device operation.
[0132]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of various data registered in the use condition setting area 104 of the memory card with use restriction function according to the present invention in this system.
[0133]
The user applies for distribution subscription of electronic newspapers and electronic magazines at the store where the content distribution unit 62 is installed. In response to the application, the store gives the user a memory card 1 (1a, 1b, 1c) with a use restriction function. At this time, the name of the store or a group name that can be commonly used by a plurality of stores in the group is registered in the super user ID setting unit 105 (in FIG. 20, the group is a group). Further, the registered user ID setting unit 106 registers the applicant's ID information and the like (ACXY in FIG. 20). Then, the license use device ID setting unit 107 sets the device ID information of the content distribution unit installed in the store or the content distribution unit that can be used in common in a plurality of stores, and the device used by the user (in some cases, lent. The ID information of the device is registered (the server XA in FIG. 20). In addition, the use condition setting unit 108 registers the ID code of the newspaper or magazine desired to be distributed, the effective expiration date, and the like (in FIG. 20, newspapers A and B, magazine J). Note that the superuser / application use setting area 113 can be registered as needed.
[0134]
Returning to FIG. 19, the user inputs the assigned memory card 1 with use restriction function (1a, 1b, 1c) to the memory card IF unit 64 of the content distribution unit 62 installed in the store. Then, the authorized user ID data is input to the user IF unit 66.
[0135]
The system management unit 65 verifies the various data in the use condition setting area unit 104 and the permitted user ID data from the user IF unit 66, and if the use conditions are satisfied, the corresponding content is read from the content storage server 63. At high speed into the standard memory area 103 of the memory card 1 with use restriction function (1a, 1b, 1c). Then, the download of the content to the memory card is completed.
[0136]
The user can enjoy the services of electronic newspapers and electronic magazines by viewing the content recorded on the memory card with his or her own device or a lent device registered as a licensed device.
[0137]
As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, a distribution service for electronic newspapers, electronic magazines, and the like that can download content to a memory card at high speed and that has content copyright protection and tampering prevention is provided. It becomes possible.
[0138]
As described above, the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. Needless to say.
[0139]
【The invention's effect】
The effects obtained by typical aspects of the invention disclosed in the present application will be briefly described as follows.
[0140]
(1) According to the memory card with a use restriction function of the present invention, its application device and method, use of a user, a used device, a use condition, and the like for protecting a right of a general user, a secret, or preventing tampering. Restriction information can be easily set.
[0141]
(2) A remarkable effect is obtained in improving the security of the memory card as a “bridge media” for bridging between products.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a memory card according to a first embodiment of the present invention when applied to a memory card with a copyright protection function built in a controller LSI.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a memory card according to the first embodiment of the present invention when applied to a memory card that does not include a controller LSI;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a use condition setting area for registering use restriction information of a memory card according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a device on which the memory card of the present invention is mounted.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of various protocol processes executed between the memory card and the device equipped with the memory card according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of various protocols according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation of a memory card identification protocol according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a super user registration / authentication protocol according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of various protocol processing of super user setting according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of various protocol processing for setting a permitted user according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a memory card according to a second embodiment of the present invention when applied to a memory card with a copyright protection function built in a controller LSI.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a memory card according to a second embodiment of the present invention when applied to a memory card without a built-in controller LSI;
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of various protocol processes according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of processing of an application use setting protocol according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a television receiver to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied, in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of packet data conforming to “DVD Stream Recording” standard when converting a data stream signal into packet data according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a digital recording device to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied, in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a memory card mounted device system to which a memory card according to the present invention is applied, in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a distribution service of an electronic newspaper and an electronic magazine to which the memory card according to the present invention is applied according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of various data registered in a use condition setting area of the memory card according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,1a, 1b, 1c Memory card
2 Equipment with memory card
20 Demodulation unit
21 Digital demodulation unit
22, 41 compression unit
23, 27, 29 Switch section
24 Packetizer
25, 43 Memory card section
26 Depacketizer
28,44 Extension part
30 Display
31 System control unit
40 Input IF section
42 storage recorder
45 Output IF section
46 Control unit
50,51,52,53 Equipment
54 Network
55, 64, 112 Memory card IF unit
60 distribution company
61 Broadband Network
62 Content Distribution Unit
63 Content Storage Server
65 System Management Department
66,109 User IF section
101 Secure Area
102 Semi-secure domain
103 Standard memory area
104 Usage condition setting area
105 Super user ID setting section
106 Permitted user ID setting section
107 Licensed device ID setting unit
108 Use condition setting section
110 Equipment control system
111 Device application control unit
113 Superuser / application use setting area
114 General Use Area

Claims (5)

A memory card, wherein an area for registering use restriction information of a memory card is provided in a memory area accessible by a command. The memory card according to claim 1, wherein
The use restriction information of the memory card is:
Identification information of a person authorized to write / read the area for registering the use restriction information;
Identification information of a person who is permitted to use the memory card and is prohibited from writing in the area for registering the use restriction information but is permitted to read the area;
Identification information of a device licensed to use the memory card,
A memory card comprising at least one of information on use conditions of the memory card. The memory card according to claim 1 or 2,
The memory area accessible by the command is
A variable area for registering the use restriction information,
A memory card having an area accessible to a general user. An interface connectable to the memory card according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
Having a recording medium connected to the interface,
Via the interface, the information recorded on the recording medium is recorded on the memory card, or the information recorded on the memory card is An information device recorded on a recording medium. A step of recording the content information distributed from the distribution company on a recording medium incorporated in a device permitted to receive distribution of the content information by a contract with the distribution company,
A license is granted to receive distribution of the content information recorded on the recording medium based on the use restriction information registered in the memory card according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3. Recording only the content information on the memory card.

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