JP2007318669A - Digital content playback system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital content playback system, wherein digital contents of which the number of times of copy is limited, can be properly copied or moved between different devices. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 27 comprises: a control program 29B for permitting copy of digital contents when counter information is "2" or more, and permitting move of digital contents and counter information when the counter information is "1" or more; a subtraction program 29C for subtracting the counter information by a predetermined number in copying, and for subtracting the counter information by a predetermined number in moving; an acquisition program 29G for acquiring ID information and counter information; an addition program 29H for adding the acquired counter information to counter information corresponding to the acquired ID information; and a playback control program 29I permitting the playback of digital contents when counter information is "1" or more. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital content reproduction system.

Conventionally, in digital broadcasting, copy-once information is added to digital content to be broadcast in order to prevent unauthorized copying. Since digital content with copy-once information can be copied only once, if it is stored on a hard disk such as a digital broadcast receiver, the digital content cannot be copied from the hard disk to another recording medium. Can not. Therefore, in order to store the digital content to which the copy-once information stored in the hard disk such as a digital broadcast receiver is added to another recording medium, the digital content is moved from the hard disk to the recording medium. (For example, patent document 1).
However, when moving digital content from a hard disk to a recording medium, conversion such as reducing the data amount of the digital content may be necessary. When the digital content is converted and moved, the hard disk is again transferred from the recording medium to the hard disk. When returning the digital content, there is a problem that it is impossible to return the data amount of the original digital content. Therefore, when moving the digital content from the hard disk to the recording medium, the digital content is left in the hard disk, and only the content information of the digital content is “deleted” so that the digital content cannot be reproduced. Is also known that allows only the content information of the digital content in the hard disk to be reproduced as “existing” when it is returned. In this case, the digital content is converted during movement. However, since the unconverted digital content remains in the hard disk, the above problem can be solved (for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2005-348091 A JP 2005-339600 A

  However, some digital contents are not only copy-once that can be copied only once, but can be copied only several times. However, the method of Patent Document 2 described above can deal only with copy-once.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a digital content reproduction system capable of appropriately copying or moving digital content with a limited number of copies between different devices.

The invention according to claim 1 is a digital content playback system in which a plurality of playback devices that play back digital content for which the number of copies is limited are connected via a communication line.
The first playback device
Storage means for storing the digital content, identification information for identifying the digital content, and counter information indicating the number of playback devices that can be simultaneously played back in association with each other;
An instruction means for instructing a copy of the digital content stored in the storage means, a movement of the digital content to a second reproduction apparatus, or a movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third reproduction apparatus;
The instruction means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means, to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “2” or more, a copy of the digital content, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, Permit movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device, and if it is “1” or more, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, and the counter information of the digital content Control means for performing control to permit movement to the third playback device;
When copying of the digital content is permitted by the control means, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means sends the digital content to the second playback device. When the movement of the digital content is permitted, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means moves the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. A subtracting means for subtracting a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means when permitted;
Conversion means for converting the digital content into a predetermined data format when copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control means;
When copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control unit, the digital content converted by the conversion unit, and the identification information of the digital content, First transmission means for transmitting the predetermined number of the counter information to a second playback device;
When movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device is permitted by the control means, the identification information of the digital content and the predetermined number of the counter information are sent to the third playback device. Second transmitting means for transmitting to
Obtaining means for obtaining the identification information and the counter information of the digital content;
Adding means for adding the counter information obtained by the obtaining means to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining means;
Playback instruction means for instructing playback of the digital content;
When reproduction of the digital content is instructed by the reproduction instruction unit, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit is “1” or more. Reproduction control means for performing control to prohibit reproduction of the digital content in the case of “0”,
An encryption means for encrypting the identification information and the counter information;
Decoding means for decoding the identification information and the counter information;
It is characterized by having.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital content playback system in which a plurality of playback devices that play back digital content for which the number of copies is limited are connected via a communication line.
The first playback device
Storage means for storing the digital content in association with counter information indicating the number of times that copying is possible;
An instruction means for instructing a copy of the digital content stored in the storage means, a movement of the digital content to a second reproduction apparatus, or a movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third reproduction apparatus;
The instruction means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means, to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “1” or more, a copy of the digital content, a transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, Permit movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device, and if it is “0” or more, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, and the counter information of the digital content Control means for performing control to permit movement to the third playback device;
When copying of the digital content is permitted by the control means, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means sends the digital content to the second playback device. When the movement of the digital content is permitted, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means moves the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. A subtracting means for subtracting a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means when permitted;
Obtaining means for obtaining the identification information and the counter information of the digital content;
Adding means for adding the counter information obtained by the obtaining means to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining means;
Playback instruction means for instructing playback of the digital content;
When reproduction of the digital content is instructed by the reproduction instruction unit, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit is “0” or more. -1 ", reproduction control means for performing control to disallow reproduction of the digital content;
It is characterized by having.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital content playback system in which a plurality of playback devices that play back digital content for which the number of copies is limited are connected via a communication line.
The first playback device
Storage means for storing the digital content in association with counter information indicating the number of playback devices that can be played back simultaneously;
An instruction means for instructing a copy of the digital content stored in the storage means, a movement of the digital content to a second reproduction apparatus, or a movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third reproduction apparatus;
The instruction means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means, to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “2” or more, a copy of the digital content, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, Permit movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device, and if it is “1” or more, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, and the counter information of the digital content Control means for performing control to permit movement to the third playback device;
When copying of the digital content is permitted by the control means, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means sends the digital content to the second playback device. When the movement of the digital content is permitted, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means moves the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. A subtracting means for subtracting a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means when permitted;
Obtaining means for obtaining the identification information and the counter information of the digital content;
Adding means for adding the counter information obtained by the obtaining means to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining means;
Playback instruction means for instructing playback of the digital content;
When reproduction of the digital content is instructed by the reproduction instruction unit, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit is “1” or more. Reproduction control means for performing control to prohibit reproduction of the digital content in the case of “0”,
It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content reproduction system according to the second or third aspect,
The first playback device includes:
Conversion means for converting the digital content into a predetermined data format when copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control means;
When copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control unit, the digital content converted by the conversion unit, and the identification information of the digital content, First transmission means for transmitting the predetermined number of the counter information to a second playback device;
When movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device is permitted by the control means, the identification information of the digital content and the predetermined number of the counter information are sent to the third playback device. Second transmitting means for transmitting to
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 5 is the digital content reproduction system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The first playback device includes:
An encryption means for encrypting the identification information and the counter information;
Decoding means for decoding the identification information and the counter information;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the first playback device, the storage means stores the digital content, identification information for identifying the digital content, and counter information indicating the number of playback devices that can be played back simultaneously. Are stored in association with each other, and the instruction unit copies the digital content stored in the storage unit or moves the digital content to the second playback device, or moves the digital content counter information to the third playback device. The control means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means by the instruction means, or to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the digital content counter information to the third playback device. The counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means If it is “2” or more, copying of digital content, movement of digital content to the second playback device, and movement of counter information of the digital content to the third playback device are permitted. Control is performed to permit the movement of the content to the second playback device and the movement of the digital content counter information to the third playback device, and the subtraction means stores the copy of the digital content by the control means. When the counter information of the digital content stored in the means is decremented by a predetermined number and the movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control means, the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means The predetermined number is subtracted, and the control means transfers the digital content counter information to the third playback device. Is permitted, the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted by a predetermined number, the identification means and counter information of the digital content are acquired by the acquisition means, and acquired by the acquisition means by the addition means. The counter information acquired by the acquisition unit is added to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit corresponding to the identification information, the reproduction instruction unit instructs the reproduction of the digital content, and the reproduction control unit reproduces the digital content. When reproduction of digital content is instructed by the instruction means, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “1” or more, and digital information is reproduced when it is “0”. Since control to disallow content playback is performed, digital The counter information is appropriately subtracted or added along with the copying of the contents, the movement of the digital contents, and the movement of the counter information of the digital contents, and the copying of the digital contents, the movement of the digital contents, the counter of the digital contents based on the counter information Whether or not information can be moved is controlled, and whether or not digital content can be played back is controlled based on the counter information. Digital content with a limited number of copies or counter information of digital content is properly copied between different devices. Or it can move.

  Further, when the counter information is “2” or more, the control means permits copying of digital content, movement of digital content, or movement of counter information of digital content, and when the counter information is “1” or more. Is permitted to move digital content or digital counter information. When the counter information is “1” or more by the playback control means, playback of the digital content is permitted and counter information is “0”. Since the reproduction of the digital content is not permitted, not only the digital content when the permitted number of times of copying is permitted, but also the digital content when the permitted number of times of copying is permitted one or more times Also move digital content copy or digital content counter information It can be properly controlled.

Further, in the first playback device, when the conversion means permits the copy of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device by the control means, the digital content is converted into a predetermined data format, 1 When the transmission means permits the digital content to be copied or moved to the second playback device by the control means, the digital content converted by the conversion means, the identification information of the digital content, Since the counter information of the number is transmitted to the second playback device, even if the digital content is converted and copied or moved from the first playback device to the second playback device, the digital content before being converted to the first playback device The content is left, and the digital content converted from the second playback device is It is retirement can solve the problem of not being able to return to the digital content before the conversion.
In addition, when the second transmission unit permits the control unit to move the digital content counter information to the third playback device, the identification information of the digital content and a predetermined number of counter information are included in the third playback device. Therefore, even if the digital content converted by the conversion means is returned from the third playback device, the digital content before conversion is returned to the digital content before conversion. Can solve the problem of not being able to.

  Also, the identification information and the counter information are encrypted by the encryption means, and the identification information and the counter information are decrypted by the decryption means, so that the identification information and the counter information are prevented from being falsified. Can do.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first playback device, the storage unit associates the digital content, the identification information for identifying the digital content, and the counter information indicating the number of possible copies. The instruction means instructs the copy of the digital content stored in the storage means or the movement of the digital content to the second playback device or the movement of the digital content counter information to the third playback device. This is a case where the instruction unit instructs the copy of the digital content stored in the storage unit, the movement of the digital content to the second playback device, or the movement of the digital content counter information to the third playback device. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “1” or more, Permits copying digital content, moving digital content to the second playback device, and moving digital content counter information to the third playback device. Control for allowing movement of the digital content to the third playback device is performed, and the subtraction means permits copying of the digital content by the control means. When the digital content counter information is subtracted by a predetermined number and the movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control means, the digital content counter information stored in the storage means is subtracted by a predetermined number and controlled. If movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device is permitted by the means In addition, the digital information counter information stored in the storage means is subtracted by a predetermined number, the digital information identification information and counter information are acquired by the acquisition means, and the addition means corresponds to the identification information acquired by the acquisition means. The counter information acquired by the acquisition unit is added to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit, the reproduction instruction unit instructs the reproduction of the digital content, and the reproduction control unit instructs the digital content by the reproduction instruction unit. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “0” or more, the digital content is permitted to be reproduced, and if it is “−1”, the digital content is reproduced. Copying of digital content is performed because the control is prohibited. , The counter information is appropriately subtracted or added in accordance with the movement of the digital content, the movement of the digital content counter information, and the copy of the digital content, the movement of the digital content, the movement of the counter information of the digital content based on the counter information Whether or not to reproduce digital content is controlled based on the counter information, and the digital content or the counter information of the digital content in which the number of copies is limited is appropriately copied or moved between different devices. be able to.

  Further, when the counter information is “1” or more by the control means, copying of digital content, movement of digital content, or movement of counter information of digital content is permitted, and when the counter information is “0” or more. Is permitted to move digital content or counter information of the digital content. When the counter information is “0” or more, the playback control unit permits playback of the digital content and the counter information is “−1”. In this case, since the reproduction of the digital content is not permitted, not only the digital content when the permitted number of times of copying is permitted, but also the digital content when the permitted number of times of copying is allowed one or more times. Also for digital content copy or transfer of digital content counter information It can be properly controlled.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first playback device, the storage means stores the digital content, identification information for identifying the digital content, and counter information indicating the number of playback devices that can be played back simultaneously. Are stored in association with each other, and the instruction unit copies the digital content stored in the storage unit or moves the digital content to the second playback device, or moves the digital content counter information to the third playback device. The control means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means by the instruction means, or to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the digital content counter information to the third playback device. The counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means If it is “2” or more, copying of digital content, movement of digital content to the second playback device, and movement of counter information of the digital content to the third playback device are permitted. Control is performed to permit the movement of the content to the second playback device and the movement of the digital content counter information to the third playback device, and the subtraction means stores the copy of the digital content by the control means. When the counter information of the digital content stored in the means is decremented by a predetermined number and the movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control means, the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means The predetermined number is subtracted, and the control means transfers the digital content counter information to the third playback device. Is permitted, the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted by a predetermined number, the identification means and counter information of the digital content are acquired by the acquisition means, and acquired by the acquisition means by the addition means. The counter information acquired by the acquisition unit is added to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit corresponding to the identification information, the reproduction instruction unit instructs the reproduction of the digital content, and the reproduction control unit reproduces the digital content. When reproduction of digital content is instructed by the instruction means, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “1” or more, and digital information is reproduced when it is “0”. Since control to disallow content playback is performed, digital The counter information is appropriately subtracted or added along with the copying of the content, the movement of the digital content, and the movement of the counter information of the digital content. Whether or not information can be moved is controlled, and whether or not digital content can be played back is controlled based on the counter information. Digital content with a limited number of copies or counter information of digital content is properly copied between different devices. Or it can move.

  Further, when the counter information is “2” or more, the control means permits copying of digital content, movement of digital content, or movement of counter information of digital content, and when the counter information is “1” or more. Is permitted to move digital content or digital counter information. When the counter information is “1” or more by the playback control means, playback of the digital content is permitted and counter information is “0”. Since the reproduction of the digital content is not permitted, not only the digital content when the permitted number of times of copying is permitted, but also the digital content when the permitted number of times of copying is permitted one or more times Also move digital content copy or digital content counter information It can be properly controlled.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 2 or 3 can be obtained. In particular, in the first playback device, the digital content is controlled by the control means by the conversion means. The digital content is converted into a predetermined data format, and the first transmission means copies the digital content or the digital content by the control means. When the movement to the second playback device is permitted, the digital content converted by the conversion means, the identification information of the digital content, and the predetermined number of counter information are transmitted to the second playback device. Even if digital content is converted and copied or moved from one playback device to the second playback device, it is converted to the first playback device. It becomes the front of the digital content is left to be, can solve the problem that digital content that has been converted from the second reproduction device can not be returned to the digital content before the conversion is returned.
In addition, when the second transmission unit permits the control unit to move the digital content counter information to the third playback device, the identification information of the digital content and a predetermined number of counter information are included in the third playback device. Therefore, even if the digital content converted by the conversion means is returned from the third playback device, the digital content before conversion is returned to the digital content before conversion. Can solve the problem of not being able to.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of any one of the second to fourth aspects of the invention. Since the identification information and the counter information are encrypted and the identification information and the counter information are decrypted by the decrypting means, it is possible to prevent the identification information and the counter information from being falsified.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out a digital content reproduction system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration of the digital content reproduction system 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A digital content reproduction system 100 according to the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, receives a digital content transmitted from a broadcasting station 1, and receives a reception device 2 as a first reproduction device that reproduces the digital content. The receiving apparatus 2 is configured to include a second reproducing apparatus connected to the receiving apparatus 2 via a network N as a communication line, a reproducing apparatus 3 as a third reproducing apparatus, and the like.
In addition, the number of the receivers 2 with respect to the broadcasting station 1 and the number of the playback devices 3 with respect to the receivers 2 are not limited to the illustrated example, and are arbitrary.

  The network N includes, for example, the Internet such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or an intranet such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the connection between the receiving device 2 and the playback device 3 is not limited to the network N, and may be electrically connected by a dedicated connection cable or the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the broadcasting station 1 includes a transmission antenna 10, an encoder 11, a multiplexing unit 12, a modulation unit 13, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15, a storage unit 16, and the like. It is configured with.

  The transmission antenna 10 is, for example, a 4-dipole antenna, a double-loop antenna, a parabolic antenna, or the like, and receives each broadcast wave such as FM broadcast, AM broadcast, terrestrial digital broadcast, BS / CS broadcast, terrestrial analog broadcast, etc. Send to. In addition, when transmitting a broadcast wave via a CATV line, a connection cable (not shown) or the like may be provided.

  For example, the encoder 11 performs an encoding process on the digital content and outputs it to the multiplexing unit 12.

  For example, the multiplexing unit 12 performs multiplexing processing on the digital content encoded by the encoder 11 and outputs the result to the modulation unit 13.

  For example, the modulation unit 13 modulates the digital content multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 12 so as to be a broadcast wave in a predetermined frequency band, and outputs the modulated digital content to the transmission antenna 10.

  For example, the CPU 14 reads out a processing program or the like stored in the storage unit 16, develops it in the RAM 15, and executes it to control the entire broadcasting station 1.

  The RAM 15 expands the processing program executed by the CPU 14 in the program storage area in the RAM 15 and stores the input data and the processing result generated when the processing program is executed in the data storage area.

  The storage unit 16 includes, for example, a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance, and this recording medium is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory. In addition, the storage unit 16 stores various data, various processing programs, data processed by executing these programs, and the like for realizing a function for the CPU 14 to control the entire broadcasting station 1. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 16 stores a digital content database 16A, an ID addition program 16B, a counter addition program 16C, an encryption program 16D, and the like.

  The digital content database 16A stores, for example, digital content to be transmitted to the receiving device 2.

  The ID addition program 16B is a program that, for example, causes the CPU 14 to realize a function of adding ID information as identification information for identifying the digital content to the digital content.

  The counter addition program 16C is a program for causing the CPU 14 to realize a function of adding counter information to digital content, for example. Here, the counter information is information indicating the number of receiving apparatuses 2 and reproducing apparatuses 3 that can simultaneously reproduce the digital content.

  The encryption program 16D is, for example, a program that causes the CPU 14 to realize a function of encrypting ID information and counter information added to digital content.

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the receiving device 2 includes a receiving antenna 20, a tuner unit 21, an HDD 22, a demodulating unit 23, a decoder 24, an input unit 25, a communication unit 26, a CPU 27, a RAM 28, a storage unit 29, and the like. Composed. The receiving device 2 is connected to the output device 4.

  The receiving antenna 20 is, for example, a parabolic antenna, a UHF antenna, or the like, and receives a broadcast wave of digital content such as FM broadcast, AM broadcast, terrestrial digital broadcast, BS / CS broadcast, terrestrial analog broadcast, and FM signal, An RF signal such as an AM signal, a terrestrial digital signal, a BS / CS / terrestrial analog signal or the like is output to the tuner unit 21. In addition, when receiving a broadcast wave via a CATV line, a connection cable (not shown) or the like may be provided.

  The tuner unit 21 includes a mixer (not shown), a channel selection circuit (not shown), an A / D conversion circuit (not shown), and the like, and is input from the receiving antenna 20 by the mixer, the channel selection circuit, and the like. The RF signal is converted into an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal of a channel desired by the user, and the generated IF signal is converted into digital data by an A / D conversion circuit.

  The HDD 22 is configured to include, for example, a magnetic recording medium, and stores digital content, ID information, and counter information in association with each other based on the CPU 27 executing a storage control program 29A described later. Thereby, the HDD 22 functions as a storage unit.

  The demodulator 23 performs, for example, demodulation processing on the digital content input from the tuner unit 21 and outputs the result to the decoder 24.

  For example, the decoder 24 performs a decoding process on the digital content input from the demodulator 23 to generate video data and audio data, and outputs the video data and audio data to the output device 4.

The input unit 25 includes, for example, various keys for inputting various operation signals, and outputs various operation signals to the CPU 27 when operated by a user.
More specifically, the CPU 27 outputs an operation signal instructing to copy the digital content or to move the digital content to the playback device 3 or to move the digital content counter information to the playback device 3, and functions as an instruction means.
In addition, an operation signal for instructing reproduction of the digital content is output to the CPU 27 and functions as a reproduction instruction unit.

  The communication unit 26 performs communication between the reception device 2 and the playback device 3 via the network N, for example.

  For example, the CPU 27 reads out a processing program or the like stored in the storage unit 29, develops it in the RAM 28, and executes it to control the entire receiving device 2.

  The RAM 28 expands the processing program executed by the CPU 27 in the program storage area in the RAM 28, and stores the input data and the processing result generated when the processing program is executed in the data storage area.

  The storage unit 29 has, for example, a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance, and this recording medium is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 29 stores various data, various processing programs, data processed by the execution of these programs, and the like for realizing the function of the CPU 27 controlling the entire receiving device 2. More specifically, the storage unit 29 obtains, for example, a storage control program 29A, a control program 29B, a subtraction program 29C, a conversion program 29D, a first transmission program 29E, and a second transmission program 29F, as shown in FIG. A program 29G, an addition program 29H, a reproduction control program 29I, an encryption program 29J, a decryption program 29K, and the like are stored.

  For example, when the CPU 27 receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 1, the storage control program 29A associates the digital content included in the broadcast wave with the ID information of the digital content and the counter information of the digital content. It is a program that realizes the function to be stored in.

  The control program 29B is, for example, a copy of digital content or a transfer of digital content to the playback device 3 or a transfer of digital content counter information to the playback device 3 by the CPU 27 operating the input unit 25 by the user. When the movement is instructed and the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 is “2” or more, a copy of the digital content, movement of the digital content to the playback device 3, Control of permitting movement of the counter information to the playback device 3 and permitting movement of the digital content to the playback device 3 and movement of the counter information of the digital content to the playback device 3 if “1” or more. It is a program that realizes the function to be performed. In the movement of the digital content in the present invention, the moved digital content is moved to the destination playback device 3 while remaining in the receiving device 2. The CPU 27 functions as a control unit by executing the control program 29B.

For example, when the CPU 27 permits copying of digital content, the subtraction program 29C subtracts a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 and permits movement of the digital content to the playback device 3. In addition, when the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 is subtracted by a predetermined number and the movement of the digital content counter information to the playback device 3 is permitted, the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 is determined in advance. This program realizes the function of subtracting numbers.
Here, the predetermined number is determined by the value of the counter information to be moved to the reproduction apparatus 3 that is the copy destination. The predetermined number may be set in advance, or may be set by operating the input unit 25 by the user. Further, the subtraction program 29C performs subtraction processing on the CPU 27 so that the counter information is always 0 or more. For example, when the counter information is smaller than 0 by a predetermined number set by the input unit 25, the output device 4 Is a program that realizes a function of outputting a predetermined error message. The CPU 27 functions as a subtraction unit by executing the subtraction program 29C.

  The conversion program 29D is a program that realizes a function of converting the digital content into a predetermined data format when the CPU 27 is permitted to copy the digital content or move the digital content to the playback device 3, for example. The CPU 27 functions as a conversion unit by executing the conversion program 29D.

  For example, when the CPU 27 permits the CPU 27 to copy digital content or move the digital content to the playback device 3, the first transmission program 29E receives the digital content, the ID information of the digital content, and a predetermined number of counter information. Is a program that realizes the function of transmitting to the playback device 3. When the first transmission program 29E converts the digital content into a predetermined data format by executing the conversion program 29D in the CPU 27, the converted digital content and the ID information of the digital content And a program that realizes a function of transmitting a predetermined number of counter information to the playback device 3. The CPU 27 functions as a first transmission unit by executing the first transmission program 29E.

  For example, when the CPU 27 permits the CPU 27 to move the digital content counter information to the playback device 3, the second transmission program 29F transmits the digital content ID information and a predetermined number of counter information to the playback device 3. It is a program that realizes the function to perform. The CPU 27 functions as a second transmission unit by executing the second transmission program 29F.

  The acquisition program 29G is a program that causes the CPU 27 to realize a function of acquiring ID information and counter information of digital content, for example. More specifically, the acquisition program 29G causes the CPU 27 to realize a function of acquiring the digital content ID information and the counter information when the playback device 3 returns the digital content or the digital content counter information. It is. The CPU 27 functions as an acquisition unit by executing the acquisition program 29G.

  The addition program 29H is a program that, for example, causes the CPU 27 to realize a function of adding the acquired counter information to the digital content counter information stored in the HDD 22 corresponding to the ID information acquired by executing the acquisition program 29G. is there. More specifically, for example, the addition program 29H searches the HDD 22 based on the ID information acquired by executing the acquisition program 29G in the CPU 27, and extracts the counter information of the digital content corresponding to the ID information. This is a program for realizing the function of adding the acquired counter information to the counter information and storing it in the HDD 22 as counter information of the digital content. The CPU 27 functions as an adding means by executing the adding program 29H.

  The reproduction control program 29I is, for example, the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 when an operation signal instructing the reproduction of the digital content is input to the CPU 27 when the input unit 25 is operated by the user. A program that realizes a function of performing control to permit reproduction of the digital content when the value is “1” or more, and to prohibit the reproduction of the digital content when the counter information of the digital content is “0”. It is. The CPU 27 functions as a reproduction control unit by executing the reproduction control program 29I.

  The encryption program 29J is, for example, a program that causes the CPU 27 to realize a function of encrypting ID information and counter information of digital content stored in the HDD 22. The CPU 27 functions as an encryption unit by executing the encryption program 29J.

  The decryption program 29K is, for example, a program that causes the CPU 27 to realize a function of decrypting digital content ID information and counter information. The CPU 27 functions as decryption means by executing the decryption program 29K.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the output device 4 includes a display unit 40, a sound output unit 41, and the like, and outputs video and audio based on video data and audio data output from the decoder 24 of the reception device 2. The display unit 40 and the sound output device 4 are made to output.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the playback device 3 includes a communication unit 30, an HDD 31, a decoder 32, a display unit 33, a sound output unit 34, an input unit 35, a CPU 36, a RAM 37, a storage unit 38, and the like. .

  The communication unit 30 performs communication between the reproduction device 3 and the reception device 2 via the network N, for example.

  For example, the HDD 31 is configured to include a magnetic recording medium or the like, and stores digital content, ID information, and counter information in association with each other based on the CPU 36 executing a control program 38A described later. Thereby, the HDD 31 functions as a storage unit.

  For example, the decoder 32 performs a decoding process on the digital content input from the HDD 31 to generate video data and audio data, and outputs the video data and audio data to the display unit 33 and the sound output unit 34.

  The display unit 33 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays an image based on the video data output from the decoder 32.

  The sound output unit 34 is configured to include, for example, a speaker and outputs sound based on the audio data output from the decoder 32.

The input unit 35 includes, for example, various keys for inputting various operation signals, and outputs various operation signals to the CPU 36 when operated by the user.
More specifically, an instruction is given to copy the digital content, or move the digital content to the receiving device 2 or the other reproducing device 3, or move the counter information of the digital content to the receiving device 2 or the other reproducing device 3. An operation signal, an operation signal for instructing reproduction of digital content, and the like are output to the CPU 36. Thereby, the input unit 35 functions as an instruction unit and a reproduction instruction unit.

  For example, the CPU 36 reads out a processing program or the like stored in the storage unit 38, develops it in the RAM 37, and executes it to control the entire playback device 3.

  The RAM 37 expands the processing program executed by the CPU 36 in the program storage area in the RAM 37, and stores the input data and the processing result generated when the processing program is executed in the data storage area.

  The storage unit 38 includes, for example, a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance, and this recording medium is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory. In addition, the storage unit 38 stores various data, various processing programs, data processed by executing these programs, and the like for realizing a function for the CPU 36 to control the entire playback device 3. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the storage unit 38 includes a control program 38A, a subtraction program 38B, a conversion program 38C, a first transmission program 38D, a second transmission program 38E, an acquisition program 38F, and an addition program. 38G, a reproduction control program 38H, an encryption program 38I, a decryption program 38J, and the like are stored.

  The control program 38A is, for example, a copy of digital content, movement of the digital content to the receiving device 2 or another playback device 3, or counter information of the digital content when the input unit 35 is operated by the user on the CPU 36. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 is “2” or more, the digital content copy or digital The movement of the content to the receiving device 2 or other playback device 3 and the movement of the counter information of the digital content to the receiving device 2 or other playback device 3 are permitted. Move to the device 2 or another playback device 3, receive device 2 or counter information of the digital content Is a program for realizing the function of performing control to permit the movement of the other playback device 3. In the movement of the digital content in the present invention, the moved digital content is moved to the destination receiving device 2 or another reproducing device 3 while remaining in the reproducing device 3. The CPU 36 functions as a control unit by executing the control program 38A.

For example, when the CPU 36 permits the copying of the digital content, the subtraction program 38B subtracts a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 and sends it to the digital content receiving device 2 or other playback device 3. When the movement of the digital content is permitted, the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 is subtracted by a predetermined number, and when the movement of the digital content counter information to the receiving device 2 or another playback device 3 is permitted, the HDD 31 Is a program that realizes a function of subtracting a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in.
Here, the predetermined number is determined by the numerical value of the counter information to be moved to the receiving device 2 or another reproducing device 3 that is the copy destination. The predetermined number may be set in advance, or may be set by operating the input unit 35 by the user. Further, the subtraction program 38B performs subtraction processing on the CPU 36 so that the counter information is always 0 or more. For example, when the counter information is smaller than 0 by a predetermined number set by the input unit 35, the display unit 33 Alternatively, it is a program that realizes a function of causing the sound output unit 34 to output a predetermined error message. The CPU 36 functions as subtraction means by executing the subtraction program 38B.

  The conversion program 38C has a function of converting the digital content into a predetermined data format when the CPU 36 is permitted to copy the digital content or move the digital content to the receiving device 2 or another reproducing device 3, for example. This is a program to be realized. The CPU 36 functions as a conversion unit by executing the conversion program 38C.

  For example, when the CPU 36 permits the CPU 36 to copy digital content or move the digital content to the receiving device 2 or another playback device 3, the first transmission program 38D includes the digital content and the ID information of the digital content. This is a program for realizing a function of transmitting a predetermined number of counter information to the playback device 3. When the first transmission program 38D converts the digital content into a predetermined data format by executing the conversion program 38C in the CPU 36, the converted digital content and the ID information of the digital content And a program that realizes a function of transmitting a predetermined number of counter information to the playback device 3. The CPU 36 functions as a first transmission unit by executing the first transmission program 38D.

  For example, when the CPU 36 permits the CPU 36 to move the digital content counter information to the receiving device 2 or another playback device 3, the second transmission program 38E includes the digital content ID information, a predetermined number of counter information, Is a program that realizes a function of transmitting the message to the reception device 2 or the playback device 3. The CPU 36 functions as a second transmission unit by executing the second transmission program 38E.

  The acquisition program 38F is, for example, a program that causes the CPU 36 to realize a function of acquiring digital content ID information and counter information. More specifically, the acquisition program 38 </ b> F receives the digital content or the digital content counter information from the receiving device 2, or the digital content or the digital content counter information is returned from the other playback device 3 to the CPU 36. In this case, the program realizes a function of acquiring ID information and counter information of the digital content. The CPU 36 functions as an acquisition unit by executing the acquisition program 38F.

  The addition program 38G is a program that, for example, causes the CPU 36 to realize a function of adding the acquired counter information to the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 corresponding to the ID information acquired by executing the acquisition program 38F. is there. More specifically, for example, the addition program 38G searches the HDD 31 based on the ID information acquired by executing the acquisition program 38F in the CPU 36, and extracts the counter information of the digital content corresponding to the ID information. This is a program for adding the acquired counter information to the counter information and realizing the function of storing it in the HDD 31 as the counter information of the digital content. The CPU 36 functions as an adding means by executing the adding program 38G.

  The reproduction control program 38H is, for example, the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 when an operation signal instructing the reproduction of the digital content is input to the CPU 36 when the input unit 35 is operated by the user. A program that realizes a function of performing control to permit reproduction of the digital content when the value is “1” or more, and to prohibit the reproduction of the digital content when the counter information of the digital content is “0”. It is. The CPU 36 functions as a reproduction control unit by executing the reproduction control program 38H.

  The encryption program 38I is a program that, for example, causes the CPU 36 to realize a function of encrypting ID information and counter information of digital content stored in the HDD 31. The CPU 36 functions as an encryption unit by executing the encryption program 38I.

  The decryption program 38J is a program that causes the CPU 36 to realize a function of decrypting digital content ID information and counter information, for example. The CPU 36 functions as decryption means by executing the decryption program 38J.

Next, an example of the digital content reception operation of the reception device 2 in the digital content reproduction system 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the receiving device 2 receives digital content transmitted from the broadcasting station 1 (step S1). Next, by executing the storage control program 29A, the CPU 27 stores the digital content, the ID information of the digital content, and the counter information in association with each other in the HDD 22 (step S2).

Next, an example of a digital content transfer / return operation in the digital content playback system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
First, in the receiving device 2, when the user operates the input unit 25 to input an operation signal instructing movement of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 to the playback device 3 (step S <b> 101), the CPU 27. Determines whether the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more by executing the control program 29B (step S102).

In step S102, when the CPU 27 determines that the counter information of the digital content is not “1” or more (step S102; No), the CPU 27 prohibits the movement of the digital content to the playback device 3. (Step S103).
In step S102, when the CPU 27 determines that the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more (step S102; Yes), the CPU 27 permits the movement of the digital content to the playback device 3 ( Step S104).

  Next, the CPU 27 executes a subtraction program 29C to subtract a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content (step S105). Here, the predetermined number is determined by the numerical value of the counter information to be moved to the playback apparatus 3 that is the movement destination. The predetermined number may be set in advance, or may be set by operating the input unit 25 by the user.

  Next, the CPU 27 encrypts the ID information of the digital content and a predetermined number of counter information by executing the encryption program 29J (step S106).

  Next, the CPU 27 executes the conversion program 29D to convert the data format of the digital content into a predetermined data format (step S107). Here, the predetermined data format is, for example, a data format that can be played back by the playback device 3 as a transmission destination. Note that this step is omitted when the input unit 25 is operated by the user and an operation signal instructing conversion of the data format of the digital content is not input.

  Next, the CPU 27 transmits the digital content, ID information, and a predetermined number of counter information to the playback device 3 by executing the first transmission program 29E (step S108).

  Next, when the playback device 3 receives the digital content, the ID information, and the predetermined number of counter information (step S109), the CPU 36 executes the decryption program 38J, whereby the ID information, the counter information, Is decrypted (step S110).

  Next, the CPU 36 executes the acquisition program 38F to acquire the ID information and the counter information (step S111), and executes the addition program 38G to search the HDD 31 and correspond to the ID information. The counter information of the digital content is extracted, and the acquired counter information is added to the extracted counter information (step S112). If there is no digital content corresponding to the ID information as a result of searching the HDD 31, the digital content, the ID information, and the counter information are stored in the HDD 31 in association with each other.

  Next, when the user operates the input unit 35 to input an operation signal instructing movement (return) of the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 to the receiving device 2 (step S113), the CPU 36 Determines whether or not the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more by executing the control program 38A (step S114).

In step S114, when the CPU 36 determines that the counter information of the digital content is not “1” or more (step S114; No), the CPU 36 moves the counter information of the digital content to the playback device 3. Not permitted (step S115).
If the CPU 36 determines in step S114 that the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more (step S114; Yes), the CPU 36 moves the counter information of the digital content to the receiving device 2. Allow (step S116).

  Next, the CPU 36 subtracts a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 by executing the subtraction program 38B (step S117). Here, the predetermined number is determined by the numerical value of the counter information to be moved to the receiving apparatus 2 that is the movement destination. The predetermined number may be set in advance, or may be set by operating the input unit 35 by the user.

  Next, the CPU 36 executes the encryption program 38I to encrypt the digital content ID information and a predetermined number of counter information (step S118).

  Next, the CPU 36 transmits the ID information and the counter information to the receiving device 2 by executing the second transmission program 38E (step S119).

  Next, when the receiving device 2 receives the ID information and counter information (step S120), the CPU 27 executes the decoding program 29K to decode the ID information and counter information (step S121).

  Next, the CPU 27 executes the acquisition program 29G to acquire the ID information and counter information (step S122), and executes the addition program 29H to search the HDD 22 and to obtain a digital corresponding to the ID information. The counter information of the content is extracted, the acquired counter information is added to the extracted counter information (step S123), and this process is terminated.

Next, an example of a digital content copy / return operation in the digital content reproduction system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
First, in the receiving apparatus 2, when the user operates the input unit 25 to input an operation signal instructing copying of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 to the reproducing apparatus 3 (step S <b> 201), the CPU 27. Determines whether the counter information of the digital content is “2” or more by executing the control program 29B (step S202).

In step S202, when the CPU 27 determines that the counter information of the digital content is not “2” or more (step S202; No), the CPU 27 does not permit copying of the digital content to the playback device 3. (Step S203), the process is terminated.
In step S202, when the CPU 27 determines that the counter information of the digital content is “2” or more (step S202; Yes), the CPU 27 permits the copying of the digital content to the playback device 3 ( Step S204).

  Next, the CPU 27 executes a subtraction program 29C to subtract a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content (step S205). Here, the predetermined number is determined by the value of the counter information to be moved to the reproduction apparatus 3 that is the copy destination. The predetermined number may be set in advance, or may be set by operating the input unit 25 by the user.

  Next, the CPU 27 encrypts the ID information of the digital content and a predetermined number of counter information by executing the encryption program 29J (step S206).

  Next, the CPU 27 executes the conversion program 29D to convert the data format of the digital content into a predetermined data format (step S207). Here, the predetermined data format is, for example, a data format that can be played back by the playback device 3 as a transmission destination. Note that this step is omitted when the input unit 25 is operated by the user and an operation signal instructing conversion of the data format of the digital content is not input.

  Next, the CPU 27 transmits the digital content, ID information, and a predetermined number of counter information to the playback device 3 by executing the first transmission program 29E (step S208).

  Next, when the playback device 3 receives the digital content, ID information, and a predetermined number of counter information (step S209), the CPU 36 executes the decryption program 38J, thereby executing the ID information and the counter information. Are decoded (step S210).

  Next, the CPU 36 executes the acquisition program 38F to acquire the ID information and the counter information (step S211), and executes the addition program 38G to search the HDD 31 and correspond to the ID information. The counter information of the digital content is extracted, and the acquired counter information is added to the extracted counter information (step S212). If there is no digital content corresponding to the ID information as a result of searching the HDD 31, the digital content, the ID information, and the counter information are stored in the HDD 31 in association with each other.

  Next, when the user operates the input unit 35 to input an operation signal instructing to move (return) the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 to the receiving device 2 (step S213), the CPU 36 Determines whether the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more by executing the control program 38A (step S214).

In step S214, when the CPU 36 determines that the counter information of the digital content is not “1” or more (step S214; No), the CPU 36 moves the counter information of the digital content to the receiving device 2. Not permitted (step S215).
If the CPU 36 determines in step S214 that the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more (step S214; Yes), the CPU 36 moves the counter information of the digital content to the receiving device 2. Allow (step S216).

  Next, the CPU 36 subtracts a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 by executing the subtraction program 38B (step S217). Here, the predetermined number is determined by the numerical value of the counter information to be moved to the receiving apparatus 2 that is the movement destination. The predetermined number may be set in advance, or may be set by operating the input unit 35 by the user.

  Next, the CPU 36 executes the encryption program 38I to encrypt the digital content ID information and the predetermined number counter information (step S218).

  Next, the CPU 36 transmits the ID information and the counter information to the receiving device 2 by executing the second transmission program 38E (step S219).

  Next, when the receiving device 2 receives the ID information and the counter information (step S220), the CPU 27 executes the decoding program 29K to decode the ID information and the counter information (step S221).

  Next, the CPU 27 executes the acquisition program 29G to acquire the ID information and counter information (step S222), and executes the addition program 29H to search the HDD 22 and to obtain a digital corresponding to the ID information. The counter information of the content is extracted, the acquired counter information is added to the extracted counter information (step S223), and this process is terminated.

Next, an example of a reproduction operation in the reception device 2 and the reproduction device 3 of the digital content reproduction system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In the following, the playback operation in the receiving device 2 will be described, but the playback device 3 performs the same processing.
First, when an operation signal instructing reproduction of digital content stored in the HDD 22 is input by the user operating the input unit 25 (step S301), the CPU 27 executes the reproduction control program 29I. Thus, it is determined whether the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more (step S302).

In step S302, when the CPU 27 determines that the counter information of the digital content is not “1” or more (step S302; No), the CPU 27 prohibits the reproduction of the digital content (step S303).
In step S302, when the CPU 27 determines that the counter information of the digital content is “1” or more (step S302; Yes), the CPU 27 permits the reproduction of the digital content (step S304) and ends the process. To do.

  Next, movement of digital content or digital content counter information between the receiving device 2 and the playback device 3 of the digital content playback system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 shows a case where the digital content to which the counter information “1” is added is stored in the receiving device 2.
As shown in FIG. 15, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 is “1”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “1”, it can be reproduced.

Next, when an operation signal for instructing movement of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 to the playback device 3 is input from the input unit 25, the digital content counter information is “1”. Therefore, the CPU 27 permits the movement of the digital content to the playback device 3 based on the execution of the control program 29B.
Next, the CPU 27 subtracts “1” from the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 by executing the subtraction program 29C.
Next, the CPU 27 transmits the digital content, the ID information, and the counter information “1” to the playback device 3 by executing the first transmission program 29E.
Next, the playback device 3 receives the digital content, the ID information, and the counter information “1”, and stores them in the HDD 31.
At this time, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 is “0”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “0”, reproduction is impossible.
On the other hand, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 is “1”, copying is impossible. Since the counter information of the digital content is “1”, it can be reproduced.

Next, when an operation signal for returning (moving) the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 to the receiving device 2 is input from the input unit 35, the digital content stored in the HDD 31 is received. Since the counter information is “1”, the CPU 36 permits the return (movement) of the counter information of the digital content based on the execution of the control program 38A.
Next, the CPU 36 subtracts “1” from the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 by executing the subtraction program 38B.
Next, the CPU 36 transmits the ID information and the counter information to the receiving device 2 by executing the second transmission program 38E.
Next, when the receiving device 2 receives the ID information and the counter information, the CPU 27 executes the addition program 29H to add the counter information “1” to the corresponding counter information stored in the HDD 22.
At this time, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 is “1”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “1”, it can be played back.
On the other hand, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback apparatus 3 is “0”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “0”, reproduction is impossible.

  Next, movement of the digital content between the receiving device 2 and the playback device 3 (first device) of the digital content playback system 100 according to the present embodiment, and the playback device 3 (first device) and the playback device 3 (two devices). Copying with the eye) will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a case where the digital content to which the counter information “2” is added is stored in the receiving device 2.
As shown in FIG. 16, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 is “2”, copying is possible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “2”, it can be played back.

Next, when an operation signal instructing movement of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 to the playback device 3 (first device) is input from the input unit 25, counter information of the digital content is received. Is “2”, the CPU 27 permits the movement of the digital content to the playback apparatus 3 (first unit) based on the execution of the control program 29B.
Next, the CPU 27 subtracts “2” from the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 by executing the subtraction program 29C.
Next, the CPU 27 transmits the digital content, the ID information, and the counter information “2” to the playback device 3 (first unit) by executing the first transmission program 29E.
Next, the playback device 3 (first device) receives the digital content, the ID information, and the counter information “2”, and stores them in the HDD 31.
At this time, the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 is decremented to “0”, and therefore cannot be copied. Further, since the counter information of the digital content has been subtracted to “0”, it cannot be reproduced.
On the other hand, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 (first device) is “2”, copying is possible. Since the counter information is “2”, it can be reproduced.

Next, when an operation signal for copying the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 (first device) is input from the input unit 35 to the playback device 3 (second device), the operation signal is stored in the HDD 31. Since the counter information of the digital content is “2”, the CPU 36 permits copying of the digital content to the playback device 3 (second device) based on the execution of the control program 38A.
Next, the CPU 36 subtracts “1” from the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 by executing the subtraction program 38B.
Next, the CPU 36 executes the first transmission program 38D to transmit the digital content, the ID information of the digital content, and the counter information “1” to the playback device 3 (second device).
Next, the playback device 3 (second device) receives the digital content, the ID information of the digital content, and the counter information “1”, and stores it in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 (second device). Remember.
At this time, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 (first device) is “1”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “1”, it can be played back.
On the other hand, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 (second device) is “1”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “1”, it can be played back.

Next, when an operation signal for returning (moving) the digital content counter information stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 (second device) to the receiving device 2 is input from the input unit 35, the operation signal is stored in the HDD 31. Since the counter information of the digital content is “1”, the CPU 36 permits the return (movement) of the counter information of the digital content based on the execution of the control program 38A.
Next, the CPU 36 subtracts “1” from the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 by executing the subtraction program 38B.
Next, the CPU 36 transmits the ID information and the counter information to the receiving device 2 by executing the second transmission program 38E.
Next, when the receiving device 2 receives the ID information and the counter information, the CPU 27 executes the addition program 29H to add the counter information “1” to the corresponding counter information stored in the HDD 22.
At this time, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 of the receiving device 2 is “1”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “1”, it can be played back.
On the other hand, since the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 31 of the playback device 3 (second device) is “0”, copying is impossible. Further, since the counter information of the digital content is “0”, reproduction is impossible.

  According to the digital content reproduction system 100 according to the present invention described above, in the reception apparatus 2, the HDD 22 performs digital content, ID information for identifying the digital content, and the reception apparatus 2 and the reproduction that can be reproduced simultaneously. Counter information indicating the number of devices 3 is stored in association with each other, and the user operates the input unit 25 to copy digital content stored in the HDD 22 or move the digital content to the playback device 3; Alternatively, when the CPU 27 is instructed to move the counter information of the digital content to the playback device 3 and the CPU 27 executes the control program 29B, the user operates the input unit 25 to copy the digital content stored in the HDD 22 or digital Moving the content to the playback device 3, Is a case where movement of the digital content counter information to the playback device 3 is instructed, and if the digital content counter information stored in the HDD 22 is “2” or more, a copy of the digital content, digital content Is allowed to move to the playback device 3 and the digital content counter information to the playback device 3. 3 is performed, and when the CPU 27 executes the subtraction program 29C to permit copying of digital content, a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 is subtracted. When movement of the digital content to the playback device 3 is permitted, H When a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in D22 is subtracted and movement of the digital content counter information to the playback device 3 is permitted, a predetermined number of counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 is obtained. When the CPU 27 executes the acquisition program 29G, the ID information and counter information of the digital content are acquired, and when the CPU 27 executes the addition program 29H, it is stored in the HDD 22 corresponding to the acquired ID information. The acquired counter information is added to the counter information of the digital content, and the user operates the input unit 25 to instruct the reproduction of the digital content, and the CPU 27 executes the reproduction control program 29I, thereby the digital content. Re When the raw instruction is given, the digital content reproduction is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the HDD 22 is “1” or more, and the digital content reproduction is not permitted when the counter information is “0”. Therefore, the counter information is appropriately subtracted or added in accordance with the copy of the digital content, the movement of the digital content, and the movement of the counter information of the digital content. Whether or not the movement of the content and the counter information of the digital content is controlled, and whether or not the reproduction of the digital content is controlled based on the counter information, and the counter information of the digital content or the digital content in which the number of copies is limited Properly between different devices It is possible to copy or move.

  Further, when the CPU 27 executes the control program 29B, when the counter information is “2” or more, copying of digital contents, movement of digital contents, or movement of counter information of digital contents is permitted, and the counter information is changed. When the counter information is “1” or more, the movement of the digital content or the counter information of the digital content is permitted. When the counter information is “1” or more, the CPU 27 executes the reproduction control program 29I. When the counter information is “0”, the reproduction of the digital content is not permitted. Therefore, not only the digital content when the permitted number of times of copying is permitted but also the copying is possible. For digital content where the number of times allowed is one or more Also, it is possible to properly control the movement of the counter information of the copy or digital content of the digital content.

In the receiving device 2, when the CPU 27 executes the conversion program 29D to permit copying of digital content or movement of the digital content to the playback device 3, the digital content is converted into a predetermined data format. When the CPU 27 executes the first transmission program 29E and copying of digital content or movement of the digital content to the playback device 3 is permitted, the converted digital content and the ID information of the digital content Since the predetermined number of counter information is transmitted to the playback device 3, even if the digital content is converted from the reception device 2 to the playback device 3 and copied or moved, the digital content before being converted to the reception device 2 is Digital data converted from the playback device 3 Content can resolve the problem be returned can not be returned to the digital content before the conversion.
In addition, when the CPU 27 executes the second transmission program 29F and movement of the digital content counter information to the playback device 3 is permitted, the digital content ID information and a predetermined number of counter information are played back. Since it is transmitted to the device 3, the digital content before being converted to the receiving device 2 is left, and even if the digital content converted from the playback device 3 is returned, it cannot be returned to the digital content before conversion. Can solve the problem.

  Further, the ID information and the counter information are encrypted when the CPU 27 executes the encryption program 29J, and the ID information and the counter information are decrypted when the CPU 27 executes the decryption program 29K. And counter information can be prevented from being tampered with.

In the present embodiment, the digital content is transmitted from the broadcast station 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the digital content may be stored in a recording medium such as a DVD and taken into the receiving device 2.
In this embodiment, when digital content is transmitted from the receiving device 2 to the playback device 3 or from the playback device 3 to another playback device 3, the data format of the digital content is converted into a predetermined data format. However, it does not have to be converted.
In this embodiment, the ID information and the counter information are encrypted when they are transmitted and received. However, they may not be encrypted.
Further, the method of copying, moving, and moving counter information between the receiving device 2 and the reproducing device 3 is not limited to the network N shown in the present embodiment, and for example, recording such as a DVD It may be stored on a medium and copied or moved.

  In the present embodiment, the counter information indicates the number of playback devices that can be played back simultaneously, but the counter information may indicate the number of times that copying is possible. In this case, the CPU 27 executes the control program 29B to copy the digital content, move the digital content to the playback device 3, and play back the digital content counter information when the counter information is “1” or more. 3 is permitted. When the counter information is “0” or more, the movement of the digital content to the playback device 3 and the movement of the digital content counter information to the playback device 3 are permitted. In addition, the CPU 27 executes the playback control program 29I to permit playback of digital content when the counter information is “0” or more, and prohibit playback of digital content when the counter information is “−1”. And Further, the CPU 27 executes the subtraction program 29C to perform subtraction processing so that the counter information is always “−1” or more.

1 is a block diagram showing a digital content reproduction system and a broadcasting station according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcasting station which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the receiver which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus based on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the reception operation | movement of the digital content in the receiver of the digital content reproduction system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the movement / return operation | movement of a digital content of the digital content reproduction system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the movement / return operation | movement of a digital content of the digital content reproduction system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the movement / return operation | movement of a digital content of the digital content reproduction system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the movement / return operation | movement of a digital content of the digital content reproduction system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the copy / return operation of the digital content of the digital content reproduction system according to the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the copy / return operation of the digital content of the digital content reproduction system according to the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the copy / return operation of the digital content of the digital content reproduction system according to the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the copy / return operation of the digital content of the digital content reproduction system according to the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the reproduction | regeneration operation | movement of the digital content of the digital content reproduction | regeneration system based on this invention. It is a figure explaining movement of counter information of digital contents or digital contents between a receiving device and a reproducing device concerning the present invention. The figure explaining the movement of the digital content between the receiver which concerns on this invention, and a reproducing | regenerating apparatus (1st unit) and the copy of the digital content between a reproducing | regenerating apparatus (1st) and a reproducing | regenerating apparatus (2nd unit) It is.

Explanation of symbols

2 Receiving device (first playback device)
3 playback devices (second playback device, third playback device)
22, 31 HDD (storage means)
25, 35 input unit (instruction means, reproduction instruction means)
27, 36 CPU (control means, subtraction means, conversion means, first transmission means, second transmission means, acquisition means, addition means, reproduction control means, encryption means, decryption means)
29B, 38A Control program (control means)
29C, 38B Subtraction program (subtraction means)
29D, 38C conversion program (conversion means)
29E, 38D first transmission program (first transmission means)
29F, 38E Second transmission program (second transmission means)
29G, 38F acquisition program (acquisition means)
29H, 38G addition program (addition means)
29I, 38H Reproduction control program (reproduction control means)
29J, 38I encryption program (encryption means)
29K, 38J decoding program (decoding means)
100 Digital content playback system N Network (communication line)

Claims (5)

In a digital content playback system in which a plurality of playback devices that play back digital content with a limited number of copies are connected via a communication line,
The first playback device
Storage means for storing the digital content, identification information for identifying the digital content, and counter information indicating the number of playback devices that can be simultaneously played back in association with each other;
An instruction means for instructing a copy of the digital content stored in the storage means, a movement of the digital content to a second reproduction apparatus, or a movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third reproduction apparatus;
The instruction means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means, to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “2” or more, a copy of the digital content, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, Permit movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device, and if it is “1” or more, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, and the counter information of the digital content Control means for performing control to permit movement to the third playback device;
When copying of the digital content is permitted by the control means, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means sends the digital content to the second playback device. When the movement of the digital content is permitted, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means moves the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. A subtracting means for subtracting a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means when permitted;
Conversion means for converting the digital content into a predetermined data format when copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control means;
When copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control unit, the digital content converted by the conversion unit, and the identification information of the digital content, First transmission means for transmitting the predetermined number of the counter information to a second playback device;
When movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device is permitted by the control means, the identification information of the digital content and the predetermined number of the counter information are sent to the third playback device. Second transmitting means for transmitting to
Obtaining means for obtaining the identification information and the counter information of the digital content;
Adding means for adding the counter information obtained by the obtaining means to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining means;
Playback instruction means for instructing playback of the digital content;
When reproduction of the digital content is instructed by the reproduction instruction unit, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit is “1” or more. Reproduction control means for performing control to prohibit reproduction of the digital content in the case of “0”,
An encryption means for encrypting the identification information and the counter information;
Decoding means for decoding the identification information and the counter information;
A digital content playback system comprising: In a digital content playback system in which a plurality of playback devices that play back digital content with a limited number of copies are connected via a communication line,
The first playback device
Storage means for storing the digital content in association with counter information indicating the number of times that copying is possible;
An instruction means for instructing a copy of the digital content stored in the storage means, a movement of the digital content to a second reproduction apparatus, or a movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third reproduction apparatus;
The instruction means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means, to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “1” or more, a copy of the digital content, a transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, Permit movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device, and if it is “0” or more, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, and the counter information of the digital content Control means for performing control to permit movement to the third playback device;
When copying of the digital content is permitted by the control means, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means sends the digital content to the second playback device. When the movement of the digital content is permitted, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means moves the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. A subtracting means for subtracting a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means when permitted;
Obtaining means for obtaining the identification information and the counter information of the digital content;
Adding means for adding the counter information obtained by the obtaining means to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining means;
Playback instruction means for instructing playback of the digital content;
When reproduction of the digital content is instructed by the reproduction instruction unit, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit is “0” or more. -1 ", reproduction control means for performing control to disallow reproduction of the digital content;
A digital content playback system comprising: In a digital content playback system in which a plurality of playback devices that play back digital content with a limited number of copies are connected via a communication line,
The first playback device
Storage means for storing the digital content in association with counter information indicating the number of playback devices that can be played back simultaneously;
An instruction means for instructing a copy of the digital content stored in the storage means, a movement of the digital content to a second reproduction apparatus, or a movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third reproduction apparatus;
The instruction means instructs to copy the digital content stored in the storage means, to move the digital content to the second playback device, or to move the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. If the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is “2” or more, a copy of the digital content, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, Permit movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device, and if it is “1” or more, transfer of the digital content to the second playback device, and the counter information of the digital content Control means for performing control to permit movement to the third playback device;
When copying of the digital content is permitted by the control means, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means sends the digital content to the second playback device. When the movement of the digital content is permitted, a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means is subtracted, and the control means moves the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device. A subtracting means for subtracting a predetermined number of the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means when permitted;
Obtaining means for obtaining the identification information and the counter information of the digital content;
Adding means for adding the counter information obtained by the obtaining means to the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage means corresponding to the identification information obtained by the obtaining means;
Playback instruction means for instructing playback of the digital content;
When reproduction of the digital content is instructed by the reproduction instruction unit, reproduction of the digital content is permitted when the counter information of the digital content stored in the storage unit is “1” or more. Reproduction control means for performing control to prohibit reproduction of the digital content in the case of “0”,
A digital content playback system comprising: The first playback device includes:
Conversion means for converting the digital content into a predetermined data format when copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control means;
When copying of the digital content or movement of the digital content to the second playback device is permitted by the control unit, the digital content converted by the conversion unit, and the identification information of the digital content, First transmission means for transmitting the predetermined number of the counter information to a second playback device;
When movement of the counter information of the digital content to the third playback device is permitted by the control means, the identification information of the digital content and the predetermined number of the counter information are sent to the third playback device. Second transmitting means for transmitting to
The digital content reproduction system according to claim 2, further comprising: The first playback device includes:
An encryption means for encrypting the identification information and the counter information;
Decoding means for decoding the identification information and the counter information;
The digital content reproduction system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising:

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