JP2007219685A - Content distribution device, content distribution system, content distribution method, and content distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a leakage of information from contents after distribution and to appropriately protect a copyright of the contents when distributing contents through a network such as the Internet. <P>SOLUTION: The content distribution device for distributing encoded contents through the network to a content processor for reproducing the contents using a predetermined reproduction program, comprises a program distribution means for distributing a decoding program for decoding the encoded contents in conjunction with the reproduction processing of the reproduction program, to the content processor. Illegal reproduction of the contents after distribution is appropriately prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution device, a content distribution system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program using a network such as the Internet, and in particular, a content distribution device and content distribution for realizing information leakage and copyright protection in content distribution. The present invention relates to a system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a content processing apparatus (computer or the like) having a communication function, content (video, image, audio, document, etc.) distributed from a content distribution apparatus on a network such as the Internet is acquired, and video display, audio reproduction, etc. In general, the content is used by executing the above process.

The content distributed in this way often includes important information and copyrighted works. Therefore, there is a technology for preventing information leakage and copyright protection. For example, in a content distribution system that distributes content from a content distribution device to a content processing device via a network, the content distribution device encrypts the content. A technology is known in which a content processing apparatus that distributes the content and receives the encrypted content decrypts the content and uses the content (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-157893 (FIG. 1)

  By the way, when using the content distributed from the content distribution device in the content processing device as described above, the content data received by the Web browser of the content processing device is stored in a cache provided in the storage device (hard disk or the like). When the same content is used again, the stored data is used to speed up processing such as display.

  However, in the conventional technique as described in Patent Document 1, even if the content is encrypted at the time of distribution, if the content after decryption is stored in the cache as it is in the device that uses the content, the content data Can be left unprotected in the cache, or the content data in the cache can be copied to another storage device, etc., for leaking information from the cache and infringement of content copyrights. There was a problem that could not be prevented sufficiently. In particular, in recent years, the problem of leakage of personal information due to theft of spyware and portable information communication equipment has become prominent. Even if a good user does not intend, content data in the storage device is stored. Leakage problems can occur.

  In addition, there is a problem in that a content processing apparatus that uses distributed content needs to include a decrypting unit for decrypting encrypted content in advance. That is, when using a new content, it is necessary to prepare a decoding means (for example, a decoding processing circuit) separately in addition to a corresponding program (such as a plug-in) for reproducing the content. The operation load on the user has increased and the speed has been impaired.

  The present invention has been devised to solve such problems of the prior art, and when content is distributed via a network such as the Internet, illegal reproduction of the content after distribution is appropriately performed. An object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution apparatus, a content distribution system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program that can prevent information leakage from the content and appropriately protect the copyright of the content. To do.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the content distribution device of the present invention, as shown in claim 1, encrypted content is transmitted to a content processing device that reproduces content using a predetermined reproduction program. A content distribution apparatus for distributing via a network, a program distribution means for distributing, to the content processing apparatus, a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with a reproduction process of the reproduction program It is set as the structure provided with.

  According to this, when distributing encrypted content via a network such as the Internet, the distributed encrypted content remains encrypted until it is played back by the playback program. It is possible to prevent later content (for example, content stored in the cache of the content processing apparatus) from being illegally reproduced by being copied or the like. Therefore, information leakage from the content after distribution can be prevented, and the copyright of the content can be appropriately protected.

  In the content distribution apparatus, as described in claim 2, the reproduction program may be a Web browser. According to this, decryption and reproduction of the encrypted content can be realized with a simple configuration.

  In the content distribution apparatus, as described in claim 3, the decryption program is a program that adds a function of decrypting the encrypted content to a plug-in compatible with the Web browser. can do. According to this, decryption and reproduction of a wide variety of encrypted contents can be realized with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the content distribution system of the present invention, the content encrypted from the content distribution apparatus via the network is transmitted to the content processing apparatus that reproduces the content using a predetermined reproduction program. A content distribution system for distributing, wherein the content distribution apparatus distributes a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with a reproduction process of the reproduction program to the content processing apparatus A distribution unit, wherein the content processing device stores the encrypted content, and decrypts the encrypted content by the decryption program in conjunction with a reproduction process by the reproduction program. And a content playback means for That.

  According to this, when distributing content via a network such as the Internet, since the distributed content is in an encrypted state until it is played back by the playback program, it is stored in the content storage means after distribution. It is possible to prevent content from being reproduced illegally, for example. Therefore, information leakage from the content after distribution can be prevented, and the copyright of the content can be appropriately protected.

  Further, in the content distribution method of the present invention, the content encrypted from the content distribution apparatus via the network is transmitted to the content processing apparatus that reproduces the content using a predetermined reproduction program. A method for distributing content to be distributed, wherein the content distribution device distributes a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with a reproduction process of the reproduction program to the content processing device. While executing the program distribution step, the content processing device stores the encrypted content, and the decryption program stores the encrypted content in conjunction with the reproduction processing by the reproduction program. Content playback step for decryption by A structure in which to run.

  In the content distribution program of the present invention, as described in claim 6, content distribution that distributes encrypted content over a network to a content processing device that reproduces content using a predetermined reproduction program A content distribution program for operating a device, a program distribution step for distributing a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with a reproduction process of the reproduction program to the content processing device; An encryption step for generating the encrypted content and a content distribution step for distributing the encrypted content to the content processing apparatus are provided.

  According to this, when distributing encrypted content via a network such as the Internet, the distributed encrypted content remains encrypted until it is played back by the playback program. It is possible to prevent later content (for example, content stored in the cache of the content processing apparatus) from being illegally reproduced by being copied or the like. Therefore, information leakage from the content after distribution can be prevented, and the copyright of the content can be appropriately protected. In addition, since the decryption program is distributed in advance before distributing the encrypted content, it is possible to quickly reproduce the content after distribution, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when content is distributed via a network such as the Internet, even if the content after distribution is stored in the cache or the like of the device that receives the distribution, By appropriately preventing unauthorized reproduction of content, it is possible to prevent information leakage from the content after distribution and to effectively protect the copyright of the content.

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

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of a content distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system 1 is a system for distributing content via a network from a content distribution apparatus operated by a content provider to a content processing apparatus used by a predetermined user, and functions as the content distribution apparatus. And a PC (Personal Computer) 3 functioning as a content processing device that receives and reproduces the content distributed from the server device 2. Here, the server device 2 and the PC 3 are connected to each other via an IP (Internet Protocol) network 4 so as to communicate with each other.

  The server device 2 includes a storage unit (content storage unit) 11, a request reception unit 12, an encryption unit (encryption unit) 13, and a program distribution unit (program distribution unit) 14.

  The storage unit 11 stores a plurality of content data 21 distributed by the server device 2, authentication data 22 used for authentication of a user who distributes content, and the like. Here, the content 21 to be distributed includes, for example, video, images, audio, documents, and the like, and these include information that should be used only by a specific user or information that should be protected by copyright. Yes. Further, the authentication data 22 includes, for example, password information for specifying a regular user registered in advance.

  The request receiving unit 12 receives a content distribution request from a user who uses the PC 3. The distribution request includes content information designated by the user (hereinafter referred to as “content designation information”), user information (for example, information for specifying a user such as a password), and the like. The receiving unit 12 collates the acquired user information with the authentication data 22 and determines whether the content can be distributed. Further, when the request receiving unit 12 determines that the content can be distributed, the request receiving unit 12 selects content data to be distributed from the content 21 stored in the storage unit 11 based on the content designation information, and the selection is performed. The encrypted data is processed by the encryption unit 13.

  The encryption unit 13 encrypts the content data selected for distribution by the request reception unit 12, and distributes the encrypted content to the PC 3. This encryption process can be performed by, for example, a secret key cryptosystem. As will be described later, the content encrypted by the encryption unit 13 using a predetermined secret key can be decrypted by the PC 3 using a decryption key distributed in advance to an authorized user. Note that the encryption method is not limited to that shown in this embodiment mode, and various encryption methods known to those skilled in the art can be applied. The decrypted content 21 a distributed by the encryption unit 13 is stored in the cache 32 of the PC 3.

  The program distribution unit 14 distributes a decryption program 23 for decrypting the content encrypted by the encryption unit 13 to the PC 3. As will be described later, the decryption program 23 is for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with the playback process of the playback program (Web browser 31) in the PC 3. The program distribution unit 14 normally distributes the decryption program 23 in response to a program distribution request from the PC 3 before content distribution. However, the program distribution unit 14 performs decryption in conjunction with the distribution of encrypted content data by the encryption unit 13. It is also possible to perform the distribution operation of the program 23. The decryption program 23 is stored in the storage unit 11 together with a storage unit (not shown) included in the program distribution unit 14 or the content 21. The decryption program 23 a distributed by the program distribution unit 14 is stored in the cache 32 of the PC 3.

  The PC 3 can reproduce content using the Web browser 31 and includes a cache 32 and an output unit 33.

  The web browser 31 is a program for browsing web pages, reproduces various contents acquired from the server device 2 via the IP network 4, and outputs the contents in the output unit 33. The Web browser 31 can reproduce desired content by performing function expansion using the built-in plug-in 41. Further, as will be described later, the user of the PC 3 can make a request for a decryption program and a content for the server apparatus 2 via the Web browser 31.

  Here, as the plug-in 41, for example, Flash (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), an applet, or the like can be used. The plug-in 41 includes a shaping unit 42 that performs a shaping process such as a page layout. Further, the plug-in 41 can decrypt the encrypted content 21 a stored in the cache 32 by the decryption unit 43 realized by the decryption program 23 a stored in the cache 32 when executing the shaping process. It is. In this decryption process, a decryption key distributed in advance by the content provider can be used. As a decryption key, a hardware key using a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a semiconductor memory can be used in addition to a password composed of an arbitrary character string.

  The web browser 31 does not necessarily need to incorporate the plug-in as described above, and can be configured not to use the plug-in. For example, the Web browser 31 can play back content using JAVASCRIPT (registered trademark) installed in advance. In this case, the decoding unit 43 realized by the decoding program 23a is realized not by the plug-in 41 described above but by the Web browser 31, and the shaping process is also executed by the Web browser.

  The cache 32 is a storage area provided in a predetermined storage device, and stores data such as the content 21a and the plug-in 23a acquired by the Web browser 31 as described above.

  The output unit 33 executes video display, audio output, and the like that are enabled by the content reproduction by the Web browser 31. By the processing of the output unit 33, the distributed content is finally provided to the user of the PC 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server apparatus shown in FIG. The server device 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a communication control unit 54, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 55.

  The CPU 51 executes various processes such as calculation and control by a predetermined program stored in the ROM 52 or the HDD 55. By the processing of the CPU 51, functions such as the request reception unit 12, the encryption unit 13, and the program distribution unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 are realized. The RAM 53 functions as a work memory in the processing of the CPU 51.

  The communication control unit 54 controls various communications with the PC 3 performed via the IP network 4. The communication control unit 54 executes processing such as distribution of the encrypted program by the encryption unit 13 and distribution of the decryption program 23 by the program distribution unit 14 shown in FIG.

  The HDD 55 stores various data and programs. The HDD 55 functions as the storage unit 11 shown in FIG. 1, and stores the content 21, the authentication data 22, the decryption program 23, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the PC shown in FIG. The PC 3 includes a CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, communication control unit 64, HDD 65, memory card 66, speaker 67, display 68, and keyboard 69.

  The CPU 61 executes various processes such as calculation and control by a predetermined program stored in the ROM 62 or the HDD 65. By the processing of the CPU 61, the operations of the web browser 31, the plug-in 41, the output unit 33, and the like shown in FIG. 1 are executed, and a content reproduction unit is realized. The RAM 63 functions as a work memory in the processing of the CPU 61.

  The communication control unit 64 controls various communications with the server device 2 performed via the IP network 4. The communication control unit 64 executes processing such as a decryption program and content request by the Web browser 31 shown in FIG. 1 and reception of the decryption program and encrypted content from the server device 2.

  The HDD 65 stores various data and programs. In particular, the HDD 65 stores the program of the Web browser 31 and the plug-in 41 shown in FIG. 1, and stores the encrypted content 21a and the decryption program 23a in a predetermined storage area secured as the cache 32.

  The memory card 66 is a storage medium that can be connected to the PC 3 via a card adapter (not shown). Here, a decryption key acquired in advance from a content provider can be stored. The user of the PC 3 can execute content decryption using the decryption key.

  The speaker 67 and the display 68 function as the output unit 33 shown in FIG. 1, and execute video display, audio output, and the like. In addition, the keyboard 69 has input keys for the user to perform various settings and commands, so that the user can operate the Web browser 31 to acquire plug-ins and content.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of content distribution operation of the content distribution system shown in FIG. When the PC 3 acquires content from the server device 2 and plays it back, first, the Web browser 31 makes a decryption program distribution request to the server device 2 (ST101). Upon receiving a program distribution request from PC 3 (ST201: YES), server apparatus 2 distributes decryption program 23 to PC 3 by program distribution unit 14 (ST202). Therefore, when the PC 3 receives the decryption program (ST102: YES), the PC 3 stores the received decryption program in the cache 32 and is ready to receive content distribution.

  Next, the PC 3 makes a content distribution request to the server device 2 through the Web browser 31 (ST103). When receiving the content distribution request from the PC 3 (ST203: YES), the request receiving unit 12 of the server apparatus 2 compares the acquired user information with the authentication data 22 and performs user authentication (ST204). Therefore, if the user authentication fails (ST205: NO), the server apparatus 2 rejects the content transmission and ends the content distribution with an error (ST206).

  On the other hand, if the user authentication is successful (ST205: YES), the request receiving unit 12 selects an appropriate content from the content data 21 in the storage unit 11 based on the content designation information, and the selected content is encrypted. (ST207). When the encryption process is completed, the encryption unit 13 distributes the encrypted content to the PC 3 (ST208), and a series of operations in the server device 2 ends.

  When receiving the encrypted content from the server device 2 (ST104: YES), the PC 3 stores the received encrypted content in the cache 32. Therefore, the plug-in 41 executes the decrypting process of the encrypted content 21a stored in the cache 32 (ST105), and performs the shaping process on the decrypted content (ST106). Subsequently, the output unit 33 performs an output process of the content for which the shaping process has been completed (ST107), and a series of operations in the PC 3 ends.

  In the above content distribution operation, the operation for acquiring the decryption program (ST101, ST102, ST201 and ST202) is not necessarily performed before the content acquisition as shown in FIG. It is also possible to execute it independently of the distribution request (ST103).

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of a content distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system 100 is different from the content distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the configuration of a program distributed to decrypt encrypted content, but matters not particularly mentioned below are shown in FIG. This is the same as in the case of the content distribution system 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the same components as those of the content distribution system 1 shown in FIG.

  In the server apparatus 102, the program distribution unit 114 distributes to the PC 3 a plug-in 141 for decrypting and reproducing the content encrypted by the encryption unit 13. A program similar to the decryption program 23 shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated in the plug-in 141 in advance, and the plug-in 141 distributed by the program distribution unit 114 is stored in the cache 32 of the PC 3.

  The Web browser 131 can perform function expansion using the distributed plug-in 141 in order to reproduce desired content. The plug-in 141 includes a shaping unit 142 that performs a shaping process such as a page layout, and a decoding unit 143 that is realized by the decoding program 123a stored in the cache 32 before the shaping process is executed. It is possible to execute a process of decrypting and shaping the encrypted content 21a.

  As described above, the program distribution unit 114 distributes the plug-in 141 capable of decrypting and playing back the content, so that the user of the PC 103 does not need to install the plug-in in the Web browser 131 in advance, and the convenience of the user Improves.

  The configurations of the server apparatus 102 and the PC 103 are the same as those of the content distribution system 1 shown in FIGS. The content distribution operation in the content distribution system 100 is the same as that in the content distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 4 except that the program distribution unit 114 distributes the plug-in 141 instead of the decryption program 23. is there.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the content distribution system according to the present invention may have a plurality of server devices and PCs. The server device and the PC are examples of the content distribution device and the content processing device according to the present invention, respectively, and various devices having similar functions can be used without being limited thereto.

Functional block diagram of the content distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server apparatus of FIG. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of PC of FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the content delivery operation | movement of the content delivery system of FIG. Functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1,100 Content distribution system 2,102 Server device (content distribution device)
3,103 PC (content processing device)
11 Storage unit (content storage means)
13 Cryptographic part (encryption means)
14,114 Program distribution unit (program distribution means)
21 Content 23 Decryption Program 31 Web Browser (Reproduction Program)
32 cache

Claims (6)

A content distribution device that distributes encrypted content via a network to a content processing device that reproduces content using a predetermined reproduction program,
A content distribution apparatus comprising: a program distribution means for distributing a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with a reproduction process of the reproduction program to the content processing apparatus.   The content distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction program is a Web browser.   The content distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the decryption program is a program that adds a function of decrypting the encrypted content to a plug-in adapted to the Web browser. A content distribution system that distributes encrypted content from a content distribution device via a network to a content processing device that reproduces content using a predetermined reproduction program,
The content distribution device includes:
Program distribution means for distributing a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with the reproduction processing of the reproduction program to the content processing device;
The content processing apparatus includes:
Content storage means for storing the encrypted content;
A content distribution system comprising: content reproduction means for decrypting the encrypted content by the decryption program in conjunction with a reproduction process by the reproduction program. A content distribution method for distributing encrypted content from a content distribution device via a network to a content processing device that reproduces content using a predetermined reproduction program,
The content distribution device is
While executing a program distribution step of distributing a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with the reproduction processing of the reproduction program to the content processing device,
The content processing apparatus is
A content storage step of storing the encrypted content;
A content distribution method comprising: executing a content reproduction step of decrypting the encrypted content by the decryption program in conjunction with a reproduction process by the reproduction program. A content distribution program for operating a content distribution device that distributes encrypted content via a network to a content processing device that reproduces content using a predetermined reproduction program,
A program distribution step of distributing a decryption program for decrypting the encrypted content in conjunction with a reproduction process of the reproduction program to the content processing device;
An encryption step for generating the encrypted content;
A content distribution program comprising: a content distribution step of distributing the encrypted content to the content processing apparatus.

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