JPH08263437A - System and method for approval - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To cancel the protection for a software stored in a CD-ROM only for a user to whom charging processing is performed. CONSTITUTION: When using the protected software stored in a CD-ROM 40, the approval system generates a user number 116 based on a random number. The user number is sent from a ten key pad 20d of a telephone 20 to a center 30. The center 30 extracts the random number from the user number and generates an ID number from the extracted random number. The user inputs the ID number sent from the center from a keyboard 13. The approval system compares the random number used for the user number with the random number contained in the ID number and when those random numbers are matched, the system cancels the protection of the software stored in the CD-ROM 40 and permits copy.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an approval system and an approval method for granting a usage request or a usage request for software or hardware that can be used by an electronic device or the like. In particular, it relates to a system that allows a user to use software or hardware by performing a billing process and canceling the protection when the user makes a usage request for protected software or hardware. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a purchasing method when a user who owns an electronic device such as a computer newly purchases software or hardware usable for the electronic device. For example, the user A places an order at the store, has the store send out the item, and then pays. Alternatively, the user B directly visits the store and obtains necessary software at the store. Alternatively, the user C directly places an order with the manufacturer or the software house, obtains the shipment of the item, and pays. Also, the retailer can obtain the required software through the procedure of ordering, shipping, and paying to the manufacturer or software house.

As described above, when a user newly purchases software or hardware, he or she must take steps of ordering, shipping, and paying, and the user can immediately obtain the software or the like at a desired time. It was difficult and there was the inconvenience of having to go through a certain procedure. Alternatively, the user has to go to the store, and there is an inconvenience that software and hardware cannot be obtained without spending transportation and time.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a system devised to solve the inconvenience of the above-mentioned acquisition form. It is assumed that the CD-ROM 40 has already recorded the software created by the manufacturer or the software house. The software is protected and C
The computer 10 cannot be used only by obtaining the D-ROM. User is CD-ROM4
When using software that is protected and stored inside 0, use the telephone 20 to access the center 3
You must call 0. The center 30 is equipped with a telephone, and performs user registration through oral conversation with the operator 30m. You also pay for the use of the software. As the payment method, credit card information may be transmitted to the operator. Alternatively, there is a method of obtaining the information on the bank transfer destination from the operator and performing the bank transfer at a later date.

[0005] When the payment of the fee is made by giving the information of the credit card, the CD-
Orally receive a license number for unlocking the protection of the software recorded in the ROM 40. By inputting the license number received to the computer 10, the protection of the software recorded in the CD-ROM is released, and the software becomes usable. Specifically, for example, the software recorded on the CD-ROM can be copied onto the fixed disk 15. After that, the software stored in the fixed disk (FXD) 15 can be used at any time as required.

On the other hand, when the fee is paid in the form of bank transfer, the center 30 confirms the transfer and then informs the user of the license number by telephone or postcard. The user can copy the software stored in the CD-ROM 40 to the fixed disk 20 by inputting the license number. After that, the software can be used at any time.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a conventional computer having a personal computer communication function. The computer 10 is provided with a modem 22, and by being connected to the modem 23 on the center 30 side by a communication line, personal computer communication can be performed. In the case of a computer having such a personal computer communication function, the operation shown in FIG. 24 can be performed through personal computer communication.

[0008]

However, the conventional method for obtaining software or hardware requires three steps of ordering, shipping and payment, which is time-consuming and troublesome.

A new method has also been proposed in which protected hardware or software is distributed in advance to the user, and a usage number for canceling the protection is transmitted in response to a usage request from the user. It was However, an operator must be stationed at the center. In addition, there is a management problem that the center side must centrally manage the license number given to the user. In particular, in the present age when labor costs are soaring, it is a major drawback in operation that the operator must be stationed at the center. Further, there is an inconvenience that the usage request from the user cannot be accepted at midnight when the operator returns home.

When a computer having a personal computer communication function is used, information can be transmitted to the center for 24 hours, but if the user computer 10 does not have a personal computer communication function such as a modem. Moreover, there is a problem that a user who is using a computer without a personal computer communication function cannot send information to the center and cannot send a request for using the software or hardware at hand.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in an approval system that gives a permission to a use request of a hardware resource or a software resource related to an electronic device, release of protection. The purpose is to obtain an approval system that can be performed only by a legitimate requester.

Another object of the present invention is to make the center unmanned in the above approval system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an approval system as described above, which enables electronic equipment having no communication function to communicate with the center.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an approval method for a protected resource in which only the authorized user can cancel the protection.

[0015]

According to the present invention, there is provided an approval system for granting a request for use of a resource relating to an electronic device, the electronic device having an input device and an output device, the electronic device comprising: A user number issuing section for issuing a user number corresponding to the above and outputting it to the output device and an ID number corresponding to the user number output to the above output device are input from the above input device and the input ID number is analyzed. An ID number analysis unit and an approval unit for inspecting the suitability of the user number output to the output device and the ID number input from the input device, and giving a permission to the resource use request when the ID number is matched It is characterized by

The approval system further includes a center, and the center receives a user number and analyzes the user number, and an ID number for issuing an ID number corresponding to the user number based on the analysis result. It is characterized by having a generating unit.

The approval system further includes a telephone connected to the center by a line, and the telephone has a calling number input key, and the user number output to the output device by the calling number input key. Is transmitted to the center, the center replies the issued ID number to the telephone by voice, and the telephone receives the ID number transmitted by voice from the center.

The user number issuing section includes a first code generating section for generating a first code including a key code and a user scramble section for scrambling the generated first code to generate a user number. The user number analysis unit includes a center scramble analysis unit that descrambles the received user number and extracts the first code, and the ID number generation unit includes the first code extracted by the center scramble analysis unit. And a center scramble unit for scrambling the generated second code to generate an ID number. , The user descrambler that descrambles the entered ID number and retrieves the second code. For example, the authorization unit is characterized by examining the coincidence of the key code included in the second code key code and user descrambling unit is taken out in the codes of the first code generating unit occurs.

The key code includes a random number.

The key code includes a serial number indicating the order of resource utilization requests made by the electronic device.

The first code or the second code is characterized in that a code other than the key code contains a random number.

The above resources are computer software,
It is characterized by being game software, broadcasting software, music software, a database, or a combination thereof.

The electronic device is characterized by being any one of an information processing device, a game device, an audio device, and a video device.

The resource is a program or data protected and stored on a storage medium accessible by the electronic device, and the resource use request is a use request of the program or data by releasing protection. And

The above-mentioned approval system is characterized in that it is used for a billing process for the use of resources.

Further, the present invention includes the following steps in the approval method in the system including the electronic equipment and the center. In the process of inputting a request to use the resources available to the electronic device to the electronic device, the process of issuing a user number in response to the use request by the electronic device, the process of transmitting the issued user number to the center, the center , The step of issuing the ID number corresponding to the received user number, the step of returning the ID number issued by the center, the step of inputting the returned ID number into the electronic device, the user number and the ID number of the electronic device The process of checking compatibility and determining permission to use resources.

[0027]

In the approval system according to the present invention, a unique user number is generated on the electronic device side, and the ID number generated corresponding to this unique user number is input to the electronic device. If the user number and ID number match, a license is granted. The ID number is given, for example, only to the legitimate user who made the payment. The user number is a number randomly generated by a certain algorithm. The ID number is generated by a certain algorithm corresponding to the randomly generated user number, and if the user number and the ID number do not match, the usage permission cannot be given. The user is not informed of the algorithm for generating the user number and the algorithm for generating the ID number. Therefore, the user cannot generate an ID number from the user number, and by allowing only the user who paid the fee to obtain the ID number, the use permission is given only to the legitimate user.

Further, in the present invention, the center issues the ID number from the user number. The center only needs to know the algorithm for issuing the ID number from the user number, and there is no need to centrally manage the ID number on the side of the center.

Further, according to the present invention, the user number is transmitted to the center by using the calling key (ten-key) of the telephone. On the other hand, the reply of the ID number from the center is made by voice through the telephone. Therefore, the electronic device on the user side does not need a communication function. You can use a telephone in your home. On the other hand, the center only needs to input the information by the calling key and return the ID number by voice, and it is not necessary to make the operator resident. Therefore, the center can be unmanned and can be accepted for 24 hours.

Further, in the present invention, the user number is generated by using a predetermined algorithm, and the center analyzes this user number by using the reverse algorithm.
The user number is generated based on the key code, and the ID number is generated at the center using this key code again using a predetermined algorithm. The user acquires and inputs this ID number. The key code is extracted from the ID number by an algorithm opposite to the algorithm used by the center. Approval section is the key code and ID that you generated
By checking the key code extracted from the number, it is verified whether the input ID number is valid.

Further, according to the present invention, since the key code includes a random number, the generated user number is random.

Further, the key code includes a serial number indicating the order in which resource usage requests are issued. Even when a plurality of usage requests are successively issued from one electronic device, the usage requests are issued by the serial numbers. Can be specified. This serial number is included in the ID number and is sent back, so multiple usage requests occur on the user side,
Even when a plurality of ID numbers are returned to the user, it is possible to determine which user number corresponds to which ID number by referring to the serial number.

Further, in the present invention, the random number is included in addition to the key code, and the security of the user number and ID number is improved.

Further, the present invention can be applied to a case where a request for using a software program such as a computer, a game, broadcasting, music, etc., or a data given from a database and its approval are made.

Further, the present invention can be applied to various electronic equipment such as game equipment, audio equipment, video equipment and the like in addition to information processing equipment such as a computer.

Further, the present invention can be applied when there is a use request for a program or data protected and stored on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to charge as a condition for giving the ID number to the user.

Further, the approval method according to the present invention receives a resource use request and issues a user number. The issued user number is transmitted to the center, and the ID number is issued by the center. The center returns the ID number to the user. The use permission is judged by comparing the returned ID number with the user number.

[0039]

【Example】

Example 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an approval system according to the present invention. The vendor 50 stores the created software in the CD-ROM 40 and distributes it to the user. The vendor may be the software manufacturer or a dealer who sells the software. When the CD-ROM 40 is acquired by the user, it is mounted on the computer 10. The software stored in the CD-ROM is protected, and in this state, the software cannot be copied from the CD-ROM 40 to the fixed disk (FXD) 15. The user cannot use the software unless the software is unprotected. The user has to unprotect the software.
Approval program 4 stored inside the CD-ROM 40
1 must work. In this example,
The distributed CD-ROM is intended to sell software and the like to a plurality of unspecified users. Therefore, prepare a specific user number from the beginning and
Instead of storing it in the OM, the user number is generated when the user activates the approval program and specifies the usage request for the specific software (product).

When the authorization program runs, the authorization program generates a user number 116. The user transmits the generated user number 116 to the center 30 by the telephone 20. The user number 116 is transferred to the center using the twelve kinds of keys on the calling key 20d on the telephone 20. Specifically, the numbers 0 to 9 and the keys * and # are used. The center 30 receives the user number,
An ID number corresponding to the user number is generated and returned to the telephone 20 by voice. The user hears the ID number returned by voice. The user inputs the heard ID number as the ID number 117 from the keyboard 13. The approval program 41 checks the consistency between the user number 116 and the ID number 117, and only when they match, grants permission to copy the software in the CD-ROM 40 to the fixed disk. The permission to copy the software in the CD-ROM 40 to the fixed disk is an example of the protection being released.
It may be copied to a floppy disk (FD). Also,
It is also possible to manage the information that the use is permitted on the CD-ROM and use the software directly from the CD-ROM.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of the CD-ROM 40. The CD-ROM contains the approval program 41 as described above. Further, menu data and display data 42 used by this approval program are stored. The approval program 41, the menu data, and the display data 42 are not protected and can be automatically started and used when the CD-ROM is inserted into the computer 10. Alternatively, it is called at any time according to a request from the user and starts the operation.

Further, the CD-ROM 40 has a protected area 47. The protected area is protected by using a special algorithm or a special structure, and the stored contents cannot be read by a normal program or a normal access method. The protect release program 43 is stored in the protect area 47. Further, game A, game B, ... Are stored as an example of software. Approval program 41 has user number 116 and ID number 11
When the consistency of 7 is confirmed, the protection release program 43 is operated. Protect release program 43
Removes the protection of the specified game program and copies the game program to the fixed disk 15.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the approval system according to the present invention. The vendor 50 is a CD-ROM
Produce 40. Then, the produced CD-ROM 40 is distributed to the users by direct mail. Alternatively, the manufactured CD-ROM 40 is sold over the counter. CD-ROM 40
When is distributed to the user, the user can select one of the following two methods and transmit the usage request to the center.

The first method is a method of making payment using the credit card of the user. The second method is a method in which the user makes a payment by making a bank transfer.

The operation of the user when paying with a credit card is started by generating a user number, inputting user registration information described later, and calling the center. After that, ID from the center
The software of the CD-ROM can be used by acquiring the number, inputting the ID number, and descrambling the ID number.

The operation on the center side in the case of credit card payment accepts a call from the user and registers the user number and user information. In addition, payment of charges will be made immediately using information such as credit card numbers and passwords. After that, ID from the user number
Generate a number and send the ID number to the user.

On the other hand, the operation on the user side in the case of bank transfer first generates a user number, inputs user registration information, and calls the center. After sending the user number and user information to the center, hang up the phone. Then, the fee is transferred to the designated bank. At a later date,
Obtain a postcard ID number from the center. The ID number can be input, the scrambled ID number can be unscrambled, and the CD-ROM software can be used.

Further, in the operation of the center in the case of bank transfer, first, when a call is received from the user, the user number and the registration number are acquired. At this point the call is disconnected. After that, check if there is a bank transfer from the user. If the bank transfer is confirmed, a postcard for the user is created from the user registration information. At that time, generate an ID number from the user number,
Print the ID number on the postcard. The postcard is mailed to the user.

The center 30 can obtain user registration information from the user in the case of credit card payment and bank transfer. The registration information is fed back to the vendor 50. The vendor 50 can acquire sales information and user information from the center.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the computer 10. The computer 10 includes a display device 11, a processing device 12, and a keyboard 13 and a mouse 14 as input devices. Further, the fixed disk 15 is provided as a storage device.

Inside the processing unit 12, a user interface section 7 for controlling the interface with the display unit 11.
There are three. The user interface (user I / F) unit performs operations using windows. The processing device 12 mainly includes a user number generation unit 74, an ID number analysis unit 77, and an approval unit 79.
The user number generator 74 generates a user number.
The ID number analysis unit 77 analyzes the ID number. Approval department 79
Compares the user number with the ID number and determines whether the ID number is valid.

The user number generator 74 has a first code generator 75 and a user scrambler 76.
The first code generator 75 generates the first code using the key code and another code.

The key code consists of a serial number and a random number 1. The serial number is a number stored in the fixed disk 15. The serial number 151 is a number that is incremented by 1 each time a request for using the software stored in the CD-ROM 40 is generated. The serial number 151 depends on the computer 10 to which the fixed disk 15 is connected. Therefore, when the computer 10 has made a usage request three times in the past, the serial number is 3. The serial number 151 is incremented by 1 each time a new usage request is generated. The reason for writing the serial number on the fixed disk is to identify the user for each electronic device in consideration of the fact that the CD-ROM is used by a plurality of users, as described above.

The random number 1 of the key code is the center of the key code. The more random numbers that can be generated, the better. The reason is that it is difficult to generate the same user number. The reliability of this authorization system is increased by not generating the same user number.

For example, a product code and a random number 2 are used as codes other than the key code which constitutes the first code. When a plurality of software is stored in the CD-ROM 40 as a product, the product code must be transmitted to the center in order to specify which product is the usage request. Therefore, the product code needs to be included inside the first code. However, when only one type of software is stored in the CD-ROM, it is not always necessary to attach the product code. Further, it is desirable to add the random number 2 together with the product code. By adding this random number 2, it is possible to prevent duplicate user numbers from occurring,
The reliability of the approval system can be further increased.

The user scrambler 76 scrambles the first code generated by the first code generator. The scrambled version of the first code is displayed as the user number.

On the other hand, the ID number analysis unit 77 has a user scramble descrambling unit 78. The user scramble descrambling unit 78 scrambles the ID number input by the keyboard 13 to take out the second code. The second code contains a key code, and the user descrambling unit is for detecting this key code. The key code is the same as the key code generated by the first code generator 75. Therefore, the serial number and the random number 1 are included. If the same serial number and the same random number 1 are not included, the input ID number is not valid.

The approval unit 79 has a random number 1 comparison unit 80 and a serial number comparison unit 81 for comparing key codes. The ID number is created using the key code of the user number. Therefore, the user number generator 74
It is necessary to check whether or not the key code of the user number that is generated and the key code obtained from the input ID number match. The random number 1 comparison unit 80 and the serial number comparison unit 81 are for comparing whether or not the key codes match, and when the comparison results match, the approval unit 79 inputs the correct ID number. It is determined that the software is stored in the CD-ROM 40 and the software stored in the CD-ROM 40 can be copied to the fixed disk 15 as an available program 152.

The reason why the serial number is used as part of the key code is to determine which use request the ID number is input to when a plurality of use requests are continuously issued from the same computer 10. This is because
Therefore, when there are multiple usage requests, the serial number is used to inspect which product number the user ID is input for, and the input ID number is valid. Random number 1 is mainly used to check whether there is any. if,
In the case where this approval system has a restriction that it cannot generate a plurality of usage requests in succession, it is not necessary to use the serial number. Only one user number is generated at a time, and one ID number will be input for the user number that has been generated only once. Therefore, in the case of such a limited system, the serial number is used. The number may be used as a key code,
No need to use.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the center 30. The center 30 is provided with a communication line interface unit 96, which mechanically accepts calls from users. No operator is involved. The center 30 also includes a user number analysis section 90 and an ID number generation section 92.

The user number analysis unit 90 includes a center scramble descrambling unit 91. The center scramble canceling section 91 is the user scramble section 76 described above.
The first code is extracted from the user number by using an algorithm reverse to the scrambling used in. The user number analysis unit 90 extracts the key code (serial number and random number 1) from the extracted first code and transmits it to the ID number generation unit 92.

The ID number generating section 92 has a second code generating section 93 for generating a second code from the key code. The second code generating section 93 adds a random number 3 to the key code to obtain a second code. The center scramble unit 94 scrambles the second code. The scramble algorithm used by the center scramble unit 94 is such that the user scramble descrambling unit 78 can descramble the scramble. In this way, the ID number is generated.

The voice converting unit 95 converts the generated ID number into voice.

The communication line interface section 96 transmits the signal converted into voice to the user using the telephone line.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the procedure on the user side and the procedure on the center side of the approval system according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a case where payment is made using a credit card. 7 to 10 are diagrams showing screens displayed on the display device 11 used on the user side of the flowchart shown in FIG.

In S1, the CD-ROM 40 is set in the computer 10 and the approval program 41 is started up, and a menu is displayed. An example of this menu screen is shown in FIG.

Next, in S2, the product displayed on the menu screen is selected. In FIG. 7, the game program of the game B is selected. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, it is confirmed whether or not the selected program is game B.

Next, in S3, the user number generator 74 issues a user number. Here, assuming that the use request by the computer 10 is the first,
A file having a serial number is generated for the fixed disk 15, and the serial number for this use request is set to 1. Also, a random number 1 is generated. Here, it is assumed that the generated random number 1 = 534 as an example. To add the serial number, the user activates the approval program from the CD-ROM on the specified electronic device, and the specified software (product)
It is performed each time a usage request for is explicitly specified. As described above, the key code is composed of the serial number and the random number 1. Further, the first code is composed of a key code and other codes (here, the product number).
Therefore, the first code = product number + serial number + random number 1 = [2
1534]. The user scramble unit 76 scrambles the first code to generate a user number.
However, the user number generated in the user scramble section must be generated by using the code that can be entered from the numeric keypad of the telephone. Specifically, they are numbers 0 to 9 and * and #. Here, the algorithm for scrambling is as follows. The scramble used here is an example, and any other algorithm may be used. Here, it is assumed that an algorithm for changing each digit position of the first code is used. The algorithm is as follows.

The first digit of the first code is the user number 2
Turn to the digit. The second digit of the first code is the user number 4
Turn to the digit. The third digit of the first code is the user number 1
Turn to the digit. The fourth digit of the first code is the user number 3
Turn to the digit. The fifth digit of the first code is the user number 5
Turn to the digit.

The scrambling method described above is an example, and various scrambling can be considered by performing other encryption or encoding. In this way, the first
Code [21534] to user number [5231]
4] is generated. This user number is displayed on the display device 11 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the user can save the displayed user number. This is to save the user number even if the ID number sent from the center is mistakenly heard or forgotten so that the ID number can be obtained again from the center.

In FIG. 9, when the user number is stored, the telephone number of the center is displayed as shown in FIG. In S4, the user makes a call according to the telephone number of this center, and the telephone line with the center is ready for communication. In this state, the user sends the user number from the numeric keypad on the telephone. In this example, the user number [52314] is transmitted from the numeric keypad.

On the other hand, in the center, the user number [52314] input from the ten-key pad of the telephone is set to S3.
Receive at 0. In S31, the user number analysis unit cancels the scramble applied to the user number. This algorithm uses an algorithm reverse to the algorithm used by the user scrambler 76. Specifically:

Let the second digit of the user number be the first digit. Change the fourth digit of the user number to the second digit. User number 1
Change the digit to the third digit. Change the third digit of the user number to the fourth digit. Change the fifth digit of the user number to the fifth digit.

As described above, [21534] is obtained from the received user numbers [52314]. This is the first
Is the same as the first code generated by the code generator 75. The user number analysis unit 90 knows in advance that the first code is composed of the product number + serial number + random number 1, and also knows the number of digits thereof.
Therefore, from the code [21534] obtained by the center scramble descrambling unit 91, it is possible to obtain product number = 2 serial number = 1 and random number 1 = 534. The user number analysis unit 90 temporarily stores the obtained serial number and random number 1 as a key code.

Next, in S32, a billing process is performed. This charging process is performed by the user inputting the credit card number, the personal identification number, and the expiration date of the card. Credit card numbers, personal identification numbers, and card expiration dates are all numbers and are entered using the numeric keypad on the telephone. The center makes a payment with the credit company using the entered credit number. If the payment cannot be correctly made, the subsequent processing is stopped and the user is notified by voice that the payment cannot be made.

If the billing process is correctly performed in S32, an ID number is generated in S33. The ID number generation unit 92 uses the key code (serial number + random number 1) temporarily stored in the user number analysis unit 90 to generate a second key code. For example, a random number may be newly generated and added. Here, in order to simplify the explanation, the key code itself is the second code. That is, the second code = serial number +
Random number 1 = [1534]. The center scramble unit 94 scrambles the second code using a predetermined algorithm. Here, as an example, the following algorithm is used.

The first digit of the second code is set to the fourth digit of the ID number. The second digit of the second code is the third digit of the ID number. The third digit of the second code is the second digit of the ID number.
The fourth digit of the second code is the first digit of the ID number.

In this way, the second code [153
4] to generate the ID number [4351]. Then S
At 34, the ID number is converted into voice and returned to the user. This processing is performed by the voice conversion unit 95. In S5, the user receives the ID number by voice from the center via the telephone. Further, in S6, the ID number is input using the keyboard. FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen for inputting an ID number received by voice from the center.

Next, in S7, the input ID number is analyzed. The analysis of this ID number is performed by the ID number analysis unit. Specifically, the user descrambler 7
At 8, the scramble is released. This canceling algorithm is the reverse of the algorithm used by the center scramble unit 94, and is as follows.

Let the fourth digit of the ID number be the first digit. Make the third digit of the ID number the second digit. Make the second digit of the ID number the third digit. Set the first digit of the ID number to the fourth digit.

In this way, the descrambled code [1534] is obtained from the ID number [4351].
If the descrambled code contains a random number or the like, the ID number analysis unit removes the random number. In this example, since the ID number generation unit 92 scrambles only the key code, the ID number analysis unit recognizes that the descrambled code [1534] is the key code.

Next, in S8, the approval unit 79 compares the serial number with the random number 1. It is checked whether the serial number and random number 1 in the key code obtained from the ID number match the serial number and random number 1 used when the user number is generated. If they do not match, the entered ID
It is determined that the number is invalid and an error is displayed in S10. As a result of comparing the serial number and the random number 1, if they match, it is determined that the input ID number is a valid ID number generated as a result of the charging process, and the protection is released in S9. . This protection release is performed by the protection release program 43. In this example, the protection of the game B having the product number = 2 is released, and the subsequent use becomes possible.

In the above example, the product number is not included in the returned ID number, but the user number generated by the user number generating section is stored.
It can be known from this user number that the product number is = 2. Alternatively, the product number may be returned by including the product number in the ID number, and the product number may be obtained by descrambling the ID number.

As described above, in the approval system according to the present invention, the protection is released only when the key code included in the user number issued by the computer 10 owned by the user returns via the center. The center side only needs to perform the calculation process of generating the ID number from the user number, and the user number and ID
You can discard the number on the spot. Therefore, there is no need to centrally manage user numbers and ID numbers. In this way, since centralized management of user numbers and ID numbers is not required, regional distribution of centers is possible. In the case of unified management, it is necessary to provide only one center nationwide for number management, but the approval system of the present invention only needs to be able to issue an ID number corresponding to the user number issued on the user side. Therefore, you may have multiple centers. For example, even if there are regional centers such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyushu, no problem will occur. In this way, there is an advantage that the communication cost of the user can be reduced by distributing the centers geographically.

Further, in the approval system of the present invention,
Since the user number and the ID number are paired and the user number includes a random number, a different random number is generated every time even if the same product is continuously selected, and a different user number is generated. Therefore, even if the ID number is obtained from another person, the protection is not released because the random numbers are different. In this way, even if the ID number is leaked to another person for illegal use, the protection of the software is not released and the illegal use can be prevented.

Example 2. In the above embodiment, the random number 1
However, in order to further improve the security of this system, a case where a user number is generated using a random number 2 and a case where a random number 3 is used to I
The case of generating the D number will be described below. 1) User number issue (user side) The product number + serial number + random number 1 + random number 2 are scrambled as the first code. Product number: A number for specifying the product Serial number: A number for synchronizing with the ID number (the number of times the user number is issued) Random number 1: An ID for collating with the ID number Random number 2: A number for scrambling 2 ) User number analysis (center side) Unscramble the user number to obtain the product number, serial number, and random number 1. Random number 2 is discarded. 3) ID number issue (center side) Scramble with serial number + random number 1 + random number 3 as second code. Serial number: Number obtained from user number Random number 1: Number obtained from user number Random number 3: Number for scrambling 4) ID number analysis (user side) Unscramble ID number to obtain serial number, random number 1 To do. Random number 3 is discarded. 5) Cancel protection (user side) If the obtained serial number and random number 1 are the same as those used when the user number was issued, cancel protection.

Example 3. In the first and second embodiments, examples of the first code and the second code are shown.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first cord and the second cord
There are various possible examples of creating the code of. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the underlined parts are key codes, and the case where the protection is released by comparing the key codes is shown.

As described above, the serial number is used to distinguish which use request the returned ID number corresponds to when a plurality of use requests are continuously input. Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be included in the key code.

The product code may be included in the key code. When the product code is included in the key code, the product code is returned as an ID code, so that it is possible to determine which product is to be protected from the key code. If there is only one product in the CD-ROM, it is not necessary to use the product number as the key code.

Also, the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second may be added. This date or hour, minute, second can be considered as a kind of random number.

Example 4. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure in the case of making a payment with a credit card. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is characterized in that S21 and S41 are added to the flowchart shown in FIG. In S21, the user inputs user registration information such as the user's address and name using the keyboard.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen for inputting user registration information. On this screen, fields for inputting name 111, telephone number 112, and current address 113 are displayed. Further, there is a field for inputting the store code 114. The store code is printed on the cover of the CD-ROM, and the store code can be entered while looking at the cover. This store code is aggregated by the center and becomes information to be fed back to the store or vendor.

Further, FIG. 14 has a field for inputting a desired use time 115. The desired use time 115 is input with a start time and an end time when it is desired to use the software stored in the CD-ROM 40 for a limited time.
For example, when it is desired to use the program of the game B for 2 hours, the time for 2 hours is input. The billing process is performed for these two hours.

In this way, when the input of the user registration information such as the address and name is completed in S21, in S3,
Issue a user number. In this case, the user number is issued by including the user registration information such as the address and name input in S21. The CD-ROM 40 is prepared in advance with a database having codes corresponding to names and addresses. For example, it is assumed that code 1 is assigned to the name Suzuki and code 2 is assigned to the name Tanaka in the database. Thus, if the name is a normal surname or a normal name, it can be coded. If you have a unique surname or unique name, use the Kanji code as it is.
Further, it is assumed that the code 1 is assigned to the address of Tokyo and the code 2 is assigned to Kanagawa prefecture. Furthermore, it is assumed that code 1 is assigned to Chiyoda Ward and code 2 is assigned to Chuo Ward. Similarly, it is assumed that there is a database in which codes are assigned to all place names existing in Japan. Therefore, the current address 113 can be entirely coded.

In this way, all the user registration information shown in FIG. 14 is converted into a code that can be input from the ten-key pad of the telephone. The user number is generated by scrambling together the key code and other codes and the user registration information input in this embodiment as in the above-described embodiment. In this case, since the name and address are also coded, the code becomes long. Therefore, it is desirable to encode the code at the time of scrambling to compress the code length. In this way, the user number is issued in S3.

The issued user number is S4,
It is sent to the center using the numeric keypad of the telephone. The center side receives the user number in S30. S
The scramble of the user number received in 31 is released. A database with codes corresponding to names and addresses is also prepared in advance at the center. The user registration information such as the address and name input in S21 is taken out from the user number thus descrambled.
The retrieved user registration information is stored as user registration information in the storage device provided in the center (S41). Subsequent operations are the same as the operations in FIG. 6 described above. However, in S21, the desired use time 115
If is input, billing processing corresponding to that time is performed. The protection is released only during the usage time.

The center can thus create a database of user registration information. The registered user registration information can be provided to the vendor at any time. Alternatively, it is possible to perform a billing process for the CD-ROM shipped from the retailer, report that the sales have been recorded, and pay the commission to the retailer.

Example 5. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flowchart in the case of making payment by direct debit. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 has S22, S23 and S42, S43 added to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, S
Input of the user registration information 21 and storage of the user registration information S41 are essential conditions. Operation of S21 and S4
The operation of 1 is the same as that of FIG. 13 described above. In this embodiment, it is necessary to check whether the direct debit was actually performed in order to settle the payment by direct debit. Therefore, it is not possible to make a payment while making a phone call like a credit card payment. That is, a state of being offline occurs. As shown in S22, the user sends the user number from the numeric keypad of the telephone to the center,
I will wait for the postcard from the center.

16 to 20 are diagrams showing screens used for the operations shown in S1 to S22. In FIG. 16, the product is displayed as a menu. In FIG. 17, the product is confirmed. In FIG. 18, name 111 and telephone number 1
12, the current address 113, the shipping address 118, and the store code 114 are input. The shipping address 118 is the current address 11.
Enter when shipping products to a location different from 3. If it is possible to operate without a manual like game software, it is not necessary to ship the manual, but if you do not know the operation without looking at the manual like business software, as shown in FIG. You need to enter your current address or shipping address and have it sent to the center. The user registration information input in FIG. 18 is all coded as in the above-described embodiment. Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the product purchase number including the key code and the user registration information (which has the same meaning as the user number in the above-mentioned embodiment, but is called the product purchase number in this embodiment) is displayed. Display on the device. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the center is called and the product purchase number is transmitted to the center. Also in this case, input from the numeric keypad of the telephone. In this embodiment, the account is transferred to the offline state. Therefore, the screen shown in FIG. 20 does not have a format for inputting an ID number. The ID number is input from a screen not shown later.

The center receives and analyzes the product purchase number,
The obtained user registration information is stored. Then wait for the bank transfer from the user. When the bank transfer from the user is confirmed, the ID number is issued and the address and address are printed on the postcard from the user registration information registered in S41. Further, the ID number issued at that time is also printed (S44). When the postcard is mailed and arrives at the user in S23, the user inputs the ID number using an ID number input screen (not shown). The subsequent processing is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment. As described above, when the account transfer is performed, the offline state is set, but other processes are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. In addition, instead of direct debit, payment may be made by bank transfer as described in the first embodiment. In that case, as shown in FIG. 19, instead of inputting the user's account number, the information necessary for the transfer such as the transfer destination account number is displayed on a screen not shown, and the user goes to the bank and is designated. Transfer to the account. Also in this case, the processing of the center after the payment confirmation is the same.

Example 6. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the approval system according to the present invention. FIG. 21 shows a case where the electronic device is composed of the game machine 10a. A static ram (SRAM) 15a with a battery backup is mounted inside the game machine 10a. Alternatively, instead of a static ram with battery backup, a non-volatile memory (eg EEPROM)
M) may be mounted. This static ram 1
The serial number as described above is stored in 5a. The static ram 15a stores the types of software that can be used in the game machine 10a. This embodiment is characterized in that the name of the program for which usage permission has been obtained is remembered in the static ram 15a of the game machine 10a, rather than copying the program for which usage permission has been obtained. For example, in the game machine 10a, if the charges have been paid for the game A and the game B,
Keeping in mind that the static ram 15a is permitted to use the game A and the game B, when the cassette 40 of the game A or the cassette 40 of the game B is inserted into the game machine 10a, it operates normally. When the cassette 40 of the game C is loaded, the use permission is not stored in the static ram 15a, so the game C does not operate.

The approval program for requesting the use request for each game may be built in the game machine 10a in advance and sold. Alternatively, the above-described function may be achieved by incorporating the approval program into each game cassette 40 and selling the cassette 40.

Example 7. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of the approval system according to the present invention. FIG. 22 shows the case where the approval system is applied to the television with tuner 10b. Non-volatile memory 15b in the tuner
And a numeric keypad 13a. The tuner receives scrambled radio waves or signals from the cable television station 50a or the satellite broadcasting station 50b. The tuner receives only the authorized stations stored in the memory 15b and displays the received image on the television.

Example 8. In the above example, the case where the information is transmitted from the user to the center using the telephone is shown. However, if the user has a communication function in advance, the information is transferred to the center using the communication function. It doesn't matter. Similarly, information may be transferred from the center to the user using a communication line.

Example 9. In the above embodiment, CD-
Although the case of approving the use request of the software stored in the ROM has been described, the above procedure can be used when authenticating the use request for the hardware.
For example, the computer originally owned by the user is 40
It is assumed that the user has the ability to access a fixed disk of 0 MB in advance. At the time of sale, the usage range is limited to 100 megabytes. If the hardware protects it so that it can only use up to 100 megabytes, even if you connect a fixed disk of 400 megabytes, you can only use up to 100 megabytes. In this case, the protection can be released so that up to 400 megabytes can be used by obtaining the permission from the center according to the procedure described above. As described above, the present invention can be applied to a case where a computer that can use only 100 megabytes as an external storage device is requested to use 400 megabytes.

Similarly, not only the fixed disk capacity, but also the maximum used capacity of the main memory, the number of floppy disk drives that can be connected, the operating speed of the CPU, the type of keyboard that can be connected, and other hardware resources are used. The request can be given permission to use by the procedure described above.

[0107]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the resource use permission is given by inputting the corresponding ID number to the user number issued by the user side, the correct ID number is provided. Only the user who obtained the license is given permission to use.

Further, according to the present invention, the center only has to issue the ID number from the user number based on a predetermined algorithm, and the load on the center is reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, since the user number is inputted by the calling key of the telephone and the ID number is received by voice, the center can be unmanned and the operation for 24 hours becomes possible. In addition, the user does not need a device having a special communication function, and it is possible to construct a simple approval system in which the use permission can be received using an ordinary telephone.

Further, according to the present invention, the user number analysis unit knows the algorithm used by the user number generation unit for generating the user number. Further, the ID number analysis unit knows the algorithm for the ID number generation unit to generate the ID number. These algorithms are transparent to the user, only the resulting user number and ID number are known to the user, and a secure authorization system can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the approval section includes the random number in the key code for checking the validity, the same user number rarely occurs in duplicate.

Further, in the present invention, since the serial number is included in the key code, it is possible to obtain the approval system which can specify even if there are a plurality of usage requests.

Further, according to the present invention, since the random number is further included outside the key code, the chance of generating the same user number or the same ID number is further reduced.

According to the invention, a computer,
It is possible to reliably authorize the use of information such as games, broadcasts, music, and data.

According to the invention, the information processing device,
Information use permission can be given to electronic devices that use information, such as game devices, audio devices, and video devices.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to give the use permission of the program or data protected and distributed on the recording medium.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform an accounting process, and to obtain an approval system which collects a fee reliably for a user of information.

Further, according to the present invention, since the user number is issued and the ID number is issued, and the use permission of the resource is determined by checking the compatibility thereof, the use permission can be given by a simple method. You can get the approval method that you can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a CD-ROM of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system schematic diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a center of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of a credit card settlement process of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a menu screen of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a confirm screen of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a user number issuance screen of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a center call screen and an ID number input screen of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first code of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second code according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the operation of the credit card payment processing of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a user registration information input screen of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of the bank transfer process of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a menu screen of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a confirm screen of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a user registration information input screen of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a user number issuance screen of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a center call screen of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a conventional software and hardware purchasing method.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a conventional software purchasing method using a CD-ROM.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a conventional computer having a communication function.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 user A, 2 user B, 10 computer, 11 display device, 12 processing device, 13 keyboard, 14 mouse, 15 fixed disk, 20 telephone,
30 center, 40 CD-ROM, 50 vendor,
73 user interface section, 74 user number generation section, 75 first code generation section, 76 user scramble section, 77 ID number analysis section, 78 user descramble section, 79 approval section, 80 random number 1 comparison section, 81 serial number comparison Section, 90 user number analysis section, 91 center descrambling section, 92 I
D number generator, 93 second code generator, 94 center scrambler, 95 voice converter, 96 communication line interface.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An approval system for granting permission to use a resource related to an electronic device, comprising: an electronic device having an input device and an output device, wherein the electronic device is issued a user number corresponding to the electronic device. A user number issuing section for output to the output device, an ID number analysis section for inputting an ID number corresponding to the user number output to the output device from the input device and analyzing the input ID number, and the output An approval system, comprising: an approval unit that inspects the compatibility between the user number output to the device and the ID number input from the input device and, if they match, grants permission to a resource use request. 2. The approval system further includes a center, and the center issues a user number analysis unit that receives and analyzes the user number, and issues an ID number corresponding to the user number based on the analysis result. The approval system according to claim 1, further comprising an ID number generation unit. 3. The approval system further comprises a telephone connected to the center by a line, and the telephone has a calling number input key, and is output to the output device by the calling number input key. A feature that the user number is transmitted to the center, the center replies the issued ID number to the telephone by voice, and the telephone receives the ID number transmitted by voice from the center. The approval system according to item 2. 4. The user number issuing section includes a first code generating section for generating a first code including a key code,
The user number scrambling unit scrambles the generated first code to generate a user number, and the user number analysis unit includes a center scramble analysis unit that descrambles the received user number and extracts the first code. The ID number generating section generates a second code including a key code included in the first code extracted by the center scramble analyzing section, and a second code generating section,
And a center scramble unit for generating an ID number by scrambling the generated second code, wherein the ID number analysis unit descrambles the input ID number and takes out the second code. The authorization unit inspects whether the key code included in the code generated by the first code generating unit and the key code included in the second code extracted by the user descrambling unit match. The approval system according to claim 2. 5. The approval system according to claim 4, wherein the key code includes a random number. 6. The approval system according to claim 4, wherein the key code includes a serial number indicating the order of resource utilization requests made by electronic devices. 7. The first code or the second code is
The approval system according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein a random number is included in a code other than the key code. 8. The approval system according to claim 1, wherein the resource is computer software, game software, broadcasting software, music software, a database, or a combination thereof. 9. The approval system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is any one of an information processing device, a game device, an audio device, and a video device. 10. The resource is a program or data protected and stored on a storage medium accessible by the electronic device, and the resource usage request is a usage request of the program or data by canceling the protection. The approval system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. The approval system is used for billing processing for resource usage.
The approval system described in any of 0. 12. In a system including an electronic device and a center, an approval method comprising the following steps: a step of inputting to the electronic device a usage request for a resource that can be used by the electronic device; The process of issuing the user number by the user, the process of transmitting the issued user number to the center, and the I corresponding to the received user number
D number is issued, ID number issued by the center is returned, input ID number returned is input to electronic device, compatibility of user number and ID number is checked in electronic device and resource is used The process of determining permission.