JP2007072533A - Reproduction device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reproduction device and program, capable of surely restricting the reproduction permitting period of information to be reproduced even in a case where a user can change date information. <P>SOLUTION: The first reproduction device 1 determines whether date change operation for changing date of date information outputted by a first date information output means 16 is executed or not, and records, when execution of date change operation is determined, date change information related to the date change in a storage device 14. When a musical content is reproduced, the first reproduction device 1 determines whether the date change information is recorded or not, corrects, when recording of the date change information is determined, the date of the date information outputted by the first date information output means 16 as well as restricting reproduction of the musical content, and releases the restriction of reproduction after the date is corrected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a playback device that plays back playback information including music content, character content, and / or image content, and a program for causing the playback device to play back playback information.

  Electronic information including information to be played, such as music content, text content, and / or image content, is played back only for a certain period of time, acquired via a communication network such as the Internet or a communication interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). A reproducing apparatus that can be used has been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  That is, the playback apparatus includes calendar means for outputting date and time information, and playback permission period information such as a license certificate is attached to the electronic information. Then, the playback device reads the playback permission period information given to the acquired electronic information, acquires the date / time information from the calendar means, and the date / time of the acquired date / time information is within the playback permission period of the playback permission period information read. Is reproduced, the reproduction information is reproduced, and when the date / time information is outside the reproduction permission period of the reproduction permission period information, reproduction of the reproduction information is prohibited.

In this way, by permitting reproduction of information to be reproduced only for a certain period, a so-called digital content rental system can be constructed.
JP 2003-186755 A

  However, in such a conventional reproducing apparatus, since the user can change the date and time of the date and time information output from the calendar means of the reproducing apparatus, the date and time of the date and time information output by the calendar means is set to the reproduction permission period. There has been a problem that it is possible to substantially invalidate the reproduction restriction of the information to be reproduced by the reproduction permission period information by repeatedly changing the information to be within the reproduction permission period of the information.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when the user can change the date and time information, a playback device that can reliably limit the playback permission period of the playback target information, and Provided is a program that allows a playback device to reliably execute a playback permission period limit of playback target information.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, date information output means for outputting date information, playback information output request means for requesting output of playback information, and a playback permission period relating to a period of permitting playback of playback information A recording medium for recording information and information to be reproduced, and information recording means for recording the inputted reproduction information and reproduction permission period information on the recording medium, and the date and time of the date and time information output by the date and time output means is recorded. The date / time changing operation for changing the date / time of the date / time information output by the date / time information output means in a playback apparatus that plays back the recorded playback information only when it is within the playback permission period of the playback permission period information. A date / time change operation determination means for determining whether or not the date / time change has been executed, and a date / time change that causes the date / time change information related to the date / time change to be recorded on the recording medium when the date / time change operation is determined When reproducing the recorded information to be reproduced, the date / time change information determining means for determining whether or not the date / time change information is recorded, and when determining that the date / time change information is recorded, Restricting means for restricting reproduction of information to be reproduced, date and time correcting means for correcting the date and time of the date and time information output by the date and time output means, and release when the date and time correcting means corrects the date and time when the date and time correcting means corrects the date and time Means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the date and time correction means sends a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information from the reference date and time information transmitting device via the communication network. The first reference date and time information determining means for determining whether or not the first reference date and time information can be acquired, and the date and time information output by the date and time information output means when it is determined that the acquisition is possible. And a date and time adjusting means for adjusting to the date and time of the acquired first reference date and time information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the date and time correction means is configured to control the external device acquired via the communication network from the reference date and time information transmitting device that transmits the first reference date and time information. A first reference date information requesting means for outputting a request for outputting one reference date information, a first reference date information determining means for determining whether the first reference date information can be acquired, And a date and time adjusting means for adjusting the date and time of the first reference date and time information obtained from the date and time information output by the date and time information output means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the invention, the date and time correction means further includes the date and time information output by the date and time information output means at a timing when the date and time change operation is executed. A second reference date and time information acquisition unit that acquires the second reference date and time information; a second reference date and time information recording unit that records the acquired second reference date and time information on a recording medium; and the date and time adjustment unit includes: When it is determined that the reference date / time information could not be acquired, the date / time of the date / time information is adjusted based on the date / time of the second reference date / time information recorded.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the reproduction permission period information includes reproduction restriction start time information relating to a time until reproduction restriction is started. And the restriction means includes a reproduction restriction start time information obtaining means for obtaining the reproduction restriction start time information, and starts restriction of reproduction based on the obtained reproduction restriction start time information. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproduction information output requesting means for requesting output of reproduction information, a reproduction permission period information relating to a period during which reproduction of reproduction information is permitted, and a recording medium for recording reproduction information An information recording means for recording the generated generated information and reproduction permission period information on the recording medium, an output means for outputting the recorded reproduced information to an external device, and an output request for outputting from the output means is external And an input unit for inputting the first reference date and time information to the input unit from an external device. Output request determination means for determining whether or not an acquisition request for the first reference date and time information has been input to the input means; and if it is determined that the acquisition request has been input, the first reference date and time information Means for transmitting a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information from the transmission device via the communication network to the first reference date and time information transmission device, and a first reference date and time for determining whether or not the first reference date and time information has been acquired. And an information determining unit, and a first reference date and time information output control unit that outputs the acquired first reference date and time information from the output unit to the external device that has requested acquisition when it is determined that the information has been acquired. .

  A program according to a seventh aspect causes a computer to function as each unit of the reproducing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

  According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, when it is determined that the date / time changing operation for changing the date / time of the date / time information is performed, the date / time changing information related to the date / time change is recorded on the recording medium, and the reproduction information is reproduced. In this case, it is determined whether or not the date / time change information is recorded. If it is determined that the date / time change information is recorded, the reproduction of the information to be reproduced is restricted. As a result, it is possible to make the user positively recognize that an unauthorized change in the date / time information by the user is being monitored. Then, after correcting the date and time of the date and time information, the restriction on reproduction is released. Thereby, even if the user can change the date and time information, the reproduction permission period of the information to be reproduced can be surely limited.

  According to the second and seventh aspects of the present invention, the first reference date / time information is acquired from the reference date / time information transmitting device via the communication network, and the date / time information is adjusted to the acquired date / time of the first reference date / time information. To do. Therefore, even when the date / time of the date / time information is changed by the user, the first reference date / time information, which is the correct date / time, can be obtained by itself via the communication network when the information to be reproduced is reproduced. The date and time of the date and time information can be corrected to the date and time of the first reference date and time information. Thereby, the reproduction permission period of the information to be reproduced can be surely limited.

  In this invention of Claim 3 and Claim 7, the request | requirement which outputs 1st reference date information with respect to the external apparatus acquired via the communication network from the reference date information transmission apparatus is output, 1st reference date information is obtained. If it is possible to acquire the date and time of the date and time information to adjust the date and time of the acquired first reference date and time information, even if the playback device itself can not communicate with the reference date and time information transmission device via the communication network, The first reference date and time information can be acquired via an external device that can communicate with the reference date and time information transmission device via a communication network. Since the date and time of the changed date and time information can be corrected to the date and time of the first reference date and time information, the reproduction permission period of the information to be reproduced can be surely limited.

  In the present invention according to claim 4 and claim 7, furthermore, the date and time information output at the timing when the date and time change operation is executed is acquired as the second reference date and time information, and the first reference date and time information cannot be acquired. When the determination is made, the date and time information is adjusted based on the date and time of the second reference date and time information. For example, when a failure occurs in the communication network and the first reference date and time information cannot be acquired. Even if it exists, the reproduction | regeneration period of to-be-reproduced information can be restrict | limited reliably conventionally.

  In the present invention according to claim 5 and claim 7, the reproduction permission period information includes reproduction restriction start time information relating to a time until reproduction restriction is started, and the obtained reproduction restriction start time information. Based on the above, the playback restriction can be started.

  In the present invention described in claim 6, reproduction information output request means for requesting output of reproduction information, reproduction permission period information relating to a period for which reproduction of reproduction information is permitted, and a recording medium for recording reproduction information An information recording means for recording the generated generated information and reproduction permission period information on the recording medium, an output means for outputting the recorded reproduced information to an external device, and an output request for outputting from the output means is external And an input unit for inputting the first reference date and time information to the input unit from an external device. Output request determination means for determining whether an acquisition request for the first reference date and time information has been input to the input means, and if it is determined that the acquisition request has been input, the first reference date and time Means for transmitting a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information from the information transmitting apparatus via the communication network to the first reference date and time information transmitting apparatus, and a first reference for determining whether or not the first reference date and time information has been acquired. The communication network includes a date and time information determination unit and a first reference date and time information output control unit that outputs the acquired first reference date and time information from the output unit to the external device that requested acquisition when it is determined that acquisition has been performed. It is possible to reliably limit the playback permission period of the playback target information to another playback device that is an external device that cannot be connected.

  In the present invention, date and time information output means for outputting date information, playback information output request means for requesting output of playback information, playback permission period information relating to a period during which playback of playback information is permitted, and A recording medium for recording information to be reproduced, and an information recording means for recording the inputted reproduction information and reproduction permission period information on the recording medium, and the reproduction permission recorded by the date and time of the date and time information output by the date and time output means The recorded information to be reproduced is reproduced only when it is within the reproduction permission period of the period information.

  This playback apparatus determines whether or not a date / time change operation for changing the date / time of the date / time information output by the date / time information output means is performed, and if it is determined that the date / time change operation is performed, the date / time change information related to the date / time change Are recorded on the recording medium. Then, when reproducing the recorded reproduction information, it is determined whether or not the date / time change information is recorded, and when it is determined that the date / time change information is recorded, the reproduction of the reproduction information is restricted, The date / time of the date / time information output by the date / time output means is corrected, and when the date / time is corrected, the restriction on reproduction is canceled.

  Here, the correction of the date / time is performed by transmitting a request for transmitting the first reference date / time information from the reference date / time information transmitting apparatus that transmits the first reference date / time information via the communication network. It is determined whether or not it has been acquired. If it is determined that the first reference date / time information has been acquired, the date / time information output by the date / time information output means is adjusted to the date / time of the acquired first reference date / time information.

  In addition, the correction of the date and time is performed by sending a request for outputting the first reference date and time information acquired from the reference date and time information transmitting apparatus that transmits the first reference date and time information via the communication network to the reference date and time information transmitting apparatus via the communication network. For example, it is determined whether or not the first reference date / time information has been acquired by outputting to another playback apparatus that can communicate with the playback apparatus via USB. When it is determined that the first reference date / time information has been acquired, the date / time information output by the date / time information output means is adjusted to the date / time of the acquired first reference date / time information.

  In the correction of the date and time, the date and time information output by the date and time information output means is acquired as the second reference date and time information at the timing when the date and time change operation is executed, and the acquired second reference date and time information is recorded on the recording medium. . If it is determined that the first reference date / time information cannot be acquired, the date / time information is adjusted based on the recorded second reference date / time information.

  On the other hand, the playback permission period information described above also includes playback limit start time information related to the time until the start of playback limit. When limiting playback, the playback limit start time information is acquired and acquired. The reproduction restriction is started based on the reproduction restriction start time information.

  Incidentally, the following playback device can be provided in correspondence with a playback device that cannot acquire the first reference date and time information through the communication network.

  In other words, the playback apparatus inputs the playback information output request means for requesting output of the playback information, the playback permission period information relating to the period of permitting playback of the playback information, and the recording medium for recording the playback information Information recording means for recording the generated information and the reproduction permission period information on the recording medium, an output means for outputting the recorded reproduced information, and an input means for inputting an output request from the output means, Information to be reproduced recorded on the recording medium is reproduced. When an output request for the first reference date and time information is also input to the input means, it is determined whether or not an output request for the first reference date and time information has been input to the input means. A request for transmitting the first reference date and time information via the communication network is transmitted from the first reference date and time information transmitting apparatus that transmits the first reference date and time information to the first reference date and time information transmitting apparatus, and the first reference date and time information is acquired. It is judged whether it was able to be done. If it is determined that the first reference date / time information has been acquired via the communication network, the acquired first reference date / time information is output to the output means.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a reproduction system of information to be reproduced. In the figure, V is a distribution server for distributing a plurality of music contents as information to be reproduced. The distribution server V receives requests from a plurality of first playback devices 1, 1,... That can send and receive electronic information via the communication network N, such as a set-top box or a personal computer, via the communication network N such as the Internet. Can be transmitted to the first playback device 1, and the first playback devices 1, 1,... Can record and play back the received music content. Further, the first playback device 1, 1,... Can download music content from the first playback device 1 and play it, and can also connect to the communication network N, or the second playback device 2 such as a mobile phone, or Music content can be downloaded from the first playback device 1 and played back, but the recorded music content can be output to a third playback device 3 such as DMP (Digital Music Player) that cannot be connected to the communication network N. It has become.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main part of the distribution server V shown in FIG. 1, in which V4 is a hard disk drive or the like in which a plurality of music contents including music information and character information are stored. It is a database (recording medium). Recording of music contents to the database V4 and reading of music contents from the database V4 are controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) V1. The distribution server V includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various control programs are recorded, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is also used as a work area. The CPU V1 is recorded in the ROM V2. In accordance with the program, network communication is performed with the above-described first playback devices 1, 1,... Via the communication interface (I / F) V5, and a music content transmission request is received from any of the first playback devices 1. In this case, the corresponding music content is read from the database V4 using an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and the read music content is transmitted to the first playback device 1 via the communication I / FV5. Note that the communication I / FV 5 may include a USB interface (I / F) in addition to a LAN (Local Area Network) interface (I / F).

  The distribution server V also includes a first reference date / time information output unit V6 that outputs a reference date / time generated using a built-in oscillator or the like as reference date / time information (first reference date / time information). When a transmission request for the first reference date / time information is received from any of the first playback devices 1 via the I / FV 5, the first reference date / time information output by the first reference date / time information output unit V6 1 Transmit to playback device 1. As described above, the distribution server V also functions as a reference date / time information transmission apparatus.

  On the other hand, the distribution server V also includes a display unit V7 such as a CRT or LCD, and an audio output unit V8. Using the display unit V7 and the audio output unit V8, for example, music content recorded in the database V4 is stored. The contents can be confirmed.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of the first reproduction apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the CPU 11 performs communication control with the distribution server V described above. The first playback device 1 includes a LAN I / F and a USB I / F for performing network communication as the communication I / F 15.

  Further, the first playback device 1 includes a ROM 12 in which various control programs are recorded, and a RAM 13 that is also used as a work area. The CPU 11 receives an input unit 10 that includes a selection button, a determination button, and the like. When an appropriate music content download command is input, according to the program recorded in the ROM 12, a network communication with the distribution server V is performed via the communication I / F 15, and a request for transmitting the music content data is transmitted. To do. When the requested music content data is received, the CPU 11 records the received music content data in the storage device 14 such as an HDD, and also converts the music content of the music content data into a music signal and a character signal to be played back to the playback unit 19. Then, the music signal and the character signal reproduced by the reproduction unit 19 are output from the output unit 17, and the audio and the like output device including a display unit such as an audio set is output the music and characters.

  In addition, the 1st reproduction | regeneration apparatus 1 may be comprised with a personal computer provided with a display part and an audio | voice output part, for example, and you may make it output the music and character which concern on a music content.

  Incidentally, the first playback device 1 is also provided with a first date / time information output unit 16 that generates and outputs the date / time, and the received music content data is a playback that defines a period during which the music content is permitted to be played back. Permit period information is also attached.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the structure of music content data. As shown in FIG. 22, in the music content data, the reproduction start date and time and the reproduction end date and time as the above-described reproduction permission period information are added to the head area C1 read before the reproduction area C2 in which the music content is recorded. Playback restriction start time information is set. In this example, 24 hours is set as the playback restriction start time information, so that the music content recorded in the playback area C2 starts to be played back after 24 hours.

  In the present embodiment, the data structure in which the reproduction permission period information and the reproduction restriction start time information are included in the music content data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reproduction permission period information and the reproduction restriction start time are described. The information may be distributed separately from the music content data, for example, as part of license information that permits reproduction of the music content.

  When reproducing the music content, the CPU 11 takes in the first date / time information output from the first date / time information output unit 16 and, if the date / time of the first date / time information is within the reproduction permission period, reproduces the music content. is there.

  At this time, since the date and time of the first date and time information output from the first date and time information output unit 16 can be changed by the user, the CPU 11 determines the date and time of the first date and time information when reproducing the music content. If it has been changed, while the reproduction of the music content is restricted, a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information is transmitted to the distribution server V (both see FIG. 1) via the communication network N, and the first The date and time of the first date and time information output by the date and time information output unit 16 is corrected to the date and time of the received first reference date and time information.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a structure example of the first reference date / time information. As shown in FIG. 23, in the first reference date and time information, the date and time output from the first reference date and time information output unit V6 (both see FIG. 2) of the distribution server V is set as the first reference date and time. .

  After correcting the date and time of the first date and time information in this way, the CPU 11 releases the music content playback restriction. Thereby, even when the user can change the first date and time information, the reproduction permission period of the music content as the information to be reproduced can be surely limited. The control procedure by the CPU 11 will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of the second playback device 2 shown in FIG. 1. The CPU 21 performs communication control with the first playback device 1 and the distribution server V described above. The second playback device 2 includes, for example, a wireless LAN I / F as the communication I / F 25 for performing network communication.

  In addition, the second playback device 2 includes a ROM 22 in which various control programs are recorded, and a RAM 23 that is also used as a work area. The CPU 21 includes an input unit 20 that includes a selection button, a determination button, and the like. When an appropriate music content download command is input, the communication with the first playback device 1 is performed via the communication I / F 25 in accordance with the program recorded in the ROM 22, and a request for transmitting the music content is transmitted. . The ROM 22 is configured by a rewritable Flash ROM or EEPROM.

  When the requested music content is received, the CPU 21 records the received music content in the ROM 22 and gives the music content to the reproduction unit 29 that converts and reproduces the music content into a music signal and a character signal. The character signal is output to the voice output unit 28 and displayed on the display unit 27 such as an LCD.

  The second playback device 2 is also provided with a second date / time information output unit 26 that generates and outputs the date / time, and the CPU 21 outputs the second date / time information output by the second date / time information output unit 26 when the music content is played back. When the information is taken in and the date and time of the second date and time information is within the reproduction permission period of the music content related to reproduction, the music content is reproduced.

  As before, since the date and time of the second date and time information output by the second date and time information output unit 26 can be changed by the user, the CPU 21 determines the date and time of the second date and time information when playing the music content. If it has been changed, while the reproduction of the music content is restricted, a request for transmitting the first day reference time information is transmitted to the distribution server V (both see FIG. 1) via the communication network N. 2 The date and time of the second date and time information output by the date and time information output unit 26 is corrected to the date and time of the received first reference date and time information. After correcting the date and time of the second date and time information in this way, the CPU 21 releases the music content playback restriction. Thereby, even when the user can change the second date and time information, the reproduction permission period of the music content as the information to be reproduced can be surely limited. The control procedure by the CPU 21 will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a main part of the third playback device 3 shown in FIG. 1. The CPU 31 performs communication control with the first playback device 1 described above. In the third playback device 3, for example, a USB I / F is provided as the communication I / F 35 to perform input / output with the first playback device 1.

  The third playback device 3 also includes a ROM 32 in which various control programs are recorded, and a RAM 33 that is also used as a work area, and the CPU 31 receives an input unit 30 that includes a selection button, a determination button, and the like. When an appropriate music content download command is input, according to the program recorded in the ROM 32, the communication with the first playback device 1 is performed via the communication I / F 35, and a request for transmitting the music content is transmitted. .

  When the requested music content data is received, the CPU 31 records the received music content data in the storage device 34 and gives the music content to the playback unit 39 which converts and plays back the music content into a music signal and a character signal. The music signal and the character signal are output to the voice output unit 38 and displayed on the display unit 37 such as an LCD.

  The third playback device 3 is also provided with a third date / time information output unit 36 that generates and outputs the date / time, and the CPU 31 outputs the third date / time information output unit 36 output when the music content is played back. When the date / time information of the third date / time information is within the reproduction period of the music content related to reproduction, the music content is reproduced.

  As before, since the date and time of the third date and time information output by the third date and time information output unit 36 can be changed by the user, the CPU 31 determines the date and time of the third date and time information when playing the music content. If it has been changed, playback of the music content is restricted, while a request for connection to the first playback device 1 is output, and when connected to the first playback device 1 via the communication I / F 35, A request for outputting the first reference date and time information acquired from the distribution server V that transmits the one reference date and time information via the communication network N (both see FIG. 1) is given to the first playback device 1.

  When this request is given, the first playback device 1 transmits a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information to the distribution server V via the communication network N, and receives the first reference date and time information. The first reference date and time information is output to the third playback device 3.

  When the third playback device 3 receives the first reference date and time information from the first playback device 1, the third playback device 3 uses the received first reference date and time as the date and time of the third date and time information output by the third date and time information output unit 36. Correct the date and time of the information. After correcting the date and time of the third date and time information in this way, the CPU 31 releases the music content playback restriction. Accordingly, even when the user can change the third date and time information, the reproduction permission period of the music content as the reproduction information is surely limited in the third reproduction device 3 that cannot connect to the communication network N by itself. be able to. The control procedure by the CPU 31 will be described later in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a main operation control procedure by the CPU V1 of the distribution server V shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on, the CPU V1 requests transmission of music content from any of the first playback devices 1, 1,... (See FIG. 1) via the communication network N. If it is requested (step S1: Yes), the corresponding music content is read from the database V4 (step S2), and the read music content is read from the first playback device 1. Via the communication network N (step S3).

  Further, the CPU V1 determines whether or not the transmission of the first reference date / time information is requested from any of the first playback devices 1, 1,... Or the second playback device 2 via the communication network N (step S4). ), When it is requested (step S4: Yes), the first reference date information output by the first reference date information output unit V6 is acquired (step S5), and the acquired first reference date information is the first The data is transmitted to the playback device 1 or the second playback device 2 via the communication network N (step S6). Then, the CPU V1 of the distribution server V determines whether or not it is a command to turn off the power (step S7). If it is determined that it is (step S7: Yes), the power is turned off (step S8). End the operation. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the command is not for turning off the power, the CPU V1 returns to step S1.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a main operation control procedure by the CPU 11 of the first reproduction apparatus 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when the power is turned on, the CPU 11 starts processing and waits for an input from the input unit 10 (step S12).

  When input from the input unit 10 (step S12: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the input is a command related to downloading of music content (step S13), and determines that it is (step S13). (S13: Yes), content download processing described later is executed (step S14), and then the process returns to step S12.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the instruction is not for downloading music content (step S13: No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the instruction is for reproducing music content (step S15). Is determined (step S15: Yes), a reproduction process described later is executed (step S16), and the process returns to step S12.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the command is not a music content playback command (step S15: No), the CPU 11 determines whether the command is a command related to a change in date / time of the first date / time information (step S17). If it is determined that this is the case (step S17: Yes), the date / time changing process described later is executed (step S18), and then the process returns to step S12.

  Further, if it is determined in step S17 that the command is not related to date / time change (step S17: No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the command is for turning off the power (step S19), and determines that this is the case. If so (step S19: Yes), the power is turned off (step S20), and the operation is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the command is not for turning off the power (step S19: No), the CPU 11 determines that a command related to other processing has been input and executes the corresponding processing (step S21). Return to step S12.

  The CPU 11 repeats the operations from step S12 to step S21 until it is determined that the power-off is instructed in step S19. When it is determined that the power-off is instructed in step S19, the power is turned off in step S20. finish.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the content download process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 11 sets a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) in the built-in timer (step S141) and starts measuring time (step S142), and then the distribution server V via the communication network N. The communication connection is executed (step S143). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the connection to the distribution server V has been established (step S144). If the CPU 11 determines that the connection cannot be made (step S144: No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the timer has reached zero (step S147). . Then, the CPU 11 repeats the operations of step S143, step S144, and step S147 until it determines that the timer has reached zero, and executes communication connection with the distribution server V.

  If the CPU 11 determines in step S144 that the connection to the distribution server V has been established (step S144: Yes), the CPU 11 transmits a request to transmit the input music content data to the distribution server V (step S145). It is determined whether or not the corresponding music content data is transmitted from the server V (step S146). If it is determined that it has not been transmitted (step S146: No), the CPU 11 repeats the operations from step S144 to step S147 until it determines that the timer has reached zero in step S147, and the distribution server V Wait for the corresponding music content data to be received.

  When the CPU 11 determines in step S146 that the corresponding data has been transmitted (step S146: Yes), the CPU 11 gives the data to the storage device 14 to record the data (step S148), and cancels the timer described above (step S149). ). Thereby, the music content corresponding to the input command is downloaded. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S147 that the timer has reached zero (step S147: Yes), the CPU 11 notifies the user that the music content has not been downloaded from the output unit 17, and ends the operation up to that point. Then, the process proceeds to step S149 to cancel the timer.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the playback processing procedure shown in FIG. The CPU 11 determines whether or not a flag indicating that the date and time has been changed is set in the date and time change information to be described later (step S161). If the CPU 11 determines that the flag is not set (step S161: No), The reproduction permission period information is acquired from the music content data to be reproduced (step S165).

  The CPU 11 acquires the first date and time information output by the first date and time information output unit 16 (step S166), and whether or not the date and time of the acquired first date and time information is within the reproduction permission period limited by the reproduction permission period information. Is determined (step S167). Then, when the date / time of the first date / time information is within the reproduction permission period (step S167: Yes), the CPU 11 gives the music content to the reproduction unit 19 for reproduction (step S168).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in step S161 that a flag has been set in the date / time change information (step S161: Yes), the CPU 11 executes a date / time change process described later (step S162) and then reproduces the corresponding music content. It is given to the unit 19 for reproduction (step S163). And CPU11 performs the date correction process mentioned later (step S164).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the date / time change processing procedure shown in FIG. 9. The CPU 11 obtains reproduction restriction start time information for starting reproduction restriction from the music content data to be reproduced (step S1621).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the reproduction restriction start time of the acquired reproduction restriction start time information is zero (step S1622). If the reproduction restriction start time is zero, the reproduction restriction is executed. A certain restriction mode is set to the first restriction mode (step S1623), and when the reproduction restriction start time is not zero, the restriction mode is set to the second restriction mode (step S1624).

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the restriction mode is the first restriction mode (step S1625). If the CPU 11 determines that the restriction mode is the first restriction mode (step S1625: Yes), it restricts the viewing of the music content (step S1635). ).

  Here, various methods may be used as a method for restricting the viewing of music content. For example, the following method can be used. That is, music content is encrypted in advance, and key information for decrypting the encrypted music content is distributed together with the above-described reproduction permission period information. If it is within the reproduction permission period, the key information is validated. If it is not within the reproduction permission period, the key information is invalidated. Further, instead of the music content, a voice and / or a letter indicating that the restriction is being executed may be output.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the restriction mode is not the first restriction mode, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the restriction mode is the second restriction mode (step S1626). It is determined whether or not restricted information indicating that the restriction of viewing has already started is set (step S1627). If it is set (step S1627: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1635 described above. Continue to restrict viewing.

  The CPU 11 counts the number of times a reproduction command is input after executing the date / time changing process described later, and when it is determined in step S1627 that the limited information is not set (step S1627: No), It is determined whether or not it is the first reproduction command after executing the changing process (step S1628). When the CPU 11 determines that it is not the first reproduction command (step S1628: No), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S1635 and continues to restrict viewing. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that it is the first playback command (step S1628: Yes), it sets the playback limit start time acquired as described above in the built-in timer (step S1629), and then starts timing by the timer. (Step S1630).

  Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the timer has reached zero (step S1631), skips step S1635 until it determines that the timer has reached zero, and allows the music content data to be viewed. When it is determined that it has been reached (step S1631: Yes), the timer is canceled (step S1632), the limited information is set (step S1633), and then the process proceeds to step S1635 to start limiting viewing. If reproduction is instructed again by the user, the process returns to step S1631 to determine whether or not the timer has reached zero. That is, music content played before the timer reaches zero is played without being restricted to the end even if the timer becomes zero during playback.

  11 and 12 are flowcharts for explaining the date and time correction processing procedure shown in FIG. After setting a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) for the built-in timer (step S1641), the CPU 11 performs time measurement using the timer (step S1642). The CPU 11 executes connection to the distribution server V (both see FIG. 1) via the communication network N, and determines whether or not the connection has been established (steps S1643 and S1644). When the connection to the distribution server V is established (step S1644: Yes), the CPU 11 transmits a request for transmitting the above-described first reference date and time information to the distribution server V (step S1645).

  Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the first reference date and time information transmitted from the distribution server V has been received (step S1646). If it is determined that it has been received (step S1646: Yes), the first date and time is determined. The date and time of the first date and time information output by the information output unit 16 (see FIG. 3) is adjusted to the date and time of the first reference date and time information (step S1647). Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the date and time of the first date and time information has been adjusted (step S1648). If the date and time can be adjusted (step S1648: Yes), the date and time of the first date and time information is the correct date and time. The pre-change date / time information (second reference date / time information) set in the storage device 14 is deleted (step S1652), and the flag set in the date / time change information is deleted (step S1653).

  Then, after canceling the timer (step S1654), the CPU 11 cancels the restriction on viewing the music content (step S1655).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in step S1644 that the connection to the distribution server V could not be established (step S1644: No) and if it determines in step S1646 that the first reference date / time information could not be received (step S1646: No), go to step S1649, determine whether or not the timer has reached zero, and try to connect to the distribution server V or receive the first reference date and time information until it is determined that the timer has reached zero .

  If the CPU 11 determines that the timer has reached zero in step S1649 without receiving the first reference date and time information (step S1649: Yes), the CPU 11 obtains the pre-change date and time stored therein from the storage device 14. (Step S1650), the date and time of the first date and time information output by the first date and time information output unit 16 is adjusted to the date and time of the date and time information before change as the second reference date and time information (Step S1651), and the above-described Steps S1652 and S1653 are performed. Move. Thus, even when a failure occurs in the communication network and the first reference date and time information cannot be acquired, the date and time of the changed first date and time information can be adjusted to a date and time close to the correct date and time. This is due to the following reason.

  In other words, the date / time of the first date / time information is changed prior to the reproduction of the music content, and there is a case where the time is changed from several tens of seconds to several minutes after the date / time is changed and the reproduction of the music content is attempted. Many. On the other hand, the date and time of the first date and time information is changed in units of several days. Therefore, there is little time difference between the date and time before the change and the correct date and time, and even when the date and time of the first date and time information is adjusted to the date and time of the date and time information before change, the date and time close to the correct date and time can be adjusted.

  As described above, in the first playback device 1, when the date and time of the first date and time information generated internally is changed, playback of the downloaded music content is restricted, and the date and time of the changed first date and time information is set to the first date and time. Even if the user can change the first date / time information to cancel the reproduction of the music content after the date / time of the reference date / time information or the date / time of the date / time information before change as the second reference date / time information, the music content can be changed. The reproduction permission period can be surely limited.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the date / time changing process shown in FIG. When the date / time change command of the first date / time information output by the first date / time information output unit 16 is input from the input unit 10 in the above-described step S17, the date / time change information is flagged to hold the information with the changed date / time. Is set (step S181). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the pre-change date / time information (second reference date / time information) is already stored in the storage device 14 (step S182), and if it is not stored (step S182: No), the first The date and time of the first date and time information output by the date and time information output unit 16 is acquired as the date and time before change (second reference date and time) (step S183), and the acquired date and time before change is recorded at a predetermined address of the storage device 14 (step S184). ). Then, the CPU 11 changes the date and time of the first date and time information output by the first date and time information output unit 16 to the input date and time (step S185).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in step S182 that the pre-change date and time has already been stored in the storage device 14 (step S182: Yes), it skips steps S183 and S184 and executes step S185. Thereby, even when the date and time of the first date and time information is changed a plurality of times, the date and time before change acquired at the first date and time change is stored in the storage device 14.

  Next, operation control by the CPU 21 of the second playback device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 will be described. The main control procedure by the CPU 21 of the second playback device 2 is the same as the control procedure by the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1 shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 except for the date correction process described above. The correction processing procedure will be described in detail, and the description of the other control procedures will be omitted. As described above, since the second playback device 2 downloads music content from the first playback device 1, it is assumed that the distribution server V is replaced with the first playback device 1 in FIGS.

  FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are flowcharts for explaining the date correction process procedure by the CPU 21 of the second playback device 2. The CPU 21 sets a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) for the built-in timer (step S31), and then performs time measurement using the timer (step S32). The CPU 21 performs connection to the distribution server V (both see FIG. 1) via the communication network N (step S33), and determines whether or not the connection has been established (step S34). If the connection to the distribution server V is established (step S34: Yes), the CPU 21 transmits a request to transmit the first reference date and time information to the distribution server V (step S35).

  Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the first reference date and time information transmitted from the distribution server V has been received (step S36), and if it is determined that it has been received (step S36: Yes), the second date and time is determined. The date and time of the second date and time information output by the information output unit 26 (see FIG. 4) is adjusted to the date and time of the first reference date and time information (step S37). Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the date and time of the second date and time information has been adjusted (step S38). If the date and time can be adjusted (step S38: Yes), the date and time information before change set in the ROM 22 (second reference date and time) Information) is deleted (step S42), and the flag set in the date / time change information is deleted (step S43).

  Then, after canceling the timer (step S44), the CPU 21 cancels the restriction on viewing the music content (step S45).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines in step S34 that the connection to the distribution server V has failed (step S34: No), the CPU 21 determines in step S36 that the first reference date / time information has not been received (step S36: No). ) Or when it is determined in step S38 that the date and time of the second date and time information could not be adjusted (step S38: No), the process proceeds to step S39 to determine whether or not the timer has reached zero. Until it is determined that it has reached, the connection to the distribution server V, the reception of the first reference date / time information, or the date / time adjustment of the second date / time information is attempted.

  When the CPU 21 determines that the timer has reached zero in step S39 without receiving the first reference date information or without adjusting the date of the second date information to the date of the first reference date information (step S39: Yes), the date and time before change stored in the ROM 22 is acquired (step S40), and the date and time of the second date and time information output by the second date and time information output unit 26 is the date and time information before change as the second reference date and time information. (Step S41), the process proceeds to the above-described steps S42 and S43. As a result, even when a failure occurs in the communication network and the first reference date and time information cannot be acquired, the date and time of the changed second date and time information can be adjusted to a date and time close to the correct date and time.

  As described above, in the second playback device 21, when the date / time of the second date / time information generated internally is changed, playback of the downloaded music content is restricted, and the date / time of the changed second date / time information is changed to the first date / time information. Even if the user can change the second date / time information to cancel the reproduction of the music content after the date / time of the reference date / time information or the date / time of the date / time information before change as the second reference date / time information, the music content can be changed. The reproduction period can be surely limited.

  Next, operation control by the CPU 31 of the third playback device 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 will be described. The main control procedure by the CPU 31 of the third playback device 3 is the same as the control procedure by the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1 shown in FIGS. 7 to 13 except for the date correction process described above. The correction processing procedure will be described in detail, and the description of the other control procedures will be omitted. As described above, since the third playback device 3 downloads music content from the first playback device 1, it is assumed that the distribution server V is replaced with the first playback device 1 in FIGS.

  FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are flowcharts for explaining the date correction processing procedure by the CPU 31 of the third playback device 3. The CPU 31 sets a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) for the built-in timer (step S51), and then performs time measurement using the timer (step S52). The CPU 31 outputs a request for connection to the first playback device 1 to the user by voice and / or text or the like (step S53), and determines whether or not the connection to the first playback device 1 is made via a USB cable or the like. (Step S54).

  If the CPU 31 determines that it is connected to the first playback device 1 (step S54: Yes), it requests the first playback device 1 to output the first reference date and time information (step S55). The CPU 31 determines whether or not the first reference date and time information output from the first playback device 1 has been input (step S56). If it is determined that it has been input (step S56: Yes), the third date and time information is output. The date and time of the third date and time information output by the unit 36 (see FIG. 5) is adjusted to the date and time of the first reference date and time information (step S57).

  The CPU 31 determines whether or not the date and time of the third date and time information has been adjusted (step S58). If the date and time can be adjusted (step S58: Yes), the date and time information before change set in the storage device 34 (second reference date and time information) ) Is deleted (step S62), and the flag set in the date / time change information is deleted (step S63). Then, after canceling the timer (step S64), the CPU 31 releases the restriction on the viewing of the music content (step S65).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines in step S54 that the first playback device 1 is not connected (step S54: No), the CPU 31 determines in step S56 that the first reference date / time information is not input (step S54). S56: No) or when it is determined in step S58 that the date and time of the third date and time information could not be adjusted (step S56: No), the process proceeds to step S59 to determine whether or not the timer has reached zero. Until it is determined that the timer has reached zero, the connection request to the first playback device 1, the output request for the first reference date / time information, or the date / time of the third date / time information is adjusted.

  If the CPU 31 determines that the timer has reached zero in step S59 without inputting the first reference date and time information (step S59: Yes), the CPU 31 acquires the date and time before change stored in the storage device 34. (Step S60), the date and time of the third date and time information output by the third date and time information output unit 36 is adjusted to the date and time of the date and time information before change as the second reference date and time information (Step S61), and the above-described Steps S62 and S63 are performed. Move on. Thereby, even when a failure occurs in the connection to the first playback device 1 and the first reference date and time information cannot be acquired, the date and time of the changed third date and time information is adjusted to a date and time close to the correct date and time. be able to.

  In this way, in the third playback device 3 that cannot be connected to the communication network itself, when the date and time of the third date and time information generated internally is changed, the playback of the downloaded music content is restricted and the changed third time After the date / time information is corrected to the date / time of the first reference date / time information or the date / time information before change which is the second reference date / time information, the user can change the third date / time information in order to cancel the reproduction of the music content. Even in this case, it is possible to reliably limit the playback period of the music content.

  Although the second playback device 2 acquires the first reference date and time information from the distribution server V, the second playback device 2 may acquire the first reference date and time information from the first playback device 1 like the third playback device 3.

  Next, operation control of the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1 when the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 is connected will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 18, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1 starts processing when the power is turned on, and determines whether or not there is an input from the user as in step S12 of FIG. If it is input (step S12: Yes), the processing shown in FIG. 7 is performed thereafter. On the other hand, when the CPU 11 does not input from the input unit 10 (step S12: No), the CPU 11 determines whether any request is input from the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 (step S72). If no request is input from the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 (step S72: No), the process returns to step S12.

  When any request is input from the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 (step S72: Yes), the CPU 11 acquires the request (step S73), and the acquired request is transmission of the first reference date and time information. It is determined whether it is a request (step S74). If the CPU 11 determines that the transmission request is for the first reference date and time information (step S74: Yes), the CPU 11 executes a first reference date and time information transmission process to be described later (step S75). In the above description, the second playback device 2 itself acquires the first reference date and time information from the distribution server V via the communication network. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first reference date and time information is described above. Similarly to the 3 playback device 3, the first reference date and time information may be acquired via the first playback device 1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S74 that the request is not a transmission request for the first reference date and time information (step S74: No), the CPU 11 determines whether the request is a transmission request for music content (step S76), and the transmission of the music content is performed. If it is determined that the request is a request (step S76: Yes), a content data transmission process described later is executed (step S77). If it is determined that the request is not a music content transmission request (step S76: No), the request is handled. Other processing is executed (step S78).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for transmitting the first reference date and time information shown in FIG. The CPU 11 of the first playback device 1 sets a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) in a built-in timer (step S751), and then performs time measurement (step S752).

  The CPU 11 transmits a first reference date / time information transmission request to the distribution server V (both see FIG. 1) via the communication network N (step S753), and receives the first reference date / time information transmitted by the distribution server V. It is determined whether or not it has been completed (step S754). When the CPU 11 determines that the first reference date / time information has been received (step S754: Yes), the CPU 11 outputs the first reference date / time information to the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 (step S755). The timer is released (step S758).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 cannot receive the first reference date and time information (step S754: No), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the timer has reached zero (step S756), and determines that the timer has reached zero. Steps S753 and S754 are repeated until the first reference date / time information is acquired. And CPU11 performs operation of step S757, when 1st reference | standard date information can be received.

  However, if the CPU 11 cannot receive the first reference date / time information until the timer reaches zero, the CPU 11 outputs the acquisition failure information of the first reference date / time information to the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 (Step S1). After step S757), the process proceeds to step S758 to cancel the timer.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of content data transmission shown in FIG. The CPU 11 of the first playback device 1 sets a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) in the built-in timer (step S771), and then performs time measurement (step S772).

  The CPU 11 searches the storage device 14 (step S773), determines whether or not the corresponding music content is stored in the storage device 14 (step S774), and determines that it is stored (step S774: Yes), after outputting the music content to the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 (step S780), the timer is canceled (step S781).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the corresponding music content is not stored in the storage device 14 (step S774: No), the CPU 11 transmits a transmission request of the corresponding music content to the distribution server V via the communication network N (step S774). S775). The CPU 11 determines whether or not the music content transmitted by the distribution server V has been received (step S776), and when determining that the music content has been received (step S776: Yes), the CPU 11 stores the music content in the storage device 14 ( After step S777), the process proceeds to step S780, and the stored music content is output to the second playback device 2 or the third playback device 3.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the music content transmitted by the distribution server V cannot be received (step S776: No), the operation from step S773 to step S778 is performed until it is determined in step S778 that the timer has reached zero. Is repeated to try to acquire the corresponding music content. If the music content can be acquired, the music content is output. On the other hand, if the music content cannot be acquired before the timer reaches zero, the failure information is set to the second information. The data is output to the playback device 2 or the third playback device 3 (step S779), and the process proceeds to step S781 described above.

  In this embodiment, the case where music content is distributed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and character content, image content, video content, or a combination thereof, or a combination of these and music content is distributed. You may make it do.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the date / time has been changed using the date / time change information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the date / time information before change described above is stored and saved. Whether or not the date / time has been changed may be determined based on whether or not

  As is clear from the above description, the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1, the CPU 21 of the second playback device 2, and the CPU 31 of the third playback device 3 request playback information output requesting means (steps) for requesting output of playback information. S145), whether or not an information recording unit (step S148) for recording the input playback information and playback permission period information on the recording medium and a date / time changing operation for changing the date / time information output by the date / time information output unit have been executed. The date / time change operation determining means (step S17) for determining whether the date / time change operation has been executed, and the date / time change information recording means (step S181) for recording the date / time change information related to the date / time change to the recording medium. When the reproduced information is reproduced, the date / time change information judging means for judging whether or not the date / time change information is recorded (step S). 61) When it is determined that the date / time change information is recorded, a restricting unit (step S1635) for restricting reproduction of the information to be reproduced, and a date / time correcting unit for correcting the date / time of the date / time information output by the date / time output unit (step S164) ), And when the date correction unit corrects the date, it functions as a release unit (step S1655) that releases the restriction by the restriction unit.

  Further, by configuring the date and time information to be output by a program, the CPUs 11, 21 and 31 can function as date and time information output means.

  The CPU 11 of the first reproduction device 1 and the CPU 21 of the second reproduction device 2 transmit a request for transmitting the first reference date information from the reference date information transmission device to the reference date information transmission device via a communication network ( Steps S1645 and S35), first reference date and time information determining means (steps S1646 and S36) for determining whether or not the first reference date and time information has been acquired. It functions as a date and time adjustment means (steps S1651 and S41) for adjusting the date and time of information to the date and time of the acquired first reference date and time information.

  Further, the CPU 31 of the third playback device 3 outputs a request for outputting the first reference date / time information to the external device acquired via the communication network from the reference date / time information transmission device that transmits the first reference date / time information. 1 reference date and time information requesting means (step S55), 1st reference date and time information determining means (step S56) for determining whether or not the first reference date and time information has been acquired; It functions as a date and time adjustment means (step S61) for adjusting the date and time of the output date and time information to the date and time of the acquired first reference date and time information.

  On the other hand, the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1, the CPU 21 of the second playback device 2, and the CPU 31 of the third playback device 3 further output the date and time output by the date and time information output means at the timing when the date and time change operation is executed. A second reference date and time information acquisition unit (step S183) for acquiring information as second reference date and time information; a second reference date and time information recording unit (step S184) for recording the acquired second reference date and time information on a recording medium; When it is determined that the first reference date information has not been acquired, the date adjustment unit functions to adjust the date of the date information based on the date of the second reference date information recorded.

  Further, the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1, the CPU 21 of the second playback device 2, and the CPU 31 of the third playback device 3 function as playback limit start time information acquisition means (step S1621) for acquiring playback limit start time information. Based on the acquired reproduction restriction start time information, reproduction restriction is started.

  By the way, the CPU 11 of the first playback device 1 is a playback information output requesting means for requesting output of playback information (step S775), and an information recording means for recording the generated generated information and playback permission period information on the recording medium. (Step S777), output means for outputting recorded reproduction information to an external device (Step S780), input means for outputting an output request from the output means from the external device (Step S72), first reference Output request determination means (step S74) for determining whether or not an acquisition request for date and time information has been input to the input means. If it is determined that an acquisition request has been input, first reference date and time information transmission for transmitting first reference date and time information Means (step for transmitting a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information from the device to the first reference date and time information transmitting device via the communication network) 753) First reference date information determining means for determining whether or not the first reference date information has been acquired (step S754). If it is determined that acquisition is possible, the acquired first reference date information is acquired from the output means. It functions as first reference date and time information output control means (step S755) for outputting to the requesting external device.

  In the above embodiment, when the first reference date / time information cannot be acquired, the first reference date / time information is adjusted to the date / time of the pre-change date / time information as the second reference date / time information (steps S1651, S41, S61). The date and time of the 1 date and time information is adjusted to a date and time that is close to the correct date and time. Therefore, in order to set the correct date and time, after step S184 of FIG. 13, step S189 for starting the timer is provided, and the date and time information before change as the second reference date and time information acquired in steps S1650, S40, and S60. In addition, the date and time obtained by adding the elapsed time is set in steps S1651, S41, and S61 to adjust the date and time. In this case, the first reference date and time information is acquired. If YES in steps S1648, S38, and S58, the timer that started timing in step S189 is stopped and reset, and steps S1652, S42, The process proceeds to step S62.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the reproduction | regeneration system of to-be-reproduced information. It is a functional block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the server for distribution shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of the first playback device shown in FIG. 1. It is a functional block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the 2nd reproducing | regenerating apparatus shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the 3rd reproducing | regenerating apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the main operation | movement control procedures by CPU of the server for distribution shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the main operation | movement control procedures by CPU of the 1st reproducing | regenerating apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the content download process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the reproduction | regeneration processing procedure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence at the time of date change shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the date correction process procedure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the date correction process procedure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the date change process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the date correction process procedure by CPU of a 2nd reproducing | regenerating apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the date correction process procedure by CPU of a 2nd reproducing | regenerating apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the date correction process procedure by CPU of a 3rd reproducing | regenerating apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the date correction process procedure by CPU of a 3rd reproducing | regenerating apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the other main operation | movement control procedure by CPU of a 1st reproducing | regenerating apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the other main operation | movement control procedure by CPU of a 1st reproducing | regenerating apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of the 1st reference | standard date information transmission shown in FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure of content data transmission shown in FIG. 19. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structural example of music content data. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structural example of 1st reference | standard date information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st reproducing | regenerating apparatus 2 2nd reproducing | regenerating apparatus 3 3rd reproducing | regenerating apparatus V Server for delivery N Communication network

Claims (7)

Date / time information output means for outputting date / time information, playback information output request means for requesting output of playback information, and recording to record playback permission period information and playback information for a period during which playback of playback information is permitted A reproduction permission period of the reproduction permission period information recorded with the date and time of the date and time information output by the date and time output means, the medium including a medium and information recording means for recording the inputted reproduction information and reproduction permission period information on the recording medium In a playback apparatus that plays back recorded playback information only when it is within
A date and time change operation determining means for determining whether or not a date and time change operation for changing the date and time of the date and time information output by the date and time information output means is executed;
If it is determined that a date / time change operation has been performed, date / time change information recording means for recording date / time change information related to the date / time change on the recording medium;
A date / time change information judging means for judging whether or not the date / time change information is recorded when reproducing the recorded reproduction information;
When it is determined that the date / time change information is recorded, a limiting means for limiting the reproduction of the information to be reproduced,
Date correction means for correcting the date of the date information output by the date output means;
A playback apparatus comprising: a release unit that releases the restriction by the restriction unit when the date correction unit corrects the date and time. The date correction means is
Transmitting means for transmitting a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information from the reference date and time information transmitting device to the reference date and time information transmitting device via a communication network;
First reference date information determination means for determining whether the first reference date information has been acquired;
2. The reproduction according to claim 1, further comprising: a date and time adjusting unit that adjusts the date and time of the date and time information output by the date and time information output unit to the date and time of the acquired first reference date and time information when it is determined that the date and time information is output. apparatus. The date correction means is
First reference date information requesting means for outputting a request for outputting the first reference date information to an external device acquired via a communication network from a reference date information transmission device for transmitting the first reference date information;
First reference date information determination means for determining whether the first reference date information has been acquired;
2. The reproduction according to claim 1, further comprising: a date and time adjusting unit that adjusts the date and time of the date and time information output by the date and time information output unit to the date and time of the acquired first reference date and time information when it is determined that the date and time information is output. apparatus. The date correction means further includes second reference date information acquisition means for acquiring date information output by the date information output means as second reference date information at a timing when the date change operation is executed. 2 reference date and time information recording means for recording the reference date and time information on the recording medium,
The date and time adjustment means adjusts the date and time of the date and time information based on the date and time of the second reference date and time information recorded when it is determined that the first reference date and time information could not be acquired. 2. The playback device according to 2 or 3. The reproduction permission period information includes reproduction restriction start time information related to a time until reproduction restriction is started,
2. The restriction means comprises reproduction restriction start time information acquisition means for acquiring the reproduction restriction start time information, and starts restriction of reproduction based on the acquired reproduction restriction start time information. 5. The playback device according to any one of 4. to 4. Reproduction information output requesting means for requesting output of reproduction information, reproduction permission period information relating to a period during which reproduction of reproduction information is permitted, a recording medium for recording reproduction information, input generated information and reproduction permission Information recording means for recording period information on the recording medium, output means for outputting recorded information to be reproduced to an external device, and input means for receiving an output request for outputting from the output means from the external device A reproducing apparatus adapted to reproduce information to be reproduced recorded on the recording medium,
An acquisition request for the first reference date and time information is input to the input means from an external device,
Output request determination means for determining whether or not an acquisition request for the first reference date and time information has been input to the input means;
Means for transmitting a request for transmitting the first reference date and time information from the first reference date and time information transmitting apparatus to the first reference date and time information transmitting apparatus when it is determined that the acquisition request has been input;
First reference date and time information determining means for determining whether or not first reference date and time information has been acquired;
A playback apparatus comprising: first reference date and time information output control means for outputting the acquired first reference date and time information from the output means to an external device that has requested acquisition when it is determined that acquisition has been made.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in any one of Claims 1-6.

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