JP3613803B2 - Recording / reproducing apparatus, information providing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an information providing system, and more particularly to an apparatus suitable for ensuring management of provided information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Various information provision systems have been established to reflect the advanced information society. For example, a dial Q2 using a telephone line is a typical example.
[0003]
Here, when the information provided is related to copyrights such as music and movies, the certainty of management such as the prohibition of copying of the provided information is one of the important factors that determine whether or not the information providing system can be established. Yes. In particular, in the case of information converted into a digital signal, the importance is further increased because the signal deterioration during copying is extremely small. As a known example of such a method of prohibiting copying of information, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 61-288582 which deteriorates the reproduction image quality of a copy tape by incorporating a pseudo signal for causing a malfunction of a VTR automatic gain control system. Can be given.
[0004]
On the other hand, for example, in the United States where cable TV lines are widely used, it is considered to develop information supply systems that use this as a transfer means and use digital signals to supply desired information such as video software in response to user requests. It is done. Among the video software, especially high-value ones include new movies just after the release, but when supplying this kind of software, in addition to the above-mentioned prohibition of copying, it is possible to cope with restrictions on the number of playbacks, etc. It is essential to establish a highly functional information management system. On the other hand, the above-mentioned known example does not cope with such restrictions on the number of times of reproduction.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus, an information providing apparatus, and a method that solve the problems of the prior art and ensure the restriction of the reproduction operation of the provided information.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention comprises a recording means for recording a provided information signal and a first control signal relating to the reproduction permission of the signal provided accompanying the signal on a recording medium. A reproducing means for reproducing the information signal recorded on the recording medium based on the first control signal; and a requesting means for requesting the information providing apparatus to permit a new reproduction of the information signal recorded on the recording medium. Prepare. Recording means records on the recording medium a second control signal relating to the new reproduction permission provided from the information providing device upon request, and the reproducing means is recorded on the recording medium based on the second control signal. Reproduce the information signal.
The information providing apparatus according to the present invention further includes providing means for providing the information signal and a first control signal associated with the signal reproduction permission to the recording / reproducing apparatus. In response to the request, the providing means further provides a second control signal relating to a new reproduction permission of the provided information signal in the recording / reproducing apparatus. Here, at least one of the first and second control signals includes an identification signal indicating a recording / reproducing apparatus that permits reproduction of the information signal.
Also, the information providing method of the present invention includes a step of providing an information signal and a first control signal relating to the reproduction permission of the signal accompanying the signal to the recording / reproducing device, and a step of providing the information signal provided in the recording / reproducing device. Receiving a request for a new reproduction permission, and providing a second control signal for the new reproduction permission in response to the request. Here, at least one of the first and second control signals includes an identification signal indicating a recording / reproducing apparatus that permits reproduction of the information signal.
[0007]
[Action]
The first or second control signal regulates a recording / reproducing apparatus that permits reproduction . Thereby, the reproduction operation of the provided information can be surely restricted.
[0008]
【Example】
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an example in which the present invention is applied to a video software providing system. This system comprises a basic configuration of a video software provider transmission device 1 as a transmission means, a general household helical scan VTR 3 as a reception means, and a cable television line 2 as a transfer means. Then, a cassette tape 5 as a recording medium of a storage means is mounted on a general household VTR 3 as a receiving means.
[0010]
In this embodiment, a video signal and a control signal for restricting recording and / or reproduction are recorded on a cassette tape 3 as a recording medium.
[0011]
A request for video software from a general household user to the provider is made using the telephone 8. That is, the user dials the provider and then inputs the code number of the selected video software using the dial key. Then, the fee set according to the elapsed time from the start of the provision of the video software, the delivery time from the request to the completion of the provision (higher in the urgent case), etc. are returned, and the approval of this fee is entered The request is then complete. The charges at this time are charged at regular intervals at a later date by collecting money by a patrolman or withdrawing from a bank account designated by the user. In the request method of this embodiment, since the telephone is used, the existing dial key can be used effectively for information input.
[0012]
As another request method, a method using the same cable TV line 2 as the transfer means and using a key of the VTR main body or the attached remote controller may be used. In this method, both request and provision are made with one type of line. Since the line is used, efficient line use is possible.
[0013]
On the other hand, the provider who received the request uses the cable TV line to determine whether the cassette tape 5 is mounted on the user's VTR 3 and whether the remaining amount of the tape can record the requested video software. . Whether or not the cassette tape 5 is mounted on the VTR 3 is detected by a push switch that is mounted on the VTR 3 and switches as the cassette tape 5 is mounted. Whether the remaining amount of tape is enough to record the requested video software, the remaining tape capacity is detected by running the tape at a predetermined speed and detecting the number of rotations of the reel. It is determined by comparing with the capacity. Any information during this time is performed using the cable television line. Here, when any of the non-conformities is found, the fact is notified through a telephone or a cable TV line, and the transmission is delayed until the non-conformance is resolved. This ensures information provision.
[0014]
When both are compatible, transmission of the video software designated by the owned transmission apparatus is started as a digital signal using the cable television line. The signal at this time may be sent normally for a predetermined short time from the start of transmission, but in general, it has been scrambled and is normally descrambled for playback. The control signal is indispensable. However, if the scramble process is not performed for the predetermined short time at the beginning, the user can freely reproduce the information later and easily confirm the recorded contents.
[0015]
Then, the control signal is sent together with the video signal of the video software. These video signals and control signals are input to the recording circuit 4 in the user's VTR 3 and then separated to record the video signals and control signals at predetermined positions on the tape. This control signal includes the code number information of the user's VTR, key code information for descrambling, position information of the start and end of recording, information on the permitted number of reproductions sent from the transmission device, and the number of reproductions The number-of-plays information and the like are added.
[0016]
When the user reproduces and views the video software, the video signal and the control signal recorded on the tape are respectively output, and both are input to the reproduction circuit 7 and the number of reproductions in the reproduction circuit 7. When the number of reproductions is less than the permitted number of reproductions sent from the transmission device, the video signal is descrambled, converted from a digital signal to an analog signal, and then displayed on the display 8. It is displayed. At the same time, reproduction number information indicating the number of reproductions is output to the recording circuit, and the recording circuit records new reproduction number information and reproduction start and end position information on the tape accordingly. When the number of reproductions is equal to or greater than the permitted number of reproductions sent from the transmission device, the image is displayed on the display while being scrambled.
[0017]
FIG. 2 shows a tape pattern and a reproducing method according to the present invention. The video signal and control signal sent from the transmission device are recorded on the tape pattern as shown in FIG. First, position information indicating the start position of the video software at the first position on the tape pattern, user VTR code number information, key code information for descrambling, and information on the permitted number of reproductions sent from the transmission device The control signal (0-start) is recorded. In addition, the number-of-plays information indicating the number of times of playback is recorded independently of or superimposed on the video signal at a predetermined position of each video track (the top position of the track in the figure). Furthermore, at the end position of the video software, position information indicating the end position, code number information of the user's VTR, key code information for descrambling, information on the permitted number of playbacks sent from the transmission device, etc. The control signal is recorded in the same manner as the start position, and transmission ends. Thereafter, the VTR is rewound to the start position and stopped. At the time of reproduction, a 0-start control signal is read out. First, the video signal is obtained from the key code information only when the code number of the user's VTR sent from the transmission device matches the code number registered in the VTR in advance. De-scramble processing is performed on In addition, control signals such as position information indicating the start position of the first reproduction, code number information of the user's VTR, key code information for descrambling, information on the permitted number of reproductions sent from the transmission device, and the like. Re-recording (hereinafter referred to as 1-start control signal). In each video track, the descrambled video signal is output to the display as it is, and the video signal is reproduced while recording the reproduction number information = 1 indicating the first reproduction on the tape pattern. . This operation is performed by switching the head switch. At the point where the tape playback has progressed to the end position, the position information indicating the end position of the first playback, the code number information of the user's VTR, the key code information for descrambling, sent from the transmitter A control signal (1-end) such as information on the permitted number of reproductions is recorded, and the first reproduction is finished. In this case, it may be possible to rewind immediately after the reproduction is finished or not to rewind. If rewinded immediately, the VTR returns to the 1-start position and stops there. If it is not rewound, it stops at the 1-end position. Next, in the second playback, when returning to the 1-start position and stopping there, the control signal of 1-start is read out in the same manner as described above, and first the code number of the user's VTR sent from the transmitting device and Only when the code number registered in advance in the VTR matches, the descrambling process is performed on the video signal from the key code information. In addition, control signals such as position information indicating the start position of the second playback, user VTR code number information, key code information for descrambling, and information on the permitted number of playbacks sent from the transmitter Record again (2-start). In each video track, the de-scrambled video signal is output to the display as it is, and the reproduction number information = 2 indicating the second reproduction is recorded on the tape pattern. At the point where tape playback has progressed to the end position, position information indicating the end position of the second playback, code number information of the user's VTR, key code information for descrambling, sent from the transmitter A control signal (2-end) such as information on the permitted number of reproductions is recorded, and the second reproduction is finished. When the user stops at the 1-end position, when the user performs rewinding with the VTR, first, at the first end position, the code number information of the user VTR, the key code information for descrambling, the transmission device After reading the permitted number of playback information sent from, it is rewound. Then, after returning to the 0-start position as described above, the video signal is descrambled. In addition, control signals such as position information indicating the start position of the second playback, user VTR code number information, key code information for descrambling, and information on the permitted number of playbacks sent from the transmitter Record again (2-start). In the figure, the reproduction up to three times is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the above repetition is performed for the permitted number of reproductions sent from the transmission device. When the number of allowed times is exceeded, the image is not descrambled and is displayed on the display. However, for example, if the user wants to play another tape, and once removes the tape and then plays it again, the recording track may not come to the start or end position due to tape slack, etc. Has a function of moving between tracks of several seconds and searching for a start position or an end position between them. According to the above method, reproduction with another VTR cannot be performed because the code number information of the user's VTR is different. In addition, rewinding with other VTRs cannot be performed as a result because the start position or end position cannot be found. Therefore, the user can only reproduce and rewind with the same VTR, and can protect the copyright with high accuracy.
[0018]
Next, a case where the user performs a stop, fast forward, or rewind operation during playback will be described with reference to FIG. In this case as well, the case where the number of reproductions is limited to three is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the figure, after the first playback is normally performed, the second playback is performed from the middle without rewinding to the first start position, and stopped halfway. Since the first playback is performed as usual, the 1-start control signal is at the start position, the 1-end control signal is at the end position, and each track has been played for the first time. Playback number information = 1 is recorded. In the second playback, if the user starts a playback operation in the middle of rewinding, first the 1-end control signal is read, then the rewinding and rewinding position is shown at the second start position 2 -Start control signal is recorded and playback is started. Reproduction is performed while recording reproduction number information = 1 indicating the first reproduction on the tape pattern. If the user performs a stop operation on the way, a 2-end control signal indicating the second stop position is recorded at the stop position, and the operation is stopped. If the same operation is performed for the third time, the final-start control signal is recorded at the start position, the playback count information = 3 is recorded on the tape pattern, and the final control signal is recorded at the stop position. The Next, when the user wants to reproduce an area that has been reproduced less than three times, the user rewinds to the position to be reproduced and performs a reproduction operation. In this case, the final control signal is stored at the end position and rewinded. When the number of reproduction times information at the rewind position is less than three times, the start control signal is recorded at that position plus the start control signal at the number of times. To do. On the tape pattern, the number of reproduction times information as many times as the start control signal is recorded. During playback, if a start signal indicating playback more than the number of times mentioned above is read out, if the playback count information at that position is less than three times, the control signal for that number plus one start is re-recorded at that position. Continue playback. When the final-start control signal is read, descrambling is restricted and the image is displayed on the display in the scrambled state. In the above case, for example, the user may perform a playback operation to confirm the rewind position during rewinding, and may immediately perform the rewinding operation again. In this case, if a start control signal is immediately recorded at the playback start position, start and end control signals are recorded everywhere on the tape. In view of the above case, the start signal may be recorded after being reproduced for a certain period of time. Also, playback may be performed without being scrambled for a certain period of time.
[0019]
The above is a case where the number of times of reproduction is limited to several times. However, for example, information that is permitted to be reproduced only once is scrambled so that it cannot be reproduced for a certain period of time after the reproduction is completed. May be. However, since the video signal in the cassette tape remains, if the user wants to watch it repeatedly, each time he / she re-requests only the key code from the provider, and after receiving the charge, the system can be transferred It is said. As a result, the time required to transfer the video signal for the first time is not required, and the viewing can be repeated repeatedly in a short time, and the use of the line can be saved. In addition, the fee at this time is a system that is sequentially discounted from the first time according to an increase in the number of repetitions depending on the movie.
[0020]
In the system described above, a control signal is recorded on a track pattern by a rotating head in the same manner as a video signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. An end signal or reproduction count information may be recorded. Alternatively, the start signal and the end signal may be recorded by a rotary head, and the reproduction number information may be recorded by a fixed head, or vice versa. Further, the reproduction number information may be recorded every several tracks as shown in the figure, or may be recorded every track. Similarly, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the number-of-plays information is recorded for each track. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number-of-plays information may be recorded every several tracks. Further, in the above description, the same information for each track is continuously recorded as the number-of-plays information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, address information may be recorded. 2, 3, and 4, the control signal is shown in the upper and lower portions of the tape pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control signal may be recorded at any position on the tape pattern.
[0021]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the reproduction information of the provided information is recorded on the tape pattern, the reproduction operation and the number of reproductions can be restricted, and the effect of ensuring the management of the provided information can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an example in which the present invention is applied to a video software providing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a tape format of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a tape format of another embodiment of the present invention.
1 Provider Transmitter 2 Cable TV Line 3 VTR
4 Recording circuit 5 Cassette tape 6 Playback circuit 7 Display 8 Telephone

Claims (5)

In the recording / reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing the first control signal related to the information signal provided from the information providing apparatus and the reproduction permission of the information signal,
Recording means for recording the provided information signal and the first control signal provided accompanying the information signal on a recording medium;
Based on the first control signal recorded on the recording medium, reproducing means for reproducing the information signal recorded on the recording medium;
Requesting means for requesting the information providing apparatus to permit a new reproduction of the information signal recorded on the recording medium,
The recording means records a second control signal related to the new reproduction permission provided from the information providing apparatus in response to a request from the request means on the recording medium,
It said reproducing means, based on the second control signal recorded on the recording medium, has rows reproduction of information signals recorded on the recording medium,
A recording / reproducing apparatus for limiting the number of reproductions of the recorded information signal . In a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing an information signal provided from an information providing apparatus in response to a request from an information requesting apparatus and a first control signal related to reproduction permission of the information signal,
Recording means for recording the provided information signal and the first control signal provided accompanying the information signal on a recording medium;
Replay means for replaying the information signal recorded on the recording medium based on the first control signal recorded on the recording medium,
When the information requesting device requests the information providing device to permit a new reproduction of the information signal recorded on the recording medium from the information requesting device,
The recording means records a second control signal related to the new reproduction permission provided from the information providing apparatus in response to the request on the recording medium,
It said reproducing means, based on the second control signal recorded on the recording medium, has rows reproduction of information signals recorded on the recording medium,
A recording / reproducing apparatus for limiting the number of reproductions of the recorded information signal . The said recording means records said 1st and 2nd control information in the area | region on the said recording medium, Comprising: The area | region different from the said information signal is characterized by the above-mentioned. Recording / playback device. In an information providing device that provides an information signal to a recording / reproducing device in response to a request,
Providing means for providing the information signal and a first control signal associated with permission to reproduce the signal accompanying the signal;
The providing means provides a second control signal related to a new reproduction permission of the provided information signal in the recording / reproducing apparatus in response to a request;
At least one of the first and second control signals includes an identification signal indicating a recording / reproducing device that permits reproduction of the information signal,
An information providing apparatus for controlling the number of reproductions of the recorded information signal using the first and second control signals. In an information providing method for providing an information signal to a recording / reproducing apparatus upon request,
Providing the information signal and a first control signal associated with the signal to permit reproduction of the signal;
Receiving a request for a new reproduction permission of the provided information signal in the recording / reproducing apparatus;
In response to the request, providing a second control signal relating to the new reproduction permission,
At least one of the first and second control signals includes an identification signal indicating a recording / reproducing device that permits reproduction of the information signal,
An information providing method for controlling the number of reproductions of the recorded information signal by using the first and second control signals.

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