JP2001351320A - Management method for password number of information in recorder-reproducer, and management system for password number of information recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent that the previously recorded information signals are erased by a mistake by a third party or the viewers are limited by a mistake. SOLUTION: The operation management of a higher order level is carried out via the operation of a master password number or a master lock mechanism to permit or inhibit the execution of individual functions including the one that inhibits erasing the information recorded on a recording medium. On the basis of the result of collation with the inputted master password number, the execution of those individual functions are permitted or inhibited. Thus, it is possible to prevent an operation with which the previously recorded contents are erroneously erased by a third party.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording and / or reproducing of an encoded information signal for recording and reproducing a video and / or audio signal on an information recording medium which can be accessed randomly, such as a disk recorder. The present invention relates to a password management method and a password management method for managing a recorded information signal in response to a password setting operation for prohibiting erasure of recorded information or restricting viewers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a device for recording and reproducing a bit stream obtained by encoding a video signal or the like, an HDD (hard disk drive) or a DVD-R
AM (Random Access Memory Digital Versatile Di
There is a disc recorder that uses sc). And
In these disc recorders, there is a method of protecting the recorded contents by using a password in order to prevent erroneous erasure, and the protection of the recorded contents by the password is to prevent the erasure by the operation of a third party. Has been made.

[0003] Further, the protection of the recorded contents by the password is, for example, to restrict the viewers to protect the contents that the user does not want to show to the children (for example, the information can be reproduced only by those who know it by the password). For example, in the case of a DVD or the like, when reproducing recorded information, it is determined whether or not a parental control password has been set.
There is also a DVD reproducing apparatus that determines whether or not corresponding information can be reproduced by collating the password.

[0004] DVDs currently used at home are:
The main type is a reproduction type using a DVD-ROM. In the future, DVD-RAM and DVD-RW types for recording bit streams obtained by encoding video signals and the like, and recording media for hard disks, magneto-optical disks, etc. The video recording / reproducing apparatus described above will be introduced to the market.

A video recording / reproducing apparatus using such a disc-type information recording medium can record a plurality of programs at the same time because the access time of a recorded signal is short, and can continue recording a program which has already started recording. Meanwhile, the reproduction is characterized by a function such as so-called chase reproduction, which allows the user to watch the program in a manner that catches up with the program being broadcast. Market introduction of a video recording / reproducing apparatus using a recording medium is further activated.

[0006]

A hard disk type information recording / reproducing apparatus (hard disk recorder) for recording a video signal on a hard disk has a built-in hard disk which is a recording medium. It is configured to record. This hard disk recorder is a conventional VTR as described above.
The manufacturer has a feature that cannot be realized by the manufacturer, and the manufacturer appeals the feature of the hard disk recorder at a store, and performs a demonstration, a presentation, and the like so that a viewer (customer) can recognize the feature.

[0007] In a normal demonstration, a promotion video for demonstration is recorded on a hard disk recorder at a manufacturing factory, attached and shipped, and the promotion video is played back at a store to introduce features of the product and function for a product purchaser. And so on.

[0008] During the demonstration at the store, if the contents are erased by casual operation or intention of the store or if another video signal is over-recorded, the purpose will not be achieved. The unit needs to be erased and prohibited from recording using, for example, a password.

On the other hand, in a VTR or the like that records a video signal on a tape cassette, an erroneous erasure prevention detection hole for erasure and recording prevention is provided in the cassette to prevent erroneous erasure and erroneous recording of the recorded video information. Is used to protect the recorded video signal etc. by detecting the state of the recording medium. However, when the recording medium is built in the recording device such as a hard disk recorder, a detection hole is formed in the recording medium. Since it is impossible to use the means for erasing the recorded contents and prohibiting the recording, the erroneous erasure of the recorded contents and the erroneous recording prohibition process are performed by using the personal identification number or the like.

[0010] The promotion video is also used at the purchaser's house to explain the function and use of the product. However, the purchaser becomes proficient in using the product, and the promotion video is no longer needed. In such a case, the recorded portion is erased to secure a further video recording area on the recording medium.

In this way, the promotion video recorded on the hard disk is prevented from being erased erroneously at the store, but at the purchaser's house where the product was purchased, the recording of this video signal is carried out by the product user's intention. It is necessary to satisfy both of these conditions, for example, erasing is prohibited at a store, such as erasing a part, and erasing is possible at a purchaser's house.

[0012] If a viewer (customer) can perform an operation involving input of the personal identification number at a store, the contents recorded by the viewer are prohibited from being erased, and the viewer is restricted in the promotion video portion. However, there is a risk that inconvenient operations such as the inability of other visitors to view the promotion video may be performed, and the release of the undesirable operation performed by such a viewer is performed by the clerk. If the user does not know the password input by the user, unnecessary settings such as viewer restrictions cannot be canceled, which hinders promotion at the store.

[0013] Such inconvenience is caused by DVD-R
The same may occur in a disc recorder using exchangeable media such as an AM, and the playback function is changed by such a viewer (customer), and furthermore, the change is protected by a secret code from being released. Prohibition measures for such inconvenient operations are required.

[0014] In addition, such an undesired operation for restricting the audience may be performed even at the time of use in a general household. For example, there is a case where it is necessary to prevent a child from setting a viewer restriction so that the user can check.

Further, for example, even in a disk recorder installed in a living room, there are cases where it is desired to restrict who can use the viewer restriction function. For example, a viewer restriction operation cannot be performed, or an operation of prohibiting erasure cannot be performed.

According to the present invention, a master password and a master lock function for these operations are prohibited in order to prohibit operations such as a viewer restriction operation for a person other than a specific person or an operation for prohibiting erasure of recorded program software. The setting provides a means for solving these problems.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A password management method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus and a password management method for an information recording apparatus according to the present invention are as follows.
To 7). That is,

1) An individual function operating means for executing erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium as a first level operation command is provided, and the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password inputted at the time of execution. A code number is compared with a preset individual function password set in advance, and a password management in an information recording / reproducing apparatus in which an individual function operation management for permitting or disabling operation of the individual function is performed based on a result of the comparison. In the method, a first personal identification number for permitting or disallowing execution of the individual function operation management is input as a second level operation instruction having a higher priority than the first level operation instruction. Step (95, 85, 7
3), a second step (75) of storing the master password input in the first step in storage means, and the individual function for erasing the information signal recorded on the information recording medium. A third step (95, 85, 73) for receiving an operation command, and a fourth step (95, 85) for receiving the input of the master password when the individual function is operated in the third step. , 7
3), a fifth step (73) of collating the master PIN input in the fourth step with the master PIN stored in the second step, and a collation in the fifth step. A sixth step (7) for permitting or disallowing the execution of the individual function operation based on the result.
3) A method for managing a personal identification number in an information recording / reproducing apparatus, characterized by comprising:

2) An individual function operating means for executing erasing of an information signal recorded on the information recording medium as a first level operation command is provided. The execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password input at the time of execution. A code number is compared with a preset individual function password set in advance, and a password management in an information recording / reproducing apparatus in which an individual function operation management for permitting or disabling operation of the individual function is performed based on a result of the comparison. A first step (86) of detecting a position of a master lock operation member of a master lock operation unit for permitting or disallowing execution of the individual function operation means as a second level operation command; When the position of the master lock operation member detected in step 1 is detected as a position at which the operation of the operation management of the individual function operation is prohibited. A second step (73) of disallowing execution of the individual function operation means for erasing the information signal recorded on the information recording medium. Number management method.

3. The personal identification number management method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual function operation is an operation for executing a viewer restriction setting function.

4) An individual function operating means for executing erasure of the information signal recorded on the information recording medium as a first level operation command is provided, and the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password inputted at the time of execution. In a personal identification number management method in which an individual function operation management is performed by comparing a number with a preset individual function personal identification number set in advance and permitting or disallowing the operation of the individual function based on a result of the comparison, Allowing execution of the individual function operation management as a second-level operation instruction having a higher priority than the one-level operation instruction;
Alternatively, a password input means (95, 85, 73) for inputting a master password for disabling, and a master password storage means for storing the master password input by the password input means in a storage means ( 75), the individual function operating means (95, 85, 73) for erasing the information signal recorded on the information recording medium, and when the individual function is operated by the individual function operating means. Master password input means (95, 85, 73) for receiving the input of the master password, the master password input by the master password input means, and the master password stored in the master password storage means. A master password collating means (73) for collating with the number, and the execution of the individual function operation is permitted based on the collation result in the master password collating means. Or PIN management method characterized more becomes possible and operation management means (73) to disallow.

5) An individual function operating means for executing erasing of an information signal recorded on the information recording medium as a first level operation command is provided. The execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password inputted at the time of execution. In a personal identification number management method in which individual number operation management is performed by comparing a number with a preset individual function password set in advance and permitting or disallowing operation of the individual function based on a result of the comparison, State detection means (86) for detecting the state of an operation member connected to the operation unit of the master lock function for executing or disallowing the execution of the function operation means as a second-level operation instruction, and the state detection means When the position of the master lock operation member detected by the above is detected as a state in which execution of the individual function operation means is not permitted, the position is recorded on the information recording medium. And a personal operation managing means (73) for disabling execution of said individual function operating means for erasing said information signal.

6) An individual function operating means for executing erasure of the information signal recorded on the information recording medium as a first level operation command is provided, and the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password inputted at the time of execution. In a personal identification number management method in which an individual function operation management is performed by comparing a number with a preset individual function personal identification number set in advance and permitting or disallowing the operation of the individual function based on a result of the comparison, Allowing execution of the individual function operation management as a second-level operation instruction having a higher priority than the one-level operation instruction;
Or, a password input means (95, 85, 73) for inputting a master password for disabling, and erroneous erasure prohibition setting information acquisition for acquiring erroneous erasure prohibition setting information previously recorded on the information recording medium. Means (63, 67, 73) and the password input means for inputting a master password.
And an individual operation management means (73) for disabling execution of the individual function operation means when the erroneous erasure prohibition setting information is obtained from the erroneous erasure prohibition setting information obtaining means. Number management system.

7) An individual function operating means for executing erasing of an information signal recorded on the information recording medium as a first level operation command is provided, and the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password input upon execution. In a personal identification number management method in which individual number operation management is performed by comparing a number with a preset individual function password set in advance and permitting or disallowing operation of the individual function based on a result of the comparison, State detection means (86) for detecting the state of an operation member connected to an operation unit of a master lock function for executing or disallowing execution of the function operation means as a second level operation command; and the information recording medium The erroneous erasure prohibition setting information acquiring means (63, 67, 73) for acquiring the erroneous erasure prohibition setting information recorded in advance, and the state detecting means,
The execution of the individual function operation means is detected as non-permission,
And an individual operation management means (73) for disabling execution of the individual function operation means when the erroneous erasure prohibition setting information is obtained from the erroneous erasure prohibition setting information obtaining means. Number management system.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a password management method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus and a password management method for the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an information recording / reproducing apparatus equipped with a password management method according to the embodiment.

First, the overall schematic configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 40 and its operation will be described. The information recording / reproducing device 40 encodes the supplied video signal in the MPEG-2 system, and supplies the encoded information signal to the recording / reproducing unit 60; The recording / reproducing unit 6 adds a cluster header storing information to the hard disk 63 and reproduces the information signal recorded on the hard disk 63, and supplies the reproduced personal identification number information and the information signal to the decoder unit 70.
0 and a decoder unit 70 that decodes the password information and the information signal supplied from the recording / reproducing unit 60 and supplies the decoded video signal to the monitor TV 90 based on the password information.

Next, the configuration of each unit in this apparatus will be described in detail. First, the encoder unit 50 includes a TV tuner 51 that receives a TV broadcast, a video signal input terminal 52 that inputs a video signal, a video signal changeover switch 53 that switches an input signal, and an A / D that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. It comprises a converter 54 and an MPEG-2 encoder 55 for converting a digital video signal into an MPEG-2 encoded information signal.

The recording / reproducing unit 60 generates a cluster header in which personal identification number information described later is stored in the information signal supplied from the encoder unit 50, and adds cluster header information to the generated cluster header information. Control means for writing and reading information signals and cluster headers
And a hard disk 6 which reproduces the signals recorded on the hard disk 63 under the control of the write / read control means 65.
3 and an added cluster header signal is obtained from the reproduced signal and supplied to the CPU 73 of the decoder unit 70, and a reproduced signal from which the added cluster header is removed is supplied to the decoder unit 70. Cluster header acquisition / removal Means 67.

The decoder unit 70 decodes the MPEG-2 encoded information signal supplied from the recording / reproducing unit 60, and converts the decoded digital video signal into an analog video signal. A / A converter 78, a remote control interface 85 for receiving, for example, a modulated infrared signal emitted by operating a remote control 95, and an R for controlling the information recording / reproducing apparatus 40.
An OM 74 and a CPU 73 connected to a RAM 75 are connected to the hard disk 63 based on the password information obtained from the cluster header signal and the input information of the password supplied by operating the remote controller 95. The erasing, recording, and reproducing operations of the information signal are performed while controlling the erasing, writing, and reading methods of the information signal according to the writing and reading control means 65.

Next, the operation of the password management method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 40 having the above-described configuration will be described.
FIG. 2 shows that when recording a personal identification number related to the management of the personal identification number on a recording medium, a cluster header is arranged immediately before the cluster in the recording medium having the cluster structure, and an information signal to be recorded is encoded. 1 shows an example of a case where a bit stream signal obtained as a result is recorded following a cluster header.

In the figure, a GOP (Group of Picture
s) is a unit of 15 pictures composed of, for example, 15 frames of images, which is encoded by the MPEG-2 system,
A bit stream signal constituting a plurality of GOPs is divided into a plurality of clusters and stored, and is recorded on the information recording medium 63. The cluster header disposed at the head of the cluster relates to the management of a password. Information is recorded.

Hereinafter, the cluster header according to the password management method for the information recording medium 63 recorded by the cluster structure will be described in detail. FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the cluster header by a model. In the figure, the cluster header is arranged at a fixed position at the first position of each cluster, and the divided information signal data to be recorded in that cluster is arranged immediately after the cluster header.

The cluster header stores six types of information, which indicate the connection of a master password related to password management, an erasure-inhibited password, a viewer-limited password, and information signal recording data. The cluster number immediately before the position of the cluster where the information signal immediately before being recorded in this cluster is recorded, the cluster number immediately after the position of the cluster where the information signal subsequent to the cluster recorded here is recorded, and An empty information flag indicating whether or not data is recorded in the cluster area, such as whether or not there is an empty area.

Here, in an area for recording a master password, which will be described later, a number such as FFFF in hexadecimal notation is stored when the master password is registered in a state where the master password is registered. You. Whether the personal identification number information to be registered is scrambled by a predetermined random number or an elliptic function and stored, or whether the personal identification number information is stored as it is, is determined depending on how the personal identification number is used.
The next erasure-inhibited password is a password that can be registered under the control of the master password, and if the erasure-inhibited password is registered in this area, the information signal recording data following this cluster header will not be erased. It is forbidden.

The viewer restriction personal identification number arranged next to the cluster header is an area for storing a so-called parental lock personal identification number for data recorded with an information signal which is not desired to be viewed by a minor. When a password is stored in the viewer-limited password area, the subsequent information signal recording data is prevented from being reproduced unless a password matching the password is input by a key operation of a remote controller or the like. I have.

The cluster immediately before the next storage is:
Indicates a cluster number in which information signal recording data arranged before the information signal recording data recorded in this cluster is recorded, and recording data arranged next to this information signal is recorded in a cluster area immediately after the cluster number. Stores the cluster address number.

When the position of the recording data to be reproduced by skipping as the parental lock is designated by the audience restriction immediately before and after these, the next cluster address is reproduced in a short time while reproducing only the cluster header information. Skips the information signal recording data position where the parental lock is not performed while reproducing only the cluster header,
It is also possible to search.

Here, the case where the parental lock processing is performed in units of clusters has been described. However, when the viewer restriction processing is performed at home, for example, the place where the parental lock is to be performed on the part of the program software, Since there are few cases where parental lock processing is performed to classify positions where parental lock is not required, in such a case, a secret code for erasure prohibition processing and a viewer restriction in the recording data management area in units of programs. A method of storing a personal identification number for processing may be used.

FIG. 4 shows a method of storing management information in units of bit streams constituting a program. This management information is, for example, TOC (TaC) used in a hard disk or the like.
The program recorded and recorded in the ble of contents area is managed in the same manner as the file management. The management information includes a program name, a head cluster address value at which the program is recorded, and a master password. A password, an erasure prohibition password, a viewer restriction password, and the like.

The method of storing these passwords in the management information recording area is the same as that using the cluster header described above. However, the cluster header can be managed for each cluster area, but is stored in this management information recording area. In this method, recording information is managed in units of programs constituting a bit stream, so that it is not possible to control a fine area, but since there are few recording locations on a recording medium, it is easily managed for home use or the like. As a method, for example, a method of recording as management information in the TOC area is simple.

Next, a method of inputting a personal identification number (password) will be described. In the example shown here, the master PIN,
There are three types of passwords: an erasure prohibition password and a viewer restriction password, and the master password is a password for managing whether to permit or prohibit erasure prohibition and viewer restriction operations. It is.

That is, the information recording / reproducing apparatus performs processing for inhibiting erasure of a recorded program only when the master password is not input and when the master password is input and the master password is verified. In addition, for example, viewer restriction processing for parental lock can be set.

FIG. 5 shows a flow of steps in the case where the individual operation is permitted or restricted by the master password. Here, the individual operation refers to an operation of a process in which the priority order for operations such as the erasure prohibition process and the viewer restriction process is lower than the master password setting.

The flow of the process shown in FIG.
First, when performing individual operations such as erasure prohibition processing and viewer restriction processing for a recorded program, in step 101, the viewer operates a menu button of the remote control 95 to display a menu screen on the monitor TV 90, and performs the individual operation. The processing contents to be operated are displayed on the screen.

In step 102, it is determined whether or not a master password has been set in the hard disk 63 as a recording medium by reproducing the above-mentioned cluster header information or disk management information, and obtaining the header of the management information obtained by the reproduction. Supply to the CPU 73 through the means 67 and the like;
Checks whether the master password is an initial value such as FFFF in hexadecimal notation or whether a preset value is recorded.

Here, if the master password has been set, the routine proceeds to step 103, where the input of the master password is awaited. Here, the master password is input. In step 104, the personal identification number is compared with the already set password.
Individual operations such as viewer restriction processing can be performed, but when the master PINs do not match, it is indicated on the monitor TV 90 that individual operations are prohibited, for example, "This function is currently prohibited for storefront demonstrations." Is displayed as an error message.

Here, an example of a display screen for inputting a password is shown. FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen for performing the erasure prohibition setting. Step 10
When the master password is not set in 2, the operation is permitted as an individual operation, but FIG. 6 shows a display screen when the erasure prohibition setting is performed.

FIG. 7 shows a display screen displayed when a viewer performs an individual operation when a master password has already been set. It is checked in step 102 whether or not a master password has been set. If the master password has been set, as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the same screen to request the input of the personal identification number.

By doing so, it is possible to easily prohibit children or the like from arbitrarily performing operations that require a password, and the parent can prohibit erasure and restrict viewers when necessary, by setting a higher-level master. This is done by inputting it along with the password.
Since two passwords can be input using a common input screen, it is possible to manage the recording medium with a small screen operation load.

Now, with regard to the example of the personal identification number management method shown here, the manner of operation at the store will be described. That is, in a demonstration of an information recording / reproducing device at a store, a viewer (customer) views software produced for presentation by the store or a manufacturer of the device, but the presentation software is erased by mistake. Or it is desirable to be protected from erroneous operations such as performing viewer restriction processing.

Even if the viewer is allowed to try the recording function of the information recording / reproducing apparatus for testing the recording function, the erasure prohibition processing or the viewer restriction processing is not performed on the recorded contents of the trial recording. It is not preferable to do so.

Therefore, in order to prohibit such a processing operation on the trial record, an operation involving the input of a personal identification number is managed by a master personal identification number at a higher level than the input of the personal identification number. The input of the higher-level master PIN is notified only to the store, for example, and is not described in the instruction manual for the consumer. A password input screen is displayed, in which a master password is input, and the input of a password for an individual operation is prohibited by the master password.

In this way, when the upper-level master password is set, the master password is thereafter input, and the individual operation is not performed unless the management of the operation by the upper-level password is released. To prohibit the entry of personal identification number.

The operations prohibited at this time include the following. 1. 1. Operation to delete a program that has already been deleted. 2. Operation to perform erasure prohibition processing of a newly recorded program 3. Operation to remove viewer restriction processing for a program that has been subjected to viewer restriction processing. Operation to perform viewer restriction processing on a program that has not been subjected to viewer restriction processing

When the viewer attempts to perform any of these prohibited operations, for example, the message “This function is prohibited for a storefront demonstration in order to prevent the information recording device being operated from being considered defective. Is displayed, indicating that the information recording / reproducing apparatus is operating normally.

In this way, the presentation software recorded in the information recording apparatus is protected without erasing, overwriting, and the like. Since the individual processing is not performed, the contents of the record can be maintained as needed by the clerk of the store, and new visitors (viewers)
The presentation and the test operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus can always be provided in the best condition.

Next, an example in which the information recording / reproducing apparatus is installed and used in a general household will be described. Assuming that the user of this device is a parent and a child, and when the parent manages this device, the parent sets a higher-level master PIN according to the method described in the instruction manual. It is possible to prohibit children who do not know the password from inputting a new password, such as erasure prohibition and viewer restriction.

Here, when the individual operation is managed by the method described above, the function of the individual operation can be prohibited by the higher-level master password.
By operating using the screen for inputting the master PIN and the individual PIN as shown in FIG. 7 described above, it is possible to easily prohibit operations that require the PIN that the children are willing to perform without permission. In addition, the parent can enter individual operations such as erasure prohibition and viewer restriction when necessary, and both a higher-level PIN and an individual PIN on the same screen. Can be performed.

When the manufacturer of the information recording / reproducing apparatus records the promotion video and ships it together with the apparatus, when the apparatus is used at a store, the retailer prohibits the individual operation by the above-described method. To protect the presentation software, but when this device is purchased and used at a consumer's home, the protection of the presentation software is not performed, and the user does not need to watch the presentation software. An information recording medium with a limited recording capacity can be used effectively, for example, by erasing the location at the stage and recording new software at the location where the erasure has occurred.

As described above, when protecting, for example, a promotion video supplied by a manufacturer using a master password,
The method of restricting the operation of the erasure prohibition and the viewer restriction processing has been described. Next, the method of protecting a large amount of promotion video software prepared by the manufacturer with a small number of operations will be described.

According to the above-described method, for a promotion video or the like recorded by the manufacturer on the information recording / reproducing apparatus and supplied to the store, the store sets the master password on the apparatus and prohibits individual operations. I was When the number of information recording / reproducing devices handled by the store is small, the burden of such an operation is small. However, when a large number of information recording / reproducing devices are recorded and a large number of information recording / reproducing devices are exhibited, such operation is difficult. It is necessary to perform the operation on a large number of software and devices, and a method that can protect the software by a simple operation is desired.

For example, when a total of eight promotional videos for a total of four hours have been recorded and shipped to an information recording / reproducing apparatus using a hard disk capable of recording for 24 hours, and three such apparatuses are exhibited at a store. Requires an operation to prohibit erasure of 24 promotional videos one by one, and it is troublesome to set erasure prohibition for all of many software in this way.

It is assumed that among many information recording / reproducing devices, there is a device in which such a password setting process has been forgotten, and the promotion video recorded in the device has been partially erased due to an erroneous operation. In such a case, the part is repaired. However, it is usually difficult to repair only the erased part by re-inserting the part, so that the entire promotion video program is re-recorded.

When the signal supply device for re-recording is complete, the re-recording is relatively easy, but it is unnecessary for the store to re-record with the same performance as that recorded by the manufacturer. As a result, a long work time is required, including a work of checking the recording quality.

Therefore, the aim of the next embodiment is to provide a method of eliminating the operation of disabling the state of the information recording / reproducing apparatus for display at the store and preventing the accident due to forgetting the operation. The method is a method in which a master lock operation is performed on the information recording / reproducing apparatus so that the information recording / reproducing apparatus is brought into a master management state similar to that when a master password is set.

The method for setting the master lock state is as follows.
For example, by removing the screws attached to the back panel, etc., and the device set to the master lock state, the recording contents that are set to erroneous erasure prohibition are automatically set to the erasure prohibition state, etc. This is realized by adding so-called hidden state information to software of a CPU for managing the operation of the apparatus.

The method of setting the master lock state is, for example, that the master lock operation member 96 shown in FIG. 1 is a screw for that purpose, and by removing this screw, the switch 86 is changed from on to off, and the CPU 73 sets this state. The device recognizes that the device has been set to the master lock state.

The setting of the master lock state is performed by attaching or removing a member such as a screw. On the other hand, without using such a member, for example, a plurality of keys of a remote controller are simultaneously pressed for a predetermined time or the like. Although there is a method of performing the master lock operation, the method of performing the mechanical operation such as removing or attaching the master lock operation member can easily confirm whether or not the device is set to the master lock state. This makes it possible to reduce mistakes in setting the master lock state due to an erroneous operation by a user, and furthermore, a person other than the one who performed the master lock operation can easily confirm the operation result, which is convenient.

The setting of the erroneous erasure prohibition for the recorded contents is performed by securing the area for storing the erroneous erasure prohibition flag in the cluster header or the TOC described above.
There is a method in which an area for storing an erroneous erasure prohibition flag is secured, and either method may be used. Alternatively, a method of storing the flag in another recording unit may be used.

The erasure protection of the recorded contents performed in this manner is achieved by both the setting of the master lock state for the information recording and reproducing apparatus and the setting of the erroneous erasure prohibition state for the recorded contents (bit stream) recorded on the recording medium. However, since the setting of prohibition of erroneous erasure of the content recorded on the recording medium is consistently performed by the manufacturer, the dealer only needs to set the master lock state for the information recording / reproducing device, and the device can be easily configured. With this operation, it is possible to prevent erroneous erasure of recorded contents of all promotion videos and the like to which the erroneous erasure prohibition flag is added.

A similar erasure prevention method is required for exchangeable recording media such as a DVD-RAM. In other words, a manufacturer of a DVD-RAM recording / reproducing apparatus supplies a DVD-RAM supplied for sales promotion or in-store demonstration of the apparatus.
The RAM media needs protection to prevent erroneous operations that are deleted by being operated by a viewer at a store.

In a similar manner, the master lock set D
The VD-RAM recording / reproducing apparatus can set an erasure prohibition state for promotion video software provided with an erroneous erasure prevention flag provided by a manufacturer of the apparatus. Even when handed over to a viewer (customer) as a product promotion product, a DVD-RAM recording / reproducing apparatus installed at home and not set with a master lock does not enter the erasure-prohibited state. It is possible to delete at the point of time and record a new program.

In this way, the store can perform individual operation functions such as erasure prohibition and viewer restriction on information recorded on an information recording medium that requires erasure prohibition, by using a higher-level master lock operation or master password. Can be restricted by setting, and operations such as erroneous erasure and viewer restriction processing performed carelessly by a third party can be prohibited as non-permission, and a test recording video recorded by a third party In this way, it is possible to avoid obstacles such as the inability to cancel an undesired setting such as an erasure prohibition process or a viewer restriction process which is performed erroneously or intentionally.

FIG. 8 shows a flow of processing steps for restricting such individual operations. First, step 11
In step 1, it is checked whether or not the master lock setting has not been set. If the master lock setting has not been set, the operation proceeds to step 116 described later. If the master lock setting has not been set, the operation proceeds to the next step 112.

In step 112, it is checked whether or not the master password has not been set. If the master password has not been set, the individual operation is permitted. If not set (if set), step 113 is executed. Move on to

At step 113, a menu screen for the viewer to input the master password is displayed, and the routine proceeds to step 114. In step 114, the number input as the master password is fetched, and in step 115
Then, it is checked whether or not the password matches the already input master password. If the password matches, the individual operation is permitted.

In step 116, it is checked whether or not the information recorded on the information recording medium has been set to prevent erroneous erasure. If the setting has been made, individual operations are restricted. Goes to step 112.

As described above, even when a plurality of master management functions such as a master lock function and a master password setting function can be set, the information recording / reproducing apparatus can use one master management function. When the management function is used, it is checked whether or not an erroneous erasure prohibition setting has been made on the information recording medium. If the erroneous erasure prohibition setting has been made, individual operations are restricted.

In the above embodiment, the method of recording a video signal on a disk-shaped recording medium has been mainly described as a typical example. However, the recording medium is not limited to this and has excellent random access characteristics. It is not necessary that the recording medium be a disk type as long as it can record digital information using a recording medium.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the recording / reproducing apparatus in which the encoder unit 50 having the recording function, the recording / reproducing unit 60 and the decoder unit 70 having the reproducing function are integrated has been described. The unit 60 may be integrated into an information signal recording device, or the recording / reproducing unit 60 and the decoder unit 70 may be integrated into an information signal reproducing device.

Further, the information signal recording device 50 and the recording / reproducing unit 60 and the information signal reproducing device by the decoder unit 70 may be installed at remote places. For example, the function of the information signal recording device is There is also a method in which an information signal reproducing device is installed as a function of a set-top box in each room where a monitor television is installed in a home and installed.

In this case, for example, the information signal recording device operates as an information signal transmitting device, the information signal reproducing device operates as an information signal receiving terminal, and both are connected by a high-speed wireless LAN or a home LAN to perform bidirectional communication. Meanwhile, the video information recorded on the information recording medium is supplied to a receiving terminal coupled to a monitor TV installed in front of the viewer by an operation command from a viewer in each room, and the target information signal is decoded. The displayed video signal is displayed.

As described above, in the case where the transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal are installed at remote places and are operated by being connected by the communication means,
A plurality of transmitting terminals and a plurality of receiving terminals can be configured to operate by being connected to a network.

In this case, the hard disk in the home server sends video signals to a plurality of receiving terminals, but when there is a request to delete a program recorded in the home server, the above-mentioned master password or the like is used. By managing programs in this way, it is possible to prevent a valuable program from being accidentally erased due to a request from another receiving terminal.

Further, when a recording device as a home server is installed in a telecommunications carrier, a receiving terminal is installed in each home, and each home and the telecommunications carrier are connected by an optical cable or xDSL. However, it can be operated in the same way, for example, a recording device installed in a telecommunications carrier records a video signal according to an instruction from a transmitting and receiving terminal installed in a home, and a viewer restricts the recorded software from the home to the recorded software. Can be performed. In this case, the telecommunications carrier also needs to manage the contents of the software recorded on its own recording device. Ensure that protection is managed.

Although the above description has focused on video signals in which sound is attached to moving image signals, the signals recorded on the recording medium are not limited to these, but only signals based on sound, text data signals, and image data signals. It does not matter.

Also, the case where MPEG-2 is used as a compression encoding method of a video signal to be recorded has been described as an example.
The compression encoding method is not limited to this, and MPEG-4, MP
A method using a fractal compression method such as EG-7, MPEG-21, or the like may be used.

Further, in this embodiment, the hard disk has been mainly described as the form of the recording medium. However, the information recording medium is not limited to this, and a recordable disk such as a DVD-RAM may be used. The present invention relates to prohibition of erroneous erasure of a recording medium using a semiconductor memory card and prohibition of setting of a viewer restriction, and prohibition of a viewer restriction operation on a ROM type disc such as a DVD previously recorded and duplicated by a cutting device. Of course, it is good.

[0089]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an upper level operation management for permitting or disabling operation management of individual functions such as prohibition of erasure of information recorded on a recording medium is performed by inputting a master password. Then, based on the result of collation with the previously entered master password, the third party erroneously erases the previously recorded contents in order to permit or prohibit the operation of the individual function operation management. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a password management method in an information recording / reproducing apparatus which can prevent an operation such as being performed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a master lock function is provided for higher-level operation management for permitting or disabling operation management of individual functions such as prohibition of erasure of information recorded on a recording medium. In order to permit or disallow the operation of the operation management of the individual function, a password management method in an information recording / reproducing apparatus which can prevent erroneous operation such as erroneous erasure of pre-recorded recording contents by a third party. There are effects that can be provided.

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1,
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for managing a password in an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of preventing erroneous operation such as setting of viewer restriction by a third party on previously recorded contents, in addition to the effects described in claim 2. There is an effect that can be.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the upper level operation management for permitting or disabling operation management of individual functions such as prohibition of erasure of information recorded on the recording medium is compared with the master password. On the basis of the above, the operation of the operation management of the individual function is permitted or disallowed, so that an effect of being able to provide a password management method for preventing an erroneous operation such as a recorded content being erased by a third party is provided. is there.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the upper level operation management of permitting or disabling operation management of individual functions such as prohibition of erasure of information recorded on the recording medium is performed by operating the master lock member. Since the operation of the operation management of the individual function is permitted or not permitted, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a password management method for preventing an erroneous operation such as a recorded content being erased by a third party.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when a master password is set in the information recording / reproducing apparatus to be in a master lock state, and when erroneous erasure prohibition setting information is recorded on the information recording medium, the information recording medium is In order to prohibit the erasure of the information signal recorded in the information recording / reproducing apparatus, for example, it is possible to provide a password management system for preventing a presentation program supplied from the manufacturer of the information recording / reproducing apparatus from being accidentally erased by a third party. effective.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the master lock member of the information recording / reproducing apparatus is operated to be in the master lock state and the information recording medium has the erroneous erasure prohibition setting information recorded thereon, A password management system for preventing, for example, a presentation program supplied by a manufacturer of an information recording / reproducing apparatus from being erroneously erased by a third party, for example, in order to prohibit erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium. There is an effect that can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a cluster header and a cluster in a recording area according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state of number information and the like stored in a cluster header according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a bit stream according to an embodiment of the present invention and T
It is a figure showing a situation of management information stored in OC.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of steps for collating a master password according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for inputting an erasure prohibition setting password according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for inputting a master password and an individual operation setting password according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of steps for obtaining an individual operation permission according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 40 information recording / reproducing device 50 encoder unit 51 TV tuner 52 video input terminal 53 video signal changeover switch 54 A / D converter 55 MPEG-2 encoder 60 recording / reproducing unit 61 header adding unit 63 hard disk 65 write / read control unit 67 header acquisition / Removal means 70 Decoder section 72 MPEG-2 decoder 73 CPU 74 ROM 75 RAM 78 D / A converter 85 Remote controller interface 86 Master lock switch 90 Monitor TV 95 Remote controller 96 Master lock operation section

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An individual function operating means for executing erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium as a first-level operation command, wherein the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password input upon execution. A code number is compared with a preset individual function password set in advance, and a password management in an information recording / reproducing apparatus in which an individual function operation management for permitting or disabling operation of the individual function is performed based on a result of the comparison. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: inputting a master PIN for permitting or disallowing execution of the individual function operation management as a second-level operation instruction having a higher priority than the first-level operation instruction. And a second step of storing the master password input in the first step in the storage means; and erasing the information signal recorded on the information recording medium. A third step of receiving the individual function operation instruction, when the operation of the individual function is made by the third step, the accepting input of the master PIN 4
A step of collating the master PIN input in the fourth step with the master PIN stored in the second step; and a step of collating the master PIN entered in the second step with the result of the collation in the fifth step. And a sixth step of permitting or disallowing the execution of the individual function operation. 2. An individual function operating means for executing erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium as a first-level operation command, wherein the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password input upon execution. A code number is compared with a preset individual function password set in advance, and a password management in an information recording / reproducing apparatus in which an individual function operation management for permitting or disabling operation of the individual function is performed based on a result of the comparison. A first step of detecting a position of a master lock operation member of a master lock operation unit for permitting or disallowing execution of the individual function operation means as a second level operation command; and a first step thereof. When the position of the master lock operation member detected by the above is detected as a position where the operation of the operation management of the individual function operation is prohibited, the information The individual function code number management method in the information recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim more becomes possible and a second step of not permitted to perform the operation means for erasing the information signals recorded on the recording medium. 3. The personal identification number management method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual function operation is an operation for executing a viewer restriction setting function. 4. An individual function operating means for executing erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium as a first-level operation command, wherein the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password input upon execution. The password is compared with a preset individual function password set in advance, and the operation of the individual function is permitted or rejected according to the result of the collation. Password input means for inputting a master password for permitting or disallowing execution of the individual function operation management as a second-level operation command having a higher priority than the one-level operation command; A master password storage means for storing the master password input by the number input means in the storage means; and the individual for erasing the information signal recorded on the information recording medium. Function operation means, when the individual function is operated by the individual function operation means, a master password input means for receiving an input of the master password, and a master password input by the master password input means And a master password collating means for collating the master password stored in the master password storing means; and permitting or disabling execution of the individual function operation based on the collation result in the master password collating means. A password management system, which comprises an operation management means to be permitted. 5. An individual function operating means for executing erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium as a first level operation command, wherein the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password inputted at the time of execution. In a personal identification number management method in which an individual function operation management for collating a number with a preset individual function personal identification number set in advance and permitting or disallowing the operation of the individual function is performed based on the collation result, State detection means for detecting the state of an operation member connected to the operation unit of the master lock function for permitting or disallowing execution of the function operation means as a second-level operation instruction; and detecting the state by the state detection means. When the position of the master lock operating member is detected as a state in which execution of the individual function operating means is not permitted, the information signal recorded on the information recording medium is detected. The individual function code number management method, wherein more becomes possible individual operation management means for the unauthorized execution of the operating means for erasing the. 6. An individual function operating means for executing erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium as a first level operation command, wherein the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password inputted at the time of execution. The password is compared with a preset individual function password set in advance, and the operation of the individual function is permitted or rejected according to the result of the collation. Password input means for inputting a master password for permitting or disallowing execution of the individual function operation management as a second-level operation command having a higher priority than the one-level operation command; An erroneous erasure prohibition setting information acquisition unit for acquiring erroneous erasure prohibition setting information recorded in advance on a recording medium; and a master password input by the password input unit; When erase inhibition setting information erroneous than prohibition setting information acquisition means removed by is acquired, PIN management method characterized by comprising further a separate operation management means to disallow execution of the individual function operation means. 7. An individual function operating means for executing erasure of an information signal recorded on an information recording medium as a first-level operation command, wherein the execution of the individual function operating means is performed by an individual function password input upon execution. In a personal identification number management method in which an individual function operation management for collating a number with a preset individual function personal identification number set in advance and permitting or disallowing the operation of the individual function is performed based on the collation result, State detection means for detecting the state of an operation member connected to an operation unit of a master lock function for permitting or disallowing execution of the function operation means as a second-level operation instruction; The execution of the individual function operating means is detected as not permitted by the error erasure prohibition setting information acquiring means for acquiring the recorded erroneous erasure prohibition setting information, and the state detecting means. It is and when erase inhibition setting information erroneous than the erroneous erasure prohibition setting information acquiring unit is acquired,
A personal identification number management system, comprising: an individual operation management unit that prohibits execution of the individual function operation unit.