JP2001250011A - Digital data processing device and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To prevent overflow of a memory for storing usage history information and to surely transfer usage history information. SOLUTION: In a listening right data charger 204 for delivering listening right data to a player, the remaining amount of the usage log data memory or the usage of the capacity is monitored. For example, when the remaining amount becomes 10%, a message prompting the transfer of the reproduction log is displayed on the display unit 303 of the charger 204. When the user connects the charger 204 to the telephone line in response to this display, this is sensed, and the user transfers the playback log to the payment center while watching the display or automatically. Until the transfer of the playback log is actually performed, charging of the listening right data is prohibited in order to eliminate the necessity of storing a new playback log. Also,
A display unit 303a for displaying the remaining capacity of the usage log data memory or the usage of the capacity is provided. further,
When the remaining amount or the used amount reaches a predetermined value, a warning lamp 303b is provided which is turned on and blinks.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital data processing device applied to, for example, music distribution.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Compact Disc (C)
D), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digita
l Video Disc) and the like, various types of copy protection techniques for preventing illegal copying have been proposed and put into practical use for copyright protection. For example, SCMS (Serial
Copy Management System (CD) can be converted from CD to MD (Mini Dis
c; even if the first generation copy to
This prohibits copying from D to another medium and copying from the second generation as viewed from CD. There is also known a copy generation restriction method that restricts how many generations of data such as music can be copied from a parent signal source.

On the other hand, recently, with the rapid development of networks such as the Internet, music contents have been distributed via networks. Under these circumstances, EMD (Electronic Musi) using networks such as the Internet and satellite broadcasting
c Distribution) has started, and a copyright management method in EMD has been proposed. In EMD, a user can obtain music content by paying a price, that is, by charging. Even in this EMD, in order to prevent illegal copying, the SCM described above is used.
Techniques such as S and copy generation restriction are being used.

As described above, the conventional copyright protection method restricts copying by using copy protection technology and protects the rights of the copyright holder. It was an obstacle in distributing it to For example, one of the conventional copyright protection systems is a levy system. This is DAT (Digital Audio
Taperecorder), which is implemented in MD, and users of digital recording equipment pay compensation that is added to the product price. Nowadays, with the development of networks, hardware (players, players, etc.) are used so that content distributed via networks can be received and played by personal computers (personal computers).
In many cases, media and content do not correspond one-to-one, and such a levy system is not suitable as a copyright protection system.

[0005] When a plurality of songs are recorded on a medium such as a CD, the user may want to listen to only one or a few of the songs. You may not want to buy a copy. In addition, the copy protection technology hinders the promotion and distribution of music content. Rather, distributing music content free of charge enables the advertisement and distribution of the music content to be performed in a short time, and it is also possible to reduce the cost for the advertisement and distribution. Therefore,
The distribution itself is carried out free of charge in order to make the distribution of the content easy and quick and to enable the copyright holder to obtain a legitimate price. A system to be made is conceivable.

[0006]

In such a system, uploading of usage history information, for example, reproduction history information of a content, to a management mechanism or a management center that distributes music content from a terminal on the user side is performed by:
This is effective for improving user preferences and content security. However, it is impossible to store the reproduction history information without limit, and it is necessary to transfer the reproduction history information before the memory storing the reproduction history information overflows. If the user forgets to transfer the reproduction history information to the management center or the like, the memory overflows and there is a possibility that correct reproduction history information cannot be transferred.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital data processing device and a terminal device capable of reliably transferring usage history information.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 receives digital data whose use has been charged through a data recording medium or a network, and uses the use right data. A digital data processing device that uses the received digital data and has storage means for storing digital data usage history information, and monitors the cumulative use of digital data based on the usage history information; Is a digital data processing device characterized by prompting transfer of usage history information when the accumulation of... Reaches a preset value.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital data processing apparatus which receives digital data whose use is charged through a data recording medium or a network, and uses the received digital data by using usage right data. The apparatus has a storage means for storing digital data usage history information and a communication means for communicating with the settlement center. The usage history information monitors the cumulative use of digital data, and the cumulative use is preset. A digital data processing apparatus characterized by automatically transferring usage history information to a settlement center via communication means when the value reaches a value.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital data processing apparatus for receiving digital data whose usage is charged through a data recording medium or a network, and utilizing the digital data received using the usage right data. A digital data processing apparatus comprising a storage unit for storing digital data usage history information, and prompting transfer of usage history information when a preset date is reached.

[0011] The invention according to claim 8 is a digital data processing apparatus which receives digital data whose usage is charged through a data recording medium or a network, and uses the digital data received using the usage right data. The apparatus has storage means for storing digital data usage history information, and communication means for communicating with the settlement center. When a preset date is reached, the usage history information is transmitted to the settlement center via the communication means. And a digital data processing device for automatically transferring the data.

[0012] The invention according to claim 9 is a digital data processing apparatus for receiving digital data whose usage is charged through a data storage medium or a network and using the received digital data by using usage right data. A digital data processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit for storing usage history information of digital data; and a display unit for displaying a usage fee of the storage unit or a remaining capacity of the storage unit.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital data processing apparatus for receiving digital data whose usage is charged through a data storage medium or a network, comprising storage means for storing digital data usage history information. A digital data processing apparatus for monitoring the cumulative use of digital data by use history information and prohibiting the use of digital data when the cumulative use reaches a preset value. .

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing unit for performing signal processing necessary for reproduction on content data read from a medium on which a plurality of content data subjected to encryption processing and / or compression processing are recorded. And a storage unit to which the reproduction history data of the content data processed by the signal processing unit is written, and the reproduction stored in the storage unit when the reproduction history data written to the storage unit reaches a predetermined value. This is a data reproducing terminal device including a control unit for prompting transfer of history data to the outside.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of content data subjected to encryption processing and / or compression processing are transferred from a reproduction unit that reproduces content data read from a medium on which the content data is recorded. A storage unit in which the playback history data is written, and a control unit that prompts the transfer of the playback history data stored in the storage unit to the outside when the playback history data written in the storage unit reaches a predetermined value. Data processing terminal device.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of content data subjected to an encryption process and / or a compression process and associated data attached to each content data are reproduced into content data read from a medium. A signal processing unit for performing necessary signal processing on the medium, a notifying unit for notifying whether or not charging processing is necessary for the content data read from the medium, and a signal processing unit for performing signal processing by the signal processing unit. It is determined whether or not the read content data requires a charging process for reproduction. As a result of the determination, when the content data read from the medium requires a charging process for reproduction, the notification unit is driven. It is a data reproduction terminal device including a control unit.

The invention according to claim 33 is a storage unit for storing a plurality of downloaded content data subjected to encryption processing and / or compression processing and accompanying data accompanying each content data, A signal processing unit for performing signal processing necessary for reproduction on the content data read from the storage unit; a notifying unit for notifying whether the content data read from the storage unit requires a charging process for reproduction; In performing signal processing by the processing unit, it is determined whether or not charging of the content data read from the storage unit is required for playback. As a result of the determination, the content data read from the storage unit is charged for playback. The terminal device includes a control unit that drives a notification unit when processing is required.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a music distribution system EMD (Electronic Music Distribution) will be described below. First, an outline of the music distribution system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, an instruction code 101 indicates a music content provider, for example, a record company, and an instruction code 102 indicates a content server. The record company 101 produces and distributes music content. The record company 101 also performs compression encoding, encryption, and embedding of a watermark for music content. The content server 102 stores the content produced by the record company 101.

An instruction code 103 indicates a copyright management mechanism. For example, JASRAC (Japan Music Copyright Association) is a specific example of the copyright management mechanism 102. Record company 10
1 receives a license from the copyright management mechanism 103 for copying, etc.,
The copyright fee is paid to the copyright management mechanism 103.

An instruction code 104 indicates a user device having a function of reproducing distributed music content. The user device 104 receives the distributed music content,
It has a function to play the received content and to perform a playback billing process. That is, the user device 104
Can decode the encryption applied to the data of the received music content, and can decode the distributed music content by decoding the compression code applied to the data. Is charged. A content distributor is interposed between the content server 102 and the user device 104 as necessary, and the content server 10
The contents requested by the user among the contents in 2 are distributed. There are several distribution means used by distribution companies. One of them is the store 105
It is. For example, a medium in which content is recorded is distributed to the user as an appendix of a magazine sold at the store 10. As another means, the Internet, CATV (cable
A wired network 106 (eg, television) is used as a means for distributing the content. Further, the mobile phone network 107, the satellite network 10 such as satellite broadcasting and satellite communication, etc.
8 is also used as content distribution means.

In the present invention, it does not prevent the use of the content distribution means for pay distribution as the above-mentioned content distribution means. For example, C as a medium
In the case of D (Compact Disc; CD, registered trademark), a copyright fee for the recorded music is included in the price of the CD. The distribution may be free, and the content charged for decryption (playback) may be recorded in an area on the CD that is different from the area where the paid content is recorded.

In FIG. 1, the extension C as one of the media distributed to the user by selling it at the store 105
D121 is shown. An area 122 on the inner circumference side of the extended CD 121 is an area in which music data of the same format as that of the existing CD and whose distribution is paid and whose reproduction is free, that is, an uncompressed linear PCM signal is recorded. Extended CD
An area 123 on the outer peripheral side of the area 121 is an area in which content data that is free to be distributed and charged for reproduction is recorded. Since the content data is compression-encoded, the area 12
3 can record music data of a necessary length, for example, data of the same time as music data recorded in the area 122 in an expanded state.

In the case of a medium such as an MD and a memory card other than a CD, an area that can be distinguished from each other is an area for storing content data for which distribution is free and reproduction is free, and an area for which distribution is free and reproduction is free. Is provided with an area for storing paid content data, and can be recorded in the same manner as the extended CD 121 described above. As a service for distributing music content using satellite television broadcasting, content that is free to be distributed and charged for reproduction may be distributed.

The user device 104 can receive the distributed content data free of charge. Redistribution of the content data received from the user device 104 according to the user's intention can be freely performed. Here, “free” does not include actual expenses such as communication costs and electricity costs, and means that copyright fees are free. Billing processing is performed when the user device 104 reproduces the received content data, more specifically, when decrypting the encryption applied to the content data. The listening right data 109 is used for the billing process. The listening right data 109 is stored in a memory in the IC card and the secure decoder. The listening right data 109 can be rewritten as electronic money or an electronic use right by a charging charger owned by the user or a sales terminal installed in the nearest store under the control of the listening right data management company. The listening right data 109 is, for example, a reproducible frequency, and is decremented, for example, every time the user device 104 reproduces the content to be charged.

In the following description, the listening right data 109 will be described as an example. However, so-called electronic money can be used for payment for content reproduction. Furthermore, a multipurpose IC card that can handle electronic money, listening right data, and the like collectively can be used as the above-mentioned listening right data.

Record company 101, copyright management mechanism 10
3. There is a settlement center 110 for settlement with the user device 104. The settlement center 110 includes an authentication / billing server 111. The settlement center 110 is a bank or credit card company 208
Settle the price between and.

When the user device 104 requests the listening right data for reproducing the received content, the authentication /
The authentication server 111 requests the accounting server 111 to authenticate the user device 104 (indicated by the path A1). Authentication / billing server 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes an authorized user device 104, and when the authentication of the user device 104 is established, the authentication / billing server 111 issues a billing request to the user device 104 (path A2). The user device 104 performs a price settlement corresponding to the billing request with the settlement center 110 (path A3).

The settlement center 110 informs the authentication / billing server 111 that the user or the user device 104 has billed or is billable, as shown by the route A4, It requests the key data information of the content from the server 102 (path A5). The content server 102 passes the key data to be the master for decrypting the encryption to the authentication / billing server 111 (path A6). The authentication / charging server 111 passes the key data together with the listening right data to the user device 104 (path A7). User device 1
04 can decrypt the encryption applied to the content data using the key data and reproduce the content data. By decoding the content data, it is determined that the content has been reproduced, and the frequency of the listening right data 109 is set to, for example, “−1”. When the frequency of the listening right data 109 reaches “0”, the user device 109 cannot decode the content data. FIG. 1 shows a case where the master key data is transmitted together with the listening right data. However, in addition to this, fixed key data is stored in advance at the time of manufacturing the user device, or the content is encoded using a code that is difficult to decipher. Alternatively, a method of embedding key data in the data and transmitting the key data together with the content, or a method combining these methods may be used.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a system relating to the listening right data 109, in which distribution of music contents and transmission / reception of data for decrypting the contents are omitted. The player 201 is shown as corresponding to the user device 104. Player 201
Has a built-in secure decoder 202. The player 201 is, for example, a portable audio device. In FIG. 2, as indicated by a broken line, content data of music content is recorded and stored on a medium (optical disc, memory card, or the like) reproduced by the player 201. As shown in FIG. 1, various methods for distributing music content can be used.

An instruction code 204 indicates a listening right data charger as a user terminal. Data charger 204
Exists between the secure decoder 202 of the player 201 and the settlement center 110 or the data sales terminal 206 installed in a record store, a convenience store, or the like, and functions as a relay of the listening right data.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the function of the data charger 204. FIG. 3 shows a specific example of a player 201 that may be installed in a home. An instruction code 51 is an audio reproducing system in which an amplifier and a speaker are separated, an instruction code 52 is a reproducing device in which a tuner and a CD player (or an MD recorder) are integrated, and an instruction code 53 is a portable CD. Player, and the reference code 54 is a portable MD player,
The instruction code 55 is a personal computer. These players include a secure decoder 51a having an IC configuration,
52a, 53a, 54a and 55a are provided. For these players, the data charger 204 is shared and a dedicated connection line or contactless wireless communication, or U
SB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE (Institut
te of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 139
By means of No. 4, it is possible to transmit the listening right data 109 to a player as a user device and to download reproduction history information from the player side. Data Charger 2
04 has a portable configuration.

The secure decoder 20 in the player 201
2 and the data charger 204 perform communication via a wired or wireless communication path, and the listening right data 109 is transferred from the data charger 204 to a memory in the secure decoder 202. The listening right data 109 corresponds to, for example, information on the number of reproducible times of the player 201, for example, the above-mentioned frequency or reproducible time.

Data player 20 from player 201
4, playback history information (playback log) of the player 201 is transmitted via a wired or wireless communication path 205. The playback log includes an identifier of digital data as content data decrypted by the player 201 and / or a decryption condition. Specifically, the reproduction log includes information such as the type of the listened music content, the number of times of reproduction, and the reproduction time. The reproduction log includes an identifier for specifying a chargeable person such as an owner of the player as the user device and an identifier of the player as the user device. Secure decoder 202 and data charger 20
4 means that authentication is performed as necessary, and if authentication is successful,
The encrypted listening right data and the reproduction log are transmitted between the secure decoder 202 and the data charger 204.

The listening right data 109 is stored in the settlement center 11
From 0, the data is passed to the data charger 204 via a communication path 207, for example, a telephone line. Alternatively, the settlement center 110
, The listening right data 109 passed to the sales terminal 206 via the communication path 209 is passed to the data charger 204 via the communication path 205. Also in this case, authentication and encryption are performed to ensure security.

From the player 201 to the data charger 20
4 is sent to the settlement center 110 via the communication path 207. Alternatively, the reproduction log is passed to the sales terminal 206 via the communication path 205. The sales terminal 206 communicates with the settlement center 110 via the communication path 209.
And the playback log transmitted from the data charger 204 to the settlement center 110. The sales terminal 206 pays the price of the acquired listening right data to the settlement center 110. Communication path 20
9 is, for example, a telephone line, the Internet, or the like.

Payment center 110 and data charger 2
04 and the listening right data 1 via the communication path 207.
09 and the reproduction log are transmitted and received. Also in this case, in order to ensure security, the settlement center 110
Authentication and data encryption / reception are performed between the device and the data charger 204. Regarding the settlement of the listening right data 109, there are banks and credit card companies 208. The bank and the credit card company 208 transfer the payment center 110 from the user's bank account registered in advance.
, The amount corresponding to the listening right data 109 written in the data charger 204 is deducted.

The settlement center 110 stores the record company 10
1 is entrusted with the management of the service relating to the listening right data 109. The settlement center 110 is a record company 10
1 is provided with the technology related to the listening right data 109, and a music listening fee is paid. Record company 101
Is, as described with reference to FIG.
By registering the copyright to the third party 03, a copyright fee is paid according to the use of the copyright.

Although omitted in FIG. 2, the data charger 204 can move, add, and divide a part or all of the listening right data with another data charger through a communication device such as a contactless communication device. It has been. The data charger 204 can transfer the listening right data 109 to a prepaid card having an IC card configuration for billing processing other than the secure decoder 202 of the player 201.

FIG. 4 shows the mutual relationship among the record company 101, the settlement center 110, the data charger 204, the listening right data sales terminal 206, the bank, and the credit card company 208 in the accounting system shown in FIG. is there. The settlement center 110 sells the listening right data between the charger 204 and the sales terminal 206, collects a reproduction log from the charger 204 and the terminal 206, and sets the settlement center 110 based on the sold listening right data. It has a function to settle the price.

FIG. 5 shows the function of the settlement center 110 connected to the listening right data terminal 210 (data charger 204 or sales terminal 206) in more detail. In FIG. 5, the route indicated by a solid line indicates a process necessary for executing the charging process, and the route indicated by a broken line indicates a process necessary for performing the charging process. In many cases, a route indicated by a broken line is made by mail (transfer of a document), and a process indicated by a solid line is performed by data communication using a communication network.

First, the processing based on the broken line path will be described. Between the record company 101 and the settlement center 110, the record company 101 performs business consignment registration with the settlement center 110 (block 211). The settlement center 110 passes marketing data to the record company 110 and makes various reports (block 21).
2).

The customer 213 who is the owner of the data charger 204 enters into a contract with a bank or a credit card company 208 for payment of a fee, deduction of a fee from an account, and the like. The customer 213 informs the settlement center 110 of the change in the contract content and the like, and the settlement center 110 inputs and corrects customer information (block 214). Payment center 11
0 issues a bill / receipt to the customer 213 and mails it (block 215).

Next, the processing by the solid line route will be described. The settlement center 110 sends the listening right data 109 to the data terminal 210 according to the request of the customer. In that case, the settlement center 110 identifies the customer and the terminal 2
The data subjected to the authentication / encryption processing is sent to the server 10 via the communication server 216. The customer management system 217 specifies the authenticated customer with reference to the customer information in the database 218. The system 217 requests the financial settlement system 219 to reduce the fee based on the amount of the transferred listening right data. The financial settlement system 219 requests the bank or the credit card company 208 to pay a fee from the customer's account based on the request from the system 217, and the fee is paid from the customer, that is, the user's account. When the settlement center 110 receives a report from the bank or the credit card company 208 that the payment has been completed,
The settlement center 110 issues a receipt to the customer.

The settlement center 110 authenticates the terminal 210 prior to transferring the listening right data 109 to the data terminal 210. The settlement center 110 receives the reproduction log from the data terminal 210 via the communication server 216. The received reproduction log is decrypted in the communication log by the communication server 216, and the decrypted reproduction log is sent to the reproduction log management system 220. The playback log includes a terminal identifier for identifying the customer (data terminal 210), an identifier for identifying the decrypted / reproduced music content, the number of times each music content has been listened, the time,
Period data is included. The terminal identifier for identifying the customer is mainly used for transferring the listening right data from the settlement center 110 to the terminal 210 as described above, and for charging the account of the customer, that is, the user.

The reproduction log management system 220 once stores the reproduction log in the database 218, and when predetermined,
For example, a playback log or data obtained by processing the playback log in a batch process is transferred to the listening fee settlement system 221 every month.
The listening fee settlement system 221 refers to information on songs and the like registered in the database 218 at the time of outsourcing from the record company 101, and calculates a listening fee (copyright fee) for each song based on the data related to the received reproduction log. I do. It is also possible to calculate a listening fee for each item such as a composer, a lyricist, a singer, a performer, etc. in addition to the music. Listening fee settlement system 221
Is paid to the record company 101.

As described above, the settlement center 110 transfers the listening right data 109 to the customer 213 and requests a listening fee, while the settlement center 110 calculates the listening fee for each song and, as described above, Since the process of distributing the listening fee is performed, it is not necessary for the record company 101 to perform customer management, calculate the listening fee, and perform the task of distributing the listening fee. Since the settlement center 110 is an independent organization from the record company 101, it is possible to make a business outsourcing contract with a plurality of record companies, and to select music content that can be selected by a customer by participating in the plurality of record companies. There are many types available.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the signal processing unit of the player 201 as the user terminal 210 having the secure decoder 202. The secure decoder 201 is configured as a one-chip IC, as indicated by a broken line.
The secure decoder 201 is a so-called tamper resistant
(tamper resistant). That is, the secure decoder 202 is configured so that the contents of the decoder 202 cannot be known from the outside, and the contents of the decoder 202 cannot be falsified.

The medium 1 stores data that has been compression-encoded and encrypted, for example, music data.
Further, data necessary for the reproduction accounting process accompanies the compression-encoded and encrypted data. The compression-encoded and encrypted data is referred to as content data, and the data for playback charging processing is referred to as accompanying data. However, in the present invention, it is not always necessary that both the compression encoding and the encryption are performed. Even if only the compression encoding is performed on the content data, the purpose of copyright protection can be achieved if the decoding method is not disclosed.

As the medium 1, a memory card, a recordable optical disk, a read-only optical disk, or the like can be used. As described above, on a recordable medium, data distributed via a network such as a satellite network, a mobile phone network, or the Internet can be downloaded.
That is, it can be recorded and stored. The content data and the accompanying data read from the medium 1 are supplied to the secure decoder 202 via the interface 2.
From the secure decoder 202, an analog audio signal based on the content data read from the medium 1 is output. The analog audio signal output from the secure decoder 202 is reproduced by an unillustrated speaker, headphone, or the like via an unillustrated amplifier or the like.

The secure decoder 202 includes a decoder 11 for decrypting a cipher, a decompressor 12 for decoding a compression code,
/ A converter 13. As the encryption applied to the content data, DES (Data Encryption S
tandard) can be used. DES is one type of block cipher that blocks plain text and performs cipher conversion for each block. The DES performs cryptographic conversion of data using a 64-bit key (56-bit key and 8-bit parity) with respect to a 64-bit input, and outputs 64-bit encrypted data. Encryption other than DES may be used. For example, DES is a common key system that uses the same key data for encryption and decryption, but may use RSA encryption, which is an example of public key encryption that uses different key data for encryption and decryption. As described above, the key data is passed from the authenticated server 111 to the user device 104, that is, the player 201 here.

The secure decoder 202 includes a control unit 14 including a CPU, a CPU interface 15 for performing communication between the control unit 14 and an external CPU, and a memory unit 1.
6, a communication unit 17 and an antenna 18 for receiving the listening right data 109 from the data charger 204 and transmitting the reproduction log to the data charger 204 are provided. The control unit 14 receives the accompanying data separated from the data read from the medium 1 at a stage prior to the decoding in the decoder 11, and performs control for decoding and expanding the accompanying data.

The communication section 17 and the antenna 18 perform communication with the data charger 204 in a non-contact manner. This communication is performed using an encrypted protocol, provided that mutual authentication is performed between the player 201, that is, the secure decoder 202 and the charger 204. Since the player 201 can receive not only data but also electric power from the charger 204 via the communication unit 17 and the antenna 18, the player 201
Even if the power of the entire device 1 is off, the reception right data 109 from the charger 204 and the transmission of the reproduction log to the charger 204 can be performed. Charger 20
4, the listening right data 109 received from the memory unit 16
Is stored in Further, a reproduction log generated with the reproduction of the content performed by the player 201 is also stored in the memory unit 16. The memory unit 16 is a non-volatile memory that retains its stored contents even when the power of the player 201 is turned off.

A copy output from the secure decoder 202 can be output from the decoder 11 to the outside of the secure decoder 202. Secure decoder 202
Whether or not to output a copy output from is controlled by the control unit 14. The copy output output from the secure decoder 202 is the accompanying data and the content data. The decoder 11 and the decompressor 12 have a function of omitting the decoding process and the decompression process, respectively, based on an instruction from the control unit 14. Thereby, audio data which has not been originally encrypted and compression-encoded, for example, linear P
It is possible to reproduce the CM signal.

In order to control the overall operation of the player 201, a system controller indicated by a reference numeral 21 is provided. The system controller 21 is configured by a CPU, and controls the operation of the secure decoder 202 by communicating with the control unit 14 in the secure decoder 202. Operation unit 22, display 23, memory unit 24, modem 2 via system controller 21 and bus
5 is connected. Further, the system controller 2
1 is a reproducing operation of the medium 1 and a medium interface 2
Control the operation of.

The operation unit 22 includes a plurality of switches and keys operated by the user, and generates a command signal for controlling the operation of the player 201 based on the switches and keys operated by the user. Display 23
Is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display element.
1 is used to display a menu for controlling the operation of the player 1 and to display the operation state of the player 201. The memory unit 24 is an external memory provided because the capacity of the memory in the system controller 21 is small. The modem 25 is connected to a public line and used for data communication with an external device. For example, the secure decoder 202
The system controller 21 displays the remaining number of reproducible times or reproducible time on the display 23 or transfers the replay log via the modem 25 to the outside, for example, It can be transmitted to the settlement center 110. Further, it is also possible to receive the listening right data 109 from the settlement center 110 via the modem 25. As described above, the player itself may have the function of the data charger.

The user operates the operation unit 22 to instruct reproduction of desired content recorded and stored on the medium 1. If the content to be reproduced is free for reproduction, the secure decoder 202
Even if the signal is processed and output as an analog signal, the listening right data 109 stored in the memory unit 16
Is not changed. If the reproduced content is to be charged for reproduction, the listening right data 109 in the memory unit 16 is changed.

Various types of billing processing can be performed when the content to be played back or played back is a playback billing target. The charging process is roughly classified into a purchase type, a type in which a viewing fee is charged to gross, and a frequency type in which a viewing fee is charged every time the encryption is decrypted by the secure decoder. In the case of the purchase type, once the content is purchased, no charge is made for the content reproduction process, and no charge process occurs. The type that pays gross viewing fee is
There are a monthly type in which the viewing fee is paid collectively, a viewing period, a type in which the viewing time is limited, and the like.

Several forms are possible as a frequency type in which a viewing fee is charged each time the encryption applied to the content data is decrypted by the secure decoder 202. In the first mode, a preset amount (a prepaid card,
The amount or the frequency is subtracted from the electronic money) or the frequency each time the content is reproduced. If the balance of the preset amount or the remaining number is insufficient, the content cannot be reproduced. In the second mode, an amount or a frequency is added every time the content is reproduced. When the accumulated amount or frequency reaches the preset amount or frequency, the content cannot be reproduced. In the third mode, the frequency or the amount is added or subtracted according to the reproduction time of the content.

The amount or frequency to be added or subtracted from the predetermined amount or frequency used here may be fixed, or may be weighted according to the type of content to be reproduced. But it is good. The charging process is performed corresponding to one title of the content (one song in the example of music) or a plurality of titles of the content (album in the example of music).

As a method of defining that the content has been reproduced, the content may be reproduced when the entire content is reproduced, or when the reproduction time of the content is longer than a predetermined time. The content may be reproduced. There is no charge for the playback of promotional content to promote dissemination and distribution. Even if the content to be played back is to be charged, for example, the first part of the content, for example, 1
The reproduction for 0 second may be free, or the reproduction of only the highlight part of the content may be free. As described above, when the content charged for the reproduction process and the content whose reproduction process is free are mixed, the charge / free is identified by the accompanying data.

The accompanying data is data added before content data (compression-encoded and encrypted content, for example, audio data). The accompanying data is
Encrypted as needed. In the recordable medium, the accompanying data is added and recorded before the content data, or is recorded in the data management area of the medium 1. In the case of a read-only medium, accompanying data is recorded in the data management area. When the medium is an optical disk, a management area as a data management area is generally provided in the innermost area of the disk, and accompanying data is recorded in this management area. In the case of a memory card, for example, file management data in which one piece of music data is treated as one file is defined.

In the accompanying data, a billing identifier indicating whether the content is charged for playback or free content, and a billing type such as a purchase type, a gross type, and a frequency type as described above are distinguished. A playback condition label indicating a charging condition is included. As an example, when the charging type is the purchase type, the content purchase price data is described in the playback condition label, and when the gross type playback count is limited, the content playback count data is included in the playback condition label. When the gross type reproduction period is limited, data of the content reproduction period (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.) is described as a reproduction condition label, and in the case of the frequency type, the frequency data (1 Yen / 2
, 1 yen / 1 minute, 1 yen / 30 seconds,...) Are described as reproduction condition labels. Furthermore, even if the content is presupposed to be charged for reproduction, the condition for viewing the content for free can be described in the reproduction condition label.

In the accompanying data, information for indicating the type of compression encoding of the content data, information for indicating the type of encryption and encryption parameters, information on the number of channels,
Bit rate information or the like may be recorded.

The accompanying data includes a media ID, such as a serial number, for uniquely identifying a medium such as a CD, an MD, a recordable optical disk, and a memory card including a nonvolatile memory. A decoder ID is arranged in the accompanying data. The decoder ID is an ID for uniquely identifying the secure decoder 202 built in the user terminal, the user player 201, or the like, for example, a serial number.

Next, an example of the billing process performed in the player 201 (see FIG. 6) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This billing process is performed by the control unit 14 and the system controller 21 in the secure decoder 202. The first step S1 is medium 1
Is a reproduction standby state in which the content designated by the user, that is, the content to be reproduced exists. Specifically, when the content data distributed by EMD is stored in the medium 1,
For example, a case where content data has already been recorded in the. In step S2, it is determined whether or not a reproduction instruction has been issued by the user pressing the reproduction button of the operation unit 22.

That the result of step S2 is negative,
This means a content copy operation, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the content is a copy of the content for free reproduction. Free playback content means content that is not charged for content playback. The determination in step S3 is made with reference to the accounting identifier included in the accompanying data. If the content to be reproduced in step S3 is a content for free reproduction, the copy output in which the encryption is decrypted from the secure decoder 202 is prohibited for copyright protection (step S4).

If it is determined in step S3 that the content to be reproduced in step S3 is not a copy of the content for free reproduction, that is, a copy of the content for billing reproduction, the copy data of the content for billing reproduction is determined. Output from the secure decoder 202 (step S5). Copying of the content for billing reproduction is free. However, the copy data output from the secure decoder 202 is the content data that has been encrypted and compression-encoded together with the accompanying data.

If it is determined in step S2 that the reproduction operation has been instructed by the user, step S6
Is asked whether the user accepts the billing process. For example, a message indicating that billing processing is required is displayed on the display 23 of the player 201, and the user responds by operating the operation unit 22 based on the display on the display 23. If the user does not accept the billing process in step S6, the content cannot be reproduced for free (step S7). However, in some cases, it is permitted to perform free-to-play partial free play indicated by the play condition label of the accompanying data in the content data, for example, free play of the head or highlight part of the music. Step S6
If it is determined in step S8 that the user accepts the charging process, in step S8, the display 23 presents reproduction charging conditions relating to the content to be reproduced. The charging condition is displayed on the display 23 based on the information of the reproduction condition label in the accompanying data.

In step S9, it is determined whether the charging type is the purchase type. If the charging type is the purchase type, a charging process for purchase is performed (step S10). In step S11, the decoder 1 of the secure decoder 202
In step 1, the encryption applied to the content data is decrypted using the key data transmitted from the server 111, and in step S12, the content is reproduced free of charge. In this case, output of copy data of content to be reproduced free of charge from the secure decoder 202 is prohibited. However, the move, that is, a process in which the original data does not remain unlike the copy process, for example, after the content data output from the transfer source player is stored in the transfer destination player, the move is performed by the transfer source player. Processing for preventing the reproduced content data from being reproduced is possible.

If it is determined in step S9 that the charging type is not the purchase type, it is determined in step S13 whether the charging type is a gross type, for example, a monthly type.
When it is determined in step S9 that a monthly contract exists, it is determined in step S14 whether the music as the content to be reproduced is a contracted music. If it is determined in step S14 that the music is a contracted music, the content is reproduced free of charge in step S15. Copying of the content data for billing reproduction can be freely performed.

If it is determined in step S13 that the charging type is not the monthly type, it is determined that the content to be reproduced is to be charged in the frequency type. In step S17, the encryption applied to the content data is decrypted, and in step S18, charging reproduction is performed. In the charging reproduction, as described above, charging processing is performed according to the frequency of content reproduction, the content reproduction time, and the like. Copying of the charge reproduction content data can be freely performed. Further, when it is determined in step S14 that the content to be reproduced is not included in the range of the monthly contract, the charging reproduction process (steps S17 and S18) is performed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in the data charger 204 or the secure decoder 202, normally, when purchasing or receiving the listening right data 109 from the settlement center 110, the data relating to the reproduction log is transferred to the settlement center 110. ing. in this case,
Before the listening right data 109 is lost due to the reproduction of the content, the memory unit 16 or 24 of the player 201 or the memory 309 of the charger 204 which stores the reproduction log.
May become full. Therefore, when the memory unit 24, 16 or the memory unit 309 is full or when there is a possibility that the memory unit 309 becomes full, a display or notification (warning sound, buzzer sound, vibration, etc.) prompting the transfer of the reproduction log is displayed on the display 23. Do or transfer the playback log. This prevents overflow of the memory units 16 and 24 or the memory unit 309. The transfer of the reproduction log and the transfer of the player 201 from the secure decoder 202 to the charger 204 are completed by the player 20.
The first controller 21 prohibits the reproduction of the content by the secure decoder 202, and the secure decoder 204 prohibits the CPU 301 from writing the reproduction log from the player 201 to the memory unit 309 until the transfer of the reproduction log to the settlement center 110 is completed. Is done.

For example, once a month to settle accounts,
When it is necessary to collect the reproduction log, when a preset date is reached, a display urging the transfer of the reproduction log is displayed on, for example, the display 23 of the player 201, or a notification (warning sound, buzzer sound, vibration, or the like) is performed. ) Or transfer the playback log to the settlement center 110. This prevents overflow of the memory section 24 of the player 201 and the memory section 16 of the secure decoder 202.

Furthermore, if the player 201 and the data charger 204 can be automatically brought online with the settlement center 110 such that the player 201 and the data charger 204 are always connected to the telephone line, the transfer is not automatically performed without prompting the user. The playback log is transferred to the settlement center. Until the transfer of the playback log is performed, the player 201 is locked so that the listening right data 109 cannot be received in order to eliminate the need to store a new playback log in the memory units 24 and 16. The user operates the operation unit 22 in accordance with the guidance on the display displayed on the display 23 of the player 201, and transfers only the reproduction log to the settlement center 110 or the data charger 204 without exchanging the listening right data 109. After the transfer of the reproduction log is completed, the lock that prevents the player 201 from receiving the listening right data is released.

The above-described embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary configuration of the data charger 204. The charger 204 is configured as, for example, a portable terminal device that can be carried around. Indication code 3
01 denotes a CPU that controls the entire charger 204;
An instruction code 302 indicates an encryption / decryption module, an instruction code 303 indicates a display (for example, a liquid crystal display), and an instruction code 304 indicates a plurality of keys or buttons operated by a user. The display 303 displays a menu related to the operation of the charger 204, billing processing conditions, and the like. Encryption / decryption module 3
02 performs the process of encrypting the playback log when transmitting the playback log and the like, and the process of decrypting the encryption of the listening right data when receiving the listening right data and the like. An instruction code 305 indicates a data charger individual ID. Data charger individual ID 30
5 is transmitted to the settlement center 110 together with the reproduction log, for example, so that the correspondence between the data charger 204 and the reproduction log can be understood.

The data charger 204 has a modem 306 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) for communication with a settlement center, for example, the settlement center 110 in FIG.
A communication module 307 is provided. Modem 306
Thus, the data charger 204 communicates with the settlement center 110 via the telephone line, and the settlement center 1
The listening right data 109 can be received from the server 10, and a reproduction log can be transmitted to the settlement center 110. US
Using the B communication module 307, communication with the settlement center 110 can be similarly performed by a personal computer and the Internet.

The listening right data 109 received by the data charger 204 from the settlement center 110 is stored in the listening right data memory 308. The reproduction log received from the secure decoder 202 of the player 201 is stored in the usage memory 309 of the data charger 204. If necessary, log data obtained by adding the log of the charger 204 to the playback log collected from the player 201 is transmitted to the settlement center 110. The memories 308 and 309
This is a non-volatile memory that retains its stored contents even when the power of the data charger 204 is turned off.

The non-contact communication module 310 and the antenna 311 are for performing communication with the player 201 in a non-contact manner. Communication between the player 201 and the data charger 204 is performed on condition that mutual authentication is performed between the player 201 and the charger 204.
This is done using an encrypted protocol. Not only the data but also the power necessary for the secure decoder 202 to operate is supplied from the data charger 204 to the player 201.
It is possible to send to. Therefore, the player 201
Data charger 2 even if the main power of the
Reference numeral 04 indicates that listening right data and a reproduction log can be exchanged with the secure decoder 202. The data charger 204 includes a line connection terminal in addition to the antenna 311. Note that the data charger 204 communicates with the listening right data selling terminal 206 using the non-contact communication module 310 and the antenna 311 or the line.

In the data charger 204 described above, the CPU 301 monitors the remaining storage capacity of the usage log data memory 309 or the usage of the storage capacity. For example, when the remaining amount becomes 10%, as shown in FIG. 9A, a message prompting the transfer of the reproduction log is displayed on the display unit 303 of the charger 204 by the CPU 301. For example, a message "Please connect a telephone line to transfer the playback log" is displayed on the display unit 303. Instead of the display on the display unit 303 or together with the display, a warning sound, a sound, and a vibration may be generated.
When the user connects the charger 204 to the telephone line in response to this display, this is sensed and the user transfers the playback log to the settlement center 110 while watching the display on the display unit 303 or automatically. Actual settlement center 110
Until the transfer of the reproduction log is performed, the charging of the listening right data to the data charger 204 is prohibited in order to eliminate the necessity of storing a new reproduction log in the memory 309.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the CPU 301
Display section 303a for displaying the remaining storage capacity or usage of the storage capacity of the usage log data memory 309
May be provided on the charger 204. This display unit 303
a is the remaining storage capacity of the memory 309 or the memory 309
The length of the bar-shaped display changes in accordance with the amount of used. Further, a warning lamp 303b may be provided so as to light up and blink when the above-mentioned remaining amount or used amount of the memory 309 reaches a predetermined value. Of course, the display unit 303a and the warning lamp 303b may be displayed on the display unit 303 instead of being provided separately from the display unit 303.

When the charger 204 has a calendar and, as described above, it is detected that the date set in advance by the calendar is reached, a notice of transfer of the reproduction log is displayed on the display 303 and the reproduction log is transmitted to the user. You may make it transmit to a settlement center, or may transfer a reproduction | regeneration log automatically.

FIG. 10 shows a more detailed configuration of the secure decoder 202, that is, a functional configuration related to a charging process. Parts corresponding to the components shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Data consisting of encrypted and compression-encoded content data and accompanying data read from the medium 1 is supplied to the decoder 11. The decoder 11 is also supplied with a media individual ID for uniquely identifying the medium 1 together with the above-described content data and accompanying data. The decryption of the encryption applied to the content data and the accompanying data is performed by the decryptor 11.

The output data of the decoder 11 is supplied to a reproduction condition label detection section 401, and the detection section 401 detects a reproduction condition label in the accompanying data. The playback condition label detected by the detection unit 401 is
02. In the decompressor 12, the decoder 11
The decoding of the compression encoding applied to the content data decrypted in step 1 is performed. The output data of the expander 12 is supplied to the watermark detection unit 402. The watermark detection unit 402 detects the watermark added before converting the content data into an analog signal and outputting it, as described later, and converts the watermark into the detected watermark and the reproduction condition label detected by the detection unit 401. Based on this, it is checked whether or not the reproduction condition label has been falsified.

An instruction code 403 indicates a listening right counter. The listening right counter 403 changes the listening right data 109 every time the content data is decrypted. For example, the listening right counter 403 is
Of the right-of-listening data 109, for example, the frequency data stored in the data. The listening right data 109 stored in the memory unit 16 is data transmitted from the above-described data charger 204 by the antenna 18 (or line) and the communication module 17. The communication module 17 is provided with a module for encrypting a playback log or the like at the time of transmission, and for decrypting the encryption applied to the listening right data 109 when the listening right data 109 is received. In the present invention, in order to handle music data,
Although the term of the listening right is used, when considering the video data, the term of the viewing right is used instead of the listening right.

In the listening right counter 403, when the processing related to the listening right accompanying the decryption of the content data is performed,
In the watermark adding unit 404, a watermark is added to the output data. Additional part 4
The watermark added in 04 can be added by using a redundant portion existing in the music data, for example, a lower bit of the output audio data. The watermark added to the lower bits of the audio data remains in the analog signal even when the audio data is converted into an analog signal, and it is impossible or very difficult to remove the watermark from the analog signal. It is something. The watermark added by the adding unit 404 includes the entire or partial data of the reproduction condition label and the information of the decoder individual ID 405. The data with the watermark is D /
The signal is converted into an analog signal by the A converter 13 and output to the outside of the secure decoder 202. The watermark detection unit 402 detects the watermark added by the addition unit 404. Note that the instruction code 406 controls the entirety of the secure decoder 202 and also controls the system controller 21 such as the player 201.
Controller for communication with the

The secure decoder 202 has an IC card interface, the data charger 204 receives electronic money from a settlement center or a financial company, and writes the received electronic money to the IC card via the interface provided in the secure decoder 202. You may do it. That is, it is possible to make the secure decoder 202 have a function as a recording device of electronic money as an optional device for writing the listening right data.

The outline of the accounting process performed by the listening right counter 403 will be described. As an example, an example applied to a case where the accounting process is performed in a frequency type will be described. That is, the frequency is subtracted from the preset frequency every time the music data as the content data is reproduced,
Each time the music data is reproduced, the frequency is added, or the frequency is added or subtracted according to the reproduction time of the music data. The reproduction condition label detection unit 401 extracts the reproduction condition label from the accompanying data read from the medium together with the content data. The reproduction condition label includes a charging condition. For example, when charging processing is indicated in accordance with the playback time, the period during which the music data is output from the decompressor 12 is measured in unit time of 30 seconds, 1 minute, or the like, and the length of the measured time is measured. You will be charged for it. That is, when the accounting process is performed based on the reproduction time, the unit time corresponds to one frequency.

The frequency is controlled by the listening right counter 403 based on the measured time and the reproduction condition label.
That is, the counter 403 refers to the playback condition label and refers to the listening right data 109 stored in the memory unit 16.
, And the listening right data 109 in the memory unit 16 is rewritten. When the reproduction time or the reproduction period is set as the reproduction condition, for example, a process of accumulating the reproduction time or a process of comparing the current date and time with the reproducible period is performed on a timer / calendar incorporated in the counter 403. .

The listening right counter 403 or the controller 406 further determines whether or not the content can be reproduced based on the remaining amount of the listening right data. For example, the frequency of reproduction is subtracted from the listening right data, and when the remainder becomes 0, it is determined that the content cannot be reproduced. When the cumulative frequency of the listening right data reaches the set frequency, the cumulative playback time reaches the set time, or the current date and time when the content is being played exceeds the content playback time limit As in the case described above, it is determined that the content cannot be reproduced. When the content can be reproduced, the secure decoder 202 converts the analog signal into an analog signal and outputs the music data. On the other hand, when the content cannot be reproduced, the secure decoder 202 inhibits the output of the music data. Is done.

In the above-described secure decoder 202, the controller 406 monitors the remaining storage capacity or the usage of the storage capacity allocated for storing the reproduction log in the memory unit 16. Similarly to the case of the data charger 204, when the storage capacity of the memory unit 16 allocated for storing the playback log reaches a predetermined value or when a set date is reached, the playback log is displayed on the display 23 of the player 201. A display, a warning, or the like is issued to prompt the user 204 to transfer. Player 201
Depending on the configuration of the system, the data charger 204
, The playback log is automatically transferred.

Until the reproduction log is actually transferred to the data charger 204, the controller 40 is used to eliminate the necessity of storing a new reproduction log in the memory unit 16.
Reference numeral 6 controls the decoder 11 or a gate circuit (not shown) to lock the decoder 11 so that decoding of the content data or reproduction of the content is substantially prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the history of decoding or reproduction is not reflected in the reproduction log. After the transfer of the reproduction log data to the data charge 204 is completed, the lock of the decoder 11 is released.

In the above-described embodiment, audio content has been mainly described, but content other than audio, such as video data, still image data, character data, computer graphic data, game software, and computer programs, can also be used. The present invention can be applied in the same manner as described above.

[0093]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the memory for storing the usage history information from overflowing, to reliably transfer the usage history information, and to correct the usage history information. I can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing listening right data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a listening right data charger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for describing listening right data according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a function performed by a settlement center in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a player according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a charging process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a listening right data charger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a prompt to transfer a reproduction log and a description of a remaining or used amount of memory capacity in the listening right data charger according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a more detailed block diagram of a secure decoder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... medium in which contents are stored, 11 ... encryption decoder, 12 ... compression / encoding decompression machine, 21 ...
・ System controller, 101 ・ ・ ・ Record company,
103: copyright management mechanism, 104: user device, 109: listening right data, 110: settlement center, 201: player, 202: secure decoder, 204: listening right Data charger

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G10K 15/02 G10K 15/02 G10L 19/00 H04N 7/16 C H04N 7/16 7/173 630 7 / 173 630 G10L 9/00 N (72) Inventor Kaoru Kijima 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Junichi Kudo 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. A digital data processing apparatus for receiving digital data for which use is charged through a data recording medium or a network and using the digital data received using the usage right data. Storage means for storing the use history information of the digital data. The use history information is used to monitor the cumulative use of the digital data. When the cumulative use reaches a preset value, the use history information is stored. A digital data processing device characterized by prompting transfer. 2. After prompting the transfer of the usage history information,
2. The digital data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the use right data cannot be used or operated until the use history information is actually transferred. 3. The digital data includes audio data, video data, still image data, character data, computer graphic data, game software,
The digital data processing device according to claim 2, which is at least one of a computer program and a computer program. 4. A digital data processing apparatus for receiving digital data for which use is charged through a data recording medium or a network, and using the digital data received using the usage right data, Storage means for storing the usage history information of the digital data, and communication means for communicating with the settlement center. The usage history information is used to monitor the cumulative use of the digital data, and the cumulative use is set to a preset value. A digital data processing device for automatically transferring the usage history information to the settlement center via the communication means when the usage history information is reached. 5. The digital data includes audio data, video data, still image data, character data, computer graphic data, game software,
The digital data processing device according to claim 4, which is at least one of a computer program and a computer program. 6. A digital data processing apparatus which receives digital data whose usage is charged through a data recording medium or a network, and uses the received digital data by using the usage right data. A digital data processing apparatus, comprising: storage means for storing use history information, wherein when a preset date is reached, the transfer of the use history information is prompted. 7. After prompting the transfer of the usage history information,
7. The digital data processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the use right data is not used or operated until the use history information is actually transferred. 8. A digital data processing apparatus for receiving digital data whose usage is charged through a data recording medium or a network, and utilizing the digital data received using the usage right data. Storage means for storing the use history information of the user, and communication means for communicating with the settlement center. When a preset date is reached, the use history information is automatically transmitted to the settlement center via the communication means. A digital data processing device characterized in that the data is transferred in a serial manner. 9. A digital data processing apparatus which receives digital data whose usage is charged through a data storage medium or a network, and uses the received digital data by using the usage right data. A digital data processing apparatus comprising: storage means for storing usage history information of the above; and display means for displaying a usage fee of the capacity of the storage means or a remaining amount of the capacity. 10. The digital data includes audio data, video data, still image data, character data,
At least one of computer graphic data, game software, and computer program
10. The digital data processing device according to claim 9, wherein: 11. A digital data processing apparatus for receiving digital data whose usage is charged via a data storage medium or a network, comprising a storage means for storing usage history information of the digital data, A digital data processing device, wherein the use of the digital data is monitored based on information, and when the use of the digital data reaches a preset value, the use of the digital data is prohibited. 12. The digital data includes audio data, video data, still image data, character data,
At least one of computer graphic data, game software, and computer program
12. The digital data processing device according to claim 11, wherein: 13. A signal processing unit for performing signal processing required for reproduction on content data read from a medium on which a plurality of content data subjected to encryption processing and / or compression processing are recorded; A storage unit to which the playback history data of the content data processed by the unit is written; and a playback history data stored in the storage unit when the playback history data written to the storage unit reaches a predetermined value. A data reproduction terminal device comprising a control unit for prompting transfer of the data to the outside. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, wherein the display unit stores the reproduction history data written into the storage unit by the control unit when the reproduction history data reaches a predetermined value. 14. The data reproduction terminal device according to claim 13, wherein a display prompting the transfer of the reproduction history data to the outside is displayed. 15. The data reproduction terminal according to claim 13, wherein the control unit prohibits the signal processing by the signal processing unit until transfer of the reproduction history data stored in the storage unit to the outside is completed. apparatus. 16. The data reproduction terminal device according to claim 13, wherein said device further comprises a communication unit for transferring reproduction history data stored in said storage unit to outside. 17. Playback history data transferred from a playback unit that performs playback processing of content data read from a medium on which a plurality of content data subjected to encryption processing and / or compression processing is recorded is written. Data processing comprising: a storage unit to be read; and a control unit that prompts the transfer of the reproduction history data stored in the storage unit to the outside when the reproduction history data written in the storage unit reaches a predetermined value. Terminal device. 18. The control unit, when receiving from outside the data relating to the electronic viewing right required when the paying content data is reproduced by the reproducing unit to be transferred to the reproducing unit, is stored in the storage unit. 18. The data processing terminal device according to claim 17, wherein the stored reproduction history data is transferred. 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a communication unit that transfers the reproduction history data stored in the storage unit to the outside and transmits data relating to the electronic viewing right to the reproduction unit. A data processing terminal device according to claim 1. 20. The apparatus further comprises a display unit, wherein the display unit stores the reproduction history data written in the storage unit by the control unit when the reproduction history data reaches a predetermined value. The data processing terminal device according to claim 17, wherein a display prompting transfer of the reproduction history data to the outside is displayed. 21. The data processing terminal device according to claim 20, wherein the device further includes a further display unit, and the use state of the storage unit is displayed by the control unit on the further display unit. 22. The data processing terminal device according to claim 21, wherein the device further comprises a warning display unit indicating that the reproduction history data written in the storage unit has reached a predetermined value. 23. The control unit, wherein the writing of the reproduction history information from the reproduction unit to the storage unit is prohibited until the transfer of the reproduction history data stored in the storage unit to the outside is completed. Item 18. The data processing terminal device according to item 17. 24. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction history data is transferred to the outside when a preset date is reached.
8. The data processing terminal device according to 7. 25. A signal necessary for reproduction of content data read from a medium in which a plurality of content data subjected to encryption processing and / or compression processing and accompanying data accompanying each of the content data are recorded. A signal processing unit for performing processing; a notifying unit for notifying whether or not a charging process is required for reproducing the content data read from the medium; and a signal processing unit for reading from the medium when performing signal processing by the signal processing unit. It is determined whether or not the output content data requires a charging process for reproduction. As a result of the determination, when the content data read from the medium requires a charging process for reproduction, the notifying unit is activated. A data reproduction terminal device including a driving control unit. 26. The control unit, wherein when the determination result indicates that billing processing is not required for reproducing the content data read from the medium, the controller starts reproducing the content data read from the medium. Item 25
3. A data reproduction terminal device according to claim 1. 27. The data reproduction terminal according to claim 25, wherein the control unit determines whether or not a charging process is required for reproducing the content data read from the medium based on the accompanying data of the content data. apparatus. 28. The control section, after making full use of the notifying means to notify that the content data read from the medium requires charging processing for reproduction, performs a charging processing based on the accompanying data. 28. The data reproduction terminal device according to claim 27, wherein the data reproduction terminal device reproduces content data read from the medium. 29. The notifying means comprises a display unit, and the display unit indicates that the content data read from the medium by the control unit needs to be charged for reproduction. 26. The data reproduction terminal device according to 25. 30. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the display unit is a charging display unit that indicates that the content data read from the medium is reproducing content data that requires a charging process for reproduction. Terminal device. 31. The apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising an operation unit for performing an operation of prohibiting the reproduction of the content data when the charging of the content data read from the medium requires a charging process. 3. A data reproduction terminal device according to claim 1. 32. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein when the operation of prohibiting the reproduction of the content data that requires charging for the reproduction of the content data read from the medium by the operation unit is released, the apparatus reads the content data from the medium. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said content data can be reproduced irrespective of whether billing processing is required for reproduction.
2. The data reproduction terminal device according to 1. 33. A storage unit for storing a plurality of downloaded content data subjected to encryption processing and / or compression processing and accompanying data associated with each of the content data, read out from the storage unit. A signal processing unit for performing signal processing necessary for reproduction on the reproduced content data; a notifying unit for notifying whether or not the charging of the content data read from the storage unit is required for reproduction; When performing signal processing by the unit, it is determined whether or not the charging process is required for the content data read from the storage unit. As a result of the determination, the content data read from the storage unit is reproduced. A terminal device provided with a control unit for driving the notification means when a billing process is required. 34. The notifying means includes a display unit, and the display unit is required to display or reproduce at least a plurality of titles of content data that can be downloaded to the terminal device, and whether billing processing is required. 34. The terminal device according to claim 33, wherein a mark indicating is displayed. 35. The terminal device according to claim 33, wherein the device further comprises a mode switching operation unit, and the control unit downloads content data satisfying a condition set by the mode switching unit. 36. The terminal device according to claim 35, wherein the control unit downloads content data satisfying a condition set by the mode switching unit based on accompanying data of the content data.