Abstract: A user can watch desired content among a plurality of encrypted contents recorded in a storage apparatus having a large capacity recording medium when the user wants to watch. Usage Pass (UP) necessary for watching content and encrypted content are recorded in a rental storage apparatus. The UP is in an invalid state when the storage apparatus is rented, and processing for validating the corresponding UP is executed between the storage apparatus and a host apparatus through which content is watched to thereby make content watchable. A history that processing for validating the UP is executed is recorded in the storage apparatus. A service provider bills a content use fee to the user based on the history of the storage apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a content data management system that handles control information on management of content data decryption includes a first device (a recorder/player) for recording/reproducing the content data, a second device (a magnetic disk drive) for storing the content data, and a host processor for controlling data transfer between the first and second devices.

Abstract: The invention flexibly limits a terminal able to play content and prevents unfair utilization of the content. In one embodiment, an identifier proper to each terminal device is allocated to discriminate each playback equipment. The identifier of a terminal which is allowed to play the content is registered to this license. When the content is played, authentication is performed between the terminal device as a license transfer destination and a memory device as a license transfer source. The identifier of the terminal device itself is transmitted to the memory device as a transfer source at an authenticating time. The memory device collates the identifier sent from the terminal device with an identifier registered to the license. If these identifiers are the same identifier, the memory device transfers the license to the terminal device. In contrast to this, if these identifiers are different identifiers, the memory device stops the transfer of the license.

Abstract: The original content and the converted content obtained by converting the original content are encrypted by the same content key. A license containing data of use conditions such as the content key and a use period is recorded in an area of a storage medium limited for access. When the converted content is used with an external storage medium, a copy of an original license is created, a use period of the copy is changed to a use period of the converted content designated by a user, and the license is output as a converted content license to the external storage device. The use period of the original content is rewritten to prevent its overlapping with a use period defined by the converted license.

Abstract: The present invention provides a content viewing system constructed so that even when a user uses different content viewing systems, the user's preference information stored on a storage device is used and updated. The content viewing system includes: a storage device authentication unit that authenticates a removable storage device on which is stored a user's preference information created from a content viewing history in any other content viewing system; a content list acquisition unit that acquires an acquirable content list; a content search unit that reads out the user's preference information from the storage device, refers to the user's preference information that has been read out, and searches for content from the content list; a content acquisition unit that acquires the content detected during the search; and a storage control unit that stores the acquired content on the storage device.

Abstract: A user can watch desired content among a plurality of encrypted contents recorded in a storage apparatus having a large capacity recording medium when the user wants to watch. Usage Pass (UP) necessary for watching content and encrypted content are recorded in a rental storage apparatus. The UP is in an invalid state when the storage apparatus is rented, and processing for validating the corresponding UP is executed between the storage apparatus and a host apparatus through which content is watched to thereby make content watchable. A history that processing for validating the UP is executed is recorded in the storage apparatus. A service provider bills a content use fee to the user based on the history of the storage apparatus.

Abstract: In order to securely back up data that is recorded in a mobile storage device, a storage device that connects to an external device so as to communicate with the external device includes a switch for switching functions of a control section under the control, a section for holding unique information belong to the storage device, a section for receiving a unique key belonging to the external device from the external device, a section for generating a backup key by use of the unique key belonging to the external device which has been obtained from the external device and the unique information belonging to the storage device, a section for encrypting a copy of digital data that has been recorded in the storage device by use of the backup key.

Abstract: The original content and the converted content obtained by converting the original content are encrypted by the same content key. A license containing data of use conditions such as the content key and a use period is recorded in an area of a storage medium limited for access. When the converted content is used with an external storage medium, a copy of an original license is created, a use period of the copy is changed to a use period of the converted content designated by a user, and the license is output as a converted content license to the external storage device. The use period of the original content is rewritten to prevent its overlapping with a use period defined by the converted license.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a content data management system that handles control information on management of content data decryption includes a first device (a recorder/player) for recording/reproducing the content data, a second device (a magnetic disk drive) for storing the content data, and a host processor for controlling data transfer between the first and second devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for transferring data. In one embodiment, a transfer processing method for transferring, in addition to key data for decryption of encrypted content data, required information inclusive of conditions for using the content data, from one device to another device, the transfer processing method comprising: conducting mutual authentication of validity between the two devices; encrypting the required information with one of the two devices with symmetric key data obtained during the authentication; selecting one of a plurality of predetermined processing modes provided to conduct data transfer between both of the two devices; and transferring the required information that has been encrypted with one of the two devices, to the other device in accordance with the selected mode of transfer processing.

Abstract: The invention flexibly limits a terminal able to play content and prevents unfair utilization of the content. In one embodiment, an identifier proper to each terminal device is allocated to discriminate each playback equipment. The identifier of a terminal which is allowed to play the content is registered to this license. When the content is played, authentication is performed between the terminal device as a license transfer destination and a memory device as a license transfer source. The identifier of the terminal device itself is transmitted to the memory device as a transfer source at an authenticating time. The memory device collates the identifier sent from the terminal device with an identifier registered to the license. If these identifiers are the same identifier, the memory device transfers the license to the terminal device. In contrast to this, if these identifiers are different identifiers, the memory device stops the transfer of the license.