JP2001236326A - Digital content distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution container used to sell copyrighted digital contents electronically to the public through a transmission line and an electronic player which deciphers and reproduces ciphered digital contents. SOLUTION: Digital contents 30 are taken out of the container for digital content distribution comprising a storage means 51 containing the ciphered digital contents 30, a container driving means 53, a use condition storage means 54 for the digital contents 10, a use environment decision means 55 for the digital contents, a use state confirming means 59 for the digital contents, a means which drives or stops the container driving means 53, and a container driving control means 61 which has a function of transmitting the use state of the container 10 to a digital content use state analyzing means 17 through a transmission line 4, and reproduced by the electronic player.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a container for digital content distribution and an electronic player, and more particularly, to a method of distributing content composed of digital information or a digital content distribution system used in the distribution system. The present invention relates to a container and an electronic player for reproducing digital content stored in the digital content distribution container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the technological innovation related to information communication, it has become possible to easily exchange large-capacity digital data using an open computer network such as the Internet. On the Internet, exchange of application programs and digital works (digital contents) such as music, movies, images, games and the like are also actively performed.

[0003] These digital contents are characterized in that operations such as duplication, editing and transmission are easy, and the quality does not deteriorate even if these operations are performed. Therefore, it is expected that a third party who does not have a legitimate right will illegally use the digital content.

[0004] Therefore, from the viewpoint of protecting the rights of the digital content provider, it is indispensable to implement a charging method for digital contents, prevention of illegal copying, etc., or implementation of a detection technique. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system for embedding and managing a digital watermark in digital data has been proposed to protect the copyright of digital content.

[0005] Digital watermarking is a technique for embedding digital content and rights information for identifying the copyright in digital content in a form that is difficult to falsify. In the system using the digital watermark, the copyright of the content provider or the like is obtained by depositing the digital content and the right information with the service provider, and creating the content with the digital watermark by the embedded server or the like owned by the service provider. I was

In recent years, a technique called a super-distribution system has been proposed as a charging method for digital contents. The super-distribution technology utilizes the characteristics of digital data that can be easily copied, and allows digital content to be copied and charges for its use.

[0007] In other words, the digital contents can be encrypted and the encrypted digital contents can be obtained freely, but cannot be used unless the user purchases an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted contents. By doing so, it is intended to protect copyright. Conventionally, in a digital content distribution system as described above, the copyright is securely protected, and the digital content is distributed on a transmission path configured to prevent unauthorized use. The delivery system could not be used effectively because there was no digital content transport means and transport method, and no player to capture and play the digital content flowing through the transmission path.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to sell digital contents having copyright to the public electronically via a transmission path. In the event that the user who purchased the content provides a distribution container that does not allow illegal acts such as infringement of the copyright, and at the same time the user has committed illegal acts such as infringing the copyright, , Provide a distribution container for digital content that can reliably pursue the act, decrypt the encrypted digital content stored in the distribution container, and play back the digital content so that it does not leak to the outside And an electronic player.

[0009]

The present invention basically employs the following technical configuration to achieve the above object. That is, as a first aspect according to the present invention, there is provided a container for digital content distribution circulating in a transmission path, which stores digital content encrypted by a predetermined encryption unit,
Output means for outputting the digital content to the outside, container driving means for outputting the digital content from the storage means to the external output means, use condition storage means for storing at least one of a use environment and use conditions of the digital content , At least a use environment determining means of the digital content, a use number counter means for counting the number of uses each time the digital content is used,
Clock means, means for checking the use status of the digital content including at least one of time counter means for counting the elapsed time after the delivery container is delivered, and operation input means operated when the user uses the digital content When the user operates the operation input means to use the digital content, and the use of the digital content is within the use permission condition of the digital content stored in the use condition storage means. Operates the container driving means, and when the use of the digital content is contrary to the use permission condition of the digital content stored in the use condition storage means, stops the container driving means, Each time the user uses the digital content, And a container drive control unit that functions to transmit the use state of the total content to the digital content use state analysis unit separately provided via the transmission path. As a second mode, input means connected to a digital content distribution container,
A part of the digital content is taken out from the encrypted digital content storage means provided in the digital content distribution container, and buffer means for temporarily storing the same is decrypted. Decryption key storage means for storing a decryption key, for some of the encrypted digital content stored in the buffer means, using the decryption key, decryption means for decoding to the original digital content, An electronic player comprising means for reproducing the decrypted part of the digital content and control means for controlling the means.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The digital content distribution container and the digital content reproduction electronic player according to the present invention employ the above-described technical configuration, and therefore, have a transmission path constituting a wide area network including the Internet. In a system that distributes digital content containing predetermined copyright information to users who want to use and use it online, the system prevents illegal use of the digital content and prevents copyright infringement of the digital content. By using an electronic player that can effectively avoid the digital content and reproduce the digital content without leaking it to a third party, the digital content can be transmitted through a conventional transmission path. The distribution system can be operated automatically and efficiently.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A concrete example of a digital content distribution container and an electronic player for reproducing the same according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. That is,
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of a digital content distribution container 40 according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a digital content distribution container 40 that circulates in a transmission path is defined in advance. Storage means 51 for storing the digital content 30 encrypted by the encryption means, output means 52 for outputting the encrypted digital content 30 to the outside, and storage means 5
1; a container driving unit 53 that outputs the encrypted digital content 30 to the external output unit 52; a usage environment storage unit 54 that stores at least one of the usage environment and usage conditions of the digital content 10; Digital content use environment determining means 55,
Including at least one of a usage counter 56 for counting the number of uses each time the digital content is used, a clock 57, and a time counter 58 for counting an elapsed time after the distribution container 40 is distributed. Digital content use status confirmation means 59, an operation input means 60 operated when the user uses the digital content 10, and a user operated the operation input means 60 to use the digital content 10, When the use of the digital content 10 is within the use permission condition of the digital content 10 stored in the use condition storage unit 54, the container driving unit 53 is operated to use the digital content 10. The digital data stored in the usage condition storage means 54 If the usage permission condition of the content 10 is not met, the container driving means 53 is stopped, and each time the user uses the digital content 10, the usage state of the digital content 10 is separately set via the transmission path 4. 3 shows a container for digital content distribution, which comprises a container drive control means 61 functioning to transmit to the digital content use state analyzing means 17 provided in the digital content utilization state analyzing means 17.

Here, the configuration of a specific example of a digital content distribution system using the digital content distribution container 40 according to the present invention will be briefly described. That is, the configuration of one specific example of the digital content distribution system using the digital content distribution container 40 and the electronic player 13 according to the present invention is as follows.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a watermark information embedding unit 1 that embeds at least one of copyright information, distributor information, and user information as watermark information in a content 10 formed from digital information, and the watermark information is embedded. Content processing means 2 for encrypting the content 20 and adding a condition relating to a usage form of the content 10 and a condition relating to a copyright fee to process the content for distribution, wherein the distributor is one or more. List publishing means 3 for publishing a list of contents in which watermark information is embedded in the digital information on the transmission path 4
Access means 6 for the user to access the list of contents via the transmission path 4 using his / her own terminal 5; if the user wants to use the contents 10 selected by himself / herself, 5 through the transmission path 4 to access the contract execution system connected to the transmission path 4, and at least between the distributor and the user, regarding the distribution of the content 10, Registration of the user name of the content, selection of the use environment, selection of the use condition, reference to the use environment, use condition, Contract execution system means 7 for determining a usage fee including a copyright fee and specifying a payment method determined by the contract execution system In step 7, after an agreement has been reached between the distributor and the user regarding the distribution of the content 10, the distributor checks whether the user has paid the contract fee. Means for confirming the payment of the payment, the distributor determines that the selected content for distribution (already encrypted) 30
The container forming means 9 for forming the above, when the payment of the predetermined usage fee is confirmed by the user by a transfer to a bank account designated by the user in advance or by electronic payment by the user. Distribution means 11 for distributing the distribution container 40 to the transmission path 4 via the distribution system, and an electronic player supply means 12 for preparing and supplying an electronic player 13 including a decryption key for reproducing the container. A content use state analysis unit 17 for transferring the use state of the content to the use state analysis system 19 connected to the transmission path via the transmission path 4 and recording and managing the use state for each content; Always monitor globally via the transmission path 4 whether or not the content 10 is used illegally; When a content similar to the content suspected to be used is found, an operation is performed to identify whether the content contains watermark information, and the watermark information is detected. In the content registration database 23, in which the content 20 in which the watermark information is embedded in advance is registered, the content unauthorized use monitoring unit 22 compares the content with the watermark information of each content, and the user pays a usage fee for the predetermined content 10 by the user. In the case of the distributor, the copyright fee distribution means 24 for processing a predetermined copyright fee to be paid to the copyright owner of the content based on the copyright information held by the background trust container 40. Of the above-mentioned means, at least the registered digital watermark-embedded digital content 20 is transmitted through the transmission means. 4, the list publishing means 3, the contract execution system means 7, the container distribution system means 11, the user terminal means 5, the use state analysis system means 17, and the contents unauthorized use monitoring means 22 are connected to the transmission path 4. Content distribution system 100 in which the means are controlled by a computer 50.
It is.

The above-described content distribution system 100
Preferably includes, as the transmission path 4, a wide area communication network including the Internet. In the digital content distribution system according to the present invention,
First, when the distribution wants to sell the digital content 10 created by the copyright holder to the public, the digital content 10 is accepted from the copyright holder and the analog / digital
After the digital conversion, the digital content database 2 is transmitted via the digital content registration means 27 on the distribution side.
9 and the use condition of the digital content 10 is confirmed from the copyright holder of the digital content, and the use condition is also registered in the digital content database 29 at the same time.

The digital contents 10 used in the present invention include music information including MID system, books, photographs,
Still image information including maps, paintings, art drawings, character marks, and the like, and moving image information including videos, movies, and the like are included. Further, the digital content 10 includes a copyright mark, a privacy mark, other official marks indicating that the source of the content is correct, an authorization issued by a predetermined official organization, an authentication mark, and the like. Things are also desirable.

In the digital content distribution system 100 according to the present invention, the distributor performs a PR activity for selling the plurality of types of digital content 10 owned by the distributor, as a PR activity. It is desirable that the list be disclosed on the transmission path 4 by meeting the list disclosure means 3 or the list may be disclosed on a home page owned by the distributor.

On the other hand, in the digital content distribution system according to the present invention, the content (not encrypted) 20 having the watermark information embedded therein is stored in a predetermined database 23. At least a part of the specific content 20, that is, when the digital content is music, for the first 20 seconds,
It is also preferable to include a trial sample providing means 25 for publishing as a trial sample on the transmission path.

In the present invention, at least a part of the content (not encrypted) 20 in which the watermark is embedded and which is stored in a predetermined database 23 is used as a preview sample. It is also desirable to include a trial sample providing means 26 for recording on a predetermined recording medium, for example, a CD, then spreading it to the public, and reproducing and listening to the recording medium by using the user's own terminal.

The sample sample may be such that at least a part of the specific content 20 stored in the predetermined database 23 is recorded on a CD, for example, and then the CD is distributed free of charge. If the user who listened to the sample on his / her terminal or installed the CD on his / her terminal and listened to it, if he / she wants to use the specific digital content, he / she will disconnect his / her terminal. The user can access the contract execution system means 7 through the system to execute a predetermined contract act.

When the user accesses the contract execution system 7, a menu of contract contents is sequentially displayed on a predetermined contract screen, so that the user can select a condition matching the user's desire from each menu. Thus, the contract between the distributor and the user is automatically executed. That is, in the contract execution system means 7, as described above, each digital content 10 is assigned to the digital content 10 by the distribution digital content processing means 2 in accordance with the author name and the usage conditions of the digital content 10. Since the right fee and the distribution fee collected by the distributor have been registered, first, the user, based on the above-described conditions for the selected digital content,
Usage environment conditions, for example, personal use or business use conditions, the number of times of use is either permanent use, one time use or a predetermined number of times, or time period of one week and one year If you select from the menu whether to use it, the copyright fee and the commission fee on the distribution side are automatically calculated according to that, and the total cost is displayed.

Further, the user selects an appropriate payment method from a menu and sets the payment method of the user for the cost. If the user finishes selecting the payment method for the predetermined transfer destination and agrees on the cost, a contract is automatically established at that time. On the other hand, on the distribution side, according to the contract conditions, the container creating means 9 creates a distribution container 40 by combining the selected distribution digital content 30 and the use condition information, After confirming the payment of the amount, the container 40 is distributed to the user via the transmission path 4.

Further, the container 40 formed by execution of the contract execution system means 17 in the present invention is delivered to the transmission path 4 via the delivery system 11,
A database forming means 34 for creating a user information management database 31, a product management database 32, and a sales management database 33 from information obtained by analyzing the usage status of the content 10 by the usage status analysis system 17 may be further included. desirable.

By using such a database,
It is possible to automatically and easily obtain marketing information such as the degree of popularity of a predetermined digital content 10 in the market and the age of the user. On the other hand, as another aspect according to the present invention, a step of embedding at least one of copyright information, distributor information, and user information as watermark information in content 10 formed from digital information, wherein the watermark information is embedded A process of encrypting the content and adding a condition relating to a usage mode of the content 10 and a condition relating to a copyright fee to the content 10 for distribution;
A step in which the distributor publishes a list of contents in which watermark information is embedded in one or more pieces of the digital information on the transmission path 4; Through the process of accessing the list of the contents and confirming the contents, or downloading a preview sample and previewing a part of the digital contents 10, when the user wants to use the contents 10 selected by himself / herself Access the contract execution system 17 connected to the transmission path 4 via the transmission path 4 using the terminal 5 of the user, and at least transmit the content between the distributor and the user. Regarding the distribution of the content 10, refer to the usage environment, usage conditions, usage fee, and the like, which are predetermined for the content 10. The process of registering the user name of the content, selecting the usage environment, selecting the usage conditions, determining the usage fee including the copyright fee determined by the selected usage environment and usage conditions, and specifying the payment method After an agreement has been made between the distributor and the user on the distribution of the content in the contract execution system 17, the distributor determines whether the user has paid the contract money. Step of confirming whether the distributor is the selected content for distribution (already encrypted)
The distribution container 40 is created based on the distribution container 30.

The distribution container 40 according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, and has the distribution content 30 which is the encrypted digital content.
The digital content 10 agreed by the user to
In addition to adding the user name of the content, the selected use environment, and the use condition, a drive program for the container 40 based on the use environment and the use condition and a management program for managing the use state of the content are added. To form the container 40.

In the distribution container 40, every time the content 30 in the container 40 is reproduced, the reproduction program is operated by operating a management program connected to the container 40, and Via the storage device provided in the container 40, the data is transferred to the usage analysis system 17 connected to the transmission path 4 via
It is preferable that a function of transferring the content to the usage analysis system 17 connected to the transmission path 4 via the transmission path 4 and recording and managing the usage of each content is provided. The management program provided in (1) indicates whether the content is going to be used in violation of the usage environment conditions of the content 10 related to the contract conditions for the content 10 or whether the usage program violates the usage conditions of the content 10. In a case where the container 40 is to be used beyond the usage conditions or is to be used against a predetermined warning, the drive program of the container 40 is configured to be stopped. Is preferred.

Further, the distribution container 4 according to the present invention.
0, the usage status confirmation unit 59 of the digital content stores the environment in which the distribution container is used every time the distribution container is used. The usage environment determination means 57 for determining whether or not the usage environment permission conditions are matched, the counter means 56 for counting the number of times the distribution container 40 is used each time the distribution container 40 is used, and the usage condition storage means 54 are stored. Number-of-use determining means 62 for comparing with a number-of-use condition of digital content,
The elapsed time output by the elapsed time counting means 58 for counting the elapsed time from the time at which the delivery container was delivered to the current time via the clock means 57 is stored in the use condition storage means 54. It is desirable to include any of the elapsed use time determination means 63 for determining whether or not the usage time condition of the digital content is satisfied.

On the other hand, the container drive control means 61
The use environment determination unit 55 and the use count determination unit 6
2 or if the use elapsed time determination means 63 outputs a determination that the use of the digital content does not match the predetermined use condition of the digital content, the container Drive means 5
It is also desirable to have a function 65 for controlling the container 3 to stop driving the container and notifying the user of the result.

When the user uses the digital content off-line, the container drive control means 61 determines at least a part of usage environment information, usage count information, and usage time information related to the usage. A function for temporarily storing information in a separately provided spare storage means 66, a message output function 65 for warning the user to execute the use of the digital content online next time, If the user
It is also preferable to have a function of transmitting the information stored in the preliminary storage means 66 to the digital content use status analysis means 17 when the digital content has been executed online.

On the other hand, the container drive control means 61
If the user has used the digital content offline and the warning has been issued, the specified time has elapsed, or the user has not used the digital content online after the next use or the specified number of uses, the container is not used. It is also preferable to have a function of giving a warning to the driving means 53 to stop the driving.

That is, the distribution container 4 according to the present invention.
0 is digital content storage means 51 for storing digital content 30 encrypted by predetermined encryption means, and usage condition storage for storing usage conditions contracted between the user and the distributor of the distribution container. In response to the input of the use input command information by the means 54 and the user, the use of the digital content by the user is contracted between the user and the distributor of the distribution container when outputting to the appropriate reproducing means. Judge whether or not the usage is within the usage conditions, and if the usage is determined to be within the usage conditions, output of the digital content is permitted, and the usage is determined to be outside the usage conditions. In that case, the output of the digital content is not permitted, and if the use of the digital content is permitted, It is made of a container drive control means 61 and having a function of controlling so as to transmit the broadcast digital content usage analysis means provided separately via a transmission path.

The management program means 21 provided in the control means 61 provided in the distribution container 40 according to the present invention uses the content 10 in accordance with a contract condition for the content 10. If you are trying to violate the environmental conditions, or violate the usage conditions of the content 10 or use it beyond the usage conditions,
Alternatively, when the container is going to be used against a predetermined warning, it is also desirable to have a function of stopping the driving program of the container.

Next, the distribution container 40 according to the present invention is described.
The configuration of a specific example of an electronic player used in combination with the above will be described in detail with reference to FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the electronic player 13 according to the present invention includes input means 70 connected to the digital content distribution container 40, and encrypted digital content provided in the digital content distribution container 40. Buffer means 71 for taking out a part of the digital content 30 from the storage means 51 and temporarily storing it, a decryption key storage means 72 for storing a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted digital content 30, and a buffer Decryption means 7 for decoding the part of the encrypted digital content 30 stored in the means 71 into the original digital content using the decryption key 72
3. Reproducing means 74 for reproducing the decrypted part of the digital content, and control means 7 for controlling the respective means.
5 is shown.

The operation of the electronic player 13 according to the present invention will be described in detail. The digital content storage means 51 provided in the digital content distribution container 40 stores a part of the digital content. And storing it in a buffer means 71 for temporarily storing it via the input means 70, and using the decryption key 72 for decrypting the encrypted digital content 30 in the buffer means 71. A decryption step of decoding the encrypted part of the digital content into the original digital content, a playback step of playing back the decrypted part of the digital content, and a digital content distribution container 40. The data is stored in the encrypted digital content storage means 51 provided. Step of taking out the other part of the barrel contents 30, and stored in the buffer means,
A decryption step of decoding the encrypted other digital content stored in the buffer means 71 into the original digital content using the decryption key 72; The step of reproducing the content, and thereafter, the same operation as described above is repeated from the encrypted digital content storage means 51 provided in the digital content distribution container until all the portions of the digital content have been reproduced. In the process, the storing process in the buffer means 71, the decryption process, or the reproduction process, whether the processed data is deleted by being overwritten by the respective data to be input next. Erasing by a separately provided data erasing means.

The electronic player 13 according to the present invention comprises:
It is desirable that it is arranged in the transmission path 4 so that the user can download it to his / her terminal for a fee or free of charge.

[0034]

Since the distribution container and the electronic player according to the present invention employ the above-described technical configuration, the distribution container and the electronic player are required to sell digital contents having copyright to the public electronically via a transmission path. , At the same time as providing a distribution container that prevents the user who purchased the digital content from committing such infringement of the copyright, etc., In that case, we will provide a distribution container for digital content that can surely pursue that action,
An electronic player capable of decrypting the encrypted digital content stored in the distribution container and reproducing the digital content without leaking to the outside is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a specific example of a distribution container according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a specific example of a digital content distribution system in which a distribution container according to the present invention is used.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of an electronic player according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Embedding means 2 ... Content processing means for distribution 3 ... List publishing means 4 ... Transmission path 5 ... User terminal 6 ... Access means 7 ... Contract execution system means 8 ... Contract fee payment confirmation means 9 ... Container forming means 10 ... Content 11 ... distribution means, distribution system 12 ... electronic player supply means 13 ... electronic player 14 ... download means 15 ... reproduction means 16 ... content reproduction means 17 ... content use situation analysis means 18 ... storage means 19 ... use situation analysis system 20 ... watermark information 21 ... Management program means 22 ... Content unauthorized use monitoring means 23 ... Content registration database 24 ... Copyright fee distribution means 25 ... Preview sample providing means 27 ... Digital content registration means 29 ... Digital content database 30 ... Distribution Content 31 ... User information management database 32 ... Product management database 33 ... Sales management database 34 ... Database forming means 40 ... Distribution container 41 ... Distributor / distributor homepage 50 ... Computer 51 ... Storage means 52 ... Output means 53 ... Container Drive means 54 ... Use condition storage means 55 ... Use environment determination means 56 ... Use count counter means 57 ... Clock means 58 ... Time counter means 59 ... Use status confirmation means 60 ... Operation input means 61 ... Container drive control means 70 ... Input means 71 buffer means 72 decryption key storage means 73 decryption means 74 playback means 75 control means 100 digital content distribution system

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 2, 2001 (2001.4.2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Title of the Invention] Digital content distribution system

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to sell digital contents having copyright to the public electronically via a transmission path. At the same time as providing a distribution container that prevents the user who purchased the content from committing fraudulent acts such as copyright infringement ,
In the unlikely event that a copyright infringement is committed,
Is a digital content
Use a distribution container and label it
Decrypts encrypted digital content
Read and ensure that the digital content does not leak outside
Digital including using a playable electronic player
A content distribution system is provided.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0009]

The present invention basically employs the following technical configuration to achieve the above object. That is, as an aspect according to the present invention,
Means one or more copyrighted image information or sound
Digitalize content consisting of voice information
Process, embedding watermark information in the digital content
Process, a plurality of digital contents including the watermark information
Publicizing the list via the Internet,
However, only part of digital content can be
The process of publishing as audition samples via the Internet
User can determine what digital content contains the watermark information.
If you wish to use the
Content with the distributor of the digital content
The usage, copyright fee, and copyright of the digital content
Terms of use of the digital content, including the method of payment of rights
The process of making an agreement on the
Pay a certain fee for the usage conditions of the content
Process and the digital content distributor
Digital content containing watermark information specified by
Encrypt using an encryption key that can be decrypted with a decryption key
The encrypted digital content and the terms of use
And store them in the same container and distribute them to the Internet
The digital content distributor
-The process of publishing electronic players on the net,
User automatically activates the electronic player via the Internet.
The process of downloading to your own terminal,
Distributor of the digital content via the Internet
Download the container delivered to the user to your own terminal
The loading process, the user
The encrypted digital content contained in the container
Playback of the content using the electronic player.
Then, a part of the distributed encrypted digital content is
Temporarily stores the data in a predetermined buffer of the electronic player.
And the part stored in the buffer means.
The user's encrypted digital content in advance
Decrypted using the decryption key
After playback, another part of the encrypted digital content
Minutes already stored in the buffer means
Is overwritten on the digital content for which
And use the decryption key to encrypt the other part
Decrypt and play digital content, and then perform the same operation
Repeat the last part of the encrypted digital content
Steps in which the above operation is repeated until the minute is regenerated,
When playing back the digital content,
The digital content to be used has a predetermined use
The process of determining whether the conditions are met,
The digital content to be
If the usage conditions are met, allow the playback operation
And if they do not match, stop the playback operation
Process, digital computer reproduced via the Internet
The process of analyzing the usage of tents
-In digital content distributed via the Internet
From predetermined image information or audio information
Check whether there is digital content with information
Process, predetermined image information or audio information
If digital content is found to be
Prescribed watermark information is embedded in digital content
Judge whether it is embedded or not.
Is the process of determining that an unauthorized use has occurred,
The paid royalties for the digitized content
Paying the copyright holder via digital content, and
Digital content distribution system consisting of
is there.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A concrete example of a digital content distribution container and an electronic player for reproducing the same according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. That is,
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of a digital content distribution container 40 according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a digital content distribution container 40 that circulates in a transmission path is defined in advance. Storage means 51 for storing the digital content 30 encrypted by the encryption means, output means 52 for outputting the encrypted digital content 30 to the outside, and storage means 5
Container driving means 53 for outputting the digital content 30 that is the encrypted from 1 to the external output unit 52, use condition storage means 54 for storing at least one use condition of the digital content 10, at least, the de
The digital device includes at least one of a usage counter 56 for counting the number of usages each time the digital content is used, a clock 57, and a time counter 58 for counting an elapsed time after the distribution container 40 is distributed. Content use status checking means 59, operation input means 60 operated when a user uses the digital content 10, and user
When the operation input unit 60 is operated to use, use of the digital content 10, the use conditions
Matter SL in some cases in the use permission condition of the digital content 10 stored in憶unit 54, is operated the container driving means 53, the digital content 10
If the use of the digital content 10 is inconsistent with the use permission condition of the digital content 10 stored in the use condition storage unit 54, the container driving unit 53 is stopped and the user And a container drive control unit 61 that functions to transmit the use state of the digital content 10 to the digital content use state analysis unit 17 separately provided via the transmission path 4. It is shown.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Here, the configuration of a specific example of a digital content distribution system using the digital content distribution container 40 according to the present invention will be briefly described. That is, the configuration of one specific example of the digital content distribution system using the digital content distribution container 40 and the electronic player 13 according to the present invention is as follows.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a watermark information embedding unit 1 that embeds at least one of copyright information, distributor information, and user information as watermark information in a content 10 formed from digital information, and the watermark information is embedded. Content processing means 2 for encrypting the content 20 and adding a condition relating to a usage form of the content 10 and a condition relating to a copyright fee to process the content for distribution, wherein the distributor is one or more. List publishing means 3 for publishing a list of contents in which watermark information is embedded in the digital information on the transmission path 4
Access means 6 for the user to access the list of contents via the transmission path 4 using his / her own terminal 5; if the user wants to use the contents 10 selected by himself / herself, 5 through the transmission path 4 to access the contract execution system connected to the transmission path 4, and at least between the distributor and the user, regarding the distribution of the content 10, attached to the 10 predetermined
Conditions of use, with reference to the use charges, etc., registration of the user name of the content, the selection of the conditions of use, has been the selected
A contract execution system means 7 for determining a usage fee including a copyright fee determined by use conditions and specifying a payment method of the fee. In the contract execution system means 7, between the distributor and the user, After an agreement has been reached on the contract regarding the distribution of the content 10, the distributor sets the fee payment confirmation means 8 for confirming whether the user has paid the contract fee, and the distributor selects the selected distributor. The content for distribution (already encrypted) 30
A container forming means 9 for forming a container 40 from the distributor, by the distributor, by a transfer to a bank account designated by the distributor in advance, or by electronic settlement,
If the payment of the predetermined usage fee is confirmed, the distribution unit 11 distributes the distribution container 40 to the transmission path 4 via the distribution system via the distribution system, and includes a decryption key for reproducing the container. Electronic player 13
The electronic player supply unit 12 prepares and supplies the content, and transfers the usage status of the content to the usage status analysis system 19 connected to the transmission route via the transmission route 4 and records the usage status for each content. The content usage state analyzing means 17 to be managed, constantly monitors globally via the transmission path 4 whether or not the content 10 is used illegally, and the content similar to the content suspected to be illegally used. Is found, an operation is performed to identify whether or not watermark information is included in the content. If the watermark information is detected, the content 20 in which the watermark information is embedded in advance is executed. A content unauthorized use monitor that compares the registered content with the watermark information of each content in the content registration database 23 22. If the user has paid the usage fee for the predetermined content 10 to the distributor, the predetermined copyright fee is added to the content based on the copyright information held by the background trust container 40. Copyright distribution means 2 for processing to pay to copyright holders
4. List publishing means 3 for publishing at least the registered digital watermark-embedded digital content 20 on the transmission path 4 among the above means, the contract execution system means 7, the container distribution system means 11, the user terminal means 5 , The usage status analysis system means 17 and the contents unauthorized use monitoring means 22 are connected to the transmission path 4, and the contents distribution system 100 is configured such that these means are controlled by the computer 50. .

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

When the user accesses the contract execution system 7, a menu of contract contents is sequentially displayed on a predetermined contract screen, so that the user can select a condition matching the user's desire from each menu. Thus, the contract between the distributor and the user is automatically executed. That is, in the contract execution system means 7, as described above, each digital content 10 is assigned to the digital content 10 by the distribution digital content processing means 2 in accordance with the author name and the usage conditions of the digital content 10. Since the right fee and the distribution fee collected by the distributor have been registered, first, the user, based on the above-described conditions for the selected digital content,
The usage conditions, for example, the number of times of use, are permanent use , use once or a predetermined number of times, or time is one week,
When the user selects from the menu whether to use it for a period of one year, the copyright fee and the commission on the distribution side are automatically calculated according to the selection, and the total cost is displayed.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the contract execution system according to the present invention.
The container 40 formed by the execution of the system means 7 is delivered to the transmission path 4 via the delivery system 11, and the usage status analysis system 17 analyzes the usage status of the content 10 based on the information. It is preferable that a database forming means 34 for creating a database 31, a product management database 32, and a sales management database 33 is further included.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0022

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

By using such a database,
It is possible to automatically and easily obtain marketing information such as the degree of popularity of a predetermined digital content 10 in the market and the age of the user. On the other hand, as another aspect according to the present invention, a step of embedding at least one of copyright information, distributor information, and user information as watermark information in content 10 formed from digital information, wherein the watermark information is embedded A process of encrypting the content and adding a condition relating to a usage mode of the content 10 and a condition relating to a copyright fee to the content 10 for distribution;
A step in which the distributor publishes a list of contents in which watermark information is embedded in one or more pieces of the digital information on the transmission path 4; Through the process of accessing the list of the contents and confirming the contents, or downloading a preview sample and previewing a part of the digital contents 10, when the user wants to use the contents 10 selected by himself / herself The user accesses the contract execution system 7 connected to the transmission path 4 via the transmission path 4 using his / her own terminal 5, and at least transmits the content between the distributor and the user. respect 10 delivery, predetermined use conditions attached to the content 10, with reference to the use charges, etc., use of the content Name of registration, selection of the conditions, the
Step of performing a particular decision and fee payment methods use fee including copyright fees to be determined by the selected conditions of use, At a the agreement execution system 17, the between the distributor and the user After an agreement has been reached on the content distribution agreement, the distributor checks whether or not the user has paid the contract fee. The distribution container 40 is created based on the (encrypted) 30.

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0023

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The distribution container 40 according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, and has the distribution content 30 which is the encrypted digital content.
The digital content 10 agreed by the user to
The user name of the content, and the selected terms of use
With the addition of, and forms a container 40 by adding a management program for managing the usage of the operating program and the content of the container 40 that is based on the use condition.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0024

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the distribution container 40, every time the content 30 in the container 40 is reproduced, the reproduction program is operated by operating a management program connected to the container 40, and Via the storage device provided in the container 40, the data is transferred to the usage analysis system 17 connected to the transmission path 4 via
It is preferable that a function of transferring the content to the usage analysis system 17 connected to the transmission path 4 via the transmission path 4 and recording and managing the usage of each content is provided. The management program provided in the case where the content is about to be used in violation of the usage conditions of the content 10 pertaining to the contract conditions for the content 10, or whether the content violates the usage conditions of the content 10, In a case where the container 40 is to be used beyond the use conditions, or when it is to be used against a predetermined warning, the drive program of the container 40 may be configured to be in a stop state. preferable.

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0025

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the distribution container 4 according to the present invention.
0, the use condition confirmation means 59 of the digital content stores, in each use of the distribution container, a condition under which the distribution container is used, in the use condition storage means.
Permission to use digital content stored in column 54
Use condition determining means 5 for determining whether or not the condition is met
5. Each time the distribution container 40 is used, the counter means 56 for counting the number of times the distribution container 40 is used and the usage conditions
A usage count judging unit 62 that compares the digital content with a usage count condition stored in the case storage unit 54, and calculates an elapsed time from the time at which the distribution container is distributed to the current time via the clock unit 57; The elapsed time output by the elapsed time counting means 58 is counted according to the usage condition.
It is desirable to include any one of the elapsed use time determination means 63 for determining whether or not the usage time condition of the digital content stored in the storage means 54 is satisfied.

[Procedure amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0026

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

On the other hand, the container drive control means 61
When either the use count determining unit 62 or the elapsed use time determining unit 63 outputs a determination that the use of the digital content does not match the predetermined use condition of the digital content. It is also preferable that the apparatus has a function 65 for controlling the container driving means 53 to stop driving the container and notifying the user of the result.

[Procedure amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0027

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0027] Also, the container drive control means 61, when the use of the digital content of the user is performed offline, use times the number information on the use, at least part of the information of the time information A function to temporarily store the digital content in a separate storage means 66 provided separately, a message output function 65 to warn the user to use the digital content online the next time, However, it is also preferable to have a function of transmitting the information stored in the preliminary storage means 66 to the digital content usage status analyzing means 17 when the digital content has been executed online.

[Procedure amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0030] The present invention according the distribution container 40 the management program unit 21 provided on the control means 61 provided in the relevant content 10, use of the content 10 according to the contract conditions for the content 10 If the user intends to use the content 10 in violation of the conditions, or the user violates the usage conditions of the content 10 or intends to use the content 10 beyond the usage conditions, or intends to use the content 10 against a predetermined warning. In such a case, it is also desirable to have a function of stopping the driving program of the container.

[Procedure amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Brief description of drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a specific example of a distribution container according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a specific example of a digital content distribution system in which a distribution container according to the present invention is used.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of an electronic player according to the present invention.

[Description of Signs] 1 ... Embedding means 2 ... Distribution contents processing means 3 ... List publishing means 4 ... Transmission path 5 ... User terminal 6 ... Access means 7 ... Contract execution system means 8 ... Contract fee payment confirmation means 9 ... Container formation Means 10 ... Content 11 ... Distribution means, distribution system 12 ... Electronic player supply means 13 ... Electronic player 14 ... Download means 15 ... Reproduction means 16 ... Content reproduction means 17 ... Content use situation analysis means 18 ... Storage means 19 ... Use situation analysis System 20: Content in which watermark information is embedded 21: Management program means 22: Content unauthorized use monitoring means 23: Content registration database 24: Copyright fee distribution means 25: Trial sample providing means 27: Digital content registration means 29: Digital content data Source 30: Content for distribution 31: User information management database 32: Product management database 33: Sales management database 34: Database forming means 40: Container for distribution 41: Distributor, distributor homepage 50: Computer 51: Storage means 52: Output means 53 ... Container driving means 54 ... Use condition storage means 56 ... Use count counter means 57 ... Clock means 58 ... Time counter means 59 ... Use status check means 60 ... Operation input means 61 ... Container drive control means 62 ... Use count judgment Means 63 use elapsed time determination means 70 Input means 71 Buffer means 72 Decryption key storage means 73 Decryption means 74 Reproduction means 75 Control means 100 Digital content distribution system

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09C 5/00 G09C 5/00 F term (Reference) 5B017 AA03 AA06 AA07 BA07 CA15 CA16 5B085 AC12 AE29 BG07 5C076 AA02 AA14 BA06 5J104 AA13 AA14 PA14 9A001 BB04 CC07 EE03 JJ72 KK60 LL03

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A container for distributing digital content circulating in a transmission path, storing means for storing digital content encrypted by predetermined encryption means, output means for outputting the digital content to the outside, Container driving means for outputting the digital content from the storage means to the external output means, use environment of the digital content, use condition storage means for storing at least one of use conditions, at least use environment determination means for the digital content The digital content includes at least one of a usage counter for counting the number of uses each time the digital content is used, a clock, and a time counter for counting an elapsed time after the distribution container is distributed. Usage status confirmation means, the user Operation input means operated when using the digital content, when the user operates the operation input means to use the digital content,
If the use of the digital content is within the use permission condition of the digital content stored in the use condition storage unit, the container driving unit is operated, and the use of the digital content is stored in the use condition storage unit. In the case where the use permission condition of the digital content stored in the means is inconsistent, the container driving means is stopped, and the use state of the digital content is changed over the transmission path every time the user uses the digital content. And a container drive control unit that functions to transmit the digital content use state analysis unit separately provided via the digital content use state analysis unit. 2. The use status confirmation means of the digital content includes an environment in which the distribution container is used each time the distribution container is used, the use environment of the digital content stored in the use condition storage means. Usage environment determining means for determining whether or not the permission condition is met; counter means for counting the number of times the distribution container is used each time the distribution container is used; and usage condition for digital content stored in the usage condition storage means Means for determining the number of times of use to compare with the time, the elapsed time from the time at which the delivery container was delivered to the current time is counted via the clock means, and the elapsed time is stored in the use condition storage means. Including a means for determining elapsed time of use that determines whether or not the use time condition of the digital content is satisfied. The digital content distribution container according to claim 1. 3. The container drive control means, wherein the use of the digital content is determined by one of the use environment determination means, the use count determination means, and the use elapsed time determination means. If it is determined that the container driving means does not match the usage condition of the container driving means, the container driving control means is controlled so that the driving of the container driving means is stopped, and the result is notified to the user. The digital content distribution container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container has a function of notifying the content. 4. The container drive control means, when the user uses the digital content offline, uses at least a part of usage environment information, usage count information, and usage time information related to the usage. A function of temporarily storing in a separately provided spare storage means,
A message output function that warns the user that the digital content is to be used online the next time, and if the user has executed the digital content online, The digital content distribution container according to claim 1, further comprising a function of transmitting the stored information to the digital content use status analysis unit. 5. The container drive control unit according to claim 1, wherein the warning is issued when the user uses the digital content offline, and after a predetermined time has elapsed,
Alternatively, if there is no online use after the next use or a predetermined number of uses, the container driving means has a function of instructing the container driving means to stop driving. 5. The container for digital content distribution according to any one of 1 to 4. 6. A digital content distribution container that circulates in a transmission path, wherein the digital content storage means stores digital content encrypted by predetermined encryption means, a user and a distributor of the distribution container. In response to the use condition storage means for storing the use conditions contracted between the user and the input of the use input command information of the user, when outputting to the appropriate reproduction means,
Determine whether the user's use of the digital content is within the terms of use contracted between the user and the distributor of the distribution container, and the use is determined to be within the terms of use In such a case, the output of the digital content is permitted, and when the use is determined to be out of the usage conditions, the output of the digital content is not permitted, and the use of the digital content is permitted. A control means having a function of controlling transmission of the use information to a digital content use state analysis means separately provided via a transmission path. 7. A part of the digital content is taken out from an input means connected to the digital content distribution container and an encrypted digital content storage means provided in the digital content distribution container, and temporarily taken out. Buffer means for storing the encrypted digital content, decryption key storage means for storing the decryption key for decrypting the encrypted digital content, and decrypting the encrypted part of the digital content stored in the buffer means. It is characterized by comprising decryption means for decoding the original digital content using a key, means for reproducing the decrypted part of the digital content, and control means for controlling the means. Electronic player. 8. Extracting a part of the digital content from an encrypted digital content storage means provided in a digital content distribution container,
Via the input means, temporarily storing it in a buffer means for temporarily storing the encrypted digital content, using a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted digital content; Decryption process for decoding the digital content of the part into the original digital content, a reproduction process for reproducing the decrypted part of the digital content, an encrypted digital provided in the digital content distribution container Fetching another part of the digital content from the content storage means and storing it in the buffer means; and comparing the encrypted digital content of the other part stored in the buffer means with the original digital content. Decrypting the digital content and playing back some of the decrypted digital content Repeating the same operation as described above until all parts of the digital content are completely reproduced from the encrypted digital content storage means provided in the digital content distribution container; and In the storing step to the means, the decrypting step, or the reproducing step, the data that has been processed is deleted by overwriting with the next input data, or the data provided separately. And an erasing step by an erasing means. 9. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the electronic player is disposed in a transmission path, and is configured so that a user can download the electronic player to his / her terminal for a fee or free of charge. player.