JPH11344926A - Device for preventing unauthorized utilization, unauthorized copy and unauthorized change of contents and recording media therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a user from changing or copying information of multimedia without permission of a copyright holder by recording the reconstitution information to be used for reconstituting plural blocks from pre-processed contents. SOLUTION: A pre-processed picture forming part 3 forms (produces) 'a pre-processed picture' by defining divided plural respective blocks as spatial positional relations different from mutual positional relations in an original picture. When a signal indicating a judgement result that the changing and the eliminating of land mine data are not present is transmitted from a judging part 8, an original picture restoring part 5 restores the original picture from the pre-processed picture based on the signal and data from a pre-processed picture storage part 4 (moreover, based on 'the reconstitution information' for restoring the original picture by reconstituting respective blocks) to output it to a display part 9. Thus, the restoring part 5 makes the user appriciate the original picture by restoring the original picture in this manner.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing content such as images (paintings and photographs), movies (including interactive movies such as video games) or music from being altered or copied without permission. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, with respect to an image transmitted / distributed via a network such as the Internet, after the image is distributed to a user, the user copies (modifies) or modifies the image without authority (image). To violate copyright or moral rights of the author)
Various technologies have been proposed. For example, a "digital watermark" technique has been put to practical use in which information such as the author's name, digital signature, and ID is "embedded so as not to be seen by a viewer" in an image. This digital watermarking technique is also used to prevent unauthorized copying and unauthorized modification of music. In addition, a movie created by connecting and combining images, songs, sounds, and the like in a time series according to a certain story (the term “movie” in this specification includes not only a conventional movie but also a video game). Audience like
Including interactive films where the storyline changes as viewers choose)
The above-described digital watermarking technique is applicable.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned digital watermarking technique, when an image or the like modified by the user without permission is sent to the network, the image or the like is copied or modified without permission. In addition, it is possible to trace the person who copied or modified without permission without permission, so indirectly "the effect of suppressing unauthorized modification by users" can be expected through the traceability, but " Unauthorized modification (falsification) and unauthorized copying (copying) by the user itself cannot be prevented. In other words, the digital watermarking technology analyzes the transmitted data and seeks unauthorized modification (or unauthorized copying) when a user transmits a copy or modification without permission to the network. Therefore, it does not have the function of "directly preventing unauthorized modification itself" or the function of "making unauthorized copying itself meaningless".

In order to prevent text from being tampered with, software for randomly rearranging and encrypting text has already been marketed by Cadix (Tokyo, Japan) for device development (March 25, 1998). (Refer to the article of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on "Developing a Device to Encrypt Email and Tamper Protect") However, this is only a device for preventing falsification of “text” and cannot be applied to prevention of falsification of “image”, “movie”, and “song”. In addition, as a device for image copyright protection, a function has been added to the software that compresses video and audio on a personal computer and distributes it via the Internet, setting the date and time for data playback when compressing video. A device that protects copyrights by preventing unlimited distribution of video is already being developed by Map Japan (Nakano-ku, Tokyo), which has received technology from the International Telegraph and Telephone (KDD). (February 2, 1998
High-speed compression with a personal computer K
DD article on software commercialization "). However,
This method only has a function of uniformly restricting the data reproduction period, and has no function of preventing unauthorized modification of an image or the like by a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is intended to allow a user to modify multimedia information such as images, music, movies, etc. without a copyright holder. It is another object of the present invention to provide an unauthorized copy alteration prevention device capable of effectively preventing unauthorized copying.

[0006]

In the present specification, "a plurality of blocks which have no meaning for appreciation of the user by themselves" means, for example, "a number of paintings, a number of paintings, Low-value data that is divided into tens or hundreds of blocks and the user can not understand what the picture is when looking at each block, or even if he can understand it, it can not be viewed And, for example, in the case of music, "several pieces of music,
Each block divided into dozens or hundreds, and the value is low such that the user cannot understand any music even if he listens to each block, or even if he can understand it, it can not be viewed Block of data ". In this specification, the term "movie" includes not only a conventional movie but also an interactive movie, such as a video game, in which a story line changes according to selection of an audience. Further, the "image" in the present invention includes an image which is one element of the "movie". In the present invention, “music” is
This includes songs that are one element of “movies”. The “content” in the present invention refers to the content of information such as an image, a movie, and music. 1. By dividing each original block into a plurality of blocks by dividing the original content into a plurality of blocks, and by defining each of these divided blocks so as to have a different spatial positional relationship or time-series relationship from the original original content. Processed content creating means for creating “processed content (content processed so as to be worthless as a target for appreciation by a user because the interrelationship between the blocks is irregular and irregular)”; Reconstruction that records "reconstruction information" used from the processed content to reconstruct the blocks so that they have the same spatial positional relationship or time-series relationship as the original original content A device for preventing unauthorized use and copying of content, characterized by including information recording means. In the present invention, for example, the “processed content” and the “reconstruction information (each block included in the processed content in order to restore the original original content from the processed content) Reconfiguration information for reconfiguring the information into a correct mutual positional relationship or time-series relationship), and by distributing them separately over a network or recording them on different recording media and distributing them, Unauthorized use or unauthorized copying of content by users "can be prevented. That is, for example, the content provider first transmits (or sells) the processed content only to the user first, and confirms that the payment by the user has been completed. By providing the "configuration information" to the user, it is possible to effectively prevent "unauthorized use of the content by the user (unauthorized use of paid content. This unauthorized use includes unauthorized copying"). Can be. Also, for example, the content provider permits the user to freely use and copy only the “processed content”, and when the user desires to use the original content, the “reconstruction The user is permitted to use the "information" (or the "reconstruction information" is provided to the user each time), and the user restores and reproduces the original content using the "reconstruction information" By doing so, the content provider can monitor and supplement the "unauthorized copying by the user" only by monitoring and supplementing the actual use of the "reconstruction information" by the user. That is, in this case, the user can freely copy only the "processed content" without permission, but as described above, the "processed content" itself is meaningless and worthless for appreciation. It is expected that virtually no unauthorized copying of the processed content will occur. 2. Processed content storage means for storing processed content obtained by processing original content such as images, movies, and songs; and data indicating a plurality of locations in the processed content as land mine data. Mine data storage means to be stored, determination means for determining whether the mine data has been modified or deleted, and restoration of the original content from the processed content when the mine data has not been modified or deleted Original content restoring means for preventing unauthorized modification of content. 3. In the above item 2, further, a block-by-block dividing means for dividing one original content into a plurality of blocks, and each of the divided blocks has a different spatial positional relationship or time-series relationship from the original original content. Processed content forming means for forming the processed content by defining as above, the original content restoring means converts the blocks constituting the processed content into the same as the original original content. By reconstructing to have a spatial position relationship or time-series relationship, to restore the original content from the processed content,
A device for preventing unauthorized modification of contents. 4. Data indicating processed content obtained by processing original content such as images, movies, and songs in advance, land mine data including data indicating a plurality of locations in the processed content, and whether the land mine data has been modified or deleted. And a determination program for determining whether the mine data has not been modified or deleted, and an original content restoration program for restoring the original content from the processed content. A recording medium with a function for preventing content from being altered. 5. A processed image storage unit for storing a processed image obtained by processing a certain original image in advance, an original image restoring unit for restoring and displaying an original image from the processed image, and the original image Or, landmine data storage means for storing data indicating a plurality of locations in the processed image as landmine data in advance, determining means for determining whether the landmine data has been modified or deleted, and the landmine data Display means for displaying the original image from the original image restoration means when not modified or deleted, and displaying the processed image from the processed image storage means when the mine data has been modified or deleted; A device for preventing unauthorized modification of images. Further, in this 5, furthermore, a dividing means for each block for dividing one original image into a plurality of blocks, and each of these divided blocks is defined so as to have a spatial positional relationship different from that of the original original image. And a processed image forming means for forming a processed image by the original image restoring means, wherein the original image restoring means has the same spatial positional relationship as the original original image for each of the blocks constituting the processed image. An apparatus for preventing unauthorized modification of an image, wherein an original image is restored by reconstructing the image. 6. A processed movie / music storage means for storing a processed movie or processed music obtained by processing a certain original movie or original music in advance, and an original movie or original music is stored from the processed movie or processed music. Original movie / song restoring means for restoring and displaying, landmine data storage means for storing data indicating a plurality of locations in the original movie / song or the processed movie / song in advance as landmine data, Determining means for determining whether the mine data has been modified or deleted, and displaying the original movie / music from the original movie / music restoration means when the mine data has not been modified / deleted; Is modified or deleted, the processed movie / music from the processed movie / music storage means is Unauthorized alteration prevention device for a motion picture or music, characterized in that it comprises an output means for force, the. Also,
In this 6, further, a block-by-block dividing means for dividing one original movie or original song into a plurality of blocks, and each of these divided blocks has a different time-series relationship from the original original movie or original song. A processed movie or music forming means for forming a processed movie or processed music as defined in the above, wherein the original movie or music restoring means comprises each of the above-mentioned processed movies or processed music. Unauthorized alteration of a movie or song, wherein the blocks are reconstructed so that they have the same chronological relationship as the original original movie or song, thereby restoring the original movie or song. Prevention device.

In the present invention, the following “processed contents” such as “processed image” or “processed movie, processed song” include the following. That is, (1) the original image (movie, music) is changed to, for example, 16
An image in a state where it is divided into a large number of blocks for each pixel (for example, for every 128 bits) and rearranged at random (in other words, a state in which a jigsaw puzzle is divided). (2) The original image (movie, song) is in a state in which pixels and data are deleted from the original original image (movie, song) at predetermined pitches and the data is thinned out to reduce the resolution / accuracy (resolution)・ Images (movies, music) in a state where accuracy has deteriorated). (3) An image (movie, movie, music) in which a scramble signal (similar to a scramble signal used for pay broadcasting such as satellite broadcasting) is applied to an original image (movie, music)
Song). (4) An image (movie, song) in which watermark data for displaying a “watermark” of a character or a figure is added to an original image (movie, song). (5) An image (movie, song) in which the color of the original image (movie, song) has been changed. (6) An image (movie, song) in which a part of the original image (movie, song) has been dropped.

In the present invention, for example, the following "mine data" exists. That is, (1) Data constituting arbitrary plural portions of an original image (movie, music). That is, in the case of image content, data constituting arbitrary plural portions in the content.
In the case of music content, data that constitutes a plurality of arbitrary portions in the music content. (2) “Digital watermark” data embedded in an original image (movie, music) (the “digital watermark” technology is a technology for embedding secret information that cannot be perceived by humans in digitalized images, music, etc.) For example, a method of converting an image or sound output into data of another format called a frequency spectrum, inserting information to be hidden there, and then returning to the original image again, or a part invisible to humans By embedding them directly in the URL, etc. As a reference article,
(See “Natural Technology Digital Watermarking Technology: Watermarking by Purchaser” of Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun, October 27, 1997).

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an original image storage unit for storing an original image. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes an original image stored in the original image storage unit 1 in a plurality of blocks (for example, blocks of several bits or several bytes, which have no value to the user by themselves (for appreciation). This is a block-by-block dividing unit for dividing into (a block that cannot be an object) data). In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the block-by-block dividing unit 2 divides one original image into A, B, C, D, E, F
Is divided into, for example, six blocks.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a "processed image" by defining each of the plurality of divided blocks as a spatial positional relationship different from the mutual positional relationship in the original original image. This is a processed image forming unit for (creating). That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, for example, the processed image forming unit 3 converts the blocks A, B, C, D, E, and F into “the originals of the blocks A to F. By defining another mutual positional relationship different from the “mutual positional relationship in the original image”, the “processed image (as shown in FIG. 2 (b), (It cannot be an image, which has no value in itself). " Reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1 denotes a processed image storage unit for storing the processed image thus formed.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes an original image restoration unit. The original image restoring unit 5 converts the data of the processed image from the processed image storage unit 4
The original original image is reconstructed and restored. That is, the original image restoration unit 5 generates the same image as the original image of FIG. 1A from the data of the processed image as shown in FIG. By reconstructing the mutual spatial relationship of B, C, D, E, and F (ie, each block A
1- (c) by re-defining and reconfiguring the mutual spatial positional relationship between F. to F so as to be the same as the mutual positional relationship in the original original image.
The original image as shown in FIG.
(Note that in order for the original image restoration unit 5 to correctly perform restoration by “reconstruction” as described above, each of the blocks A to
F to reconstruct the original image by reconstructing F from its mutual spatial positional relationship to the mutual spatial positional relationship of each of the blocks A to F in the original original image. It goes without saying that the original image restoring unit 5 needs to have in advance the relocation information for correct relocation). In order for the original image restoring unit 5 to have the reconstruction information in advance, for example, the processed image forming unit 3 uses the blocks A to F in the original image as shown in FIG.
When the blocks are arranged as shown in (b), the spatial relationship between the blocks and the spatial relationship between the blocks A to F in the original original image before processing are different. Can be sent from the processed image forming section 3 to the original image restoring section 4 as reconstruction information (see the arrow indicated by R in FIG. 1), etc. Needless to say, it is natural. )

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes a mine data extraction unit. Here, the “mine data” is “data indicating a plurality of portions that are unknown to the user in the original image or the processed image, and are not easily understood by the user as the land mine data. Data ”. That is, for example, a, b, c,
The data corresponding to a plurality of locations in the image, such as d, e, f and a, b, c, d, e, f in FIG. In the present embodiment, the lightning data a, b, c, d, e, and f at each location are stored in each of the divided blocks A, B, C, D, E, and F. (Data for displaying a “part”). The land mine data extraction unit 6 extracts data of arbitrary plural places (data for displaying plural places) from the original image or the processed image as “mine land data”. The extracted mine data is stored in the mine data storage unit 7.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes a judgment unit. The determination unit 8 determines whether the processed image or the original image has been partially modified or deleted. The judgment unit 8 collates the mine data from the mine data storage unit 7 with the processed image data from the processed image storage unit 4 to check the mine data in the processed image or the original image. It is determined whether or not the part corresponding to is modified or deleted, and the result of the determination is output to the original image restoration unit 5.

The original image restoring unit 5 is provided with the judgment unit 8
Receives a signal indicating the result of the determination that “the landmine data is not altered or deleted”, based on the signal and the data from the processed image storage unit 4 (in addition to the above blocks, Based on “reconstruction information” for reconstructing A to F to restore the original original image), the processed image is restored to the original image and output to the display unit 9. That is, the original image restoration unit 5
From the processed image in which the blocks A to F are randomly arranged as shown in FIG.
By reconstructing (rearranging) each block so that F has the same correct arrangement as the original original image, the original image is restored (the state of FIG. 2C, ie,
The state shown in FIG. 2A) is output to the display unit 9 to be viewed by the user.

On the other hand, when a signal indicating the result of the determination that “the land mine data has been altered or deleted” is sent from the determination unit 8 to the original image restoration unit 5, the signal and the processed image are processed. Based on the data from the storage unit 4,
The processed image is not restored to the original image (that is, the “processed image (a valueless image that cannot be viewed by the user by itself)” as shown in FIG. 2B). Output) to the display unit 9. That is, the original image restoring unit 5 outputs the “processed image” in which the blocks are randomly arranged as shown in FIG. 2B to the display unit 9 as it is, and provides it to the user ( It would be worthless for users to provide such a processed image).

The first embodiment prevents a user from altering a transmitted image without permission in a business of distributing an image to a large number of users via a computer communication network such as the Internet (network distribution). It is for doing. In other words, the system shown in FIG. 1 is a system provided on the side of a company that distributes images over the network (the server (management computer) side of the network). On the server side of the network distributor, as described above, the processed image is formed from the original image and stored, and the mine data is extracted and stored. Then, when distributing the image from the image distribution company side to the user side, the processed image data, the land mine data, a determination computer program for determining whether or not the land mine data is modified, and A computer program for restoring an original image from a processed image when there is no alteration of the mine data, etc. "
(Data and programs constituting the portion indicated by the dashed line P in FIG. 1) are distributed to the user side. Further, the business side may record the data and the program enclosed by the dashed line P on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distribute the program to the user.

The user can display and view the original image only by "restoring the distributed processed image by the original image restoring program".

Therefore, if the user alters a part of the image without permission while displaying the original image, if the altered part happens to correspond to mine data, the judgment program (FIG. 1) Based on the signal from the determination unit 8), the original image restoration program (FIG. 1)
The original image restoring unit 5) of FIG. 1 displays the processed image as it is without restoring it.
In this case, only an image (a valueless image that cannot be viewed) that each block is randomly arranged as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, if the part that has been modified by the user without permission happens to not correspond to the land mine data, the determination unit 8 determines that the land mine data is not modified and is restored to the original image. However, since the user does not know which part of the original image or the processed image is the mine data, the user cannot effectively modify all the parts of the original image or the processed image ( Modification is suppressed). That is, when the user displays the processed image (valueless image) and modifies a part of the processed image without permission, the user displays the original image restored by the original image restoring unit 5 as well as the original image. Even when a part of the original image is modified without permission, if the part without modification corresponds to the land mine data, the user can no longer perform “restoration by the original image restoration unit 5”. After that, it is only possible to display a valueless processed image (the original image cannot be displayed).

That is, in the present embodiment, if the user is displaying the image of FIG. 2C by the original image restoring unit 5, the image is partially modified, and as a result, If any part of the mine data of a, b, c, d, e, and f in 2 (b) is modified or deleted, the mutual spatial positional relationship between the blocks A to F varies. An irregular state (in other words, a state in which the jigsaw puzzle is broken apart, that is, a state of the processed image in FIG. 2B) is left. That is, in the present embodiment, on the condition that the respective portions from a to f have not been changed (the mine data has not been altered or deleted), the blocks A to F correspond to those shown in FIG. A state arranged in a regular state as shown in (c) (in other words,
The mosaic-like blocks are displayed in a state where they are regularly arranged and become the same as a complete original image, as in a completed jigsaw puzzle.

In the present embodiment, such blocks are regularly arranged (the blocks A to F are correctly reconstructed on the basis of the above-mentioned "reconstruction information", whereby the processing is performed). Reconstructing and restoring the original image from the already-completed image) is executed by a computer program distributed in advance as a set together with the image data, and this program must be displayed on the screen for the user. And printing on a medium such as paper is not permitted.
That is, if the user allows the image to be printed on paper, the user prints the image once on paper,
This is because if the data is read by a scanner and recorded on a recording medium, an image that does not include the data structure and the program is obtained.

Embodiment 2 FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes an original movie / music storage unit for storing original movies / music. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 12 denotes an original movie / song stored in the original movie / song storage unit 11 which is a target of appreciation for a plurality of blocks (the user does not know what movie / song is in itself). This is a block-by-block division unit that divides the data into blocks each of which is made of valueless data that cannot be obtained. That is, the block-by-block dividing unit 12 divides one original movie / song into a plurality of blocks such as A, B, C, D, etc., as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 1
3 shows the relationship between the plurality of divided blocks in another time-series relationship different from the “mutual time-series relationship (correct time-series relationship) in the original original movie / song” (the above-described time-series relationship). By defining the time-series interrelationship of each block = an irregular time-series relation in which the order is worthless to the user's appreciation), "processed (valueless for the user) This is a processed movie / song forming unit for forming “movie / song”. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, for example, the processed movie / sound forming unit 3
By defining the mutual relationship between B, C, and D as a time-series relationship different from the time-series relationship in the original original movie / song, the “processed movie / song (FIG. 2 (b)). Reference numeral 14 in FIG. 3 denotes a processed movie / music storage unit for storing the processed movie / music formed in this manner.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 15 denotes an original movie / music restoration section. The original movie / sound restoration unit 15 stores the processed movie / song data (each of the blocks A, B,
From the processed data in which C, D,... Are arranged in an irregular order, the original original movie / music (the above blocks A, B, C, D,... Are arranged in a regular and correct order). Are reconstructed and restored so as to become the original data obtained). That is, the original movie / music restoration unit 1
Each of the blocks A, B, and 5 generates a movie / music similar to the original movie / music shown in FIG. 4A from the processed movie / music data shown in FIG. 4B.
By reconstructing the mutual time-series relationship of C, D... (By redefining each block to be the same time-series relationship as the mutual time-series relationship in the original original movie / music), FIG. The original original movie / song as shown in (a) and (c) is restored. In this embodiment, the original movie / music restoration unit 15 is also used.
However, in order to perform the above-described “reconstruction of each block (reconstructing each block from an irregular random order to an original correct regular order)”, the original movie / music It is necessary to obtain in advance the reciprocal relationship between the order of each block in (i) and the order of each block in the processed movie / song (relation that can be mutually converted between the respective orders) as “reconstruction information” It is. This can be achieved by, for example, having the processed movie / song forming unit 13 send the “reconstruction information as described above” (see the signal flow indicated by reference symbol S in FIG. 3). However, this is a matter of course, not to mention.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 16 denotes a mine data extraction unit. Here, the “land mine data” is “data indicating a plurality of portions of the original movie / song or the processed movie / song, which is not easily understood by a user”. That is, for example, a, b, c, d in FIG. 4A or a, b, c, d in FIG.
Data corresponding to a plurality of locations in the movie / music (data for outputting sound or video of the plurality of locations) as shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the lightning data a, b, c, and d at each location are:
This is data indicating “a certain place” existing in each of the divided blocks A, B, C, and D. The land mine data extraction unit 16 extracts data of arbitrary plural places from the original movie / song or the processed movie / song as “mine mine data”. The extracted mine data is stored in the mine data storage unit 17.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 18 denotes a judgment unit. The determination unit 18 determines whether the processed movie / music or the original movie / music has been partially modified or deleted. The determination unit 18 compares the landmine data from the landmine data storage unit 17 with the processed movie / music data from the processed movie / music storage unit 14 to obtain the processed movie / music or the original movie. It determines whether or not the portion of the music corresponding to the mine data has been altered or deleted, and outputs the result of the determination to the original movie / music restoration unit 15.

When a signal indicating the result of determination that "the landmine data is not altered or deleted" is sent from the determination unit 18 to the original movie / music restoration unit 15, the signal and the processed movie / music restoration unit 15 are sent. The processed movie / song is restored to an original movie / song based on the data from the music storage unit 14 and output to the output unit 19. That is, the original movie / sound restoration unit 15 converts the processed movie / song in which each block as shown in FIG. 4B is irregularly connected in a time series to the same as the original original movie / song. By reconfiguring (rearranging) each block so as to be connected (time-series relationship), the original movie / music is restored (the state of FIG. 4C) and output to the output unit 19.

On the other hand, the original movie / music restoration section 15
When a signal indicating a determination result indicating that “the land mine data has been altered or deleted” is sent from the determination unit 18, the signal and the data from the processed movie / sound storage unit 14 are transmitted. Based on this, the processed movie / song is output to the display unit 19 without being restored to the original movie / song (that is, as the processed movie / song). That is, the original movie / sound restoration unit 15 converts the processed movie / sound (valueless information) in which each block as shown in FIG. Output to the output unit 19.

According to the above-described embodiment, in a business of distributing a movie / music to a large number of users via a computer communication network such as the Internet (net distribution), the user modifies the movie / music sent to the user without permission. This is to prevent that. In other words, the system shown in FIG. 3 is provided by a company (network server (management computer)
Side). On the server side of the network distributor, as described above, the processed movie / song is formed from the original movie / song and stored, and the mine data is extracted and stored. Then, when distributing the movie / music from the movie / music distribution company to the user side via the Internet, "the processed movie / music data, the mine data, a computer for determining whether or not the mine data has been modified, etc." A program and a computer program for restoring an original movie / song from a processed movie / song when there is no alteration of the land mine data ”(data and programs constituting a portion indicated by a dashed-dotted line Q in FIG. 3) , Deliver to the user side. In addition, the business side,
The data and program enclosed by the dashed-dotted line Q
-It may be recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM and distributed to users.

On the user's side, the first step is to “restore the processed or distributed processed movie / music using the original movie / music restoration program”.
You can output original movies and songs for viewing.

Therefore, if the user modifies a part of the data of the original movie / music, if the modified part corresponds to the mine data, the judgment program (judgment unit 18 in FIG. 3) The original movie / sound restoration program (original movie / sound restoration unit 15 in FIG. 3) outputs the processed movie / sound without restoration based on the signal of FIG.
Only movies / music pieces (valueless information) in which each block shown in FIG. 2B is randomly connected in a time series can be viewed.

In the present embodiment, when the portion modified by the user does not correspond to the land mine data, the determination unit 18 determines that the land mine data is not modified, so that the original movie / music is restored. However, since the user does not know at all what part of the original movie / song or processed movie / song is the mine data, the user eventually ends up with all parts of the original movie / song or the processed movie / song. Becomes practically impossible to modify (modification is strongly suppressed).

That is, in the present embodiment, FIG.
, One content is divided into several blocks A, B, C, D, and so on. And FIG.
As shown in (b), each block A, B, C, D.
Are arranged in a time sequence so that they are not separated from each other (in other words, temporally, the jigsaw puzzles are separated). Next, each of blocks A, B,
C and D are linked to each other based on their temporal relationship. For example, "A comes earlier in time than B, C, D""B comes later in time than A"
They are linked to each other in a relationship such as "B comes later in time than C and D". Each block A,
For B, C, and D, at least one or more important parts a, b, c, and d are extracted and recorded. Then, provided that all of the important parts a, b, c, and d exist, each of the blocks A, B,
The temporal arrangement by the links of C and D (regular temporal arrangement, that is, a state in which a jigsaw puzzle is neatly inserted. The state shown in FIG. 2C) is obtained (the processed movie / music is converted into the original movie / music). Restore to music)
Admit.

Therefore, if the user of the content makes partial modifications without the permission of the copyright holder, for example, FIG.
If part c of FIG. 4A (one of the landmine data) is deleted without permission, or part d of FIG. 4A (one of the landmine data) is exchanged with other data without permission, The mutual links of the blocks A, B, C, and D cannot be converted into regular links (the original movie / sound restoration unit 15 shown in FIG. 3).
Refuses to restore the original movie / song from the processed movie / song.)
As shown in (b), it is in a disorderly state and becomes worthless which cannot be used. As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent unauthorized modification of contents such as movies and music pieces that are temporally continuously expressed.

In each of the above embodiments, data constituting a plurality of portions in an original image / movie / song or a processed image / movie / song is adopted as “mine data”. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, for example, “data newly embedded (hidden by the user) in a processed image / movie / song so as to be invisible to the user” (a conventionally known “ Digital watermark data, etc.) may be used as land mine data.

When the "mine data" is to be extracted from a part of a content such as an image, a movie or a song, the "mine data" is extracted from the "mine data". It is desirable to be an "important part" (because the "important part" increases the possibility of user modification and the damage caused by unauthorized modification increases). In addition, as the number of “important portions” extracted as the “land mine data” increases, the effect of preventing alteration increases.

In each of the above-described embodiments, “the processed content obtained by processing the original content (image, movie, music, etc.), the mine data hidden therein,
A program that determines that the mine data has not been altered or deleted, and a program that restores and outputs the original content from the processed content only when the mine data has not been altered or deleted, via a network. However, the present invention is not limited to the “net distribution” business mode, and the “original content (image, movie, music, etc.)” is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Processed content, mine data hidden in it, and a program to determine that the mine data has not been modified or deleted, and from the processed content only when the mine data has not been modified or deleted Program that restores and outputs the original content "and distributes the recording medium to users It may be sold, etc.) for a fee.

Embodiment 3 FIG. An apparatus for preventing unauthorized use and copying of content according to the third embodiment of the present invention (for example, a system that fulfills the function of the third embodiment can be realized using the apparatus of FIG. 1 or the apparatus of FIG. 3). And a block-by-block dividing unit (for example, reference numeral 2 in FIG. 1 and reference numeral 12 in FIG. 3) that divides one original content into a plurality of blocks. A processed content creation unit (for example, FIG. 1 of FIG. 1) that creates a “processed content (which is in itself worthless for a user's appreciation)” by defining a different spatial positional relationship or a time-series relationship. 3 and 13 in FIG. 3), and from the processed content, the plurality of blocks are divided into the same spatial components as the original original content. Reconfiguration information recording unit that records the reconfiguration information to be used to reconstruct to have a location relation or chronological relationship (original correct regular relationship) (e.g., the original image restoring unit 5 of FIG. 1
And the original movie / sound restoration unit 15 in FIG. 3 has a storage area to be a reconfiguration information recording unit for recording the reconfiguration information, as described above.) For example, the third embodiment can be configured by the device illustrated in FIG. 1 or the device illustrated in FIG. 3). In the third embodiment, for example, the “processed content”
And the above-mentioned "reconstruction information (for reconstructing the original content from the processed content, for reconstructing each block included in the processed content into a correct mutual positional relationship or time-series relationship. By re-distributing the content separately over a network, or by recording them on separate recording media and distributing them separately, in effect, "authorizing unauthorized use or copying of content by users". Can be prevented. That is,
For example, a content provider first transmits only “processed content” to a user first (or records it on a recording medium and sells it), and after confirming that the user has completed payment, If the “reconstruction information” is provided to the user, “unauthorized use of the content by the user (unauthorized use of the pay content. This unauthorized use includes unauthorized copy)”
In fact, it can be prevented. Also, for example, the content provider has previously permitted the user to freely use and copy only “processed content”,
Whenever the user wishes to use the original content, the user is permitted to use the "reconstruction information" each time (or the "reconstruction information" is provided to the user each time), and the user The original content can be restored and reproduced using the “reconstruction information”. In this case, the content provider can monitor and supplement "the unauthorized copying of the content by the user" only by monitoring and supplementing only the actual usage of the "reconstruction information" by the user. That is, in this case, the user can freely copy only the "processed content" without permission, but as described above, the "processed content" itself is meaningless and worthless for appreciation. It is expected that virtually no unauthorized copying of the processed content will occur.

[0037]

As described above, according to the apparatus of the present invention, "processed content obtained by processing original content such as images, movies, music, etc., mine data hidden therein, and mine data A determination program that determines that the content has not been modified or deleted, and a restoration program that restores the same content as the original from the processed content only when the mine data has not been modified or deleted, '' It is distributed or recorded on a recording medium and distributed. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to restore the processed content to the original content on the condition that “the user has not altered or deleted the mine data without permission”. Therefore, according to the present invention, unauthorized modification of the content by the user can be effectively prevented, and the copyright or moral rights of the creator of the content can be effectively protected. The same effect can be obtained by the recording medium of the present invention.

In the apparatus for preventing unauthorized use and unauthorized copying of content according to the present invention, a block-by-block dividing means for dividing one original content into a plurality of blocks, and dividing each of these divided blocks into the original original content. By defining a spatial relationship or a time-series relationship that is different from the “processed content that is itself worthless for user viewing”
And a plurality of blocks having the same spatial positional relationship or time-series relationship (original correct regular relationship) as the original original content from the processed content. And reconfiguration information recording means for recording reconfiguration information used for reconfiguration as described above. In the present invention, for example, the “processed content” and the “reconstruction information (in order to restore the original original content from the processed content, correct each block included in the processed content, Reconfiguration information for reconfiguring to a mutual positional relationship or a time-series relationship), or by distributing them separately on a separate recording medium by recording them on a separate recording medium. , "Unauthorized use or unauthorized copying of content by users" can be prevented. That is, for example, the content provider first transmits only the “processed content” to the user first (or records it on a recording medium and sells it), and confirms that the payment by the user has been completed. Therefore, if the “reconstruction information” is provided to the user, “unauthorized use of the content by the user (unauthorized use of the paid content. This unauthorized use includes unauthorized copying)” In fact, it can be prevented. Also, for example, the content provider may permit the user to freely use and copy only the “processed content” in advance, and when the user desires to use the original content, the The user is permitted to use the "configuration information" (or the "reconstruction information" is provided to the user each time), and the user restores and reproduces the original content using the "reconstruction information" You can make it. In this case, the content provider can monitor and supplement "the unauthorized copying of the content by the user" only by monitoring and supplementing only the actual usage of the "reconstruction information" by the user. That is, in this case, the user can freely copy only the "processed content" without permission, but as described above, the "processed content" itself is meaningless and worthless for appreciation. It is expected that virtually no unauthorized copying of the processed content will occur.
As described above, the system for preventing unauthorized use and copying of content by dividing the original content into blocks and arranging those blocks in an irregular relationship. Is 1
The article is partially introduced in the article "Key on IC Card" by Dai Nippon Printing, Cryptographic System, on the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun dated January 13, 999. That is, this article contains the following text: "Dai Nippon Printing announced on December 12 that it has developed an encryption system for exchanging confidential data between companies via the Internet. The encryption key is recorded on an IC card, and the key information is stored on the Internet. In addition, it uses a mechanism that splits the file before encrypting it, so that the contents do not make sense even if it is decrypted illegally from outside. Utilizes RSA and DES (Data Encryption Standard) .Since the original file is divided into several bytes and rearranged into multiple files and then encrypted, the contents do not make sense even if illegally decrypted The key used for encryption and the method of dividing and rearranging the file are changed every time encryption is performed, and "illegal decryption from outside is virtually impossible" (Dainippon Printing). (Omitted) "

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A block-by-block dividing means for dividing one original content into "a plurality of blocks which have no meaning for the user's own appreciation", and dividing each of the divided blocks into an original original. A modified content creating means for creating a modified content by defining a spatial position relationship or a time-series relationship different from the content, and the plurality of blocks based on the modified content from the modified content. Reconstructing information recording means for recording reconstructing information used for reconstructing so as to have the same spatial positional relationship or time-series relationship as the original content of the original content. Copy protection device. 2. A processed content storage means for storing processed content obtained by processing original content such as an image, a movie, a song, etc. in advance, and data indicating a plurality of places in the processed content as landmines. Land mine data storage means which is stored in advance as data; determination means for determining whether or not the mine data has been modified or deleted; and when the mine data has not been modified or deleted, an original And an original content restoring means for restoring the original content of the content. 3. The dividing unit according to claim 2, further comprising: a unit for dividing one original content into “a plurality of blocks that have no meaning for the user by themselves”. A modified content creating unit for creating a modified content by defining each block to have a spatial position relationship or a time-series relationship different from the original original content, and the original content restoring unit includes: Restoring the original content from the processed content by reconstructing the plurality of blocks constituting the processed content so that they have the same spatial positional relationship or time-series relationship as the original original content A device for preventing unauthorized modification of content. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein data indicating processed contents obtained by processing original contents such as images, movies, and songs, land mine data including data indicating a plurality of locations in the processed contents, and land mine data are modified. Or a determination program for determining whether or not it has been deleted,
When the mine data has not been modified or deleted, an original content restoration program for restoring the original content from the processed content,
A recording medium with a function for preventing unauthorized modification of content, characterized by recording a content. [0001]