KR100797379B1 - Terminal apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a terminal device in which one of a first memory card storing copyrighted content and a second memory card containing non-copyrighted content is selectively inserted, and the two memory cards are substantially identical in external shape. . When an incompatible memory card is inserted in the terminal device, recording and playing back of the content on the inserted card are prohibited and / or the card is ejected from the device main body.

Terminal devices, copyright-compliant memory cards, copyright-noncompliant memory cards, recording and reproducing apparatus.

Description

Terminal apparatus

1 is a block diagram of a copyright-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus applicable to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of a copyright-compliant memory card applicable to the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of a copyright-noncompliant memory card recording and reproducing apparatus applicable to the present invention.

4 is a block diagram of a copyright-noncompliant memory card applicable to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a step of constructing a first example of processing executed when a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into a copyright-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a step of constructing a first example of processing executed when a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into a copyright-noncompliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a step of constructing a second processing example to be executed when a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into a copyright-compliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a step of constructing a second example of processing executed when a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into a copyright-noncompliant memory recording and reproducing apparatus.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a memory recording and reproducing apparatus compatible with both copyright-compliant and copyright-noncompliant memory cards.

Fig. 10 constitutes a first example of processing executed when a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into a memory recording and reproducing apparatus compatible with both copyright-compliant and copyright-noncompliant memory cards. Flowchart of the steps.

Fig. 11 constitutes a second example of processing executed when a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory card is inserted into a memory recording and reproducing apparatus compatible with both copyright-compliant and copyright-noncompliant memory cards. Flowchart of the steps.

The present invention, for example, relates to a terminal device capable of selectively accepting a copyright-compliant or copyright-noncompliant memory.

Today, people use their PCs (personal computers) for personal entertainment to access the server to download compressed digital data, such as music or video, from the desired servers on the World Wide Web network. It is widely used.

Another example that is popular today includes installing portable terminal devices with portable memory (eg, memory cards), including nonvolatile memory such as flash memory. (Portable terminal devices with fixed nonvolatile memory also apply.) The portable terminal device connects to a PC via an interface such as an IEEE 1394-compatible cable or RS (Recommended Standard) -232C or Universal Standard Bus (USB). do. Compressed digital data, such as music or videos, is copied or transferred from a PC's hard disk drive to nonvolatile memory. The portable terminal device containing the nonvolatile memory is transported so that the user can enjoy the recorded music or other content, for example, in an outdoor situation.

Since copyright control implemented through encryption and / or authentication is still strictly enforced, digital data downloaded over the Internet tends to be illegally copied and distributed.

Currently, digital data stored in the above-mentioned nonvolatile memory is not encrypted. It is of interest that illegal copying can infiltrate the legitimate market through a system using the portable terminal device described above.

In view of enforcing tighter rights control, a nonvolatile memory is proposed that includes signal processing circuitry for authentication and encryption. The memory thus developed is copyright-compliant nonvolatile memories (copyright-compliant memory cards).

As the proposed copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory is advanced to be widely used, users can clearly distinguish them from the currently used copyright-noncompliant nonvolatile memory to selectively use one or another type of memory depending on the situation. Needs to be.

On the other hand, compatibility with existing portable devices requires that copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory not have an external shape different from conventional nonvolatile memory. In other words, both copyright-noncompliant and copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory have the same shape to be accommodated in a portable terminal device.

Copyright-noncompliant volatile memory is used to record what may be referred to as unauthorized digital data, such as personally recorded audio and conference proceedings.

On the other hand, copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory is used to record digital data (for example, music works) from existing storage media such as compact discs (CDs) and mini-disc (MCs). In these memories, illegal copying of copyright protected data is prevented by proper authentication processing or through encryption.

For copyright protection, copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory must include signal processing circuitry for authentication or encryption, which is a feature not included in copyright-noncompliant nonvolatile memory.

There are two main types of portable terminal devices. One type of portable terminal device may primarily record conference proceedings, and another type of portable terminal device may download encrypted digital data from a PC or similar sources.

Usually, a portable non-compliant volatile memory must be loaded into a portable terminal device that records the progress of a meeting, and a copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory must be inserted into a portable terminal device that downloads data from a PC or similar source.

As mentioned above, both copyright-non-compliant and compliant non-volatile memories have substantially the same shape, making it difficult for the end user to distinguish between the two types of memory. In addition, not all users know which portable terminal device is compatible with which type of nonvolatile memory.

In addition, there may be a case where a portable terminal device capable of downloading data is used to record the progress of a conference. In such a case, the portable terminal device may be equipped with a copyright-noncompliant volatile memory.

Difficulties in distinguishing between different types of non-volatile memories, lack of user understanding of the compatibility between portable terminal devices and non-volatile memories, and also depending on the use case, ensure that the user always uses the appropriate type of memory. If expectations are not feasible, it often happens that a portable terminal device accidentally loads an inappropriate type of nonvolatile memory. Using an inappropriate type of memory may involve inadequate recording or reproduction of data by the portable terminal device.

If improper recording or reproduction is performed in this manner, copyright protection is insufficiently executed, or the user writes data that does not require copyright protection to a copyright-compliant nonvolatile memory. In the latter case, the copyrighted data is protected so that the data-regardless of its characteristics-must be processed later in a fairly limited manner.

Moreover, if a copyright-noncompliant volatile memory is used accidentally, downloading and writing data requiring copyright protection may fail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides a portable terminal apparatus which allows a user to mount a memory suitable for a desired use in the terminal apparatus.

According to one characteristic when practicing the present invention, one of the first and second memory cards is selectively inserted, the first memory card stores copyright protected content, and the second memory card is not copyright protected. A terminal apparatus for receiving content is provided, and the terminal apparatus includes a discriminating element for determining whether a memory card inserted in a main body of the terminal apparatus is a first memory card or a second memory card, and an inserted element. And a control element for prohibiting recording and reproducing of contents in the second memory card when the memory card is determined to be the second memory card by the discriminating element.

According to another feature of the invention, one of the first and second memory cards is selectively inserted, the first memory card stores copyright protected content, and the second memory card is copyright protected content. A terminal device is provided, the terminal device comprising: a determination element for determining whether a memory card inserted in a main body of the terminal device is a first memory card or a second memory card, and an inserted memory card is a determination element. And a control element for prohibiting the recording and reproducing of the content in the first memory card if determined by the first memory card.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description and the annexed drawings.

Now, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described. The present invention is realized in a portable device using a flash memory-loaded memory card as an example detachable storage medium. Portable devices are for example devices for recording and reproducing digital audio signals and other data. The portable device is hereinafter referred to as a recorder in compressed form.

The preferred embodiment described is a copyright-compliant portable device (recorder 1A) with copyright security with a memory card 40A compatible with the device, and a memory card 40B compatible with the latter device. With a copyright-noncompliant portable device (recorder 1B) that does not have copyright security.

Also described is a portable device (recorder 1C) that is compatible with both memory cards 40A and 40B.

1 is a block diagram of a copyright-compliant portable device (recorder A) with memory card 40A.

In Fig. 1, the dotted line includes two main blocks, one block shows how the recorder 1A is configured, and the other block shows how the memory card 40A is configured. The memory card 40A is loaded into the recorder 1A in a detachable manner.

The recorder 1A (also 1B and 1C to be described later) and the memory card 40A (also 40B to be described later) constitute a recording and reproducing system described later by implementing the present invention. This system can record and reproduce moving and still picture data as well as digital audio signals.

The recorder 1A comprises a CPU 2, a security block 3 connected to the CPU 2 via a bus, an operation unit 4, and a display device 5.

The security block 3 includes a Data Encryption Standard (DES) encryption block and circuits for performing authentication processing.

The operation unit 4 has keys, buttons, jog dials, and other controls that allow the user to perform various operations on recording and playback.

Operation information such as a recording or reproducing command generated in response to a user's operation in the operation unit 4 is transmitted to the CPU 2 via a bus.

The display device 5 is for example composed of a liquid crystal display panel. Under the control of the CPU 2, the display device 5 displays various items of operation status and information of the recorder 1.

The recorder 1A is also provided with an audio data interface 6, an encoder / decoder 7, an A / D converter 9, and a D / A converter 12.

The audio data interface 6 provides an interface of audio data between an external input / output terminal on one side and an internal encoder / decoder 7 on the other side.

The encoder / decoder 7 encodes the digital audio signal at a low bit rate and decodes the data encoded at the low bit rate.

A low bit rate encoding method called ATRAC3 is used. This is an improvement on Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding (ATRAC) used by mini-disk systems. Under the ATRAC3 method, 16 bits of audio data per sample sampled at 44.1 kHz are processed. The minimum data increase for audio data processing under the ATRAC3 method is called a sound unit (SU). One sound unit lasting about 2.3 ms consists of 1,024 samples of data (1,024 x 16 bits x 2 channels) compressed to hundreds of bytes of data. According to ATRAC3, audio data is compressed to about one third of its original volume. There is almost no distortion in sound quality due to data compression or decompression processing.

The analog audio signal can be supplied to the recorder 1A as a reproduction output from an externally attached audio output device such as a CD player, a mini-disc player, a tuner, or a tape player. In that case, the analog audio signal is transferred from the terminal 8 to the A / D converter 9 for conversion into a digital audio signal. After conversion, the digital audio signal is supplied to the audio data interface 6.

The digital audio signal is also supplied to the recorder 1A in the form of audio data received from a digital broadcast source or distributed over a network or as a reproduction output from an externally attached audio output device. In this case, the digital audio signal is transmitted from the terminal 10 to the audio data interface 6. The digital audio signal is for example transmitted from an external source to the recorder 1A via an optical fiber cable.

The audio data interface 6 optionally processes the audio signal thus input. The selected audio signal is supplied to the encoder / decoder 7.

The encoder / decoder 7 performs low bit rate encoding on the supplied digital audio signal and transfers the encoded data to the security block 3.

The security block 3 encrypts the encoded data supplied in this way. The security block 3 and the security block 52 in the memory card 40A to be described later are provided to protect the copyright of the content (digital audio signal in this example). The security block 3 of the recorder 1A includes a plurality of master keys and a storage key unique to the device in question. These keys are used for encryption and decryption.

The security block 3 also includes a randomization circuit to generate a session key. When the memory card 40A including the security block 52 is inserted into the recorder 1A, an authentication process is executed to see whether the inserted memory card 40A is an authenticated card. If the memory card 40A is determined to be authenticated, the security block 3 shares the session key with the security block 52.

The security blocks 3 and 52 are each equipped with a function for performing appropriate authentication processing.

As will be explained in more detail later, the memory card 40A includes a flash memory (non-volatile memory) 42, a security block 52 including a DES encryption circuit, a communication interface, and a single chip IC card carrying registers. to be.

The memory card 40A is loaded into the recorder 1A in a freely detachable form. In practice, the recorder 1A can accommodate a memory card without encryption function, that is, a memory card 40B (to be described later) without a security block.

When input as described above, the audio data is subjected to low bit rate encoding of the encoder / decoder 7 and encryption of the security block 3. After the processing, the encrypted audio data is supplied to the CPU 2.

The CPU 2 communicates data via the memory interface 11 and the memory card 40A fixed to a detachable mechanism (not shown). The memory interface 11 ensures serial data communication between the CPU 2 and the memory card 40A.

After being encrypted by the security block 3, the audio data is transferred by the CPU 2 to the memory card 40A via the memory interface 11. Audio data supplied to the memory card 40A is recorded in the flash memory 42 located there.

The input audio signal is conveyed as described above before being recorded to the memory card 40A.

The audio data is reproduced from the memory card 40A as follows: The CPU 2 reads the audio data from the flash memory 42 via the memory interface 11. The recovered audio data (ie encrypted audio data) is passed to the security block 3 for decryption. The decrypted audio data is decompressed from the compressed state by the encoder / decoder 7.

Decoding by the encoder / decoder 7 produces an audio signal of 16 bits per sample sampled at 44.1 kHz. The audio signal is transmitted to the D / A converter 12 via the audio data interface 6 for conversion into an analog audio signal. After the conversion, the analog audio signal is output from the terminal 13 to an external device.

Alternatively, the audio data from the encoder / decoder 7 as well as the decryption data from the security block 3 are output as digital data from the terminals 14, 15 to the external device via the audio data interface 6. .

In the above description, audio data recorded on or reproduced from the memory card 40A has been encrypted or decrypted by the security block 3 of the recorder 1A, respectively. Alternatively, encryption and decryption processing may be executed by the security block 52 of the memory card 40A.

In another method, the audio data can be encrypted by the security block 3 in recording and decrypted by the security block 52 in playback. In contrast, the audio data can be encrypted by the security block 52 for recording and decrypted by the security block 3 for reproduction.

In another method, the audio data can be encrypted by two security blocks 3, 52 at the time of recording and decrypted by the same two security blocks 52, 3 at the time of reproduction.

Secure blocks 3 and 52 are designed to have similar encryption functions that allow for the exchange and sharing of keys for encryption and decryption between the two blocks. This similar function allows to implement one of the audio data encryption / decryption structures described above.

In addition to the encryption and decryption features, the security blocks 3 and 52 each have an authentication function. When the memory card 40A is loaded into the recorder 1A, the security blocks 3 and 52 communicate authentication data therebetween. The output of the data communication acts as a function to grant or inhibit authentication. If the authentication is prevented, the recorder 1A will prohibit data reproduction or recording from the memory card 40A as an example.

Specifically, the authentication process is executed as an example as follows: When the memory card 40A is inserted into the recorder 1A, the first authentication data held by the security block 3 of the recorder 1A is stored in the memory card ( 40A). Given the first authentication data, the security block 52 in the memory card 40A generates corresponding second authentication data according to a predetermined formula. The first authentication is supplemented by the second authentication data before being transferred to the recorder 1A.

The recorder 1A grants or inhibits authentication by checking that the memory card 40A has returned the appropriate second authentication data in response to the first authentication data.

The authentication, encryption, or decryption functions described above are primarily intended to protect copyrights.

2 is a block diagram of the memory card 40A. The memory card 40A is a single chip IC card including the control block 41 and the flash memory 42.

The bidirectional serial interface (ie, the memory interface 11) between the CPU 2 in the recorder 1A and the memory card 40A consists of ten signal lines.

The signal line includes four main lines: a clock line SCK for transmitting six clock signals during data transmission, a status line SBS for transmitting status information, a data line DIO for transmitting data, and Interrupt line (INT).

For power supply, two ground lines GND and two power lines VCC are provided. The other two signal lines (labeled "Reserv") are reserved.

The clock line SCK is designed to transfer a clock signal in synchronization with data. The status line SBS is intended to transmit a signal indicating the state of the memory card 40A.

The data line DIO is used to input and output commands and encrypted audio data.

The interrupt line INT is a signal line that transmits an interrupt signal and allows the memory card 40A to request an interrupt of the CPU 2 from the recorder 1A.

The interrupt signal is generated when the memory card 40A is inserted into the recorder 1A. However, in this embodiment, the interrupt signal is transmitted through the data line DIO, while the interrupt line INT is grounded and not used.

The serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface blocks 43 (abbreviated as S / P, P / S, I / F blocks) are control blocks 41 on one side and multiple signal lines on the other side. It provides an interface between the memory interface 11 of the recorder 1 connected to the card through.

The serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 converts the serial data from the recorder 1A into parallel data, and supplies the converted parallel data to the control block 41. The interface block 43 also converts parallel data from the control block 41 into serial data and transfers the converted serial data to the recorder 1A.

Furthermore, upon receiving the command and data via the data line DIO, the serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 divides the received into two groups: conventional to flash memory 42 on one side. And data for secure access and instructions and data requiring encryption on the other side.

In particular, the command is first communicated to the data in a format in which a signal is transmitted through the data line DIO. Serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43 checks the code of a given command to determine whether the command and subsequent data are required for normal access or require encryption.

As a result of the check for the instruction code, the instruction required for normal access is set in the instruction register 44, and the accompanying data is set in the page buffer 45 and the write register 46.

An error correction code generation circuit 47 is provided in association with the write register 46. The error correction code generation circuit 47 generates an extra error correction code for the data temporarily held in the page buffer 45.

Output data from the command register 44, the page buffer 45, the write register 46, and the error correction code generation circuit 47 is stored in the flash memory interface / sequencer 51 (memory I / F, sequencer). D).

The flash memory interface / sequence 51 provides an interface between the control block 41 and the flash memory 42 to control the data exchange between them. Data is written to flash memory 42 via this memory interface / sequence 51.

In a data read operation, data recovered from flash memory 42 is transferred to page buffer 45, read register 48, and error correction circuit 49 via flash memory interface / sequence 51.

Errors in the data arranged in the page buffer 45 are corrected by the error correction circuit 49. The error correction output data from the page buffer 45 as well as the output data from the read register 48 are supplied to the serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43. From there, data is transferred to the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A through the serial interface described above.

A configuration ROM 50 is provided to receive information such as version information for the memory card 40A and characteristic information of various items.

The memory card 40A is equipped with a switch 60 that can be operated by the user as needed to prevent accidental deletion. When the switch 60 is set to the erasure prohibition position, the flash memory 42 is protected against erasing even if a command requesting deletion of data in the flash memory 42 is transmitted from the recorder 1A.

The oscillator 61 generates a clock pulse that provides a timing reference for processing by the memory card 40A.

As described, the security block 3 of the recorder 1A and the security block 52 of the memory card 40A execute the authentication process, and the contents to be recorded in the flash memory 42 by means of copyright protection (i.e., Audio data compressed according to ATRAC3, hereinafter referred to as ATRAC3 data).

The security block 52 includes a buffer memory 53, a DES encryption circuit 54, and a nonvolatile memory 55.

Security block 52 has multiple authentication keys and a storage key unique to the memory card in question.

Since the nonvolatile memory 55 holds a key necessary for encryption, it is not readable from the outside. For example, the storage key is held in the nonvolatile memory 55.

The security block 52 also has a randomization circuit that allows authentication of the dedicated recorder 1A sharing the session key with the card.

The content key encrypting the ATRAC3 data is encrypted using the session key and is passed between the recorder 1A and the memory card 40A.

Like the security block 52 of the memory card 40A, the security block 3 of the recorder 1A has its own storage key. For example, when encrypted content is moved from one location to another, the content key is again encrypted using the storage key of the security block 3.

3 is a block diagram of a copyright-noncompliant recorder 1B. The recorder 1B corresponds to the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B. (In FIG. 3, functionally identical or similar parts already shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these parts are omitted.)

For example, an IC recorder designed to record instructions on a memory card instead of a tape recorder is not limited in view of the copyright of the proceedings of the conference. In contrast, when no copyright restriction is imposed on the audio data to be recorded, a recording and reproducing system composed of the recorder 1B and the memory card 40B shown in Fig. 3 can be used.

For example, the recorder 1B has the same structure as the recorder 1A of FIG. 1 except for the security block 3 of the recorder 1A. (Even if a security block 3 is included, the recorder only needs to be arranged to disable encryption characteristics for copyright-noncompliant usage.)

The audio signal input / output portion may include, for example, a microphone input or an analog input / output.

When the microphone is connected to the recorder 1B (or the microphone is included there) to have an audio signal coming through the terminal 16, the audio signal is amplified by the microphone amplifier 17. The amplified audio signal is converted into digital audio data by the A / D converter 9, which is supplied to the encoder / decoder 7 via the audio data interface 6.

When the analog audio signal is supplied to the recorder 1B from an externally provided audio output device, the analog audio signal is transmitted to the A / D converter 9 through the terminal 8 to be converted into a digital audio signal. After conversion, the digital audio signal is supplied to the encoder / decoder 7 via the audio data interface 6.

In the encoder / decoder 7, the supplied digital audio signal is subjected to a compression process based on a predetermined formula such as ATRAC3, ATRAC, or ADPCM. The compressed data in this manner is transferred to the CPU 2.

The memory card 40B is inserted into the recorder 1B in a manner that can be freely detached. The memory card 40B can also be loaded in the recorder 1B.

The CPU 2 communicates data via the memory interface 11 and the memory card 40B fixed to a detachable mechanism (not shown). The memory interface 11 ensures serial data communication between the CPU 2 and the memory card 40B.

After being compressed by the encoder / decoder 7, the audio data is transferred by the CPU 2 to the memory card 40B via the memory interface 11. Audio data supplied to the memory card 40B is recorded in the flash memory 42 located therein.

The input audio signal is conveyed as described above before being written to the memory card 40B. When audio and other data are recorded as described with memory card 40B connected to recorder 1B, the data is compressed but not encrypted. The formula used for compression may be the same as ATRAC3, the recorder 1A, or any other suitable structure, such as ATRAC or ADPCM.

The audio data is reproduced from the memory card 40B as follows: The CPU 2 reads the audio data from the flash memory 42 via the memory interface 11. The recovered audio data is decompressed from the compressed state by the encoder / decoder 7.

Decompression by the encoder / decoder 7 produces an audio signal of 16 bits per sample sampled at 44.1 kHz. This audio signal is transmitted to the D / A converter 12 via the audio data interface 6 for conversion into an analog audio signal. After conversion, the analog audio signal is output through the terminal 13 to headphones or an external device connected to the recorder.

4 is a block diagram of a memory card 40B that does not have encryption characteristics (ie, the card does not comply with security regulations for production rights). In Fig. 4, the functional parts identical or similar to those of the memory card 40A already shown in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of these parts is omitted.

Compared to the memory card 40A described with reference to FIG. 2, the memory card 40B is shown without the security block 52 connected to the serial / parallel and parallel / serial conversion interface block 43. The remaining structural characteristics are the same as those of the memory card 40A.

Although not shown, the memory cards 40A and 40B are identical in shape and size.

As described above, the present invention can be implemented through the implementation of the copyright-compliant recorder 1B and the memory card 40B as well as the copyright-compliant recorder 1A and the memory card 40A.

The copyright-compliant recorder 1A and the memory card 40A are mainly used for recording and reproducing data requiring copyright protection such as music works. The copyright-noncompliant recorder 1B and the memory card 40B are used to record and reproduce data that does not need to be copyright protected, such as during a conference.                     

Memory card 40A stores data compressed and encrypted by ATRAC3 in the manner described. On the other hand, memory card 40B accommodates data that is compressed but not encrypted by ATRAC3 or other formula.

The recorder 1A shown in Fig. 1 follows the security provision for copyright. As such, the recorder 1A and the inserted memory card communicate keys between them for mutual authentication and data encryption.

When the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B is inserted into the recorder 1A, the recorder 1A determines that the card 40B is not usable because it does not comply with copyright protection conditions.

There are a number of ways to determine the type of memory card into which the recorder 1A is inserted.

By one method, recorder 1A checks the response status for authentication.

Specifically, when the memory card is inserted into the recorder 1A, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A transmits the first authentication data to the memory card in the manner described above. If the inserted card is the memory card 40B without the security block 52, the CPU 2 does not receive a normal response (i.e., the above-mentioned second authentication data) from the card.

If the CPU 2 does not obtain a normal response within a predetermined time period following the transmission of the first authentication data, the CPU 2 determines that the inserted memory card is a copyright-noncompliant card.

Another method of determining the card type includes having copyright-compliant / non-compliant identification information stored in the appropriate memory card boot area.

When the memory card is inserted into the recorder 1A, the CPU 2 recovers copyright-compliant / non-compliant identification information from data initially read from the boot area of the memory card. Based on the recovered identification information, the recorder 1A determines the type (such as 40A or 40B) of the memory card.

With the memory card thus determined, the recorder 1A accepts the memory card 40A only for authorized use. This ensures the authentication and encryption of the recorded data to protect copyright.

As described, depending on the need for copyright protection, the memory card 40A must be loaded in the recorder 1A and the memory card 40B must be loaded in the recorder 1B. However, since the memory cards 40A and 40B have the same dimensions as well as external shapes, the user has difficulty in distinguishing the two cards for correct use. Inadequate recorder and card combinations can occur frequently-recorder 1A is associated with memory card 40B or recorder 1B is associated with memory card 40A.

This difficulty is overcome by the recorders 1A and 1B executing the steps shown in Figs. 5 and 6 by inserting a memory card into each recorder. The recorder 1A, which is a portable terminal device for processing music, is designed to download music pieces from a storage medium such as a CD or via the Internet; The recorder 1B, which is a portable terminal device for recording the dictation content, is designed to record the voice input through the microphone.

5 is a flowchart of the steps executed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A.

In step F101, the CPU 2 of the copyright-compliant recorder 1A checks whether a memory card is inserted. If the memory card is found inserted in the recorder 1A, step F102 is reached.

In step F102, the CPU 2 starts the authentication process for the inserted memory card. Specifically, the CPU 2 transfers authentication data to the memory card.

If the authentication process yields a normal response as described above, the CPU 2 determines that the inserted card is a memory card 40A having a security block 53 for copyright protection. If a normal response is not obtained within a predetermined time period, it is determined that the inserted card is a copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B.

The above discrimination process is executed in step F103 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps. If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40A, step F104 is reached. In step F104, data is recorded on or reproduced from the memory card (actually, the recording or reproducing operation is executed by a subsequent user operation).

If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B, the CPU 2 reaches the step F105 of ejecting the memory card.

The above step prevents the recorder 1A from performing data recording or reproduction when the user accidentally inserts the memory card 40B into the recorder 1A. By forcibly ejecting the memory card, it informs the user of an incorrect action and prompts the user to load the correct memory card instead.

6 is a flowchart of the steps executed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1B.                     

In step F201, the CPU 2 of the copyright-noncompliant recorder 1B checks whether a memory card is inserted. If the memory card is found inserted in the recorder 1B, step F202 is reached.

In step F202, the CPU 2 reads data from the boot area of the inserted memory card. From the data read in this way, the CPU 2 recovers copyright-compliant / non-compliant identification information to determine whether the memory card complies with copyright protection.

The above discrimination process is executed in step 203 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps. If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B, step F204 is reached. In step F204, data is recorded or reproduced from the memory card 40B (actually, the recording or reproducing operation is executed by a subsequent user operation).

If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40A, the CPU 2 discharges the memory card (F205).

The above step prevents the recorder 1B from performing data recording or reproduction when the user accidentally inserts the memory card 40A into the recorder 1B. By forcibly ejecting the memory card, it informs the user of an incorrect action and prompts the user to load the correct memory card instead.

In various variations of the invention, the recorders 1A and 1B perform the steps shown in Figs. 7 and 8 when the memory cards are loaded respectively.

7 is a flowchart of the steps executed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1A.

In step F301, the CPU 2 of the copyright-compliant recorder 1A checks whether a memory card is inserted. If the memory card is found inserted in the recorder 1A, step F302 is reached.

In step F302, the CPU 2 starts the authentication process on the inserted memory card. Specifically, the CPU 2 transfers authentication data to the memory card.

If the authentication process yields a normal response, the CPU 2 determines that the inserted card is a memory card 40A having a security block 53 for copyright protection. If a normal response is not obtained within a predetermined time period, it is determined that the inserted card is a copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B.

The determination processing above is executed in step F303 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps. If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40A, step F304 is reached. In step F304, data is recorded on or reproduced from the memory card according to the user's operation.

If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B, the CPU 2 prohibits data recording or reproduction on the inserted memory card (F305).

In this case, even if the user controls to attempt to record or read data (i.e., data processed by the recorder 1A and subjected to copyright protection processing), no recording or reading operation takes place.

When the above steps are executed, attempts to record or reproduce data in the memory card 40B accidentally inserted in the recorder 1A are disabled. This eliminates the possibility that the memory card 40B accepts copyright protected data.

When a write or read operation is prohibited, the CPU 2 may notify the user of this via an indication on the display device 5, for example. This indication is arranged to prompt the user to change the memory card.

8 is a flowchart of the steps executed by the CPU 2 of the recorder 1B.

In step F401, the CPU 2 of the copyright-noncompliant recorder 1B checks whether a memory card is inserted. If the memory card is found inserted in the recorder 1B, step F402 is reached.

In step F402, the CPU 2 reads data from the boot area of the inserted memory card. From the data read in this way, the CPU 2 recovers copyright-compliant / non-compliant identification information to determine whether the memory card complies with copyright protection.

The above-described determination processing is executed in step F403 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps. If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B, step F404 is reached. In step F404, data is recorded on or reproduced from the memory card (actually, the recording or reproducing operation is executed by a subsequent user operation).

If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40A, the CPU 2 prohibits recording or reproduction of data in the inserted memory card (F405).

In that case, even if the user controls to attempt to record or read data (ie, data processed by the recorder 1B and not subjected to copyright protection processing), no recording or reading operation takes place.

When the above steps are executed, attempts to record or reproduce data in the memory card 40A accidentally inserted into the recorder 1B are disabled. This eliminates the possibility that the memory card 40A accepts non-copyrighted data.

When a write or read operation is prohibited, the CPU 2 may notify the user of this via an indication on the display device 5, for example. This indication is arranged to prompt the user to change the memory card.

In the processing of the recorder 1A shown in Fig. 5 or 7, the authentication processing is executed to determine whether or not the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40A. Alternatively, the identification information recovered from the boot area can be used as the basis for determining the card type.

In the processing of the recorder 1B shown in Fig. 6 or 8, identification information read from the boot area is used to determine whether or not the inserted card is a copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B. Alternatively, the recorder 1B may include a security block capable of executing an authentication process to determine the type of the inserted memory card.

The present invention also contemplates implementing a portable terminal device (ie, a recorder) for use with two memory cards 40A and 40B.

For example, a recorder can be devised that can record not only music but also conference proceedings in the form of digital audio data supplied from an externally supplied device such as a CD player. When the recorder is connected with a microphone to record or dictate, for example, the progress of a meeting or the like, there is no need to make the recorded data comply with copyright protection requirements. In this case, the memory card 40B must be inserted into the recorder. When the recorder records music pieces or other copyrighted data from an external device, the memory card 40A must be inserted into the recorder to ensure copyright protection.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of the recorder 1C, which is a kind just described above. As described in the figure, the recorder 1C of FIG. 9 includes the structures of the recorders 1A and 1B. In Fig. 9, functionally identical or similar parts already shown in Figs. 1 and 3 are given the same reference numerals, and description of these parts is omitted.

The recorder 1C is composed of a combination structure of the recorders 1A and 1B to which the mode switch 18 is attached.

The mode switch 18 is set to one of the two modes, one mode allows the user to record the proceedings of a conference or dictation, etc., and the other mode allows the user to record a piece of music or other copyrighted data.

When the memory card is inserted into the recorder 1C, the recorder executes the steps shown in Fig. 10 to execute an appropriate process in an example applicable mode.

In step F501, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C checks the setting of the mode switch 18. If the mode switch 18 is found to be set to the copyright-compliant mode, that is, the mode for recording music, steps F502 and F503 are reached.

In step F502, the CPU 2 prohibits microphone input. For example, the audio signal from the terminal 16 is not received as input by the audio data interface 6. That is, the recorder 1C is made to operate with substantially the same capacity as the recorder 1A described above.

In step F503, the recorder 1C proceeds to operate as a copyright-compliant recorder performing the step of FIG. 5 or FIG. In particular, when it is determined that the inserted memory card is the memory card 1A, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C records or reproduces data in the card in accordance with a user operation. If it is determined that the inserted card is the memory card 1B, the CPU 2 causes the card to be ejected or prohibits data recording or reproduction on the card.

In step F501, if the mode switch 18 is found to be set to the copyright-non-compliant mode, that is, the mode of recording the dictation, then steps F504 and F505 are reached.

In step F504, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C prohibits both input or output of digital data. By way of example, digital audio data input via terminal 10 or digital audio data output via terminals 14, 15 is disabled by audio data interface 6. In other words, the recorder 1C is made to operate with substantially the same capacity as the recorder 1B described above.

At step F504, recorder 1C proceeds to operate as a copyright-non-compliant recorder performing the step of FIG. 6 or FIG. That is, when it is determined that the inserted memory card is the memory card 1B, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C records or reproduces data on the card in accordance with a user's operation. If it is determined that the inserted card is the memory card 1A, the CPU 2 causes the card to be ejected or prohibits data recording or reproduction on the card.

In the manner described, the recorder 1C is used in association with one of the memory cards 40A and 40B depending on the intended use. When the recorder records or plays back a piece of music or a conference proceeding or dictation, an appropriate memory card is inserted into the recorder. This makes it possible to protect the copyrighted data from or free from target data as required for recording or reproduction.

The step of FIG. 10 executed by the recorder 1C may for example be replaced by the step of FIG.

The steps of FIG. 11 allow the appropriate mode to be set automatically depending on the type of memory card inserted when executed. This eliminates the need for a user operational mode switch 18.

In step F601 of Fig. 11, the CPU 2 of the recorder 1C checks whether a memory card is inserted. If the memory card is found inserted in the recorder 1A, step F602 is reached.

In step F602, the CPU 2 starts the authentication process on the inserted memory card. In particular, the CPU 2 transfers the authentication data to the memory card.

If the authentication process yields a normal response, the CPU 2 determines that the inserted card is the memory card 40A. If a normal response is not obtained within a predetermined time period, it is determined that the inserted card is the memory card 40B. This determination processing is executed in step F603 by the CPU 2 before branching to one of two steps.

If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-compliant memory card 40A, step F604 is reached. In step F604, the music recording / playback mode is set so that the CPU 2 is operated. As in step F502 of FIG. 10, microphone input is prohibited.

In step F605, the CPU 2 records or reproduces data in the memory card 40A in accordance with a user's operation.

If it is determined that the inserted card is the copyright-noncompliant memory card 40B, the dictation recording / reproducing mode is set, which leads to step F606 in which the CPU 2 is operated. As in step F504 of FIG. 10, the digital input or output is prohibited.

In step F607, the CPU 2 records or reproduces data in the memory card 40B by a user operation.

By executing the above-described steps, the recorder 1C which is compatible with both the memory cards 40A and 40B allows the use of only the card 40A for recording or playing music and only the card 40B for recording or playing dictation. do. Appropriate memory cards are always used by the recorder depending on the intended use. This makes it possible to protect the copyrighted data from or free from target data as required for recording or reproduction.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The present invention applies not only to portable terminal devices such as recorders that handle music, voice, and other audio data, but also to portable terminal devices that handle text data, moving picture data, still picture data, and computer data (programs, files, etc.). .

For example, for copyright protection, text data is divided into two categories: copyrighted publication text data, and personally generated text data that is not copyright protected, such as typed sentences or diaries.

Text data subjected to copyright protection needs to be recorded or reproduced by a system equipped with a security block, such as the recorder 1A and the memory card 40A described above. Text data without copyright protection must be recorded or reproduced by a system without a security block, such as the recorder 1B and the memory card 40B. The invention can also be practiced with portable terminal devices that handle these kinds of text data.

The present invention also applies in a similar manner to moving picture data, still picture data, computer data, and other data.

In the above embodiment, a nonvolatile memory exemplified as a flash memory is shown used as a memory card. Alternatively, battery-backed volatile memory can be used to operate as a memory card or optical memory card. The invention applies not only to Memory Stick (registered trademark), a copyright-compliant / non-compliant memory card proposed by the applicant, but also to a memory card recording and reproducing apparatus used with various flash memories as follows: San disk And Secured Multi Media Card (registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG, Germany), a copyright-compliant / non-compliant memory card proposed by Hitachi, SD Card (Infineon Technologies AG) proposed by San disk, Toshiba, and Matsushita. , Registered trademark of Germany), and Compact Flash Memeory Card (registered trademark) proposed by San disk.

As described, the portable terminal apparatus of the present invention in the form of a copyright-compliant recording and reproducing apparatus prohibits data recording or reproduction in the memory or ejects the memory out of the terminal apparatus when loaded into the copyright-noncompliant memory.

The portable terminal device of the present invention, which is in the form of a copyright-non-compliant recording and reproducing apparatus, prohibits data recording or reproduction in the memory or ejects the memory out of the terminal apparatus when loaded into the copyright-compliant memory.

Thus, the portable terminal device embodying the present invention prevents the previous empirical problems caused by the inadvertent or unknown user inserting the wrong type of memory. This problem is caused by the copyright-compliant portable terminal device writing or reading data from the copyright-noncompliant memory in violation of the copyright, and the copyright-compliant portable terminal device may write data to the copyright-noncompliant memory from an external source. Failed to download the data, or the copyright-noncompliant portable terminal device writes data to or reads data from the copyright-compliant memory, which then results in limited use of the data that is not copyright protected. Addressing these difficulties, the present invention ensures an environment in which portable terminal devices are always used in connection with proper memory attachment.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

A first memory having a recordable content and having a signal processing means for decrypting the recorded content, and having the same shape as that of the first memory, are equipped with the signal processing means. Mounting means for selectively mounting a non-second memory, Discriminating means for discriminating whether the memory mounted on the mounting means is the first memory or the second memory; And a prohibition control means for prohibiting the recording or reproducing operation of data relating to the mounted memory when it is determined that the memory mounted by the discriminating means is the second memory. delete A first memory having a recordable content and having a signal processing means for decrypting the recorded content, and having the same shape as that of the first memory, are equipped with the signal processing means. Mounting means for selectively mounting a non-second memory, Discriminating means for discriminating whether the memory mounted on the mounting means is the first memory or the second memory; And a control means for discharging the mounted memory when it is determined that the memory mounted by the determination means is the second memory. The portable terminal according to claim 1 or 3, wherein if the mounted memory is discriminated by the discriminating means as being the second memory, the content on which the encryption is performed is prohibited from being recorded in the second memory. . delete 4. A portable terminal according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the encrypted content includes music, videos and games provided by the copyright holder. The portable terminal according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the content without encryption includes software without copyright restrictions. 8. A portable terminal according to claim 7, wherein the non-copyrighted software includes personally photographed and / or recorded content. A first memory having a recordable content and having a signal processing means for decrypting the recorded content, and having the same shape as that of the first memory, are equipped with the signal processing means. Mounting means for selectively mounting a non-second memory, Discriminating means for discriminating whether the memory mounted on the mounting means is the first memory or the second memory; And a prohibition control means for prohibiting the recording or reproducing operation of data relating to the mounted memory, when it is determined that the memory mounted by the discriminating means is the first memory. delete A first memory having a recordable content and having a signal processing means for decrypting the recorded content, and having the same shape as that of the first memory, are equipped with the signal processing means. Mounting means for selectively mounting a non-second memory, Discriminating means for discriminating whether the memory mounted on the mounting means is the first memory or the second memory; And a control means for discharging said mounted memory when it is determined that the memory mounted by said determination means is said first memory. The portable terminal according to claim 9 or 11, wherein if the mounted memory is determined by the discriminating means as being the first memory, the encrypted content is prohibited from being recorded in the first memory. . delete The portable terminal according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the encrypted content includes music, videos, and games provided by a copyright holder. The portable terminal according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the unencrypted content includes software without copyright restriction. 16. A portable terminal according to claim 15, wherein the non-copyrighted software includes personally photographed and / or recorded content.

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