Software reproduction apparatus

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to a software reproduction apparatus.

0002The present invention relates to an effective technology applicable for distribution systems for computer programs or software such as copyrighted image materials, etc., especially digitized information software.

0003As large-scale memory media such as CD-ROM, MO etc., and large-volume, high-speed communications technologies such as B-ISDN, etc., are further developed, it is expected that not only, of course, computer programs that use these means, but also image and sound, will be distributed as digital data.

0004In other words, copyrighted image analog data that have been supplied in the past in such forms as video tapes are now being stored as degital data in CD-ROM and sold, or such materials are beginning to be distributed within the market as game software through utilizing the interactive (bidirectional) nature of CD-ROM.

0005Also, the same situation is occurring with communications circuits: such data as the previously mentioned copyrighted image data are now beginning to be placed in the hands of users via communications.

0006Incidentally, it is extremely easy to copy this type of digital data onto other media. Moreover, since there is no worry that deterioration will occur through the copying of digital information as occurs when analog information is copied, it is possible to duplicate digital information, and there is an extremely high possibility that these types of acts of copying will impair the profits of manufacturers. In other words, it is easy to copy the contents of a CD-ROM with only a rudimentary knowledge of DOS commands, so long as the would-be copier posses an optical magnetic disk or an optical magnetic disk apparatus, etc., that is capable of large-volume rewrites.

0007In this way, for the reason that a sufficient security check is impossible, acts of renting these types of digital data media have, in most cases, been prohibited by manufacturers.

0008However, currently end-users often hesitate to purchase this type of software because the price is too high, or because they don't know if the software will truly match their desired software, or they wait to ascertain whether or not the software is usable on the hardware that they now possess.

0009In regards to this point, a new software offering system is beginning to be realized wherein multiple software with limited functions are stored on a CD-ROM and sold for a low price, and whereby the end-use pays a fee for desired software on the CD-ROM, and is thereby notified of a code that will remove the functional limitations.

0010However, the software offering method noted above cannot be said to have sufficiently reflected the special characteristics of the software.

0011In other words, for the previously mentioned removal of functional limitations, the fee payment in most cases consists of a one-time only, lump-sum payment, and this fee inevitably consists of a high amount. Thus, for example, in those cases where a user only wants to view for a short period a single scene of an image, or when a user wants to use a spreadsheet for only a week, it is difficult to manage fees according to the usage amounts.

0012In regards to this point, a method was proposed in the Laid-Open Patent No. 19707/1996 whereby the usable price amount was registered beforehand on an IC card, and, in the case where billable software is used, the usable price amount on the IC card is registered within the system, and every time an applicable item of software is used, the system deducts the amount from the balance.

0013Also, a method was proposed by the present applicants in the Laid-Open Patent No. 9687/1995 whereby a rewriteable domain is provided within the memory medium of the CD-ROM, etc., and whereby usage-time data is managed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0014The present invention provides an input switchover means for switching input routes according to the type of data offering format (for example, communications or a medium) provided to the user, a software management means for decoding encrypted software data and for managing monetary charges according to the amount of the software data used, a data conversion section for converting decoded data output from the previously mentioned software management means to output data for presenting to the user, and an output route switchover means for outputting encrypted software data to the previously mentioned software management means, and for outputting non-encrypted software data to the previously mentioned data conversion section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a theoretical diagram of the present invention.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing the configuration of the software reproduction apparatus that is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

0017FIGS. <b>3</b>A-<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref> are explanatory diagrams showing the DES mode of the preferred embodiment.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the DES of the preferred embodiment.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a chart diagram showing the timing of DES input and output of the preferred embodiment.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a conceptual diagram showing an overall image of software usage of the present invention.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a main block diagram showing the configuration of the software reproduction apparatus that is a variation of the preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

0022The present invention, as shown in the conceptual diagram that is <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, basically provides an input switchover means (<b>53</b>) that switches the input route according to the type of data offering format (here, communications (<b>51</b>) or a medium (<b>52</b>)) provided to the user, a software management means (<b>55</b>) for decoding encrypted software data and for managing monetary charges according to the amount of the software data used, a data conversion section (<b>56</b>) for converting decoded data output from the previously mentioned software management means (<b>55</b>) to output data for presenting to the user, and an output route switchover means (<b>54</b>) for outputting encrypted software data to the previously mentioned software management means (<b>55</b>), and for outputting non-encrypted software data to the previously mentioned data conversion section (<b>56</b>).

0023Software data is, for example, program, sound, animation, or still image, etc., data, and this software data may be obtained from the route of public-circuit, dedicated communications-circuit, etc., wired/wireless communications (<b>51</b>), or it may be obtained by the method of a CD-ROM, an optical magnetic disk, a portable magnetic disk, etc., medium (<b>52</b>).

0024Software data provided to the user through these means consists of encrypted data and non-encrypted data; encrypted software data is managed by the monetary charges system to be discussed below according to the usage amount (reproduction amount) of that software data.

0025The software management means (<b>55</b>) is comprised of, for example, a decoding means (<b>7</b>) called a “DES” (Data Encryption Standard) equipped with various blocks for decoding the previously mentioned software data, and through key data granted from the management center that is not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, encrypted data is deciphered into ordinary text. Also, the software management means (<b>55</b>) is equipped with a management means (<b>3</b>) for managing usage amounts of this type of encrypted software data. This management means is equipped internally with a monetary charges information memory means that includes monetary tables, etc., and is made to execute monetary charges according to software usage amounts (reproduction amounts).

0026The data conversion section (<b>56</b>) is, for example, a section for performing expansions of compressed image data, and for controlling the synchronism of image data and sound data, and this data conversion section (<b>56</b>) is connected to an external speaker, a TV monitor, etc.

0027Within the present invention, the output switchover means (<b>54</b>) is made to, when the software data is encrypted, output that data to the software management means (<b>55</b>), and when the software is not encrypted, to directly output that data to the data conversion section (<b>56</b>). Therefore, with the present invention, both encrypted software and non-encrypted software is uniformly manipulatable.

0028Next, a specific preferred embodiment will be explained.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a functional block diagram that shows the internal configuration of the software reproduction apparatus <b>105</b> that is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

0030In the diagram, the switchover switch <b>57</b> (SW<b>1</b>) may also function as the input interface, and inputs software data from various offering routes, including the communications circuit <b>51</b>, the CD-ROM <b>52</b>, etc. Also, within this switchover switch <b>57</b> (SW<b>1</b>), it is also possible to rewrite software data through an optical magnetic disk drive apparatus not shown in the diagram to the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b>. In other words, the switchover switch <b>57</b>, although abbreviated in the diagram, is comprised of a miscellaneous reception apparatus and an interface circuit for generating interrupt signals when individual signals are received at separate input terminals, and is operated through the control of the host CPU <b>10</b>.

0031Placed on the next level after the switchover switch <b>57</b> (SW<b>1</b>) are, as the signal processing means, the reception apparatus <b>58</b>, the MO modulator device <b>59</b>, and the CD/MO demodulator device <b>60</b>. The reception apparatus <b>58</b> is an apparatus for converting software data provided as reception signals from the communications circuit <b>51</b> into a data format that can be manipulated within the present apparatus; the MO modulator device <b>59</b> is a modulation means for performing writing to the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b>. Also, the CD/MO demodulator device <b>60</b> is a device for demodulating read data from the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b> or the CD-ROM <b>52</b>, and demodulation control is accomplished through the control route.

0032The switchover switch <b>61</b> (SW<b>2</b>) is a switch for outputting selectively to each type of error processing means data outputted from the miscellaneous signal processing means explained previously. Also, in the case where writing to the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b> is performed, the switchover switch <b>61</b> (SW<b>2</b>) controls the transfer of inverse direction data from the error processing means to the signal processing means.

0033This switchover switch <b>61</b> (SW<b>2</b>), although abbreviated in the diagram, is comprised of a miscellaneous reception apparatus and an interface circuit for generating interrupt signals when individual signals are received at separate input terminals, and is operated through the control of the host CPU <b>10</b>.

0034The error processing means is divided into the communications-system error processing section <b>62</b>, the optical magnetic disk-system error processing section <b>62</b> [sic] (<b>62</b>a, <b>62</b>b), and the magnetic disk/CD-system error processing section <b>63</b>.

0035The optical magnetic disk-system error processing section <b>62</b> is comprised of an error check code generation section <b>62</b>a for performing error check processing of data when such data is written to the optical magnetic disk, and an error check code correction section <b>62</b>b for performing error checks when data is read from the optical magnetic disk.

0036Furthermore, the magnetic disk/CD-system error processing section <b>63</b> can also perform processing such as bit relisting, etc., together with error check code corrections.

0037In this way, with the present preferred embodiment, error processing corresponding to each offering format is enabled, and only data that has completely undergone error processing is subject to decoding processing and monetary charges processing, both to be discussed below.

0038Located at the last step of the previously mentioned error processing means is the switchover switch <b>64</b> (SW<b>3</b>). This switchover switch <b>64</b> (SW<b>3</b>) has the function of controlling routes, either by outputting to the software management section <b>3</b> of the next step the software data processed with the previously mentioned signal processing means and the error processing means, or by outputting this data to the switchover switch <b>65</b> (SW<b>4</b>) to be discussed below; or it may take output from the previously mentioned error check code correction section <b>62</b>b and return it to the error check code generation section <b>62</b>a.

Writing from a CD-ROM to an Optical Magnetic Disk

0039Here, the sequence of controlling the switchover switch <b>64</b> (SW<b>3</b>), and of writing encrypted software data read from the CD-ROM <b>52</b> to the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b> will be simply explained.

0040First, data read from the CD-ROM <b>52</b> through route switching by the switchover switch <b>57</b> (SW<b>1</b>) operated by the host CPU <b>10</b> is inputted to the CD/MO demodulator device <b>60</b>. Data that is demodulated here is sent to the magnetic disk/CD-system error processing section <b>63</b> through a route switchover by the switchover switch <b>61</b> (SW<b>2</b>). Data that has undergone error check code correction and bit relisting here has added to it an error check code corresponding to the optical magnetic disk sent to the error check code generation section <b>62</b>a through a route switchover by the switchover switch <b>64</b> (SW<b>3</b>). Then, this data, through a route switchover by the switchover switch <b>61</b> (SW<b>2</b>), is sent to the MO modulator device <b>59</b>, where it is transformed into a data format that can be written onto the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b>, and, through the switchover switch <b>57</b> (SW<b>1</b>), the data is then written onto the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b>.

0041In this way, data written onto the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b> is sent from the switchover switch <b>57</b> (SW<b>1</b>) via the CD/MO demodulator device <b>60</b>, the switchover switch <b>61</b> (SW<b>2</b>), the optical magnetic disk error processing section <b>62</b>a [sic], and the switchover switch <b>64</b> (SW<b>3</b>), and is inputted to the software management section <b>3</b>; data that has been decoded here is inputted via the switchover switch <b>65</b> (SW<b>4</b>) to the sound-image separation section <b>66</b> (DE-MUX), and is output through MPEG <b>67</b>a, MPEG <b>67</b>b, etc., externally as image data or sound data. Here, MPEG processing is performed in conformance with “ISO/IEC CD13818′ 1-3”.

The Configuration of the Software Management Section

0042The software management section <b>3</b> is realized with module architecture, for example, with an IC card (for example, a card format that conforms to PCMCIA), a board, etc., and is chiefly comprised of a DES (Fip's Publication Co.'s 460DATA ENCRYPTION STANDARD NIST) as the decoding section <b>7</b> that possesses the input buffer <b>21</b> and the output buffer <b>24</b>.

0043The previously mentioned DES is made to receive the key data <b>16</b> from an external source, and, based on this key data, the DES functions and is made to decode encrypted data. Furthermore, within the present preferred embodiment, the DES possesses a mode identification section <b>18</b> (MODE), and this mode identification section <b>18</b> has the function of selecting the most appropriate mode from multiple DES modes for the specific data format, etc.

An Explanation of the DES Mode

0044Next, a representative block of the previously mentioned DES mode will be explained.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is the ECB base mode, and it is a mode that, within the decoding section <b>7</b> (DES), encrypts (or decodes) a 64-bit input data string from the 64-bit key data <b>16</b> to a 64-bit output data string.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> shows the CBC mode, which, after a 64-bit input data string is encrypted (or decoded) with the 64-bit key data <b>16</b> within the decoding section <b>7</b> (DES), once again feedback inputs this data into the decoding section <b>7</b> (DES). In this way, this consists of a method for outputting finished results, in which until all of the data has been completely inputted, feedback is performed; this method is suitable for data processing of files, etc.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> shows the OFB mode, which is suitable for sound data, etc., that can have a significant impact on other data if it contains only a single error, and communications data, which is highly susceptible to error.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref> shows the CFB mode, which is suitable for self-synchronous data.

0049The previously mentioned mode identification section <b>18</b> analyzes data format, etc., and reads out the most suitable of these modes from the mode table <b>20</b>, and sends this mode to the decoding section (DES). The decoding section <b>7</b> (DES) performs encryption/decoding processing based on the mode that is selected in this way.

Details of the Decoding Section

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the decoding section <b>7</b>.

0051In the diagram, as the input buffer <b>21</b> of the input side, a 64-bit register (REG<b>1</b>) that consists of 8 connected registers, each with an 8-bit configuration, is placed, and on the next level selectors (sel) are placed. These selectors (sel) are made to input selectively either output from the DES processing main circuit <b>25</b> to be discussed below, or output from the previously mentioned shift register (REG<b>1</b>).

0052Placed on the next level after the selectors (sel) is register <b>23</b> (REG<b>2</b>), each register of which has an 8-bit configuration, and placed on the next level is the DES processing main circuit <b>25</b>. This DES processing main circuit <b>25</b> functions as the DES that is the core of the decoding section <b>7</b>. In other words, within the DES processing main circuit <b>25</b> is registered as ROM (Read Only Memory) each type of DES mode explained with FIG. <b>3</b>. This DES processing main circuit <b>25</b> is made to select the optimum DES mode logic through commands from the control CPU <b>4</b>, and to perform decoding processing.

0053Output from the previously mentioned DES processing main circuit <b>25</b> branches out to the output register (REG<b>3</b>) that is the output buffer <b>24</b> and to the previously mentioned selectors (sel). Then, output from the output register (REG<b>3</b>) is used as either encrypted or decoded data.

0054The sequence of this processing is shown in FIG. <b>5</b>.

0055In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, output from the input register (the input buffer <b>21</b>) undergoes DES processing as output from register <b>23</b> with the first clock of the next cycle. Then, it is outputted from the output register (the output buffer <b>24</b>) with the next clock. At the time of output from this output register (the output buffer <b>24</b>), within the input side is performed a take-in from the input register (the input buffer <b>21</b>) of the encrypted data for the next cycle.

0056In this way, with the present preferred embodiment, through having provided independently the input register (REG<b>1</b>) as the input buffer <b>21</b> and the output register (REG<b>3</b>) as the output buffer <b>24</b>, both inputting of encrypted data and outputting of decoded data may be performed continuously and independently. As a result, compared with existing DES where input and output is performed cyclically, high-speed encrypting/decoding processing has been made possible.

0057The decoding section <b>7</b> (DES) explained above is controlled by the control CPU <b>4</b>; connected to the bus of this control CPU <b>4</b>, besides the previously mentioned decoding section <b>7</b> (DES), is the monetary charges table <b>8</b>, which is comprised of memory, and the interface <b>72</b> (I/O).

0058Within the monetary charges table <b>8</b> is registered a prescribed balance value, and monetary charge values are deducted according to the decoding processing amounts or processing time for encrypted software data.

0059In the case where one wants a balance value updated, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> to be described below, a person brings the software management module <b>102</b> that is offered as a card medium to a sales store, etc., and by paying the fees, the person may have the balance value of the monetary charges table increased.

0060The interface <b>72</b> (I/O) is connected to the host CPU <b>10</b> exterior to the software management section <b>3</b>. Furthermore, the previously mentioned CPU <b>4</b> can be made to work together with the host CPU <b>10</b> of the host apparatus (in other words, the software reproduction apparatus entity) side.

0061Output from the software management section <b>3</b> is output through the switchover switch <b>65</b> (SW<b>4</b>) to the sound-image separation section <b>66</b> (DE-MUX: demultiplexer), the image extension section <b>67</b>a, and the sound extension section <b>76</b>b (MPEG), etc., which comprise a portion of the data conversion section.

0062Image data separated from sound data with the sound-image separation section <b>66</b> (DE-MUX) is extended with the image extension section <b>67</b>a (MPEG), converted with the DA conversion section <b>68</b>a, and is outputted as NTSC signals to an analog display apparatus such as a TV display, etc.

0063Sound data is extended with the sound extension section <b>67</b>b (MPEG), converted with the DA conversion section <b>68</b>b, and outputted as audio signals to an analog audio apparatus such as a speaker, etc. Then, the synchronism of image and sound is controlled by the synchronism control section <b>70</b> (VCR).

0064With the present preferred embodiment, regardless of whether software is encrypted or is not encrypted, it can be uniformly reproduced.

0065Also, software data from different offering routes can also be manipulated uniformly; if, for example, software data obtained from a CD-ROM or software data obtained from a communications circuit is stored on a writable medium such as the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b>, etc., through each type of switchover switch, usage and reproduction may be performed when required.

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> as explained above is an example of a configuration case in which the CD-ROM <b>52</b>, the communications circuit <b>51</b>, and the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b> were handled uniformly; however, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, data within a medium that is offered does not have to be encrypted-it may also have an access code given to it.

0067In other words, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, within a portion of the CD-ROM <b>76</b> is registered an access code (AC) for permitting access to this CD-ROM, and only in those cases where this access code (AC) matches a code stored within the apparatus is the usage (reproduction) of the software enabled.

0068In the diagram, the software management section <b>3</b> possesses an access code register <b>78</b>, and within this access code register <b>78</b> is registered an access code for a prescribed medium <b>76</b> (or for the data within the medium).

0069This access code register <b>78</b> may be provided within the monetary charges table; in sum, this is a method whereby permission to reproduce is given only in those cases where reproducible software types, data names, etc., are previously registered, and where the medium <b>76</b> (CD-ROM or optical magnetic disk MO) on which the permitted data is registered is installed.

0070When the medium <b>76</b> is installed within the drive apparatus, and the data format is converted with the CD/MO demodulator device <b>60</b>, and error processing has been executed with the magnetic disk/CD-system error processing section <b>63</b>, the host CPU <b>10</b> first reads out an access code from this medium <b>76</b>.

0071Next, the host CPU <b>10</b> accesses the access code register <b>78</b>, and performs a retrieval within the key of the access code read out from the medium <b>76</b>. As a result, in the case where this code was found to be registered within the access code register <b>78</b>, the host CPU <b>10</b> operates the switchover switch <b>4</b> and outputs the software data from the medium <b>76</b>.

0072With this example, since the data within the medium <b>76</b> is not encrypted, high-speed data processing is enabled.

An Overall Image of Software Distribution

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows an overall view of software distribution as realized with the present invention.

0074Within the present preferred embodiment, software is shipped to the distribution route from a shipment center (here, for simplification, the management center and the shipment center are the same); however, the format at this time may be encrypted software stored on a CD-ROM, or it may be shipped over a communications route, or it may be shipped as an optical magnetic disk, etc.

0075The end user proceeds to the sales store <b>27</b>, etc. (communications sales are also permissible), and purchases the CD-ROM <b>52</b> as the software storage medium that stores the software. At the same time, the user also purchases an operating application disk <b>26</b> such as drive software, etc., that makes this software reproducible on the user's software reproduction apparatus <b>105</b>, and an SD card that is the software management module (on which is stored the software management section <b>3</b> of the present preferred embodiment)

0076Here, even though the CD-ROM stores multiple software, since this is not a sales method whereby this CD-ROM <b>52</b> is to be sold out, the sales price of the CD-ROM itself may be set at a low price. Also, the sales store <b>27</b> may also be a rental store.

0077In other words, within the present invention, all of the software data stored on the CD-ROM <b>52</b> is encrypted, and in the case where this data is decoded and reproduced, it is essential that the SD card <b>102</b> that maintains a high level of security be used. Also, as will be discussed below, a charge collection system corresponding to the amount of software used is put fully into place. Furthermore, even if the encrypted data stored on the CD-ROM itself is copied onto a separate medium (for example, the optical magnetic disk <b>58</b>), this alone is meaningless; and even if the CD-ROM is rented, if a charge collection system that corresponds to the amount of software used is fully in place, there will be no decline in the profits of the software provider.

0078The end user, in the case where he or she desires to reproduce the software stored on this CD-ROM <b>52</b> within his or her own software reproduction apparatus <b>105</b>, first inserts the SD card <b>102</b> into the card drive apparatus <b>28</b>. Then, the user loads both the CD-ROM <b>52</b> and the operating application disk <b>26</b> into the software reproduction apparatus <b>105</b>.

0079Then, the user starts up the communications application (this communications application may also be provided as an operating application) inserted within the software reproduction apparatus <b>105</b>, and sends from the modem <b>73</b> through the home telephone unit <b>30</b> a software usage request to the management center <b>31</b>. In response, the management center <b>31</b> encrypts a consent command (key data) for this user and sends it to the software reproduction apparatus <b>105</b>.

0080Furthermore, this usage request and usage consent may also take the format of the end user verbally communicating the code with an operator.

0081The software reproduction apparatus that has received the previously mentioned consent command reads the CD-ROM <b>52</b>, sequentially decodes the required software through the decoding section <b>7</b> (DES) of the SD card, and transmits this software to the program storage area (memory) of the software reproduction apparatus <b>105</b>.

0082Along with this, the control CPU <b>4</b> counts either the decoded data amount or the decode time for this software, and deducts a monetary charges balance value from the monetary charges table <b>8</b>. Then, until the monetary charges balance value becomes “0”, the control CPU <b>4</b> continues decoding processing of decrypted software data.

0083Here, in the case where the monetary charges balance value of the monetary charges table becomes “0”, the control CPU <b>4</b> terminates output of encrypted software data. Furthermore, prior to or following termination of output of software data, the user may be warned through image or sound data of a monetary charges balance insufficiency.