JP2005108198A - Content recording device, content recording method, and hard disc device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent specific contents in a content recording device from being deleted. <P>SOLUTION: This content recording device comprises a content receiving means for receiving content, a specific content identifying means for identifying the specific contents satisfying specific conditions of the above content, a plurality of contents recording means structured so as to record the content, and a recording control means for controlling at least two contents recording means of the above plurality of contents recording means so as to record the above specific contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content recording apparatus and a content recording method for recording content (for example, video data, music data) in a recording means, and a hard disk device including a hard disk and a storage means. The present invention is used, for example, as a hard disk recorder for recording content on a built-in hard disk and a method for backing up content.

  In recent years, hard disk recorders that record video content (for example, television broadcast) on a hard disk have been actively developed due to the increase in capacity, speed, and price of the hard disk. Utilizing the large capacity of hard disks, TV broadcasts can be recorded for a long time on the hard disk provided in the hard disk recorder. Furthermore, during playback, you can use the random accessibility of the hard disk to instantly search for the content you want to see and enjoy various trick plays. Hard disk recorders having these characteristics are expected to become more popular.

  As an application device of a hard disk recorder, development of a device in which a hard disk and a recordable medium (for example, a recordable DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)) are combined has been actively developed. In this apparatus, before the hard disk is full of contents, only the contents to be stored can be dubbed onto a recordable DVD and the contents can be left in this apparatus. Since it is troublesome for the user to select content to be saved and to back up the selected content, a method has been proposed in which the content is automatically rearranged and recorded on the device while reducing the user's trouble (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The hard disk provided in the hard disk recorder can record content (for example, digital terrestrial broadcasting) without deterioration of image quality by utilizing the high transfer rate and digital characteristics of the hard disk. However, since the image quality does not deteriorate even when copying is repeated, the hard disk recorder is configured to technically prevent unlimited copying from the viewpoint of copyright protection. For example, terrestrial digital broadcasting is transmitted in principle encrypted. Therefore, in order for the viewer to watch digital terrestrial broadcasting, the viewer releases the encryption by inserting the CAS card into the hard disk device.

  Further, a signal that restricts copying, “copying only once” is superimposed on most of the contents. Therefore, for example, a method has been proposed in which a hard disk provided in a hard disk recorder has ID information unique to the hard disk, and content is recorded / reproduced only on a hard disk in which this ID information is correctly recognized (for example, , See Patent Document 2). According to this method, it is possible to prevent content obtained by illegally connecting a hard disk for a personal computer to the hard disk recorder from being repeatedly copied indefinitely by the personal computer.

Furthermore, as the application range of hard disk recorders expands, the chances of recording specific content (for example, valuable content, paid content) on the hard disk will surely increase.
JP 2003-110988 A JP 2003-59180 A

  With the widespread use of hard disks as content recording means, ensuring the life of hard disks and ensuring the reliability of hard disks are important issues.

  In general, the lifetime of a hard disk is finite, and the lifetime is about tens of thousands of hours. In addition, since the hard disk is configured with a highly accurate mechanism, damage to the mechanism called a crash cannot be avoided when a strong impact is applied. Data recorded on the hard disk is lost due to this damage.

  In the future, BS / CS / terrestrial digital broadcasting will become mainstream among television broadcasting, and the number of copies will be limited to most broadcasting programs. Furthermore, downloading of paid content via the Internet is common. When such a large amount of content is recorded on the hard disk, the loss of the content due to the failure of the large-capacity hard disk becomes extremely large in terms of money. There is an urgent need to develop a content recording apparatus that can cope with these problems.

  However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, content can be backed up to a digital video tape relatively easily, but content that has not been backed up is lost due to a failure of the hard disk.

  Furthermore, as hard disk recorders become widespread in general households and content recording on hard disks becomes commonplace, it is impossible to require users to regularly back up content to digital video tape.

  Furthermore, when contents are backed up to a hard disk instead of a digital video tape, the backup is relatively easy, but the user must prepare a separate hard disk for backup.

  Furthermore, even when a content that is permitted only once is backed up to a hard disk, the content of the backup source hard disk must be erased after the backup. As a result, content is lost due to a failure of the backup destination hard disk.

  Furthermore, when high-definition content is backed up to a recordable DVD, the backed-up high-definition content is down-converted to the image quality of normal broadcasting.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, content can be recorded only on a hard disk that has been authenticated with reference to ID information, and thus unlimited copying by a personal computer can be prevented. However, content is lost due to hard disk failure.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, a content recording apparatus and a content recording method for preventing loss of specific content due to a hard disk failure and further preventing unauthorized copying of specific content, and An object of the present invention is to provide a hard disk device including a hard disk and storage means.

  A content recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a content receiving unit that receives content, a specific content identifying unit that identifies specific content that satisfies a specific condition among the content, and a plurality of content recording units configured to record the content Means and recording control means for controlling at least two content recording means among the plurality of content recording means so as to record the specific content, thereby achieving the above object.

  The recording control unit may control one content recording unit among the plurality of content recording units so as to record a content different from the specific content.

  Each of the plurality of content recording means may be a hard disk having a spindle.

  The recording control unit is configured to specify the specific content recorded in one of the at least two content recording units as a specific content recording unit other than the at least two content recording units of the plurality of content recording units. The specific content recording means and the one of the at least two content recording means may be controlled so as to be recorded in

  You may further provide the content designation | designated means which designates arbitrary contents among the said received contents.

  The specific content may be the designated arbitrary content.

  The specific content may be paid content on which charging information is superimposed.

  The specific content may be copy restricted content on which copy restriction information is superimposed.

  The information processing apparatus may further include an encryption unit that encrypts at least a part of the received content.

  The at least some content may be the specific content.

  The content recording device further includes ID information storage means for storing device ID information for specifying the content recording device, and the encryption means encrypts the at least part of the content using the device ID information. May be used.

  The plurality of content recording means further includes a plurality of ID information storage means for storing a plurality of ID information for encryption, and the encryption means uses at least one of the plurality of ID information. The at least part of the content may be encrypted.

  The plurality of ID information may have the same value.

  The plurality of ID information may have different values, and the encryption unit may encrypt the at least part of the content using one of the plurality of ID information.

  The content recording apparatus further includes an authenticating unit that authenticates the plurality of content recording units, and the recording control unit performs the encryption from at least one of the plurality of content recording units based on the authentication result. The ID information corresponding to the at least one content recording unit may be transferred to the converting unit.

  The plurality of ID information storage means may be a plurality of cards configured to be removable from the plurality of content recording means.

  The plurality of ID information storage means may be a plurality of semiconductor elements.

  Each of the plurality of ID information storage means may have a specific storage area where recording by a user is prohibited, and each of the plurality of ID information may be stored in the specific storage area.

  The content recording device includes connection means for connecting the external network to the content recording device to obtain information from an external network, and ID information for setting the plurality of ID information as information obtained from the external network And setting means.

  The information processing apparatus may further comprise ID information sending means for encrypting the plurality of ID information and sending the encrypted plurality of ID information to the external network.

  The content recording method of the present invention is a content recording method for recording the content in a plurality of content recording means configured to record the content, wherein (a) receiving the content; (b) Identifying specific content satisfying a specific condition among the contents, and (c) controlling at least two content recording means among the plurality of content recording means so as to record the specific content, As a result, the above object is achieved.

  The step (c) may include a step of controlling one content recording unit among the plurality of content recording units so as to record content different from the specific content.

  Each of the plurality of content recording means may be a hard disk having a spindle.

  In the step (c), the specific content recorded in one of the at least two content recording units is recorded as a specific content other than the at least two content recording units of the plurality of content recording units. Controlling the specific content recording means and the one of the at least two content recording means so as to record on the means may be included.

  You may further include the step of designating arbitrary contents among the received contents.

  The specific content may be the designated arbitrary content.

  The specific content may be paid content on which charging information is superimposed.

  The specific content may be copy restricted content on which copy restriction information is superimposed.

  The method may further include encrypting at least a part of the received content.

  The at least some content may be the specific content.

  The content recording method includes a step of storing device ID information for specifying a content recording device including the plurality of content recording means, and the step of encrypting includes at least the device ID information using the device ID information. Encrypting some content may be included.

  The plurality of content recording means includes a plurality of ID information storage means for storing a plurality of ID information for encryption, and the step of encrypting uses at least one of the plurality of ID information The method may include the step of encrypting the at least part of the content.

  The plurality of ID information may have the same value.

  The plurality of ID information has different values, and the step of encrypting includes the step of encrypting the at least some content using one of the plurality of ID information. Good.

  The content recording method includes a step of authenticating the plurality of content recording units, and the step (c) is performed based on the authentication result from at least one of the plurality of content recording units. A step of transferring ID information corresponding to the at least one content recording unit among the plurality of ID information to an encryption unit that executes the step of converting may be included.

  The plurality of ID information storage means may be a plurality of cards configured to be removable from the plurality of content recording means.

  The plurality of ID information storage means may be a plurality of semiconductor elements.

  Each of the plurality of ID information storage means may have a specific storage area where recording by a user is prohibited, and each of the plurality of ID information may be stored in the specific storage area.

  The content recording method may further include a step of acquiring information from an external network and a step of setting the plurality of ID information to information acquired from the external network.

  The method may further include a step of encrypting the plurality of ID information and sending the plurality of encrypted ID information to the external network.

  The hard disk device of the present invention is a hard disk device comprising a hard disk for recording encrypted information and storage means for storing ID information for encryption, wherein the storage means is detached from the hard disk device. The above-described object can be achieved.

  A hard disk device configured to be removable from a main body, the hard disk device comprising a hard disk that records encrypted information and a storage unit that stores ID information for encryption. The storage means is configured to be removable from the hard disk device, and the main body encrypts information recorded on the hard disk or decrypts encrypted information recorded on the hard disk The encryption / decryption means may be included.

  According to the content recording apparatus and the content recording method of the present invention, since the specific content is recorded in at least two content recording means, one of the at least two content recording means in which the specific content is recorded (for example, a hard disk) Even if one unit of the device fails, it is possible to prevent the specific content from being lost from the content recording device.

  According to the content recording apparatus and the content recording method of the present invention, it is possible for a user to backup specific content (for example, valuable content, charged content) on a daily basis without performing a special backup operation, and a hard disk. It is possible to prevent the specific content from being lost due to the failure of the mobile phone and to prevent unauthorized use of the specific content.

  Furthermore, according to the content recording apparatus and the content recording method of the present invention, by preparing a new hard disk, it is possible to record the specific content on the new hard disk and restore the recorded state. Since the recorded content is encrypted using ID information that cannot be modified by a general user, unauthorized copying of specific content using a personal computer or the like can be prevented.

  According to the hard disk device of the present invention, the storage means for storing the ID information for encryption is configured to be removable from the hard disk device. Therefore, when a hard disk device fails and a new hard disk device is used, the user can easily move the ID information to the new hard disk device and restore the mirror-recorded content.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a content recording apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The content recording apparatus 100 includes a content receiving unit 101, a content identification unit 102, a first hard disk unit 104, a second hard disk unit 105, a recording operation control unit 103, a bus 106, and a user specifying unit 107. .

  The content receiving unit 101 receives content. The content receiving unit 101 is, for example, a tuner or an interface circuit that receives a television broadcast.

  The content identification unit 102 identifies specific content that satisfies a specific condition among the content. For example, the content identification unit 102 determines whether or not the received content matches the identification condition (specific condition) in order to identify the specific content among the received content. When the received content matches the identification condition, the content identification unit 102 identifies the received content as the specific content, and when the received content does not meet the identification condition, the content identification unit 102 identifies that the received content is content different from the specific content.

  The specific content is, for example, paid content on which charging information is superimposed. The content identification unit 102 determines whether or not charging information is superimposed on the received content in order to identify paid content among the received content.

  The specific content is, for example, copy restricted content on which copy restriction information is superimposed. The content identification unit 102 determines whether or not copy restriction information is superimposed on the received content in order to identify copy restricted content among the received content.

  The specific content is, for example, content broadcast with an identification flag added. The content identification unit 102 determines whether or not an identification flag is added to the received content in order to identify this content among the received content.

  The specific content is, for example, content recorded on the hard disk without being deleted for a predetermined period. The content identification unit 102 refers to the time stamp of the received content in order to identify this content among the received content, and determines whether the received content is recorded for a predetermined period.

  The specific content is, for example, a file having a specific extension. The content identification unit 102 determines whether or not the received content has a specific extension in order to identify a file having a specific extension among the received content.

  The specific content is, for example, a file including management information. This management information is information for managing files recorded on the hard disk. The content identification unit 102 determines whether or not the received content includes management information in order to identify a file including management information among the received content.

  The specific content is, for example, any content specified by the user. The content identification unit 102 determines whether or not the received content is designated by the user in order to identify this arbitrary content among the received content. The arbitrary content includes content of a genre designated by the user and content recorded in a directory designated by the user.

  The user designates arbitrary content by operating the user designation means 107. Details of the user specifying means 107 will be described later.

  The first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 are configured to record content. Each of the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 is, for example, a hard disk having a spindle.

  The recording operation control unit 103 controls components included in the content recording apparatus 100. For example, the recording operation control means 103 controls the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 so as to record specific content. Further, one of the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 is controlled so as to record content different from the specific content.

  The content receiving unit 101, the first hard disk unit 104, and the second hard disk unit 105 are connected to a bus 106.

  The content recording apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the content receiving unit 101 corresponds to “content receiving unit that receives content”, and the content identifying unit 102 is “specific content identifying unit that identifies specific content satisfying a specific condition among contents”. Correspondingly, the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 correspond to “a plurality of content recording means configured to record content”, and the recording operation control means 103 “to record the specific content. This corresponds to “recording control means for controlling at least two content recording means among the plurality of content recording means”. However, the example shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of the function sharing of the content recording apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As long as the functions of the respective means described above are achieved, a content recording apparatus having an arbitrary configuration is included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the function of each unit described above may be realized by hardware, may be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware and software.

  For example, the content recording apparatus 100 may include a CPU and storage means for storing a recording processing program for causing the CPU to execute a recording process. Details of the recording processing procedure will be described later.

  The recording processing program may be stored in advance in the storage unit when the content recording apparatus 100 is shipped. Alternatively, the recording processing program may be stored in the storage unit after the content recording apparatus 100 is shipped. For example, a user may download a recording processing program from a specific website on the Internet for a fee or free of charge, and install the downloaded program in the content recording apparatus 100. When the recording processing program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM, the recording processing program is stored in the content recording device using an input device (for example, a disk drive device). 100 may be installed. The installed program is stored in the storage means.

  The content recording apparatus 100 may include at least one hard disk unit in addition to the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105. For example, each of these hard disk units is configured to be removable from the content recording apparatus 100 independently. For example, each of these hard disk units can be constituted by another storage medium such as an optical disk.

  When the content recording apparatus 100 includes a plurality of hard disk units, the recording operation control means 103 controls at least two hard disk units among the plurality of hard disk units so as to record the specific content. Furthermore, the recording operation control means 103 controls one hard disk unit among a plurality of hard disk units so as to record content different from the specific content.

  FIG. 2 shows a recording process procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This recording processing procedure is realized by the content recording apparatus 100, for example.

  Hereinafter, this recording processing procedure will be described step by step with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

  Step 201: The content receiving means 101 receives content.

  Step 202: The content identification unit 102 determines whether or not a part of the received content matches an identification condition (specific condition) in order to identify the specific content among the received content.

  If it is determined that a part of the received content meets the identification condition (Yes), the content identifying unit 102 identifies that the received content is a specific content, and the processing is step. Proceed to 203. When it is determined that a part of the received content does not meet the identification condition (No), the content identifying unit 102 identifies that the received content is a part of content different from the specific content. Then, the process proceeds to step 205.

  Step 203: The recording operation control means 103 adds an identifier to the specific content.

  Step 204: The recording operation control means 103 controls the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 so that the specific content is mirror-recorded. Thereafter, the process ends. Details of the identifier will be described later.

  Step 205: The recording operation control means 103 controls one of the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 so as to record content different from the specific content. Thereafter, the process ends.

  The recording processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIGS.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, step 201 corresponds to “a step of receiving content”, step 202 corresponds to “a step of identifying specific content satisfying a specific condition among the contents”, and step 204 is “specific This corresponds to the step of controlling at least two content recording means among the plurality of content recording means so as to record the content.

  However, the example shown in FIG. 2 is only an example of a recording processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As long as the function of each step described above is achieved, a recording processing procedure having an arbitrary procedure is included in the scope of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, since the specific content is mirror-recorded on the plurality of hard disk units, the specific content can be protected from the failure of the hard disk unit. In addition, since content other than the specific content is recorded on one hard disk unit, the capacity of the hard disk unit can be effectively used as compared with the case where the content is recorded on all the hard disk units.

  FIG. 3 shows a content restoration processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This content restoration processing procedure is realized by the content recording apparatus 100, for example. An example in which one of the two hard disk units (the first hard disk unit 104) has failed and the first hard disk unit 104 is replaced with another new hard disk unit A will be described as an example. Note that the second hard disk unit 105 is operating normally, and content with an identifier is recorded in the second hard disk unit 105. The content with the identifier is, for example, specific content.

  Hereinafter, the content restoration processing procedure will be described step by step with reference to FIGS.

  Step 301: Replace the first hard disk unit 104 with the hard disk unit A.

  Step 302: The recording operation control means 103 searches the content recorded in the second hard disk unit 105, and determines whether or not the content has an identifier.

  If it is determined that the content has an identifier (Yes), the process proceeds to step 303. If it is determined that the content does not have an identifier (No), the process ends.

  Step 303: The recording operation control means 103 controls the second hard disk unit 105 and the hard disk unit A so that the content with the identifier is written back (recorded) from the second hard disk unit 105 to the hard disk unit A. Thereafter, the process ends.

  The content with the identifier is specific content. Therefore, the content can be restored to the hard disk unit A by writing the specific content back to the hard disk unit A.

  According to the content restoration processing procedure of the first embodiment of the present invention, after all the contents recorded in the second hard disk unit 105 are determined, the contents with identifiers are collectively written back to the hard disk unit A. Alternatively, every time a part of the content recorded in the second hard disk unit 105 is determined, a part of the content with the identifier may be written back to the hard disk unit A.

  Furthermore, the reason for replacing the first hard disk unit 104 is not limited to the failure of the first hard disk unit 104. For example, when the free space of the first hard disk unit 104 is insufficient, the first hard disk unit 104 may be replaced with a large capacity hard disk unit.

  Furthermore, the addition of the identifier to the content may be performed by adding the identifier to each content, or may be performed by managing with the management information recorded in each hard disk unit.

  According to the present invention, the specific content is recorded on the plurality of hard disk units. Therefore, for example, valuable content such as a child's growth record, content purchased for a fee, and content with a limited number of copies (for example, digital broadcasting) are suitable as the specific content. As content different from the specific content (content that is not mirror-recorded), in the unlikely event that this content is lost, temporary recorded content is suitable.

  As described above, the user uses the content specifying unit 107 to specify any content among the received content as the specific content.

  FIG. 4 shows a display screen 401 included in the content specifying means 107. On the display screen 401, a title designation menu is displayed.

  The title designation menu includes title 1 to title 5, a plurality of pay content check items corresponding to title 1 to title 5, and a plurality of user designation check items corresponding to title 1 to title 5.

  For example, the user selects an arbitrary title from the titles 1 to 5, operates the content specifying unit 107 with a remote controller (not shown) provided outside the content recording apparatus 100, and corresponds to the arbitrary title. Check specified check items. Thus, the user designates an arbitrary title as the specific content. For example, the user selects an arbitrary title from title 1 to title 5 by pushing a button (not shown) provided in the content recording apparatus 100. The user further pushes this button to check a user-specified check item corresponding to an arbitrary title.

  For example, pay check items corresponding to title 1, title 3, and title 4 are checked in advance. The user can check a user-specified check item corresponding to title 2 out of title 2 and title 5. The title 2 indicates content that is valuable to the user, for example.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the content recording apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, the same components as those of the content recording apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  The content recording device 200 includes a content receiving unit 101, a content identification unit 102, an encryption unit 503, a device ID storage unit 504, a recording operation control unit 505, a first hard disk unit 104, and a second hard disk unit 105. A bus 506 and user specifying means 107.

  The encryption unit 503 encrypts at least a part of the received content. The at least part of the content is, for example, specific content. The encryption unit 503 sends the encrypted content to the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105.

  The device ID storage unit 504 stores device ID information for specifying the content recording device 200. The device ID information is a serial number of the content recording device 200, for example. The encryption unit 503 encrypts the specific content by using the device ID information as key information for encryption or a part of the key information.

  The recording operation control unit 505 controls components included in the content recording apparatus 200.

  The encryption unit 503, the first hard disk unit 104, and the second hard disk unit 105 are connected to a bus 506.

  FIG. 6 shows a recording processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This recording processing procedure is realized by the content recording apparatus 200, for example.

  Hereinafter, this recording processing procedure will be described step by step with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG.

  Step 601: The content receiving means 101 receives content.

  Step 602: The content identifying means 102 determines whether or not a part of the received content meets the identification condition (specific condition) in order to identify the specific content among the received content.

  If it is determined that a part of the received content meets the identification condition (Yes), the content identifying unit 102 identifies that the received part of the content is the specific content, and the process proceeds to Step 603. move on. When it is determined that a part of the received content does not meet the identification condition (No), the content identification unit 102 identifies that the part of the received content is content different from the specific content, Processing proceeds to step 605.

  Step 603: The encryption unit 503 encrypts the specific content using the device ID information stored in the device ID storage unit 504, and the recording operation control unit 505 adds an identifier to the specific content.

  Step 604: The recording operation control means 505 controls the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 so as to mirror-record the specific content to which the encrypted identifier is added. Thereafter, the process ends.

  Step 605: The recording operation control means 505 controls one of the first hard disk unit 104 and the second hard disk unit 105 so as to record content different from the specific content. Thereafter, the process ends.

  According to the present invention, the content recorded on the hard disk unit is encrypted using the device ID information for specifying the content recording device 200. Therefore, the hard disk on which the content is recorded is removed and the content is stored on a personal computer. Even after reading, the decrypted content cannot be obtained. Further, even if this hard disk is attached to a content recording device B different from the content recording device 200 and this content is read, the decrypted content cannot be obtained. This is because the device ID information of the content recording device 200 and the device ID information of the content recording device B are different. Therefore, content can be protected from unauthorized copying.

  The content can be restored using the content recording device 200 by the same procedure as the content restoration processing procedure described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the description of the content restoration processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the encrypted content is protected by the device ID information, but the encrypted content can be copied to another hard disk unit. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the content recording device so that the device ID information cannot be easily recognized by the user. This is to prevent unauthorized use.

  In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, an example in which only specific content is encrypted has been described, but the content to be encrypted is not limited to specific content. All received content may be encrypted and the encrypted content may be recorded on the hard disk.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the content recording apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  7, the same components as those of the content recording apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The content recording device 300 includes a content receiving unit 101, a content identification unit 102, an encryption unit 703, a third hard disk unit 706, a fourth hard disk unit 707, a first authentication unit 704, and a recording operation control unit 705. A bus 708 and user specifying means 107.

  The encryption unit 703 encrypts at least a part of the received content. The at least part of the content is, for example, specific content. The encryption unit 703 sends the encrypted content to the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707.

  The encryption unit 703 can decrypt the encrypted information recorded on the hard disk unit.

  The third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707 are configured to record content. Each of the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707 is, for example, a hard disk having a spindle.

  The third hard disk unit 706 includes a magnetic disk for recording content, a third authentication unit 708, and a first device ID storage unit 709. The first device ID storage means 709 stores first device ID information having a value “ID1”. The first device ID information is ID information for encrypting the information.

  The fourth hard disk unit 707 includes a magnetic disk for recording content, a fourth authentication unit 710, and a second device ID storage unit 711. Second device ID storage means 711 stores second device ID information having a value “ID2”. The second device ID information is ID information for encrypting the information.

  The first authentication unit 704 authenticates the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707. The recording operation control unit 705 transfers at least one device ID information from at least one of the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707 to the encryption unit 703 based on the authentication result. For example, the first authentication unit 704 performs an authentication operation of the third hard disk unit 706 between the first authentication unit 704 and the third authentication unit 708, and between the first authentication unit 704 and the fourth authentication unit 710. The authentication operation of the fourth hard disk unit 707 is performed. If the authentication of the third hard disk unit 706 is successful, the recording operation control unit 705 transfers the first device ID information from the third hard disk unit 706 to the encryption unit 703.

  In general, authentication is performed using a unique ID or encryption between devices. After authentication, a temporary key called a session key is generated, enabling encrypted communication between authenticated devices.

  The recording operation control unit 705 controls components included in the content recording device 300. Details of the function of the recording operation control means 705 will be described later.

  The encryption unit 703, the first authentication unit 704, the third hard disk unit 706, and the fourth hard disk unit 707 are connected to the bus 708.

  FIG. 8 shows the procedure of the recording process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This recording processing procedure is realized by the content recording device 300, for example.

  Hereinafter, the recording processing procedure will be described step by step with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG.

  Step 801: The first authentication unit 704 authenticates the third hard disk unit 706 between the first authentication unit 704 and the third authentication unit 708, and determines whether the authentication of the third hard disk unit 706 is successful. To do.

  If it is determined that the authentication of the third hard disk unit 706 is successful (Yes), the processing proceeds to step 802. If it is determined that the authentication of the third hard disk unit 706 has not been successful (No), the process proceeds to step 803.

  Step 802: The encryption unit 703 securely receives the first device ID information stored in the first device ID storage unit 709 from the third hard disk unit 706 using the session key. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step 804.

  Step 803: Thereafter, the recording operation control means 705 stops the operation on the third hard disk unit 706. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step 804.

  Step 804: The first authentication unit 704 authenticates the fourth hard disk unit 707 between the first authentication unit 704 and the fourth authentication unit 710, and determines whether the authentication of the fourth hard disk unit 708 is successful. To do.

  If it is determined that the authentication of the fourth hard disk unit 708 is successful (Yes), the processing proceeds to step 805. If it is determined that the authentication of the fourth hard disk unit 708 has not been successful (No), the processing proceeds to step 806.

  Step 805: The encryption unit 703 securely receives the second device ID information stored in the second device ID storage unit 711 from the fourth hard disk unit 708 using the session key. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step 807.

  Step 806: The recording operation control means 705 thereafter stops the operation for the fourth hard disk unit 707. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step 807.

  Step 807: The recording operation control means 705 starts content recording.

  Step 808: The content receiving means 101 receives content.

  Step 809: The content identifying unit 102 determines whether or not a part of the received content meets the identification condition (specific condition) in order to identify the specific content among the received content.

  For example, the content identification unit 102 determines whether or not a part of the received content includes copyright information in order to identify content including copyright information (content limited in the number of copies) among the received content. Determine whether.

  For example, when it is determined that a part of the received content includes copyright information (the number of copies is limited) (Yes), the content identification unit 102 specifies that the received content is a specific content. And the process proceeds to Step 810. When it is determined that a part of the received content does not include copyright information (no copy number limit) (No), the content identification unit 102 determines that a part of the received content is different from the specific content. The content is identified, and the process proceeds to Step 812.

  Step 810: The encryption unit 703 encrypts the specific content using the value “ID1” of the first device ID information and the value “ID2” of the second device ID information, and the recording operation control unit 705 performs mirror recording. Is added to the specific content.

  Step 811: The recording operation control means 705 controls the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707 so as to mirror-record the specific content that has been encrypted and added with the identifier. Thereafter, the process ends.

  Step 812: The recording operation control means 705 controls one of the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707 so as to record content different from the specific content. Since the content different from the specific content is recorded in only one of the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707, the content different from the specific content is stored in both the third hard disk unit 706 and the fourth hard disk unit 707. Compared to the case of recording, the recording capacity is small. Thereafter, the process ends.

  In the recording processing procedure described with reference to FIG. 8, the content is received after authentication. However, the timing at which content is received is not limited to after authentication. The content may continue to be received regardless of the timing of authentication.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the specific content is copy restricted content has been described. However, the specific content is not limited to copy restricted content. The specific content can be, for example, content specified by the user or paid content.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, the value “ID1” and the value “ID2” are different values. In this case, both the value “ID1” and the value “ID2” are used as key information, the content is encrypted, and the encrypted content is mirror-recorded. Therefore, for example, even if the third hard disk unit 706 is detached from the content recording device 300 and attached to another content recording device B (not shown), the encrypted content cannot be restored and reproduced.

  However, if the value “ID1” cannot be read due to the failure of the third hard disk unit 706, the content mirror-recorded on the fourth hard disk unit 707 cannot be used. To prevent this, the hard disk unit is configured so that the device ID information can be read as electrically as possible even if the mechanical unit fails. At the same time, the device ID storage means can be easily removed from the new hard disk unit. It is desirable that Details regarding the removal of the device ID storage means will be described later.

  Note that the value “ID1” and the value “ID2” are not limited to different values. The same value (value “ID1” = value “ID2”) may be assigned to a plurality of hard disk units of the content recording device 300. For example, even if the failed third hard disk unit 706 is detached from the content recording device 300 and attached to the content recording device B, the content reproduction can be continued if the device ID information can be read from the fourth hard disk unit 707.

  However, if a specific hard disk unit is illegally removed from the content recording device 300 and connected to the content recording device B, the content can be restored or copied in any number of ways. It is unsuitable for recording copy restricted content. In order to prevent this, for example, as described in the second embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 5, the content recording device B does not restore the content by combining the device ID information and the device ID information. It is necessary to generate key information. Since a plurality of hard disk units need to have the same value of device ID information at the same time, it is necessary to manage the device ID information.

  The encryption unit 703 encrypts the content using both “ID1” and “ID2” when encrypting the content, and the value of either “ID1” or “ID2” when decrypting the content. The content can be encrypted by using a code that can be decrypted by. In this case, management for storing the same value of device ID information in all the hard disk units of the content recording device 300 is not necessary, and different device ID information can be freely assigned to each hard disk unit. However, in order to prevent an illegal data restoration operation, for example, as described in Embodiment 2 of the present invention with reference to FIG. It is necessary to generate key information so that is not restored.

  9 to 11 show another example of the hard disk unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, another example of the hard disk unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the hard disk unit 901 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The hard disk unit 901 is configured to be removable from the content recording device 300.

  The hard disk unit 901 includes a magnetic disk 902 for recording encrypted information, and a connection connector 904 for exchanging content recording data. Further, the hard disk unit 901 is formed with a device ID card insertion slot for storing the device ID card 905.

  The device ID card 905 is configured to be removable from the hard disk unit 901. The device ID card 905 stores device ID information for encryption.

  For example, the hard disk unit 901 is attached to the content recording device 300. The device ID information is stored in the device ID card 905. The device ID card 905 can be removed from the hard disk unit 901. Therefore, even if the hard disk unit 901 fails and the failed hard disk unit 901 is replaced with a new hard disk unit C, the user can easily move the device ID information to the hard disk unit C. As a result, the mirror-recorded content can be restored.

  If the device ID information is stored in the device ID card 905, the device ID card 905 should be configured such that the device ID information cannot be altered by the user.

  The device ID card 905 can include functions corresponding to the third authentication unit 708 and the fourth authentication unit 710.

  Even if the hard disk unit 901 removed from the content recording apparatus 300 is used, the content cannot be decrypted. This is because the device ID card 905 has been moved to a new hard disk unit.

  The content recording device 300 may be configured to require both the value “ID1” and the value “ID2” in order to decrypt the content.

  Note that the shape of the device ID card 905 is not limited to a card. As long as it is configured to be removable from the hard disk device 900 and can store the device ID information for encryption, the shape is arbitrary.

  In the above, another example of the content recording apparatus 300 has been described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the hard disk unit 901 corresponds to the “hard disk device”, the magnetic disk 902 corresponds to the “hard disk for recording encrypted information”, and the device ID card 905 corresponds to “encryption”. Corresponding to “storage means configured to be removable from the hard disk device”, the content recording device 300 corresponds to “main body”, and the encryption means 703 This corresponds to “encryption / decryption means for encrypting information recorded on the hard disk or decrypting encrypted information recorded on the hard disk”. However, the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 are only examples of the function sharing of the content recording apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As long as the functions of the respective means described above are achieved, a content recording apparatus having an arbitrary configuration is included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the function of each unit described above may be realized by hardware, may be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware and software.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration of the hard disk unit 1001 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The hard disk unit 1001 is configured to be removable from the content recording device 300.

  The hard disk unit 1001 includes a magnetic disk 1002 for recording encrypted information, a connection connector 1004 for transferring content recording data, and a device ID configured to store device ID information for encryption. Storage element 1003. The device ID storage element 1003 is, for example, a PROM (semiconductor storage element).

  The hard disk unit 1001 does not require a memory card connector. However, it is important to configure the apparatus so that the content stored in the device ID storage element 1003 can be read via the connection connector when the hard disk unit 1001 fails. Further, when the device ID information is recorded in the device ID storage element 1003, the device ID storage element 1003 should be configured such that the device ID information cannot be altered by the user.

  The user cannot remove the device ID storage element 1003 from the hard disk unit 1001 or move the device ID storage element 1003 from the hard disk unit 1001. Therefore, when the hard disk unit 1001 breaks down, for example, the hard disk unit 1001 needs to be sent back to the factory, or a service person needs to read the ID with a dedicated device and set it to a new hard disk unit.

  FIG. 11 shows a configuration of the hard disk unit 1101 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The hard disk unit 1101 is configured to be removable from the content recording device 300.

  The hard disk unit 1001 includes a magnetic disk 1102 for recording encrypted information, and a connection connector 1104 for transferring content recording data.

  The magnetic disk 1102 has a device ID storage area 1103 configured to store device ID information for encryption.

  When the device ID information is stored in the device ID storage area 1103, the device ID storage area 1103 should be configured such that the device ID information cannot be altered by the user.

  The hard disk unit 1101 does not need to add an element for storing device ID information. However, if the hard disk unit 1101 fails, the device ID information cannot be read. Therefore, when this example is applied, for example, the device ID information issuance status of the hard disk unit is managed for each content recording device, and the device ID information is set at the factory for a new replacement hard disk unit. Need to ship.

  The content can be restored using the content recording device 300 by the same procedure as the content restoration processing procedure described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the description of the content restoration processing procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 12 shows a configuration of content recording apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  12, the same components as those of the content recording device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the content recording device 300 shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The content recording apparatus 400 includes a content receiving unit 101, a content identification unit 102, an encryption unit 703, a third hard disk unit 706, a fourth hard disk unit 707, a first authentication unit 704, and a recording operation control unit 705. A device ID storage unit 1212, a device ID transmission unit 1213, a device ID setting unit 1214, an Internet connection unit 1215, a bus 1216, and a user designation unit 107.

  The device ID storage unit 1212 stores device ID information for specifying the content recording device 400. The device ID information is, for example, a serial number of the content recording device 400.

  The device ID sending means 1213 encrypts the device ID information and sends the encrypted device ID information to the external network.

  The Internet connection unit 1215 is a connection unit for connecting the external network to the content recording apparatus in order to acquire information from the external network. For example, the Internet connection unit 1215 connects to a server that manages device ID information through the Internet.

  The device ID setting unit 1214 sets the device ID information to information acquired from the external network. For example, the device ID setting unit 1214 sets the device ID information of the replaced hard disk unit in the encrypted device ID information acquired from the Internet. The device ID setting unit 1214 sets only the device ID information sent with predetermined encryption via the Internet in the hard disk unit.

  The device ID setting unit 1214 is, for example, an application. However, the device ID setting unit 1214 can be configured by hardware.

  According to the content recording device 400, the content recording device is identified by the device ID information, the necessary device ID information for each content recording device is acquired via the network, and the new hard disk unit is required by the device ID setting means. Device ID information can be set.

  Note that the content can be restored using the content recording apparatus 400 by the same procedure as the content restoration processing procedure described with reference to FIG. Therefore, the description of the content restoration processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

  According to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, an embodiment in which an ID storage element (semiconductor) is built in a hard disk unit (see FIG. 10) and an embodiment in which a device ID storage area is allocated to a predetermined area of a magnetic disk (see FIG. 11). Can be compensated for (the user cannot move the device ID information).

  In order to prevent unauthorized use via the network, it is necessary to encrypt information in all of the application for sending device ID information, receiving device ID information, and setting device ID information for content recording devices. Also, it is necessary to manage the issuance of device ID information.

  In order to further increase security, for example, a new hard disk unit that can set device ID information is delivered to the user only when a failed hard disk unit is returned.

  The first to fourth embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings.

  According to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, since the specific content is recorded in at least two content recording units, one of the at least two content recording units in which the specific content is recorded (for example, a hard disk device) Even if one unit) fails, it is possible to prevent the specific content from being lost from the content recording apparatus.

  According to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, it is possible for a user to backup specific contents (for example, valuable contents, charged contents) on a daily basis without performing a special backup operation. It is possible to prevent specific content from being lost due to a failure, and to prevent unauthorized use of specific content.

  According to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, by preparing a new hard disk, it is possible to record specific content on the new hard disk and restore the recorded state. Since the recorded content is encrypted using ID information that cannot be modified by a general user, unauthorized copying of specific content using a personal computer or the like can be prevented.

  According to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the storage means for storing the ID information for encryption is configured to be removable from the hard disk device. Therefore, when a hard disk device fails and a new hard disk device is used, the user can easily move the ID information to the new hard disk device and restore the mirror-recorded content.

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been illustrated using preferable embodiment of this invention, this invention should not be limited and limited to this embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. It is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge from the description of specific preferred embodiments of the present invention. Patents, patent applications, and documents cited herein should be incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if the contents themselves were specifically described herein. Understood.

  The content recording apparatus of the present invention is useful for a hard disk recorder that records a digital broadcast, a recording apparatus that uses a recording medium (for example, an optical disk other than a hard disk), and the like. Furthermore, the advantage of preventing unauthorized copying without losing valuable data, which is a feature of the present invention, can be applied to applications such as computer data storage devices.

1 shows a configuration of a content recording apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 shows a recording processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content restoration process procedure of Embodiment 1 of this invention is shown. A display screen 401 included in the content specifying means 107 is shown. The structure of the content recording device 200 of Embodiment 2 of this invention is shown. The recording processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The structure of the content recording apparatus 300 of Embodiment 3 of this invention is shown. The recording processing procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The structure of the hard-disk unit 901 of Embodiment 3 of this invention is shown. The structure of the hard-disk unit 1001 of Embodiment 3 of this invention is shown. The structure of the hard-disk unit 1101 of Embodiment 3 of this invention is shown. The structure of the content recording device 400 of Embodiment 4 of this invention is shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Content recording apparatus 101 Content receiving means 102 Content identification means 103 Recording operation control means 104 1st hard disk unit 105 2nd hard disk unit 106 Bus 107 User designation means

Claims (42)

Content receiving means for receiving content;
Specific content identifying means for identifying specific content satisfying a specific condition among the contents;
A plurality of content recording means configured to record the content;
A content recording apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that controls at least two content recording units among the plurality of content recording units so as to record the specific content.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit controls one content recording unit among the plurality of content recording units so as to record content different from the specific content.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of content recording units is a hard disk having a spindle.   The recording control unit is configured to specify the specific content recorded in one of the at least two content recording units as a specific content recording unit other than the at least two content recording units of the plurality of content recording units. The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific content recording unit and the one of the at least two content recording units are controlled such that the specific content recording unit is recorded.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising content specifying means for specifying any content of the received content.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the specific content is the specified arbitrary content.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific content is pay content on which charging information is superimposed.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific content is copy restricted content on which copy restriction information is superimposed.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an encryption unit configured to encrypt at least a part of the received content.   The content recording device according to claim 9, wherein the at least part of the content is the specific content. The content recording device further includes ID information storage means for storing device ID information for specifying the content recording device,
The content recording device according to claim 9, wherein the encryption unit encrypts the at least part of the content using the device ID information. The plurality of content recording means further includes a plurality of ID information storage means for storing a plurality of ID information for encryption,
The content recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the encryption unit encrypts the at least some content using at least one of the plurality of ID information.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of ID information have the same value. The plurality of ID information has different values from each other,
The content recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the encryption unit encrypts the at least part of the content using one of the plurality of ID information. The content recording apparatus further includes an authentication unit that authenticates the plurality of content recording units,
The recording control unit transfers ID information corresponding to the at least one content recording unit out of the plurality of ID information from at least one of the plurality of content recording units to the encryption unit based on the authentication result. The content recording device according to claim 12.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of ID information storage means are a plurality of cards configured to be removable from the plurality of content recording means.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of ID information storage units are a plurality of semiconductor elements. Each of the plurality of ID information storage means has a specific storage area in which recording by a user is prohibited,
The content recording device according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of ID information is stored in the specific storage area. The content recording device includes:
Connection means for connecting the external network to the content recording device to obtain information from the external network;
The content recording apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: an ID information setting unit that sets the plurality of ID information to information acquired from the external network.   The content recording apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising ID information sending means for encrypting the plurality of ID information and sending the plurality of encrypted ID information to the external network. A content recording method for recording the content in a plurality of content recording means configured to record the content,
(A) receiving the content;
(B) identifying a specific content satisfying a specific condition among the contents;
(C) controlling the at least two content recording means among the plurality of content recording means so as to record the specific content.   The content recording method according to claim 21, wherein the step (c) includes a step of controlling one content recording unit among the plurality of content recording units so as to record a content different from the specific content. .   The content recording method according to claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of content recording means is a hard disk having a spindle.   In the step (c), the specific content recorded in one of the at least two content recording units is recorded as a specific content other than the at least two content recording units of the plurality of content recording units. 22. The content recording method according to claim 21, comprising the step of controlling said specific content recording means and said one of said at least two content recording means so as to be recorded on a means.   The content recording method according to claim 21, further comprising a step of designating an arbitrary content among the received content.   The content recording method according to claim 25, wherein the specific content is the specified arbitrary content.   The content recording method according to claim 21, wherein the specific content is pay content on which billing information is superimposed.   The content recording method according to claim 21, wherein the specific content is a copy restriction content on which copy restriction information is superimposed.   The content recording method according to claim 21, further comprising a step of encrypting at least part of the received content.   30. The content recording method according to claim 29, wherein the at least part of the content is the specific content. The content recording method includes a step of storing device ID information for specifying a content recording device comprising the plurality of content recording means,
30. The content recording method according to claim 29, wherein the step of encrypting includes the step of encrypting the at least part of the content using the device ID information. The plurality of content recording means includes a plurality of ID information storage means for storing a plurality of ID information for encryption,
30. The content recording method according to claim 29, wherein the step of encrypting includes the step of encrypting the at least part of content using at least one of the plurality of ID information.   The content recording method according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of ID information have the same value. The plurality of ID information has different values from each other,
The content recording method according to claim 32, wherein the step of encrypting includes the step of encrypting the at least part of the content using one of the plurality of ID information. The content recording method includes a step of authenticating the plurality of content recording means,
In the step (c), based on the authentication result, the at least one content record among the plurality of ID information is transmitted to an encryption unit that performs the encryption step from at least one of the plurality of content recording units. The content recording method according to claim 32, comprising a step of transferring ID information corresponding to the means.   The content recording method according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of ID information storage means are a plurality of cards configured to be removable from the plurality of content recording means.   The content recording method according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of ID information storage means are a plurality of semiconductor elements. Each of the plurality of ID information storage means has a specific storage area in which recording by a user is prohibited,
The content recording method according to claim 32, wherein each of the plurality of ID information is stored in the specific storage area. The content recording method includes:
Obtaining information from an external network;
The content recording method according to claim 32, further comprising: setting the plurality of ID information to information acquired from the external network.   40. The content recording method according to claim 39, further comprising a step of encrypting the plurality of ID information and sending the encrypted plurality of ID information to the external network. A hard disk that records encrypted information;
A hard disk device comprising storage means for storing ID information for encryption,
The storage means is configured to be removable from the hard disk device. The hard disk device according to claim 41, wherein the hard disk device is configured to be removable from a main body,
The hard disk device, wherein the main body includes encryption / decryption means for encrypting information recorded on the hard disk or decrypting encrypted information recorded on the hard disk.

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