Abstract: An encrypted-data decrypting apparatus that provides enhanced security protection for programs and data while they are in the processes of decryption to execution after having been encrypted. When a decrypted partial program needs to be loaded into the shared memory M, the controlling unit 11 loads it into an area indicated by the memory location information. According to the memory location information, a plurality of partial programs are sequentially loaded into an area so that one partial program gets overwritten by another; therefore, none of the partial programs exists in the memory for a long time, and thus there is less possibility of having the partial programs referred to illegitimately. In addition, since every time some data is decrypted, the decryption support program authenticating unit 13 confirms authenticity of the decryption support program P, it is possible to prevent having illegitimate references in which the decryption support program is abused.

Abstract: In a data processing apparatus that switches between a secure mode and a normal mode during execution, the secure mode allowing access to secure resources to be protected, the normal mode not allowing access to the secure resources, when the secure resources increase in the secure mode, the load on a protection mechanism for protecting the resources becomes large. Thus, there is a demand for data processing apparatuses that are able to reduce secure resources. The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus that stores therein a secure program including one or more processing procedures which use secure resources and a call instruction for calling a normal program to be executed in a normal mode. While executing the secure program, the data processing apparatus calls the normal program with the call instruction and operates according to the called normal program.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card for storing audio information with corresponding text information and type information, where the type information indicates a type of the text information. The type is classified into at least (a), (b), and (c) in which the text information respectively includes (a) a 1-byte character code sequence, (b) a 2-byte character code sequence, and (c) a 1-byte character code sequence and a 2-byte character code sequence.

Abstract: A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A data length NOM of an area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster.

Abstract: A management apparatus stores pairs of copyrighted contents and numbers of permitted check-outs. On being requested to perform check-out for a semiconductor memory card, the management apparatus records an audio object (AOB) corresponding to a content in the semiconductor memory card, assigns a content ID to the AOB, and decrements a corresponding number of permitted check-outs. An editing and playback apparatus plays back the AOB recorded in the semiconductor memory card. The editing and playback apparatus edits the AOB and assigns a content ID, which is the same as the content ID of the original AOB, to each new AOB obtained by the editing. A local storage holds history information including a media ID and the content ID assigned to the original AOB.

Abstract: A program execution device capable of protecting a program against unauthorized analysis and alteration is provided. The program execution device includes an execution unit, a first protection unit, and a second protection unit. The execution unit executes a first program and a second program, and is connected with an external device that is capable of controlling the execution. The first protection unit disconnects the execution unit from the external device while the execution unit is executing the first program. The second protection unit protects the first program while the execution unit is executing the second program.

Abstract: A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A data length NOM of an area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster.

Abstract: A distribution server 103 distributes a content via a network, and a KIOSK terminal 105 receives the content via the network and records the content in an SD memory card 100. A customer device 111 receives a content via the SD memory card 100, checks out the content and records a copy on a recording medium. SD-Audio players 122 to 124 receive a copy of the content and play back the copy. Here, the KIOSK terminal 105 records a Usage Rule that certifies the right to control recording of content on the SD memory card 100. Move Control Information showing the number of times that moving of rights is permitted is set in the Usage Rule.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card comprising a control IC 302, a flash memory 303, and a ROM 304. The ROM 304 holds information such as a medium ID 341 unique to the semiconductor memory card. The flash memory 303 includes an authentication memory 332 and a non-authentication memory 331. The authentication memory 332 can be accessed only by external devices which have been affirmatively authenticated. The non-authentication memory 331 can be accessed by external devices whether the external devices have been affirmatively authenticated or not. The control IC 302 includes control units 325 and 326, an authentication unit 321 and the like. The control units 325 and 326 control accesses to the authentication memory 332 and the non-authentication memory 331, respectively. The authentication unit 321 executes a mutual authentication with an external device.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card comprising a control IC 302, a flash memory 303, and a ROM 304. The ROM 304 holds information such as a medium ID 341 unique to the semiconductor memory card. The flash memory 303 includes an authentication memory 332 and a non-authentication memory 331. The authentication memory 332 can be accessed only by external devices which have been affirmatively authenticated. The non-authentication memory 331 can be accessed by external devices whether the external devices have been affirmatively authenticated or not. The control IC 302 includes control units 325 and 326, an authentication unit 321 and the like. The control units 325 and 326 control accesses to the authentication memory 332 and the non-authentication memory 331, respectively. The authentication unit 321 executes a mutual authentication with an external device.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card for storing audio information with corresponding text information and type information, where the type information indicates a type of the text information. The type is classified into at least (a), (b), and (c) in which the text information respectively includes (a) a 1-byte character code sequence, (b) a 2-byte character code sequence, and (c) a 1-byte character code sequence and a 2-byte character code sequence.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card for storing audio information with corresponding text information and type information, where the type information indicates a type of the text information. The type is classified into at least (a), (b), and (c) in which the text information respectively includes (a) a 1-byte character code sequence, (b) a 2-byte character code sequence, and (c) a 1-byte character code sequence and a 2-byte character code sequence.

Abstract: An audio stream is divided into a plurality of audio object (AOB) files that are recorded having each been encrypted using a different encryption key. At least one piece of track management information (TKI) is provided corresponding to each track. Playlist information (PLI) assigns a playback position in a playback order to each track when a plurality of tracks are to be played back one after the other.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus switches between an Operating System 1 and an Operating System 2 during operation and comprises: a storing unit including a first area storing data managed by OS1, a second area storing a reset handler containing instructions for returning to OS2 and for branching to OS2, and a switching unit that switches connection/disconnection of the first area with outside; a table storing unit storing information showing the reset handler's position; a CPU having a program counter and executing an instruction at a position indicated by positional information in the program counter; and a management unit that, when instructed to switch from OS1 to OS2 while the apparatus is operating with OS1, instructs the switching unit to disconnect the first area and the CPU to reset. When instructed to reset itself, the CPU initializes its state and sets the reset handler positional information into the program counter.

Abstract: At least one set of revocation information for identifying electronic appliances that should be revoked for content protection and master revocation information for identifying electronic appliances that have special permission to update the revocation information are recorded in advance into a special storage region on a storage medium. When the storage medium is loaded into an electronic appliance indicated by the master revocation information, the revocation information can be updated. However, when the storage medium is loaded into an electronic appliance indicated by the revocation information, the electronic appliance is revoked and so the protection of contents is improved.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card stores a plurality of audio objects (AOBs) that compose a plurality of tracks and playlist information showing a reproduction order for the tracks. The semiconductor memory card also stores, as resume information (PLMG_RSM_PL), (1) a Playlist_Number showing which playlist information was used the last time playback was performed for the semiconductor memory card, (2) a Track_Number showing the last track to be played back, and (3) a Playback_Time showing a position at which where playback was stopped as a time expressed in relation to the start of the track.

Abstract: A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A data length NOM of an area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster.

Abstract: An audio stream is divided into a plurality of audio object (AOB) files that are recorded having each been encrypted using a different encryption key. At least one piece of track management information (TKI) is provided corresponding to each track. Playlist information (PLI) assigns a playback position in a playback order to each track when a plurality of tracks are to be played back one after the other.

Abstract: At least one set of revocation information for identifying electronic appliances that should be revoked for content protection and master revocation information for identifying electronic appliances that have special permission to update the revocation information are recorded in advance into a special storage region on a storage medium. When the storage medium is loaded into an electronic appliance indicated by the master revocation information, the revocation information can be updated. However, when the storage medium is loaded into an electronic appliance indicated by the revocation information, the electronic appliance is revoked and so the protection of contents is improved.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card comprising a control IC 302, a flash memory 303, and a ROM 304. The ROM 304 holds information such as a medium ID 341 unique to the semiconductor memory card. The flash memory 303 includes an authentication memory 332 and a non-authentication memory 331. The authentication memory 332 can be accessed only by external devices which have been affirmatively authenticated. The non-authentication memory 331 can be accessed by external devices whether the external devices have been affirmatively authenticated or not. The control IC 302 includes control units 325 and 326, an authentication unit 321 and the like. The control units 325 and 326 control accesses to the authentication memory 332 and the non-authentication memory 331, respectively. The authentication unit 321 executes a mutual authentication with an external device.