JP4779872B2 - Recording apparatus, information processing apparatus, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method, and in particular, a recording apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and information capable of facilitating handling of purchased content while preventing unauthorized use. It relates to the processing method.

  In recent years, content distribution services such as music using the Internet have become widespread.

  For example, the user operates the personal computer to access the server, and selects predetermined content from the content displayed on the purchase screen. When the content is selected, a billing process is performed between the personal computer and the server. When the billing process is completed, the selected content is downloaded to the user's personal computer so that the user can listen to it.

  In such content distribution using the Internet, DRM (Digital Rights Management) to prevent unauthorized use of content, such as making a large number of copies, has become a problem, and various technologies have been proposed. .

  Patent Document 1 downloads encrypted content and key data for decrypting the content, and the encrypted content is recorded on a removable medium such as a CD (Compact Disk) attached to the apparatus. On the other hand, a distribution system is disclosed in which key data is recorded in a RAM (Random Access Memory) inside the apparatus. Reproduction of content recorded on removable media requires key data recorded in RAM, so that even if content is copied, it cannot be reproduced on other devices. Has been made.

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which when a user of an apparatus in which encrypted content is stored in advance uses a content, a key for decrypting the content to be used is downloaded, and a fee is settled according to the usage situation. Is disclosed.
JP 2003-303136 A JP 2003-16358 A

  When the content and key are downloaded as described above, or when the content is purchased by downloading only the key, it is desirable for the user to have as much freedom as possible in using the purchased content. For example, it is inconvenient if the content cannot be used by a device other than the device that purchased the content.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it easy to handle purchased content while preventing unauthorized use.

  A recording apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a recording apparatus that can be attached to and detached from another apparatus, and decrypts the encrypted content from a server that is connected to the encrypted content via a network. And a recording means for recording an application program for realizing the function of acquiring the key in the other apparatus, and the recording means encrypts using the identification information of the recording apparatus itself acquired by the other apparatus. The converted key is further recorded by the other device.

  The application program can further realize a function of displaying information related to the encrypted content recorded in the recording unit in the other device.

  The application program can further realize a function of charging for the content decrypted by the key in the other device.

  A USB terminal can be provided on the casing of the recording apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus in which a recording apparatus in which encrypted content and an application program are recorded is detachable, and the application program is read from the recording apparatus and executed. And acquiring the key for decrypting the encrypted content from a server connected via a network, and encrypting using the identification information of the recording device acquired by the acquisition unit Recording control means for recording the recorded key on the recording device.

  The acquisition means can transmit identification information set in the recording device to the server, and acquire the key encrypted by the server using the identification information of the recording device.

  Decoding means for reading the key recorded by the recording control means and the set identification information from the recording device and decrypting the content using the key decrypted using the identification information is further provided. be able to.

  Display control means for displaying information related to the encrypted content recorded in the recording device can be further provided.

  The acquisition unit can acquire the key for decrypting the content selected by the user from the content whose information is displayed by the display control unit from the server.

  A billing unit for billing the content can be further provided. In this case, the acquisition unit can acquire the key for decrypting the content charged by the charging unit from the server.

  An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus in which a recording device in which encrypted content and an application program are recorded is detachable, and the application program is read from the recording device and executed. In the information processing method, the key for decrypting the encrypted content is obtained from a server connected via a network, and the key encrypted using the obtained identification information of the recording device Recording the data on the recording device.

  In the recording apparatus according to the aspect of the present invention, the function of acquiring the encrypted content and a key for decrypting the encrypted content from a server connected via the network is realized in the other apparatus. The key encrypted by using the identification information of the recording apparatus itself, which is acquired by the other apparatus, is further recorded by the other apparatus in a recording unit in which the application program to be recorded is recorded.

  In the information processing apparatus and the information processing method according to the other aspect of the present invention, the key for decrypting the encrypted content is acquired from the server connected via the network, and is acquired. The key encrypted using information is recorded in the recording device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily handle purchased content while preventing unauthorized use.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the specification or the drawings are exemplified as follows. This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the specification or the drawings. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment which is described in the specification or the drawings but is not described here as an embodiment corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, that is not the case. It does not mean that the form does not correspond to the constituent requirements. On the contrary, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to the invention, this does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to other than the configuration requirements. .

  A recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, UFD1 in FIG. 1) is a recording apparatus that can be attached to and detached from other apparatuses, and encrypts the encrypted content from a server connected via a network. Recording means (for example, the NAND-flash memory 32 in FIG. 5) for recording an application program for realizing the function of acquiring the key for decrypting the recorded content in the other device. The key encrypted by using the identification information of the recording apparatus itself acquired by the other apparatus is further recorded by the other apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention (for example, the client PC 2 in FIG. 1) is configured such that a recording apparatus in which encrypted content and an application program are recorded is detachable, and the application program is recorded in the recording apparatus. In an information processing apparatus that is read from the apparatus and executed, an acquisition unit (for example, the key acquisition unit 72 in FIG. 7) that acquires a key for decrypting the encrypted content from a server connected via a network; And a recording control means (for example, a recording control unit 73 in FIG. 7) that causes the recording apparatus to record the key encrypted by using the identification information of the recording apparatus acquired by the acquisition means.

  The information processing apparatus reads the content using the key recorded by the recording control unit and the set identification information from the recording apparatus and decrypted using the identification information. Decoding means for decoding (for example, the decoding unit 74 in FIG. 7) can be further provided.

  The information processing apparatus may further include display control means (for example, the output control unit 75 in FIG. 7) that displays information related to the encrypted content recorded in the recording apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus may further include a billing unit (for example, a billing processing unit 71 in FIG. 7) for billing for the content.

  An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus in which a recording device in which encrypted content and an application program are recorded is detachable, and the application program is read from the recording device and executed. In the information processing method (for example, the client PC 2 in FIG. 1), a key for decrypting the encrypted content is acquired from a server connected via a network, and the acquired identification information of the recording device (Step S17 in FIG. 11) for recording the key encrypted by using the recording device.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The content providing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a UFD (USB Flash Disk) 1, a client PC 2, and a content server 3. The UFD 1 is provided with a USB terminal 1 </ b> A on its housing, and can be attached to and detached from the USB terminal provided on the client PC 2. The client PC 2 and the content server 3 are connected via the Internet 4 so that they can communicate with each other.

  In the flash memory built in the UFD 1, as shown in FIG. 2, there are content 11 such as encrypted music data and an application program 12 that realizes various functions in the client PC 2 that is read from the UFD 1 and executed. It is recorded.

  For example, the UFD 1 is sold as a product in which a plurality of encrypted songs are recorded, and a user who wants to listen to the recorded songs purchases the UFD 1 and inserts it into his client PC 2. That is, in the content providing system shown in FIG. 1, the content is provided to the user via the UFD 1 and the content itself is not downloaded.

  When the user inserts the UFD 1 into the USB terminal of the client PC 2 and confirms the information recorded in the UFD 1, an icon representing the content 11 and an icon operated when starting the application program 12 are displayed on the display of the client PC 2. Is displayed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of icons displayed on the client PC 2.

  An icon 21 in FIG. 3 is an icon operated when starting the application program 12. In the example of FIG. 3, the name “ContentsViewer.exe” is set in the icon 21.

  The icon 22 in FIG. 3 is an icon representing a folder in which the content 11 recorded in the UFD 1 is stored. In the example of FIG. 3, the UFD 1 stores n music contents of contents # 1 to #n.

  For example, when the user operates the icon 21 using a mouse or the like while the screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, a list of contents recorded in the UFD 1 is displayed on the client PC 2. The list of contents is displayed by the application program 12 that is activated when the icon 21 is operated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content list.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the list displays the number of each content (Contents No.), title, singer name, comment, price, and information indicating whether or not the order has been completed. The user can select predetermined content and purchase the selected content.

  “Not yet” displayed in the order column indicates that the user has not yet purchased the content, and “Completed” indicates that the user has already purchased the content. Represents that. Since the user has already acquired the encrypted content by purchasing the UFD 1, the “purchase” here means downloading the key used to decrypt the encrypted content from the content server 3. This means acquiring the right to use the content. The contents recorded on the UFD 1 are encrypted with different keys.

  When a predetermined content is selected from the list by the user and the purchase of the content is instructed, the client PC 2 performs charging processing with the content server 3 to pay for the content, and when the charging processing ends, the content server The key transmitted from 3 is received and acquired. Functions for performing charging processing and acquiring a key are realized by the application program 12. In the application program 12, information such as the address of the content server 3 is set in advance.

  When the client PC 2 acquires the key transmitted from the content server 3, the client PC 2 records the acquired key in the UFD 1 in association with the content that can be decrypted by the key. When playback of a predetermined content is instructed by the user from among the purchased content, the client PC 2 reads the content to be played back and the key used to decrypt the content from the UFD 1 and uses the key. Play back the decrypted content.

  As will be described in detail later, the key acquired from the content server 3 is encrypted by the content server 3 using the identification information set in the UFD 1, and is recorded in the UFD 1 in an encrypted state. The When decrypting the content, the client PC 2 decrypts the key using the identification information set in the UFD 1 and uses the key obtained by decrypting the content for decrypting the content.

  As described above, since the encrypted content is recorded in advance in the UFD 1, only the key needs to be provided from the content server 3 in order for the user to use the content. The load on the content server 3 can be reduced as compared with the case where the content server itself is provided by downloading. In recent years, the capacity of flash memory has increased and the price has become cheaper, so this is possible.

  In addition, since the application program 12 for realizing the function for displaying the list of contents recorded in the UFD 1 is also recorded in the UFD 1, the user is in a case where the client PC 2 is in an offline environment. You can also consider what content to buy. It may be possible to audition a part of the song. In this case, even when the client PC 2 is in an offline environment, the user can audition the song and determine which content to purchase. I can decide.

  Furthermore, since the key downloaded from the content server 3 is recorded in the UFD 1, the user can replace the UFD 1 by replacing the UFD 1 with any device other than the client PC 2. You can listen to the purchased content even if you use the device.

  Since the key downloaded from the content server 3 is encrypted by the identification information set in the UFD 1 and the key is decrypted before the content is decrypted, it is temporarily recorded in the UFD 1 Even if the content and the key acquired from the content server 3 and recorded in the UFD 1 are copied to another recording medium, the copied key cannot be decrypted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use such as reproduction of content copied to a recording medium other than UFD1 inserted into the client PC 2 at the time of content purchase.

  Details of processing performed by the client PC 2 and the content server 3 will be described later with reference to flowcharts.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the UFD 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the UFD 1 includes a UFD controller 31 and a NAND-flash memory 32. In the UFD controller 31, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 43, a USB driver 44, and a NAND-flash memory controller 45 are connected via a bus 46. Consists of.

  The MPU 41 of the UFD controller 31 executes a program recorded in the ROM 42 and controls the overall operation of the UFD 1. Programs and data executed by the MPU 41 are appropriately recorded in the SRAM 43 which is a working memory. For example, the MPU 41 controls each unit according to a command transmitted from the client PC 2, reads the content 11 and application program 12 recorded in the NAND-flash memory 32, and writes the key acquired by the client PC 2. .

  The USB driver 44 communicates with the client PC 2 in accordance with the USB standard. For example, the USB driver 44 is read from the NAND-flash memory 32 and transmits the content 11 and the application program 12 supplied via the bus 46 to the client PC 2 or acquired by the client PC 2 and transmitted from the client PC 2. The received key is received and output on the bus 46. The key output on the bus 46 is supplied to the NAND-flash memory controller 45 and recorded in the NAND-flash memory 32.

  The NAND-flash memory controller 45 manages data recorded in the NAND-flash memory 32 according to control by the MPU 41. For example, the NAND-flash memory controller 45 reads the content 11 and the application program 12 from the NAND-flash memory 32 and outputs the read data on the bus 46. Further, when the key acquired by the client PC 2 is supplied via the bus 46, the NAND-flash memory controller 45 records it in the NAND-flash memory 32.

  In the NAND-flash memory 32, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the content 11 and the application program 12 are recorded when the UFD 1 is shipped. In the NAND-flash memory 32, the key acquired by the client PC 2 is also recorded as appropriate.

  In the NAND-flash memory 32, PID (Product ID), VID (Vender ID), and serial number, which are identification information assigned at the time of manufacturing the UFD 1, are recorded. PID is information for identifying a product, and VID is information for identifying a vendor (sales source). The serial number is identification information set as unique to UFD1. The PID, VID, and serial number are managed by a predetermined method so that they cannot be copied to other recording media.

  The PID, VID, and serial number are read by the client PC 2 when the content is purchased and transmitted to the content server 3. In the content server 3, the key transmitted to the client PC 2 is encrypted using the PID, VID, and serial number transmitted from the client PC 2.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the client PC 2.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 executes various processes according to programs recorded in the ROM 52 or the recording unit 58. In the RAM 53, programs executed by the CPU 51, data, and the like are appropriately recorded. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are connected to each other by a bus 54.

  For example, the CPU 51 reads the content 11 and the application program 12 from the UFD 1 inserted into the USB terminal of the client PC 2 and executes the read application program 12 to perform various processes such as acquisition of a key and reproduction of the content 11. .

  An input / output interface 55 is also connected to the CPU 51 via the bus 54. The input / output interface 55 is connected to an input unit 56 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output unit 57 such as a display and a speaker. The CPU 51 executes various processes such as key acquisition in response to a user operation input from the input unit 56. Further, the CPU 51 causes the reproduced music sound to be output from a speaker constituting the output unit 57.

  A recording unit 58, a communication unit 59, a USB controller 60, and a drive 61 are also connected to the input / output interface 55.

  The recording unit 58 includes, for example, a hard disk, and records programs executed by the CPU 51 and various data. The communication unit 59 communicates with the content server 3 via the Internet 4.

  The USB controller 60 communicates with the UFD 1 inserted into the USB terminal provided in the client PC 2 in accordance with the USB standard. For example, the USB controller 60 outputs the content 11 and the application program 12 read from the UFD 1 to the CPU 51 via the input / output interface 55 and the bus 54, or is received by the communication unit 59 and supplied via the input / output interface 55. Output the key to UFD1.

  When a removable medium 62 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is mounted, the drive 61 drives them to acquire programs and data recorded therein. The acquired program and data are transferred to the recording unit 58 and recorded as necessary.

  The content server 3 also has the same configuration as that of the client PC 2 as described above. Hereinafter, the configuration shown in FIG. 6 will be described as being cited as the configuration of the content server 3 as appropriate.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the client PC 2. At least a part of the functional units illustrated in FIG. 7 is realized by the application program 12 read from the UFD 1 being executed by the CPU 51 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the client PC 2, an accounting processing unit 71, a key acquisition unit 72, a recording control unit 73, a decryption unit 74, and an output control unit 75 are realized.

  When the content to be purchased is selected by the user by operating the input unit 56, the charging processing unit 71 controls the USB controller 60 to read the PID, VID, and serial number from the UFD 1, and read the read PID, VID, The serial number is transmitted to the content server 3 and the purchase of the content is requested. When requesting the purchase of content, the billing processing unit 71 outputs information indicating that to the key acquisition unit 72.

  Further, the billing processing unit 71 performs billing processing for paying for the content to be purchased with the content server 3. In the billing process, for example, identification information of the content to be purchased and a credit card number registered in advance by the user are transmitted to the content server 3.

  The key acquisition unit 72 acquires a key transmitted from the content server 3 and received by the communication unit 59. When the authentication of the UFD 1 is successful and the accounting process is completed, the content server 3 transmits a key used for decrypting the content selected by the user. The key acquisition unit 72 outputs the acquired key to the recording control unit 73.

  The recording control unit 73 controls the USB controller 60 to record the key supplied from the key acquisition unit 72 in the UFD 1. The key supplied from the key acquisition unit 72 is recorded in the UFD 1 in association with content that can be decrypted by the key. As described above, the key transmitted from the content server 3 is encrypted by the PID, VID, and serial number set in the UFD 1, and is recorded in the UFD 1 in the encrypted state.

  The decryption unit 74 controls the USB controller 60 when the user gives an instruction to reproduce the purchased content, and the content to be reproduced recorded in an encrypted state is recorded in association with the content. Read the current key from UFD1. The decrypting unit 74 also reads out the PID, VID, and serial number from the UFD 1.

  The decrypting unit 74 decrypts the key using the PID, VID, and serial number read from the UFD 1, and decrypts the content to be played back using the decrypted key. The decryption unit 74 outputs the content obtained by decryption to the output control unit 75.

  The output control unit 75 reproduces the content supplied from the decryption unit 74 by developing it on a pseudo drive created on the RAM 53, and outputs sound from the speaker constituting the output unit 57. That is, the content read from the UFD 1 is directly reproduced without being recorded in the recording unit 58 such as a hard disk. The function of the output control unit 75 for reproducing the content is realized by executing a predetermined application such as Media Player (trademark), for example.

  The output control unit 75 refers to the content recorded in the UFD 1 and displays the content list as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the content server 3. At least a part of the functional units shown in FIG. 8 is realized by a predetermined program being executed by the CPU 51 (FIG. 6) of the content server 3.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the content server 3, a key management unit 81, a key DB (Data Base) 82, and a charging processing unit 83 are realized.

  The key management unit 81 reads from the key DB 82 a key used for decrypting the content requested for purchase when the information indicating that the authentication of the UFD 1 is successful and the charging process is completed is supplied from the charging processing unit 83. The key management unit 81 encrypts the read key using the PID, VID, and serial number transmitted from the client PC 2 and transmits the encrypted key to the client PC 2.

  The key DB 82 records a key used for decrypting each content recorded in the UFD 1.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of keys recorded in the key DB 82.

  In the example of FIG. 9, keys K1 to Kn are shown as keys used for decrypting the contents # 1 to #n. As described above, the contents recorded in the UFD 1 are encrypted with different keys.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 8, when the purchase of content is requested from the client PC 2, the billing processing unit 83 uses the PID, VID, serial number, for example, PID, VID transmitted from the client PC 2 to Performs authentication to confirm whether or not the device is a valid device as a key providing destination. In the billing processing unit 83, the PID and VID of a valid device are set in advance as a key providing destination.

  If the PID and VID transmitted from the client PC 2 match the preset PID and VID, the charging processing unit 83 determines that the UFD 1 is a valid device and the authentication is successful. Charge processing is performed based on information such as a credit card number transmitted from the PC 2. When the authentication is successful and the accounting process is completed, the accounting processing unit 83 outputs information indicating that to the key management unit 81.

  Here, processing of each device having the above-described configuration will be described.

  First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the process performed when manufacturing UFD1 is demonstrated. This process is performed by a vendor or a service provider.

  In step S1, the content 11 to be recorded in the UFD 1 is encrypted, and the process proceeds to step S2, where the encrypted content 11 is recorded in the UFD 1 together with the application program 12. The UFD 1 in which the content 11 and the application program 12 are recorded is sold as a product.

  In step S3, the key used for encrypting the content 11 is recorded in the key DB 82 of the content server 3, and the process ends.

  Next, processing of the client PC 2 that acquires a key from the content server 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is started when the UFD 1 is inserted into the client PC 2 and the icon 21 displayed as shown in FIG. 3 is operated by the user.

  In step S11, the CPU 51 of the client PC 2 reads the application program 12 from the UFD 1 and activates the read application program 12. Thereby, each part of Drawing 7 is realized.

  In step S12, the output control unit 75 refers to the content recorded in the UFD 1 and causes the display to display a content list as shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 13, the billing processing unit 71 accepts an order for content based on a user operation on the input unit 56.

  In step S14, the billing processing unit 71 reads the PID, VID, and serial number from the UFD 1, transmits the read PID, VID, and serial number to the content server 3 and requests content purchase. The billing processing unit 14 performs billing processing for paying for the content with the content server 3. The content server 3 performs UFD1 authentication and billing processing. When authentication is successful and the billing processing ends, the key used to decrypt the content ordered by the user is encrypted. Sent.

  In step S15, the key acquisition unit 72 determines whether or not a key has been transmitted from the content server 3. If it is determined that the key has not been transmitted, the process ends. On the other hand, if the key acquisition unit 72 determines in step S15 that the key has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, the key acquisition unit 72 acquires the key received by the communication unit 59 and outputs the acquired key to the recording control unit 73.

  In step S17, the recording control unit 73 records the key supplied from the key acquisition unit 72 in the UFD 1 in association with the content that can be decrypted by the key, and ends the process.

  Next, processing of the content server 3 that provides a key will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In this process, the process of step S14 in FIG. 11 is performed in the client PC 2, and information such as the PID, VID, serial number of the UFD 1, the identification information of the content to be purchased, and the credit card number is transmitted from the client PC 2. Sometimes done.

  In step S21, the billing processing unit 83 uses the PID and VID of the PID, VID, and serial number transmitted from the client PC 2 to determine whether the UFD 1 is a valid device as a key providing destination. Authenticate to confirm. The accounting processing unit 83 performs accounting processing based on information such as a credit card number transmitted from the client PC 2.

  In step S22, the billing processing unit 83 determines whether or not the UFD1 authentication has succeeded and the billing processing has ended. If it is determined that the UFD1 authentication has not succeeded, or the billing processing can be performed. If it is determined that there is not, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S22, when it is determined that the authentication of UFD1 has been successful and the charging process has ended, the charging processing unit 83 outputs information indicating the fact to the key management unit 81.

  In step S23, the key management unit 81 reads the key used for decrypting the requested content from the key DB 82, and encrypts the read key using the PID, VID, and serial number transmitted from the client PC 2. .

  In step S24, the key management unit 81 transmits the encrypted key to the client PC 2 and ends the process. The key transmitted from the content server 3 is received by the client PC 2 and recorded in the UFD 1 while being encrypted (step S17 in FIG. 11).

  Next, processing of the client PC 2 that reproduces content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is performed when the process shown in FIG. 11 is performed and a key used for decrypting the content to be reproduced is recorded in the UFD 1.

  In step S31, when the content to be played back is selected from the purchased content, the decrypting unit 74 accepts the selection, proceeds to step S32, and plays back the playback target recorded in the encrypted state. The content and the key recorded in association with it are read from UFD1. The decrypting unit 74 also reads out the PID, VID, and serial number from the UFD 1.

  In step S33, the decryption unit 74 decrypts the key using the PID, VID, and serial number read from the UFD 1, and proceeds to step S34 to decrypt the content using the decrypted key. The decryption unit 74 outputs the content obtained by decryption to the output control unit 75.

  In step S <b> 35, the output control unit 75 reproduces the content supplied from the decryption unit 74 and outputs sound from the speaker constituting the output unit 57. When the reproduction of the song selected by the user is finished, the process is finished.

  By playing back the content recorded on the UFD 1 as described above, the user can listen to the purchased content on another device by replacing the UFD 1 with another device. , Purchased content can be handled easily. In addition, this can be realized while preventing unauthorized use.

  In the above, the key provided from the content server 3 is encrypted by the three identification information of PID, VID, and serial number, but it is encrypted only by the serial number and provided to the client PC 2. May be. As a result, even when the key recorded on the UFD 1 is copied to another recording medium, the key recorded on the copy destination recording medium cannot be decrypted.

  In the above description, the case where the content recorded and reproduced in the UFD 1 is music content has been described. However, the UFD 1 in which various electronic data such as still images and moving images are recorded is provided to the user, It may be used in the same way as music content.

  Further, by devising the key provided from the content server 3, it is possible to make various forms of services without changing the encrypted content itself. For example, a key with a time limit, a key that is valid only at a specified date, a key that requires a password to be used for use, a key that permits decryption of trailers and outlines only, a key that permits copying of content, and a key For example, by attaching a user name to the user name, various keys such as a key that allows a story change such as making the user appear in content such as a moving image may be provided.

  For example, by providing a key with a time limit, it is possible to provide content with a limited viewing time limit at a lower price than content without such a limitation. Content whose viewing time limit has expired can be viewed again by purchasing the key again. The length of the viewing time limit may be set according to the price paid by the user.

  Furthermore, in the above description, the key encrypted by the content server 3 using the PID, VID, and serial number set in the UFD 1 is recorded in the UFD 1, but the key using the identification information is used. Encryption may be performed by the client PC 2.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a program recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a program recording medium for storing a program that is installed in a computer and is ready to be executed by the computer includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only). Memory, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), magneto-optical disc, or removable media 62, which is a package media made of semiconductor memory, or ROM 52 for storing programs temporarily or permanently, or recording unit 58 It is comprised by the hard disk etc. which comprise. The program is stored in the program recording medium using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via a communication unit 59 that is an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. Done.

  In the present specification, the steps for describing a program are not only processes performed in time series in the order described, but also processes that are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series. Is also included.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the content provision system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data recorded on UFD. It is a figure which shows the example of the icon displayed on a client PC. It is a figure which shows the example of the list of contents. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of UFD. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of client PC. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of client PC. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of a content server. It is a figure which shows the example of the key currently recorded on key DB. It is a flowchart explaining the process performed when manufacturing UFD. It is a flowchart explaining the key acquisition process of a client PC. It is a flowchart explaining the key provision process of a content server. It is a flowchart explaining the content reproduction process of a client PC.

Explanation of symbols

  1 UFD, 2 client PC, 3 content server, 4 internet, 31 UFD controller, 32 NAND-flash memory, 71 charge processing unit, 72 key acquisition unit, 73 recording control unit, 74 decryption unit, 75 output control unit, 81 key Management unit, 82 key DB, 83 Charge processing unit

Claims (11)

A recording device detachable from other devices,
Recording means for recording the encrypted content and an application program for realizing the function of acquiring the key for decrypting the encrypted content from a server connected via a network in the other device Prepared,
The recording apparatus further records the key encrypted by using the identification information of the recording apparatus itself acquired by the other apparatus by the other apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application program further realizes, in the other apparatus, a function of displaying information related to the encrypted content recorded in the recording unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application program further realizes, in the other apparatus, a function of charging a fee for the content decrypted by the key. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a USB terminal is provided on a casing of the recording apparatus. In an information processing apparatus in which a recording device in which encrypted content and an application program are recorded is detachable, and the application program is read from the recording device and executed.
Obtaining means for obtaining a key for decrypting the encrypted content from a server connected via a network;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that causes the recording device to record the key encrypted by using the identification information of the recording device acquired by the acquisition unit. The information according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit transmits identification information set in the recording device to the server, and acquires the key encrypted by the server using the identification information of the recording device. Processing equipment. The apparatus further comprises decryption means for reading the key recorded by the recording control means and the set identification information from the recording device, and decrypting the content using the key decrypted using the identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising display control means for displaying information related to the encrypted content recorded in the recording apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the key for decrypting the content selected by a user from the content whose information is displayed by the display control unit from the server. A charging unit for charging for the content;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the key for decrypting the content charged by the charging unit from the server. In the information processing method of the information processing apparatus in which the recording device in which the encrypted content and the application program are recorded is detachable, and the application program is read from the recording device and executed.
Obtaining a key for decrypting the encrypted content from a server connected via a network;
An information processing method including the step of causing the recording device to record the acquired key encrypted using the identification information of the recording device.

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