JP4432844B2 - License management system, host device, license management method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a license management technique for preventing unauthorized use of digital content by using a license key including device-specific information of a license target device, and more particularly to a device designated by a user who has purchased digital content properly. The present invention relates to a license management technique that enables digital contents to be played back on devices other than license target devices.

  Conventionally, unauthorized use of digital content (sometimes simply referred to as content) has been prevented by using a license key including device-specific information of a license target device.

  For example, when the content is purchased, the license key is downloaded together with the purchased content from the content provider to the user's device (licensed device) and stored in the device. When the reproduction of the content is instructed, the reproduction means (media player or the like) operating on the device, device specific information embedded in the license key, and device specific information held in the device specific information holding unit of the device If the two match, the content is played back. If the two do not match, the playback of the content is rejected.

  Therefore, in the license target device, the device unique information in the license key matches the device unique information held in the device unique information holding unit, so that the content can be reproduced. However, if the content-license key pair is copied to a device other than the license target device, the device-specific information in the license key and the device-specific information held in the device-specific information holding unit will not match. , You can not play the content. As described above, by using the license key including the device-specific information, it is possible to prevent the content from being reproduced on a device other than the license target device.

  However, in this way, even a user who has purchased the content can play the content only on the licensed device among the devices owned by the user, and play the content on other devices. You will not be able to. That is, compared with CD, DVD, video, etc., digital content has a problem that the reproduction environment after purchase is remarkably limited.

  Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the following technique has been conventionally proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the technique described in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 26, since a content can be reproduced by a plurality of devices D1 to D3 owned by the user, the device D1 that is a license target device is used. The device specific information d2 and d3 of the devices D2 and D3 that are permitted to use the contents are registered, and the address Ad1 of the license target device D1 is registered in the devices D2 and D3. The devices D1 to D3 are connected to each other by a LAN or the like.

When the copied content is played back by a device other than the device D1 (for example, the device D2), the device D2 sends a playback permission request including its own device specific information d2 to the device D1 according to the held address Ad1. Send. When the reproduction permission request including the device specific information d2 is sent, the device D1 checks whether or not the device specific information d2 is held as the device specific information of the device permitted to use the content. In this example, since it is held, the device D1 gives the reproduction permission of the content to the requesting device D2, and the device D2 reproduces the copied content when the reproduction permission is given.
JP 2001-67332 A

  According to the above-described conventional technology, even if the device is other than the license target device, the content can be reproduced as long as the device is designated by the user who has purchased the content. However, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the user not only sets the device-specific information d2 and d3 of the devices D2 and D3 that permit the reproduction of the content to the license target device D1, but also the content Since it is necessary to set the address of the license target device D1 in each of the devices D2 and D3 that are permitted to reproduce the video, there is a problem that the setting work performed by the user becomes troublesome. In particular, when the number of devices permitted to reproduce content is large, the burden on the user becomes large.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable content to be reproduced on a device other than the license target device as long as the device is designated by the user without imposing a heavy burden on the user.

A first license management system according to the present invention includes:
In a license management system including a host device, a terminal device, a server, a proxy connection device, and a portable device ,
The host device is
Content, and a license key for the content, including the host-side device-specific information is device-specific information of the host device, and the device-specific information in a reproduction permission target device specific information for other devices that allow playback of the content Managing device-specific information that is device-specific information of a portable device that permits the purchase of content, and when a playback-permitted request is sent from the server, the device-specific information that is being managed On the condition that the same device-specific information as the playback-request-side device-specific information included in the playback permission request is present, and returns the playback permission information to the server, and the content from the server When a purchase permission inquiry is sent, the managed purchase permission In the device specific information, the content purchase permission information is returned to the server on the condition that the same device specific information as the purchase request side device specific information included in the content purchase permission inquiry is present, and A configuration for returning a portable device license key including device-specific information of the portable device to the server ;
The terminal device is
Holds a copy of the content and license key held in the host device, and includes host side device specific information during the copy of the license key and playback request side device specific information which is device specific information of the own device A reproduction permission request is transmitted to the server, and when the reproduction permission information is returned from the server in response to the reproduction permission request, the reproduction of the content is reproduced.
The proxy connection device is
The portable device connected to its own device and the server are connected via a network,
The portable device is
The proxy connection device receives a content purchase request including a content ID of content to be purchased, host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and purchase-request-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the portable device. The content transmitted from the server in response to the content purchase request and the license key for portable device are held in association with each other,
The server is
The device specific information of the host device and the address of the host device are managed in association with each other, and when a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, the reproduction permission request in the managed address is The reproduction permission request is transmitted to the address corresponding to the host-side device specific information included, and when the reproduction permission information is returned from the host device, the reproduction permission information is transferred to the terminal device, and the proxy When a content purchase request is sent from the portable device via a connection device, the content is addressed to an address corresponding to host-side device-specific information in the content purchase request among the managed addresses. A content purchase permission inquiry including the device-specific information of the purchase requesting side in the purchase request is transmitted, and the content When the content purchase permission information is sent in response to the purchase permission inquiry, the license key including the device specific information of the host device and the purchase target content are transmitted to the host device, and the purchase target content is When the portable device license key is transmitted from the host device to the portable device, the portable device license key is transmitted to the portable device via the proxy connection device. To do.

The second license management system according to the present invention is the first license management system,
The host device is
A host-side content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for the content are registered;
A playback permission management table in which the playback permission target device specific information is registered,
A portable device management table in which purchase-permitted device-specific information is registered;
When a playback permission request is sent from the server, the same device specific information as the playback request side device specific information in the playback permission request in the playback permission target device specific information registered in the playback permission management table a reproduction permission request processing means for transmitting a playback permission information to the server in the condition that but present,
When a content purchase permission inquiry is sent from the server, the purchase permission target device specific information registered in the portable device management table is the same as the purchase requesting device specific information in the content purchase permission inquiry Content purchase that transmits content purchase permission information to the server on the condition that device specific information exists, and transmits a portable device license key including device specific information of the portable device to the server An availability inquiry processing means ,
The terminal device is
A terminal-side content / license key storage unit in which a copy of a content and a license key registered in the host-side content / license key storage unit is registered;
A reproduction permission request including the host side device specific information in the license key registered in the terminal side content / license key storage unit and the reproduction request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the terminal device is transmitted to the server. And playback means for playing back the content when playback permission information is returned from the server in response to the playback permission request,
The portable device is
A host device management table in which host side device specific information which is device specific information of the host device is registered;
A portable content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for a portable device corresponding to the content are registered;
A content purchase request including a content ID of content to be purchased, host side device specific information registered in the host device management table, and purchase request side device specific information which is device specific information of the own portable device is sent to the server. Content purchase requesting means for transmitting and registering the content sent from the server in response to the content purchase request and the portable device license key in the portable content / license key storage unit;
The server is
A user information storage unit in which host-side device-specific information, which is device-specific information of the host device, and the address of the host device are registered in association with each other;
When a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, an address corresponding to host-side device specific information in the reproduction permission request is retrieved from the user information storage unit, and the reproduction permission request is sent to the retrieved address. transferred, when the playback permission information from the host device in response has been returned to the regeneration authorization request, the reproduction permission request processing means for transferring the reproduction permission information to said terminal device,
When a content purchase request is sent from the portable device via the proxy connection device, the address corresponding to the host-side device specific information in the content purchase request is searched from the user information storage unit When the content purchase permission inquiry including the purchase request side device specific information in the content purchase request in the address is transmitted and the content purchase permission information is sent in response to the content purchase permission inquiry, the device of the host device A license key including unique information and the purchase target content are transmitted to the host device, and the purchase target content is transmitted to the portable device via the proxy connection device, and a portable device license key is transmitted from the host device. When it is sent A license key for the portable device via the proxy connection device is characterized in that a content purchase request processing unit for transmitting to the portable device.

The first host device according to the present invention is:
Including a host device, a terminal device, a server, a proxy connection device, and a portable device;
The terminal device holds a copy of the content and license key held in the host device, and at the same time the host device specific information in the copy of the license key and the playback request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own device A reproduction permission request including information is transmitted to the server, and when reproduction permission information is returned from the server in response to the reproduction permission request, a copy of the content is reproduced.
The proxy connection device has a configuration for connecting the portable device connected to the device and the server via a network,
A content purchase request including a content ID of content to be purchased by the portable device, host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and purchase-requesting-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the portable device. The content is transmitted to the server via the proxy connection device, and the content sent from the server in response to the content purchase request and the portable device license key are held in association with each other,
The server manages the device-specific information of the host device and the address of the host device in association with each other, and when a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, of the managed addresses, The reproduction permission request is transmitted to an address corresponding to the host side device specific information included in the reproduction permission request, and when the reproduction permission information is returned from the host device, the reproduction permission information is transferred to the terminal device. When a content purchase request is sent from the portable device via the proxy connection device, an address corresponding to the host-side device specific information in the content purchase request among the managed addresses To send a content purchase permission inquiry including device-specific information on the purchase requesting side in the content purchase request. When the content purchase permission information is sent in response to the content purchase permission inquiry, the license key including device specific information of the host device and the purchase target content are transmitted to the host device, and the purchase A license having a configuration for transmitting target content to the portable device and transmitting the portable device license key to the portable device via the proxy connection device when a portable device license key is transmitted from the host device A host device that is a component of a management system,
A content, a license key for the content including host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and a reproduction-permitted target device-specific information that is device-specific information of another device that is permitted to reproduce the content; manages the purchase and authorization target device specific information is device-specific information of the portable device to allow the purchase of the content, when the reproduction permission request from the server is sent, reproduction permission target device-specific information that the management On the condition that the same device-specific information as the playback-request-side device-specific information included in the playback permission request is present, and returns the playback permission information to the server, and the content from the server When a purchase permission inquiry is sent, the managed purchase permission In the device specific information, the content purchase permission information is returned to the server on the condition that the same device specific information as the purchase request side device specific information included in the content purchase permission inquiry is present, and A portable device license key including device-specific information of the portable device is returned to the server.

A second host device according to the present invention is the first host device,
A host-side content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for the content are registered;
A playback permission management table in which the playback permission target device specific information is registered,
A portable device management table in which purchase-permitted device-specific information is registered;
When a playback permission request is sent from the server, the same device specific information as the playback request side device specific information in the playback permission request in the playback permission target device specific information registered in the playback permission management table Replay permission request processing means for transmitting replay permission information to the server on the condition that
When a content purchase permission inquiry is sent from the server, the purchase permission target device specific information registered in the portable device management table is the same as the purchase requesting device specific information in the content purchase permission inquiry Content purchase that transmits content purchase permission information to the server on the condition that device specific information exists, and transmits a portable device license key including device specific information of the portable device to the server characterized by comprising a inquiring processing means.

The license management method according to the present invention includes:
A license management method in a license management system including a host device, a terminal device, a server, a proxy connection device, and a portable device,
The host device is a content, a license key for the content including host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the own host device, and a playback permission that is device-specific information of another device that permits playback of the content Manage target device-specific information and purchase-permitted device-specific information that is device-specific information for portable devices that allow content purchases,
The server manages the device-specific information of the host device in association with the address of the host device,
The terminal device holds a copy of the content and license key held in the host device, and at the same time the host device specific information in the copy of the license key and the playback request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own device A reproduction permission request including information to the server,
When a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, the server permits the reproduction permission to an address corresponding to host-side device specific information included in the reproduction permission request among the managed addresses. Send a request,
When the host device receives a reproduction permission request from the server, the reproduction permission target device specific information that is managed is the same as the reproduction request side device specific information included in the reproduction permission request. On the condition that the device-specific information exists, the playback permission information is returned to the server,
When the server sends back the playback permission information from the host device, the playback permission information is transferred to the terminal device,
When the terminal device returns reproduction permission information from the server in response to the reproduction permission request, the terminal device reproduces a copy of the content,
The portable device represents the content purchase request including the content ID of the content to be purchased, the host side device specific information which is the device specific information of the host device, and the purchase request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own portable device. Sent to the server via the connection device,
When the server receives a content purchase request from the portable device via the proxy connection device, an address corresponding to host-side device-specific information in the content purchase request among the managed addresses To the content purchase request inquiry including the device-specific information of the purchase request side in the content purchase request,
When the host device receives a content purchase permission inquiry from the server, the purchase request side device unique information included in the content purchase permission inquiry in the managed purchase permission target device unique information The content purchase permission information is returned to the server on the condition that the same device specific information exists, and the portable device license key including the device specific information of the portable device is returned to the server,
When the server receives content purchase permission information in response to the content purchase permission inquiry, the server transmits a license key including device specific information of the host device and the purchase target content to the host device. The purchase target content is transmitted to the portable device, and when the license key for portable device is transmitted from the host device, the license key for portable device is transmitted to the portable device via the proxy connection device,
The portable device stores the content sent from the server in response to a content purchase request and the portable device license key in association with each other.

The program according to the present invention is:
Host-side content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for the content are registered, a playback permission management table in which playback permission target device specific information is registered, and portable device management in which purchase permission target device specific information is registered A computer with a table,
When a playback permission request is sent from the server, the device-specific information identical to the playback-requesting device-specific information in the playback permission request is included in the playback permission target device-specific information registered in the playback permission management table. Reproduction permission request processing means for transmitting reproduction permission information to the server on the condition that it exists,
When a content purchase permission inquiry is sent from the server, the purchase permission target device specific information registered in the portable device management table is the same as the purchase requesting device specific information in the content purchase permission inquiry The content purchase permission information is transmitted to the server on the condition that the device specific information exists, and the portable device license key including the device specific information of the portable device is transmitted to the server. It functions as content purchase availability inquiry processing means.

[Action]
The host device that is the license target device manages the license key for the content including the content and host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and is a device of another device that permits the reproduction of the content It manages the device-specific information that is the reproduction permission target device.

  When playing back content managed by the host device, the terminal device copies the content and its license key onto the terminal device, and then the host-side device specific information in the license key and the device of the device itself A reproduction permission request including reproduction request side device unique information which is unique information is transmitted to the server.

  The server manages the host-side device specific information, which is device-specific information of the host device, and the address of the host device in association with each other. When a playback permission request is sent from the terminal device, the managed address The reproduction permission request is transferred to an address corresponding to the host-side device specific information included in the reproduction permission request.

  When a playback permission request is sent from the server, the host device has the same device-specific information as the playback-requesting device-specific information included in the playback permission request, among the playback-permitted device-specific information managed The playback permission information is returned to the server on the condition that exists, and the server transfers the playback permission information to the terminal device.

  The terminal device reproduces a copy of the content when the reproduction permission information is sent from the server.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce content on a device other than the license target device as long as the device is designated by the user without imposing a heavy burden on the user. The reason for this is that the terminal device includes a reproduction permission including the host side device specific information included in the license key of the reproduction target content copied from the host device and the reproduction request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own device. Host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device that is managed in advance and the address of the host device when the server has a configuration for transmitting a request to the server and a playback permission request is sent from the terminal device This is because the reproduction permission request is transmitted to the corresponding host device on the basis of the correspondence relationship between and the host-side device-specific information in the reproduction permission request. In other words, in the conventional technology, the user has to set the address of the host device in all terminal devices that permit the reproduction of content managed by the host device. In the present invention, such a setting is required. Since no operation is required, the burden on the user is reduced.

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

[Description of Configuration of Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a license management system according to the present invention. Referring to the figure, the present embodiment includes a content distribution server 1 operated by a content provider, terminal devices 2 and 3 owned by the user U, a portable device 4 owned by the user U, and a proxy connection device 5. The content distribution server 1, the terminal devices 2 and 3, and the proxy connection device 5 are connected to each other via a network 6 such as the Internet.

  The terminal device 2 is a terminal device that functions as a host device that centrally manages content and license keys owned by the user U, and is realized by a computer such as a personal computer. The terminal device 2 also functions as a license target device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal device 2. The transmission / reception unit 21, the control unit 22, the storage device 23, a display unit 24 such as an LCD, an input unit 25 such as a keyboard, and a speaker 26. A CD-ROM driver 27 and a connector 28.

  The storage device 23 includes a content / license key storage unit 231, a reproduction permission management table 232, a portable device management table 233, and a device specific information holding unit 234.

  In the content / license key storage unit 231, encrypted content (content that requires a license key for reproduction) and its license key are registered in association with each other. However, in the case of content for which a license key has not been obtained, only the content is registered. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the content / license key storage unit 231. The example in the figure shows that the license key 2312 is registered in association with the content 2311 and that the content 2313 has not yet obtained a license key.

  The contents 2311 and 2313 are stored in the contents / license key storage unit 231 via the network 6 or physical media such as a CD-ROM. The contents 2311 and 2313 may be distributed for a fee or may be distributed free of charge. When the contents 2311 and 2313 are distributed free of charge, the distribution can be permitted without limitation.

  The license key 2312 is a key necessary for decrypting the encrypted content 2311, and includes device specific information of the terminal device 2, a content ID of the content 2311, and a decryption key.

  In the playback permission management table 232, device-specific information (playback permission target device-specific information) of another device that is permitted to play back content and content ID of content that is prohibited from being played back on that device are registered in association with each other. Yes. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the content in the playback permission management table 232, and as device-specific information “D3” of the terminal device 3 and device-specific information “D4” of the portable device 4 as device-specific information for which content playback is permitted. Is registered. In addition, “IDX” is registered as the content ID of the content whose reproduction is prohibited in the terminal device 3.

  In the portable device management table 233, device-specific information (purchasing permission target device-specific information) of a portable device that permits purchase of content and a license key is registered. In the present embodiment, device specific information “D4” of the portable device 4 is registered.

  In the device specific information storage unit 234, device specific information “D2” of the terminal device 2 is registered. The device-specific information “D2” may be any information as long as the terminal device 2 can be uniquely identified. For example, a product number can be used.

  The transmission / reception means 21 has a function of exchanging data via the network 6.

  The control unit 22 includes a reproduction unit 221, a reproduction permission management table management unit 222, a portable device management table management unit 223, a content purchase availability inquiry processing unit 244, a reproduction permission request processing unit 225, and a content registration unit 226. , And copy means 227.

  The reproducing means 221 has the following functions.

The license key corresponding to the content instructed to be played by the user U is registered in the content / license key storage unit 231 and held in the device specific information and the device specific information holding unit 234 included in the license key If the device-specific information matches, the content is decrypted using the license key and output from the display unit 24 and the speaker 26.
When the license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced by the user U is not registered in the content / license key storage unit 231, a license key acquisition request including the device unique information of the own device and the content ID of the content instructed to reproduce For transmitting the content to the content distribution server 1.
The license key returned from the content distribution server 1 in response to the license key acquisition request is registered in the content / license key storage unit 231 in association with the corresponding content, and the content is reproduced using the license key. Function to do.
The license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced by the user U is registered in the content / license key storage unit 231, but the device specific information included therein and the device stored in the device specific information storage unit 234 A function that displays an error message indicating that playback cannot be performed if the unique information is different.

  The reproduction permission management table management unit 222 registers device-specific information of a device that is permitted to reproduce content and a content ID of content that is prohibited from reproduction in the reproduction permission management table 232 according to an instruction input from the input unit 25 by the user U. It has a function.

  The portable device management table management means 223 has a function of registering device-specific information of portable devices that permit the purchase of contents and license keys in the portable device management table 233 in accordance with an instruction input from the input unit 25 by the user U.

  The content purchase availability inquiry processing means 224 has the following functions.

When a content purchase availability inquiry is sent from the content distribution server 1, the same device specific information as the device specific information (purchase request side device specific information) included therein is registered in the portable device management table 233 In this case, the function of returning the content purchase permission information is returned, and when not registered, the license key purchase disabling information is returned.
A function of registering the content and license key sent from the content distribution server 1 in association with the content / license key storage unit 231 after returning the content purchase permission information.
Create a portable device license key in which the content ID of the content sent from the content distribution server 1, the decryption key for the content, and the device-specific information included in the content purchase availability inquiry are embedded, and distribute the content A function for returning to the server 1.

  The reproduction permission request processing means 225 has the following functions.

When a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device 3 via the content distribution server 1, the same device specific information as the device specific information (reproduction request side device specific information) included in the reproduction permission management table 232 If the content ID in the request for permission to play is not registered in the play permission management information in association with the device specific information (if play is not prohibited), the play permission information is returned. If not, a function that returns information that cannot be played back.
When the portable device 4 connected to the connector 28 receives a playback permission request including the device-specific information and the content ID of the content to be played back, the same device-specific information as the device-specific information included therein If the information is registered in the playback permission management table 232 and the content ID being requested for playback is not registered in the playback permission management table 232 in association with the device specific information, the content / license key storage unit 231 stores the information. A function of creating a license key for a portable device and transmitting it to the portable device 4 on condition that the license key for the content is registered.

  The content registration unit 226 has a function of registering content read by the CD-ROM driver 27 or content acquired from the content distribution server 1 via the network 6 in the content / license key storage unit 231.

  The copy unit 227 has a function of taking out the content with the content ID included in the copy request sent from the portable device 4 connected to the connector 28 from the content / license key storage unit 231 and sending it to the portable device 4. Have.

  As described above, the terminal device 2 can be realized by a computer such as a personal computer. When the terminal device 2 is realized by a computer, for example, the following is performed. A disk, a semiconductor memory, and other recording media recording a program for causing the computer to function as the terminal device 2 are prepared, and the computer reads the program. The computer controls its own operation according to the read program, so that on the own computer, the transmission / reception means 21, the reproduction means 221, the reproduction permission management table management means 222, the portable device management table management means 223, the content purchase availability inquiry processing Means 224, reproduction permission request processing means 225, content registration means 266, and copy means 227 are realized.

  The terminal device 3 is a terminal device that is permitted by the user U to reproduce the content held in the terminal device 2, and is realized by a computer such as a personal computer.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal device 3. The transmission / reception unit 31, the control unit 32, the storage device 33, a display unit 34 such as an LCD, an input unit 35 such as a keyboard, and a speaker 36 are illustrated. And.

  The storage device 33 is provided with a content / license key storage unit 331 and a device specific information storage unit 332.

  In the content / license key storage unit 331, the content registered in the content / license key storage unit 231 of the terminal device 2 and a copy of the license key are registered.

  Device unique information D3 of the terminal device 3 is registered in the device unique information holding unit 332.

  The transmission / reception means 31 has a function of transmitting / receiving data via the network 6.

  The control unit 32 includes a reproduction unit 321 and a copy unit 322.

  The reproducing means 321 has the following functions.

The license key corresponding to the content instructed to be played by the user U is registered in the content / license key storage unit 331, and is held in the device unique information and the device unique information holding unit 332 included in the license key. A function of decrypting the content using the license key and outputting from the display unit 34 or the speaker 36 when the device-specific information matches.
A function of displaying an error message indicating that reproduction is not possible when the license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced by the user U is not registered in the content / license key storage unit 331.
The license key corresponding to the content instructed to be played by the user U is registered in the content / license key storage unit 331, but the device-specific information included therein and the device stored in the device-specific information storage unit 332 A function of transmitting a reproduction permission request including the content ID of the content, the device specific information in the license key, and the device specific information of the own device to the content distribution server 1 when the specific information is different.
A function of playing back content when playback permission information is sent in response to a playback permission request.

  The copy unit 322 has a function of copying, to the content / license key storage unit 331, a pair designated by the user U among the content / license key pairs registered in the content / license key storage unit 231 of the terminal device 2. Have

  As described above, the terminal device 3 can be realized by a computer such as a personal computer. When the terminal device 3 is realized by a computer, for example, the following is performed. A disk, a semiconductor memory, and other recording media recording a program for causing the computer to function as the terminal device 3 are prepared, and the computer reads the program. The computer realizes the transmission / reception means 31, the reproduction means 321 and the copy means 322 on its own computer by controlling its own operation according to the read program.

  The proxy connection device 5 is a device having a function of connecting the portable device 4 to the content distribution server 1 via the network 6 and is realized by a computer such as a personal computer. The proxy connection device 5 is installed in a place that can be used by an unspecified number of people such as a bookstore, a record store, a convenience store, and a kiosk.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the proxy connection device 5, which includes a transmission / reception unit 51 and an input / output interface unit 52.

  The input / output interface unit 52 has a function of passing data from the portable device 4 to the transmission / reception means 51 and passing data from the transmission / reception means 51 to the portable device 4.

  The transmission / reception means 51 transmits the data input from the portable device 4 via the input / output interface unit 52 to the content distribution server 1 via the network 6, and the data transmitted from the content distribution server 1 is input / output interface It has a function of outputting to the portable device 4 via the unit 52.

  As described above, the proxy connection device 5 can be realized by a computer such as a personal computer. When the proxy connection device 5 is realized by a computer, for example, the following is performed. A disk, a semiconductor memory, and other recording media recording a program for causing the computer to function as the proxy connection device 5 are prepared, and the computer reads the program. The computer implements the transmission / reception means 51 and the input / output interface unit 52 on its own computer by controlling its own operation according to the read program.

  The portable device 4 has a content reproduction function but does not have a connection function to the network 6.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the portable device 4, which includes an input / output interface unit 41, a control unit 42, a storage device 43, a display unit 44 such as an LCD, and a plurality of operation buttons. An operation unit 45 and a speaker 46 are provided.

  The storage device 43 includes a content / license key storage unit 431, a host device management table 432, and a device specific information holding unit 433.

  In the content / license key storage unit 431, a pair of a content and a portable device license key is registered.

  In the host device management table 432, device specific information D2 of the terminal device 2 that the user U uses as a host device is registered.

  In the device specific information holding unit 433, device specific information D4 of the portable device 4 is registered.

  The input / output interface unit 41 has a function of exchanging data with the portable device 4 when connected to the proxy connection device 5 or the terminal device 2.

  The control unit 42 includes a reproduction unit 421, a host device management table management unit 422, a content purchase request unit 423, and a copy unit 424.

  The reproducing means 421 has the following functions.

The license key corresponding to the content instructed to be played by the user U is registered in the content / license key storage unit 431, and is held in the device unique information and the device unique information holding unit 433 included in the license key. If the device-specific information matches, the content is decrypted using the license key and output from the display unit 44 or the speaker 46.
A function of displaying an error message indicating that reproduction is not possible when the license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced by the user U is not registered in the content / license key storage unit 431.
A license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced by the user U is registered in the content / license key storage unit 431, but the device specific information included therein and the device stored in the device specific information storage unit 433 A function of outputting a reproduction permission request including the content ID of the content and the device unique information of the own device when the unique information is different.
When the portable device license key is sent in response to the reproduction permission request, the portable device license key is stored in the content / license key storage unit 431 in association with the corresponding content and sent to the portable device license key A function to play content using.

  The host device management table management unit 422 has a function of registering device specific information “D2” of the terminal device 2 serving as a host device in the host device management table 432 in accordance with an instruction input from the operation unit 45 by the user U.

  The content purchase request unit 423 outputs a content purchase request in accordance with an instruction input from the operation unit 45 by the user U, or receives the content and portable device license key sent in response to the content purchase request. It has a function of registering in the storage unit 431.

  The copy unit 424 has a function of copying a content / license key pair registered in the content / license key storage unit 231 of the terminal device 2 onto the content / license key storage unit 431.

  The input / output interface unit 41 and the control means 42 of the portable device 4 can be realized by, for example, a CPU (computer), and when realized by a computer, for example, are as follows. A disk, a semiconductor memory, and other recording media recording programs for causing the computer to function as the input / output interface unit 41 and the control means 42 are prepared, and the computer is caused to read the programs. The computer realizes the input / output interface unit 41 and the control means 42 on its own computer by controlling its own operation according to the read program.

  The content distribution server 1 is a server operated by a content provider, and is realized by a computer.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the content distribution server 1, which includes a transmission / reception unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage device 13.

  The storage device 13 includes a content storage unit 131, a decryption key storage unit 132, and a user information storage unit 133.

  The content storage unit 131 stores content that is distributed by content providers. Note that the content is encrypted.

  In the decryption key storage unit 132, the decryption key for each content stored in the content storage unit 131 is registered.

  In the user information storage unit 133, personal information such as the user ID, name, and address of the user, device specific information of the terminal device that the user is a host device, the address of the terminal device, and billing information are registered. ing. FIG. 9 shows an example of the contents of the user information storage unit 133. The example in the figure shows that the user of the personal information U1 uses the terminal whose device specific information is “D2” as the host device, the address is “A2”, and the billing information is “K1”. ing.

  The transmission / reception means 11 has a function of exchanging data via the network 6.

  The control unit 12 includes a license key acquisition request processing unit 121, a reproduction permission request processing unit 122, and a content purchase request processing unit 123.

  When the license key acquisition request processing unit 121 receives a license key acquisition request including a content ID and device-specific information from the terminal device 2, the license key acquisition request processing unit 121 generates a license key necessary for reproducing the content with the content ID. And has a function of returning to the request source.

  The reproduction permission request processing means 122 has the following functions.

  When a reproduction permission request including the device unique information, the device unique information of the terminal device 2 serving as the host device, and the content ID is sent from the terminal device 3, the reproduction permission request is transferred to the terminal device 2 serving as the host device. And a function of returning the playback permission information or the playback disabled information sent from the terminal device 2 in response to the playback permission request to the requesting terminal device 3.

  The content purchase request processing means 123 includes the content ID of the content to be purchased from the portable device 4 via the proxy connection device 5, the device specific information of the own device, and the device specific information of the terminal device 2 as the host device. When a purchase request is sent, when a content purchase permission inquiry is sent from the terminal device 2 in response to the function of making a content purchase permission inquiry to the terminal device 2 or in response to the content purchase availability inquiry, the terminal device 2 has a function of transmitting a content and a license key necessary for reproducing the content to 2 and transmitting a content and a license key for a portable device necessary for reproducing the content to the portable device 4.

  As described above, the content distribution server 1 can be realized by a computer. When the content distribution server 1 is realized by a computer, for example, the following is performed. A disk, a semiconductor memory, and other recording media on which a program for causing the computer to function as the content distribution server 1 is recorded are prepared, and the program is read by the content. The computer controls the operation of the computer according to the read program, thereby realizing the transmission / reception unit 11, the license key acquisition request processing unit 121, the reproduction permission request processing unit 122, and the content purchase request unit 123 on the computer.

[Description of Operation of Embodiment]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[Operation when registering playback permission management table]
When the user U who owns the terminal devices 2 and 3 and the portable device 4 reproduces the content stored in the terminal device 2 using the terminal device 3 or the portable device 4, the terminal device 2 precedes that. It is necessary to register the device-specific information of the device that is permitted to reproduce and the content ID of the content that is prohibited to reproduce in the reproduction permission management table 232. In this case, the user U activates the reproduction permission management table management unit 222 using the input unit 25.

  When activated, the reproduction permission management table management means 222 displays a reproduction permission management table registration screen 2221 on the display unit 24 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (step S101).

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the reproduction permission management table registration screen 2221. Referring to the figure, the playback permission management table registration screen 2221 is provided with a device specific information input field 2222, a content ID input field 2223 of content to be prohibited from playback, a determination button 2224, and an end button 2225. It has been.

  When the reproduction permission management table registration screen 2221 is displayed, the user U inputs the device specific information D3 of the terminal device 3 permitted to reproduce the content into the input field 2222, and further, the content ID “ "IDX" is input to the input field 2223, and then the enter button 2224 is operated (NO in steps S102 and S103).

  As a result, the reproduction permission management table managing unit 222 registers the device specific information D3 and the content ID “IDX” in association with each other in the reproduction permission management table 232 as shown in FIG. 4 (step S104). Thereafter, the reproduction permission management table management means 222 displays the reproduction permission management table registration screen 2221 shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 24 again (step S101).

  As a result, the user U inputs the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4 permitted to reproduce the content into the input field 2222, and thereafter, since there is no content prohibited from reproduction, the user U operates the decision button 2224 (step S102). , S103 is NO). As a result, the reproduction permission management table management unit 222 registers the device-specific information D4 of the portable device 4 in the reproduction permission management table 232 as shown in FIG. 2221 is displayed (step S101).

  Since user U has registered all necessary information, user U operates end button 2225 (YES in steps S102 and S103). Thereby, the reproduction permission management table management means 222 ends the process.

[Operation when registering portable device management table and host device management table]
In addition, when the user U purchases content using the portable device 4, prior to that, the user U registers the device-specific information D 4 of the portable device 4 that permits the purchase of the content in the portable device management table 233 of the terminal device 2. 4, it is necessary to register the device specific information D2 of the terminal device 2 as the host device in the host device management table 432 of FIG.

  When registering the device-specific information D4 of the portable device 4 in the portable device management table 233 of the terminal device 2, the user U activates the portable device management table management means 223 using the input unit 25. As a result, the portable device management table management unit 223 displays the portable device management table registration screen on the display unit 24 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 (step S121). The portable device management table registration screen is provided with an input field for device specific information of the portable device and a determination button. The user U inputs the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4 in the input field. The determination button is operated (step S122). Thereby, the portable device management table management means 223 registers the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4 input in the input field in the portable device management table 233 (step S123).

  When registering the device specific information D2 of the terminal device 2 as the host device in the host device management table 432 of the portable device 4, the user U activates the host device management table management means 422 using the operation unit 45, As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the device specific information D2 of the terminal device 2 is input using the operation unit 45 (step S131). When the device specific information D2 is input from the operation unit 45, the host device management table management unit 422 registers it in the host device management table 432 (step S132).

[Operation when playing content on terminal device (host device) 2]
Next, an operation when the user U reproduces content on the terminal device 2 that is a host device will be described. In this case, the user U activates the playback means 221 using the input unit 25 and selects one content to be played back from the content registered in the content / license key storage unit 231.

  Thereby, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, the reproducing means 221 checks whether the license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced is registered in the content / license key storage unit 231 (step S141).

  If registered (YES in step S141), it is checked whether or not the device unique information in the license key matches the device unique information held in the device unique information holding unit 234 (step S146). . If they match, the content is decrypted using the decryption key in the license key and output to the display unit 24 and the speaker 26 (step S145). If they do not match, an error message indicating that reproduction is not possible is displayed (step S147).

  On the other hand, if the license key corresponding to the content instructed to be played is not registered (NO in step S141), a license key acquisition promotion screen that prompts the user U to acquire the license key is displayed on the display unit 24. It is displayed (step S142). The license key acquisition promotion screen is provided with a selection button for determining whether or not to acquire a license key. When the user U selects not to acquire a license key using the selection button, the reproducing means 221 is selected. Ends the process. On the other hand, when the acquisition of the license key is selected, the reproducing unit 221 includes the content ID of the content instructed to be reproduced and the device specific information D2 held in the device specific information holding unit 234. A license key acquisition request is transmitted to the content distribution server 1 (step S143 in FIG. 14 and step S151 in FIG. 15).

  When a license key acquisition request is sent from the terminal device 2, the license key acquisition request processing unit 121 in the content distribution server 1 first updates the charging information of the user U registered in the user information storage unit 133. (Step S152 in FIG. 15 and Step S161 in FIG. 16). Thereafter, the license key acquisition request processing means 121 creates a license key in which the device specific information D2 of the requesting terminal device 2, the content ID of the content to be reproduced, and the decryption key for decrypting the content are embedded. (Step S153 in FIG. 15 and Step S162 in FIG. 16), it returns to the requesting terminal device 2 (Step S154 in FIG. 15 and Step S163 in FIG. 16).

  When the license key is returned, the playback unit 221 in the terminal device 2 registers it in the content / license key storage unit 231 in association with the playback target content (step S144 in FIG. 14 and step S155 in FIG. 15). Then, the reproduction target content is reproduced using the license key (step S145 in FIG. 14 and step S156 in FIG. 15).

[Operation when playing content on terminal device 3]
Next, an operation when the user U reproduces content on the terminal device 3 will be described. In this case, the user U activates the playback means 321 using the input unit 35 and selects one content to be played back from the content registered in the content / license key storage unit 331.

  As a result, the reproducing unit 321 checks whether or not the license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced is registered in the content / license key storage unit 331 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 (step S171).

  If it is not registered (NO in step S171), an error message indicating that reproduction is not possible is displayed (step S172), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the license key corresponding to the content to be played is registered (YES in step S171), the device unique information in the license key and the device unique information D3 held in the device unique information holding unit 332 are stored. Is checked (step S173).

  If the two match (YES in step S173), the content is reproduced using the license key (step S174). On the other hand, if they do not match (NO in step S173), the content ID of the content instructed to be played, the device unique information (host side device unique information) in the license key, and the device unique information holding unit 332 are held. A reproduction permission request including device specific information (reproduction request side device specific information) of the own apparatus is transmitted to the content distribution server 1 (step S175, step S181 in FIG. 18). If the content to be reproduced is copied from the terminal device 2, the device specific information in the license key is the device specific information D2 of the terminal device 2.

  The reproduction permission request processing means 122 in the content distribution server 1 receives a reproduction permission request including the content ID, the device specific information D2 of the terminal device 2 serving as the host device, and the device specific information D3 of the terminal device 3 from the terminal device 3. Then, the address of the terminal device 2 registered in association with the device specific information D2 is acquired from the user information storage unit 133, and a reproduction permission request is transferred to the terminal device 2 according to the address (step of FIG. 18). S182, steps S191 and S192 in FIG. 19).

  When the reproduction permission request is sent from the content distribution server 1, the reproduction permission request processing means 225 in the terminal device 2 returns the reproduction permission information or the reproduction impossible information to the content distribution server 1 (step S183). The processing in step S183 will be described in detail. The reproduction permission request processing means 225 stores the device specific information of the request source device (in this case, the terminal device 3) in the reproduction permission management table 232 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Is registered, and if it is registered, it is further checked whether or not the same content ID as the content ID included in the reproduction permission request is registered in association with the device specific information. Check (step S202). If the device specific information is registered and the content ID is not registered (YES in step S202), the reproduction permission information is returned (step S203). If not (NO in step S202), the reproduction is performed. Impossibility information is returned (step S204).

  The reproduction permission request processing means 122 in the content distribution server 1 returns the reproduction permission information or the reproduction impossible information sent from the terminal device 2 to the requesting terminal device 3 (step S184 in FIG. 18, step in FIG. 19). S193).

  When the reproduction permission information is returned, the reproduction means 321 in the terminal device 3 reproduces the reproduction target content using the license key (YES in step S176 in FIG. 17, S174, step S185 in FIG. 18), and reproduction. When the failure information is returned, an error message indicating that playback is impossible is displayed (NO in step S176, S177, step S185 in FIG. 18).

[Operation when playing content on portable device 4]
Next, an operation when the user U plays back content on the portable device 4 will be described. In this case, the user U activates the playback means 421 using the operation unit 45 and selects one content to be played back from the content registered in the content / license key storage unit 431.

  As a result, the reproducing unit 421 checks whether or not a license key corresponding to the content instructed to be reproduced is registered in the content / license key storage unit 431 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 (step S211).

  If it is not registered (NO in step S211), an error message indicating that reproduction is not possible is displayed on the display unit 44 (step S212), and the process ends. On the other hand, when the license key of the content to be played is registered (YES in step S211), the device unique information in the license key matches the device unique information D4 held in the device unique information holding unit 433. It is checked whether or not to perform (step S213).

  If the two match (YES in step S213), the content is reproduced using the license key (step S214). On the other hand, if the two do not match (NO in step S213), it is checked whether the portable device 4 is connected to the terminal device 2 serving as the host device (step S215).

  If the terminal device 2 is not connected (NO in step S215), after displaying a connection instruction message such as “Please replay after connecting to the host device” (step S216), The process ends.

  On the other hand, when connected to the terminal device 2 via the connector 28 (YES in step S215), a reproduction permission request including the content ID of the content to be reproduced and the device specific information D4 of the own device 4 is input / output. The data is output via the interface unit 41 (step S217 in FIG. 21 and step S221 in FIG. 22).

  When a playback permission request is sent from the portable device 4, the playback permission request processing means 225 in the terminal device 2 returns a portable device license key or playback disabled information to the requesting portable device 4 (FIG. 22). Step S222). This process will be described in detail as follows. When a reproduction permission request is sent from the portable device 4, the reproduction permission request processing means 225 checks whether the requester device-specific information D 4 is registered in the reproduction permission management table 232 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. If it is registered, it is checked whether or not the content ID requested to be played back is registered in association with the device specific information D4 (step S231). Then, when the device specific information D4 is not registered, and when the device specific information D4 is registered, but the content ID in the reproduction permission request is registered correspondingly (NO in step S232), The unplayable information is returned to the portable device 4 (step S235). Otherwise (YES in step S232), a portable device license key in which the content ID of the reproduction target content, the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4 and the decryption key for decrypting the reproduction target content are embedded is created, Is returned to the portable device 4 (steps S233, 234). Note that an arbitrary method can be adopted as a method for creating a license key for a portable device. For example, the method shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24 can be adopted. That is, by inputting the license key of the content to be reproduced from the content / license key storage unit 241 in step S241, and replacing the device specific information D2 in the license key with the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4 in step S242. Create a license key for portable devices.

  When the reproduction impossible information is sent from the terminal device 2 (NO in step S218 in FIG. 21), the reproduction means 421 in the portable device 4 displays an error message such as reproduction impossible (step S220, FIG. 22). Step S223), the process is terminated. On the other hand, when a license key for portable device is sent, the license key registered in the content / license key storage unit 431 in a pair with the content to be played back is used for the portable device sent this time. After the replacement with the license key (step S219), the portable device license key is used to reproduce the content to be reproduced (step S214, step S223 in FIG. 22).

[Operation when purchasing content using portable device 4]
Next, an operation when the user U purchases content on the go using the portable device 4 will be described.

  When purchasing content using the portable device 4 at a place outside the home, the user U first searches for an installation location of the proxy connection device 5 and connects the portable device 4 carried by the user and the proxy connection device 6. . Thereafter, the user U activates the content purchase request unit 423 using the operation unit 45 and inputs the content ID of the purchase target content. As a result, the content purchase request unit 423 is held in the content ID, the device specific information D2 of the terminal device 2 serving as the host device registered in the host device management table 432, and the device specific information holding unit 433. A content purchase request including its own device specific information (purchase request side device specific information) D4 is created and output to the proxy connection device 5 via the input / output interface unit 41 (step S2501 in FIG. 25).

  The input / output interface unit 52 in the proxy connection device 5 passes the content purchase request from the portable device 4 to the transmission / reception unit 51, and the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits the content purchase request to the content distribution server 1 via the network 6. (Step S2502).

  Upon receiving the content purchase request, the content purchase request processing means 123 in the content distribution server 1 searches the user information storage unit 133 for the address A2 corresponding to the device specific information D2. That is, the address A2 of the terminal device 2 that becomes the host device is searched. Thereafter, the content purchase request processing means 123 creates a content purchase availability inquiry including the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4, and transmits the created content purchase availability inquiry to the terminal device 2 according to the address A2 (step S2503).

  When a content purchase permission inquiry including the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4 is sent, the content purchase permission inquiry processing means 224 in the terminal device 2 sends the content purchase permission information or the content purchase permission information to the content distribution server 1. Return (step S2504). That is, the content purchase permission information is returned when the device-specific information D4 that is being inquired about the content purchase is registered in the portable device management table 233, and the content purchase disabling information is returned when it is not registered.

  When the content purchase prohibition information is returned, the content purchase request processing means 123 in the content distribution server 1 transmits the content purchase prohibition information to the portable device 4 via the network 6 and the proxy connection device 5, and The content purchase request unit 423 displays a message indicating that the content cannot be purchased on the display unit 44 when the content purchase impossible information is sent.

  On the other hand, when the content purchase permission information is returned, the content purchase request processing means 123 in the content distribution server 1 creates a license key for the terminal device 2 serving as a host device, and the created license key and The purchase target content is transmitted to the terminal device 2 (steps S2505 and S2506). As a result, the content purchase permission inquiry processing unit 244 in the terminal device 2 registers the content and the license key in association with each other in the content / license key storage unit 231 (step S2507).

  Also, the content purchase request processing means 123 in the content distribution server 1 transmits the purchase target content to the portable device 4 via the proxy connection device 5 when the processing of step S2506 is completed (steps S2508 and S2509). As a result, the content purchase request unit 423 in the portable device 4 registers the sent purchase target content in the content / license key storage unit 431 (step S2510).

  On the other hand, the content purchase availability inquiry processing unit 224 in the terminal device 2 decrypts the content ID of the purchase target content, the device specific information D4 of the portable device 4, and the purchase target content after the process of step S2507 is completed. A portable license key embedded with the decryption key is created (step S2511) and transmitted to the content distribution server 1 (step S2512).

  The content purchase request processing means 123 in the content distribution server 1 transmits the portable device license key sent from the terminal device 2 to the portable device 4 via the network 6 and the proxy connection device 5 (steps S2513 and S2514). ).

  When the portable device license key is sent from the proxy connection device 5, the content purchase request unit 423 in the portable device 4 associates the portable device license key with the purchase target content stored in step S2510. Registration is performed (step S2515). Thereafter, in the portable device 4, when the user U instructs the reproduction of the purchase target content, the determination result in step S213 of FIG. 21 is YES, so that the purchase target content can be reproduced. Become.

[Effect of the embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reproduce content on a device other than the license target device as long as the device is designated by the user without imposing a heavy burden on the user. The reason is that the terminal device 3 includes the host side device specific information included in the license key of the reproduction target content copied from the host device 2 and the reproduction request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own device 3. The content distribution server 1 is configured to transmit a reproduction permission request including the device-specific information of the host device 2 that is managed in advance when the content distribution server 1 receives a reproduction permission request from the terminal device 3. Based on the correspondence between certain host-side device-specific information and the address of the host device 2 and the host-side device-specific information in the above-mentioned playback permission request, the playback permission request is transmitted to the corresponding host device 2 Because. In other words, according to the conventional technique, the user has to set the address of the host device in all terminal devices that are permitted to reproduce the content managed by the host device. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to purchase content on the go using a portable device 4 that does not have a communication function with the content distribution server 1, and content purchased by the portable device 4. And the license key can be managed by the host device 2. The reason is that a proxy connection device 5 that connects the portable device 4 and the content distribution server 1 via the network is provided, and the content distribution server 1 functions as a host device for the content requested to be purchased by the portable device 4. This is because the license key and the portable device license key are transmitted to the terminal device 2 and the portable device 4, and the license key and portable device license key are transmitted to the content.

  The present invention is preferably applied to digital content sales.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of embodiment of the license management system concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the terminal device 2 used as a host device. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a content / license key storage unit 231. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a reproduction permission management table 232; 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a proxy connection device 5. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a portable device 4. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a content distribution server 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of the user information storage part 133. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a reproduction permission management table management unit 222. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a reproduction permission management table registration screen 2221. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the portable device management table management means 223. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a host device management table management unit 422. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a reproduction unit 221. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of license key acquisition. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a license key acquisition request processing unit 121. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a reproduction unit 321. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the terminal device 3 reproduces content managed by the terminal device 2. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a reproduction permission request processing unit 122. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a reproduction permission request processing unit 225. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a reproducing unit 421. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the portable device 4 reproduces content managed by the terminal device 2. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a reproduction permission request processing unit 225. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production method of the license key for portable devices. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of purchasing a content using the portable device 4. FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content distribution server 11 ... Transmission / reception means 12 ... Control means 121 ... License key acquisition request processing means 122 ... Reproduction permission request processing means 123 ... Content purchase request processing means 13 ... Storage device 131 ... Content storage part 132 ... Decryption key storage part 133 ... User information storage unit 2 ... Terminal device (host device)
21 ... Transmission / reception means 22 ... Control means 221 ... Playback means 222 ... Playback permission management table management means 223 ... Portable device management table management means 224 ... Content purchase permission inquiry processing means 225 ... Playback permission request processing means 226 ... Content registration means 227 ... Copy unit 23 ... storage device 231 ... content / license key storage unit 232 ... reproduction permission management table 233 ... portable device management table 234 ... device specific information holding unit 24 ... display unit 25 ... input unit 26 ... speaker 27 ... CD-ROM driver 28 ... Connector 3 ... Terminal device 31 ... Transmission / reception means 32 ... Control means 321 ... Playback means 322 ... Copying means 33 ... Storage device 331 ... Content / license key storage part 332 ... Device specific information holding part 34 ... Display part 35 ... Input part 36 ... Speaker 4 ... Portable Device 41 ... Input / output interface unit 42 ... Control unit 421 ... Playback unit 422 ... Host device management table management unit 423 ... Content purchase request unit 424 ... Copy unit 43 ... Storage device 431 ... Content / license key storage unit 432 ... Host device management table 433 ... Device unique information holding unit 44 ... Display unit 45 ... Operation unit 46 ... Speaker 5 ... Proxy connection device 51 ... Transmission / reception means 52 ... Input / output interface unit 6 ... Network

Claims (6)

In a license management system including a host device, a terminal device, a server, a proxy connection device, and a portable device,
The host device is
A content, a license key for the content including host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and a reproduction-permitted target device-specific information that is device-specific information of another device that is permitted to reproduce the content; Managing device-specific information that is device-specific information of a portable device that permits the purchase of content, and when a playback-permitted request is sent from the server, the device-specific information that is being managed On the condition that the same device-specific information as the playback-request-side device-specific information included in the playback permission request is present, and returns the playback permission information to the server, and the content from the server When a purchase permission inquiry is sent, the managed purchase permission In the device specific information, the content purchase permission information is returned to the server on the condition that the same device specific information as the purchase request side device specific information included in the content purchase permission inquiry is present, and A configuration for returning a portable device license key including device-specific information of the portable device to the server;
The terminal device is
Holds a copy of the content and license key held in the host device, and includes host side device specific information during the copy of the license key and playback request side device specific information which is device specific information of the own device A reproduction permission request is transmitted to the server, and when the reproduction permission information is returned from the server in response to the reproduction permission request, the reproduction of the content is reproduced.
The proxy connection device is
The portable device connected to its own device and the server are connected via a network,
The portable device is
The proxy connection device receives a content purchase request including a content ID of content to be purchased, host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and purchase-request-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the portable device. The content transmitted from the server in response to the content purchase request and the license key for portable device are held in association with each other,
The server is
The device specific information of the host device and the address of the host device are managed in association with each other, and when a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, the reproduction permission request in the managed address is The reproduction permission request is transmitted to the address corresponding to the host-side device specific information included, and when the reproduction permission information is returned from the host device, the reproduction permission information is transferred to the terminal device, and the proxy When a content purchase request is sent from the portable device via a connection device, the content is addressed to an address corresponding to host-side device-specific information in the content purchase request among the managed addresses. A content purchase permission inquiry including the device-specific information of the purchase requesting side in the purchase request is transmitted, and the content When the content purchase permission information is sent in response to the purchase permission inquiry, the license key including the device specific information of the host device and the purchase target content are transmitted to the host device, and the purchase target content is When the portable device license key is transmitted from the host device to the portable device, the portable device license key is transmitted to the portable device via the proxy connection device. License management system. The license management system according to claim 1,
The host device is
A host-side content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for the content are registered;
A playback permission management table in which the playback permission target device specific information is registered,
A portable device management table in which purchase-permitted device-specific information is registered;
When a playback permission request is sent from the server, the same device specific information as the playback request side device specific information in the playback permission request in the playback permission target device specific information registered in the playback permission management table Replay permission request processing means for transmitting replay permission information to the server on the condition that
When a content purchase permission inquiry is sent from the server, the purchase permission target device specific information registered in the portable device management table is the same as the purchase requesting device specific information in the content purchase permission inquiry Content purchase that transmits content purchase permission information to the server on the condition that device specific information exists, and transmits a portable device license key including device specific information of the portable device to the server An availability inquiry processing means,
The terminal device is
A terminal-side content / license key storage unit in which a copy of a content and a license key registered in the host-side content / license key storage unit is registered;
A reproduction permission request including the host side device specific information in the license key registered in the terminal side content / license key storage unit and the reproduction request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own apparatus is transmitted to the server. A reproduction means for reproducing the content when reproduction permission information is returned from the server in response to the reproduction permission request;
The portable device is
A host device management table in which host side device specific information which is device specific information of the host device is registered;
A portable content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for a portable device corresponding to the content are registered;
A content purchase request including a content ID of content to be purchased, host side device specific information registered in the host device management table, and purchase request side device specific information which is device specific information of the own portable device is sent to the server. Content purchase requesting means for transmitting and registering the content sent from the server in response to the content purchase request and the portable device license key in the portable content / license key storage unit;
The server is
A user information storage unit in which host-side device-specific information, which is device-specific information of the host device, and the address of the host device are registered in association with each other;
When a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, an address corresponding to host-side device specific information in the reproduction permission request is retrieved from the user information storage unit, and the reproduction permission request is sent to the retrieved address. A reproduction permission request processing means for transferring the reproduction permission information to the terminal device when the reproduction permission information is returned from the host device in response to the reproduction permission request.
When a content purchase request is sent from the portable device via the proxy connection device, the address corresponding to the host-side device specific information in the content purchase request is searched from the user information storage unit When the content purchase permission inquiry including the purchase request side device specific information in the content purchase request in the address is transmitted and the content purchase permission information is sent in response to the content purchase permission inquiry, the device of the host device A license key including unique information and the purchase target content are transmitted to the host device, and the purchase target content is transmitted to the portable device via the proxy connection device, and a portable device license key is transmitted from the host device. When it is sent License management system being characterized in that a content purchase request processing means for transmitting a license key for the portable device via the proxy connection device to the portable device. Including a host device, a terminal device, a server, a proxy connection device, and a portable device;
The terminal device holds a copy of the content and license key held in the host device, and at the same time the host device specific information in the copy of the license key and the playback request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own device A reproduction permission request including information is transmitted to the server, and when reproduction permission information is returned from the server in response to the reproduction permission request, a copy of the content is reproduced.
The proxy connection device has a configuration for connecting the portable device connected to the device and the server via a network,
A content purchase request including a content ID of content to be purchased by the portable device, host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and purchase-requesting-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the portable device. The content is transmitted to the server via the proxy connection device, and the content sent from the server in response to the content purchase request and the portable device license key are held in association with each other,
The server manages the device-specific information of the host device and the address of the host device in association with each other, and when a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, of the managed addresses, The reproduction permission request is transmitted to an address corresponding to the host side device specific information included in the reproduction permission request, and when the reproduction permission information is returned from the host device, the reproduction permission information is transferred to the terminal device. When a content purchase request is sent from the portable device via the proxy connection device, an address corresponding to the host-side device specific information in the content purchase request among the managed addresses To send a content purchase permission inquiry including device-specific information on the purchase requesting side in the content purchase request. When the content purchase permission information is sent in response to the content purchase permission inquiry, the license key including device specific information of the host device and the purchase target content are transmitted to the host device, and the purchase A license having a configuration for transmitting target content to the portable device and transmitting the portable device license key to the portable device via the proxy connection device when a portable device license key is transmitted from the host device A host device that is a component of a management system,
A content, a license key for the content including host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the host device, and a reproduction-permitted target device-specific information that is device-specific information of another device that is permitted to reproduce the content; Managing device-specific information that is device-specific information of a portable device that permits the purchase of content, and when a playback-permitted request is sent from the server, the device-specific information that is being managed On the condition that the same device-specific information as the playback-request-side device-specific information included in the playback permission request is present, and returns the playback permission information to the server, and the content from the server When a purchase permission inquiry is sent, the managed purchase permission In the device specific information, the content purchase permission information is returned to the server on the condition that the same device specific information as the purchase request side device specific information included in the content purchase permission inquiry is present, and A host device having a configuration for returning a portable device license key including device-specific information of a portable device to the server. The host device according to claim 3.
A host-side content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for the content are registered;
A playback permission management table in which the playback permission target device specific information is registered,
A portable device management table in which purchase-permitted device-specific information is registered;
When a playback permission request is sent from the server, the same device specific information as the playback request side device specific information in the playback permission request in the playback permission target device specific information registered in the playback permission management table Replay permission request processing means for transmitting replay permission information to the server on the condition that
When a content purchase permission inquiry is sent from the server, the purchase permission target device specific information registered in the portable device management table is the same as the purchase requesting device specific information in the content purchase permission inquiry Content purchase that transmits content purchase permission information to the server on the condition that device specific information exists, and transmits a portable device license key including device specific information of the portable device to the server A host device comprising: availability inquiry processing means. A license management method in a license management system including a host device, a terminal device, a server, a proxy connection device, and a portable device,
The host device is a content, a license key for the content including host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the own host device, and a playback permission that is device-specific information of another device that permits playback of the content Manage target device-specific information and purchase-permitted device-specific information that is device-specific information for portable devices that allow content purchases,
The server manages the device-specific information of the host device in association with the address of the host device,
The terminal device holds a copy of the content and license key held in the host device, and at the same time the host device specific information in the copy of the license key and the playback request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own device A reproduction permission request including information to the server,
When a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, the server permits the reproduction permission to an address corresponding to host-side device specific information included in the reproduction permission request among the managed addresses. Send a request,
When the host device receives a reproduction permission request from the server, the reproduction permission target device specific information that is managed is the same as the reproduction request side device specific information included in the reproduction permission request. On the condition that the device-specific information exists, the playback permission information is returned to the server,
When the server sends back the playback permission information from the host device, the playback permission information is transferred to the terminal device,
When the terminal device returns reproduction permission information from the server in response to the reproduction permission request, the terminal device reproduces a copy of the content,
The portable device represents the content purchase request including the content ID of the content to be purchased, the host side device specific information which is the device specific information of the host device, and the purchase request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own portable device. Sent to the server via the connection device,
When the server receives a content purchase request from the portable device via the proxy connection device, an address corresponding to host-side device-specific information in the content purchase request among the managed addresses To the content purchase request inquiry including the device-specific information of the purchase request side in the content purchase request,
When the host device receives a content purchase permission inquiry from the server, the purchase request side device unique information included in the content purchase permission inquiry in the managed purchase permission target device unique information The content purchase permission information is returned to the server on the condition that the same device specific information exists, and the portable device license key including the device specific information of the portable device is returned to the server,
When the server receives content purchase permission information in response to the content purchase permission inquiry, the server transmits a license key including device specific information of the host device and the purchase target content to the host device. The purchase target content is transmitted to the portable device, and when the license key for portable device is transmitted from the host device, the license key for portable device is transmitted to the portable device via the proxy connection device,
A license management method, wherein the portable device associates and holds a content sent from the server in response to a content purchase request and a license key for portable device. A host-side content / license key storage unit in which a license key for the content including host-side device-specific information that is device-specific information of the content and the host device is registered; and device-specific information of a device that is permitted to reproduce the content A computer comprising: a playback permission management table in which certain device information to be permitted to play is registered; and a portable device management table in which device-specific information to be purchased is registered as device-specific information of a portable device that permits content purchase. The
Including a host device, a terminal device, a server, a proxy connection device, and a portable device;
The terminal device is
A terminal-side content / license key storage unit in which a copy of a content and a license key registered in the host-side content / license key storage unit is registered;
A reproduction permission request including the host side device specific information in the license key registered in the terminal side content / license key storage unit and the reproduction request side device specific information which is the device specific information of the own apparatus is transmitted to the server. A reproduction means for reproducing the content when reproduction permission information is returned from the server in response to the reproduction permission request;
The proxy connection device has a configuration for connecting the portable device connected to the device and the server via a network,
The portable device is
A host device management table in which host side device specific information which is device specific information of the host device is registered;
A portable content / license key storage unit in which a content and a license key for a portable device corresponding to the content are registered;
A content purchase request including a content ID of content to be purchased, host side device specific information registered in the host device management table, and purchase request side device specific information which is device specific information of the own portable device is sent to the server. Content purchase requesting means for transmitting and registering the content sent from the server in response to the content purchase request and the portable device license key in the portable content / license key storage unit;
The server is
A user information storage unit in which host-side device-specific information, which is device-specific information of the host device, and the address of the host device are registered in association with each other;
When a reproduction permission request is sent from the terminal device, an address corresponding to host-side device specific information in the reproduction permission request is retrieved from the user information storage unit, and the reproduction permission request is sent to the retrieved address. A reproduction permission request processing means for transferring the reproduction permission information to the terminal device when the reproduction permission information is returned from the host device in response to the reproduction permission request.
When a content purchase request is sent from the portable device via the proxy connection device, the address corresponding to the host-side device specific information in the content purchase request is searched from the user information storage unit When the content purchase permission inquiry including the purchase request side device specific information in the content purchase request in the address is transmitted and the content purchase permission information is sent in response to the content purchase permission inquiry, the device of the host device A license key including unique information and the purchase target content are transmitted to the host device, and the purchase target content is transmitted to the portable device via the proxy connection device, and a portable device license key is transmitted from the host device. When it is sent A license key for a portable device a program for functioning as a host device, which is a component of a license management system comprising a content purchase request processing unit for transmitting to the portable device via the proxy connection device,
The computer,
When a playback permission request is sent from the server, the same device specific information as the playback request side device specific information in the playback permission request in the playback permission target device specific information registered in the playback permission management table Replay permission request processing means for transmitting replay permission information to the server on the condition that
When a content purchase permission inquiry is sent from the server, the purchase permission target device specific information registered in the portable device management table is the same as the purchase requesting device specific information in the content purchase permission inquiry The content purchase permission information is transmitted to the server on the condition that the device specific information exists, and the portable device license key including the device specific information of the portable device is transmitted to the server. A program for functioning as a content purchase availability inquiry processing means.

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