Sony Corporation

Akihiro Muto

Tateo Oishi

Yoshihito Ishibashi

Jun Kitahara

Shinako Matsuyama

Tomoyuki Asano

Taizo Shirai

Yoshikatsu Niwa

Shinya Masunaga

Tomoaki Takemura

Tsunemitsu Takase

Taizou Shirai

A content reproduction apparatus is provided for reproducing variable-speed content. The content reproduction apparatus includes a data acquisition section for obtaining first streaming data and second streaming data, wherein the first streaming data includes first reproduction time data indicating a time to reproduce the first streaming data at a first streaming speed, and wherein the second streaming data includes second reproduction time data indicating a time to reproduce the second streaming data at a second streaming speed. The content reproduction apparatus also includes a reproduction time acquisition section for calculating a third reproduction time according to the first reproduction time data, the second reproduction time data, and a relationship between the first streaming speed and the second streaming speed, the third reproduction time being a time to reproduce the first streaming data at the first streaming speed followed by the second streaming data at the first streaming speed.

Content reproduction apparatus, content reproduction method, and program

Content data encrypted with a content key, the content key encrypted with an individual key specific to an information sending device, and the individual key encrypted with a distribution key that is updated in a predetermined cycle, and supplied are sent to an information receiving device, and the information receiving device decrypts the individual key with the distribution key, decrypts the content key with the individual key, and decrypts the content data with the content key. Thus, the information sending device does not have the distribution key, and accordingly piracy of content data can be prevented with a simple configuration. Also, the information receiving device sends the content key and a playback command to other apparatuses. Thus, other apparatuses can play back contents using the playback command and the content key. Furthermore, the information sending device decrypts the content key with the distribution key before being updated, and stores the same. Thus, contents purchased by an advance order can be actually purchased regardless of expiration dates of the distribution key. Furthermore, usage right is passed from a first information receiving device to a second information receiving device different in registration information at the tome of using contents. Thus, contents can be used among information receiving devices different from each other in registration information.

Information sending system, information sending device, information receiving device, information distribution system, information receiving system, information sending method, information receiving method, information distribution method, apparatus, sending method of information receiving device, playback method of apparatus, method of using contents and program storing medium

An information receiving apparatus receives identification information and encrypted identification information and makes a comparison between them to allow prevention of illegal utilization of contents data. Also, a data storage apparatus can record contents data encrypted by a content key and the content key so that the contents data can be reproduced on other apparatuses to improve versatility. Moreover, a management apparatus can manage the contents data in the data storage apparatus to allow other apparatuses to utilize it. And also, an information regulating apparatus can verify a signature on available data to prevent illegal utilization of the contents data. Furthermore, the data storage apparatus can store the content key, its handling policies, the contents data encrypted by the content key and its license conditions information so as to safely provide the contents data. In addition, an information recording apparatus can select favorite contents data and store it on the data storage apparatus. Furthermore, the information receiving apparatus can prevent utilization of provision-prohibited contents data by a provision prohibition list.

Systems and methods for content distribution using one or more distribution keys

A user who repeatedly purchases the same electronic content is entitled to receive a discount price for the additional purchases. This is accomplished by establishing an 'Accounting History' of accounting information that is prepared when the electronic content is repurchased. The price of the repurchased electronic content is set to 'Discount Price,' which is less than the original price at which the electronic content was purchased for the first time. Since accounts are settled based on the accounting information with &#x201c;Accounting History&#x201d; set to &#x201c;Discount Price,&#x201d; the user who is purchasing the same content again can buy it at a discount price.

Apparatus and system for providing fee-based content

Information transmission system, transmitter, and transmission method as well as information reception system, receiver and reception method

An information processing apparatus utilizing encrypted information corresponding to content of purchased right, includes a memory for storing the encrypted information, usage control policy indicating content of purchased right and price tag for specifying price content corresponding to the content of the purchased right. A first generating device generates a usage control status including the purchase history of the information on the basis of the usage control policy and the price tag stored in the memory. A setting device sets usage history based on usage of the information to the usage control status. A second generating device calculates an accounting price and generates accounting information including the accounting price based on the purchase history or the usage history, and/or puts a limit on purchasable usage conditions based on the purchase history or the usage history on the occasion the right is purchased again on different format from the control policy.

Information processing apparatus and method, and distribution medium

A coded-data special reproduction method which reads out and decodes unit group data composed of intra-frame coded data, inter-frame forward predictive coded data and bidirectionally predictive coded data, then writes the decoded data into a frame buffer means and, after reading out the data therefrom, displays such data. The method comprises the steps of continuously decoding portions of the intra-frame coded data and the inter-frame forward predictive coded data constituting the unit group data read out, while intermittently decoding the remaining coded data; writing the decoded data in the frame buffer means; reading out the data therefrom in a reverse order of the original pictures; and displaying the pictures thus read out. An apparatus contrived to carry out the above method comprises a buffer for storing the group data; a decoder for decoding the coded data obtained from the buffer; and a frame buffer for storing the respective coded data decoded by the decoder. Special reverse reproduction of the coded data can be achieved to realize natural reproduced pictures on a display device without the necessity of raising the coded-data transfer rate to the decoder or increasing the storage capacity of the frame buffer.

Method and apparatus for reproducing coded data in which the coded data

A method and apparatus for reproducing data by optically reading out recorded signals from a recording medium. An encoded data decoding unit 4 separates header data from data read out from an optical disc 1. The header data information is sent to a controller 6. The controller calculates the value of the readout data quantity which permits data reproduction, decides the readout patterns of the encoded data and controls data transfer from an encoded data decoding unit 4 to a decoder 5. For special reproduction of variable length encoded data, an optimum readout pattern may be partially selected from the encoded data without causing disorder in the data supply to the decoder.

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Tokyo, Japan

Akihiro Muto