JP2000113066A - Method and system for managing distribution of digital contents - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to reuse and reedit digital contents while protecting the right of a copyright holder by transmitting the utilization right information of a user's computer, judging whether the user's computer has valid utilization right or not, and only when the user's computer has valid utilization right, allowing the user's computer to use the digital contents stored in a container. SOLUTION: A user 103 downloads media contents, and after a license management platform 107 prepares an entry in a license management database 109, outputs a charging request to a license management server 110. When a prepaid amount is larger than a request amount, the server 110 sends license state information to the platform 107. When the user 103 outputs a digital contents utilization editing request in processing to be executed in the media container, the platform 107 is inquired of license information, and when its edition is permitted, a utilization edition function is provided to the user 103.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital content management system capable of managing and promoting the normal distribution of digital content, such as managing licenses of digital content data and reliably charging secondary use of digital content. The present invention relates to a content distribution management method and system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, with the rapid spread of personal computers and the Internet, digital contents are distributed and sold on networks. Encyclopedias such as educational equipment, dictionaries in Japanese and English, etc., are not only text information, but multimedia with images, moving images, and voices added as information. ing. These digital contents are not deteriorated even by repeated duplication, and due to the property of retaining original information, new contents are often created by secondary use.

However, digital content 2
The next use has the following problems. (a) The problem of charging for digital contents, especially the problem of charging in the form of distribution through a network. (b) The problem of protecting the rights of digital contents, especially the problem of copyright of contents. First, with regard to the charging of digital contents in (a), there are some prospects for solutions due to the technology developed with the goal of e-commerce.
A method to reliably trace the bill has not been established yet.

[0004] On the other hand, although the various problems have been proposed for the problem of the right protection of digital contents in (b), it cannot be said that there is a prospect of technical solution.
For example, from the above-mentioned computerized encyclopedia, famous picture images, classical music sound data, and moving image data such as movies can be easily extracted and reused without permission or illegally. . In particular, when the copyright protection of (b) is viewed from a technical point of view, recently, “digital watermarking technology” has been proposed and used.
"Digital watermarking technology" specifies the copyright holder of digital content, for example, when illegal copying of digital content is performed, by embedding the encrypted unique security information of the author in image data and the like. It is an effective technology as a deterrent in the sense that it can be done. However, illegal copying itself cannot be prevented.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Digital contents are often recognized as a kind of social property, intellectual property right including so-called copyright, by being accumulated, distributed and reused. In today's society, especially in distribution, at the same time as copyright management in the sense of protecting this property (rights), a technology that distributes and reuses digital content while protecting rights, that is, content protection and content use are simultaneously established. There is a need for a technology to make it work.

[0006] However, as described above, digital contents have the property of not deteriorating.
There is a possibility that it will be processed everywhere for secondary use and tertiary use. Originally, even if secondary and tertiary use is used,
Although it is obligatory to pay the usage fee for use of the copyright, it is often distributed in a form such as a network, a floppy disk (FD), or a compact disk (CD) that cannot be known how it was distributed. Therefore, there is a problem that it is impossible to track where and how the digital content is used secondarily and further, and that the digital content is not used tertiarily. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of digital content reuse and re-editing, digital content can be easily reused and re-edited because the technologies and mechanisms currently being developed focus on protection of digital content only. There is also a problem that can not be.

[0007] A first object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system which enable reuse and re-editing of digital contents while protecting the rights of the copyright holder. A second object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system which enable digital content to be reused and re-edited while reliably performing a charge trace for a user of the digital content.

[0008]

In order to achieve the first object, according to the present invention, a digital content to be managed is constituted by a program component including its copyright protection processing means and usage right management processing means. When the digital content stored in the container is distributed and used by the user computer, the user computer transmits the right-of-use information held by the user computer, and the user computer uses the right-of-use information to make the user computer valid. It is characterized in that the use right management processing means determines whether or not the user has a proper use right, and the use of the digital content in the container is permitted only under a condition having a valid use right.

The digital contents to be managed are stored and distributed in a container composed of program components including the copyright protection processing means and the usage right management processing means, and the digital content stored in the container is distributed. When using on a user computer, the user computer transmits the usage right information held by the user computer, and determines whether or not the user computer has a valid usage right based on the usage right information, based on the consideration set in the container. The use right management processing means determines whether or not the charging process has been successful, has a valid use right, and permits the use of the digital content in the container only on the condition that the charging process is successful. I do.

A system for managing the distribution of digital content between computers is provided in a container production computer, and is a program component that includes a copyright protection processing unit and a usage right management processing unit for the digital content to be managed. Content distribution means for storing and distributing the content in a container, and a management server for managing the copyright of the digital content, delivering the container for storing the digital content and storing the content in the container. Means for managing the copyright of digital content distributed to the distribution channel in a state where the digital content is stored in the user computer that uses the digital content stored in the container. Do It transmits the use right information to the usage target container, receiving the use permission of the digital contents in the container, characterized in that it comprises means for making available the digital content and.

[0011] Furthermore, content distribution which is arranged in a container production computer and stores and distributes digital contents to be managed in a container composed of program parts including copyright protection processing means and usage right management processing means. Means, and a container arranged in a management server for managing the copyright of the digital content, the container for storing the digital content being delivered, and the copyright of the digital content distributed to the distribution channel while being stored in the container. Means for managing rights and usage rights;
When the digital content stored in the container is used in the user computer that uses the digital content, the usage right information held by the user computer itself is transmitted to the container to be used, and is set in the container. Means for receiving a license for digital content in the container through a charging process for a given price and making the digital content usable.

A system for distributing digital contents between computers stores and distributes digital contents to be managed in a container composed of program components including copyright protection processing means and usage right management processing means. Container production computer
A management server that issues the container for storing digital content and manages the copyright of the digital content distributed to the distribution channel while being stored in the container, and using the digital content stored in the container. And a user computer that transmits the usage right information owned by itself to a container to be used, receives a license for digital content in the container, and uses the digital content.

In the present invention, the digital contents include text information, still images, moving images, audio data, or data composed of a combination thereof,
It includes various program codes to be executed by a computer.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the general outline of a digital content distribution mechanism to which the distribution management method of the present invention is applied. The distribution mechanism of the present embodiment includes a creator 101, a distributor 102, a user 1
03, clearing house 104 exists. These are functional representations of the roles in the distribution organization. When distributing digital content, digital content creation or secondary processing, use fee setting, Processing such as settlement is performed.

The creator 101 indicates the name of an aggregate that uses a computer to create and edit digital contents, such as computer graphic (CG) designers, programmers, writers, and publishers. The distributor 102 is an aggregate that distributes containerized digital contents to users such as CG designers, programmers, and publishers for a fee or free of charge. The creator 101 protects the right of digital content created by himself using a computer,
The digital content 105 is stored in a copyright management container 111 to process the digital content 105 so that no other person can take it out without permission. Assign an identifier. In addition, license information including usage conditions such as usage fees is set in order to secure a valid price. Then, sales are consigned to the distributor 102, and the value of the produced digital content is collected from the distributor 102 in the form of a sales price. In this case, the container 111 for storing the digital content 105 is distributed in a format downloaded from the clearing house 104. When the clearing house 104 receives a request for granting an empty container from the clearing house 101, the clearing house 104
After creating a copyrighted work ID of the digital content stored in the clearinghouse 104, the copyrighted work ID is registered in the copyrighted work management database in the clearing house 104, and the empty container 111 is stored together with the registered copyrighted work ID in the clearing house 101. Distributed to

Here, the container is a container for storing digital contents, and as shown in FIG. 7A, a container 702 for copyright protection which directly stores digital contents 701 and a container 702 for copyright protection. ), The container 7 storing the digital content 701
02 and a form in which copyright protection and billing processing are separately implemented, and a form in which copyright protection and billing processing are used in a single type of container. is there. The content here refers to digital data in general, and may be a program in an object format or the like.

In the case of a secondary processed content created by combining two digital contents, as shown in FIG. 7C, the respective digital contents 701a, 701a,
Reference numerals 701b denote containers 702a and 702b for copyright protection.
And further charged containers 703a, 703
b, these containers 703a,
703b is a container 702 for protecting the copyright of the secondary processor
c, and then stored in the charging container 703c and placed on the distribution channel. Both the container for copyright protection and the container for billing are distributed in the same form as the inside of which is sealed by program processing, and only legitimate users who have paid the usage fee open the billing container. , It is possible to use the digital contents therein. Each container is constituted by a program or a program component using an object-oriented technology composed of a data part and a processing part. Details will be described later. Note that, in the embodiment of the present invention, a description will be given of an example in which one type of container realizes both copyright protection and charging processing, unless otherwise specified. In the following, FIG.
A container in which digital content is stored as in (a), (b), and (c) is called a media container.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the creator 101
The charging process is not included in the container 111 created at the stage of the above, but when the creator 101 also serves as the distributor 102, the clearing house 104 sends the charging container 1 to the container 111.
12 may be downloaded, the container 111 may be stored in the charging container 112, and this may be directly sold and distributed to the user 103. Media container 112 for which billing settings (license settings) have been made
Is the distributor 101 from the creator 101 in FIG.
In the mode of selling and distributing to the user 103 via the device 02, it is used only once.

When the creator or distributor sets billing, it is a major premise that the license is specified in the form of one license per user. The sales request is made again to the viewer. However, there are cases in which this is troublesome, so that when performing billing settings, permission to use for multiple users and billing billing settings are set in the billing container, and the billing amount is set according to the user's use request. Change the number of licenses. However, if the secondary processing or the tertiary processing has been performed by the user 103, the secondary processing content or the 3:00 processing content may be stored in a new container. Containers may be added.

The distributor 102 sends the media container 111 entrusted by the creator 101
The identifier of the distributor and the identifier of the clearing house are assigned, and the media container 111 including its own fee is priced.
Is stored in the charging container. In the case of storing in a billing container, the clearing house 104 acting for the settlement business is selected in advance in consideration of the convenience of the settlement. In the media container 112 to be distributed, one or more clearing houses 104 that perform a clearing operation when charging are specified. Therefore, multiple clearing houses 1
04 may be specified. In this case, a distribution relationship (network connection, contract between companies or countries, etc.) may exist between a plurality of clearing houses, and the distribution relationship may be in any country.

The user 103 indicates an aggregate that uses the media container 112 for a fee, and mainly indicates an end user. The computer used by the user 103 has a license management platform 1 in advance.
07 (described later) must exist. Specifically, the license management platform 107 must be installed on a client computer used by the user 103. The user 103
By accepting the usage rules contained in the obtained media container 112 and paying the price specified by the clearing house 101 or the distributor 102, the media container 112 can be used. The computer used by the user 103 includes a license management platform 107
And a license management mechanism 108 and a license management database 109.

License management platform 107
Manages information such as the installation status, license grant status, and available period of the media container 112. When the media container 112 is used for the first time, the license management platform 107 is requested to register its own entry. Thereafter, the license management platform 107 is requested to update its own management information at the timing of granting a subscription contract or a usage contract for a charging system, paying a fee, deleting the license, and the like. Before the media container 112 is used in accordance with a user's instruction, the media container 112 inquires of the license management platform 107 about license information, and confirms whether or not it is in a state in which the media container 112 can operate itself.

License management platform 107
Updates the billing information as necessary based on the record based on the request of the media container 112. Further, the license management platform 107 transmits the media container 11 used by the user based on a request from the license management server 110 operated by the clearinghouse 104.
The license information and the billing information are sent to the license management server 110. License management server 110
Specifies the user who has used the media container 11 based on the acquired license information and charging information, calculates the value to be paid to the manufacturer, and notifies or pays the manufacturer.

The cyber studio 106 displays license-related information and billing information to the user based on the information held by the license management platform 107 and the media container 112. The user 103 can use the cyber studio 106 as necessary to view his / her license permission information and billing information, and obtain information such as conditions relating to re-editing / re-distribution. The minimum browsing range of the cyber studio 106 is a client computer used by the user 103, but expansion through a network is also conceivable. Unless prohibited by the terms of the license (as long as the user pays a legitimate price), the user 103 may freely copy the media container 112 and give the copy to a specified or unspecified person.

The clearing house 104 is an aggregate that performs charging in accordance with the use of the media container 112 of the user 103 in place of the creator 101 and the distributor 102, and mainly indicates a trading company, a credit company, and a copyright management organization. Things. Clearinghouse 104
Provides a part of the license management platform that holds information specific to the clearinghouse for users who are not normally connected, and connects with users at appropriate timing such as payment of fees and download of containers 111. Then, the license information and the billing information are copied to the license management server 110 owned by the clearing house 104. Clearinghouse 104
Will be based on usage in the collected billing information,
The consideration is distributed to the creator 101 and the distributor 102. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic distribution mode. However, the creator 102 and the distributor 103 may be the same, and the creator 102
It can be 04.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are diagrams showing an outline of the whole processing of the present invention. When the creator 101 has created the digital content, the creator 101
Concludes a copyright management contract with the Company 4 and receives a copyright ID, distributes empty containers, stores the digital content created by the user in an empty container, and forms it in the form of a media container. (Step 201), uploading to the distributor 102 or holding by the creator 101 itself. Then, license definition information is set by the distributor 102 or the creator 101 (step 202). The license definition information defines a content ID and a creator ID for managing a copyright and a usage right of a media container, a license amount for use, and the like, as described later with reference to FIG.

When the user 103 wants to use the digital contents created by the creator 101, the user 10
3 is a distributor 102 or a creator 101
Downloads the media content in which the billing information and the like are set, and issues an entry creation request to the license management platform 107 in the user computer (step 203). In response to the entry creation request issued in step 203, the license management platform 107 in the user computer creates an entry in the license management database 109 (step 204). Next, the license management platform 107 issues a billing request to the license management server 110 of the clearinghouse 104 (Step 205).

On the other hand, the license management server 110
Compares the billing request with the prepaid amount (step 20).
6). At this time, the license management server 110 registers in advance in the prepaid amount log file according to the prepaid amount from the user 103 (step 207).

If the prepaid amount is larger than the required amount in step 206, that is, if a balance occurs, the license status information is sent to the license management platform 107 of the user 103 (step 208). The license status information includes the last update date and time, the license grant status, and various security information. In contrast, the user 103
License management platform 107 stores the acquired license status information in the license management database 10.
9 (step 209). On the other hand, if the prepaid amount is smaller than the required charge, that is, if the balance is insufficient, the media container cannot be used, and the process ends.

In the cyber studio 106, in order to display a list of licenses owned by the user 103, the user 103
License management platform 10
4 is inquired (step 301). In response, the license management platform 104 returns the currently accepted license information to the cyber studio 106 (step 302). The license information is information indicating whether or not billing for legally using the container has been performed. Normally, one license is used for one user. It may also include information authorizing the user's use.

In the cyber studio 106, display is performed using display items designated by the user 103 (step 30).
3).

In the processing performed in the media container,
When the user issues a digital content use editing request when using digital content (step 30).
4) Inquire the license management platform 107 for license information (step 305). The license management platform 107 returns the license status information (Step 306). The returned license status information is checked (step 307). If editing is permitted, a use / edit function is provided to the user (step 308). If not, the process ends.

When the cyber studio 106 receives a request from the user 103 regarding the fee payment status from the user 103, it makes an inquiry to the license management platform 107 (step 309). In response to the inquiry, the license management platform 107 returns the prepayment information and the charging status information (Step 310), and displays the items specified by the user 103 (Step 31).
1).

Next, the media container will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. A media container is one or a plurality of program components having digital contents of either a moving image (including a still image) or a text (including a source code of a program) and a license management mechanism included in the digital contents. Is defined as The media container 300 is roughly divided,
Content management function unit 401 and license management function unit 4
02.

The content management function unit 401 holds the text, video, and shipped content set by the creator 101 as digital content in a media container, receives a use request from the user 103,
The license confirmation request is passed to the license definition information management function unit 406, the license confirmation result information is received, and the digital content can be reproduced, displayed, and edited. As shown in FIG. Texts, moving images, and shipped contents are converted to digital contents 405 by the media container 300.
And a content holding function 403 for receiving a content usage request from the content usage function unit 404 and transferring the digital content 405 to the content usage function unit 404, receiving a usage request from the user 103, and managing a license definition information management function. The license confirmation request is passed to the unit 406, the license confirmation result information is received, and if the received availability information is "usable", a content extraction request is output to the content holding function unit 403, and the content is output in response to the extraction request. A digital content 405 is received from the holding function unit 403, and the digital content 405 is reproduced, displayed, and edited.

The license management function unit 402 includes a license definition information management function unit 406, a license definition information protection function unit 407, license definition information 408, and a license management platform use function unit 409. The license definition information management function unit 406
In order to protect digital content from unauthorized tampering with the media container 400, the media container 400 has a function of protecting and locking license definition information. Since the lock function is irreversible, the license definition information of the once locked media container cannot be changed. The license definition information management function unit 406 has a license definition information display function for calling a license definition information dialog display function of each media container. This is to display information on the selected license condition. Further, the license management platform 107 has a license condition changing function for making a license change request and a billing request associated therewith to the license management platform 107.

The license definition information protection function unit 407
It has an encryption module for encrypting and decrypting the license definition information 408 to prevent falsification, and a function to call the decryption module. The license definition information management function unit 406 stores the license definition information 408 Upon receiving the request, the license definition information 408 is encrypted and stored in the media container 400. Further, it receives a request to extract the license definition information 408 from the license definition information management function unit 406, extracts the corresponding license definition information 408, decrypts it, and outputs it to the license definition information management function unit 406. The license definition information protection function unit 407 has a function of setting the designated license definition information 408. The input data is each license definition information, and the output data is success / failure information for outputting a result indicating whether the defined data is correct.

The license definition information 408 that can be set by the license definition information protection function unit 407 includes the following information. (1) “Clearing house identifier / name”, which is information set by the clearing house 104; (2) “Creator identifier / name”, “content identifier / name”, which is information set by the creator 101; "Type", "usage condition / license information", (3) "distributor identifier / name", "price definition information", which are information set by distributor 102, license management platform use function unit 409, license definition information management function unit Receiving the encrypted information from 406;
It encrypts and outputs it to the security function, receives information from the security function, decrypts it, and outputs it to the license definition information management function unit 406. This function plays a linked role with the license management platform 107.

The license definition information management function unit 406 has license definition information 4 common to each media container.
08, which will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The license definition information management function unit 406 receives the license confirmation request from the content use function unit 404, and issues a license status information reference request to the license management platform use function unit 409 (step 501).

The license status information corresponding to the reference request from the license management platform use function unit 409 and the license definition information 408 from the license definition information protection function unit 407 are input, and the matching is confirmed using the license permission information and the use permission information. And outputs license confirmation result information to the content use function unit 404 (step 502). A license registration request is created when the user 103 first loads the shipped content, and the license management platform use function unit 40
Then, a request for creating an entry of license status information for the self-shipped content is output (step 503).

Next, the license agreement is received from the user 103, and a license status information update request is output to the license management platform use function unit 409 (step 504). Upon receiving the billing consent from the user 103, the license management platform use function unit 409
(Step 505). Next, a charge success or a charge failure is received from the license management platform use function unit 409, and if the charge fails, the user 1
03, and a message to that effect is sent and displayed (step 506).

Next, when a request to display the license definition information 408 is received from the user 103, a request to extract the license definition information 408 of the shipped content is output to the license definition information protection function unit 407 (step 50).
7). It receives the license definition information 408 from the license definition information protection function unit 407 and displays it to the user 103 (step 508). Distributor 10
When the license setting information and the price are received from the creator 101 or the creator 101, a license definition information storage request is issued to the license definition information protection function unit 407 (step 509), and the license definition information is stored.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the media container 400. The media container 400 has the following content holding function and content use function for each type of content. Text media container 601
Is a media container for storing text content as digital content. The text content holding function unit 602 has a function of storing and holding text content. The input data is text information, and the output data is success / failure information indicating the result of whether or not storage and holding were successful. The text content use function unit 603 has a function of changing the level of detail (outline, full text) of the digital content to be displayed according to the license level. It also has the ability to limit details, as the case may be. The input data is license status information, and the output data is success / failure information indicating a result of whether or not a license is granted.

The moving image media container 604 is a media container for storing moving images as digital contents. The moving image content holding function unit 605 is a function for storing and holding moving image content. The input data is moving image information, and the output data is success / failure information indicating a result of whether moving image information is stored.

The moving image content use function unit 606 is a function for restricting the reproduction method according to the license level. The input data is license status information, and the output data is success / failure information indicating a result of whether or not reproduction according to the permitted level can be performed.

The composite media container 607 is generated from a plurality of containers such as the text container and the moving image container. The media content holding function unit 608 has a function of storing the media container 607. The input data is information on the creator media container. The media content use function unit 609 has a function of restricting the operation of each creator's media content. The input data is license state information, and the output data is performed at a level at which the operation restriction is permitted. Success / failure information indicating the result of the presence or absence.

The license definition information display function calling function unit 610 has a function of calling a license definition information display function in response to a specific event, input data is information related to the event, and output data is selected This is the information related to the license agreement.

The license definition information dialog display function unit 611 has a function of displaying a license definition information dialog for a moving image media container. The input data is a function relating to the currently selected license condition, and the output data is information relating to the selected license condition. The license definition information display function calling function unit 610 and the license definition information dialog display function unit 611 are shared by each media container.

FIGS. 7D and 7E are diagrams showing specific examples of the combined media container. The media containers 710 and 720 exemplified here are containers in which images, image information, and text information are combined. A moving image may be used instead of an image, and voice or sound may be used instead of text.

Next, a mounting technique for creating the media container 400 will be described. The media container 400 of the present invention is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-338166, entitled "Programming System Using Graphics", and in Japanese Patent Application No.
Since it can be created by using the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 235715 “Program processing method and system of object-oriented programming system using graphics” as a basic technique, here, an example in which this technique is used will be described. This will be described in detail below. In the above two patent applications, there is a product related to an object-oriented technology called “IntelligentPad” as a target product. In
telligentPad is a virtual piece of paper (= pad) on a computer that stores all software resources such as data and programs.
As a function of media such as duplication, disassembly, synthesis, distribution, etc., is defined in advance in this pad, packaged digital contents can be used as a kind of pad. By treating as, digital contents can be easily reused and re-edited. The media container of the present invention
In addition to this technique, it can be created using an object-oriented program technique.

FIG. 8 shows a data structure of information set in a media container in a clearing house or the like. Each vendor of the media container can add an arbitrary item other than the items exemplified here. is there. The media container 400 has a slot for setting information required for license management as shown in FIG.
A slot is described in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-338166, entitled "Programming System Using Graphics,"
This corresponds to a pad-to-pad connecting portion disclosed in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 235715, "Program Processing Method and System of Object-Oriented Programming System Using Graphic". In FIG.
801 is clearinghouse information, 802 is creator information, 803 is content information, 804 is distributor information, and 805 is license information.

FIGS. 9 to 13 are views showing setting screens for each information of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a setting screen of the clearing house information 801 in FIG. In the clearing house 104, it is necessary to set clearing house information in a media container provided by a vendor (or another creator) and distribute the clearing house information to the creator 101. The setting is "ClearingHouseInformation" of the media container
This is done using slots. FIG. 9 shows the case of setting using the setting utility provided as a sample.
When a media container (MC) 902 to be set is placed on the stage 901 of the utility in which necessary items are entered, and a SET button 903 is pressed, a setting confirmation dialog is displayed. Information such as clearing house ID is a media container (MC)
902 is set. When the setting is completed, “ClearingHous
The "eInformation slot" is deleted, and information cannot be changed.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a setting screen of the creator information 802 of FIG. The creator 101 receives the media container 1 received from the clearing house 104.
It is necessary to set creator information to 002. Settings are made using the "CreatorInformation" slot. FIG.
0 indicates a case of setting using a setting utility provided as a sample. When a media container 1002 to be set is placed on the utility stage 1001 in which necessary items are entered, and a SET button 1003 is pressed, a setting confirmation dialog is displayed. Is displayed, FIG.
The creator information such as the creator ID shown in (b) is set. When the setting is completed, "CreatorInformation"
The slot is deleted and no information can be changed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a setting screen of the content information 803 of FIG. The creator 101 stores the content 1103 to be protected in the empty media container 1104 provided by the clearing house 104 and distributes the content 1103 to the distribution channel. At this time, the content 1103 to be protected is identified. It is necessary to set content information for The setting is "ContentsInform
ation ”slot. FIG. 11 shows a case where the setting is performed using a setting utility provided as a sample.
When the user puts 102 and presses the SET button 1105, a setting confirmation dialog is displayed, and then content information such as a content ID shown in FIG. 8C is set. When the setting is completed, the "ContentsInformation" slot is deleted, and the information cannot be changed. When the media container 1102 is saved after the content information is set, the data of the digital content is encrypted by the media container 1102, the content is taken into the composite media container in the media container, and thereafter, the content is changed. Can not be done. After these settings, the creator 101 passes the media container 1102 to the distributor 102.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a setting screen of the distributor information 804 of FIG. The distributor 102 needs to set distributor information such as a distributor ID for the media container 1201 received from the creator 101. The setting is “Di
Set using the "stributorInformation" slot.
FIG. 12 shows a case where the setting is provided by a setting utility provided as a sample. When a media container 1201 to be set is placed on the stage of the utility in which necessary items are entered, and a SET button 1103 is pressed, a setting confirmation dialog is displayed. Is displayed, FIG. 8
The distributor information such as the distributor ID shown in (d) is set. When the setting is completed, “Dist
The "ributorInformation" slot is deleted and no information can be changed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen of the license information (license condition information) of FIG. After setting the distributor information of FIG. 8D in the target media container 1301, the distributor 102 sets
Set license terms. The setting is "LicensingInformati
Set using the on slot. FIG. 13 shows a case where the setting is provided by a setting utility provided as a sample.
When 1 is set and the SET button 1303 is pressed, a setting confirmation dialog is displayed, and then license information such as a trial mode as shown in FIG. 8E is set. When the setting is completed, the “LicensingInformation” slot is deleted, and the information cannot be changed.

The contents to be set include the setting of the license condition table and the setting of whether the end user displays a dialog at the time of initial loading and requests selection of a license or processes as if the first usage condition is selected. It can be divided into two types.

After the distributor information is set, the file in which the media container is saved becomes a pad that is subject to the operation protection of the media container when loaded, and this file is distributed to the end user.

According to the above setting information, each license definition information of the media container has a lock function such that the contents cannot be changed after setting for each slot unit. Slots used for setting are sequentially deleted. 5 shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 described above.
One slot must always be set in the order shown. In the case of violation, a dialog is displayed and the setting request is ignored. In the initial state, the main slot is set to the first slot, but each time a slot is erased, the main slot sequentially transitions to the next slot. When the media container is loaded for the first time, a license selection dialog is displayed, the user is made to select it, and the result is registered in the license platform. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of license definition information of a media container purchased by a user. For the media container passed to the end user, it is necessary to select one of the license conditions from the license definition information display dialog normally displayed at the time of initial loading (unless the default setting is made). The dialog can be referred to even when the license definition information is not completely set, and clearinghouses, creators, and distributors can check the license definition information as well as end users by referring to the dialog. Become. However, the selection of the license condition can be referred to only after all the license definition information is set.

Next, referring to FIG. 15, the license management platform 10 incorporated in the user computer
7 will be described. The license management platform 107 incorporated in the user computer includes a database access function unit 1504 centering on input / output of the license management database 109, a media container, the license management server 110, and the cyber studio 106.
Security interface function units 1505 and 1506 for performing secure data exchange with the server. The database access function unit 1504 is roughly divided into a database connection, a license status information input / output function unit,
4 for charging status information input / output function unit and license execution function unit
It consists of three functions. Using the above function units, the database access function unit 1504 is one of the license management platform functions, and the media container storage function unit 1507 and the license management server function unit 150
8. Exchange information between the cyber studio function unit 1509 and the license management database 109.

The database access function unit 1504
This is a function related to the license status information 1501. When an entry creation request is received from the security function unit 1505, an entry of the license status information 1501 is added to the license management database 109. Further, when an update request is received from the security function unit 1505, the license status information 1501 of the license management database 109 is updated. When a reference request from the security function unit 1505 is received, the license management database 109 is searched for license status information 1501 corresponding to the shipped content identifier.
Output to the security function unit 1505.

Further, when a charging request is received from the security function 1506 as a function relating to the relay of the charging request, the charging status information 1502 corresponding to the clearinghouse identifier is taken out, and the obtained charging request is output.
In addition, it receives the success or failure of the accounting from the accounting processing function and outputs it to the security function unit 1506. Also,
As a function related to the billing record, the security function unit 15
When the charge status information is received from the license management database 109, the charge status information 1502 is added to and updated in the charge status information 1502 of the corresponding clearing house in the license management database 109. Also,
When a prepaid information reference request is received from the security function unit 1506, the prepaid information of the corresponding clearinghouse in the license management database 109 is output to the security function unit 1506. Further, when a prepaid information update request is received from the security function unit 1506, the prepaid information 1503 of the corresponding clearinghouse in the license management database 109 is updated.

Further, as a function relating to exchange with the license management server 110, a security function 150
When the collection request is received from the license management database 109, the clearing house billing state information 1502 corresponding to the clearing house identifier is extracted from the license management database 109 and output to the security function unit 1506. Also,
When a prepaid addition request is received from the security function unit 1506, the prepaid amount is added to the clearinghouse prepaid information 1503 corresponding to the clearinghouse identifier in the license management database 109. Further, when a list display request is received from a list display function prepared as a function relating to exchange with the cyber studio 106, a list of license status information 1501 is output. When a deletion request from the list display function is received, the license status information 1 in the license management database 109 corresponding to the shipped content identifier is received.
501 is deleted. When a payment information display request is received from the fee payment information view function, charging status information 1502 and prepayment information 1503 are output.

Further, the license management database 10
At the time of the first generation of 9, it receives the computer ID from the computer ID acquisition module and outputs it to the license management database 109. When accessing the license management database 109, a computer ID is received from the computer ID acquisition module,
The computer ID is compared with the computer ID stored in the license management database 109 to determine whether or not the access is determined to be an access. The processing is interrupted when it is determined that the

The database access function unit 1504 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, the database connection 1601 will be described.

Database (DB) connection 160
1 performs data connection 1605 with the database file by the ODBC interface. Also, an encryption function 1606 for preventing the contents stored in the database from being illegally copied.
Having. Further, it has an input / output control function 1607 for opening and closing a database connection for connecting to and disconnecting from the database. This input / output control control function 1607
To extract and update data in the database file. The input data is the data source name, password, and connection status.

License status information input / output function 1602
Is “Start Shipped Content Information Exchange 1608”, “License Status Information Reference 1609”, “License Status Information Registration 1”
610, license status information update 1611, license status information list 1612, license status information deletion 161
It has three functions. License status information input / output function 16
02 is the license status information 150 stored in the license management database 109.
1 is used for input and output. Shipped content information exchange start 1608 includes license status information 1501.
Prepare to maintain security in input and output of. In particular, in database input / output from shipped content, license status information reference 1609, license status information registration 1610, license status information update 1
611, a license status information list 1612, and a license status information deletion function 1613 are executed before calling this function.

The license status information reference 1609 searches and returns the license status information 1501 in the license management database 109. The input is decrypted, the database 109 is searched, and the result is encrypted. The encrypted shipped content identifier is decrypted and checked to see if it is the same as the shipped content identifier at the time of opening. The encrypted password is compared with the password in the database 109,
Check for equality. The re-encrypted shipped content identifier is used to prove that the license management platform 107 is valid. The input data is an encrypted shipped content identifier and an encrypted password, and the output data is a re-encrypted shipped content identifier and an encrypted license. The license status information registration 1610 is stored in the license management database 10.
9, the license status information 1501 is newly registered.
Confirm that there is no record corresponding to the specified shipped content identifier in the database 109, and store the password, the shipped content information, and the license status information. The shipped content information includes a shipped content name, a creator name, and the like. The input data is an encrypted shipped content identifier, an encrypted password, shipped content information, and an encrypted license state, and the output data is a re-encrypted shipped content identifier and status.

The license status information update 1611 changes the license status information 1501 in the license management database 109. After confirming that the passwords of the records in the database 109 match, the license status information 1501 is overwritten. The input data is an encrypted shipped content identifier, an encrypted password, and an encrypted license state, and the output data is a re-encrypted shipped content identifier. License status information list 1
In step 612, the license status information 1501 in the license management database 109 is output as a list to the cyber studio 106. Since the information is for reference only, the protection by encryption is not performed. Since the information is a list of information, the output data is license status information. The license status information deletion 1613 corresponds to the license management database 109.
, Delete the information about the corresponding shipped content. This function is usually performed by the user's instruction via the Cyber Studio. Since it is disadvantageous for the user to delete the acquired license state information 1501 when it is not necessary, protection by encryption is not performed. The input data is a shipped content identifier,
The output data becomes status.

The billing state information input / output function 1603 is a function of the billing processing function of the license management server 110 corresponding to the billing state information 1 stored in the license management database 109.
This function is used to input / output 502. One charging state information 1502 is provided for each clearing house 104,
Includes current account information that exists and accounting records that are stored for each prepaid and billed account. Billing status information input / output function 1603
Is a clearing house registration 1614, a clearing house deletion 1615, a current high information reference 1616, a current high information update 1617, a cashier record reference 1618, a cashier record update 1
619, payment record deletion 1620, charging status information list 16
It comprises 21 functions.

The clearinghouse registration 1614 stores the charging status information 150 in the license management database 109.
2 is newly registered. Called once when the new billing function is started. The billing state information at the time of new registration in the billing processing function of the prepaid system usually comprises current information of zero yen. The clearing house information includes a clearing house name. The input data is the encrypted clearinghouse identifier, the encrypted password, the clearinghouse information, the encrypted current high information, and the output data is the re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier and status. The clearing house deletion 1615 deletes the charging status information 1502 in the license management database 109.
Called when the contract with the clearinghouse 104 is terminated. The input data is an encrypted clearinghouse identifier and an encrypted password, and the output data is a re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier and status. The current high information reference 1616 searches for and returns the current high information in the license management database 109 to the prepaid billing function. The input data is an encrypted clearinghouse identifier and an encrypted password, and the output data is a re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier and encrypted current information.

A current high information update 1617 updates the current high information in the license management database 109 for the prepaid billing function. The input data is the encrypted clearinghouse identifier, the encrypted password, the encrypted current high information, and the output data is the re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier. The accounting record registration is performed according to a request from the billing processing function.
In 9, an additional accounting record is registered. The accounting record includes information on a prepaid amount or information on billing. The input data is an encrypted clearinghouse identifier, an encrypted password, and an encrypted accounting record, and the output data is a re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier. 1618
Retrieves and returns the accounting record in the license management database to the billing function. Since the accounting record includes information for sales distribution, encryption is performed to prevent tampering. The input data is an encrypted clearinghouse identifier and an encrypted password, and the output data is a re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier, an encrypted accounting record, and an encrypted record number.

The accounting record update 1619 updates the accounting record in the license management database 109. The input data is an encrypted clearinghouse identifier, an encrypted password, an encrypted record number, and an encrypted accounting record, and the output data is a re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier. The accounting record deletion 1620 corresponds to the license management database 1
09 is deleted. The calling party must confirm that even if deleted, the data does not hinder sales distribution. The input data is an encrypted clearinghouse identifier, an encrypted password, and a record number, and the output data is a re-encrypted clearinghouse identifier. The charging status information list 1621 outputs the charging status information 1502 in the license management database 109 to the cyber studio 106 as a list. Since the information is for reference only, the protection by encryption is not performed. In addition, since the information is a list of information, the output data is charging status information 1502.

The license execution function 1604 has a process of making a request for withdrawal of the price.
This function is used when requesting the license management server 110 to execute a license. Thereafter, the license management platform 107 relays the request from the shipped content to a billing function corresponding to each license management server 110. Debit request 1622
Pays the desired price to the clearinghouse 104 desired by the shipped content. For the shipped content, license status information can be registered using the license status information input / output function based on the output status. The input data is an encrypted shipped content identifier, an encrypted clearinghouse identifier, and encrypted price information, and the output data is a re-encrypted shipped content identifier and an encryption status.

Next, the license management platform 1
The security function unit 07, which is another interface function, will be described. The security function unit is provided according to each of various functions. Here, a database protection function, a built-in security function for shipped contents, a security function for shipped contents, a built-in security function for a billing function, and a security function for a billing function will be described. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of a security function unit. The database protection function 1701 encrypts a record to be protected from unauthorized alteration or copying of input / output data to a database file. It is used as a common function among the database input / output functions. The database record encryption 1706 therein is a function for encrypting data to be written to the database file. The input data is original data, and the output data is encrypted data. Also, database record decryption 17
07 decrypts the data read from the database file. Input data is encrypted data, and output data is decrypted data. The machine (computer) ID acquisition 1708 is a function for acquiring and returning a machine ID for protection from unauthorized copying to another person, and the output data is a machine ID.

The security function for embedded content embedded function 1702 has a function for creating and restoring a data format for preventing leakage and alteration with respect to the information exchanged with the license status information input / output function, and is incorporated into the shipped content. Used in. Since the input / output of this function itself includes license status information to be protected by the shipped content, it is statically coupled to the operation function of each shipped content. The shipped content built-in security function 1702 includes a sent content built-in key setting 170.
9. Shipped content embedded message encryption 171
0, Decryption of embedded content embedded message 171
1

[0077] Shipped content embedded key setting 170
Reference numeral 9 denotes a function for setting and returning a requesting key for message encryption. The key set here is divided into a fixed part and a variable part, and the fixed part includes a version number of a function group. . The variable part is set by a random number each time it is called. The output data is the first key. Shipped content embedded message encryption 1710 performs encryption to prevent leakage or alteration of the delivery information. At the time of encryption, the input encryption key is not used as it is, but a third key obtained by conversion according to a certain algorithm is used. The algorithm differs for each version of the function group.
The input data is the second key and the original data, and the output data is the encrypted data. The shipped content embedded message decryption 1711 decrypts the encrypted delivery information and restores the original data. At the time of decryption, a fourth key obtained by conversion according to a certain algorithm is used instead of the input encryption key as it is. The algorithm differs for each version of the function group, and also differs from the algorithm at the time of encryption. The input data is the first key and the encrypted data, and the output data is the original data. The first key, the second key, the third key, and the fourth key are ciphers,
Since the key setting is a unique key determined at the time of decryption, the key can be set arbitrarily instead of a specific key.

Security Function 1 for Shipped Contents
Reference numeral 703 denotes a function unit in the license management platform, which has a function for creating and restoring a data format for preventing leakage and alteration of the delivery information with the shipped content.

Security Function 1 for Shipped Contents
Reference numeral 713 includes a ship content key acquisition 1712, a ship content destination key setting 1713, a ship content destination message encryption 1714, and a ship content destination message decryption 1713. The sent content key acquisition 1712 analyzes and stores the requesting key from the shipped content when starting new information exchange with the shipped content. The version is
Remove from the fixed part of the first key. The fourth key is a result of converting the first key according to an algorithm according to the version. The input data is the first key, the output data is the version, and the fourth key.

Key Setting 1713 for Shipped Content
Sets and returns the responder key for message encryption. The second key is set with a random number each time it is called. The third key is a result of converting the second key according to an algorithm according to the version. The input data is a version, and the output data is a second key and a third key. 1714 Message Encryption for Shipped Content
Performs encryption to prevent the leakage or alteration of the delivery information. The input data is the fourth key and the original data, and the output data is the encrypted data. The decrypted message for sent content 1715 decrypts the encrypted delivery information and restores the original data. The input data is the third key and the encrypted data, and the output data is the original data.

Security Function with Built-in Billing Function 17
Reference numeral 04 has a function for creating and restoring a data format for preventing leakage and alteration of information passed to and from the charging status information input / output function, and is used by being incorporated into the charging processing function of the license management server 110. . Since the input / output data of the function itself includes charging status information to be protected by the charging function, the charging functions are statically combined. The billing function built-in security function 1704 includes a billing function built-in key setting 1716, a billing function built-in message encryption 1717, and a billing function built-in message decryption 1718. The accounting function built-in key setting 1716 sets and returns a response side key for message encryption. The second key is divided into a fixed part and a variable part, and the fixed part contains the version number of the function group.
The variable part is set by a random number each time it is called. The output data is the second key.

Message encryption with built-in accounting function 17
Reference numeral 17 performs encryption for preventing leakage and alteration of the delivery information. At the time of encryption, the input encryption key is not used as it is, but a fourth key obtained by conversion according to a predetermined algorithm is used. The algorithm may be different for each version of the function group. The input data is the first key and the original data, and the output data is the encrypted data. The message processing function built-in message decryption 1718 decrypts the encrypted delivery information and restores the original data. At the time of decryption, a third key obtained by conversion according to a certain algorithm is used instead of the input encryption key as it is. The algorithm differs for each version of the function group, and may be different from the algorithm at the time of encryption. The input data is the second key and the encrypted data, and the output data is the original data.

Security function 1705 for billing function
Are the key setting 1719 for the billing function, the key acquisition 1720 for the billing function, the message encryption 1 for the billing function.
721, the message processing function decryption message 1722. The billing function setting key 1719 sets and returns a requesting key for message encryption. The first key is set with a random number each time it is called. The output data is the first key. 1720 key acquisition to billing function
Analyzes and stores a response-side key from the accounting function when starting new information exchange with the accounting function. The version is retrieved from the fixed part of the second key. The third key and the fourth key are the result of converting the second key and the first key according to an algorithm according to the version.
The input data is the second key and the first key, and the output data is the version, the third key, and the fourth key. The message encryption function for addressing function 1721 performs encryption for preventing leakage and alteration of the delivery information. The input is the third key and the original data, and the output data is the encrypted data. The message processing function message decryption 1722 decrypts the encrypted delivery information and restores the original data. The input data is the fourth key and the encrypted data, and the output data is the original data.

FIG. 18 to FIG. 22 are diagrams showing details of security information for each function. FIG. 18 is a table showing security information for the clearinghouse table, and is a source table for managing processing related to the clearinghouse using the clearinghouse ID as a key, and also includes data on the balance of the prepayment information for the billing information. . FIG. 19 is a table showing security information for the prepayment information table, and records are managed for each clearing house ID in the clearing house table. FIG. 20 is a table showing security information for the charging status information table, and records are managed for each clearing house ID in the clearing house table. FIG. 21 is a table showing security information for the license status information table, which manages processing related to license status information using the shipped content ID as a key, and cooperates with the three tables shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 20. Not independent.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a specific example of the security field from FIG. 18 to FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a license management platform environment file.

The license platform environment file defines the data source name of the license management database 109. License management platform 10
7 accesses the data source defined in this file as a license management database. In addition,
"Definition key = value". The license management platform 107 provides a class library for accessing the license management database 109. This class library includes a license management database access class, and the class methods include reference, addition, update, and deletion of records. Since the connection of the database of the license management server is performed at the time of startup, the process of checking the machine ID is also performed in the process.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing processing for preventing unauthorized use of the database of the license management server on a computer-by-computer basis. Note that a machine ID table is used for checking the machine ID (not shown).
The value of the table is referred to (step 2401). If there is no value, it is regarded that the database has been accessed for the first time, and the machine ID is registered in the table as it is (step 2402). If there is a value, it is compared with the value acquired by the machine ID acquisition module. If the values do not match, it is considered that an illegal process has been performed, and the connection with the database 109 is disconnected and the process ends abnormally (step 2).
403). Since a password is provided in the database 109 and the connection process is not performed thereafter, the database 109 cannot be accessed thereafter unless it ends normally at this point.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a machine ID check process. The machine ID is checked using the machine ID table (step 2501). If there is no value, the machine ID is registered in the table (step 2502). If there is a value, the value of the machine ID is stored in the machine ID acquisition module. If the machine ID matches, the processing is continued as it is. If the machine ID does not match, it is determined that the processing is invalid, and the connection with the database is forcibly disconnected and abnormal. The process ends (step 2504).

FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 are diagrams showing post-processing of the security function. Since the security function is statically coupled to the application 2601 that communicates with the license management platform 107, the security function is provided in an object (or library) format. Upon receiving a communication request from the application 2601, the security function exchanges an encryption key with the license management platform 107. Thereafter, the application 2601
Encrypts the message based on the encryption key. Similarly, the encrypted message received from the license management platform 107 is decrypted. Since the license management platform 107 can only have one communication partner, when the encrypted message communication is opened from the application 2601 through the security function, the license management platform 107 rejects an encrypted message communication request from another application. Therefore, the application 2601 that uses the security function must perform post-processing after the exchange of the encrypted message communication is completed. First, the license management platform 10
7 and an encrypted message communication is established. Then, the request key key1 is randomly generated, and the key is exchanged with the license management platform 107. The response key key2 returned from the license management platform 107 is managed. Key1 and key2 are managed by static fields other than this class. This makes it possible to prevent a key from being included in a message even if objects of this class are communicated by message.

Next, common functions of the security function will be described. First, the request key setting sets and returns a request key for message encryption and has it internally. The request key is divided into a fixed part and a variable part, and the fixed part contains the version number of this common function group. It is. The variable part is set with a random number each time it is called.

The output data becomes a request key. In the response key setting, an encryption key is calculated from the set request key and the input response key and stored therein, and the input is the response key. However, the method of calculating the encryption key is not disclosed.

In the encryption, original data is encrypted by a certain method and output. The input data is the length of the original data, the original data,
This is the storage address of the encrypted data, and the output data is the encrypted data. The area of the encrypted data is (original data length +
7) & (-8) +8 bytes or more are required.

The decryption is a function of decrypting and outputting the encrypted data. The input data is the encrypted data, the maximum length of the restored data, the storage address of the restored data, and the output data is the restored data (only at the time of normal termination). It can be referred to), the actual length of the restored data, and the message output indicates one of error type, normal end, and the data to be restored exceeds the maximum length.

Next, the function relationship of the license management server 110 will be described with reference to FIG. The license management server 110 allows the user to
In addition, a user registration function 2901 for user registration, a prepayment function 2902 for enabling advance payment of a desired amount in advance so that a license of the shipped content can be performed, It has a billing processing function 2904 that allows the price to be deducted from the prepaid amount when performing, and a collection function 2903 that collects payment status and prepares for sales distribution. The user must determine a clearinghouse for prepaid prior to licensing the shipped content. After the decision, the site of the clearing house 104 is accessed using a web browser or the like, and the server 110
Using the above user registration function 2901, user registration is performed by registering in the user information file 2905.
At this time, as a settlement method, for example, a credit card number or the like is specified. For this purpose, user registration uses a user identifier and a password. The password is for identifying the person making the prepayment.

The user registration function 2901 operates on the client computer, has a user registration menu for allowing the user to input a user name and a password, and transmitting the information to the server 110. The input data is input from the menu screen. The output data is the user name and password. Further, the user registration function 2901 operates on the server 110, generates a user identifier for the user name received from the client computer, and, together with the password, stores the user identifier in the server 11
It has a user registration module for registering in the user information file 2905 located on the “0”. The input data includes a user name and a password, and the output data is a user information file (including a user identifier and a password).

The pre-payment function 2902 allows the user to use the user identifier and password to
In order to access the site No. 4 and use the prepaid function provided on the server 110, prepaid can be made. At this time, the prepaid amount record 2908, which is a record for accumulating the specified amount, is recorded in the license management database 109 and the prepaid amount log file 2906 on the server 110.

The prepaid function 2902 operates on the client computer, allows the user to input a user identifier, a password, and a prepaid amount, and transmits the information to the server 110. If the success / failure information from the server 110 is normal, the license management platform 107 is requested to create a prepaid amount record 2908 by specifying the clearinghouse identifier, the encrypted password, and the prepaid amount. Wait for the success / failure information, and if the record creation succeeds, send success / failure information to that effect to the server 110. The server 110 has a function of displaying a prepayment menu for invoking the collection of the billing record 2909. The input data is a user identifier, a password, and a prepayment amount, and the output data is a prepayment amount record (clearing house identifier, prepayment amount). And the success / failure information 2.

Further, the prepaid function 2902 has a prepaid processing module. Prepaid processing module is server 11
0 and calls a user check module to check the user identifier and password received from the client computer. In the case of an error, success / failure information is returned to the client computer. If the user is a valid user, success / failure information indicating that the prepayment processing has been normally completed is returned to the client computer. To store. The input data includes a user identifier, a password, and a prepaid amount. The output data is success / failure information, and a log of the prepaid amount record is generated on the server (including the processing date and time).

Further, the prepaid function 2902 includes the server 11
There is a user check module that operates on the user ID 0 and checks whether the user is a legitimate user based on the user identifier and the password. The input data is a user identifier, a password, and a user information file, and the output data is success / failure information.

In the client computer, which shiped content license was executed is recorded in the billing record 2909, and this is collected by the clearinghouse server 110 and distributed to the related creators and distributors. Must be done. In order to distribute the sales, the server 1 collects the uncollected accounting records 2909 in the license management database 109 on the client computer.
10, and the information is stored on the server 110.
The collection is performed at the timing when the user performs the prepaid process.
That is, in the prepaid process, a process for collecting the uncollected accounting record 2909 is always performed.

The charging information collection function 2903 operates on the client computer and has the license management platform 107 read out the charging records 2909 in order. If it is sent to the server 110, the server 1
Wait for success / failure information from 10. There is a billing record collection module that sets the collection date in the billing record 2909 when it receives the success / failure information indicating the normal end, and causes the license management platform 107 to update the billing record. In this billing record collection module, there is a billing record as input data, and a collection date is set for uncollected billing records on the client as output data.

Further, the billing information collection function 2903 operates on the server 110 and records the billing record 2909 received from the client computer as a log in the server 1.
There is a billing record storage module that stores the billing log file 2097 on the server 10 and returns success / failure information to the client computer. The input data is a user identifier and a billing record, and the output data is a log file of the billing record.

Billing function 2904 at the time of license execution
In the case where the user licenses the shipped content, the clearinghouse identifier is specified from the shipped content in order to specify from which prepayment amount record to make payment. Upon receiving a request for billing processing from the shipped content, the license management platform 107 calls a billing processing function corresponding to the clearinghouse identifier. If billing is successful,
A charge record, which is one of charge status information in the license management database 109 and proves that the shipped content has been charged, is added to the license management database 109.

The billing processing function 2904 operates on the client computer, receives the shipped content identifier and the billing amount from the license management platform 107, checks the remaining amount of the prepayment amount record, and, if insufficient, a prepayment prompt message Is issued, and if the balance is sufficient, the license management platform 107 has a function of subtracting the result from the balance and updating the result to the license management platform 107.
Also, there is a function of creating a billing record storing a shipped content identifier, a billing amount, a billing date, and the like, and requesting the license management platform 107 to generate a billing record. Further, there is a function of returning success / failure information to the license management platform 107 that is the calling source. The billing module created for each clearinghouse is
There is a billing module that provides a mechanism that can be correctly called from the license management platform 107 by specifying a clearinghouse identifier. The input data of this module includes the amount requested from the shipped content, the shipped content identifier, and the prepayment amount record. The output data includes success / failure information, balance update, billing record (shipped content identifier, billing amount, billing date). ).

Next, the functional units of the license management server 110 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The client-side user registration function unit 3001 inputs a user identifier and a password from the user at the time of new registration of the user, and passes them to the server-side user registration function unit 3002. At the time of connection after new user registration, a user identifier, a password, and a connection request are input and passed to the server-side user registration function unit 3002. Server side user registration function unit 3002
Receives a user identifier and a password from the client-side user registration function unit 3001 when a new user is registered, and outputs a user information file 2905. At the time of connection after new user registration, a user identifier, a password, and a connection request are received.
The user is confirmed by the user identifier 905 and the password, and an instruction to collect the charging status information is issued to the client-side collection function unit 3006.

The client-side prepaid function unit 3003
The prepayment request from the user is input and passed to the server-side prepayment function unit 3004. The server-side prepaid function unit 3
A prepaid addition request is received from 004, encryption processing is performed, and the result is passed to the security function.

The server side prepaid function unit 3004 receives the prepaid request from the client side prepaid function unit 3003 and outputs a prepaid additional request to the client side prepaid function unit 3003. Further, the prepaid amount log file 290
The prepaid history information is output to 6. Billing function unit 300
5 receives the billing request from the database access function and outputs a prepaid information reference request to the security function. Also receive prepaid information from the security function,
Perform decryption processing, and output the success of charging if the balance of the prepaid information is equal to or more than the charged amount, and output the failure of charging if the balance of the prepaid information is less than the charged amount to the database access function,
Further, the charging status information and the prepaid information update request corresponding to the shipped content identifier are encrypted and output to the security function.

The client-side collection function unit 3006 receives the charge status information collection instruction from the server-side user registration function unit 3002, and passes the charge status information collection request to the security function by performing encryption processing. Further, it receives the extraction result from the security function, performs decryption processing, and sends the result to the server-side collection function unit 3007. The server-side collection function unit 3007 receives the extraction result from the client-side collection function unit 3006 and stores the accounting history information in the accounting log file 2907.

Next, screen transition for acquiring necessary information from the user by the user registration function and the prepaid processing function will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. FIG. 31 shows a user registration screen. On the user registration screen,
The screen transition of the stage is performed. The input screen 3101 receives a user identifier, a password, and a confirmation password from the user.

If the user presses the OK button while a character string is entered in the input line of the user identifier, the password, and the password for confirmation, the screen transits to a “registration error screen” 3102 or a “registration completion screen” 3103. If there is an error in the input character string or the user cannot be registered, the screen transits to a “registration error screen” 3102. If the input character string is correct and user registration has been performed, the screen transits to a “registration completion screen” 3103. If you press the cancel button,
The process ends without performing user registration. The “registration error screen” 3102 displays the cause of the registration failure, and again,
Accepts user identifier, password and confirmation password. If the user presses the OK button while a character string is input in the input line of the user identifier, the password, and the password for confirmation, the screen transits to a “registration error screen” 3102 or a “registration completion screen” 3103. If there is an error in the input character string or the user cannot be registered, the screen transits to a “registration error screen” 3102. If the entered string is correct,
And if user registration is done, "Registration complete screen"
Transition is made to 3103. When the cancel button is pressed, the process ends without performing user registration. "Registration Complete Screen" 3
Reference numeral 103 indicates that the user registration has been completed. The process ends when the OK button or the Cancel button is pressed.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a prepaid amount input screen. On the prepaid amount input screen, the following four stages of screen transition are performed. The input screen 3201 receives a user identifier, a password, and a prepaid amount from the user. Prepaid amount is 1000 yen, 3000 yen, 50 yen displayed in the list
Select from the items of 00 yen. When the user presses the OK button in a state where the character string is input in the input line of the user identifier and the password, the screen transits to a “confirmation screen” 3202. When the cancel button is pressed, the processing ends without performing the prepaid processing. The “confirmation screen” 3202 displays the amount of money to be paid in advance to the user and confirms with the user. By pressing the OK button, the screen transits to an “input error screen” 3203 or a “prepayment completion screen” 3204. If there is an error in the user identifier or the password and the clearing house cannot confirm the customer, the screen transits to an “input error screen” 3203. If the clearinghouse confirms the customer and the prepaid process is successful, the screen transits to a “prepaid completion screen” 3204. When the cancel button is pressed, the processing ends without performing the prepaid processing.

The “input error screen” 3203 allows the user to
It displays that there is an error in the user identifier or the password, and accepts the input of the user identifier, the password and the prepaid amount again. If the user presses the OK button in a state where a character string is input in the input line of the user identifier and the password, the screen transits to a “confirmation screen” 3202. When the cancel button is pressed, the processing ends without performing the prepaid processing.
A “prepayment completion screen” 3204 indicates that the prepayment processing has been completed. The process ends when the OK button or the Cancel button is pressed.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing functions of the license management server 110. In the client part, user registration applet 3301, prepaid applet 330
2. It has a billing function DLL 3303, and performs user's corresponding processing from the server's processing CGI when performing user registration or billing processing with the server. The client part is the license management platform 10
7, the license management database 109 is accessed. In this processing, the client part and the server part are configured as a pair. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the processing shown in FIG. 33 for each function, and the same parts as those in FIG. 30 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The billing processing function part 3501 shown in FIG. 35 does not directly relate to the client part and the server part but exists independently. This is through the license management platform 107
This is because it is called from the shipped content 3502 as a part of the billing processing function.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing processing when the present invention is implemented in a case where the user in FIG. 1 is assumed to be a client and a clearinghouse is assumed to be a server.

The WWW browser 3601 uses the applet 36
Using the application 04, the WEB page 3602 of the license management server 3607 where the clearing house 104 is located is accessed via the applet 3605. Applet 36
05, the CGI 3603 for server access processing is accessed from the applet, and the database 3607 of the license management server of the clearinghouse 104 is updated. At the same time, access is made to the native code of the license management platform 107 which is installed in advance. CG for server access processing
Access the database 3607 from the I3603 and leave a log.

As the applet, a user registration applet and a prepaid applet are created. The user registration applet has a function of registering a user in the clearinghouse 104. The prepaid applet also has the ability to purchase prepaid amount records from the clearinghouse 104,
It has a function of collecting billing records registered in the license management database 109 to the clearing house.

The server part is the clearing house 10
4 on the WWW server provided by CGI and its C
Create as a program called from GI. CG
I is called from a client-side applet and executed. A plurality of CGIs are prepared, and are appropriately called from the user registration applet and the prepaid applet.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the relationship between the interfaces of the accounting processing function. When exchanging with the license management platform 107, the charge processing function part is created as a common part 3701 by the charge processing function DLL which is a dynamic link library (DLL) provided by the clearinghouse.

The charge record request from the license management platform 107 is converted to charge record creation via the charge processing function DLL and sent to the clearing house creation section 3702. As a result, the charge record registration is transferred via the charge processing function DLL 3701. And returns it to the license management platform 107. The DLL must be installed in advance before using the corresponding shipped content. After the installation, it is called from the license management platform 107 and used.

FIG. 38 shows a prepayment amount record. The prepaid amount record is information indicating that the user has prepaid a certain amount of money to the clearinghouse 104, and is recorded in the license management database 109.
This information includes a registration date and time, an update date and time, a clearinghouse identifier, a prepaid date and time, a prepaid amount, a balance, and other information.

FIG. 39 shows a billing record. The billing record is information indicating that the user has been billed when using the shipped content. The billing record is recorded in the license management database 109, and is collected by the license management server 110 by the clearing house 104.
The information is transferred to The clearing house 104 uses this information to create the creator 101 and the distributor 1
02 is distributed. This information includes a registration date and time, an update date and time, a clearinghouse identifier, a billing amount, a shipped content identifier, a creator identifier, a distributor identifier, a content identifier, a balance, a collection date and time, and other information.

FIG. 40 shows the user information file 2905. The user information file 2905 is a file for managing users registered in the clearinghouse 104, and is referred to by the user registration function of the license management server 110. This file 2905 contains 1
One line of a character string is recorded for each user, and the character string includes information of a user identifier and a password.

FIG. 41 shows a prepaid amount log file 2906.
FIG. The prepaid amount log file 2906 is a recording file indicating that the user has purchased the prepaid amount record from the clearinghouse 104, and notifies the clearinghouse 104 when the prepaid function of the license management server 110 creates the prepaid amount record. Created from information. In this file 2906, a character string of one line is recorded for each prepaid amount record, and the character string includes a user identifier, a prepaid date and time, and a prepaid amount.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the accounting log file 2907. The billing log file 2907 is a recording file indicating that the clearinghouse 104 has collected billing records from the user.
A collection function of 0 is created based on the information of the uncollected accounting records collected from the license management database 109. In this file 2907, a character string of one line is recorded for each billing record, and the character string includes
A user identifier, a billing amount, a billing date, a shipped content identifier, a clearinghouse identifier, a creator identifier, a distributor identifier, and a content identifier are included.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a configuration of the cyber studio 106. As shown in FIG. As many media containers are made, the number of media containers owned and supplied from outside naturally increases. Along with this, there arises a request that a user who uses the media container wants to organize and browse the common information of the media container and browse information such as the balance of the possession and the payment status in a simple manner. Information browsing tools created to meet such needs are collectively referred to as cyber studios. Since the browsing method of the media container information handled by the user may be various forms, the browsing method is not provided in a fixed form, and only the information provided from the license management database 109 and the media container is defined as common information. In the present embodiment, the license management database 10
9 and the common information provided from the media container to the cyber studio 106, and a browsing method that is considered to be the most representative will be described using the information. At the request of the user, the list display function 4301 of the cyber studio accesses the database access function unit 1504 of the license platform 107, and
1. Call any one of the charging status information 1502 and the prepaid information 1503, make a reference request or a deletion request, and display a list to the user. Alternatively, the fee payment information view function 4302 is provided by the database access function unit 1504.
, And the charging status information 1502 and the prepayment information 15
03 is called, a reference request for prepaid information and a billing state is made, and a display is made to the user.

First, a function of displaying and organizing the already entered media container common information will be described. Acquisition of information from the license management database 109 is such that when the media container is loaded into the system, various information such as “media container name” and “clearing house name” possessed by the media container are registered in the license management database 109. You. The cyber studio 106 uses the common information of the media container included in the registered information. Deletion of unnecessary entry information was considered as the user obtained the media container, but we considered using it.In the end, we will not use it anymore, such as those that have not been used or that have been used after the expiration date. Some things are obvious. Even if these are not actually used, the license management database 109
Is registered as an unused media container, and is always treated as a target even in the display of a media container already entered in the cyber studio 106. The user wants to delete the registration of the media container that has become unnecessary in this way. Therefore, it is necessary to enable this operation from the cyber studio 106 having a user interface.

The display function of the media container information supplied from the outside can be considered as the supply form of the media container common information from the outside. Both are considered to be the most common form of supply when a large number of media containers are created and supplied from the outside, so the function of the cyber studio 106 to capture and view this information is necessary. Become. Therefore, in particular, the cyber studio 106 includes a common information browsing function of the shipped content held by the user, and a list display function 4301 that is a display function of displaying information on the amount and balance charged by receiving the license. Charge payment information view function 43
02 is provided.

Next, a display example of fee payment information will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45. The license management database 109 stores information on the user's money, such as the balance and payment history, in addition to the information on each media container. Since the information regarding the payment of the fee and the balance is the most important information for the user, the cyber studio 106 displays the deposit / withdrawal status. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a sent content common information view. For the shipped contents registered in the license management database 109 by the user, information common to each of the shipped contents is displayed in a list. Further, it has a user interface for deleting unnecessary content from the license management database 109.

The display items are as follows. The shipped content name indicates the name of the shipped content, and the creator name indicates the creator name of the shipped content. The clearing house name indicates the name of the clearing house of the billing destination. The permission status indicates a schematic display of the permission status of the shipped content. The content type indicates the type of the shipped content, text, video, composition, and the like. The date and time of acquisition indicates the date and time of registration of the current license status.

The following functions and operations are provided for FIG. 44. (1) List display function When the shipped content common information view is called, display items are displayed in a list. The order of the displayed shipped contents is the order obtained from the license management platform. (2) Scroll When the shipped content acquired from the license management platform 107 exceeds a certain amount and cannot be displayed on the window, the display is scrolled using the scroll bar on the right side of the view. (3) Sorting Each item can be sorted in ascending or descending order. By pressing the “△ button” and “▽ button” above each item title, the sorting is performed by the corresponding item and the list display is switched. (4) Deletion of Registered Shipped Contents To delete registered registered contents, check the check box at the left end of the corresponding displayed ship contents. Similarly, after specifying another shipped content to be deleted, the content is deleted by pressing a "register deletion button" below the view (a confirmation dialog is displayed).

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of the fee payment information view. The fee payment information view displays a list of the amount of the license received by the user and the amount paid for the shipped content, the balance of the prepaid amount, and the like.

The clearing house name indicates the name of the clearing house of the billing destination. The last access date indicates the latest date of accessing the license management server of the corresponding clearing. The date and time indicate the date and time when billing and prepayment were made. The content indicates the name of the charged content or “prepaid”. The billing amount indicates the billing amount in the case of billing (blank when prepaid). The prepayment amount indicates the prepayment amount in the case of prepayment (blank when charging). The balance indicates the prepayment balance up to the time when charging and prepayment are performed. The total indicates the sum of the billing amount and the prepayment amount, and the current balance.

The following are provided as functions and operations for FIG. (1) List display function When the fee payment information view is called, display items are displayed in a list. The displayed clearing houses are in the order acquired from the license management platform 107. (2) Scroll If the number of billing / prepayment obtained from the license management platform 107 exceeds a certain amount and cannot be displayed on the window, the display is scrolled using the scroll bar on the right side of the view. At this time, the total column is always displayed instead of the scroll target. (3) Switching of clearing house The clearing house 104 can be switched by pressing the left and right buttons of the clearing house name at the top of the view. By the switching, the last access date and the list display are also switched. (4) Sorting Items can be sorted in ascending or descending order. By pressing the △ button or ▽ button above each item title, sorting by the corresponding item is performed and the list display is switched. The balance item is recalculated /
Is displayed. Creators, distributors,
The computer processing executed by each of the user and the clearinghouse can be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or installed on a general-purpose computer for a fee via a communication medium such as the Internet, and executed. It is possible to provide.

[0133]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The digital content to be managed is stored and distributed in a container composed of program components including the copyright protection processing means and the usage right management processing means, and the digital content stored in the container is used by a user computer. In this case, the use right information held by the user computer is transmitted, and the use right management processing means determines whether or not the user computer has a valid use right based on the use right information. Since the digital content in the container is allowed to be used only under the conditions for which it has the right, the digital content can be reused and re-edited while protecting the rights of the copyright holder, and the digital content is authorized. Use can be promoted.

In addition, the digital content can be reused and re-edited while reliably charging the digital content to the user, and the use of the digital content can be promoted while guaranteeing the price to the copyright holder. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an entire digital content distribution mechanism to which a distribution management method according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the entire processing of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a media container.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a media container.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a synthesis container.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sample example of a media container.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sample example of a media container.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing each data structure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing setting items of a clearing house.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting items of a creator.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing setting items of contents.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing setting items of a distributor.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing setting items of license conditions.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing license definition information of a media container purchased by a user.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a license management platform function.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing details of a database access function.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing details of security information.

FIG. 18 is a table showing security information for a clearing house table.

FIG. 19 is a table showing security information for a prepayment information table.

FIG. 20 is a table showing security information for a charging status information table.

FIG. 21 is a table showing security information for a license status information table.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a security field.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a license management platform environment file.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing processing for preventing unauthorized use of a database on a computer basis.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a computer ID check process.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating post-processing of the security function.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating post-processing of the security function.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating post-processing of the security function.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a function relationship of the license management server.

FIG. 30 describes the function of the license management server in detail.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a user registration screen.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a prepaid amount input screen.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing functions of the license management server.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing each process for each function.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an interface of a billing processing function.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a process when mounting on a client server.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a relationship diagram of an interface of a billing processing function.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a prepayment amount record.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a billing record.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a user information file.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a prepaid amount log file.

FIG. 42 shows a billing log file.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a cyber studio.

FIG. 44 is a view showing a shared content common information view.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a fee payment information view.

[Explanation of symbols]

101: creator, 102: distributor, 1
03 ... user, 104 ... clearing house, 105 ...
Content 106: Cyber studio 107: License management platform 109: License management database 110: License management server

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) H04L 12/54 G09C 1/00 660D 12/58 G06F 15/21 Z // G09C 1/00 660 H04L 11/20 101Z ( 72) Inventor Yasuji Okamoto 4-1-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Kazuyuki Tanaka 6-81, Ouecho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd. In-house (72) Inventor Toyoaki Suzuka 6-81 Onoecho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A method for managing the distribution of digital contents between computers, wherein the digital contents to be managed are stored in a container composed of program parts including copyright protection processing means and usage right management processing means. When storing and distributing and using digital content stored in the container with a user computer, the user computer transmits the usage right information held by the user computer, and the user computer uses the usage right information to determine a valid usage right. Determining whether or not the digital content is possessed by the use right management processing means, and permitting use of the digital content in the container only under conditions having a valid use right. . 2. The container is delivered from a management server that manages the copyright of digital contents distributed to the distribution channel in a state of being stored in the container to the container production computer together with the author identification information for each container to be managed. 2. The digital content distribution management method according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The container production computer stores, in the delivered container, digital content to be managed, sets creator identification information delivered from a management server, and further determines usage conditions of the digital content. 3. The digital content distribution management method according to claim 1, wherein the use condition information is set and distributed to a distribution channel. 4. The digital content distribution management method according to claim 3, wherein said usage right condition information is encrypted and stored in a container. 5. A method for managing the distribution of digital content between computers, comprising: managing a digital content to be managed in a container constituted by program components including copyright protection processing means and usage right management processing means. When storing and distributing and using digital content stored in the container with a user computer, the user computer transmits the usage right information held by the user computer, and the user computer uses the usage right information to determine a valid usage right. Whether or not you have
The usage right management processing means determines whether or not the charging process for the price set in the container is successful, and has a valid usage right, and the digital content in the container is only obtained under the condition that the charging process is successful. A distribution management method for digital contents, characterized in that use is permitted. 6. The container is stored in the container production computer together with the author identification information from the management server that manages the copyright of the digital content distributed to the distribution channel while being stored in the container. 6. The distribution management method for digital contents according to claim 5, wherein the distribution is performed. 7. The container production computer stores, in the delivered container, digital content to be managed, sets creator identification information delivered from a management server, and further uses the content including a price for the digital content. 7. The digital content distribution management method according to claim 5, wherein usage condition information defining conditions is set and distributed to a distribution channel. 8. The digital content distribution management method according to claim 7, wherein said usage right condition information is encrypted and stored in a container. 9. A system for managing the distribution of digital contents between computers, wherein the system is arranged in a container production computer and includes a copyright protection processing means and a usage right management processing means for the digital contents to be managed. Content distribution means for storing and distributing in a container composed of program components; and a distribution server for distributing the container for storing digital content, which is disposed in a management server for managing copyright of digital content. Means for managing the copyright of the digital content distributed to the distribution channel in the stored state; and the user computer itself located in the user computer that uses the digital content and using the digital content stored in the container. Owned by Means for transmitting usage right information to a container to be used, receiving a license for the digital content in the container, and enabling the use of the digital content. 10. The digital content distribution management system according to claim 9, wherein the container is delivered from the management server to the container production computer together with the author identification information for each content to be managed. 11. The container production computer stores, in the delivered container, digital content to be managed, sets creator identification information delivered from a management server, and further determines usage conditions of the digital content. 11. The digital content distribution management system according to claim 9, wherein the use condition information is set and distributed to a distribution channel. 12. The digital content distribution management method according to claim 11, further comprising means for encrypting the use right condition information and holding the encrypted use right condition information in a container. 13. A system for distributing digital contents between computers, in which digital contents to be managed are stored in a container comprising program components including copyright protection processing means and usage right management processing means. A container production computer for delivering digital content, a management server for delivering the container for storing digital content, and managing a copyright of the digital content distributed to the distribution channel while being stored in the container; A user computer that transmits the usage right information owned by the user to the container to be used, receives a license for the digital content in the container, and uses the digital content when using the digital content stored in the digital content. Characterized by Distribution system of the I digital content. 14. A system for managing the distribution of digital contents between computers, wherein the system is arranged in a container production computer and includes a copyright protection processing means and a usage right management processing means for the digital contents to be managed. Content distribution means for storing and distributing in a container composed of program components; and a distribution server for distributing the container for storing digital content, which is disposed in a management server for managing copyright of digital content. Means for managing the copyright and usage rights of the digital content distributed to the distribution channel in a stored state, and when the digital content stored in the container is arranged in a user computer using the digital content, User computer A means for transmitting the usage right information owned by the user to the container to be used, receiving a license for the digital content in the container through a charging process for the price set in the container, and making the digital content usable. And a distribution management system for digital contents. 15. The digital content distribution management system according to claim 14, wherein the container is delivered from the management server to a content production computer together with author identification information in units of containers to be managed. 16. The container production computer stores, in the delivered container, digital content to be managed, sets creator identification information delivered from a management server, and further determines usage conditions of the digital content. 16. The digital content distribution management system according to claim 14, wherein the use condition information is set and distributed to a distribution channel. 17. The digital content distribution management method according to claim 16, further comprising means for encrypting the use right condition information and storing the encrypted use right condition information in a container. 18. A system for distributing digital content between computers, wherein the digital content to be managed is stored in a container composed of program components including copyright protection processing means and usage right management processing means. A container production computer for delivering digital content, a management server for delivering the container for storing digital content, and managing a copyright of the digital content distributed to the distribution channel while being stored in the container; When using the digital content stored in the container, the user transmits the usage right information held by the user to the container to be used, and licenses the digital content in the container through a charging process for the price set in the container. Receiving the digital content And a user computer for use.