JP2000276840A - Multimedia data reproducing device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To allow a user to view a trial without using a recording medium for trial viewing. SOLUTION: A user who wants to view a scrambled portion first presses an acquisition number display key. Then, a release number acquisition number is created,
Displayed on the CRT (S10 "YES", S11, S1
2) Therefore, the user notifies the manufacturer of the displayed release number acquisition number. The manufacturer requests the release number based on the release number acquisition number notified by the user and notifies the user. Next, the user presses the input screen display key. Then, a release number is created and a release number input screen is displayed on the CRT, so that the user inputs the release number notified by the manufacturer. If the release number is correctly input, the reproduction restriction release flag F is set to 1
(S13 "YES", S14 to S16, S17
"YES", S18), the scramble is released.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multimedia data reproducing apparatus for reproducing multimedia data obtained by encoding audio, video and the like, and a recording medium on which multimedia data is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording medium (eg, DV) in which multimedia data obtained by encoding audio, video and the like is recorded.
D)), in addition to the “recording medium for sale” for actual sales, the “recording medium for trial viewing (so-called preview version)” for reproduction at the store for the purpose of sales promotion and the like. Has been manufactured. Many dealers allow users to preview a trial-play recording medium by playing it at a store or distributing a trial-recording recording medium free of charge (in some cases, selling it at a low price). ing. For this reason, the user can listen to his / her own ears, see with his / her own eyes, and confirm what kind of sound or video the user has, and then purchase the recording medium, which is convenient. Then, if the user who made the trial viewing can purchase the recording medium for sale, the manufacturer and the store can obtain profit.

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the invention] However, manufacturers
Since it is necessary to manufacture not only a recording medium for sale but also a recording medium for trial viewing, there is a problem that a manufacturing cost is increased. In addition, when reproducing the recording medium for trial viewing at the store, the store must secure a place for reproducing the recording medium for trial viewing and allowing the user to view the recording medium. There is a problem that the space for the operation is relatively narrow. On the other hand, when the method of distributing (selling) the recording medium for trial viewing to the user at the store is adopted, the user listens to the distributed recording medium for trial viewing at home, and then returns to the store again. There is a problem that it is troublesome because you have to go to the city.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a multimedia data reproducing apparatus and a recording medium that allow a user to view a trial without using a recording medium for trial viewing. The purpose is to provide.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention In order to achieve such an object, a multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the first invention has a sound and a video as described in claim 1. Multimedia data, comprising: reading means for reading data from a recording medium on which at least one of the encoded multimedia data is recorded; and output means for decoding and outputting the multimedia data read by the reading means. A playback device, wherein the playback device limits the data that can be decoded and output by the output device to a part of all the multimedia data recorded on the recording medium; and a limitation by the limitation device. Input means for externally inputting first release information for requesting release of the lock, and the first release information input by the input means is appropriate. Determine whether, characterized in that it comprises a restriction releasing means for the first release information for releasing the restriction by the restricting means when it is determined to be proper, the.

In the multimedia data reproducing device according to the present invention, the reading means reads the multimedia data from the recording medium, and the output means decodes and outputs the multimedia data read by the reading means. However, the output unit cannot decode and output all the multimedia data recorded on the recording medium, and the data that can be decoded and output by the output unit is recorded by the restricting unit. It is limited to a part of all multimedia data recorded on the medium. Therefore, in this state, it is not possible to view audio, video, and the like that are limited by the restricting means. However, when the first release information is input from the outside by the input means and it is determined that the first release information is appropriate, the restriction by the restriction means is released by the restriction release means, and the restriction by the restriction means is reduced. Audio, video and the like can be viewed. It is to be noted that the form in which the restricting means restricts is arbitrary. For example, the restricting means may be in the form of restriction in units of hours, chapters, or the like.

As described above, in the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, until a user inputs appropriate first release information from the outside by the input means, a part of the data recorded on the recording medium is removed. You can only watch audio and video. That is, the user merely owns the recording medium for trial viewing by purchasing the recording medium, and substantially owns the recording medium for sale by inputting appropriate first release information. It becomes. Therefore, the user can have a trial viewing without using a recording medium for trial viewing. Therefore, the maker only has to produce the recording medium for sale, so that the production cost can be reduced, and the user only has to visit the store once, which is convenient. For example, the recording medium itself is sold at a low price, a maker or a third organization other than the maker sells the first release information to the user, and the price of the recording medium itself and the price of the first release information are compared. A selling method is conceivable in which the total is the price of a conventional recording medium for sale.

In the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the restriction means and the restriction release means can be arbitrarily configured in any manner. For example, as described in claim 2, The control information for operating at least one of the restriction unit and the restriction release unit is recorded on the recording medium, and the restriction unit or the restriction release unit reads the control unit from the recording medium. It is good to be constituted so that it may operate according to the control information.

In such a configuration, the operation contents of the restricting means and the restriction releasing means can be set for each recording medium. Can be set in detail. Also, the multimedia data reproducing device alone, that is,
When the control means and the control release means are configured to operate irrespective of the recorded contents of the recording medium, the restriction by the restriction means does not work or the restriction release by the restriction release means always functions. In order to prevent such fraud,
It is preferable that the control means and the control release means operate according to the control information read from the recording medium.

If this is taken as an invention for a recording medium, the present invention provides a recording medium on which multimedia data in which at least one of audio and video is encoded is recorded. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium recording a program for realizing at least one function of the restriction unit and the restriction release unit according to claim 1 by a computer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multimedia data reproducing apparatus, comprising: a recording medium on which multimedia data in which at least one of audio and video is encoded is recorded; A multimedia data reproducing apparatus comprising: reading means for reading data; and output means for decoding and outputting multimedia data read by the reading means, wherein the multimedia data Is processed so that it cannot be properly decoded by the output means as it is, and an input for externally inputting second release information for requesting proper decoding by the output means. Means for determining whether the second release information input by the input means is appropriate, and determining that the second release information is appropriate. The proper, characterized in that it comprises, a restriction removing means for processing as it is possible to properly decode processing multimedia data so as not be able to decode when.

In the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the reading means reads the multimedia data from the recording medium, and the output means decodes and outputs the multimedia data read by the reading means. However, a part of the multimedia data recorded on the recording medium is processed so that it cannot be properly decoded by the output means as it is. Therefore, in this state, it is not possible to view audio, video, and the like that have been processed by the output means so that they cannot be properly decoded. However, when the second release information is input from the outside by the input means, and the second release information is determined to be appropriate, the multimedia data processed so that the restriction release means cannot decode properly. Is processed so that it can be properly decoded, and audio, video, and the like can be viewed.

As described above, in the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, until the user inputs the appropriate second release information from the outside by the input means, the user performs a part of the data recorded on the recording medium. Since only the audio and video can be viewed, the same effect as the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the second invention can be obtained.

Further, similarly to the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the first invention, in the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the second invention, how to specifically configure the restriction releasing means is optional. However, for example, as described in claim 5, control information for operating the restriction release unit is recorded on the recording medium, and the restriction release unit is configured such that the reading unit is the recording medium. It is good to be constituted so that it may operate according to the control information read from the.

With this configuration, the operation of the restriction canceling means can be set in detail for each recording medium. Further, similarly to the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the first invention, from the viewpoint of preventing impropriety, it is preferable that the control release means be operated in accordance with the control information read from the recording medium.

If this is taken as an invention for a recording medium, multimedia data in which at least one of audio and video is encoded is recorded, and the multimedia data is recorded. A part of the data is a recording medium processed so that it cannot be properly decoded by the output means according to claim 4 as it is, and the function of the restriction release means according to claim 4 is provided. A recording medium characterized by recording a program to be realized by a computer.

In the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the identification information of the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium. Release information creating means for creating release information and release information acquisition information corresponding to the release information based on the identification information of the recording medium read by the reading means and the identification information given to the multimedia data reproducing apparatus. A release information recording unit that records release information created by the release information creation unit, and an acquisition information output unit that outputs the release information acquisition information created by the release information creation unit to the outside, The restriction release means records release information input by the external input means as release information corresponding to the release information acquisition information and the release information recording means. It has been a release information is, it is determined whether match, may both cancellation information is configured so as to release the restriction by the restricting unit when a decision is made to coincide.

In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, identification information is read from the recording medium by the reading means, and based on the identification information of the recording medium and the identification information of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus. Then, the release information and release information acquisition information corresponding to the release information are generated by the release information generating means. Then, the release information created by the release information creation unit is recorded in the release information recording unit, and the release information acquisition information created by the release information creation unit is output to the outside by the acquisition information output unit. When the user notifies the manufacturer or a third organization other than the manufacturer of the release information acquisition information output by the acquisition information output unit and pays a predetermined fee,
A manufacturer or a third organization other than the manufacturer notifies the user of release information corresponding to the release information acquisition information. When the user inputs the notified release information through the external input unit, the restriction release unit determines whether the input release information matches the release information recorded in the release information recording unit. I do. If the two pieces of release information match, the restriction by the restriction means is released. The release information acquisition information may be displayed on the screen,
You may make it print on paper etc. In addition, the procedure from the output of the release information acquisition information to the acquisition of the release information is arbitrary.

As described above, the release information and the release information acquisition information are created based on the identification information of the recording medium and the identification information of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus. The release information is different, and the release information is different for each multimedia data reproducing apparatus even for the same recording medium. Therefore, even if the release information is leaked, the release information is determined to be appropriate only when the corresponding recording medium is reproduced by the corresponding multimedia data reproducing apparatus. It is rare. Therefore, it is excellent in safety.

Further, control information for operating at least one of the release information creating means, the acquired information output means and the restriction release means is recorded on the recording medium. The release information creating unit, the acquired information output unit, or the restriction release unit may be configured to operate according to the control information read from the recording medium by the reading unit.

With such a configuration, the operation contents of the release information creating means, the acquired information output means, and the restriction release means can be set in detail for each recording medium. or,
As described above, it is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing fraud. Similarly, the recording medium according to claim 3 or 6 has its own identification number recorded as described in claim 9, and the release information creating means and restriction release means according to claim 7 A program for realizing at least one function of the above by a computer may be recorded.

Further, the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention is arranged so that the release information and the release information are provided based on the identification information recorded on the recording medium and the identification information given to the multimedia data reproducing apparatus. In a case where the release information acquisition information corresponding to the release information is configured to be created, in particular, as described in claim 10, the identification information recorded on the recording medium is provided for each recording medium. It is good if it is a serial number given to. Further, as described in claim 11, the identification information given to the playback device is preferably a serial number given to each playback device.

Since the serial number and the recording medium or the multimedia data reproducing apparatus correspond strictly on a one-to-one basis, if the release information and the release information acquisition information are created based on the serial number, the same release information and release information are obtained. Information acquisition information is almost never created, and it is very difficult to forge. Therefore, the reliability of the release information and the release information acquisition information is very high.

Similarly, the identification number recorded on the recording medium according to the third, sixth or ninth aspect is a serial number assigned to each recording medium as described in the twelfth aspect. It is good.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the multimedia data reproducing device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1 of this embodiment reads multimedia data from a recording medium 11 such as a DVD and outputs an audio signal and a video signal (audio and video signals).
A video 12, a motor 12, a servo circuit 13, a pickup 14, and a signal processing circuit 1.
5, the data detection circuit 16, and the descrambling circuit 1
7, a data decoder 18, a program data temporary recording RAM 19, a CPU 20, a ROM 21, a RAM
22.

The motor 12 is for rotating the recording medium 11. The servo circuit 13 controls the rotation of the motor 12 in accordance with a command from the CPU 20. The pickup 14 is for reading data from the recording medium 11.

The signal processing circuit 15 converts the data read by the pickup 14 into a data detection circuit 1 at a subsequent stage.
6 for performing a predetermined process so that it can be used. The data detection circuit 16 includes the recording medium 11
From the pickup 14 and the signal processing circuit 15 to determine whether the data is multimedia data or program data. For example, it is for sending to the program data temporary recording RAM 19.

The descrambling circuit 17 includes a CPU 20
In accordance with the instruction (1), the predetermined processing (hereinafter, referred to as "scramble") performed on the multimedia data sent from the data detection circuit 16 is canceled.
The scramble will be described later.

The data decoder 18 converts the multimedia data sent from the descrambling circuit 17 into an audio signal and a video signal. The converted audio signal and video signal are output from a signal output terminal. And
It is supplied to a CRT, a speaker and the like (not shown).

The program data temporary recording RAM 19
This is for recording the program data sent from the data detection circuit 16 for the CPU 20 to use for processing. The CPU 20 includes a basic program and a program data temporary recording RAM recorded in the ROM 21.
Based on the program data recorded in 19, various processes such as issuing commands to the servo circuit 13, the descrambling circuit 17, and the data decoder 18 are performed.

The ROM 21 is pre-recorded with a basic program representing a basic processing procedure performed by the CPU 20. The RAM 22 is for temporarily recording the calculation result and the like by the CPU 20.

Next, the operation of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart. First, the reproduction restriction release setting processing shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The procedure of this processing is recorded as program data on the recording medium 11, and this program data is stored in the pickup 14, the signal processing circuit 15, the data detection circuit 1, and the like.
When the program data is recorded in the program data temporary recording RAM 19 via the CPU 6 and read by the CPU 20, the processing is started.

When this process is started, the CPU 20
It is determined whether the acquisition number display key has been pressed (S10). The acquisition number display key is provided on the multimedia data reproducing device 1 or a remote controller for remotely operating the multimedia data reproducing device 1, but illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

If the acquisition number display key is pressed ("YES" in S10), a release number acquisition number is created (S11). Specifically, first, the serial number of the recording medium 11 is obtained from the program data, and is created by a predetermined calculation using the serial number of the recording medium 11 and the serial number of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1. Subsequently, the CPU 20 displays the created release number acquisition number on the CRT (S12). Specifically, the data of the release number acquisition number is transmitted to the data decoder 1.
8 and output it as a video signal. And S13
Proceed to. On the other hand, if the acquisition number display key is not pressed ("NO" in S10), the process proceeds to S13 without performing the processes of S11 and S12.

Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the input screen display key has been pressed (S10). The input screen display key is also provided on the multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1 or the remote controller, similarly to the acquisition number display key, but its illustration and detailed description are omitted.

If the input screen display key has not been pressed ("NO" in S13), the process returns to S10 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if the input screen display key is pressed ("YES" in S13), a release number is created (S14). Specifically, similarly to the release number acquisition number, the recording medium 11
Is obtained by a predetermined calculation using the serial number of the recording medium 11 and the serial number of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1. Then, the created release information is recorded in the RAM 22. Then, CP
U20 causes the CRT to display a release number input screen requesting the user to input a release number by a message such as "Please input a release number" (S15). Specifically, the data of the release number input screen is transferred to the data decoder 18.
And output it as a video signal. Then, CPU2
0 acquires the release number input by the user operating the release number input key (not shown) provided on the multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1 or the remote controller (S16). Then, it is determined whether or not the release number input by the user matches the release number recorded in the RAM 22 (S17).

If the two pieces of release information match ("YES" in S17), the reproduction restriction release flag F
Is set (substituting 1 for F) (S18), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the two release numbers do not match ("NO" in S17), a message indicating that the release numbers do not match is displayed on the CRT (S19), and the process ends.

Next, the reproduction process shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The procedure of this processing is recorded in the ROM 21 as a basic program, and the processing is started when the recording medium 11 is mounted on the multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1.

When this process is started, the CPU 20
The multimedia data sent to the descrambling circuit 17 via the pickup 14, the signal processing circuit 15, and the data detection circuit 16 is obtained (S20), and it is determined whether or not the multimedia data has been scrambled. (S21). In this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (1), scramble is applied to the original data by calculating the exclusive OR of the original data for reproducing the normal audio and video and the scrambled data. More specifically, FIGS. 4C-1 and 4C-1
As shown in -2), at the beginning of the converted data obtained by calculating the exclusive OR of the original data and the scrambled data, data indicating the presence or absence of scrambling (0001 if scrambled is performed) , 0000 if not applied) and data for identifying the pattern of the scrambled data are recorded on the recording medium 11 as multimedia data. or,
When the converted data scrambled as shown in FIG. 4A is restored (unscrambled),
As shown in FIG. 4B, the exclusive OR of the converted data and the scrambled data is calculated. Note that the recording medium 11 also records scrambled data. And C
The PU 20 determines whether or not the multimedia data has been scrambled based on the data indicating the presence or absence of the scramble.

If the scramble has not been performed ("NO" in S21), the process proceeds to S26. On the other hand, if the scramble has been performed ("YES" in S21), it is determined whether or not the reproduction restriction release flag F recorded in the RAM 22 is 1 (S2).
2). If the reproduction restriction release flag F is not 1 ("NO" in S22), the process proceeds to S26. on the other hand,
If the reproduction restriction release flag F is 1 ("YES" in S22), a scramble pattern is obtained from the multimedia data sent to the descrambling circuit 17 (S23), and the corresponding scramble data is stored in the recording medium. 11 (S24), and causes the descrambling circuit 17 to descramble the data by causing the exclusive OR to be calculated (S25).

Then, a command is issued to the descrambling circuit 17 to input the multimedia data to the data decoder 18 (S26), and the process is terminated. Subsequently, specific operation contents when the multimedia data reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment is actually used will be described. In the initial state, the reproduction restriction release flag F is 0.

First, when the user mounts the recording medium 11 on the multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1, a reproducing process is started. When the program data indicating the procedure of the reproduction restriction release setting processing is read from the recording medium 11 and recorded in the program data temporary recording RAM 19, the reproduction restriction release setting processing is started.

Then, according to the reproduction processing, the recording medium 11
, The multimedia data is sequentially read and if the data is not scrambled, the data decoder 1
8, a normal audio signal and a video signal are output, a normal audio is output from a speaker, and a normal image is output to a CRT (S20, S21 "NO", S25).

However, since the reproduction restriction release flag F is 0, even if the multimedia data is scrambled, the multimedia data is input to the data decoder 18 without being descrambled. Is not output, and regular audio and video are not output from the speaker and the CRT (S20, S21 "YES",
S22 "NO", S25).

Therefore, the user who wants to view the scrambled portion first presses the acquisition number display key. Then, a release number acquisition number is created and displayed on the CRT (S10 "YES", S1
(1, S12), the user notifies the manufacturer of the displayed release number acquisition number. The manufacturer creates a release number based on the release number acquisition number notified by the user and notifies the user. The manufacturer informs the user of the release number in exchange for the fee. Next, the user presses the input screen display key. Then, a release number is created and a release number input screen is displayed on the CRT, so that the user inputs the release number notified by the manufacturer. If the release number is correctly input, the reproduction restriction release flag F becomes 1 ("YES" in S13, S
14 to S16, S17 "YES", S18).

When the reproduction restriction release flag F becomes 1 in this manner, if the multimedia data has been scrambled, it is input to the data decoder 18 after being descrambled. A signal is output, a regular sound is outputted from the speaker, and a regular image is outputted to the CRT (S21 "YES", S22
"YES", S25).

In this embodiment, the pickup 14
Corresponds to the above-mentioned reading means, the data decoder 18 corresponds to the above-mentioned output means, the release number input key corresponds to the above-mentioned input means, and the processing of S22 to S24 of the reproduction processing is performed by the operation of the above-mentioned restriction releasing means. , The release number corresponds to the above-described release information, and the release number acquisition number corresponds to the above-described release information acquisition information.

Next, the effect of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. According to the multimedia data reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment, the user cannot view the audio and video of the scrambled portion until the user inputs the release number. That is,
Unless the user purchases the recording medium 11 and pays the fee to acquire the release number, the user does not own the complete recording medium 11. Therefore, the user can have a trial viewing without using a recording medium for trial viewing. Therefore, the maker only has to produce the recording medium for sale, so that the production cost can be reduced, and the user only has to visit the store once, which is convenient.

Further, since the release number and the release number acquisition number are created based on the serial number of the recording medium 11 and the serial number of the multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1, even in the same multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1, The release number differs for each multimedia data reproducing device 1 even for the same recording medium 11.
Therefore, even if the release number is leaked, it is determined that the release number is appropriate only if the corresponding recording medium 1
1 is reproduced only by the corresponding multimedia data reproducing apparatus 1, and there is almost no possibility of misuse. Therefore, it is excellent in safety.

Also, since the program data indicating the procedure of the reproduction restriction release setting process is recorded on the recording medium 11,
The method of creating a release number and a release number acquisition number in the reproduction restriction release setting process can be set in detail for each recording medium 11. As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment at all, and it is needless to say that the present invention may be implemented in various modes.

For example, in the embodiment, the scramble is applied to the multimedia data recorded on the recording medium 11, and the scramble is released under the condition that an appropriate release number is input. The multimedia data recorded on the medium 11 may not be processed at all, and the multimedia data reproducing device 1 may be configured to limit the decoding of the multimedia data. More specifically, a reproduction process as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be performed.

In the reproducing process shown in FIG. 5, multimedia data is obtained from the recording medium 11 (S30), and
It is determined whether the reproduction restriction release flag F recorded in No. 2 is 1 (S31). If the reproduction restriction release flag F is 1 (“YES” in S31), the multimedia data is Input to the decoder 18 (S3
3) If the reproduction restriction release flag F is not 1 (S3
1 is "NO"), it is determined whether or not a preset reproducible time has elapsed (S32). If not ("NO" in S32), the multimedia data is Input to the decoder 18 (S3
3) If it has already passed ("Y" in S32)
ES "), and terminate the process.

In the reproduction process shown in FIG. 6, multimedia data is obtained from the recording medium 11 (S40), and
It is determined whether or not the reproduction restriction release flag F recorded in 2 is 1 (S41). If the reproduction restriction release flag F is 1 (“YES” in S41), the multimedia data is Input to the decoder 18 (S4
3) If the reproduction restriction release flag F is not 1 (S4)
1 (“NO”), it is determined whether or not the multimedia data acquired in S40 is reproducible data that can be reproduced unconditionally (S42), and if it is reproducible data (S42). "YES"),
The multimedia data is input to the data decoder 18 (S43). If the data is not reproducible data ("NO" in S42), the process ends.

Even in the case where the reproduction processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is adopted, the user is allowed to view the contents until the appropriate release number is input and the reproduction restriction release flag F becomes 1 as in the embodiment. Audio and video are limited. Therefore, the user can have a trial viewing without using a recording medium for trial viewing. Therefore, the maker only has to produce the recording medium for sale, so that the production cost can be reduced, and the user only has to visit the store once, which is convenient.

In the embodiment, the reproduction restriction release flag F is recorded in the RAM 22. However, the reproduction restriction release flag F may be recorded in a flash memory or the like. The configuration may be such that the restriction release flag F can be written.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reproduction restriction release setting process.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reproduction process.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of scrambling performed on multimedia data.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reproduction process according to a modification.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reproduction process according to a modification.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a characteristic configuration and operation of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multimedia data reproducing apparatus 11 ... Recording medium 12 ... Motor 13 ... Servo circuit 14 ... Pickup 15 ... Signal processing circuit 16 ... Data detection circuit 17 ... Scramble cancellation circuit 18 ... Data decoder 19 ... Program data temporary recording RAM.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. Reading means for reading data from a recording medium on which multimedia data in which at least one of audio and video is encoded is recorded, and output means for decoding and outputting the multimedia data read by the reading means. A multimedia data reproducing apparatus comprising: a device that limits data that can be decoded and output by the output unit to a part of all multimedia data recorded on the recording medium. Means, input means for externally inputting first release information for requesting release of restriction by the restriction means, and determining whether the first release information input by the input means is appropriate And a restriction release means for releasing the restriction by the restriction means when it is determined that the first release information is appropriate. Media data playback device. 2. The control information for operating at least one of the restriction unit and the restriction release unit is recorded on the recording medium, wherein the restriction unit or the restriction release unit is configured such that the reading unit performs the recording. The multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus operates according to control information read from a medium. 3. A recording medium on which multimedia data in which at least one of audio and video is encoded is recorded, wherein at least one function of the restriction unit and the restriction release unit according to claim 1 is realized by a computer. A recording medium characterized by recording a program for executing the program. 4. Reading means for reading data from a recording medium on which multimedia data in which at least one of audio and video is encoded is recorded, and output means for decoding and outputting the multimedia data read by the reading means. And a multimedia data reproducing apparatus comprising: a part of multimedia data recorded on the recording medium, which is processed so that it cannot be properly decoded by the output means as it is. Input means for externally inputting second release information for requesting appropriate decoding by the output means; and determining whether the second release information input by the input means is appropriate. If it is determined that the second release information is appropriate, the multimedia data that has been processed so that the Multimedia data reproduction apparatus characterized by comprising: a restriction releasing means for processing as can be decoded, the. 5. The control information for operating the restriction release means is recorded on the recording medium, and the restriction release means operates according to the control information read from the recording medium by the reading means. The multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein 6. Multimedia data in which at least one of audio and video is encoded is recorded, and a part of the multimedia data is properly decoded by the output means according to claim 4 as it is. A recording medium processed so as not to be able to perform the function, wherein a program for realizing the function of the restriction release means according to claim 4 by a computer is recorded. 7. The identification information of the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium, and the identification information of the recording medium read by the reading unit and the identification information given to the multimedia data reproducing device are recorded. Release information creating means for creating release information and release information acquisition information corresponding to the release information based on the release information; release information recording means for recording the release information created by the release information creation means; Acquisition information output means for outputting the created release information acquisition information to the outside, the restriction release means comprising: release information input by the external input means as release information corresponding to the release information acquisition information; and It is determined whether or not the release information recorded in the release information recording means matches, and if it is determined that both release information match, the restriction 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the restriction by the step is released.
Or the multimedia data reproducing device according to 4. 8. The release information creating means,
Control information for operating at least one of the acquisition information output unit and the restriction release unit is recorded, and the release information creation unit, the acquisition information output unit, or the restriction release unit is configured so that the reading unit is The multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus operates according to control information read from a recording medium. 9. A program for realizing at least one of the functions of the release information creating means and the restriction release means according to claim 7 by a computer. 7. The recording medium according to claim 3, wherein: 10. The multimedia data reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the identification information recorded on the recording medium is a serial number assigned to each recording medium. 11. The multi-function device according to claim 7, wherein the identification information assigned to the playback device is a serial number assigned to each playback device. Media data playback device. 12. The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the identification information is a serial number assigned to each recording medium.