WO2001033546A1

WO2001033546A1 - Digital data transmitting method and apparatus, digital data reproducing method and apparatus, digital data copying method and apparatus, data recorded medium, and digital data storing/reproducing method

Info

Publication number: WO2001033546A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/007550
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoichiro Sako; Tatsuya Inokuchi; Junichi Kudo
Original assignee: Sony Corporation
Priority date: 1999-10-29
Filing date: 2000-10-27
Publication date: 2001-05-10
Also published as: CN1339150A; DE10083666T1; KR20020003541A

Abstract

A shop, a cabled network, a portable telephone network or a satellite network is used as means for distributing the a contents in a content server to user units. The contents are encrypted and compression encoded. Associated information including information on charging and charging conditions is also transmitted. Each user unit performs decryption and decompression to reproduce the contents and performs charging at the time of reproduction. Delivery of the contents is free of charge and the reproduction is charged. The charging is carried out using prepaid data representing the number of possible reproductions and the possible reproduction time. At the time of pay reproduction, an autheticating/charging server authenticates the user apparatus and delivers a key required for decryption.

Description

Specification

Digital data transmission method and apparatus, digital data reproduction method and apparatus, digital data copy method and apparatus, data recording medium, and digital data storage / reproduction method

Technical field

The present invention relates to a digital data transmission method and apparatus, a digital data reproduction method and apparatus, a digital data copy method and apparatus, a data recording medium, and a digital data storage and reproduction method applied to, for example, music distribution. It is.

Background art

A variety of copy protection technologies have been proposed to prevent illegal copying for the protection of copyright in compact discs (Compact Discs; CDs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs or Digital Video Discs). Has been For example, the SCMS (Serial Copy Management System) allows the first generation copy from a CD to a recordable optical disc, but prohibits the second generation copy from a recordable optical disc to another medium. Is what you do. In addition, a copy generation restriction method that restricts what generation copy can be created is also known.

On the other hand, recently, with the rapid development of networks such as the Internet, music contents have been distributed via networks. Under such circumstances, EMD (Electronic Music Distribution) using networks such as the Internet and satellite broadcasting has started, and a method of managing copyright in EMD has been proposed. In EMD, users can obtain music content by charging. Also in this EMD, technologies such as the above-mentioned S CMS and copy generation restriction are used to prevent piracy. Trying to.

As described above, the conventional copyright protection method restricts copying by using copy protection technology and protects the rights of the copyright holder, so that the music content is distributed widely and in a short time. Above, it was an obstacle. For example, there is a levy system as one of the conventional copyright protection systems. This is implemented in DAT (Digital Audio Tape Recorder) and MD (Mini Disc) as recordable optical discs, and users of digital recording equipment add to the product price. The paid compensation will be paid. In today's evolving network, hardware (players, media) and content are one-to-one so that content delivered over the network can be received and played by personal computers. In many cases, such a levy system is not suitable as a copyright protection system. Also, if a user has more than one song on a media, such as a CD, the user may want to listen to only one or a few of them, and may not want to purchase the entire media. is there. In addition, copy protection technology will hinder the promotion and distribution of music content. Rather, distributing music content free of charge allows the distribution and distribution of the music content to be performed in a shorter time, and it is also possible to reduce advertising and distribution costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital data transmission method and apparatus, which enable easy and quick distribution of contents and allow a copyright owner to obtain a fair price. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for reproducing data overnight, a method and apparatus for copying digital data, a recording medium for recording data, and a method for storing and reproducing digital data. Disclosure of the invention

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 distributes compression-encoded and Z- or encrypted digital data free of charge, and charges a fee for decoding digital data distributed free of charge. This is a digital data transmission method characterized by performing processing.

The invention according to claim 23 is a digital data distribution means for distributing compression-encoded and Z- or encrypted digital data free of charge, and a digital data distribution means for decoding digital data distributed free of charge and performing charging processing. A digitizing and transmitting apparatus comprising a decoding and decoding means.

The invention according to claim 24 is a reproduction method for reproducing digital data which is free to be distributed and which has been subjected to compression encoding and / or encryption,

A digital data reproducing method characterized in that a billing process is performed when decoding digital data.

The invention according to claim 25 is a playback device whose delivery is free and which plays back the digital data compressed and / or encrypted,

The invention according to claim 26, which is a digital data reproducing apparatus characterized by including a billing processing unit for performing a billing process when decoding the digitized data, wherein the distribution is free, and This is a data recording medium in which first digital data whose reproduction is charged and second digital data whose distribution is charged and whose reproduction is free are recorded.

The invention of claim 27 is a compression-encoded and Z-encrypted In a digital data reproducing method for reproducing digital data, a step of judging whether or not the digital data is digital data subject to billing;

When decoding digital data for which billing is assumed, the accounting process is performed, and when digital data for which billing is not assumed is reproduced, the step of not requiring accounting is performed. Data reproduction method.

The invention according to claim 43 is a billing processing unit that performs a charging process when decoding digital data in a digital data reproducing apparatus that reproduces compressed encoded and Z- or encrypted digital data. When,

It is determined whether or not the digital data is digital data that requires charging, and when decoding digital data that requires charging, a charging process is performed, and when digital data that does not require charging is reproduced. And a control unit for controlling a billing processing unit so that billing processing is not required. Claim 4 The invention according to claim 4 is a digital data copying method for copying compressed and / or encrypted digital data, and a step of determining whether or not the digital data is digital data subject to charging. When,

When decoding digital data for which billing is assumed, a billing process is performed, and when copying digital data for which billing is not assumed, the step of not requiring billing is performed. This is a method of copying data.

The invention of claim 4 5 is characterized in that the compression-encoded and / or encrypted A charge processing unit configured to perform a billing process when decoding digital data in a digital data copying apparatus that copies digital data;

It is determined whether or not the digital data is digit data premised on billing. When decoding the digital data deemed premised on billing, billing processing is performed, and digital data not premised on billing is processed. A digital data copying apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls a charging processing unit so that charging processing is not required when copying is performed. A data recording medium on which encrypted and / or encrypted digital data is recorded and which can be read by a computer or a digital data reproducing device,

A data recording medium characterized in that accompanying information related to digitized data is recorded, and an identifier indicating whether the digitized data is digitized data or not is included in the attached information. .

The invention of claim 47 captures the distributed compressed and Z or encrypted digital data without performing the charging process, and captures the digital data after performing the charging process when reproducing the captured digital data. This is a method of storing and reproducing digital data for reproducing digital data. The invention according to claim 61 captures the distributed compressed and / or encrypted digital data without performing a billing process, and reproduces the captured digital data when the digital data is reproduced. Determines whether the data requires billing,

When it is determined that the digital data is digital data that requires billing processing, the digital data is reproduced after performing billing processing. This is a method for storing and reproducing digital data.

The invention according to claim 75 reads compressed and / or encrypted digital data from a medium without performing a charging process, and reads the read digital data after performing a charging process when reproducing the digital data. This is a method for storing and reproducing digital data. The invention according to claim 8 reads out the compressed and Z or encrypted digital data from the medium without performing the charging process, and charges the digital data when reproducing the read digital data. Determine if the data needs to be processed,

This is a method of reproducing digital data, in which when the digital data is determined to be digital data requiring charging, digital data is reproduced after performing charging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining prepaid data in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a player according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data format of accompanying information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a charging process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the accounting process in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing charging for copying in the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data format of accompanying information according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a charging process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the accounting process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, an outline of the content distribution system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 indicates a content provider, and reference numeral 102 indicates a content server. Content provider 101 produces and distributes content. The record company is one of the content providers 101. The content provider 101 also performs compression encoding, encryption, and embedding of watermarks on the content. The content server 102 stores the content produced by the content provider 101.

The designation code 103 indicates a copyright management mechanism. For example, JASRAC (Japan Music Copyright Association) is a specific example of the Copyright Management Organization 102. The content provider 100 registers the rights with the copyright management organization 103 and receives a copyright fee from the copyright management organization 103.

Reference numeral 104 indicates a user device having a function of playing back content. The user device 104 reproduces the distributed content. In other words, the content can be reproduced by decrypting the cipher applied to the distributed data and decoding the compression encoding. Required between content server 102 and user device 104 In response to this, a content distribution company intervenes to distribute the content in the content server 102 to the user. There are several distribution methods used by distribution companies. One way is through the dealer 105. For example, as an appendix to a magazine, a medium on which the content is recorded is distributed, and the user obtains the content by purchasing the magazine. It is also conceivable to use a wired network 106 such as an Internet connection network or CATV (cable television) as a content distribution means. Furthermore, a satellite network 108 such as a mobile phone network 107, satellite broadcasting, satellite communication, etc. may be used as a content distribution means. When distributing data including content using these wired network 106, telephone network 107, and satellite network 108, as described above, the user connects devices such as personal computers. The content is played back from the night including the content that was distributed using it.

In the present invention, it does not prevent the use of the delivery means of the content delivered for a fee as the content delivery means described above. In the case of a medium such as a CD, the copyright fee for the recorded music is included in the CD price. Distribution may be free, and the content charged for decryption (playback) may be recorded in an area on the CD that is different from the area where the paid content is recorded.

In FIG. 1, an optical disk 121 is shown as one of the media distributed by the store 105. The area 122 on the inner circumference side of the optical disk 122 is an area in which music data in the same format as an existing CD is paid for distribution and free to play. The outer peripheral area 1 2 3 of the optical disk 1 2 1 stores contents to which the present invention is applied, that is, contents that are free to be distributed and paid for playback, such as music data. Area. Since the music data recorded as content in the area 123 is compression-encoded, the required length of music data can be recorded even if the area 123 is narrow.

In addition to the above-described optical discs 122, if the areas that can be distinguished from each other can record both pay-for-distribution and free-to-play content and free-to-distribution and pay-for-play content. However, the aforementioned MD, a memory card using a semiconductor memory, or an IC card can also be used as a storage medium. As described above, instead of using a medium, content data itself that is free to be distributed and paid for playback may be distributed using a service that distributes music content using satellite television broadcasting.

As described above, the user device 104 can receive the content free of charge by obtaining the optical disk 121 or by using the content distribution service. Redistribution of received content is also free. When redistributing the content, the unique identifier of the source device or playback device is redistributed together with the content, so that the distribution history of the content can be recorded in the billing / settlement center described later. And the playback / decoding history of the content. Also, when redistributing the content, the content may be distributed with an identifier indicating the type of media on which the content was stored. Here, “free” does not include actual expenses such as telecommunications expenses and electricity bills, and means that copyright fees are free. Billing is performed when the user device 104 plays back the received content, more specifically, when decrypting the encryption of the data including the content. Prepaid data 109 is used for billing processing. The prepaid data 109 is stored in a prepaid card or a memory in a secure decoder. . The prepaid data 109 can be rewritten by a charging charger under the control of a prepaid data management company in the memory of the prepaid data and secure decoder. The prepaid data 109 is, for example, the frequency at which the content can be reproduced. Each time the user device 104 reproduces the content to be charged, the frequency at which the content can be reproduced is decremented.

In addition, there is a billing Z settlement center 110 for settlement with the content provider 101, the copyright management mechanism 103, and the user device 104. The billing Z settlement center 110 is provided with an authentication Z billing server 111. Billing Z settlement center 110 is a bank, credit company, etc. In fact, the host computer of the bank or credit company automatically performs the following processing.

When playing back the content received by the user device 104, the user device 104 requests the authentication server 111 to authenticate the user device 104 (indicated by a route A1). . Authentication Z The billing server 1 1 1 is authentic for the user device 104, and when authentication is established, the authentication billing server 111 requests the user device 104 for billing (path A 2). Further, the user device 104 performs payment settlement with the charging Z settlement center 110 (path A 3).

The billing Z settlement center 110 notifies the authentication billing server 111 of the fact that the billing has been made, as shown by the route A4, and the content server 102 includes the data including the content. A command is sent to send a key to decrypt the encryption that has been performed overnight (path A5). The content server 102 passes the key data for decrypting the encryption to the authentication Z charging server 111 (path A 6). Authentication Z billing server 1 1 1 received from content server 102 for user device 104 The key data is transmitted (path A7). The user device 104 can decrypt the encrypted data including the content using the transmitted key data and reproduce the data including the content. When the content is decrypted, it is determined that the content has been reproduced, and the frequency of the stored data 109 is set to, for example, "1 1". When the frequency reaches “0”, the user device 109 cannot decrypt the data including the content, that is, cannot reproduce the data including the content overnight.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a management system for the prepaid data overnight. The player 201 is shown as corresponding to the user 104. The player 201 has a built-in secure decoder 202. The player 201 is, for example, a portable audio recording / reproducing device. In FIG. 2, as indicated by broken lines, music data as data including content is recorded on a medium (optical disk, memory card, etc.) reproduced by the player 201. As shown in FIG. 1, various methods for distributing music data can be used.

The secure decoder 202 communicates with the prepaid data charger 204, and the prepaid data is transferred from the prepaid data charger 204 to the memory in the secure decoder 202. . The prepaid data corresponds to, for example, information on the number of reproducible times of the player 201, so-called reproducible frequency or reproducible time. The playback history information (playback log) of the player 201 is transmitted from the player 201 to the prepaid data charger 204. The playback log includes information such as the type of music content that has been listened, the number of times of playback, and the playback time. For example, a memory for storing the playback log in the secure decoder 202 or a memory in the controller of the player 201. Is stored in

Prepaid data overnight is a prepaid data management company The data is transferred from the prepaid data vending machine 206 corresponding to the amount of cash paid by the user to the prepaid data charger 204. For example, if a user has a contract with a prepaid management company to purchase a prepaid data equivalent to 30000 yen per day or a prepaid data equivalent to the reproducible time, 300 A prepaid data equivalent to $ 100 is sent to charger 204. The playback log downloaded from the player 201 to the prepaid data charger 204 is passed to the prepaid data overnight management company 205 or the prepaid data overnight vending machine 206. The prepaid data vending machine 206 receives the prepaid data from the prepaid data management company 205 and sends the playback log to the prepaid data management company 205. Further, the prepaid vending machine 206 pays the prepaid data overnight obtained from the management company 205 to the management company 205.

Between the prepaid data management company 205 and the prepaid data charger 204, the prepaid data and the reproduction log are transmitted and received via the telephone line 207, for example. As for prepaid overnight, there are billing Z payment centers 208 such as banks and credit companies. The billing Z payment center 208 corresponds to the prepaid data written in the secure decoder 202 based on the request of the prepaid data management company 205 from the user's pre-registered bank account. Withdraw money. At this time, the amount of prepaid data written to the secure decoder 202 is a fixed amount based on a contract concluded between the user and the management company 205 as described above, or the prepaid charger 204 is Is the amount of data requested to the management company 205 via the Internet.

Further, the prepaid data management company 205 is entrusted by the content provider 101 to manage services relating to the prepaid data service. The prepaid company is a content provider 10 Provide technology related to prepaid data to 1 and pay a music listening fee. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the content provider 101 requests copyright management by registering the copyright with the copyright management organization 103, and Receive a copyright fee from the Rights Management Organization 103.

FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the player 201 having the secure decoder 202. The secure decoder 201 is configured as a one-chip IC as indicated by a broken line. The secure decoder 201 has a so-called tamper resistant configuration. That is, the secure decoder 201 is configured so that the contents of the decoder 201 cannot be known from the outside and cannot be falsified.

On the medium 1, music data as data including compression-encoded and encrypted contents is recorded. Further, the data necessary for the above-described playback charging process is stored in the medium 1 along with the compressed and encoded music data. In the following description, compression-encoded and encrypted music data is referred to as content data, and data for playback accounting processing is referred to as accompanying data. However, in the present invention described below, it is not always necessary that both compression encoding and encryption are performed. Even with compression coding alone, if the decoding method is not disclosed, it is possible to achieve the purpose of copyright protection.

As the medium 1 used in the present invention, a memory card, a recordable optical disk, a read-only optical disk, or the like can be used. In the case where the medium 1 is a recordable medium such as a memory card or a recordable optical disk, as described above, the medium 1 is transmitted via a network such as a satellite network, a network using a mobile phone, or the Internet. The data distributed by Can be downloaded. The content data and the accompanying data recorded on the medium 1 are supplied to the secure decoder 202 via the interface 2. An analog audio signal is output from the secure decoder 202. The analog audio signal is converted into an audible sound by a speaker provided in the player 201 or a headphone connected to the player 201 via an amplifier or the like and reproduced.

The secure decoder 202 includes a decryption device 11 for decrypting a code, a decompression device 12 for compression encoding, and a DZA converter 13. As the code used for encrypting the content overnight, DES (Data Encryption St and Ard) can be used. DES is one of the block ciphers that blocks plain text and performs cipher conversion for each block. The DES performs a cryptographic conversion on a 64 bit input using a 64 bit key (56 bit key and 8 bit parity), and outputs 64 bits. Content data may be encrypted using an encryption code other than DES. For example, DES is a common key method that uses the same key data for encryption and decryption, but RSA encryption, which is an example of public key encryption that uses different key data for encryption and decryption, may be used. . As described above, the key data is passed from the content server 102 to the user device 104 that has been successfully authenticated via the authentication / billing server 111, that is, the user device 104 that has been correctly recognized.

The secure decoder 202 includes a control unit 14 including a CPU, a CPU interface 15 for performing communication between the control unit 14 and an external CPU, a memory unit 16, and a prepaid data transfer unit. A communication unit 17 and an antenna 18 are provided for receiving a playback log from the charger 204 and transmitting the playback log to the prepaid charger. The control unit 14

Four The decoder 11 receives the ancillary data separated at the previous stage of decoding, and controls each unit such as the decoder 11 and the decompressor 12 for decoding and decompressing the ancillary data and content. .

The communication section 17 and the antenna 18 are for performing communication between the player 201 and the prepaid day charger 204 in a non-contact manner. Communication of data between the player 201 and the charge 204 is performed using an encrypted protocol. The communication between the player 201 and the charger 204 is not limited to the overnight support, and the player 201 can receive power from the charger 204. Even when the power of the power supply is off, the reception of the prepaid data and the transmission of the reproduction log can be performed with the charger 204. The prepaid data received from the charger 204 is stored in the memory unit 16. Further, the playback log of the player 201 is stored in the memory unit 16. The memory unit 16 is a non-volatile memory that retains its stored contents even when the power of the player 201 is turned off.

A copy output of the accompanying data and the content data can be output from the decoder 11 to the outside of the secure decoder 202. The control unit 14 controls whether or not to output the accompanying data and the copy output of the content data to the outside. Furthermore, the decoder 11 and the decompressor 12 have a function of not executing the decoding process and the decompression process based on the instruction of the control unit 14. By not performing decryption and decompression processing by the decoder 11 and the decompressor 12, unencrypted audio data and uncompressed audio data, for example, linear PCM, can be reproduced by the player 201. Can be played. In order to control the overall operation of the player 201, a system controller 21 is provided. The system controller 21 is a CPU It is configured and controls the operation of the secure decoder 202 by communicating with the control unit 14 in the secure decoder 202. The operation unit 22, display 23, memory unit 24, and modem 25 are connected to the system controller 21 via a bus. Further, the system controller 21 controls the operation of reproducing the medium 1 and the operation of the medium interface 2.

The operation unit 22 is a switch, a key, or the like operated by the user, and generates an instruction for controlling the operation of the player 201. The display 23 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal element, and is used for displaying a menu for controlling the operation of the player 201 and for displaying the operation state of the player 201. The memory unit 24 is an external memory provided because the capacity of the memory in the system controller 21 is small. The modem 25 is connected to a public line and used for data communication with the outside. For example, by transferring the playback log in the memory section 16 of the secure decoder 202 to the memory section 24, the remaining playable number or playable time is displayed on the display 23, and the playback log is displayed on the modem 2 5 can be transmitted. Furthermore, it is possible to receive the prepaid data via the modem 25.

The user operates the operation unit 22 to instruct reproduction of desired content data in the medium 1. If the content data specified by the user is free for reproduction, even if the content data read from the medium 1 is converted into an analog signal by the secure decoder 202 and output, the content data is stored in the memory unit 16. The prepaid date is not changed. If the content data specified and reproduced by the user is to be charged for reproduction, the prepaid data in the memory unit 16 is changed. For example, in this case prepaid Data is calculated by “1” or subtracted according to the content data playback time.

Various types of billing processes can be performed when content data to be billed is reproduced. For example, the billing process can be roughly classified into a purchase type, a type in which a viewing fee is charged to Daros, and a frequency type in which a viewing fee is charged each time encryption is performed by a secure decoder. The purchase type is a type in which once the content is purchased, no charge is made when the content is played back. The types that pay viewing fees to Daros include the monthly type, in which the viewing fee for reproducing content data is paid together, and the type that limits the viewing period and viewing time.

Several forms are possible as a frequency type in which a viewing fee is charged each time the encryption is decrypted by the secure decoder. In the first mode, as described above, the amount or the frequency is subtracted from the predetermined amount (prepaid card, electronic money) or the frequency each time the content is reproduced. In this case, if the balance of the prepaid data or the remaining frequency is insufficient, the content data cannot be reproduced. In the second mode, each time content data is reproduced, an amount or a frequency is added. In this case, if the fee corresponding to the accumulated amount or frequency is paid later on a monthly basis, or if the accumulated amount or frequency reaches the amount or frequency set in advance by a contract with the prepaid data management company 205, Content can not be played overnight. In the third mode, the frequency or amount of the prepaid data is added or subtracted according to the reproduction time of the content data. In this case, similarly to the case described in the second embodiment described above, the payment of the fee to the management company 205 or the like by the user can be made not only in advance but also in post-payment. The amount or frequency of subtraction or addition of the prepaid data may be constant during playback of any content, or may be weighted according to the content data to be played back.

. The billing process is performed in response to one title of content (one song in music example) or multiple titles of content (album in music example).

In addition, as a method of defining the content reproduction processing, it may be defined that the content has been reproduced when the entire content data has been reproduced, or the content data reproduction time may be longer than a predetermined time. In this case, the content may be defined as having been reproduced. In addition, there is no charge for playback of promotional content to promote dissemination. Also, even for the content to be charged, for example, the playback of the first part of the content, for example, the first 10 seconds from the beginning is free, or the playback of only the highlight part of the content is free, which is convenient for the user to select the content. May be measured. In this way, when the content charged for the reproduction process and the content free of charge for the reproduction process are mixed, the charge / recovery is performed by the accompanying data stored in the medium 1 with the content data. Free is identified.

Fig. 4 shows an example of the data structure of the accompanying data. The accompanying data is data added before the distributed content data (compression-encoded and encrypted content data, for example, audio data). The accompanying data is encrypted as needed. Also, on a recordable medium, it is added before the content data and recorded, or is recorded in the data management area of the medium 1. In the case of a read-only medium, accompanying data is recorded in the data management area. In the case of an optical disk, a management area is generally provided in the innermost area of the disk, Associated data is recorded in this management area. In the case of a memory card, for example, the file management data is defined so that one piece of music data is treated as one file, and the accompanying data is stored in the storage area where the file management data is stored. You.

As shown in Fig. 4, the accompanying data has a fixed value (fixed code) 301 at the beginning. The fixed value 310 is a one-byte fixed code, for example, "01010101". A fixed value of 301 indicates that subsequent data is associated data. The data following the fixed value 301 will be described in order.

Ancillary data related to charging based on a 1-byte charging identifier (hereinafter, the identifier is referred to as ID) 302, a 1-byte charging type 303, and a 32-byte charging condition 304. Is configured. The billing ID 302 indicates whether the content is charged or free. The billing type 303 is information for distinguishing the purchase type, the dalos type, the frequency type, and the like as described above. The charging condition 304 is data representing information on the charging condition in each charging type.

As an example, in the case of the purchase type described above, the purchase price data of the content data is arranged (or recorded) as the charging condition 304, and in the case of limiting the number of times of reproduction of the Daros type content data described above, In the case where the data of the number of times of reproduction that can reproduce the content overnight is arranged as the charging condition 304 and the above-mentioned Daros type reproduction period is limited, the data of the reproduction period (one day, one week, one input) is set. , Etc.) are placed as charging conditions 304, and in the case of the frequency type described above, the frequency data (1 yen Z 2 minutes, 1 yen Z 1 minute, 1 yen / 30 seconds, ····) is charged Arranged as condition 304. Furthermore, even if the content is presumed to be charged, the conditions for free viewing can be set as charging conditions 304. You can also.

After the charging condition 304, the CODEC type 300 is arranged. C〇D E C type 305 is one byte, and is used to indicate a type of compression encoding of content data. As compression coding, there are AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), MP3 (MPEG1 Audio Layer III), ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding), ATRAC 3 of MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group Phase2) and the like. ATRAC 3 is an improvement on ATRAC used in MD mentioned above, and achieves a higher compression ratio.

In addition, in addition to the CODE C type 305, a CODE C software may be transmitted as an accompanying data. The CODE C software is used for decompressing content data by a personal computer, or loaded into the DSP in the player 201, and used for decompressing content data by software.

After the CODEC type 2005, a one-byte channel 306 is arranged. Channel 306 is a data identifier for identifying the number of audio channels. The number of audio channels such as mono, stereo, and 5.1 channels of the content data is identified by the channel 306. After the channel 306, a one-byte bit rate 307 is arranged. The bit rate 307 is data for identifying the bit rate of the content data, for example, 64 Kbps, 128 Kbps, 192 Kbps, 256 Kbps, and the like.

After the bit rate 307, a one-byte encryption type 308 is arranged. The encryption type 308 is a data type that identifies the type of encryption (DES, RSA, etc.). If all the encryption types 308 are "0", it may be specified that the encryption is not performed. Encryption type 3 After 08, a one-byte symbol parameter 309 is arranged. The encryption parameter 309 is used to indicate the bit length of the encryption key. For example, 12 bytes after the encryption parameter 309 is reserved (undefined) area 310 in consideration of future expansion.

The fixed value 311 following the reserved area 310 indicates that the area 312 in which the media ID is arranged follows. The media ID in the area 312 is used to uniquely identify media such as CDs, MDs, recordable optical disks, and memory cards including non-volatile memory.

1 D For example, a serial number. This media ID is represented by, for example, 8 bytes. In the area 3 1 2 where the media ID is stored, for example,

It is possible to arrange 32 media IDs.

The fixed value 3 13 is placed after the area 3 12 where the media ID is stored. The fixed value 3 13 indicates that the area 3 14 in which the decoder ID is arranged follows. The decoder ID is an ID for uniquely identifying a secure decoder built in a user terminal, a user player, or the like, for example, a serial number. In the area 314 in which the decoder ID is stored, for example, 32 decoders ID can be arranged. The media ID and the decoder ID are transmitted to the management company 205 and the like via the charger 204 together with the playback log, and the playback logs of the media and the secure decoder are individually managed by the computer of the management company 205 and the like. Can be determined.

Next, an example of the billing process in the player 201 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This accounting process is performed by the control unit 14 and the system controller 21 in the secure decoder 202. The first step S 1 is a playback standby state in which the content data to be played back exists on the medium 1. is there. Specifically, when the delivered content data is stored in the medium 1 or when the content data is already recorded on the medium 1, it corresponds to the reproduction standby. In step S2, it is determined whether or not a reproduction instruction has been issued by the user pressing the reproduction button of operation unit 22.

If the result of step S2 is negative, it means that the operation of copying the content data is performed, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the operation is a copy operation of content for free reproduction. Here, the content of free reproduction means content for which charging processing is not performed due to reproduction of the content data overnight. By referring to the billing ID 302 in the accompanying data overnight (FIG. 4), it is determined in step S3 whether or not the content is free playback. If the content is free-to-play content, the copy output of the decrypted and decrypted content data from the secure decoder 202 is prohibited for copyright protection, that is, the content data cannot be copied to other devices. Alternatively, copying to a medium is prohibited (step S 4).

If it is determined in step S3 that the content is not a copy of the content for free playback, that is, if it is determined that the content is a copy operation for content playback for billing playback, the content data for billing playback is transferred to another device or It is output from the secure decoder 202 so that it can be copied to a medium (step S5). In this way, the content data of the charge reproduction can be freely copied by another device or to the medium. However, the data output from the secure decoder at this time is the content data that has been encrypted and compressed and encoded with the accompanying data.

If it is determined in step S2 that the reproduction operation has been instructed, it is asked in step S6 whether or not to accept the accounting process. For example, a message is displayed on the display 23 of the player 201, and the user is prompted to respond by operating the operation unit 22 whether or not to accept the billing process. If the user does not accept the billing process, the content data cannot be reproduced (step S7). However, in the case of partial free playback indicated by the playback condition 304 of the content, for example, it may be permitted to play the beginning or highlight portion of the song free of charge. In some cases, content data can be previewed even if the billing process is refused. If the charging process is to be accepted in step S7, in step S8, the reproduction charging condition relating to the content data to be reproduced is presented on the display 23. The charging condition is presented to the user based on the information of the charging type 303 and the charging condition 304 in the accompanying data, and the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the user selects and determines whether the charging type is the purchase type. If the charging type selected and determined in step S9 is the purchase type, a charging process for purchasing content data is executed in step S10, and the process proceeds to step S11. In step S 11, the decoder 11 of the secure decoder 202 decrypts the encryption using the key data supplied from the server 102 via the server 111, and In step 12, content data is reproduced free of charge. Free playback here means that no new costs are incurred other than the costs incurred in purchasing the content data overnight because the content data to be played has already been purchased and the user owns it. In this case, redistribution / copying, including transmission to other users of Contentede for free playback, is prohibited. However, unlike the copy, that is, the copy, the original content data does not remain in the copy, and the content data exists only in the copy destination. In step S9, if the user selects and determines that the charging type is not the purchase type, the charging type is set in step S13. For example, the user selects or determines whether it is a monthly type. If there is a monthly contract, in step S14, for example, if the monthly contract has been set so that the accumulated billing can be played back to ¥ 300 per month, the limit is still ¥ 300 It is determined whether the amount has not been reached. If the limit has not yet been reached, the content data is reproduced free of charge in step S15. Here, free reproduction indicates that there is no additional cost for reproducing content data within the contract limit. In this case, redistribution, including copying of the content and transfer to other users, can be freely performed together with the accompanying data.

In step S13, if the user selects and determines that the charging type is not the monthly type, it is determined that the content data is to be charged on a frequency basis. In step S17, the secure decoder 202 decrypts the encrypted content, and in step S18, charging reproduction is performed. In the charging reproduction in step S18, as described above, charging is performed according to the frequency of reproduction of the content data, the reproduction time, and the like. In this case, you can freely copy the contents for one night. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S14 that the contract is not within the range of the monthly contract, for example, even if the contract limit is already exceeded, the charge reproduction process (step S14) 17. Step S18) is performed.

FIG. 6 shows another example of the accounting process. Billing type is buy The process up to step S9 in which the user selects and decides whether or not to take a cast is the same as that shown in FIG. 5, and therefore is omitted in FIG. In step S9, when the charging type is selected and determined by the purchase type and the user, in step S21, it is determined whether charging is possible based on the prepaid data held in the player 201 of the user. Is done. If charging is possible, free reproduction is performed in step S22 in the same manner as in step S12. Although omitted in FIG. 6, between step S 21 and step S 22, steps S 10 (purchase processing for purchase) and step S 11 (decryption of encryption) in FIG. Process). Output of content data for redistribution or copying is also prohibited as in step S12.

If it is determined in step S23 that charging is not possible, in step S23, replenishment and replenishment of the amount of money to the prepaid data is required. For example, the user operates the operation unit 22 of the player 201 to activate the replenishment menu and replenish the amount or frequency of the prepaid data online. Instead of being online, the reproduction process may be temporarily interrupted, and the player 201 may be connected to the charger 202 to perform replenishment. At step S24, it is determined again whether charging is possible. If it is determined in step S24 that charging is possible, the process proceeds to step S22. If it is determined in step S24 that charging is not possible, the process proceeds to step S25, as in the case where it is determined that the charging type is not the purchase type in step S9. In FIG. 6, the fact that the charging type is determined not to be the purchase type in step S24 determines that the charging type is the frequency type.

Step S25 is a step of inquiring the user whether to accept the accounting process. For example, the display 2 3 of the player 201 An inquiry message is displayed above. In response to this, the user inputs an answer as to whether or not to accept the charge by operating the operation unit 22. If the user does not accept the charge in step S25, playback of the content cannot be performed overnight (step S26). However, as described above, the reproduction of the free reproduction portion indicated by the reproduction condition 304 in the content data may be permitted.

In step S25, when the user accepts the charging, in step S27, it is determined whether charging is possible by looking at the prepaid data (balance, remaining frequency, etc.). If it is determined in step S27 that charging is possible, charging playback of the content is executed in step S28. In the charging reproduction performed in step S28, charging processing is performed according to the reproduction time. For example, a fixed amount is charged for 10 minutes from the start of reproduction, and charging processing is performed again after 10 minutes. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the process of step S17 (decryption of the encryption) in FIG. 5 is executed, and the content is reproduced. Redistribution of the content data copy / delivering in step S28 can be freely performed as in step S18 in FIG.

When charging playback is performed in step S28, for example, a timer provided in the control unit 14 is started, and in step S29, whether a certain time has elapsed since the start of playback and a time-out occurs. Is determined. If it is determined in step S29 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the playback of the content data, the process returns to step S27 to determine again whether charging is possible. As a result, the prepaid data does not remain as much as the content can be played back all night, thereby preventing charging playback even though charging processing cannot be performed.

If it is determined in step S27 that charging is not possible, Then, the process proceeds to step S30, in which the user is required to supplement a fee for performing a billing process. Thereafter, in step S31, it is determined again whether charging is possible. If it is determined in step S31 that the user has no money reimbursement or the like and charging cannot be performed again, the content data cannot be reproduced in the evening (step S32). In step S31, the user makes up for money, etc., and if it is determined that billing is possible again, the process proceeds to step S28 to perform billing reproduction processing.

In the processes shown in Figs. 5 and 6 above, the content data reproduction process and the content data copy control process are common processes.However, the content content overnight copy process must be performed separately. Can also. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of such content data copy control processing. The first step S41 is a copy standby state generated by the user operating a copy operation button or the like of the operation unit 22.

In step S42, it is determined whether or not the content data to be copied is a charging target, that is, whether or not the content data is a paid content data. If the content data to be copied in step S42 is not chargeable, that is, free content data, copying of the content data is permitted (step S43). If the content data to be copied is to be charged, it is determined in step S44 whether or not the user accepts the charging required for copying the content. If the user does not accept being charged in step S44, copying of the content data is disabled (step S45).

In step S44, when the user accepts the billing, Proceeding to step S46, it is determined whether charging is possible. The balance of the prepaid data, the remaining frequency, and the like are checked, and if charging is possible, the process proceeds to step S47, where charging is performed, and the content data is copied. If it is determined in step S46 that there is no remaining prepaid data, the number of remaining times, or if there is not enough remaining data to be reproduced and charging is not possible, the user is prompted to replenish the prepaid fee (step S4 8). Although omitted in FIG. 7, if the user makes up for the prepaid data and replenish money after step S48, the content data can be copied.

Next, a data recording and Z or reproducing apparatus and a method thereof according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and subsequent figures. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions common to the above-described first embodiment, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

FIG. 8 shows another example of the data structure of the accompanying data. The accompanying data is data added before the distributed content data (compression-encoded and encrypted content, for example, audio data). The accompanying data will be decoded together with the content data as needed or independently. In addition, on a recordable medium, it is added before the content data and recorded, or is recorded in the data management area of the medium 1. In the case of a read-only medium, accompanying data is recorded in the data management area. In the case of an optical disc, since a management area is generally provided in the innermost area of the disc, accompanying data is recorded in this management area. In the case of a memory card, for example, file management data is defined so that one piece of music data is treated as one file, and an accompanying data is stored in a storage area where the file management data is stored. You. As shown in FIG. 8, the accompanying data has a fixed value (fixed code) 501 at the beginning. The fixed value 501 is a fixed code of one byte (8 bits), for example, "1111110000". The fixed value 501 indicates that subsequent data following the fixed value 501 is accompanying data. The data following the fixed value 501 will be described in order.

The 8-bit content total number 502 indicates the total number of contents in a package, for example, an optical disk. After that, the content number 503 (8 bits) is allocated (recorded). The content number 503 indicates the order in the total number of contents recorded on the optical disc, for example, and the first # 1 content is arranged first. Content Namer-The unit of 256 bits starting from 503 indicates the accompanying information on # 1.

After the content number 503, the title 504 (128 bits) of the content is arranged. The title 504 describes the title of the title and the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) (copyright code). The language and code for describing the title name are specified in advance. After the content title 504, 4-bit flags FLG1 (505), FLG2 (506), FLG3 (507), and FLG4 (508) are arranged.

The flag FLG 1 (505) indicates whether the content is copyrighted. In the case of content without copyright, the flag FLG 1 is set to 000000. An example of content without copyright is, for example, content whose copyright has expired due to expiration of the protection period under the Copyright Act. The flag FLG 2 (506) indicates whether or not the content data is to be encrypted. In the case of unencrypted content, the flag FLG2 is set to 000000. Generally, content data without copyright is not encrypted . The flag FLG3 (507) indicates whether the content is for promotion. In the case of promotion content, the flag FLG3 is set to 000000. The flag FLG 4 (508) indicates whether or not the content is an original content created by an individual such as a user. In the case of an original content created by an individual, for example, an original content created by the user himself, FLG4 = 000000 is set.

After the above-mentioned flags 505, 506, 507 and 508, accompanying information relating to charging is arranged. Whether or not the content presupposes the billing process is determined if at least one of the flags FLG 1 (5 0 5) to FLG 4 (5 0 8) indicates (0 0 0 0) It turns out that the content does not require charging. The additional information related to charging is composed of an 8-bit charging type 509 and a 96-bit charging condition 510. The charging type 509 is information for distinguishing which charging type among the purchase type, the dalos type, the frequency type and the like among the charging types described above. The billing process condition 310 is data representing information on a billing process condition in each billing type indicated by the billing type 509.

As an example, if the charging type is the purchase type, the purchase price data is placed (or recorded) as the charging condition 510, and if the charging type is the gross type and the number of content data playbacks is limited, the content In the case where the data on the number of reproducible times of data is placed as the charging processing condition 5 10 and the charging type limits the reproduction period of the content data of DAROS type, the data on the reproducible period of the content data (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.) are placed as billing conditions 5 110, and when the billing type is frequency type, frequency data (1 yen Z2 minutes, 1 yen / 1 minute, 1 yen Z30 seconds, · · ·) Are arranged as the billing conditions 5 10. In addition, the section Even if the content is premised on money, the condition for viewing the content for free can be set as the charging processing condition 5 10.

Information about the next content (content number # 2) is placed after the information about content number # 1 (256 bits). The structure of the information on the content number # 2 has the same data arrangement as that on the content number # 1 described above. Hereinafter, information on all contents in the package is recorded.

Next, another example of the billing process performed by the player 201 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10. This charging process is performed by the control unit 14 and the system controller 21 in the secure decoder 202. The first step S51 is a reproduction standby state where the content data of the content to be reproduced exists on the medium 1. Specifically, when the delivered content data is stored in the medium 1 or when the content data is already recorded on the medium 1, the playback standby is applied. In step S52, one of flags FLG1 (505) to FLG4 (508) is referred to by referring to flags FLG1 (505) to FLG4 (508) in the accompanying information. It is determined whether the content data to be reproduced is the content data that needs to be charged by determining whether or not the flag is also (0000).

If any of the flags FLG1 to FLG4 is "0000" as a result of step S52, the content data to be reproduced is determined to be content data that does not require billing. In step S53, it is determined with reference to the flag FLG2 whether or not the content is an encrypted content overnight. If it is determined in step S53 that the content to be played back is encrypted, In step S54, the encryption of the content data is decrypted, and in step S55, free reproduction is performed. If the content is unencrypted overnight, the program will be played for free in step S55, skipping step S54. The decryption of the cipher is performed using the key in the decryptor 11 of the secure decoder 202.

If it is determined in step S52 that all of the flags FLG1 to FLG4 are not "0000" and are content data premised on charging, in step S56, the accompanying information is set. It is determined whether or not the content data has been purchased with reference to the accounting processing condition 5 10 in the middle. If it is determined in step S56 that the content data to be reproduced is not the purchased content data, the process proceeds to step S60 in the flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S56 that the content data to be reproduced is the purchased content data, in step S57, the content data to be reproduced refers to the flag FLG2 (506). Then, it is determined whether or not the content data is encrypted. If it is determined in step S57 that the content to be reproduced is encrypted, encryption is decrypted in step S58, and free reproduction is performed in step S59. If it is determined that the content data to be played back in step S57 is unencrypted content data, step S58 is skipped and free playback is performed in step S59. The free playback here has the same meaning as the free playback in step S12 of the flowchart shown in FIG. If the content data requires billing, it is generally considered to be encrypted.However, if it is difficult to expand the compression encoding, the content data is not encrypted. There may be cases. S The free playback of step S59 means that the content data is free to play because the content data has been purchased in advance, and redistribution including transmission of the content data to other users and content distribution Copying to other media etc. is prohibited. However, similar to step S12 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 described above, the move is performed, that is, unlike copy, there is no content data left on the copy source side, and there is content data that can be reproduced only at the copy destination. Processing is possible. Next, the processing in the case where it is determined in step S56 that the content data to be reproduced is not the purchased content data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S60, whether or not to purchase is selected and determined by the user. In the case of this step S60, the purchase condition is presented to the user, and the user decides based on the presented condition. For example, a purchase condition and an inquiry message are displayed on the display 23 of the player 201. Based on the displayed contents, the user responds as to whether or not to buy by operating the operation unit 22.

If the user decides to purchase the content data to be reproduced in step S60, in step S61 the user is charged for purchasing the content data based on the prepaid data of the player 201. It is determined if possible. If it is determined in step S61 that charging is possible, the process proceeds to step S22, and the content data is reproduced without performing charging processing. Although omitted in FIG. 10 due to the drawing space, steps S53 and S57 (encrypted in FIG. 9) are inserted between step S61 and step S62. Is determined) and steps S59 and S58 (encryption processing) are performed. If it is determined in step S61 that charging for purchasing the content overnight is not possible, the process proceeds to step S63, and the user is requested to replenish the amount. The user connects the player 201 to the player 201 or the changer 204 and activates, for example, a replenishment menu to replenish the amount or the frequency to the prepaid data online. Instead of being online, the processing may be temporarily interrupted, the player 201 may be connected to the charger 204, and replenishment may be performed from the charger 204. In step S64, it is determined again whether charging for purchasing the content data is possible. If it is determined in step S64 that charging is possible, the process proceeds to step S22, and the content data is reproduced. If it is determined in step S64 that charging for the purchase of the content overnight is not possible, the process is performed in the same manner as when it is determined that the content data is not purchased in step S60. Proceed to S65. Step S65 is processing for inquiring whether to accept the charge. In this step S65, for example, an inquiry message is displayed on the display 23 of the player 201. In response, the user responds by operating the operation unit 22 whether or not to accept the charge. If the user does not accept the billing in step S65, the process proceeds to step S66, and the reproduction of the content data is disabled. However, partial free reproduction of the content data to be reproduced in accordance with the charging processing condition 5100 may be permitted.

In step S65, when the user has accepted the charging, the process proceeds to step S67, and it is determined whether charging is possible by looking at the prepaid data (balance, remaining frequency, etc.). If it is determined in step S67 that billing is possible, a billing process is performed, and the content is played back overnight (step S68). If the content data is charged and played in step S68, the control unit 14 starts the timer provided in the control unit 14, and in step S69, the content data is reproduced. It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of data reproduction. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the reproduction of the content data in step S69, the process returns to step S67 to determine whether or not charging is possible. As a result, reproduction is prevented even though charging cannot be performed.

If it is determined in step S67 that charging is not possible, in step S70, the user is requested to replenish the charge or the like. Thereafter, it is determined in step S71 whether billing is possible. If it is determined in step S71 that charging cannot be performed again, playback of the content is disabled (step S72). If it is determined in step S71 that billing is possible, the flow returns to step S68, and the process of reproducing the content data is performed.

In the processes shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 described above, the process of reproducing content and the process of controlling copying of content are common, but the process shown in FIG. Similarly to the processing shown in the flowchart, the copy control processing can be performed separately.

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

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A digital data transmission method characterized by distributing compression-encoded and Z- or encrypted digital data free of charge, and performing a billing process when decoding the digital data distributed free of charge. .

2. The digital data is at least one of audio data, video data, still image data, character data, computer graphic data, game software, and a computer program. The data transmission method according to item 1.

3. Use at least one of satellite broadcasting, terrestrial broadcasting, Internet, cable television broadcasting, mobile phones, PHS, and package media to distribute digital data. The data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the charging process is performed on a prepaid fee.

5. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the billing process is performed after payment.

6. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the charging process is performed in Darross.

7. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the accounting process is performed based on a frequency.

8. The digital data transmission method according to claim 4, wherein the accounting process based on the frequency is performed by subtracting the decrypted frequency from the set frequency.

9. The digital data transmission method according to claim 5, wherein the accounting process based on the frequency is performed by accumulating the decoded frequency.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to perform the charging process is performed based on an identifier in associated information related to the digital data.

The digital data transmission method according to item 1.

11. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein said charging process includes a condition that decoding is free for a predetermined period from when the distributed digital data is obtained.

12. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the condition that the decryption is free for a predetermined time is included in the billing process. 13. The decryption is free for a predetermined number of times. 2. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein a condition is included in the billing process. 14. The digital data overnight transmission method according to claim 1, wherein said accounting process includes a condition that a part of the set digital data is set free of decryption.

15. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the distributed digital data can be redistributed free of charge.

16. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the distributed digital data can be freely redistributed.

17. The digital data transmission method according to claim 15, wherein a billing process is performed when decoding the redistributed digital data.

18. When distributing or redistributing digital data, the distribution history and Z or decryption history can be viewed by attaching the media identifier or the device identifier of the device to be decrypted. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein:

1 9. The information for decrypting the encrypted digital data is 2. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the digital data is transmitted together with the digital data.

20. The digital data transmission as set forth in claim 1, wherein information for expanding the compression-encoded digital data is transmitted along with the digital data. Method.

2. The digital data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the digital data is distributed free of charge by using a medium or a network for distributing digital data for a fee.

22. In the medium or network, the first digital data whose distribution is free and whose reproduction is charged, and the second digital data whose distribution is charged and whose reproduction is free. 21. The digital data overnight transmission method according to claim 21, wherein data and data are mixed.

23. Digital data distribution means for distributing compression encoded and Z or encrypted digital data free of charge;

A digital data transmission apparatus comprising: a digital data decoding unit that decodes the digital data distributed free of charge and performs a billing process.

24. A playback method whose distribution is free and which plays back digital data that has been compressed and coded and Z or encrypted,

A method for reproducing digital data, wherein a billing process is performed when decoding the digital data.

25. A playback device whose distribution is free and which plays back digital data that has been compressed and / or encrypted.

A digital data reproducing apparatus, comprising: a charging processing unit configured to perform a charging process when decoding the digital data.

26. The first digital data whose distribution is free and whose reproduction is charged, and the second digital data whose distribution is charged and whose reproduction is free. A data recording medium recorded. 27. In a digital data reproducing method for reproducing compression-encoded and / or encrypted digital data,

A step of determining whether or not the digit data is digit data premised on charging;

It is characterized in that it comprises a step of performing a charging process when decoding digitized data premised on charging, and a step of not requiring charging processing when reproducing digitized data not premised on charging. Digit data playback method.

28. The billing process described above is performed based on an identifier in accompanying information related to digital data.

27 Digit data playback method described in clause 7.

29. The method according to claim 1, wherein the digital data is at least one of audio data, video data, still image data, character data, computer graphic data, game software, and a computer program. The data reproduction method described in Item 27 of the scope.

30. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein said charging process is performed for one or more titles of said digital data.

31. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of eliminating the need for a billing process after purchase, even in the case of digital data that requires the above-mentioned billing.

3 2. Digital data subject to billing is copyrighted digital data 28. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein the digital data is data.

33. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein the digital data that is not premised on charging is digital data for promotion.

34. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein said charging process is performed on a prepaid fee. 35. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein said charging process is performed after payment.

36. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein said charging process is performed in Darross.

37. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein said charging process is performed based on a frequency.

38. The method according to claim 34, wherein the accounting process is performed based on a frequency, and the accounting process based on the frequency is performed by subtracting the decrypted frequency from a set frequency. Digital data reproduction method

39. The digital data according to claim 35, wherein the accounting process is performed based on the frequency, and the accounting process based on the frequency is performed by accumulating the decoded frequency. Playback method.

40. The digital data reproduction method according to claim 27, wherein said charging process includes a condition that decryption is free for a predetermined time.

41. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 27, wherein said charging process includes a condition that decryption is free for a predetermined number of times.

42. The digital data reproduction method according to claim 27, wherein said accounting process includes a condition that the decryption of a part of the set digital data is free.

4 3. In a digital video playback device that plays back compressed encoded and Z or encrypted digital video data,

A charging unit configured to perform a charging process when decoding the digital data;

It is determined whether or not the digital data is digital data that requires charging, and when decoding digital data that requires charging, charging processing is performed to reproduce digital data that does not require charging. A digital data reproducing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the charging unit so that the charging process is not required. 4 4. In a digital data copy method for copying compression encoded and Z or encrypted digital data,

A step of judging whether or not the digital data is digital data premised on charging;

A step of performing a charging process when decoding digital data that requires charging, and a step of eliminating the need for charging when copying digital data that does not require charging. Data copy method.

4 5. In a digital data copying device that copies compression encoded and Z or encrypted digital data,

When it is determined whether or not the digital data is digital data that requires charging, and the digital data that requires charging is decoded. And a control unit for controlling the charging unit so as to eliminate the need for charging when digital data that does not require charging is copied. Digital data copy device 4 6. A data recording medium on which compression-encoded and Z- or encrypted digital data is recorded, and which can be read by a computer or a digital data reproducing device, and the accompanying information relating to the digital data. A data recording medium, characterized in that an identifier indicating whether or not the digital data is digital data on the premise of charging is included in the accompanying information.

4 7. Capture the distributed compressed and Z- or encrypted digital data without charging, and play back the captured digital data after performing the charging process when playing back the captured digital data. Method of storing and reproducing digital data.

48. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 47, wherein said fetched digital data is stored in a medium.

49. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 48, wherein said charging process is performed when decoding digital data read from said medium.

50. The method according to claim 48, wherein the reproduction of the digital data read from the medium is stopped when the charging process is not performed correctly.

5 1. The charging process includes a first charging process for purchasing the captured digital data and a second charging process for performing the charging process each time the captured digital data is reproduced. The method is selected by the user from the first and second billing processes. 9. The digital data storage / reproduction method according to claim 48, wherein charging is performed based on said charging processing.

5 2. The method according to claim 5, wherein when the first billing process is selected, no further billing process is performed when playing back the captured digit file. A method for storing and reproducing digital data as described above. 53. The method according to claim 52, wherein when the first billing process is selected, redistribution or copying of the digital data stored in the medium is prohibited. Memory playback method. 54. The digital data storage / reproduction method according to claim 51, wherein the method further comprises permitting redistribution of the digitized data taken into the medium when the second charging process is selected.

55. The above method further comprises the step of allowing the user to select whether or not to accept the charging based on the second charging process when performing the second charging process, and allowing the user to perform the charging based on the second charging process. 52. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 51, wherein when the license is granted, it is confirmed whether or not the charging based on the second charging process can be performed correctly.

56. In the above method, the digital data reproduction is started when the user inputs the license processing based on the second charging processing and when the charging based on the second charging processing can be correctly performed. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 55.

5 7. The above method is intended to allow the user to correctly perform the second billing process when the billing process based on the second billing process cannot be performed correctly when the user inputs the permission for the billing process based on the second billing process. 58. The storage and reproduction method of digital data as set forth in claim 55, wherein a process for prompting the user to perform charging based on said charging process is performed.

5 8. The above method is a method in which a user performs charging based on the second charging process. 58. The digital data storage / reproduction method according to claim 57, wherein the reproduction of the digital data is stopped when an input for rejecting the process for prompting the user to perform the operation is input.

59. The method according to claim 57, wherein the digital data reproduction is started when a user inputs an input permitting a process for prompting the user to perform charging based on the second charging process. Digi Yue Rude A method for recalling memories of the night.

60. In the above method, when the second billing process is selected, the elapsed time from the start of the playback of the digital data is measured, and it is measured that a predetermined time has elapsed from the playback start time. 52. The digital data storage / reproduction method according to claim 51, wherein when the charging is performed, whether or not charging based on the second charging process is possible is detected.

6 1. Capture the distributed compressed and Z or encrypted digital data without charging, and check if the digital data is data that requires charging when playing back the captured digital data. And determine

A method for storing and reproducing digital data, wherein when the digital data is determined to be digital data requiring charging, the digital data is reproduced after performing charging.

62. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 61, wherein when the digital data is determined to be digital data that does not require billing processing, the reproduction of the digital data is started. 6 3. Attached data is added to the compressed and Z or encrypted digital data distributed above, and the above method requires the charging process for the digital data based on the associated data. The digital camera according to claim 61, which detects whether the digital data is accurate digital data. Storage and playback method of data.

64. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 61, wherein said digital data is stored in a medium. 65. The charging process includes a first charging process for purchasing the captured digital data and a second charging process in which charging is performed each time the captured digital data is reproduced. 65. The digital data storage / reproduction method according to claim 64, wherein said method performs billing based on a billing process selected by a user among said first and second billing processes.

66. The method according to claim 61, wherein when the first billing process is selected, no further billing process is performed when the captured digital data is reproduced. How to play memory

67. The method according to claim 66, wherein when the first billing process is selected, redistribution or copying of the digitized data taken into the medium is prohibited. Memory playback method. 68. The digital data storage / reproduction method according to claim 66, wherein said method permits redistribution of digital data taken into said medium when said second billing process is selected.

6 9. The above method further comprises, when performing the second charging process, further allowing the user to select whether or not to accept the charging based on the second charging process, and allowing the user to perform the charging based on the second charging process. The digital data storage / reproducing method according to claim 65, wherein when the license is granted, it is confirmed whether or not the charging based on the second charging process can be performed correctly.

70. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the user inputs an input permitting the billing process based on the second billing process, the billing based on the second billing process is correct. 10. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 69, wherein said digital data is started to be reproduced when it can be performed properly.

7 1. The above-described method is intended to allow the user to correctly perform the second charging process if the charging process based on the second charging process cannot be performed properly when the user inputs an input permitting the charging process based on the second charging process. The method for storing and reproducing digital data according to claim 69, wherein a process for prompting the user to perform charging based on said charging process is performed.

72. The method according to claim 71, wherein the reproduction of the digital data is stopped when the user inputs a rejection of a process for prompting the user to perform charging based on the second charging process. Method of storing and reproducing the digital data described.

73. The method according to claim 71, wherein the digital data reproduction is started when a user inputs an input for permitting a process for prompting the user to perform charging based on the second charging process. Digi Yue Rude A method for recalling memories of the night.

7 4. The above method measures the elapsed time from the start of the reproduction of the digital data when the second billing process is selected, and when it is measured that a predetermined time has elapsed from the reproduction start time. The storage / reproduction method of digital data according to claim 65, wherein whether or not charging based on said second charging process is possible is detected.

7 5. Read the compressed and Z or encrypted digital data from the medium without performing the charging process, and perform the charging process when playing back the read digital data. A method of storing and reproducing digital data that reproduces data.

76. The digitizing method according to claim 75, wherein the accounting process is performed when decoding digital data read from the medium. How to play the data.

77. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 75, wherein the method stops reproducing the digital data read from the medium when the charging process is not performed correctly.

78. The charging process is a first charging process for purchasing the read digital data and a second charging process in which the charging process is performed every time the read digital data is reproduced. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 75, wherein the method comprises: charging based on a charging process selected by a user among the first and second charging processes.

79. The method according to claim 78, wherein when the first billing process is selected, no further billing process is performed when the read digitized data is reproduced. Of digital data playback.

80. The method according to claim 79, wherein when the first billing process is selected, redistribution or copying of the digitized data read from the medium is prohibited. How to play.

81. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 78, wherein said method permits redistribution of digital data read from said medium when said second charging process is selected.

8 2. The above method further comprises, when performing the second charging process, further allowing the user to select whether or not to accept the charging based on the second charging process, and allowing the user to perform the charging based on the second charging process. 9. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 7, wherein when the license is granted, it is confirmed whether or not the charging based on the second charging process can be performed correctly.

8 3. The above method is such that when the user inputs an input permitting the billing process based on the second billing process, the billing based on the second billing process is correct. The method for reproducing digital data according to claim 82, wherein the reproduction of the digital data is started when the reproduction can be performed properly.

8 4. The above-described method is intended to allow the user to correctly perform the second charging process when the charging process based on the second charging process cannot be performed correctly when the user inputs an input permitting the charging process based on the second charging process. 33. The method of reproducing digital data according to claim 82, wherein a process for prompting the user to perform charging based on said charging process is performed.

85. The method according to claim 84, wherein the digital data reproduction is stopped when an input is entered by the user to refuse the process of prompting the user to perform the charging based on the second charging process. Digital data reproduction method.

86. The method according to claim 84, wherein said digital data is started to be reproduced when a user inputs an input for permitting a process for prompting the user to perform charging based on said second charging process. Digital data — How to play in the evening.

8 7. In the above method, when the second charging process is selected, the elapsed time from the start of the playback of the digital data is measured, and it is measured that a predetermined time has elapsed from the playback start time. 90. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 78, wherein when the charging is performed, whether or not charging based on the second charging process is possible is detected.

8 8. Read the compressed and / or encrypted digital data from the medium without charging, and check whether the digital data is data that requires charging when reproducing the read digital data. Determine whether or not

If it is determined that the digital data is digital data that requires billing processing, after performing billing processing, the digital data How to play digit data to be played.

89. The method for reproducing digital data according to claim 88, wherein the reproduction of the digital data is started when it is determined that the digital data is digital data that does not require a billing process.

90. The method for reproducing digital data according to claim 88, wherein said charging process is performed when decoding digital data read from said medium.

91. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 88, wherein the digital data read from the medium is stopped when the charging process is not performed correctly.

9 2. The billing process includes a first billing process for purchasing the read digital data and a second billing process in which a billing process is performed every time the read digital data is reproduced. 90. The method for reproducing digital data according to claim 88, wherein said method comprises charging based on a charging process selected by a user among said first and second charging processes.

93. The method according to claim 92, wherein when the first billing process is selected, no further billing process is performed when the read digitized data is reproduced. How to play digital data. 94. The method according to claim 93, wherein when the first billing process is selected, redistribution or copying of the digital data read from the medium is prohibited. How to play.

95. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 92, wherein said method permits redistribution of digital data read from said medium when said second charging process is selected.

9 6. The above method further provides the user with the above-mentioned second charging process. The user is allowed to select whether or not to accept the charging based on the second charging process. When the user permits the charging based on the second charging process, whether the charging based on the second charging process can be correctly performed. The method for reproducing digital data according to claim 92, wherein the method is for confirming whether the digital data is reproduced.

9 7. The above-mentioned method is to start reproduction of the digital data when the user inputs the permission for the charging process based on the second charging process and when the charging based on the second charging process can be performed correctly. A method for regenerating a digital video file according to claim 96.

9 8. The above-mentioned method is intended to provide the user with the second billing process correctly if the user inputs the permission for the billing process based on the second billing process and the billing process based on the second billing process cannot be performed correctly. The digital data reproducing method according to claim 96, wherein said digital data reproducing method performs processing for prompting charging based on said charging processing.

99. The method according to claim 98, wherein the reproduction of the digital data is stopped when the user inputs an input rejecting a process for prompting the user to perform the charging based on the second charging process. The playback method of the Digi-day-de-night.

100. The method according to claim 98, wherein the digital data is started to be reproduced when a user inputs an input permitting a process for prompting the user to perform the charge based on the second charging process. How to reproduce the described digital data.

1 0 1. The above method measures the elapsed time from the start of reproduction of the digital data when the second billing process is selected, and when the predetermined time has elapsed from the reproduction start time, measures The method for reproducing digital data according to claim 92, wherein whether or not charging based on the second charging process is possible is detected.