JP2009146278A - Content providing method and content providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content providing method capable of preventing a program from being illegally analyzed, or the like by maintaining the secrecy of a source code of content or the like to be provided to a user, and to provide its system. <P>SOLUTION: The content providing method includes a first step for converting an SWF file to generate an image file, and a second step for extracting SWF information of the SWF file from a corresponding image file and the image file in response to FLASH content performance processing, and providing an SWF file for conversion to perform execution processing of the FLASH content based on the SWF information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content providing method, and more particularly, to a content providing method and system for maintaining the confidentiality of source code such as content provided to a user and preventing analysis of unauthorized programs.

  The source code of software (program) includes important technical information such as the function of the program and the ingenuity of the developer, and it is necessary to protect the program itself as one information property. In particular, the need for software is increasing as the functions and functions of software have been increasing in recent years. However, the program can be analyzed comparatively easily by a decoder, a decompiler, or the like, and illegal analysis, modification, plagiarism, forgery, etc. of the program and the like are continually occurring.

  For example, Flash content created with Flash (registered trademark) manufactured by Adobe Systems, Inc. is operated by plug-in software Flash Player that is installed and operated in a web browser, but a SWF format file downloaded to the user is displayed as Flash Player. Works by reading. This SWF format file is generated as a binary format file by compiling the described ActionScript or the like (source code), and normally the contents cannot be confirmed or edited with a text editor or the like.

  However, as described above, there are decompilers that convert and extract SWF format files into source files (for example, FLA format files), so that the contents of source files can be easily grasped. Once the contents of this source file are grasped, interactive control with FlashPlayer, the server and data being referred to (referred URL, etc.), the data format, etc. are clarified, and not only unauthorized modification, plagiarism, forgery, etc. This also leads to a decrease in security, such as the location of data targeted for attack is known to the cracker.

  In order to solve such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that the program itself is converted into a state in which it is difficult to decipher, and the reverse conversion process is incorporated into the program, thereby maintaining the confidentiality of the program.

JP 2003-280755 A (paragraphs 0028 to 0042, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, etc.)

  An encryption / decryption technique is applied to maintain the confidentiality of the source code. However, the encryption / decryption technique generally encrypts data itself, and the encrypted file format is not converted. That is, even if it is converted into a state that is difficult to decipher as in Patent Document 1, the file format is the same, and there is a possibility that it will be analyzed by a corresponding decompilation tool or the like. More specifically, even if the data itself is difficult to decipher, if the file format is the same, by performing a decompilation process suitable for the file format, until complete decipherment is not possible, There are cases where it can be deciphered to some extent.

  In addition, in the case of Flash content that operates with Flash Player plugged into a web browser, such as Flash (registered trademark), encryption / decryption technology cannot be applied separately from the viewpoint of serviceability and versatility. For example, problems such as compatibility between FlashPlayer and an encryption / decryption tool, and a problem that Flash content cannot be played back on a PC that does not support the encryption / decryption tool occur. For this reason, a new content providing method capable of suitably providing content while maintaining the confidentiality of the content source code has been desired.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a content providing method and system capable of preventing the analysis of an unauthorized program while maintaining the confidentiality of source code of the content provided to the user. is there.

  In particular, the present invention is to provide a flash content providing method and a flash content providing system capable of preventing the illegal analysis and the like while maintaining the confidentiality of the source code of the SWF file of the flash content.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing Flash content, the first step of converting an SWF file to generate an image file, and the corresponding image file and the image file in response to the Flash content execution process. A second step of extracting SWF information of the SWF file and providing a conversion SWF file for performing execution processing of the Flash content based on the SWF information.

  The first step includes a step of converting the data obtained by reading the SWF file in a binary format into color data, and a step of generating the image file based on the color data. The SWF file can be configured to load the color data obtained from the image file into a memory and convert the color data loaded into the memory into the SWF information.

  The Flash content providing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a conversion unit that converts a SWF file into an image file, the corresponding image file in response to a Flash content execution process, and the SWF file from the image file. Content providing means for extracting the SWF information and providing a conversion SWF file for executing the execution processing of the Flash content based on the SWF information.

  In addition, a flash content providing system according to still another aspect of the present invention responds to the conversion server that converts the created SWF file of the flash content into an image file and the flash content execution process in the user terminal, and the corresponding A content providing server that provides the user terminal with an image file and a SWF file for conversion that extracts SWF information of the SWF file from the image file and performs execution processing of the Flash content based on the SWF information; It is characterized by having.

  Also, a method of executing Flash content with FlashPlayer as one aspect of the present invention includes a first step of receiving an image file obtained by converting a SWF file and a SWF file for conversion, and the FlashPlayer for converting The second step of reading the SWF file, and the Flash Player extracts SWF information of the SWF file from the image file based on the conversion SWF information of the conversion SWF file, and the Flash content of the Flash content based on the SWF information is extracted. And a third step of performing an execution process.

  According to the present invention, the Flash Player executes the execution process of the Flash content without directly reading the SWF file related to the Flash content. Therefore, since the SWF file is not directly exposed to the user and is provided as an image file, it is possible to suitably provide the Flash content while maintaining the confidentiality of the source code of the Flash content.

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

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a Flash content distribution system to which the content providing method of the present invention is applied.

  The flash content distribution system of the present embodiment converts the published flash content into an image file, the conversion server 100, and the image file converted by the conversion server 100 to the user terminal 300 of the user in response to the content request. A content providing server 200 to be provided and a user terminal 300 connected to the content providing server 200 via a network N such as the Internet are included. The user terminal 300 is a terminal device having a communication function and an arithmetic function, such as a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a mobile communication terminal device such as a mobile phone.

  Here, Flash (registered trademark) supports an SWF format file as a standard format of Flash data. That is, Flash content such as animations, moving images, and games executed on the Flash Player is provided as an SWF format file, and the Flash Player reads or plays the Flash content by reading the SWF format file. The flash content is provided by downloading the SWF format file from the content providing server 200 to the user terminal 300 in response to the content request.

  The Flash Player is installed in the user terminal 300 via the network N such as the Internet or through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. In this embodiment, a case where the Flash Player is installed in the user terminal 300 in advance will be described as an example. For example, when providing Flash content to the user terminal 300, the content providing server 200 determines whether or not the Flash Player is present. The installation process may be performed at the time of confirmation and content provision. In addition, FlashPlayer is provided as a WEB browser plug-in (a program to be added to expand the function) and may operate in cooperation with the browser function, but execution of the Flash content is one function of the browser function. In this embodiment, the Flash Player that operates separately from the WEB browser is described as an example, and the description of the case of operating as a WEB browser plug-in is omitted. .

  The developer server 400 is a server used by a developer who develops / creates Flash content. The developer server 400 provides a development application (such as Flex 2.0) for creating Flash content, and publishes created files, that is, A function of generating a SWF format file by compiling is provided. The developer server 400 is a computer having a development application for creating Flash content and a compiling function, that is, a computer having an environment for developing / creating Flash content.

  In recent years, Flash (registered trademark) has become multifunctional, and in addition to content such as animation and moving images, Flash game content in which interactive control represented by Flash game is realized by ActionScript or the like is provided. These Flash contents include technical information (coding information) such as an interactive control process, a referenced server and data (reference URL, etc.), and the like. For this reason, if the SWF format file is analyzed using a decompiler or the like as described above, not only unauthorized alteration, plagiarism, and forgery, but also leakage of technical information and a decrease in security are caused.

  Therefore, in the flash content providing method of the present embodiment, the SWF format file to be published is converted into an image file by the conversion server 100, and the SWF information (information based on the SWF format file format before conversion) is converted from the image file. And a SWF file for conversion for executing the execution processing of the Flash content based on the SWF information is provided to the user terminal 300.

  That is, the conversion SWF file is provided separately from the SWF file related to the Flash content, and the SWF file is provided as an image file. For this reason, the Flash Player does not directly read the SWF file related to the Flash content, but instead reads the SWF file for conversion to extract the SWF information from the image file related to the Flash content, and indirectly executes the execution processing of the Flash content. Carry out.

  By configuring in this way, it is possible to provide a SWF file as an image file while suppressing direct exposure of the SWF file related to the Flash content, such as source code obtained by analyzing the SWF file with a decompiler. It is possible to improve the difficulty of exposure and to provide suitable flash content that maintains the confidentiality of the source code of the flash content.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of the conversion server 100 and the content providing server 200 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the SWF file conversion process in the conversion server 100.

  The conversion server 100 converts the SWF format file created by the developer server 400 into an image file, and converts the SWF file before conversion from the image file converted based on the conversion algorithm of the conversion control unit 110. A conversion SWF file generation unit 120 that generates a conversion SWF file for extracting SWF information, and an SWF file storage unit 130 that stores an SWF format file (Flash content) created by the developer server 400 are provided.

  Here, an image is a set of a plurality of pixels (pixels) and has color information for each pixel. The color information is digitized, and the computer determines the color of each pixel from the numeric value when displaying the image data and displays it. That is, the image holds the color information (color data) of the image as a numerical value. In the RGB color information, the strengths of the three primary colors of Red, Green, and Blue are designated by numerical values, and the color of each pixel is determined by the combination thereof. For example, when color information is represented in decimal (R, G, B), black is “000,000,000”, white is “255, 255, 255”, red is “255,000,000”, “000,255,000” for green, “000,000,255” for blue, “255,255,000” for yellow, “255,000,255” for magenta, “000,255,255” for cyan Can be represented. When expressed in hexadecimal (#RRGGBB), black is “# 00 00 00”, white is “#FF FF FF”, red is “#FF 00 00”, green is “# 00 FF 00”, Blue can be expressed as “# 00 00 FF”, yellow as “#FF FF 00”, magenta as “#FF 00 FF”, and cyan as “# 00 FF FF”.

  Therefore, the conversion control unit 110 of this embodiment converts the SWF file into an image file that holds the byte data (SWF information) of the SWF file as color data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the SWF file (game.swf in the figure) stored in the SWF file storage unit 130 is acquired, and the SWF file is read in binary format for each byte. Every time it is converted to a decimal (0-255) or hexadecimal (00-FF) value. Then, an image file (game.png in the figure) is generated using color data that directly uses the converted value or color data that is generated by combining a plurality of bytes for each byte. Further, the generated image file is provided to the content providing server 200.

  Note that color data may be generated by converting data read in a binary format into decimal data and further converting into hexadecimal HEX data. Also, in order to improve the difficulty of decoding the image file, it is possible to generate an image file by randomly inserting pixels having dummy color data in addition to the pixels having color data generated from the SWF file. It is.

  Examples of the image file format include various file formats such as BMP format, DPX format, GIF format, JPEG format, PNG format, RAW format, TIFF format, etc. In this embodiment, color data (RGB values) By using a PNG format file that does not cause loss of the color data when generating an image file using, the integrity of the SWF information is maintained.

  In addition, data obtained by reading the SWF file in a binary format for each byte, or HEX data obtained by converting the data obtained by reading the data into a hexadecimal format (data read in a binary format is expressed in hexadecimal format) The process of generating the pixel having the color data based on the HEX data or the like from the data) can be performed using a dedicated image generation application program or script that generates an image file from the HEX data.

  The conversion SWF file generation unit 120 generates a conversion SWF file (frame.swf in FIG. 4) provided to the user terminal 300. The conversion SWF file is an SWF file for extracting information of the SWF file before conversion from the image file provided as the Flash content, and executing the execution of the Flash content by the Flash Player. The conversion SWF file generation unit 120 can be installed not on the conversion server 100 but on the developer server 400. In this case, the content providing server can be connected to the developer server 400 via the conversion server 100 or not. 200.

  The conversion SWF file generation unit 120 generates a conversion SWF file based on the conversion algorithm of the SWF file converted by the conversion control unit 110 and provides the conversion SWF file to the content providing server 200. The conversion SWF file may be generated in a one-to-one relationship with the image file generated by the conversion control unit 110. That is, the conversion control unit 110 uses different conversion algorithms for each SWF file, for example, when individual conversion algorithms are used, such as performing further conversion processing when generating the number of dummy data and color data. The conversion SWF file generation unit 120 can generate a corresponding conversion SWF file each time, and provide the converted image file and the conversion SWF file as a set to the content providing server 200. is there. Conversely, the image file and the conversion SWF file may have a many-to-one relationship (a relationship in which one conversion SWF file corresponds to a plurality of image files). Normally, one conversion SWF file is generated, stored in the content storage unit 230, and provided to each user.

  Next, the content providing server 200 provides the flash content in response to the content request transmitted from the communication control unit 210 that performs communication control with the user terminal 300 via the network N and the user terminal 300. A distribution control unit 220 and a content storage unit 230 that stores the image file obtained by converting the SWF format file and the conversion SWF file are provided. Note that examples of the content providing server 200 of the present embodiment include a game server that provides only specific content exclusively, a WEB server that provides information together with contents such as animation, moving images, games, and music. In addition, the content request is a process for automatically displaying the Flash content in the WEB page according to the request through the user's selection operation on the user terminal 300 or the browser control of the WEB browser (HTML data of the WEB page). Includes a request.

  In response to the content request from the user terminal 300, the distribution control unit 220 extracts the image file and the conversion SWF file corresponding to the request from the content storage unit 230 and distributes them to the user terminal 300 (FIG. 4). game.png and frame.swf). Note that a separate correspondence list or the like that stores the correspondence between the SWF file before conversion and the image file may be held.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the configuration of the user terminal 300. The communication control unit 310 performs communication control with the content providing server 200 via the network N, and the control unit (CPU) 320 controls the entire user terminal 300. , A flash control unit 330, an external interface 340, an operation input unit 350 (keyboard, mouse, controller, etc.), a display interface 360, and a display unit 370 (display display).

  The flash control unit 330 reproduces the flash content in response to reception of the flash content provided from the content providing server 200, a request from another application or WEB browser, or a user activation operation. That is, the flash control unit 330 is a flash player.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a Flash Player flash content execution method in the user terminal 300. The control unit 320 sends a content request in response to a user selection operation or browser control of a read WEB page. The data is transmitted to the providing server 200 via the communication control unit 310. Upon receiving the content request from the user terminal 300, the content providing server 200 transmits an image file and a conversion SWF file corresponding to the request to the user terminal 300.

  When receiving the image file and the conversion SWF file, the FlashPlayer as the flash control unit 330 first reads the conversion SWF file and performs a flash content execution process. FlashPlayer extracts RGB values (color data) of each pixel of the image file. Then, this RGB value, that is, HEX data is loaded into the memory, and the HEX data stored in the memory is converted into SWF information of the SWF file before conversion. As described above, the conversion SWF file of this embodiment extracts the RGB value of each pixel of the image file, loads the RGB value (HEX data) into the memory, and converts the HEX data stored in the memory into the SWF file before conversion. The conversion SWF information to be converted into the SWF information is included.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the flash content providing system of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the developer server 400, the developer creates content using a development application (such as Flex 2.0) (step S401), and compiles the created file (step S402). The compiled SWF file is stored (provided) in the SWF file storage unit 130 of the conversion server 100 (step S403).

  In the conversion server 100, the conversion control unit 110 acquires the SWF file stored from the SWF file storage unit 130, reads the SWF file in binary format for each byte, and uses decimal notation for each byte (0 to 255). ) Or a hexadecimal value (00 to FF). Then, an image file is generated using color data directly using the converted value, or color data generated by combining a plurality of bytes of data for each byte (step S101). Then, the image file generated from the conversion server 100 is stored (provided) in the content storage unit 230 of the content providing server 200 (step S102).

  Although not illustrated, in the conversion server 100, the conversion SWF file generation unit 120 generates a conversion SWF file based on the conversion algorithm of the SWF file converted by the conversion control unit 110, and the content providing server The processing provided to the content storage unit 230 of 200 is performed in parallel or individually with the conversion processing of the conversion control unit 110.

  Next, when the content providing server 200 receives a content request from the user terminal 300 (step S201), the distribution control unit 220 sends the image file corresponding to the request and the conversion SWF file to the user terminal 300. (Step S202).

  The user terminal 300 receives the image file and the conversion SWF file in response to the content request transmitted in step S301. When receiving the image file and the conversion SWF file, the FlashPlayer as the flash control unit 330 reads the conversion SWF file and performs the flash content execution process (step S302). That is, the Flash Player extracts the color data of each pixel of the image file according to the SWF information of the conversion SWF file, and loads the extracted color data into the memory. Then, the HEX data stored in the memory is converted into SWF information of the SWF file before conversion.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, the Flash content has been described as an example, but it can also be used for other content. For example, the present invention can be applied to the provision and execution of content such as music content (mp3 format) and moving image content (FLV format).

  In addition, the execution method of the Flash content in the above embodiment can be realized by the function of the Flash added by Flash9 (ActionScript 3.0). In other words, FlashPlayer up to Flash8 did not support data formats other than SWF format, but in Flash9, mp3 format, text format, XML format, FLV format, binary format file format is read and executed on FlashPlayer. Is possible. Therefore, in practice, FlashPlayer extracts color data from the image file according to the process described in the conversion SWF file, converts it into binary data (HEX data in hexadecimal notation), and loads the binary data into the memory. Then, execution processing of the flash content based on the binary data loaded into the memory, that is, the SWF information before conversion is performed.

  In the above embodiment, the SWF file is read in binary format for each byte, but can be read in other formats such as text format and XML format, but formats such as text format and XML format are as follows: Since the data capacity is larger than that in the binary format, it is preferable to read the SWF file in the binary format.

  In addition, the conversion server 100 in the above embodiment may be configured to be incorporated in the developer server 400. That is, the conversion control unit 110 and the conversion SWF file generation unit 120 of the conversion server 100 are installed in the developer server 400 as a file conversion application and a file generation application, and when the content developer publishes Flash content, The SWF file can be converted into an image file using the conversion application and provided directly to the content providing server 200.

  In addition to the above-described hardware configurations, each server in the above embodiment includes operation input means such as a keyboard, mouse, and scanner, display means such as a liquid crystal display, output means such as a printer and a speaker, a main storage device (memory ), An auxiliary storage device (such as a hard disk) or the like, and these means can also be provided in the user terminal. Control of each means is performed by a control means (CPU) that controls the server or the entire computer (not shown).

  The content providing method and the content executing method of the present invention are realized as a program for causing a computer to function, and are provided to a user terminal in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium or through a network such as the Internet. Computer-readable recording media include optical disks such as CD-ROM, phase change optical disks such as DVD-ROM, magneto-optical disks such as MO (Magnet Optical) and MD (Mini Disk), floppy (registered trademark) disks, Examples include magnetic disks such as removable hard disks, memory cards such as compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, SD memory cards, and memory sticks.

  In addition, although specific embodiment was described in detailed description of this invention, it can change variously within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but should be determined based on the description of the scope of claims and equivalents thereof.

It is a block diagram of the FLASH content provision system in embodiment of this invention. It is a configuration block diagram of a conversion server and a content providing server in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a configuration block diagram of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the SWF file conversion method and content provision method in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the execution method of the FLASH content in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the FLASH content provision system to which the content provision method in embodiment of this invention was applied.

Explanation of symbols

100 conversion server 110 conversion control unit 120 conversion SWF file generation unit 130 SWF file storage unit 200 content providing server 210 communication control unit 220 distribution control unit 230 content storage unit 300 user terminal 310 communication control unit 320 control unit 330 FLASH control unit 340 External interface 350 Operation input unit 360 Display interface 370 Display unit 400 Developer server

Claims (11)

A method for providing Flash content,
A first step of converting the SWF file to generate an image file;
In response to a flash content execution process, a corresponding SWF file that extracts the SWF information of the SWF file from the image file and the execution process of the flash content based on the SWF information is provided. A flash content providing method comprising: a second step. The first step includes
Converting the data obtained by reading the SWF file in binary format into color data;
Generating the image file based on the color data,
The conversion SWF file includes conversion SWF information for loading the color data obtained from the image file into a memory and converting the color data loaded into the memory into the SWF information. The flash content providing method according to claim 1. A Flash content providing system,
Conversion means for converting a SWF file into an image file;
Responding to a flash content execution process, the corresponding image file, and a SWF file for conversion that extracts SWF information of the SWF file from the image file and performs the execution process of the flash content based on the SWF information are provided. And a flash content providing system. A Flash content providing system,
A conversion server that converts the SWF file of the created Flash content into an image file;
In response to the flash content execution process in the user terminal, the corresponding SWF information is extracted from the corresponding image file and the SWF file from the image file, and the flash content execution process based on the SWF information is performed. A flash content providing system, comprising: a content providing server that provides a file to the user terminal. To a computer that provides Flash content,
A function to generate an image file by converting a SWF file;
A SWF file for conversion that extracts SWF information of the SWF file from the corresponding image file and the image file in response to the Flash content execution process in the user terminal, and performs the execution process of the Flash content based on the SWF information And a function for providing the above to the user terminal. A flash content providing apparatus,
Conversion means for converting a SWF file into an image file;
In response to the flash content execution process in the user terminal, the corresponding SWF information is extracted from the corresponding image file and the SWF file from the image file, and the flash content execution process based on the SWF information is performed. A flash content providing apparatus, comprising: content providing means for providing a file to the user terminal. A method of executing Flash content in FlashPlayer,
A first step of receiving an image file obtained by converting a SWF file and a conversion SWF file;
A second step in which the FlashPlayer reads the conversion SWF file;
A third step in which the Flash Player extracts SWF information of the SWF file from the image file based on the conversion SWF information of the conversion SWF file, and performs execution processing of the Flash content based on the SWF information. A method for executing Flash content, comprising: The image file is generated by converting data obtained by reading the SWF file in binary format into color data,
The third step includes
The Flash Player includes loading the color data obtained from the image file based on the conversion SWF information into a memory, and converting the color data loaded into the memory into the SWF information. A method for executing Flash content according to claim 7. In order to execute Flash content on the Flash Player installed on the computer,
A function of receiving an image file obtained by converting a SWF file and a SWF file for conversion;
The FlashPlayer reads the conversion SWF file,
A function of the Flash Player extracting SWF information of the SWF file from the image file based on the conversion SWF information of the conversion SWF file, and performing execution processing of the Flash content based on the SWF information; A program for running   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 or 9 is recorded. A method of providing content,
A first step of converting the content file of the content to generate an image file;
In response to the content execution process, a second content file is provided that extracts the corresponding image file and execution information of the content file from the image file and performs the content execution process based on the execution information. A content providing method comprising: steps.

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