JP2008042900A - Apparatus and method for executing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which advertising information can be inserted. <P>SOLUTION: A set top box 51 is included as a receiving unit for receiving digital data distributed by using a broadcast system or a communication system. In a game dedicated device 52, starting of a game software item is prohibited, until a software start enable signal is received by the receiving unit. Subsequent to the software start enable signal, data for substitution or insertion for the data of part of the game software are sent. These data can be commercial advertisements. The game dedicated machine 52 can determine whether the commercial advertisements have been introduced into and are in operation, in the game software; and if the commercial advertisements are not in the game software, the game-dedicated machine 52 can be made so as not to operate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine system capable of displaying a commercial advertisement, a data distribution system and method for distributing data, a program execution device and method for executing a software program, a program activation control device for controlling activation of a software program, and It is about the method.

  With regard to conventional game machines, recently, game machines have become widespread not only in the exclusive game corners in the city but also in general households. Along with this, various game software such as automobile racing game software, airplane flight simulator game software, etc. Are sold in large quantities.

  For example, when a car racing game software is activated on a game machine, a realistic scene that faithfully reproduces the actual F1 racetrack is displayed on the display device (display), and the operator can use the operation panel such as Joystick. Each racing car runs on the circuit course according to the instructions.

  However, in the actual F1 race track, commercial advertisements are made on the fences beside the circuit course in the background, signboards, advertising towers, and the body of the racing car. There are no examples of incorporating.

  Currently, there are examples of advertisements embedded in game software that show corporate advertisements of the software production company before or after the game software game starts, or when the scene changes (scene change). There are no examples of aggressive commercial advertising in scenes in game software.

  Moreover, even if an advertisement is projected in the background, there is no example as a commercial advertisement in consideration of profit, and it is a formal advertisement for faithfully reproducing the actual scene such as a circuit course.

  Also, once game software is produced, it is rarely changed unless there is a problem with the software.

  If you don't change the software, even if you put a commercial advertisement in the background, the advertisement will become obsolete over time, and the effectiveness of the advertisement will not be improved.

  The motivation for the present invention is that current commercial TV broadcasting is operated with commercial (corporate advertising) revenues and does not collect broadcasting fees from recipients.

  Similarly, if commercial advertising can be incorporated into game software, such as a fence, signboard, advertising tower, etc. in the background circuit course according to the demands of other companies, advertising revenue can be obtained. It is based on the fact that the selling price of game software can be reduced or made free of charge.

  In addition, certain game software is normally expected to be used many times, and if the content of this advertisement can be changed and updated as needed, it will be effective as a commercial advertisement and expected advertising revenue will be increased. It is based on what will be obtained.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-342583 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-087487 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-141236

  The present invention is technically related to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-166,682 “Commercial Advertising-Enabled Gaming Machine System and Game Method” (Application Date: June 30, 1995) related to the same inventor and applicant. Have

  The invention proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-166,682 has made it possible to put commercial advertisements in the game.

  By placing commercial advertisements, game software can be sold at low cost, leading to sales expansion of software.

  However, there is no appropriate method for determining whether or not a commercial advertisement is entered when the software is running, and to prevent the commercial advertisement from running if it is not.

  When commercial advertisements enter and operate, the commercial advertisement sponsors need to be prohibited from operating without commercial advertisement in order to pay the fee. In the invention according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-166,682, That point is not fully considered.

  In addition, game software is used by many users at the beginning of the sale, but the user utilization rate decreases as time passes.

  When user usage decreases, the usefulness of commercial advertising decreases. In a game machine that does not operate unless an updated commercial advertisement is entered, update data of game software whose usefulness of the commercial advertisement is reduced must always be distributed, resulting in high costs.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a game machine system in which each home game machine is connected to a host computer (controller) via a communication line or the like, and commercial advertisements are used in game software used in the game machine system according to company demand. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine system that can incorporate the above, a game method using the same, a data distribution system, a program execution device and method, and a program start control device and method.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a game machine system capable of easily and appropriately updating commercial advertisements incorporated in game software used in a game machine system, a game method using the same, a data distribution system, a program execution device and method, and a program It is an object of the present invention to provide an activation control apparatus and method.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an appropriate method for determining whether or not a commercial advertisement is entered in the game software and operating the game software.

  Furthermore, the present invention relates to game software whose user usage rate has decreased since time has passed since the release, and when the usefulness of commercial advertisements is reduced, even if a newly updated commercial advertisement is not transmitted, the game is started. An object of the present invention is to provide a system, a data distribution system, a program execution device and method, and a program start control device and method.

  The broadcasting system according to the present invention is a broadcasting system capable of distributing digital data, and repeatedly sends a software activation permission signal to the receiving system at intervals, and between the software activation permission signals, The software identification signal and data for replacement or insertion into a part of the data during the software operation are distributed.

  Furthermore, the data distribution system according to the present invention is a data distribution system for distributing data to a plurality of receiving devices, and means for recognizing a software program activated on the receiving device side by receiving the supplied program identification information. And a signal corresponding to the software program recognized by the recognition means, and when the software program is a legitimate software program, the program start permission for enabling the legitimate software program to be started A means for generating a signal and the program start permission signal are distributed, and a part of the software program activated in accordance with the program start permission signal is replaced or inserted. Those comprising a delivery means for delivering over data.

  Further, the program execution device according to the present invention is a program execution device for executing a software program, wherein the program start permission signal distributed from the data distribution device and data that can be replaced or inserted into a part of the original data of the software program. And a control means for executing the software program by replacing or inserting part of the original data of the software program with the data in response to the program start permission signal received by the receiving means. Is provided.

  Furthermore, the program brightness control apparatus according to the present invention is a program start control apparatus for controlling start of a software program, and data that can be replaced or inserted with respect to some original data of the software program and encrypted program start permission. If the receiving means for receiving the signal from the data distribution device and the encrypted program start permission signal can be normally decrypted, the data is replaced or inserted into a part of the original data of the software program. When the encrypted program start permission signal cannot be decrypted normally, a restricting means for restricting activation of the software program is provided.

  Incorporate commercial advertisements into game software used in game console systems according to corporate demands, determine whether commercial advertisements are in game software and operate, and if not, take action to prevent it from operating be able to.

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

  Here, as an embodiment of the present invention, when the game software is activated, a code for restricting the activation of the game program is transmitted from the CM data server, thereby prohibiting the activation of the game when no CM is inserted. And a game machine system, a communication system, and a broadcast system.

  1 and 2 show a scene in the game.

  FIG. 1 shows a scene when the software (game program) supplied on the CD-ROM is started as it is. CM data 1 and 3 are original old CM data, and the car 2, flag 4 and the like are also old. It is data.

  FIG. 2 shows a scene when the CM data portion and other data portions are replaced with new data (that is, updated) by broadcasting or a communication system.

  In the software supplied on the CD-ROM, the signboard 1 is a clock advertisement as shown in FIG. 1, but in FIG. 2, it is a bread advertisement. Similarly, the color of the car 2 is different, and the color of the car 3 is different, and in FIG. 1, the advertisement is for the cigarette, but in FIG. 2, the advertisement is for the camera. The flag 4 is a three-color flag divided in the horizontal direction and a three-color flag divided in the vertical direction. In this way, by replacing part of the data of the game software, different advertisements can be inserted even in the same game.

Hereinafter, an updatable commercial advertisement and one scene of a game such as a car and a flag are referred to as “CM data etc.” in the present specification and drawings.
[Sending system and receiving system]
(The entire)
3 to 7 are block diagrams of a system for executing such game software that can mainly update CM data and the like.

  Here, the outline of the system described here will be clarified in advance using Table 1 below.

  First, it differs depending on whether the system used when updating the CM data or the like is a broadcast system or a communication system.

  As a transmission side system for supplying new CM data to be updated, a broadcasting system is shown in FIG. 3, and a communication system is shown in the upper part of FIG. 6 and the upper part of FIG. The difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is that the former transmits only new CM data and the like, while the latter supplies game software (game program) itself by so-called download in addition to CM data and the like. To do.

  Focusing on the receiving system, a game-dedicated machine and a personal computer (so-called “PC”) can be used as devices used in the receiving system both in the case of using the broadcasting system and in the communication system. In the present specification, the term “game machine” includes both a game machine and a personal computer.

  4 to 7 show differences in supply routes for new CM data and the like.

  First, when using a broadcast system and using a dedicated game machine as a receiver-side system, a game program (including old CM data) is supplied by a CD-ROM purchased by the user, and then New CM data and the like are supplied to the buffer RAM of the game machine through this broadcasting system. A system corresponding to this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, when using the broadcasting system and using a personal computer as the receiving system, the game program including the old CM data is supplied by the CD-ROM, and then the new CM data is used. Are supplied to the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) of the personal computer via this broadcasting system. A system corresponding to this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, when a game-dedicated machine is used as a receiving-side system using a communication system, a game program including old CM data is similarly supplied by a CD-ROM, and then new CM data, etc. Is supplied to the buffer RAM of the game machine via this communication system.

  A system corresponding to this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, when using the communication system in the same manner and using a personal computer as the receiving system, the game program including the old CM data is supplied by the CD-ROM, and then the new CM data is used. Are supplied to the HDD of the personal computer via this communication system. A system corresponding to this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the game program itself including the old CM data is supplied in the form of download from the transmitting computer system to the HDD of the personal computer via the communication system. To the HDD of the personal computer. The corresponding system will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Hereinafter, each system will be described.
(Sender system)
Transmission System Using Broadcast System FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a broadcast system on the transmission side when the broadcast system is used for transmission of CM data or the like updated as time passes. Here, new CM data and the like are sent to the receiving system in each home using one channel of digital multi-channel broadcasting.

  This broadcasting system includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 10, a control computer 11, a clock 12, a synchronizer 13, a data encoder 14, a mixer 16, an RS encoder 17, an interleave 18, and a QAM / QPSK encoder. 19 and a transmitter 20, and an antenna 21 and a (broadcast or communication) satellite 22 or a cable 23 depending on the type of broadcasting system.

  CM data and the like are stored in the HDD 10 which is a CM server. The control computer 11 is linked with a reference clock 12 at regular intervals to program start enable signal (PSE: Program Start Enable), program ID (Identification), CM data, and other data (CM data). Etc.) from the HDD 10 and transferred to the synchronizer 13. The transferred CM data or the like is converted into a time synchronization signal by the synchronizer 13, encoded by the data encoder 14, and sent to the mixer 16.

  The sent CM data and the like are multiplexed by the mixer 16 with video signals and audio signals for other channels, which are encoded by the MPEG encoder 15 (high efficiency encoding). The multiplexed signal is Reed-Solomon encoded by the RS encoder 17, interleaved by the interleave means 18, and modulated for broadcasting by the QAM / QPSK encoder 19.

  Note that QPSK modulation (4-phase transfer displacement modulation) is applied when a broadcasting satellite (BS) is used, and QAM modulation (quadrature amplitude modulation) is applied when a communication satellite (CS) or cable (CATV) is used. The

  After that, in the case of satellite broadcasting through the transmitter 20, it is sent to the receiving system (game-dedicated machine or personal computer) of the home 24 via the satellite (BS / CS) 22 by the antenna 21. In the case of CATV, the signal is sent to the receiving side system of the home 24 via the cable 23 for CATV. As described above, the transmission-side system using the broadcast system is one-way communication that only supplies CM data and the like.

Transmission side system using communication system The upper part of FIG. 6 and the upper part of FIG. 7 are block diagrams of the transmission side system when the communication system is used for transmission of CM data and the like updated as time passes. Since this transmission side system is bidirectional communication with exchanges with the reception side system, it will be described together when the reception side system is described with reference to FIGS.

(Receiving system)
Next, the receiving system will be described.

FIG. 4 shows a game program (including old CM data, etc.) when using a broadcast system and using a game dedicated machine as a game machine of the receiving system. Is received by a purchased CD-ROM, and then new CM data and the like are supplied to the buffer RAM of the game dedicated machine via this broadcasting system.

  When using a broadcasting system, data is supplied only in one direction from the broadcasting system to the receiving system.

  This receiving system includes a set-top box 51 which is a receiver means for receiving a signal (new CM data or the like) transmitted via the satellite 22 or the cable 23, and a game dedicated machine 52. The set top box 51 includes a tuner 25, a QAM / QPSK decoder 26, a deinterleave 27, an RS decoder 28, an MPEG decoder 29, a data decoder 69, and a serial interface 30.

  4 is a game-dedicated machine such as “PlayStation” manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., for example. The game machine 52 includes a buffer RAM 31, a receiver 32, a sound processor unit 33, a sound RAM 34, a motion JPEG decoder 35, a DMA controller 36, a graphic processor unit 37, a video RAM 38, and a flash memory 39. CD-ROM 40, CD-ROM drive 41, CD-ROM decoder 42, OS ROM 43, CPU 44 such as R3000 series, geometric transfer engine 45, main RAM 46, and main bus Have.

  A signal such as new CM data sent via the satellite 22 or the cable 23 is selected by the tuner 25 in the set top box 51 and then reversely modulated by the QAM / QPSK decoder 26 by the QPSK demodulation or QAM. Demodulated. Thereafter, the interleaving unit 27 deinterleaves the signal, the RS decoder 28 demodulates the Reed-Solomon code, and the video and audio signals of a normal broadcast program unrelated to the game software are decoded by the MPEG decoder 29 to obtain the video. Return to signal and audio signal.

New CM data or the like for the game dedicated machine is sent to the game dedicated machine 52 through the serial interface 30 through the data decoder 69 paired with the data encoder 14 on the transmission side in FIG. In the game dedicated machine 52, after being received by the receiver 32, the CM data and the like are stored in the buffer RAM 31 for absorbing the difference in transfer rates inside and outside the game dedicated machine.

  In the game dedicated machine 52, when the CD-ROM disc 40 on which a game program (including old CM data and the like) is recorded is loaded into the CD-ROM drive 41, the game program is passed through the CD-ROM decoder 42 to the main RAM 46. Transferred to and stored.

  In this transfer, there are a method of incorporating new CM data already in the buffer RAM 31 into the main program, and a method of incorporating a subroutine call into the main program after the transfer and calling the new CM data etc. in the buffer RAM 31. It will be described later. In any case, the CPU 44 advances the game based on the data in the main RAM 46.

  Briefly describing the functions of the other parts of the game machine 52, the OS ROM 43 stores the OS of the game machine, and the DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 36 controls data transfer via the main bus. ing. As will be described later, the flash memory 39 stores time data in the PSE signal and is used at the next game activation. The geometry transfer engine (coordinate axis conversion engine) 45 calculates the coordinates of the object, and the motion JPEG decoder 35 decompresses the compressed image data. The motion JPEG decoder 35, the DMA controller 36, the CPU 44, and the geometry transfer engine 45 surrounded by a broken line are configured as a one-chip IC.

  As an output system, the graphic processor unit 37 for video output performs image control displayed on a monitor (not shown), and the video RAM 38 serves as an image sending buffer, and video is output by the monitor. The sound processor unit 33 for sound output controls sound from the speaker, and the sound RAM 34 functions as a sending buffer in the same manner as the video RAM 38, and the sound is output from a speaker (not shown).

Next, FIG. 5 shows a game including old CM data and the like when a broadcasting system is used and a personal computer (PC) is used as a game machine of the receiving system. The program is similarly supplied by a CD-ROM, and then new CM data and the like are received by the receiving system supplied to the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) of the personal computer via this broadcasting system.

  The receiving-side system shown in FIG. 5 includes a set-top box 51 that receives a signal transmitted via the satellite 22 or the cable 23 and a personal computer (PC) 68. The set top box 51 is the same as that of FIG. The personal computer 68 is a personal computer such as a DOS / V machine, and includes a CD-ROM drive 41, a serial interface 53, a sound card 54, a VGA 55, a keyboard controller 56, a DMA controller 57, and a BIOS ROM 58. A SCSI interface 59, an HDD 60, an IDE interface 61, an FDD 62, an FDD controller 63, a CPU 64, an I / O bus, an I / O channel, and a main bus.

  Compared with the system of FIG. 4, the receiving side system of FIG. 5 is different in that a personal computer (PC) 68 is used as a game machine instead of the game dedicated machine 52. The set top box 51 is the same as that of FIG. New CM data sent via the serial interface 30 of the set top box 51 is received by the serial interface 53 in the personal computer 68, passes through the IO bus, 1 / O channel and main bus, and passes through the IDE interface 61. To be recorded on the HDD 60.

  As with the game dedicated machine 52, in the personal computer 68, when the CD-ROM disc 40 in which a game program (including old CM data and the like) is recorded is loaded in the drive 41, the main RAM 46 passes through the SCSI interface 59. Transferred to and stored. During this transfer, new CM data and the like are read from the HDD 60 and stored in other locations on the main RAM 46 as well. Thereafter, a method is adopted in which a subroutine call is incorporated into the main program on the main RAM 46 to call CM data or the like in another part of the same main RAM. Details thereof will be described later. In any case, the CPU 44 advances the game based on the data in the main RAM 46.

  Regarding the functions of other parts of the personal computer (PC) 68, the CPU 64 is, for example, the 486 series manufactured by Intel Corporation in the US, and the BIOS (Basic I / O System) ROM 58 stores the OS of the computer. (Direct Memory Access) controller 57 performs data transfer control via the main bus.

  An FDD (Floppy Disk Drive) 62 reads / writes data from / to the floppy disk via the FDD controller 63.

  The keyboard controller 56 receives signals from the keyboard and mouse. As an output system, a video graphics array (VGA) 55 outputs an image signal to a monitor (not shown), and a sound card 54 restores an audio signal encoded by MIDI (Music Instruments Digial Interface) or the like. Output to the speaker.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transmission side system and a reception side system when a communication system is used.

  When a game-only machine is used as a game machine of the receiving system, a game program including old CM data is supplied by a CD-ROM purchased by the user, and new CM data is then transmitted via this communication system. 2 shows a receiving system supplied to a buffer RAM of a game machine. The use of the communication system is different from the case of using the broadcast system in that bidirectional communication with the transmission side system is performed.

  A transmission side system using a communication system includes an HDD 10 as a CM data server, a control computer 11, a clock 12, a FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) 47, and a modem 48, and is connected to a telephone line 49. Has been.

  The game-only machine 52 of the receiving system is the same as that of FIG. 4 except that the receiving end is the modem 50.

  In the game-only machine 52, when the CD-ROM disc 40 is loaded in the drive 41, a program ID signal, which will be described later, is read through the CD-ROM decoder 42, and this program ID signal passes through the modem 50 and the telephone line 49. Through the host side modem 48 and sent to the control computer 11.

  The control computer 11 stores a program start enable signal (PSE: Program Start Enable), which will be described later, a hard disk drive 10 serving as a server for the received program ID signal and CM data, based on the reference clock 12. The new CM data or the like that has been sent is sent to the modem 50 in the game-dedicated machine 52 through the modem 48 and the telephone line 49.

  In the game dedicated machine 52, the operation is started by a PSE (program activation permission) signal, and CM data and the like are stored in the buffer RAM 31. The other operations in the game machine are the same as those of the system shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where a personal computer is used as a game machine of the receiving side system similarly using the communication system. It is a figure which shows the receiving system with which new CM data etc. are supplied to HDD of a personal computer through this communication system after being supplied by ROM.

  FIG. 7 also shows that the game software itself including old CM data, etc. is downloaded in the form of download from the sending computer system to the HDD of the personal computer via the communication system. Also shown is a receiving system that is supplied to the HDD of the personal computer. The game software itself is downloaded once, but new CM data and the like are supplied every time the game software is started.

  The transmission side system using the communication system has an FDDI 47, an HDD 65 as a program server, and a program server control computer 66 in addition to the system of FIG.

  In this system, a personal computer (PC) 68 is used as a game machine instead of the game dedicated machine 52 of FIG. Compared with the system of FIG. 5, the receiving end is a modem 67. As in FIG. 6, when the CD-ROM disc 40 is loaded into the CD-ROM drive 41, a program ID signal, which will be described later, is read through the SCSI interface 59, and this program ID signal passes through the modem 67 to the telephone line. Then, the data is sent to the control computer 11 via the modem 48 on the host side.

  In the control computer 11, based on the reference clock 12, a program start permission (PSE) signal, which will be described later, a transmitted program ID signal, CM data stored in the HDD IO which is a CM server, etc. The data is sent to the modem 67 in the game dedicated machine 52 through the modem 48 and the telephone line 49. CM data and the like are stored in the HDD 60 as in the system of FIG.

  Further, in this system, there is a method of obtaining game software by downloading from a host computer instead of purchasing and obtaining the CD-ROM 40. A game software download request is sent from the personal computer 68 to the program server control computer 66 through the modem 67, through the telephone line 49, through the host-side modem 48, and through the FDDI 47.

  In response to a download request from the personal computer 68, the program server control computer 66 sends a predetermined game program stored in the HDD 65 as a program server via the FDDI 47, the modem 48, and the telephone line 49. To the modem 67 in the personal computer 68.

  The personal computer 68 stores the game program on the HDD 60.

  The game program is read from the HDD 60 to the main RAM 46 instead of from the CD-ROM 40 when the program is activated. This game software can be downloaded only once for one type of game. That is, a different type of game software is downloaded again, but the same type of game software may be read from the HDD 60 without being downloaded. On the other hand, new CM data stored in the HDD 10 is read via the telephone line 49 every time the game software is activated. The other parts of this system are the same as the system of FIG.

[Game software program structure]
(The entire)
Table 2 below shows a program configuration on the main RAM when executing game software used in the various systems described above.

  As described above, the game machines of the receiving side system are roughly classified into game dedicated machines and personal computers (PCs). The game program (including the original old CM data and the like) is mainly recorded on the CD-ROM purchased by the user, but when downloaded exceptionally, it is directly recorded on the HDD of the personal computer. New CM data to be updated is transmitted from the transmission side via the broadcast system or communication system, when the reception side system uses a dedicated game machine, when the personal computer is used in the buffer RAM. It is recorded on the HDD. The correspondence with the receiving side system described in FIGS. 4 to 7 is as shown in Table 2 above.

  The game is executed along with game software on the main RAM transferred (loaded) from the CD-ROM or HDD. As the game progresses, when the CM data etc. of the game software recorded in the main RAM is changed / updated, it is classified as to how to handle the new CM data etc. Will be described.

  Briefly, the game dedicated machine does not incorporate new CM data itself, but records the address of the buffer RAM in which the update data exists in the main RAM, and calls the update data to the buffer RAM. Is shown in FIG. Details of the calling method are shown in FIG.

  In a personal computer, update data or the like itself is not incorporated into the corresponding part of the game software in the main RAM, but is recorded in another part of the same main RAM, and the address where the update data exists is recorded in the corresponding part of the game software. FIG. 10 shows a case where update data or the like is called from another address on the main RAM. The details of the calling method are shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is the same as FIG. 10, but shows a case where a game program is downloaded to the HDD 60.

  FIG. 13 shows a case where new CM data or the like itself is incorporated into the main RAM (subroutine call) in the game dedicated machine.

(Program structure)
Example of Calling New CM Data on Buffer RAM on Main RAM FIG. 8 shows a case where game software on the CD-ROM 40 is transferred to the main RAM 46 in the game dedicated machine 52 as the first embodiment of the present invention. Even if there is new CM data or the like in the buffer RAM 31, the main RAM 46 is left only for subroutine call data, and when the area of the CM data to be updated in the main program on the main RAM 46 is reached, This is a case where the CM data on the RAM 46 is called as a subroutine call. This can be employed in the systems of FIGS.

  The CD-ROM 40 has program ID data 80, PSE check data 81, game program PRG (1) data 82, old CM data Old-CM (1) 83, and game program PRG (2) data. 84, old CM data Old-CM (2) 85, game program PRG (3) data 86, old CM data Old-CM (3) 87, and game program PRG (4) data 88 are sequentially recorded. Has been. The old CM data Old-CM (1) to Old-CM (3) are not limited to CM data, but also include images to be updated such as the car color and flag color described in FIGS. Data, etc. On the other hand, on the buffer RAM 31, a program ID 80, CM data information 89, and new CM data New-CM (1) 91 and New-CM (2) 90 are recorded.

  When the data at addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 are transferred to the main RAM 46, the data at addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 are transferred to the addresses M0 to M9 on the main RAM 46 as they are. Thereafter, based on the CM data information 89 in the buffer RAM 31, the address of the CM data to be updated on the main RAM 46 after the transfer is calculated, and the head of the CM data to be updated is a subroutine. Rewrite to call instruction and jump instruction.

  After this rewriting, the old CM data Old-CM (1) becomes the call data Call (1) 93 for calling the new CM data New-CM (1), and the old CM data Old-CM (2) becomes the new CM data. The call data Call (2) 94 for calling the data New-CM (2) is rewritten. In the call data 93, the address B3 of the new CM data New-CM (1) 91 in the buffer RAM 31 is recorded, and in the call data 94, the address B2 of the new CM data New-CM (2) 90 is also recorded. Has been.

  Details of characteristic portions of the program at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows a characteristic part of this subroutine call. As described with reference to FIG. 8, when new CM data is on the buffer RAM 31, a subroutine call is made to the address B3 on the buffer RAM 31 at the head of the call data Call (1) 93 of the program on the main RAM 46. It has become. On the other hand, since the new CM data New-CM (1) (91) on the buffer RAM 31 is returned by return, when the processing is completed, the subroutine call of the call data Call (1) 93 on the main RAM 46 is completed. Come back next. In that portion, a jump instruction is written so as to jump to the address M4 on the main RAM 46, so the data of the addresses M3 to M4 written before is ignored.

  Example of Calling New CM Data on the Same Main RAM on the Main RAM FIG. 10 shows that when the personal computer 68 transfers the game program data on the CD-ROM 40 to the main RAM 46, the new CM data on the HDD 60 is transferred to the main RAM 46. This is a case where transfer is made to another area instead of the corresponding area above, and in the game program on the main RAM 46, new CM data in the other area is called as a subroutine call. In this way, a large-capacity main RAM that can hold the data of the CD-ROM 40 and the HDD 60 is also conceivable. This can be employed in the systems of FIGS.

  As in FIG. 8, when the addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 are transferred to the main RAM 46, the data at the addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 are transferred to the addresses M0 to M9 on the main RAM 46 as they are. The Thereafter, the program ID 80, CM data information 89 and new CM data 1 and 2 (91, 90) at addresses H0 to H4 on the HDD 60 are transferred to addresses M10 to M14 which are areas different from the game software of the main RAM 46. The

  Then, based on the CM data information 89 in another area on the main RAM 46, the address on the main RAM 46 of the updated CM data after transfer is calculated, and the head of the data to be rewritten is jumped to the subroutine call instruction. Rewrite to an instruction. The old CM data Old-CM (1) 83 and the old CM data Old-CM (2) 85 on the main RAM 46 are called by the call data Call (1) 93 and the new CM data New-CM (1). The call data Call (2) 94 for calling the CM data New-CM (2) is rewritten.

  FIG. 12 shows a case where game software is downloaded. In the personal computer 68, the program is stored in the HDD 60, data on the HDD 60 is transferred to the main RAM 46, and new CM data on the HDD 60 is transferred to the game software on the main RAM 46. This is a case where the data is transferred to a different area, and a new CM data or the like on the main RAM 46 is called as a subroutine in the main program on the main RAM 46. This can be employed in the system of FIG. Compared to FIG. 10, the transfer source is merely changed from the CD-ROM 40 to the HDD 60 (recorded directly by downloading).

  The data at addresses H0 to H9 on the HDD 40 are transferred to the addresses M0 to M9 on the main RAM 46 as they are. Thereafter, the program ID 80, CM data information 89, and new CM data 90 and 91 at addresses H10 to H14 on the HDD 60 are transferred to addresses M10 to M14, which are areas different from the transferred game software in the main RAM 46. . Then, based on the CM data information 89 in another area on the main RAM 46, the address of the main RAM 46 such as new CM data after transfer is calculated, and the head portion of the CM data to be updated is determined as a subroutine. Rewrite to call instruction and jump instruction. The old CM data Old-CM (1) 83 and the old CM data Old-CM (2) 85 in the main RAM 46 are rewritten to call data Call (1) 93 and call data Call (2) 94, respectively.

  FIG. 11 shows details of the data after the rewriting, and corresponds to FIGS. 10 and 12. Compared with the diagram of FIG. 9 already described, the difference is that new CM data and the like are not in the buffer RAM but on the main RAM 46. At the head of the call data Call (1) 93 of the program on the main RAM 46, a subroutine call is made to an address M13 in another area on the main RAM 46.

  Since the new CM data New-CM (1) 91 is returned by return, when the processing is completed, the process returns after the subroutine call of the call data Call (1) 93 on the main RAM 46. In that portion, a jump instruction is written so as to jump to the address M4 on the main RAM 46, so the data at the addresses M3 to M4 written before is ignored.

Example of Incorporating Update CD Data on Main RAM FIG. 13 shows a new CM on the buffer RAM 31 when the game software on the CD-ROM 40 is transferred to the main RAM 46 in the game dedicated machine 52 using the broadcasting system or communication system. In this case, data and the like are also sent to the main RAM 46 and incorporated in the main program. This can be employed in the systems of FIGS.

  The CD-ROM 40 has program ID data 80, PSE check data 81, game program PRG (1) data 82, old CM data Old-CM (1) 83, and game program PRG (2) data. 84, old CM data Old-CM (2) 85, game program PRG (3) data 86, old CM data Old-CM (3) 87, and game program PRG (4) data 88 are sequentially recorded. Has been. The old CM data Old-CM (1) to Old-CM (3) are not limited to CM data, but also include images to be updated such as the car color and flag color described in FIGS. Data, etc.

  The addresses C0 to C9 on the CD-ROM 40 are loaded onto the main RAM 46 (corresponding to the buffer RAM 31 in FIGS. 4 and 6). On the other hand, on the buffer RAM 31, a program ID 80, CM data information 89, and new CM data New-CM (1) 91 and New-CM (2) 90 are recorded. The CM data information 89 is CM data management information in which the address of the buffer RAM 31 where new CM data and the like are recorded and the address of the CD-ROM 40 where the corresponding old CM data and the like are recorded are filed. Although the CM data New-CM (1) and New-CM (2) are updated by the CM data information 89, the CM data Old-CM (3) is not an update target, so the first old CM data or It is instructed to use the data before update.

  When data is being transferred from the CD-ROM 40 to the main RAM 46, if the CM data information 89 in the buffer RAM 31 has an address on the CD-ROM 40 such as CM data to be updated, the data transfer source is the CD. Switching from the ROM 40 to the buffer RAM 31, transferring predetermined new CM data and the like from the buffer RAM 31, and when this is completed, the process returns to the data transfer from the CD-ROM 40 again.

  That is, the game software data is sequentially read from the address C 0 on the CD-ROM 40, and the data read from the CD-ROM 40 is sequentially stored from the address M 0 on the main RAM 46. When the transfer location is the address C3 of the CD-ROM 40, since the old CM data Old-CM (1) 83 is to be updated, the CM data information 89 of the buffer RAM 31 has the address C3. Switching to the transfer of new CM data New-CM (1) 91 from the CD-ROM, and when it reaches the address B4, it switches to the transfer from the address C4 of the CD-ROM 40 again. Similarly, when the address of the CD-ROM 40 becomes C5, since the old CM data Old-CM (2) 85 is to be updated, the CM data information 89 on the buffer RAM 31 has the address C5. Switching to the transfer of CM data New-CM (2) 90 from B2, and when the address B3 is reached, switching to the transfer from the address C6 of the CD-ROM 40 is performed again.

Subsequently, when the address of the CD-ROM 40 becomes C7, since the old CM data Old-CM (3) 87 is not updated, the address C7 is not recorded in the CM data information 89 of the buffer RAM 31. Accordingly, the data transfer is continued from the CD-ROM 40 with the old CM data Old-CM (3) 87, and the data transfer is terminated at the address C9.
Eventually, on the main RAM 46, the new CM data New-CM (1) 91 and the new CM data Old-CM (1) 83 and the old CM data Old-CM (2) 85 on the CD-ROM 40 are used instead of the old CM data Old-CM (1) 83. The CM data New-CM (2) 90 is written, but the CM data 3 is written on the main RAM 46 as the old CM data Old-CM (3) 87.

In general, since the capacity of the main RAM 46 is smaller than the capacity of the CD-ROM 40, when the game program is executed and the corresponding address is reached, necessary data is transferred from the CD-ROM 40 or the buffer RAM 31 to the main RAM 46. The game is advanced. At this time, when it comes to the CM data area on the game software, the CM data information in the buffer RAM is referred to, the buffer RAM is loaded if necessary, and the game proceeds.
[Data format for broadcasting system and communication protocol for communication system]
Data format for use in broadcasting system In relation to Table 2 above, it has been explained that new CM data and the like are roughly divided and supplied to the receiving system using a broadcasting system or a communication system. Next, a data format of new CM data and the like in the broadcasting system and a communication protocol at the time of transmission of new CM data and the like in the communication system will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the broadcast system, one-way communication is performed in which new CM data is supplied from the transmission-side broadcast station toward the reception-side system. FIG. 14 shows a broadcasting format of data including new CM data supplied from a broadcasting station in the broadcasting system. As shown in the figure, data composed of four blocks A to D are repeatedly broadcast at intervals of the CM interval 105.

  Each of the blocks A to D starts with a PSE (program activation permission) signal 100. The length of each block, that is, from the PSE signal to the PSE signal of the next block is called a PSE interval 117 and has a certain data length. The PSE 100 is a program start permission signal, and the game program starts if it is confirmed that the PSE 100 has arrived at the receiving game dedicated machine or personal computer. In other words, if the arrival of the PSE 100 cannot be confirmed, activation of the game software is prohibited. As a result, game software that does not contain CM data or the like cannot be started.

  As shown in the lower part of the figure, each of blocks A to D is a set of a program ID (also referred to as “program code”) and CM data corresponding to the program ID (for example, a set of 107 and 108) after PSE100. ). First, the program ID is read, and CM data that matches the program ID is taken into the game machine. The block A (reference numeral 101) has three types of new CM data respectively corresponding to the three types of program codes “# ASW000001”, “# ASW0012056”, and “# BZQ46225023”. Each program ID is assigned as a header.

  First, there is a PSE 100, and then a program ID 107 and corresponding CM data “# ASW000001” 108 are recorded. Thereafter, the program ID 109 and the corresponding CM data “# ASW0012056” 110 are obtained. Thereafter, program ID 111 and corresponding CM data “# BZQ46225023” 112 are recorded. Since the length of the block (PSE interval 117) is constant, one block is formed by filling the gap with the gap 106. The block B is composed of different types of CM data from the block A. Such blocks A, B, C, and D are used as one CM interval 105, and the same contents are broadcast repeatedly.

  During the CM interval 105, new CM data is transferred at least once. If no CM data is received during the CM interval 105, the CM data is not broadcast and is not subject to update. Old game software and the like that have passed for a long time since its release have few users, so even if the CM data is updated, the advertising effect is small and new CM data is not broadcast. Even when new CM data is not broadcast, the game program can be started by confirming the arrival of the PSE 100. In this case, the old CM data or the last updated CM data on the game program is reproduced.

  Furthermore, in the CM interval 105, a PSE interval 117 is set at a predetermined interval, for example, an interval of 1/4, and the software can be activated by receiving this PSE signal. This interval is shorter than the CM interval 105 in order to smoothly start the software. Regardless of whether there is an update or not, if the arrival of the PSE 100 cannot be confirmed, activation of the game software is prohibited.

  FIG. 15 shows details of the data format of each signal of the PSE 144, program ID 145, and new CM data 146.

  The PSE 144 includes a PSE header (2 bytes) 120 and PSE data (14 bytes) 121. In the PSE data 121, a software activation permission code and time data are inserted. Since the time information is included, the PSE data changes every moment and becomes different every time the game software is started. For this reason, it is effective in terms of data security (security protection), and it is possible to effectively prohibit the start of a game in which CM data is not updated through the PSE data check. Details of the PSE data will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The program ID (program code) 145 has a program ID header (2 bytes) 122, a data length (8 bytes) 123 indicating the length of the data that follows, and program ID data (16 bytes) 124. Since the program ID data 124 is fixed at 16 bytes, the data length 123 is always “16”.

  The CM data 146 includes a CM data header (2 bytes) 125, a total CM data length (8 bytes) 126, and the total number of divisions or the total number (8 bytes) indicating how many pieces of data the subsequent CM data corresponds to. ) Indicating the total number data 127), followed by new CM data 128 for update.

  The new CM data 128 for update is divided in correspondence with the total number n indicated in the total number data 127, and each divided into n pieces is divided into headers (2 bytes) 129, followed by divided data. Data length (8 bytes) 130 representing the length of the data, a division number (8 bytes) 131 representing the number of the divided data, and a CD program address (32 bytes) 132 representing the address of the main program on the CD-ROM Followed by new CM data New-CM (1) 133 for actual updating. Similarly, the process is repeated up to the n-th divided data (CM data New-CM (n)) 138 indicated by the total number of divisions, that is, the total number data 127.

On the other hand, when a communication system is used, a game is first activated on a game-dedicated machine or personal computer of the receiving system, and a program ID is read. It is different in that bidirectional communication is performed by being sent to the transmission side system via the. FIG. 16 shows an outline of a protocol in the communication system. Note that the same data format as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is used as the data format to be transmitted and received.
FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. First, when the game software stored in the CD-ROM 40 is activated, a program ID signal is obtained from the CD-ROM 40. The program ID signal is sent from the home 24 to the CM server control computer 11 (arrow a in FIG. 16).

  Upon receiving the program ID signal, the CM server control computer 11 searches the CM 10 corresponding to the program ID signal from the HDD 10 serving as the CM server. When the search is completed, the PSE signal 141, the program ID 142, and the CM data 143 are returned in this order (arrows b, c, and d in FIG. 16).

  Thereafter, as described later, the second PSE signal acquisition is performed. That is, the program ID signal is sent again from the home 24 to the CM server control computer 11 as indicated by the arrow e in FIG. 16, and the PSE signal is returned from the CM server to the home 24 again as shown by the arrow f. Is done.

  At the home 24 side, the time information of the PSE signal indicated by the arrow b in FIG. 16 is compared with the time information indicated by the arrow F, and the two PSE signals are correct if they are within a predetermined error tolerance. When the software is started and the allowable value is exceeded, it is determined that the signal is wrong and the operation is terminated.

  When the game software has been released for a long time and there is no corresponding CM data on the HDD 10 which is a CM server, only the PSE signal and the program ID are returned. The receiving system can start the game software by confirming the arrival of the PSE signal. In this protocol, the program ID is not an essential condition but is used for confirmation.

[Encode and decode PSE signal]
A specific insertion code determined by the game software maker is entered in the PSE signal, and the receiving system determines whether the insertion code matches or does not match, and determines whether or not to start the game.
(Encoding)
It has been described that the PSE has time information and changes every moment, and is effective in terms of security. An example of encoding and decoding of the PSE signal in the computer 11 for controlling the CM server will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of encoding. The time of the reference clock 12 is used for the PSE signal. This time is acquired as a distribution date (year / month / day / hour / minute / second) “1996.2.19 18:05:38” as shown in A of FIG. 17, and is symbolized as shown in B of FIG. 17. Then, the symbolized signals are rearranged so that the MSB and the LSB are inverted as shown in FIG. 17C in order of the symbol having a high rate of change (second → year). The top data at the time of starting the game is a kind of random number. With this random number, the insertion location of the insertion data is specified as follows.

The head number of the rearranged signal is acquired (D in FIG. 17).
In this example, “8”. The number up to the top (eighth) from the top remains as it is, but the insertion code is inserted next (the ninth). In this example, the insertion code is “ok”. After the insertion code, the data from the ninth shift is continued (E in FIG. 17). It is converted into JIS 8-bit data (F in FIG. 17).

  Subsequently, a code of dummy data arbitrarily determined by the game software maker is acquired. The dummy data may be different for each game software. In this example, the dummy code is “startok” (G in FIG. 17). Similarly, the dummy code (G in FIG. 17) is also converted into JIS 8-bit data (H in FIG. 17). The two 8-bit data (F and H in FIG. 17) are added bit by bit to obtain added data (I in FIG. 17). A PSE header “03h, f7h” is added to this, and the PSE is encoded and transmitted (J in FIG. 17).

(Encoding flowchart)
19 to 22 show flowcharts of PSE encoding. This encoding process is performed in the CM server control computer 11 of FIG. 6, FIG. 7 or FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart up to rearrangement (C in FIG. 17) at the time of PSE encoding in FIG.

First, in step S170, date / time data is acquired. Next, in step S171, the date / time data is converted into a numeric string N (j). The number string before rearrangement is N (j), and the character string after rearrangement is M (j). j represents the order of the character string, and the number of characters jmax of the date / time data is 12 in the example of FIG. J in step S172
In step S173, step S174, and step S175, the operation of putting the jth data of N into the (jmax−j + 1) th of M is repeated from j = 1 to j = jmax (= 12). Thereby, the numeric string N (j) of the date / time data is rearranged so that the MSB and the LSB are inverted, and the character string M (j) is obtained.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart up to the addition of insertion data (E in FIG. 17) at the time of PSE encoding shown in FIG. 17, and shows the procedure that follows when YES is determined in step S174 in FIG. In step S176 of FIG. 20, the insertion character string I (i) is acquired. Since the insertion data is “ok” in FIG. 17, imax = 2. Next, in step S177, j = jmax + imax (= 12 + 2 = 14) is set, and the shift is performed by imax sequentially from the last character. Next, in step S178, M (j + jmax) = M (j) is set. The character string from the end of the character string to M (1) +1 is shifted by imax. In step S179, it is determined whether j = M (1) +1. M (1) corresponds to the leading number of the character string M (j). Up to the head number, the character string is left as it is, so that the place where it is inserted and shifted is M (1) +1 and later. Next, j = j-1 is set in step S180, and steps S178, S179, and S180 are repeated until the condition of step S179 is satisfied. When the condition of step S179 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S181 and i = 1 is set. Thereafter, in step S182, M (M (1) + i) = I (i) is set, and insertion codes are inserted from M (1) +1. Steps S182, S183, and S184 are repeated until it is determined in step S183 that i = Imax is satisfied. When the condition of step S183 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S184 in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart up to the addition of dummy data (I in FIG. 17) at the time of PSE encoding shown in FIG. 17, and shows the procedure that is followed when YES is determined in step S183 in FIG.

  First, in step S184, a dummy character string D (k) is acquired. Since the dummy data D (k) is “startok” in FIG. 17, the number of characters kmax is 7. Next, in step S185, j = 1 and k = 1, and in step S186, M (j) and dummy data D (k) of the same rank are sequentially added from the head. In step S187, it is determined whether or not j = jmax + imax. If the above condition is not satisfied, j = j + 1 is set in step S188. Next, in step S189, it is determined whether or not k = kmax. When the above condition is not satisfied, k = k + 1 is set at step S190, and when k = kmax, k = 1 is set at step S191, and the procedure after step S186 is repeated. When there is no dummy data before the character string, k is updated, and the dummy data is added again from the top in step S191. When j = jmax + imax is satisfied in step S187, the above addition is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S192 in FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart for adding a header (J in FIG. 17) during the PSE encoding shown in FIG.

  First, in step S192, the header H (i) is acquired. Since the PSE header is 2 bytes, lmax = 2. Next, in step S193, j = 1 and i = 1. Next, in step S194, the data is shifted backward by the amount corresponding to the header so that the (jmax + imax + 1max-1) th of M becomes the (jmax + imax-1) th of M. In step S195, it is determined whether j = jmax + imax is satisfied. If the above condition is not satisfied, j = j + 1 is set in step S196, and steps S194, S195, and S196 are repeated. In step S195, when j = jmax + imax is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S197. Thereafter, M (1) = H (1) is set in step S197, and it is determined whether i = imax is set in step S198, and i = i + 1 is set in step S199. Then, the above steps S197, S198, and S199 are repeated to add a PSE header to the head, and when i = imax is satisfied in step S198, the above processing ends.

(Decode)
FIG. 18 shows an example of PSE decoding, and the reverse processing of the encoding of FIG. 17 is performed.

  The PSE data is received as shown in FIG. 18A, and the header is first removed as shown in FIG. 18B. Subsequently, a dummy code “startok” is acquired as shown in FIG. 18C, and converted into 8-bit data of JIS similar to that at the time of encoding as shown in D of FIG. Then, a subtraction process opposite to that at the time of encoding shown in E of FIG. 18 is performed and returned to a JIS code like F of FIG.

  Then, the head number “8” is acquired in G of FIG. 18, and the position where the insertion code is inserted is determined. Next, the insertion code is extracted at H in FIG. 18 and separated into only the date code at I in FIG. Then, inversion of MSB and LSB is performed in J of FIG. 18, and the distribution date “1996.19 18:05:38” as shown in K of FIG. 18 can be obtained.

(Decoding flowchart)
23 to 26 show flowcharts of PSE decoding. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting a header at the time of PSE decoding shown in FIG.

First, in step S200, the header H (l) is acquired. Since the PSE header is 2 bytes, lmax is 2. Next, l = 1 and j = 1 are set in step S201, and the ID (input data) is updated in step S202. In step S203, it is determined by the PSE check 81 in FIG. 13 or the like whether or not the input data ID that is sequentially input is the same as the head data H (1) of the PSE header “03h, f7h”. If it is the same as H (1), the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, it is determined whether or not l = lmax. If this condition is not satisfied, l = l + 1 is set in step S205, the procedure from step S202 is repeated, and the next data is sequentially determined. . When the condition is not satisfied in step S203, the process returns to step S201 and the procedure is repeated. Then, when the condition of step S204 is satisfied, that is, until the last data H (lmax) is the same, it is determined that the header has been detected, and the process proceeds to step S206. After detecting the header, the ID is updated in step S206, and the next data string is taken into M (j) as M (j) = ID in step S207. Next, in step S208, it is determined whether j = jmax + imax. When this condition is not satisfied, j = j + 1 is set in step S209, and each step after step S206 is repeated. Then, when the condition of step S208 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S210 in FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a flowchart up to the subtraction of dummy data (E in FIG. 18) at the time of PSE decoding shown in FIG.

  First, in step S210, a dummy character string D (k) is acquired. Since the dummy data is “startok” in the example of FIG. 4, the number of characters kmax is 7. In step S211, j = 1 and k = 1. Next, in step S212, M (j) = M (j) -D (k) is set, and dummy data is sequentially subtracted from the head. In step S213, it is determined whether j = jmax + imax. If this condition is not satisfied, j = j + 1 is set in step S214. In step S215, it is determined whether k = kmax. If this condition is not satisfied, K = K + 1 is set in step S216, and the steps after step S212 are repeated. On the other hand, when the condition of step S215 is satisfied, that is, when there is no dummy data before the character string, the dummy data is added again from the top by repeating each step after step S212 with k = 1 in step S217. .

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart up to extraction of insertion data (I in FIG. 18) at the time of PSE decoding shown in FIG.

  First, in step S218, the insertion character string l (i) is acquired. Since the insertion data is “ok” in FIG. 17, imax is 2. Next, j = M (l) and i = 1 are set in step S219. M (1) corresponds to the first character of the character string M (j). In step S220, it is determined whether j is a number. When M (1) is a number, the number represents the position of the insertion code. On the other hand, if it is not a number, dummy data is included at the head. If the number starts with a number, the process proceeds to step S221, where it is sequentially determined from the M (1) + 1th that contains the insertion code whether it is the same as the insertion code. If data that does not match is found in the middle of determination in step S221, it is determined that the data is not a PSE code, and the process returns to the acquisition of the PSE header in FIG. If all the insertion codes match, the data after the insertion code is shifted in step S227. On the other hand, if the head is not a number, in step S224, the data after the insertion code “ok” is always zero, so it is confirmed whether it is zero. If it is not zero, it is determined that the code is not a PSE code, and the process returns to the acquisition of the PSE header in step S201 in FIG. After that, it is the same as when the number starts with a number.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for performing rearrangement (J in FIG. 18) and conversion to date / time data (K in FIG. 18) during the PSE decoding shown in FIG.

  First, in step S229, j = 1 is set. Next, in step S230, the character string M (j) is rearranged so that the MSB and the LSB are inverted to obtain a numeric string N (j). Next, in step S231, it is determined whether j = jmax. If this condition is not satisfied, j = j + 1 is set in step S232, and the procedure from step S230 is repeated. If the condition of step S231 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S233, where the numeric string N (j) is converted into date / time data, and the decoding operation is terminated.

[PSE signal processing and CM data acquisition method]
Since the processing on the reception side of the PSE signal obtained in this way is different between the case of using the broadcasting system and the case of using the communication system, it will be described below.
(PSE signal processing and CM data acquisition in game machines)
27 and 28 are flowcharts showing a PSE signal processing and CM data acquisition method in a game machine when using a broadcasting system.

  FIG. 27 shows a processing method of the PSE signal. Here, i in step S240 represents the order of acquisition of the PSE signals, and i is initialized to 1 (i = 1) in step S240. The flash memory 39 in FIG. 4 holds time information in the PSE signal received when it was last activated. In step S241, the held time information is acquired as TP (0). In the case of a personal computer (PC) 68 as shown in FIG. 6, the time information in the previously received PSE signal is held on the HDD 60. In this case, the time information is obtained from the HDD in step S241. Obtained as TP (0).

  If necessary, when the i-th PSE signal is acquired while the game software is in progress, the time information including the date and time always increases, so that PSE (i)> PSE (i-1) It is possible to determine whether or not the game is established, and if not established, the game can be programmed to be interrupted.

  Next, the operation of the time counter TC will be described.

  This time counter TC always counts the internal clock.

  The time counter TC is used for several purposes. Here, the time counter TC is used to determine whether or not the PSE signal is received within the time limit TO. In step S242, TC = 0 means resetting the counter. In step S242, the counter is reset, and in step S243, the reception of the PSE signal is awaited. However, if the PSE signal is not received within a certain period of time TO (timeout), it is determined that the broadcast is not received in step S244, and the process proceeds to step S245 to display “not connected” or “blocked” and perform the operation. finish. Note that TO must be set to a length equal to or longer than the PSE interval 117 in FIG.

  When the PSE signal is received, first, in step S246, the value of TC is entered and held in the TIC, but this is not related to the first time because it is used for the second check. Subsequently, in step S247, the time information in the PSE data of the received PSE signal is held in TP (i), that is, TP (1) because i = 1, and erroneous large time data is entered. In order to avoid a situation in which the error code display continues at the next determination symbol, the time data in the flash memory 39 is updated in step S248. Of course, in the case of the personal computer (PC) 68, the time information in the HDD 10 is updated in step S248.

  Here, in step S249, the previously acquired time data TP (0) is compared with the current TP (1). Naturally, the newly acquired time data should indicate a time later than the previous value.

This condition, ie
TP (i)> TP (i-1)
If the above condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S250, an error code indicating that the signal is incorrect is displayed, and the operation is terminated.

  If “YES” in the step S249, the process proceeds to a step S251 to determine whether or not the first PSE signal is acquired, that is, whether i = 1. If so, the i is updated in a step S253, and the process returns to the step S242. Then, the time counter TC is reset, and the second PSE signal is acquired in step S243. When the second PSE signal is acquired, the value of TC is entered in TCI in step S246. Subsequently, the time data in the PSE signal received in step S247 is held in TP (2), and the time data in the flash memory 39 is updated in step S248. In the next step S249, TP (1) and TP (2) are compared as in the first time.

In this step S249, the time data TP (2) indicates a time later than the previous time data TP (1), so the process proceeds to the next step S251. Since i is not 1 this time, the process proceeds to step S252. In step S252, the TCI value obtained by counting the clocks in the game machine is compared with the difference value between the received TP (1) and TP (2). As described with reference to FIG. 14, since the PSE is sequentially transmitted at a PSE interval of a certain period, two consecutive values (for example, TP (1) and TP (2)) have a difference between the PSE interval and the PSE interval. Must be shown. Therefore, if the error tolerance is within ± δT including the difference between the PSE intervals, it is determined that the two PSE signals are correct, the software is started, and the operation is terminated. That is, an allowable time difference that is an allowable value of error is δT,
TPDmin = TP (i) −TP (i−1) −δT
TPDmax = TP (i) −TP (i−1) + δT
In step S252,
TPDmin = TP (i) -TP (i-1) -δT <TIC <TPDmax = TP (i) -TP (i-1) + δT
It is determined whether or not. On the other hand, if this allowable value is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S250, where an “error code” indicating that the signal is incorrect is displayed, and the operation is terminated.

  FIG. 28 shows a method for acquiring CM data when the broadcast system is used.

  m represents the order of acquiring the program ID signal. In the first step S255, m = 0 is set, and in the next step S256, the program ID on the CD-ROM is held as PIDcd. In step S257, m is updated every time a program ID signal is acquired. Next, in step S258, a program ID signal of CM data is input to PID (m) from the set top box. Next, in step S259, the received program ID signal PID (m) and the PIDcd of the program ID signal on the CD-ROM are sequentially compared, and if they match, the process proceeds to acquisition of CM data in step S261 and thereafter.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 14, since the same CM data is repeatedly broadcast, in step S260a, if the first m = 1, the process returns to step S257, and otherwise (m> 1). Proceed to step S260b. In step S260b, the process returns to step S257 until the first received program ID signal PID (1) is received, and the first received program ID signal PID (1) is received (that is, PID (m) = PID (1)). ), The operation is terminated assuming that the CM data has been completed.

  When CM data is received after step S261, j represents the number of divided data written in the buffer RAM 31 in FIG. 4, and BA (j) represents an address in which CM data is written in the buffer RAM 31 in FIG. Further, in correspondence with FIG. 15, the total number of divisions or the total number n indicating how many pieces of CM data correspond to the data is indicated by the total number data 127 and indicates what number of the divided data corresponds to. The division number or the division order k is indicated by the division order 131, 136 in FIG. 15, and the division data length L (k) indicating the length of the division data is indicated by the division data length 130, 135 on the CD-ROM. The disk address DA (k) representing the address of the main program is indicated by disk addresses 132 and 137.

  Here, in step S261, j = 0 and L (0) = 0, and in step S262, n = total number (or total number of divisions).

  The buffer RAM 31 into which CM data is written is divided into a CM data area into which CM data is written and CM data information in which information on CM data held in the buffer RAM 31 is held. In step S263, j = j + 1 is updated, BA (j) is the current buffer address, and is obtained from the previous CM data buffer address BA (j-1) and the divided data length L (j-1). .

  In step S264, the acquired new CM data New-CM (k) is sequentially written in the CM data area of the buffer RAM 31, and the divided data indicating the length of the divided data in step S265 is added to the CM data information in the buffer RAM 31. The length L (k) is updated, and the disk address DA (k), which is the CD program address representing the main program address on the CD-ROM obtained in step S266, is updated. In step S267, these data and data are written. The address BA (k) of the buffer RAM 31 is written.

  In step S268, when the number j of the written divided data matches the number n of divisions indicating how many pieces of CM data correspond to the data, it is determined that all the CM data is written, and the operation ends.

(PSE signal processing and CM data acquisition in communication systems)
29 and 30 illustrate a PSE signal processing method and CM data acquisition method when the communication system is used. In particular, FIG. 29 shows a PSE signal processing method part, and FIG. 30 shows a CM data acquisition method part. When the communication system is used, the program ID read from the CD-ROM 40 in the receiving system is sent to the transmitting system via the telephone line 49, and then the PSE signal is supplied from the transmitting system to the receiving system. The

  In FIG. 29, similarly to FIG. 27, i is initialized to 1 in step S269, and i represents the order of acquisition of the PSE signals. The flash memory 39 in FIG. 4 holds time information in the previously received PSE signal. In step S270, the held time information is acquired as TP (0). Similarly, in the case of the personal computer 68 as shown in FIG. 6, the time information in the previously received PSE signal is held on the HDD 60. In this case, the time information is set as TP (0) from the HDD. get.

Next, the time counter TC is reset (TC = 0) in step S271, the program ID signal PIDcd on the CD-ROM is transmitted in step S272 (arrow a in FIG. 16), and the PSE signal is received in step S273. Wait for Similarly, in step S274,
If the PSE signal is not received within a certain period of time TO (timeout), it is determined that the broadcast is not received, “Non-connection” is displayed in step S275, and the operation ends.

  When the PSE signal is received (arrow b in FIG. 16), CM data acquisition (arrows c and d in FIG. 16) starts. First, in step S276a, the value of TC is entered in the TIC, but this is not relevant for the first time because it is used for the second check. In step S276b, the time counter TC is reset to zero again (TC = 0). This is because, in the case of communication, since CM data is acquired first, time is required until the PSE signal is acquired. Subsequently, in step S277, the time data in the received PSE signal is held in TP (1), and in step S278, the time data in the flash memory 39 is updated. Of course, in the case of the personal computer 68, the time information in the HDD 10 is updated in step S278.

  In the next step S279, the previously acquired time data TP (0) is compared with the current TP (1). Naturally, the newly acquired time data should indicate a time later than the previous value. If this condition is not met, an “error code” in which the signal is incorrect is displayed in step S280, and the operation is terminated. If this determination is met, CM data is acquired (arrows c and d in FIG. 16).

In FIG. 30, in the first step S285a, PID = program ID from the transmission system, and in the next step S285b, the received program ID signal PID is compared with the program ID signal PIDcd on the CD-ROM. C after S287
Move on to acquisition of M data. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S286, indicating an “ID error” in which the program ID signals do not match, and the operation ends.

  The steps S287 to S294 of the CM data acquisition part after the PID and PIDcd of the program ID signal are compared and determined to match in step S285b are exactly the same as the steps S261 to S268 of FIG. Is omitted. When the acquisition of the CM data is completed, the process returns to step S272 of the PSE signal processing in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 29, in step S272, the program ID signal PIDcd on the CD-ROM is transmitted again (arrow e in FIG. 16), and in step S273, the PSE signal reception wait state is entered. When the second PSE signal is acquired (arrow f in FIG. 16), the process proceeds to step S276a, and the value of TC is entered in TCI. Subsequently, TC = 0 is set in step S, and in the next step S277, the time data in the received PSE signal is held in TP (2), and the time data in the flash memory 39 is updated in step S278. Is done. In the next step S279, TP (1) and TP (2) are compared as in the first time.

Thereafter, in step S281, the difference between the TCI obtained by counting the clocks in the game machine and the received TP (1) and TP (2) is compared. These two values should show almost the same value including the difference in time interval required for receiving two PSE signals. Therefore, in step S282, if the error tolerance is δT and within ± δT, it is determined that these two PSE signals are correct, the software is started in step S283, and the operation is terminated. That is, an allowable time difference that is an allowable value of error is δT,
TPDmin = TP (i) −TP (i−1) −δT
TPDmax = TP (i) −TP (i−1) + δT
In step S282,
TPDmin = TP (i) -TP (i-1) -δT <TIC <TPDmax = TP (i) -TP (i-1) + δT
It is determined whether or not.

On the other hand, if this allowable value is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S280, where the signal is wrong, and the operation is terminated. In the case of communication, since time lag from transmission to reception is larger than broadcasting, it is necessary to increase δT.
The game machine that has acquired the CM data as described above advances the program based on the CM data.

  In all the embodiments described above, the software activation can be limited to a part of the software in addition to restricting the activation of the entire software.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, it is checked whether or not a commercial advertisement has been received at the time of starting the software. Can be prohibited. In addition, it is possible to eliminate starting an operation with an illegal signal when starting up the software.

  That is, a game machine in which each home game machine is connected to a host computer via a communication line or the like to form a game machine system, and commercial advertisements can be incorporated in game software used in the game machine system according to the demand of the company. A system and a game method using the system can be provided.

  Furthermore, it is possible to provide a game machine system that can easily and appropriately update commercial advertisements incorporated in game software used in the game machine system, and a game method using the same.

  Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether or not the commercial advertisement is entered and operating in the game software, and to provide an appropriate method for preventing the game software from operating if it is not.

  In addition, for game software whose user usage rate has declined since the release, if the usefulness of commercial advertisements declines, a system that can start the game even if a newly updated commercial advertisement is not sent is provided. I can do it.

Based on the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the following application examples are given.
<When using a broadcasting system>
(1) In a broadcasting system capable of distributing digital data, a signal (PSE) enabling repeated software activation at intervals is sent to a receiver such as a set top box and the software to be repeatedly transmitted is activated. Between the signals to be enabled, a signal (program ID) that can identify software to be started on the receiver side, data for replacing a part of data used during the operation of the software, or data for insertion (CM data) Etc.).
(2) In broadcasting systems that can distribute digital data, signals that enable software activation to storage devices such as hard disk drives, signals that can identify software that is activated on the receiver side, and are used when the software is operating In addition to storing data for replacing a part of the data to be inserted or data to be inserted, sending a signal to the receiver such as a set top box at intervals, enabling the software to be repeatedly activated, Between the signals that enable the software to be sent repeatedly, the signal that can identify the software that is activated on the receiver side, and the data that replaces a part of the data that is used during the operation of the software, or to insert Broadcasting system that distributes data.
(3) A signal that has a receiver that can receive digital data sent by broadcasting and a game machine that can operate the software, and that enables the software to be sent when the software is started A game console that does not start up software until it is accepted.
(4) Having a receiver capable of receiving digital data sent by broadcasting and a game machine capable of operating software, and the same identification as the identification signal of the running software during software operation A game machine that performs an operation by replacing or inserting a part of data during software operation when receiving data for replacing a signal and a part of software data or data for insertion.
(5) Having a receiver that can receive digital data sent by broadcasting and a game machine that can operate software, and the same identification as the identification signal of the running software during software operation A game machine that operates in its original software when no signal is received.
(6) A signal that has a receiver that can receive digital data sent by broadcasting and a game machine that can operate software, and that enables the software to be sent when the software is started The software is not started until the software is accepted, and then the same identification signal as that of the activated software and the data for replacing a part of the software data or the data for insertion are received. Then, a game machine that operates by replacing or inserting a part of data during software operation, and operating when the software identification signal is not received.
(7) In relation to the above (1), a broadcasting system in which data for replacing a part of data used during software operation or data for insertion is a commercial advertisement.
(8) In relation to the above (2), the broadcasting system in which the data for replacing a part of data used at the time of software operation or the data for insertion is a commercial advertisement.
(9) In relation to the above (4) or (6), a game machine in which data for replacing a part of data used during software operation or data for insertion is a commercial advertisement.
(10) Software in which a software identification signal is inserted in the software used in connection with (4), (5), (6) or (9) above.
(11) An optical disc on which software is recorded in relation to (10) above.
(12) A broadcasting method for updating a signal that enables the activation of software in the broadcasting method of (1) or (7).
(13) A broadcasting system for updating a signal enabling the activation of software in the broadcasting system of (2) or (8).
(14) In the game machine according to (3), (6), or (9), the game machine that does not start the software when the signal that enables the software start is not updated.
(15) A broadcasting method in which time information is used as a signal for enabling activation of software to be updated in the broadcasting method of (12).
(16) The broadcasting system according to (13), wherein time information is used as a signal that enables activation of software to be updated.
(17) In the game machine of (14), when the time information is used as a signal that enables the software to be updated to be activated and the time information indicates an abnormal value, the software is not activated or the operation is not performed. The game machine to cancel.
(18) In the game machine of the above (17), if the time information in the signal enabling the activation of the software is smaller than the previously received value, it is regarded as an abnormal value and the software is not activated or the operation is not performed. The game machine to cancel.
(19) In the game machine of (17), at the time of starting the software, at least twice or more, a signal enabling the start of the software is received. A game machine that does not start software when the clocks inside the game machine are integrated and the difference between the time information received earlier and the time information received later is different from the clock integrated value.
(20) In the game machine of the above (17), during the operation, the game is received from the time of receiving the signal that enables the software to be activated at least twice or more until the next reception. A game machine that accumulates clocks inside the machine and stops operation when the difference between the time information received earlier and the time information received later differs from the clock accumulated value.

<When using a communication system>
(1) In a communication system capable of receiving and transmitting digital data, when receiving a signal from the terminal side that can identify the software to be activated, a signal enabling the activation of the software is sent to the terminal and when the software is operating. A communication method for distributing data for replacing a part of data to be used or data for insertion.
(2) In a communication system that can send and receive digital data, a signal that enables the activation of software to a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a signal that can identify the software that is activated on the receiver side, and when the software is operating Store data for replacing a part of the data to be used or data for insertion,
When a signal that can identify the software to be activated is received from the terminal side, a signal enabling the activation of the software is sent to the terminal, and data for replacing a part of the data used during the operation of the software, or A communication system that distributes data for insertion.
(3) In a game machine capable of operating a communication function and software, at the time of software activation, a signal that can identify the software to be activated is transferred, and the software that is sent after that can be activated. A game machine that does not activate software until a signal is received.
(4) In a game machine capable of operating software and a communication function, a signal for identifying the software to be started is transferred, and then data for replacing a part of the software data or insertion. When a game data is received, a game machine that operates by replacing or inserting part of the data during software operation.
(5) Having a communication function and a game machine capable of operating the software, transferring a signal capable of identifying the software to be started, and then replacing or inserting a part of the software data A game machine that operates with the original software if it did not receive the data to play.
(6) It has a communication function and a game machine that can operate the software. When the software is activated, a signal that can identify the software to be activated can be transferred, and then the software that is sent can be activated. The software is not started until the signal is received, and after that, when data for replacing a part of the software data or data for insertion is received, a part of the data is A game that operates with the original software if it does not receive the data to replace or insert a part of the software data or the data to be inserted. Machine.
(7) A communication method in which data for replacing a part of data used during software operation of (1) or data for insertion is a commercial advertisement.
(8) A communication system in which data for replacing a part of data used at the time of software operation of (2) or data for insertion is a commercial advertisement.
(9) A game machine in which data for replacing a part of data used during the software operation of (4) or (6) or data for insertion is a commercial advertisement.
(10) Software in which a software identification signal is inserted in the software used in (4), (5), (6) or (9) above.
(11) An optical disk on which the software of (10) is also recorded.
(12) A broadcasting method for updating a signal that enables the activation of software by the communication method of (1) or (7).
(13) A broadcasting system that updates a signal that enables software to be activated in the communication system according to (2) or (8).
(14) In the game machine according to (3), (6), or (9), the game machine that does not start the software when the signal that enables the software start is not updated.
(15) A communication method in which time information is used as a signal for enabling activation of software to be updated in the communication method of (12).
(16) A communication system that uses time information as a signal that enables activation of software to be updated in the communication system according to (13).
(17) In the game machine of (14), when the time information is used as a signal that enables the software to be updated to be activated and the time information indicates an abnormal value, the software is not activated or the operation is not performed. The game machine to cancel.
(18) In the game machine of the above (17), if the time information in the signal enabling the activation of the software is smaller than the previously received value, it is regarded as an abnormal value and the software is not activated or the operation is not performed. The game machine to cancel.
(19) In the game machine of (17), when the software is activated, a signal capable of identifying the software is transferred and a signal enabling the activation of the software is received.
Thereafter, a signal capable of identifying the software is transferred again, and a signal enabling the activation of the software is received.
Also, the clocks inside the game machine from the time of the first reception to the time of the next reception are integrated, and the difference between the time information received earlier and the time information received later is greatly different from the clock integration value. In some cases, game machines that do not run software.
(20) During the operation of the game machine of (17), a signal capable of identifying the software is transferred and a signal enabling the activation of the software is received.
Thereafter, a signal capable of identifying the software is transferred again, and a signal enabling the activation of the software is received.
Also, the clocks inside the game machine from the time of the first reception to the time of the next reception are integrated, and the difference between the time information received earlier and the time information received later is greatly different from the clock integration value. If the game machine to stop operation.

It is a figure which shows one scene in the racing game in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another scene in the racing game in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the transmission side system which supplies CM data etc. using the broadcast system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the game only machine of one Example of the receiving side system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the system which uses the personal computer of one Example of the receiving side system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission side system in embodiment of this invention, and a receiving side system. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission side system in embodiment of this invention, and a receiving side system. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a case where the address of a buffer RAM where update data or the like exists is recorded in the main RAM and the data is called during the game in the game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the detail of the calling method in the main RAM in the case of FIG. Using the personal computer in the embodiment of the present invention, record it in another part of the same main RAM, record the address where update data etc. exists in the corresponding part of the game software, and call that data during the game It is a figure shown about the case of going. It is a figure which shows the detail of the calling method in main RAM in the case of FIG.10 and FIG.12. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a case similar to FIG. 10 in the embodiment of the present invention, but showing a case where a game program is downloaded. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case where new CM data or the like itself is incorporated into a main RAM in the game dedicated machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the broadcast format of the data containing the new CM data etc. which are supplied from the transmission side system using the broadcast system in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing details of the PSE, program ID, and CM data of the broadcast format shown in FIG. 14 in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the protocol in the case of communication system utilization in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of encoding of the PSE signal in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of decoding of the PSE signal in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of PSE signal encoding in relation to FIG. 17 in the embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a flowchart of date / time data inversion. FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of PSE signal encoding in relation to FIG. 17 in the embodiment of the present invention, and more specifically shows a flowchart for adding insertion data. FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of PSE signal encoding in relation to FIG. 17 in the embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a flowchart of dummy data addition. FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of PSE signal encoding in relation to FIG. 17 in the embodiment of the present invention, and more specifically shows a flowchart of adding a header. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing decoding of a PSE signal in relation to FIG. 18 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and more specifically, shows detection of date / time data headers. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of decoding of the PSE signal in relation to FIG. 18 in the embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a diagram showing subtraction of dummy data. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the decoding of the PSE signal in relation to FIG. 18 in the embodiment of the present invention, specifically showing the extraction of the insertion data. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the decoding of the PSE signal in relation to FIG. 18 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and specifically shows the rearrangement of date and time data. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process of the PSE signal in the game dedicated machine or a personal computer (PC) using the broadcast system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process of acquisition of CM data in a game exclusive use machine or a personal computer using the broadcast system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process of the PSE signal in the game exclusive use machine or a personal computer using the communication system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process of acquisition of CM data in a game exclusive use machine or a personal computer using the communication system in embodiment of this invention.

Claims (12)

In a broadcasting system that can distribute digital data,
A software activation permission signal is repeatedly sent to the receiving system at intervals, and the software identification signal and a part of data are replaced or replaced during the software operation between the software activation permission signals. Broadcast system that distributes data for insertion. In a sending system that distributes digital data using a broadcasting system,
In the storage device, a software activation permission signal, an identification signal of software activated in the receiving system, and data to be replaced or inserted into a part of use data at the time of the software operation are stored,
A transmission side system that sends the software activation permission signal to the reception side system and distributes the software identification signal and the data to be replaced or inserted between the software activation permission signals. In a receiving system that receives digital data distributed using a broadcasting system,
Receiver means for receiving the digital data;
A game machine connected to the receiver means and capable of operating software;
The receiving system in which the game machine is prohibited from starting until receiving a software start permission signal via the receiver means. In an optical disc used in a receiving system that receives data distributed using a broadcasting system or a communication system,
An optical disc in which a software identification signal is attached to recorded software and the receiving system can selectively use the distributed data. In a communication system capable of receiving and transmitting digital data,
When the identification signal of the software to be activated is received from the reception side system, the transmission side system sends a software activation permission signal to the reception side system and replaces or inserts a part of the data used during the operation of the software. A communication system that distributes data for use. In a receiving system capable of receiving and transmitting digital data using a communication system, communication function means;
A game machine capable of operating software,
When the above-mentioned game machine is started, the software identification signal of the software to be activated is transferred to the transmission side system, and the activation of the software is prohibited until a software activation permission signal sent thereafter is received. Receiver system. In a data distribution system that distributes data to multiple receiving devices,
Means for recognizing a software program activated on the receiving device side by receiving the supplied program identification information;
A signal corresponding to the software program recognized by the recognition means, and when the software program is a legitimate software program, a program start permission signal for enabling the legitimate software program to be started. Means for generating;
A data distribution system comprising: distribution means for distributing the program start permission signal and distributing data to be replaced or inserted into a part of the software program activated in accordance with the program start permission signal. In a data distribution method for distributing data to a plurality of receiving devices,
Recognizing a software program activated on the receiver side by receiving the supplied program identification information; and
A signal corresponding to the software program recognized by the recognition step, and when the software program is a legitimate software program, a program start permission signal for enabling the legitimate software program to be started Generating step;
A data distribution method comprising: a distribution step of distributing the program start permission signal and distributing data to be replaced or inserted into a part of the software program activated in accordance with the program start permission signal. In a program execution device that executes a software program,
Receiving means for receiving a program start permission signal distributed from the data distribution device and data replaceable or insertable with respect to part of the original data of the software program;
In response to the program start permission signal received by the receiving means, the control means for replacing or inserting a part of the original data of the software program with the data and executing the software program. A program execution device. In a program execution method for executing a software program,
A reception step of receiving a program start permission signal distributed from the data distribution means and data that can be replaced or inserted with respect to some original data of the software program;
A control step of executing the software program by replacing or inserting the data with respect to a part of the original data of the software program in response to the program start permission signal received by the reception step. A program execution method characterized by the above. In a program activation control device that controls activation of a software program,
Receiving means for receiving, from the data distribution device, data that can be replaced or inserted into part of the original data of the software program and an encrypted program start permission signal;
When the encrypted program start permission signal can be normally decrypted, it is possible to execute a program that performs an operation of replacing or inserting the data with respect to some original data of the software program, and A program activation control device, comprising: a restricting unit that restricts activation of the software program when the encrypted program start permission signal cannot be decrypted normally. In a program start control method for controlling start of a software program,
Receiving from the data distribution device a data that can be replaced or inserted into the original data of a part of the software program and an encrypted program start permission signal;
When the encrypted program start permission signal can be normally decrypted, it is possible to execute a program that performs an operation to replace or insert the data with respect to some original data of the software program,
And a restricting step for restricting the start of the software program when the encrypted program start permission signal cannot be decrypted normally.

Images