JP5638867B2 - Content processing apparatus, content processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content processing apparatus, a content processing method, and a program for processing content data including video and audio.

  Examples of content processing devices that process content data including at least one of video and audio include personal computers, Blu-ray disc recorders, game machines, music players, electronic book terminals, and mobile phones. Some of such content processing devices can share a storage device (storage medium) for storing content data with other content processing devices. When a storage device is shared by a plurality of content processing devices in this way, content data acquired by each content processing device is mixedly stored in the storage device.

JP 2009-71786 A

  In the storage device described above, predetermined content data may become unavailable among a plurality of stored content data. For example, when a user becomes unable to use a predetermined content processing apparatus due to failure or transfer to another person, the content data acquired by the content processing apparatus cannot be used by another content processing apparatus. If content data that has become unavailable in this way remains stored in the storage device, the capacity of the storage device is wasted, so it is preferable to delete it from the storage device. However, even if the storage device is connected to another content processing device, the user is not notified as to which content processing device each content data stored in the storage device has been acquired. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to determine which content data is unavailable from the content data stored in the storage device and delete it.

  In addition, although there exist some which are disclosed by patent document 1, for example as a technical example relevant to this invention, this technical example is the structure aiming at sharing a content between several apparatuses, and the problem mentioned above. It is not a configuration that can solve the problem. That is, in the invention of Patent Document 1, content data that has become unusable cannot be automatically identified and deleted from content data stored in a storage device shared by a plurality of content processing devices.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. When a storage device that stores content data is shared with other content processing devices, the content data that has become unavailable is stored in the storage device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content processing apparatus, a content processing method, and a program that can be automatically identified and deleted.

In order to achieve such an object, a first aspect of the present invention is a content processing apparatus that stores content data in a storage device and stores a content key for making the content data available in a nonvolatile memory. generates a device combination information indicating a combination of a content processing apparatus and a nonvolatile memory, and transmits the information combination apparatus to other content processing apparatus, a storage device tying with equipment combination information and the content data It memorize | stores in.

  A second aspect of the present invention is a content processing device that can share a storage device for storing content data with other content processing devices, and acquires and stores content data designated by a user. The content key for making the content data available is saved in the non-volatile memory, and the device combination information indicating the combination of the content processing device and the non-volatile memory is generated and stored. Information is shared by sending it to other content processing devices, and the association between the device combination information and the content data is stored in the storage device, and a revocation flag indicating the revocation of the combination is added to the device combination information Content associated with the device combination information to which an invalidation flag has been assigned when connected to a storage device Wherein the erasing over data from the storage device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content processing method performed by a content processing apparatus that stores content data in a storage device and stores a content key for making the content data available in a nonvolatile memory, Device combination information indicating the combination of the device and the nonvolatile memory is generated, the device combination information is transmitted to another content processing device , and the association between the device combination information and the content data is stored in the storage device It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content processing method performed by a content processing device capable of sharing a storage device for storing content data with other content processing devices, wherein the content data specified by a user Is acquired and stored in the storage device, and a content key for making the content data available is stored in the nonvolatile memory, and device combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device and the nonvolatile memory is generated and stored. At the same time, the device combination information is shared by transmitting it to other content processing devices, and the association between the device combination information and the content data is stored in the storage device, and the combination invalidation is performed on the device combination information. Device combination information to which the revocation flag has been assigned when the storage device is connected after the revocation flag to be indicated is given Characterized by erasing the content data bundled from the storage device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a content processing apparatus to store content data in a storage device and store a content key for making the content data available in a nonvolatile memory. to the processing unit, and generating a device combination information indicating a combination of a content processing apparatus and the nonvolatile memory, and the process of transmitting information in combination apparatus to other content processing apparatus, device combination information and the content data And a process of storing the association with the storage device in a storage device .
.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a content processing apparatus capable of sharing a storage device for storing content data to another content processing apparatus to execute the content processing apparatus. And a device set indicating a combination of the content processing device and the non-volatile memory, a process for storing the content data for use in the non-volatile memory and acquiring the content data specified by the non-volatile memory Generating and storing combination information, processing for sharing device combination information by transmitting it to other content processing devices, processing for storing the combination of device combination information and content data in a storage device, Connected to the storage device after the revocation flag indicating the revocation of the combination is given to the device combination information If it, characterized in that to execute a process of erasing the content data linked to the device combination information invalidation flag is assigned from the storage device.

  According to the present invention, when a storage device that stores content data is shared with other content processing devices, it becomes possible to automatically determine and delete content data that has become unavailable. .

It is a figure which shows an example of the installation environment of the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus combination information produced | generated and hold | maintained with the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the apparatus detailed information hold | maintained with the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of ID corresponding | compatible information hold | maintained at the memory | storage device connected to the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example when content data is stored in the content processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example when providing the revocation flag to apparatus combination information in the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example when an invalidation flag is given to device combination information in the content processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example (modification 1) when providing the revocation flag to apparatus combination information in the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example (modification 2) when giving a check flag to apparatus combination information in the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the operation example (modification 2) when the check flag is provided to apparatus combination information. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example (modification 3) when a user erases content data in a storage device in a content processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example (modification 4) when providing a revocation flag to apparatus combination information in the content processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installation environment of the content processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 of this embodiment are connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for example, and can perform wireless communication with each other. In the present embodiment, two content processing apparatuses are network-connected, but a configuration in which three or more content processing apparatuses are network-connected may be used.

  The content processing device 1 is connected to an NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory: non-volatile memory) 2, a storage device 5, and a viewing device 6. The content processing device 3 is connected to the NVRAM 4, the storage device 5, and the viewing device 6.

  The connection form between the content processing devices 1 and 3 and the viewing device 6 may be wired, wireless, or directly attached (example of external attachment). Further, the content processing devices 1 and 3 may be configured to include the viewing device 6 (internal example).

  The NVRAM 2 may be built in the content processing apparatus 1 or may be externally attached. Similarly, the NVRAM 4 may be built in the content processing apparatus 3 or may be externally attached.

  The connection form between the content processing devices 1 and 3 and the storage device 5 may be wired, wireless, or directly attached (example of external attachment). Further, the content processing devices 1 and 3 may be configured to include the storage device 5 (internal example). However, the storage device 5 can be attached to and detached from the content processing devices 1 and 3 regardless of whether the storage device 5 is external or internal.

  The content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 hold the same device combination information. That is, the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 share the same device combination information. Details of the device combination information will be described later.

  NVRAMs 2 and 4 hold content keys. The content key is data for making the content data available (decrypting the content data). In the present embodiment, a content key corresponding to content data stored in the storage device 5 is held. The NVRAMs 2 and 4 have different content keys.

  The storage device 5 holds content data. The content data is data including at least one of video (moving image, still image) and audio, and includes, for example, data of a television program. The storage device 5 stores the content data acquired by the content processing devices 1 and 3 in a mixed manner. The content data stored in the storage device 5 can be used by using the content key held in the NVRAM 2 or 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, when content data is acquired by the content processing apparatus 1 and the content data is stored in the storage device 5, a content key corresponding to the content data is stored in the NVRAM 2. . At that time, the same ID (content ID) is assigned to each of the content data and the content key. Based on this content ID, the content processing apparatus 1 can determine which content key corresponds to which content data even if the content data and the content key are stored separately. The content processing apparatus 3 performs the same process as described above.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 include the following units. The content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 include an operation unit, a communication unit, a content data acquisition unit, a storage unit, and a control unit.

  The operation unit is a unit that receives an operation performed by the user. The communication means is means for performing communication according to a predetermined standard with a device other than the device itself. Examples of devices other than the device itself include other content processing devices 1 or 3, a storage device 5, a viewing device 6, and the like. The content data acquisition means is means for acquiring content data. Examples of acquisition include receiving broadcast content and ripping (dubbing) from a recording medium. The storage means is means for storing various information. Various information includes the above-described device combination information. The control means is means for controlling each of the above means and executing a predetermined function in accordance with a user operation received by the operation means. Examples of the predetermined function include acquisition of content data, storage and deletion of acquired content data, reproduction of acquired content data, display of a list of acquired content data, communication with a device other than the own device, and the like. It is done.

  Examples of the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 include a personal computer, a Blu-ray disc recorder, a game machine, a music player, an electronic book terminal, and a mobile phone. Examples of the storage device 5 include an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive) by USB (Universal Serial Bus) and NAS (Network Attached Storage) that can be connected to a network such as a LAN in the case of external connection. In the case of a built-in device, a general built-in HDD can be used. Examples of the viewing device 6 include a display device (a device having a screen display function and an audio output function).

  An operation example of the content processing apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5, an operation example when content data is stored in the content processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the content processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

  The control means of the content processing device 1 detects the connection with the storage device 5 (S1).

Next, when the operation unit receives an instruction to acquire and store predetermined content data from the user, the content data acquisition unit acquires the content data, and the control unit stores the acquired content data in the storage device 5. The content key corresponding to the content data is stored in the NVRAM 2 (S2). At this time, a common content ID is associated with the content key of the NVRAM 2 and the content data of the storage device 5. The content ID is, for example, a character string made up of a plurality of characters.

  Next, the control means determines whether or not the combination of the own device (content processing device 1) and NVRAM 2 is the first time when storing the content data (S3). This determination is made based on the device combination information stored in the storage unit of the own device. The device combination information is information indicating a combination of the content processing device that stores the content data in the storage device 5 and the content key itself or the NVRAM in which the content key is stored. In the following, device combination information indicating a combination of a content processing apparatus and NVRAM will be described as an example. Therefore, in the determination of S3, if device combination information indicating a combination of devices (content processing apparatus and NVRAM) used for storing content data is stored in the storage means in advance, the combination of the devices is the first time. (S3 / NO). On the other hand, if the device combination information indicating the combination of devices used for storing the content data is not stored in the storage means in advance, the combination of the devices is the first (S3 / YES). Here, as an example, when combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device 1 and the NVRAM 2 is not stored in the storage means in advance, that is, content data is saved by a combination of the content processing device 1 and the NVRAM 2. It is assumed that this is the first time (S3 / YES).

  Next, the control means generates combination information indicating the combination of the content processing apparatus 1 and the NVRAM 2 and stores it in the storage means (S4). An example of the combination information at this time is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, the combination information is associated with three pieces of information: a combination ID of a device, a device ID, and a flag.

  The combination ID of the device is a character string assigned when the control means generates combination information. In the example of FIG. 2A, the character string “001” is assigned.

  The device ID is a character string indicating the device (content processing apparatus and NVRAM) used for storing the content data. In the example of FIG. 2A, the ID (predetermined character string) of the content processing apparatus 1 and the ID (predetermined character string) of the NVRAM 2 are linked. These device IDs are stored in advance in the content processing apparatus 1 and the NVRAM 2 as a part of device detailed information indicating the details of the device. An example of the device detailed information of the content processing apparatus 1 is shown in FIG. 3A, and an example of the device detailed information of the NVRAM 2 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the device detailed information is associated with three pieces of information: a device ID, a name, and a manufacturing number. The name is a character string indicating the name (product name) of the device. The production number is a character string indicating the production number of the device. The device detailed information may be associated with information (character string) indicating a manufacturer name of the device, a type of the device, a device built in the device, and the like in addition to the name and the manufacturing number. The device detailed information of the content processing device 1 shown in FIG. 3A is stored in advance in the storage means of the content processing device 1, and the device detailed information of the NVRAM 2 shown in FIG. 3B is stored in advance in the NVRAM 2. ing. Therefore, when generating the device combination information, the control unit acquires the device ID from each device detailed information, and associates the acquired device IDs as shown in FIG.

  As the flag, either an invalidation flag or a check flag is given, and details thereof will be described later. Since the flag is not given when the combination information is generated, the flag is absent in the example of FIG.

  Next, the control unit transmits the generated and stored device combination information to another content processing apparatus via the communication unit (S5). Here, the device combination information shown in FIG. 2A generated and stored in the content processing apparatus 1 is transmitted to the content processing apparatus 3 by network communication. Upon receiving the device combination information, the content processing device 3 stores it in its own storage means. As a result, the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 share the device combination information shown in FIG. After the sharing, when device combination information (not shown) is generated and stored in the content processing apparatus 3 in the same manner as in S1 to S4 described above, the device combination information is sent to the content processing apparatus 1. Will be sent. As a result, the device combination information generated by the content processing device 1 and the device combination information generated by the content processing device 3 are shared by the content processing devices 1 and 3. The device combination information shared in this way is as shown in FIG. 2B, for example.

  In S5, the control unit transmits the device detailed information together with the device combination information to another content processing apparatus via the communication unit. Here, the device detailed information shown in FIG. 3A and the device detailed information shown in FIG. 3B are transmitted to the content processing apparatus 3 by network communication. When the content processing apparatus 3 receives the device detailed information, it stores them in the storage means of its own apparatus. As a result, the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 share the device detailed information shown in FIGS. At this time, the content processing device 3 receives the received device detailed information shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and the device detailed information (not shown) of the content processing device 3 stored in advance in the storage unit of the device itself. And device detailed information (not shown) of NVRAM 4 stored in advance in NVRAM 4 may be combined and stored in the storage means of the device itself. An example at this time is shown in FIG. Similarly, when the content processing device 3 transmits the generated device combination information (not shown) to the content processing device 1, the device detailed information (not shown) of the content processing device 3 and the NVRAM 4 Device detailed information (not shown) is transmitted to the content processing apparatus 1. As a result, the content processing apparatus 1 stores each piece of device detailed information in its own storage unit as shown in FIG. In this way, the device detailed information is also shared between the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3.

  Next, the control unit associates the device combination ID of the generated device combination information with the content data ID (content ID) stored in the storage device 5 and stores it in the storage device 5 (S6). . For example, when the generated device combination information is as shown in FIG. 2A, the device combination ID “001” and the content ID associated with the content data stored in the storage device 5 are associated with each other. Attached. An example of linking stored in the storage device 5 is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, only the association between the device combination ID and the content ID is shown, but other information is also associated. Examples of other information include the name of the content data, the storage date and time, the data size, and the like. Further, as described above, stored content data is associated with each content ID shown in FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of operation when the revocation flag is given to the device combination information in the content processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the content processing apparatus 3 in FIG. 1 will be described as an example. That is, in this example, after content data is stored in the content processing apparatus 1 as described in FIG. 5, the content processing apparatus 1 breaks down or the content processing apparatus 1 is transferred to another person. For example, it is assumed that the user cannot use the content processing apparatus 1. In this case, the user registers the revocation of the content processing device 1 that can no longer be used in another content processing device (here, the content processing device 3).

  First, in the content processing device 3, when the operating means accepts an instruction for revocation registration from the user, the control means causes the viewing device 6 to display a revocation registration screen for accepting revocation registration (S11).

  The operation unit accepts designation of a device (in this case, the content processing apparatus 1) that the user wants to expire (S12). As an example of this designation, on the revocation registration screen, the production number of the device to be revoked is input, or the names of devices (see FIG. 3C) stored in advance as device detailed information are displayed as a list. Or select the device that you want to expire.

  When designation of the device is accepted by the operation device, the control means stores the device ID associated with the designated device serial number or name in the device detailed information (FIG. 3C). It is determined whether or not the specified device ID is included in the device combination information (see FIG. 2B) stored in the own device (S13).

  As a result of the determination in S13, when the specified device ID is not included in the device combination information (S13 / NO), the control means, for example, an error message indicating that the device to be invalidated is not registered as the device combination information. Is displayed on the viewing device 6, and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S13, if the specified device ID is included in the device combination information (S13 / YES), the control means sets an invalidation flag in the device combination information including the specified device ID. (S14). Here, since the device designated by the user is the content processing device 1, the identified device ID is the ID of the content processing device 1. Therefore, the device combination information including the ID of the content processing apparatus 1 is the device combination ID “001” in FIG. The control means gives an invalidation flag to the device combination information. When the revocation flag is assigned, the flag column changes from “none” to “revocation” in FIG. In this way, the device combination information stored in the own device is updated.

  Next, the control means transmits the device combination information updated by giving the revocation flag to another content processing device (for example, the content processing device 1) (S15). As a result, the updated device combination information is shared by the content processing apparatuses connected to the network. In the example of FIG. 1, if the expired content processing apparatus 1 is not already connected to the network, the updated device combination information is not transmitted to the content processing apparatus 1.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an operation example when the revocation flag is given to the device combination information in the content processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the content processing apparatus 3 in FIG. 1 will be described as an example. That is, this example is based on the case where the revocation of the content processing apparatus 1 is registered as described in FIG. In this case, the user deletes the content data that has become unusable (what the expired content processing device 1 has saved in the storage device 5) in another content processing device (here, the content processing device 3). Become.

  The control means of the content processing device 3 detects the connection with the storage device 5 (S21).

  Next, the control means refers to the device combination information stored in the own device, and determines whether there is device combination information to which the revocation flag is assigned (S22).

  As a result of the determination in S22, when there is no device combination information to which the revocation flag is assigned (S22 / NO), the control unit ends a series of processes.

  On the other hand, if there is device combination information to which the revocation flag is assigned as a result of S22 (S22 / YES), the control means stores the information based on the device combination ID in the device combination information to which the revocation flag is assigned. Content data is searched from the device 5 (S23). For example, as described with reference to FIG. 6, in the device combination information illustrated in FIG. 2B, when the revocation flag is assigned to the device combination ID “001”, the control unit stores the storage device 5. The content ID associated with the “001” is specified. And a control means searches all the content data linked | related with specified content ID from the memory | storage device 5. FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, the content ID linked to “001” is the ID of the content data a, the ID of the content data b, and the ID of the content data c. Three will be searched.

  Next, the control means notifies the user of the searched content data (S24). An example of the notification method is a method of displaying a list of searched content data names on the screen. Therefore, for example, the control means acquires the names (not shown) of the content data a, b, c associated with the content IDs in FIG. 4 in advance, and displays the names of the acquired content data as a list. The screen is displayed on the viewing device 6. With this display, the user can recognize all the content data that has become unavailable due to the expiration of the content processing apparatus 1.

  Next, the control means deletes the searched content data from the storage device 5 (S25). Here, the three content data a, b, and c are deleted.

  Note that before the deletion in S25, the control means may display a screen on the viewing device 6 for confirming to the user whether the list-displayed content data may be deleted. In this case, the control means deletes the content data when the operation means accepts the operation of the user who accepts the deletion.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a storage device that stores content data is shared by other content processing devices, content data that has become unusable can be automatically identified and deleted. Is possible.

  Next, modifications of the content processing apparatus according to the present embodiment described above will be described below.

  First, Modification 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This modification is another form of giving the revocation flag in the device combination information described in FIG. Hereinafter, the content processing apparatus 3 in FIG. 1 will be described as an example. That is, this example is a case where the user uses the NVRAM 2 used in combination with the content processing apparatus 1 in combination with the content processing apparatus 3. In this case, the user disconnects the NVRAM 2 from the content processing apparatus 1 and connects to the content processing apparatus 3.

  The control means of the content processing device 3 detects the connection with the NVRAM 2 (S31).

  Next, the control means refers to the device combination information stored in the own device, and determines whether or not combination information indicating a combination of the own device (content processing device 3) and the NVRAM 2 is stored. (S32).

  If the combination information is stored as a result of the determination in S32 (S32 / YES), the control means ends the series of processes.

  On the other hand, if the combination information is not stored as a result of the determination in S32 (S32 / NO), the control means formats the connected NVRAM 2 (S33). As a result, the content key stored in the NVRAM 2 (the content key for using the content data stored in the storage device 5 by the content processing device 1) is deleted.

  Next, the control means gives an invalidation flag to the combination information indicating the combination of the content processing device 1 and the NVRAM 2 in the device combination information stored in the own device (S34). For example, in FIG. 2B, the revocation flag is given to the device combination information of the device combination ID “001”. When the revocation flag is assigned, the flag column changes from “none” to “revocation” in FIG. In this way, the device combination information stored in the own device is updated.

  Next, the control means transmits the device combination information updated by giving the revocation flag to another content processing apparatus (for example, the content processing apparatus 1) (S35). As a result, the updated device combination information is shared by the content processing apparatuses connected to the network.

  For the subsequent operation, the above-described operation of FIG. 7 is applied.

  As described above, according to this modification, there is a situation in which the user is using a predetermined content processing device and a predetermined NVRAM in combination, and thereafter, the NVRAM is newly used with another content processing device. When it is desired to use in combination, it is not necessary to perform revocation registration of the previous content processing apparatus.

  Next, Modification 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. This modification is an example in which a check flag is given to the device combination information instead of the invalidation flag.

  First, an example of operation when a check flag is given will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the content processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will be described as an example. That is, in this example, the operation after the content data and the content key are stored using the content processing apparatus 1 and the NVRAM 2 described in FIG. 5 is taken as an example.

  The control means of the content processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the content key stored in the NVRAM 2 can be read (S41). This determination is made, for example, when an instruction from the user to reproduce the content data stored in the storage device 5 is received by the operation means. In that case, the control means reads from NVRAM 2 the content key corresponding to the content data for which the user has instructed playback. At this time, the storage device 5 is connected to the content processing device 1.

  As a result of the determination in S41, when the content key can be read (S41 / YES), the control means reproduces the content data stored in the storage device 5 based on the read content key (S44). That is, the reproduced content data is output to the viewing device 6.

  On the other hand, if the content key could not be read as a result of the determination in S41 (S41 / NO), the control means uses the device combination information stored in the device itself (content processing device 1), NVRAM 2, and the like. A check flag is assigned to the combination information indicating the combination of (S42). For example, in FIG. 2B, a check flag is given to the device combination information of the device combination ID “001”. When the check flag is given, the flag column changes from “none” to “check” in FIG. In this way, the device combination information stored in the own device is updated.

  Next, the control means transmits the device combination information updated by adding the check flag to another content processing device (for example, the content processing device 3) (S43). As a result, the updated device combination information is shared by the content processing apparatuses connected to the network.

  Next, an example of operation when a check flag is given to the device combination information will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the content processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

  The control means of the content processing device 1 detects the connection with the storage device 5 (S51).

  Next, the control means refers to the device combination information stored in the own device, and determines whether there is device combination information to which a check flag is assigned (S52).

  As a result of the determination in S52, when there is no device combination information to which the check flag is given (S52 / NO), the control unit ends a series of processes.

  On the other hand, if there is device combination information to which the check flag is assigned as a result of S52 (S52 / YES), the control unit connects the combination of devices indicated by the device combination information to which the check flag is assigned. , Prompt the user (S53). For example, as described with reference to FIG. 9, in the device combination information shown in FIG. 2B, when the check flag is given to the device combination ID “001”, the control means 1 ID and NVRAM2 ID are specified. And a control means acquires the name of the content processing apparatus 1, and the name of NVRAM2 from the apparatus detailed information memorize | stored in own apparatus based on ID of identified content processing apparatus 1, and NVRAM2. Next, the control means causes the viewing device 6 to display a screen that prompts the user to connect the combination of the content processing device 1 and the NVRAM 2 using the acquired name of the content processing device 1 and the name of the NVRAM 2.

  After the above display, the control means checks whether or not the combination of the content processing apparatus 1 and the NVRAM 2 is connected (S54). It is assumed that the connection can be confirmed when the connection between the content processing apparatus 1 and the NVRAM 2 is detected.

  Next, the control unit searches the storage device 5 for content data based on the device combination ID in the device combination information to which the check flag is assigned, and determines whether the searched content data can be used ( S55). For example, in the device combination information shown in FIG. 2B, when a check flag is given to the device combination ID “001”, the control unit refers to the storage device 5 and the “001”. The content ID linked to is specified. Next, the control unit searches the storage device 5 for all the content data associated with the specified content ID. In the example of FIG. 4, the content ID linked to “001” is the ID of the content data a, the ID of the content data b, and the ID of the content data c. Three will be searched. Next, the control means determines whether or not the content keys corresponding to the retrieved content data a, b, and c can be read from the NVRAM 2. When the predetermined content key cannot be read, the control unit determines that the content data corresponding to the content key cannot be used. For example, if only the content key of the content data b cannot be read out of the retrieved content data a, b, and c, the control unit determines that the content data b cannot be used.

  Next, the control unit notifies the user of the content data determined to be unusable, and deletes the content data from the storage device 5 (S56). For example, when the content data b is determined to be unusable, the control unit obtains the name (not shown) of the content data b linked in advance to the content ID of the content data b in FIG. The name of the acquired content data b is displayed, and a screen displaying that the content data is to be deleted is displayed on the viewing device 6. By this display, the user can recognize that the content data b is deleted because it cannot be used. After the display, the control means deletes the content data b determined to be unavailable from the storage device 5.

  In the above description, the main body of the operation in FIG. 10 is the content processing apparatus 1 in FIG. 1, but the content processing apparatus 3 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present modification, when the content key cannot be read from the NVRAM due to aging or physical damage, the content data corresponding to the content key can be automatically deleted from the storage device.

  Next, Modification 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification, the user tries to select content data to be deleted by connecting the storage device 5 to the content processing device 1 in order to delete the content data stored in the storage device 5. This is a case where there is no content data that can be deleted in the processing device 1 and there is no content data that is desired to be deleted from the content data that can be used in other content processing devices 2.

  First, an operation example of FIG. 11A will be described. The subject of this operation example is the content processing apparatus 1 of FIG.

  The control means of the content processing device 1 detects the connection with the storage device 5 (S61).

  Next, when the operation unit receives an instruction from the user to display a list of content data that can be used in another content processing apparatus, the control unit displays a screen for displaying a list of content data that can be used in the other content processing apparatus. It is displayed on the viewing device 6 (S62). The other content processing device here is the content processing device 3 in the example of FIG. Therefore, the control means first identifies the information including the ID of the content processing device 3 as the device ID from the device combination information stored in the own device. In the example of FIG. 2B, the device combination information of the device combination ID “002” is specified. Next, the control means searches for the content ID linked to the storage device 5 based on the identified combination ID “002” of the devices. In the example of FIG. 4, since the content ID linked to the device combination ID “002” is the ID of the content data d and the ID of the content data e, these two content IDs are searched. Become. Next, the control means obtains the name of the content data d and the name of the content data e (not shown) associated in advance with the ID of the content data d and the ID of the content data e in FIG. The names of the acquired content data d and e are displayed in a list, and a screen prompting the user to select one to be deleted is displayed on the viewing device 6. With this display, the user can confirm a list of content data that can be used in the content processing apparatus 3 and can select what is to be deleted.

  The operation means accepts designation of content data (here, at least one of content data d and e) that the user wants to delete (S63). Here, as an example, it is assumed that content data d is designated.

  When the specification of content data is received by the operation means, the control means causes the viewing device 6 to display a screen prompting the user to connect the storage device 5 to a content processing apparatus that can use the content data (S64). . Here, since the specification of the content data d has been accepted, the control means automatically determines based on the ID of the content processing apparatus 3 in the device combination information specified earlier (with the device combination ID “002”). The name of the content processing device 3 is acquired from the device detailed information stored in the device. Next, the control means causes the viewing device 6 to display a screen that prompts the connection of the content processing device 3 storage device 5 using the acquired name of the content processing device 3.

  Next, the control means transmits the content ID of the content data designated by the user to a content processing apparatus that can use the content data (S65). That is, the control means transmits the content ID of the content data d searched previously to the content processing apparatus 3.

  Next, an operation example of FIG. 11B will be described. The subject of this operation example is the content processing apparatus 3 of FIG. That is, this example is a case where the user who viewed the display in S64 of FIG. 11A connects the storage device 5 to the content processing device 3 from the content processing device 1.

  The control means of the content processing device 3 detects the connection with the storage device 5 (S66).

  Next, the communication means receives the content ID from the content processing apparatus 1 (S67). Here, the content ID of the content data d transmitted in S65 of FIG. 11A is received. This S67 may be performed before S66.

  Next, the control unit searches the storage device 5 for content data associated with the received content ID, and deletes the searched content data (S68). Here, the content data d is retrieved and deleted from the storage device 5.

  Note that before the deletion of S68, the control means may display the name of the searched content data and display a screen on the viewing device 6 for confirming to the user whether or not to delete it. . In this case, the control means deletes the content data when the operation means accepts the operation of the user who accepts the deletion.

  As described above, according to the present modification, when a predetermined content processing apparatus and a storage device are connected, the user can check a list of content data that can be used by other content processing apparatuses. You can select what you want to delete. Further, after the selection, since the deletion is automatically performed only by connecting the storage device to another content processing device, the operation of selecting again the content data to be deleted is performed in the other content processing device. There is no need.

  Next, Modification 4 will be described with reference to FIG. This modification is another form of giving the revocation flag in the device combination information described with reference to FIGS. More specifically, in this modification, when each content processing device detects the release from the storage device, the time when the release is performed is stored in association with the device combination information, and the content is stored for each content. Share with processing devices. When each content processing device detects a connection with the storage device and the release time has exceeded a predetermined time, the release time is linked. The revocation flag is added to the device combination information.

  First, an operation example of FIG. The subject of this operation example is the content processing apparatus 1 of FIG.

  The control means of the content processing device 1 detects the release of the connection with the storage device 5 (S71).

  Here, the control means uses the time when the connection with the storage device 5 is released (hereinafter referred to as the release time) in the device combination information stored in the device, and the device of the device (content processing device 1). The information is stored in association with the device combination information including the ID (S72). In this example, it is assumed that this control means has a clock function for measuring the current time (date and time). With this clock function, the control means acquires the release time when the connection with the storage device 5 is released. In the example of FIG. 2B, the control unit associates and stores the acquired release time with the device combination information of the device combination ID “001”. The release time is, for example, the date. In this way, every time the connection with the storage device 5 is released, the release time associated with the device combination information is updated.

  Next, the control means transmits the device combination information associated with the release time to another content processing apparatus via the communication means (S73). Here, the device combination information is transmitted from the content processing apparatus 1 to the content processing apparatus 3. Upon receiving the device combination information, the content processing device 3 stores it in its own storage means. As a result, the content processing apparatuses 1 and 3 share the device combination information associated with the release time. In this example, the connection of the storage device 5 in the content processing device 1 is released. However, when the connection of the storage device 5 is released in the content processing device 3, the device combination information is included in the same manner as described above. The release time is linked and shared with the content processing apparatus 1.

  Next, an operation example of FIG. 12B will be described. The subject of this operation example is the content processing apparatus 3 of FIG. The content processing device 3 is assumed to share the device combination information transmitted from the content processing device 1 in S73 of FIG.

  The control means of the content processing device 3 detects the connection with the storage device 5 (S74).

  Next, the control means determines whether or not a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as a reference time) has elapsed with respect to the release time associated with the device combination information stored in the own device. (S75). Here, since the release time is associated with the device combination information of the device combination ID “001”, the control unit determines whether or not the release time exceeds the reference time. The reference time is a value set in advance in the storage unit of the content processing apparatus 3 and is, for example, “6 months”. This control means also has a clock function for measuring the current time (date and time). With this clock function, the control means can determine whether the value obtained by adding the reference time “6 months” to the release time (released date) exceeds the currently measured time. Note that the determination in S75 is made for all of the release times associated with the device combination information.

  As a result of the determination in S75, when the release time has not passed the reference time (S75 / NO), the control unit ends the series of processes.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S75, if the release time has passed the reference time (S75 / YES), the control unit gives an invalidation flag to the device combination information associated with the release time. (S76). Here, the revocation flag is added to the device combination information of the device combination ID “001”. When the revocation flag is assigned, the flag column changes from “none” to “revocation” in FIG. In this way, the device combination information stored in the own device is updated.

  Next, the control means transmits the device combination information updated by giving the revocation flag to another content processing device (for example, the content processing device 1) (S77). As a result, the updated device combination information is shared by the content processing apparatuses connected to the network.

  For the subsequent operation, the above-described operation of FIG. 7 is applied. In this case, since the user may not want to delete the content data, it is desirable that the user select whether or not to delete before S25 of FIG.

  In the above description, the main body of the operation in FIG. 12B is the content processing device 3, but the content processing device 1 may be used.

  As described above, according to the present modification, when the user has not connected the predetermined content processing device and the storage device for a long time, content data that can be used in the content processing device is automatically determined, and the user Can be notified.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention and its modification were demonstrated, it is not limited to the said description, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  For example, the operations in the above-described embodiment and its modifications can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  When executing processing by software, a program in which a processing sequence is recorded may be installed and executed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Or you may install and run a program in the general purpose computer which can perform various processes.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program is stored on a removable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disc, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a magnetic disc, and a semiconductor memory. It is possible to store (record) temporarily or permanently. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software.

  The program may be wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer in addition to being installed on the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. Or you may wire-transfer to a computer via networks, such as LAN (Local Area Network) and the internet. The computer can receive the transferred program and install it on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  Moreover, not only is it executed in time series in accordance with the processing operations described in the above embodiment and its modifications, but also the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processing, or in parallel or individually as required. It is also possible to construct it.

1 content processing device 2 NVRAM
3 Content processing device 4 NVRAM
5 Storage device 6 Viewing device

Claims (12)

A content processing apparatus for storing content data in a storage device and storing a content key for making the content data available in a nonvolatile memory,
Generating device combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device and the nonvolatile memory ;
Information combined the device transmits to the other content processing apparatus,
A content processing apparatus that stores the association between the device combination information and the content data in the storage device. A content processing device capable of sharing a storage device for storing content data with other content processing devices,
The content data designated by the user is acquired and stored in the storage device, and a content key for making the content data available is stored in a nonvolatile memory.
Generating and storing device combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device and the nonvolatile memory, and sharing the device combination information by transmitting it to the other content processing device;
Storing the device combination information and the content data in the storage device;
Content data associated with the device combination information to which the revocation flag is attached when the device combination information is connected to the storage device after the revocation flag indicating the revocation of the combination is provided to the device combination information Is deleted from the storage device. Before deleting the content data associated with the device combination information with the revocation flag from the storage device, whether to notify the user of the name of the content data and whether to delete the content data Choose whether or not
3. The content processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the content data is deleted when an instruction to execute deletion is received from the user. When the user is instructed to give the revocation flag, the revocation flag is given to the device combination information specified by the user,
4. The content processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the device combination information to which the revocation flag is assigned is shared by being transmitted to the other content processing apparatus. When other device combination information indicating a combination of the other content processing device and another nonvolatile memory is shared, and the other nonvolatile memory is connected to the content processing device, the other device set The revocation flag is assigned to the matching information,
4. The content processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the other device combination information to which the revocation flag is assigned is shared by transmitting to the other content processing apparatus. When the connection with the storage device is released, the release time indicating the released time is stored in association with the device combination information, and the device combination information is transmitted to the other content processing device. To share
When connected to the storage device, determine whether the release time has passed a predetermined reference time,
As a result of the determination, if the release time has passed the reference time, the invalidation flag is given to the device combination information associated with the release time,
4. The content processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the device combination information to which the revocation flag is assigned is shared by being transmitted to the other content processing apparatus. When the content key cannot be read from the nonvolatile memory, a check flag indicating execution of the content data availability check is attached to the device combination information,
Share the device combination information with the check flag by sending it to the other content processing device,
When connected to the storage device, the user is prompted to execute the combination indicated by the device combination information to which the check flag is given,
After confirming the execution of the combination, the storage device is searched for content data associated with the device combination information to which the check flag is assigned,
By determining whether or not the content key corresponding to the searched content data can be read from the nonvolatile memory, the availability check of the content data is performed,
7. The content processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein content data corresponding to a content key that could not be read from the nonvolatile memory is erased from the storage device. Other device combination information indicating a combination of the other content processing device and another nonvolatile memory is shared, and the other device stored in the storage device when connected to the storage device The user selects the content data to be deleted from the content data associated with the combination information, prompts the user to connect the storage device to the other content processing device, and selects the selected content data. Sending information indicating data to the other content processing device;
8. When the information indicating the selected content data is received when connected to the storage device, the content data indicated by the information is deleted from the storage device. The content processing apparatus according to the item. A content processing method performed by a content processing apparatus that stores content data in a storage device and stores a content key for making the content data available in a nonvolatile memory,
Generating device combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device and the nonvolatile memory ;
Information combined the device transmits to the other content processing apparatus,
A content processing method comprising: storing the association between the device combination information and the content data in the storage device . A content processing method performed by a content processing apparatus capable of sharing a storage device for storing content data with other content processing apparatuses,
The content data designated by the user is acquired and stored in the storage device, and a content key for making the content data available is stored in a nonvolatile memory.
Generating and storing device combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device and the nonvolatile memory, and sharing the device combination information by transmitting it to the other content processing device;
Storing the device combination information and the content data in the storage device;
Content data associated with the device combination information to which the revocation flag is attached when the device combination information is connected to the storage device after the revocation flag indicating the revocation of the combination is provided to the device combination information Is deleted from the storage device. A program for causing a content processing device to store content data in a storage device and store a content key for making the content data available in a nonvolatile memory,
In the content processing apparatus,
Processing for generating device combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device and the nonvolatile memory ;
A process of transmitting information by combining the device to another content processing apparatus,
Processing for storing the association between the device combination information and the content data in the storage device ;
A program characterized by having executed. A program for causing a content processing apparatus capable of sharing a storage device for storing content data to be shared with other content processing apparatuses,
In the content processing apparatus,
A process of acquiring content data designated by a user and storing it in the storage device, and storing a content key for making the content data available in a nonvolatile memory;
Generating and storing device combination information indicating a combination of the content processing device and the nonvolatile memory, and sharing the device combination information by transmitting the device combination information to the other content processing device;
Processing to store the association of the device combination information and the content data in the storage device;
Content data associated with the device combination information to which the revocation flag is attached when the device combination information is connected to the storage device after the revocation flag indicating the revocation of the combination is provided to the device combination information Deleting from the storage device;
A program characterized by having executed.

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