Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.v.

Haruko Takano

Tatsuya Hirai

Yukihide Inagaki

Shuichi Miyazaki

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.

Storage apparatus, method for validating encrypted content and terminal apparatus

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. The host processor exercises control for the system to inquire of both devices as to a transfer function for internal data of the devices, then depending on particular inquiry results, set up, prior to the data transfer between the two devices, either a first transfer mode for transferring the control information unidirectionally from the first device to the second device, or a second transfer mode for transferring the control information bidirectionally between both devices, authenticate mutual validity between the first and second devices, share key data (symmetric key data) between the first and second devices if authentication results indicate validity, encrypt the control information with the first or second device by using the key data, and transfer the control information that has been encrypted with either device to the other device in the first or second transfer mode that has been set up.

System and device for managing control data

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.

Method for limiting utilizing terminal of contents, and storage device and system for method

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.

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Yokohama, Japan

Haruko Takano