JPH06208760A - Data reproduction management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To manage the copyright of recording medium strictly by recording a management code data on a recording medium and managing the reproducing operation based on the management code data. CONSTITUTION:When a disc 1 is reproduced by means of a reproduction machine, a management code is read out, at first, along with TOC information and the like from a read-in area 2. Subsequently, a data 5 for designating application of limit is confirmed thus deciding whether the reproduction is limited. If the reproduction is limited, a machine ID registration area 7 is referred for the ID of a machine currently being reproduced. If the ID is found, reproduction is permitted otherwise an ID registration data 6 is inspected. When the number of registered ID reaches a preset upper limit, reproduction is not permitted and the reproducing operation is stopped. When the upper limit is not yet reached, the management code is additionally registered in the machine ID data registration area 7. Thereafter, reproduction is permitted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording / reproducing information such as images and sounds by using an information recording medium such as a disk, and a data reproduction management system for performing restriction management of reproduction operation within a specific condition range. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, copyrights for images, music, etc. are legally protected regardless of the type of recording medium, but in reality, improper copying or rental may be performed. Was difficult to manage completely. Conventionally, in order to prevent these unjust acts, various measures are taken depending on the media. For example, in the VTR, if a copy guard signal is added to the video signal itself recorded on the magnetic tape and dubbing is performed, the VTR on the recording side detects this and normal recording cannot be performed, or the recording operation is stopped. I am not allowed to copy anything.

In addition, DAT (Digital Audio Tape recor)
der), SCMS (Serial Copy Management Syste
The copy restriction method called m) is adopted, and instead of allowing the first copy, which is considered to be a range that individuals can enjoy, serial restrictions that increase in the mouse formula are restricted.

This is because even if the original music source such as a CD or DAT is used as an individual, parallel copy up to one generation is permitted without limitation, regardless of the copy protection, but it is obtained by copying. Copying of the obtained DAT source is restricted by a category code or a copy prohibition code output from the DAT on the reproducing side. At present, VTR and DAT
The main countermeasure is to restrict copying on the recording device side.

The rental of VTR soft tapes and CD software is also a big problem. Although it is true that rentals have promoted the spread of VTR devices, the rampant use of rentals has a disadvantage for copyright holders, which in turn raises the prices of soft tapes and soft disks. Eventually, it increased the burden on individual users and was a hindrance to purchasing software.

On the other hand, a DVD (Digital Video Disc recorder) is considered as a next-generation video recorder replacing the VTR. This is a system in which video / audio signals are digitized and recorded / reproduced on / from an optical disc. By using a compact and high-speed accessible disc disc as a recording medium, there is an advantage that cannot be obtained by a conventional VTR. DVD software is also planned to be produced and sold, but the copy / rental problem is also greatly related to the selling price of the software and the spread of the device itself.

[0007]

From the viewpoint of the hardware manufacturer who develops and manufactures the DVD device itself, rental that leads to the spread of the device is welcomed. However, from the perspective of the software manufacturer that produces and sells soft discs, we do not want to allow it because there is a high possibility that rental rampage will lead to copyright infringement and eventually loss of profit.

If rental is taken into consideration, the price of the soft disk itself will be increased, and the promotion of purchase by individual users cannot be expected. If rental is prohibited at all, the spread of the device itself will be delayed and the sales volume of the soft disk itself cannot be expected to increase. This is DV
No matter how low the manufacturing cost of the D disk itself becomes, the price of the soft disk cannot be lowered, and the hardware manufacturer side, the software manufacturer side, and the user will suffer their respective disadvantages, and a big problem remains. .

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a data reproduction management system in which copyright management is easy without incurring any disadvantages on the software manufacturer side even if rental is permitted. The purpose is to do.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, management code data for restricting reproduction operation and information having the management code data and recording data such as images and sounds are recorded. The recording medium includes a recording medium, a reproducing device for reproducing the information recording medium, and means for restricting a reproducing operation according to the management code data when reproducing the information recording medium.

[0011]

With this structure, when the information recording medium is mounted on the reproducing apparatus, the reproduction operation is restricted in accordance with the management code recorded on the information recording medium to protect the copyright. Can be easily performed.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention applied to a DVD will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which data in the management code area of a DVD
A format example is shown.

The management code is provided in the lead-in area 2 on the disk 1 together with the TOC information and the like. The management code is the manufacturer code 3 of the software manufacturer who produced and sold the disc, the password 4 that is different for each type of recorded video software, the restriction application instruction data 5 that instructs the application of the reproduction restriction to the disk, and is registered up to now. 6 registered playback device IDs indicating the number of playback device IDs
The device ID data registration area 7 for registering The upper limit of the number of registered IDs is set in advance so that it will not hinder individual users.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of the management code processing on the reproducing device side of this embodiment. When playing disc 1 on a playback device, first lead-in area 2
The management code is read out together with the TOC information and the like in (a). Next, the restriction application instruction data 5 is checked to determine whether there is a reproduction restriction (b). If there is no playback restriction, playback is allowed.

When the reproduction is restricted, it is referred to whether the ID of the device currently being reproduced is registered in the device ID registration area 7 (c). If there is an ID, reproduction is permitted, and if not, the ID registration number data 6 is checked (d).

Here, if the number of registered IDs satisfies the preset upper limit number, the reproducing operation is not permitted and the reproducing operation is stopped. If there is still a vacancy in the upper limit specified number, the number of registrations of the ID registration number data 6 is counted,
In order to additionally register the reproduction model ID in the device ID data registration area 7, a management code writing process is performed (e).
After this, reproduction is permitted.

FIG. 3 shows changes in management code data and operation restrictions. A disc with a registration limit of 3 is played back using four types of playback devices A, B, C, and D. 1
In the initial state in which the ID has not been reproduced even once, the number of registered IDs is 0, and none of the three ID registration areas is empty. When reproduced on the device A with ID = A001, the number of registered IDs is 1, and A001 is recorded in the first block of the ID registration area. When played back on the device B having ID = B001, the number of registered IDs is 2, and B001 is recorded in the second block of the ID registration area.
When played back on a C device with ID = C001, the number of registered IDs is 3, and C0 is displayed in the third block of the ID registration area.
01 is recorded. Here, A, B, which has already been registered,
With the C device, reproduction can be repeated as many times as necessary.

Next, when reproduction is performed by the D device having ID = D001, new reproduction cannot be performed due to the registration restriction, and since reproduction is different from the ID registered in the ID registration area, reproduction is not permitted.

In this embodiment, it is ideal that the playback device ID is different for each playback device, but a sufficient copy protection effect can be obtained even by hardware manufacturer, model, or manufacturing lot. Further, how many registration limits should be set may be determined in consideration of the selling price of the soft disk, the rental fee, etc. within a range that does not hinder the individual user.

It is also possible to separately sell the soft disk for individual users and the soft disk for rental. In this case, the restriction application instruction data 5 is applied to an individual user, but not applied to a rental user, and a copyright fee is added to the selling price itself. Alternatively, different ID registration limit number codes for individual users and rentals are provided, and the upper limit of the number of ID registrations is limited by the registration number check routine (d). Even if the rental company purchases software for individual users and tries to use it for commercial purposes, he / she cannot make a profit because the number of loans can be limited. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the disk refreshing device 8 having the function of canceling the ID registration restriction of the disk is supplied to the rental company side. The disk refresh device 8 is connected to the telephone line 10 through the modem 9.

Host computers 11 to 13 for rental management of each company are connected to the telephone line 10 on the software sales side, and data is exchanged with the disk refresh device 8 on the rental company side.

The basic structure of the disk refreshing device 8 is the same as that of a normal disk reproducing device, but from the result of confirmation of ID registration written in the mounted disk 1 and data communication with the host computers 11 to 13. ID
It has the function to clear the registration to the initial setting value. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of this embodiment.

When a disk whose number of registered IDs has reached a prescribed number is mounted on the rental company side or when refreshing is requested regardless of the number of registered IDs, refer to the manufacturer code 3 of the management code in the disk. , The host computer 11, 12 of the mounted disc sales company
Alternatively, the line connection with 13 is performed (g).

First, the rental subscription number of the disk refreshing device 8, the manufacturer code 3 in the disk management code, and the ID registration number 6 are transmitted to the host computer 11, 12 or 13 of the corresponding software manufacturer (h). ). The manufacturer code 3 includes a sales company, a disc classification number, and the like.

As a result, the software sales company side can confirm the rental company that is going to perform the disk refresh process, and the copyright fee can be calculated based on the transmitted ID registration number.

Next, the password is transmitted from the host computer 11, 12 or 13 to the disk refresh device 8. The disk refreshing device 8 collates the password 4 read from the management code of the disk 1 with the received password (i). Only when both passwords match, the number of registered IDs of the mounted disks can be cleared to the initial value (j).

The password on the software sales side is structured so as not to be exposed to the outside from the disk refreshing device, and the confidentiality of the password is maintained. Also, these passwords are protected by double or triple encryption such as encryption.

In this embodiment, the software seller permits the disk refresh operation instead of receiving the report of the number of registered IDs of the disks used for rental from the rental company. As a result, strict management of the royalty fee can be easily realized.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the method of managing copyright by connecting to the host computers 11 to 13 by using the telephone line is used. In this embodiment, the functions to be processed by the host computers 11 to 13 are described. It is incorporated in the disk refreshing device 8. The refresh permission circuit 14 incorporated in the disc refresh device 8 manages the disc.

In this embodiment, the memory card 15 is used to confirm the number of registered IDs and issue a password on the software selling side. If a rental company installs a disc with the number of registered IDs reaching the specified number, or if refreshing is requested regardless of the number of registered IDs, refer to the manufacturer code 3 of the management code in the disc and mount it. Insert the memory card of the disc sales company into the disc refresh device.

The password of the software sales company is recorded on the memory card. The number of registered IDs of the installed disk is read only when the password of the management code of the installed disk is read and the password matches the password of the software sales company. Can be cleared. Also, the number of registered disc IDs is recorded in the memory card before disc refresh. The contents of these memory cards are arranged so that they cannot be easily deciphered.

In this embodiment, by using a memory card, recording the number of registered IDs and applying a password, it is possible to easily manage the copyright usage fee. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is a method in which the reproduction restriction of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has an expiration date. This is a method in which expiration date 16 is added to the management code, and if the expiration date has expired, reproduction is permitted regardless of the number of ID registrations.
Generally, the peak of rentals is one year or less from the announcement of new products, and it is considered that individuals will not buy new playback equipment so much that the number of registered IDs exceeds the limit.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing of this embodiment. The expiration date is checked by a timer inside the playback device. When the number of registered IDs satisfies the preset upper limit number, the preset expiration date for each disc is checked by a timer inside the playback device, and if it expires, playback is permitted. If it is within the expiration date, the reproducing operation is stopped (p).

In this embodiment, the expiration date data of the ID registration restriction is added to the disc so that the rental is regulated for a certain period after the new product is released, and the ID after the certain period.
By removing the registration restriction, the software sales company can easily operate the rental start period.

FIG. 9 is a constitutional view showing still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when an individual user purchases a new playback device, the newly used playback device inherits the ID of the previously used playback device.

A non-volatile memory or the like is used for the ID code generating section of the reproducing apparatus, and the ID is changed using a dedicated ID changing disk. Further, the ID may be changed by setting a switch provided inside the playback device. These I
The change of D should be done by the manufacturer of the playback device or the retailer, so that it cannot be changed easily by general individual users.

The management code of the ID changing disk is ID
Conversion disk identification code 17, maker code 3, password 4, restriction application instruction data 5, ID registration number 6, ID
It is composed of a data registration area 7.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing of this embodiment. When the disc is inserted into the playback device, I
A disc for D change or a normal disc is identified (q). If it is an ordinary disc, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is performed and the reproducing operation is performed.

If the disk is an ID changing disk r, the ID registration number 6 is checked (r). If the ID registration number 6 is 0, the ID of the playback device in which the disc is currently inserted is set to I.
It is recorded in the ID data registration area 7 of the D changing disc. As a result, the number of registered IDs on the ID change disk is 1.
(T).

Next, the ID changing disk is inserted into a newly purchased reproducing device. Since the number of registered IDs is 1, the ID recorded on the ID changing disk is copied and the conventional ID set in the playback device is changed (v). At the same time, set the number of registered IDs on the ID changing disk to 6
Return to.

In this embodiment, the ID changing disk is attached to a conventionally used reproducing device, and the ID of the reproducing device is set.
I, by copying this, and then installing this ID changing disk in the playback device whose ID is to be changed,
D can be changed.

FIG. 11 is a constitutional view showing still another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment relates to a disc with a privilege in which a video and audio source is recorded as a privilege in addition to a normal video and audio source. As shown in FIG. 11, the management code of the disc with a privilege includes a maker code 3, a password 4, a privilege code 18, a permission ID number code, restriction application instruction data 5, an ID registration number 6,
It is composed of a device ID data registration area 7.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the TOC data is additionally recorded with the TOC 20 for privilege data in addition to the normal main data. Only when the privilege reproduction is permitted, the TOC 20 for the privilege data is read and the privilege data is reproduced.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the processing of this embodiment. When the disc with the privilege is attached, the presence or absence of the privilege is identified by the privilege code 18 (x). If the privilege is not added, the normal playback operation starts.

If the privilege is added, the permission ID number code 19 is compared with the ID registration number 6, and the ID registration number 6 is the permission I.
If the number of D is not within the range, the ID is written in the management code, and the privilege data is permitted to be reproduced (z).

In this embodiment, the permission ID number code 19 is added to restrict the reproduction of the privilege data, so that the disc can be differentiated from the rental disc. As a result, it can be expected that personal users will have more willingness to purchase.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, the management code data is recorded on the recording medium, and the reproducing operation is managed based on the management code data.
It is possible to strictly manage the copyright of the recording medium.
Moreover, since strict management can be performed even for rental companies, it is possible to promote the spread of playback devices without causing any disadvantage to the software production side.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a format example of a management code of a DVD according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in management code data and operation restrictions in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a constitutional view showing still another embodiment of the present invention.

12 is an explanatory diagram of TOC data in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in the embodiment of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Disc, 2 ... Lead-in area, 3 ... Maker code, 4 ... Password, 5 ... Restriction application instruction data,
6 ... Number of registered IDs, 7 ... Device ID data registration area.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A management code data for restricting a reproduction operation, an information recording medium having the management code data for recording data such as images and sounds, a reproducing apparatus for reproducing the information recording medium, A data reproduction management system comprising: means for restricting a reproduction operation based on the management code data when reproducing the information recording medium.