U.S. patent application number 10/019794 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-07 for digital data dealing system.
Invention is credited to Sakamoto, Tetsuhiro.
Application Number | 20020165828 10/019794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18642751 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020165828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sakamoto, Tetsuhiro |
November 7, 2002 |
Digital data dealing system
Abstract
A transaction managing portion 2, a copyright owner 3 of digital
data, a user 4 of digital data, and a transaction intermediary 5
who intermediates transactions are connected through a
communication network using the Internet. The transaction managing
portion 2 stores digital data, encryption key data, chronological
change of the circulation number of the encryption key data,
chronological change of the number of transactions, identification
information of the transaction intermediary 5 and the user 4, and
so forth. In addition, the transaction managing portion 2 decides
whether or not transactions are concluded corresponding to the
number of demanded digital data and the number of supplied digital
data supplied through the communication network, identification
information and asset information of people concerned with the
transactions, identification of encryption key data, and so forth
and performs data distributing and charging processes and so forth.
Moreover, the transaction managing portion 2 manages transaction
data of encryption key data such as the circulation number thereof,
the number of concluded transactions thereof, and the transaction
prices thereof and publicizes the transaction data on the
network.
Inventors: |
Sakamoto, Tetsuhiro; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jay H Maioli
Cooper & Dunham
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
18642751 |
Appl. No.: |
10/019794 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
May 8, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP01/03836 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/382 20130101;
H04L 9/0891 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; H04L 2209/56 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/64 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 8, 2000 |
JP |
2000-134479 |
Claims
1. A digital data selling and buying transaction system for
performing selling and buying transactions for an encryption key
for encrypted digital data among a plurality of terminal units
connected through a communication network, comprising the processes
of: receiving buying request data representing a buying order and a
buying condition for the encryption key for the encrypted digital
data, the buying request data being transmitted through the
communication network; receiving selling request data representing
a selling request and a selling condition for the encryption key
for the encrypted digital data, the selling request data being
transmitted trough the communication network; deciding a
transaction price for the encryption key for the digital data
corresponding to the received buying request data and selling
request data for the encryption key; and concluding transactions of
the buying request and the selling request corresponding to the
decided transaction price.
2. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, further comprising the process of: storing
information with respect to selling and buying transactions.
3. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, further comprising the process of: publicizing
the information with respect to selling and buying transactions
through the communication network.
4. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the use of the digital data has been
limited.
5. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the digital data is character data.
6. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the digital data is picture data.
7. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the digital data is audio data.
8. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the digital data is program data for a
game.
9. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, further comprising the process of: storing the
digital data to a device that performs a process for concluding the
selling and buying transactions.
10. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the process for concluding the selling
and buying transactions is performed corresponding to the
transaction price.
11. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 10, wherein the transaction price is stored in a
device that performs a process for concluding the selling and
buying transactions as the time elapses.
12. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the process for concluding the selling
and buying transactions is performed corresponding to information
with respect to people concerned with selling and buying
transactions.
13. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 12, wherein the information with respect to the
people concerned contains identification information and personal
information thereof.
14. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, further comprising the process of: publicizing
part or all of information with respect to a process for concluding
the selling and buying transactions through the communication
network.
15. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein part of all of information with respect
to a process for concluding the selling and buying transactions is
stored and the stored content is frequently rewritten.
16. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein buyer side data that represents the
buying condition is data with respect to a buying price.
17. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein buyer side data that represents the
buying condition is data with respect to a buying transaction
execution date.
18. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein buyer side data that represents the
buying condition is data with respect to a buying transaction
settlement method.
19. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein seller side data that represents the
selling condition is data with respect to a selling price.
20. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein seller side data that represents the
selling condition is data with respect to a selling transaction
execution date.
21. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, wherein seller side data that represents the
selling condition is data with respect to a selling transaction
settlement method.
22. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 1, further comprising the process of: settling
concluded selling and buying transactions and generating data with
respect to a paying and receiving process corresponding to the
settled result.
23. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 22, further comprising the process of: rewriting
asset information of personal information of people concerned with
the settled selling and buying transactions so as to pay and/or
receive the price with respect to the selling and buying
transactions.
24. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 22, wherein the digital data has been encrypted so
as to limit the use thereof, and wherein the digital data is
converted into data that can be used by a process performed with
auxiliary data corresponding to the digital data.
25. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, wherein the transaction price is decided for the
auxiliary digital data.
26. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, further comprising the process of: storing the
auxiliary digital data to a device that performs a process for
concluding the selling and buying transactions.
27. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, wherein the process for concluding the selling
and buying transactions is performed corresponding to
identification information of the auxiliary digital data.
28. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, wherein the process for concluding the selling
and buying transactions is performed corresponding to the number of
the buyer side data and/or the number of the seller side data with
respect to the digital data and/or the auxiliary digital data.
29. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 28, wherein the number of the buyer side data and/or
the number of the seller side data with respect to the digital data
and/or the auxiliary digital data are stored in a device that
performs a process for concluding the selling and buying
transactions as the time elapses.
30. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, wherein the process for concluding the selling
and buying transactions is performed corresponding to the number of
the digital data and/or the number of the auxiliary digital data
that can be supplied and/or received.
31. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 30, wherein the number of the digital data and/or
the number of the auxiliary digital data that can be supplied
and/or received are stored in a device that performs a process for
concluding the selling and buying transactions as the time
elapses.
32. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, wherein the process for concluding the selling
and buying transactions is performed with: the number and contents
of the buyer side data and/or the number and contents of the seller
side data corresponding to the digital data and/or the auxiliary
digital data, and the number of the digital data and/or the number
of the auxiliary digital data that can be supplied and/or received,
and wherein selling and buying transactions concluding process
comprises the process of: reading the number of the buyer side data
and/or the number of the seller side data corresponding to the
digital data and/or the auxiliary digital data and the number of
the digital data and/or the number of the auxiliary digital data
that can be supplied and/or received, the number of the buyer side
data, the number of seller side data, the number of the digital
data, and the number of the auxiliary digital data having been
stored; and deciding a transaction price corresponding to data that
is read by the first reading process.
33. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, wherein the process for concluding the selling
and buying transactions is performed corresponding to: information
with respect to people concerned with the selling and buying
transactions, identification information of the auxiliary digital
data, and a transaction price decided for the digital data and/or
the auxiliary digital data, and wherein the process for concluding
the selling and buying transactions comprises the processes of:
reading the information with respect to the people concerned, the
identification information of the auxiliary digital data, and the
transaction price decided for the digital data and/or the auxiliary
digital data, the information with respect to the people concerned,
the identification information of the auxiliary digital data, and
the transaction price decided for the digital data and/or the
auxiliary digital data having being stored; and deciding the
transaction price corresponding to the data that is read by the
second reading process.
34. The digital data selling and buying transaction system as set
forth in claim 24, further comprising the process of: transmitting
the digital data and/or the auxiliary digital data with respect to
the concluded selling and buying transactions to a buyer with
respect to the concluded selling and buying transactions through
the communication network.
35. An auxiliary digital data selling and buying system,
comprising: a selling processing device for performing a process
for selling auxiliary digital data with respect to a process for
canceling the limitation of the use of digital data; a buying
processing device for performing a process for buying the auxiliary
digital data; and a selling and buying processing device for
performing a process for receiving a selling request from said
selling processing device and a buying request from said buying
processing device and concluding selling and buying transactions,
said selling processing device, said buying processing device, and
said selling and buying processing device being connected through a
communication network, wherein said selling processing device
comprises: transmitting means for transmitting user identification
information and a selling request of a selling applicant of the
auxiliary digital data through the communication network, receiving
means for receiving a selling notification for the digital data
transmitted from said selling and buying processing device through
the communication network, erasing means having a function for
erasing the auxiliary digital data, and controlling means for
controlling said transmitting means so that the user identification
information and the selling request are transmitted to said selling
and buying processing device and controlling said erasing means so
that the auxiliary data is erased when said receiving means has
received the selling notification transmitted from said selling and
buying processing device through the communication network, wherein
said buying processing device comprises: transmitting means for
transmitting user identification information and a buying request
of a buying applicant of the auxiliary digital data through the
communication network, receiving means for receiving a buying
notification of the digital data and/or the auxiliary digital data
transmitted from said selling and buying processing device through
the communication network, and controlling means for controlling
said transmitting means so that the user identification information
and the buying request are transmitted to said selling and buying
processing device through the communication network, and wherein
said selling and buying processing device comprises: receiving
means for receiving the user identification information and the
selling request transmitted from said selling processing device
through the communication network and/or the user identification
information and the buying request transmitted from said buying
processing device through the communication network, storing means
for storing user management information and the auxiliary digital
data, the user management information correlating the user
identification information and information that represents the
state of ownership of the auxiliary digital data and the digital
data, selling and buying transaction concluding processing means
for concluding the selling and buying transactions of the auxiliary
digital data corresponding to the user identification information
and the selling request received by said receiving means from said
selling processing device and the user identification information
and the buying request received by said receiving means from said
buying processing device, transmitting means having a function for
transmitting the auxiliary digital data and a selling notification
thereof through the communication network, and controlling means
for performing a process for updating the user management
information stored in said storing means corresponding to the user
identification information of the selling applicant and/or the user
identification information of the buying applicant received by said
receiving means, a process for reading the auxiliary digital data
to be transmitted from said storing means to the buying applicant,
a process for controlling said transmitting means so that the
auxiliary digital data that has been read to said buying processing
device, and a process for controlling said transmitting means so
that the selling notification is transmitted to said selling
processing device, when the selling and buying transactions of the
auxiliary digital data have been concluded.
36. The auxiliary digital data selling and buying system as set
forth in claim 35, wherein said storing means of said selling and
buying processing device further stores the digital data, wherein
said transmitting means of said selling and buying processing
device has a function for transmitting the digital data, and
wherein said controlling means of said selling and buying
processing device performs a process for reading the digital data
to be transmitted from said storing means to the buying applicant
and a process for controlling said transmitting means so that the
digital data that has been read is transmitted to said buying
processing device.
37. The auxiliary digital data selling and buying system as set
forth in claim 36, wherein said selling and buying processing
device performs an encrypting process for the digital data with
respect to the auxiliary digital data before transmitting the
digital data to said buying processing device.
38. The auxiliary digital data selling and buying system as set
forth in claim 35, wherein the auxiliary digital data contains
information with respect to user identification information of a
person who has the right of use of the digital data corresponding
to the auxiliary digital data.
39. The auxiliary digital data selling and buying system as set
forth in claim 38, wherein said selling and buying processing
device performs a process for rewriting information with respect to
user identification information of a person who has the right of
use for digital data corresponding to the auxiliary digital data
before transmitting the auxiliary digital data to said buying
processing device.
40. The auxiliary digital data selling and buying system as set
forth in claim 35, wherein said selling and buying processing
device further performs a process for settling concluded selling
and buying transactions and generating data with respect to a
paying and receiving process corresponding to the settled
result.
41. The auxiliary digital data selling and buying system as set
forth in claim 40, wherein said selling and buying processing
device further performs a process for rewriting asset information
of personal information of people concerned with the concluded
selling and buying transactions through the communication network
so that the price with the selling and buying transaction is paid
and/or received.
42. The auxiliary digital data selling and buying system as set
forth in claim 40, wherein if a person concerned with selling and
buying transactions is a selling applicant of auxiliary digital
data corresponding to digital data and a buying application of
auxiliary digital data corresponding to another digital data, when
both selling and buying transactions corresponding to a selling
request and a buying request of the person are concluded, said
selling and buying processing apparatus performs a process for
calculating the sum of asset transferred in each of the concluded
selling and buying transactions as part of data with respect to the
paying and receiving process, said selling and buying processing
device performs a process for causing said selling processing
device of the person to erase the auxiliary digital data
corresponding to the digital data, and said selling and buying
processing device performs a process for transmitting the auxiliary
digital data corresponding to the other digital data to said buying
processing device of the person.
43. The digital data selling and buying transacting method as set
forth in claim 42, wherein said selling and buying processing
device further performs a process for rewriting asset information
of personal information of the person concerned corresponding to
the sum of the transferred asset so that the price for the selling
and buying transactions is paid and/or received.
44. A digital data selling and buying transaction method for
performing selling and buying transactions for digital data through
a wired or wireless communication network, comprising the steps of:
receiving buyer side data that represents a buying order for
digital data and a buying condition through the communication
network; receiving seller side data that represents a selling order
for digital data and a selling condition through the communication
network; deciding a transaction price of the digital data
corresponding to the number and contents of the buyer side data and
the number and contents of the seller side data; and concluding the
selling and buying transactions corresponding to the transaction
price.
45. An auxiliary digital data selling and buying method, comprising
the steps of performing a process for selling auxiliary digital
data with respect to a process for canceling the limitation of the
use of digital data; performing a process for buying the auxiliary
digital data; and performing a process for receiving a selling
request from the selling processing step and a buying request from
the buying processing step and concluding selling and buying
transactions, the selling processing step, the buying processing
step, and the selling and buying processing step being performed by
transmitting and receiving data through a communication network,
wherein the selling processing step comprises the steps of:
transmitting user identification information and a selling request
of a selling applicant of the auxiliary digital data through the
communication network, receiving a selling notification for the
digital data transmitted from the selling and buying processing
step through the communication network, having a function for
erasing the auxiliary digital data, and controlling the
transmitting step so that the user identification information and
the selling request are transmitted to the selling and buying
processing step and controlling the erasing step so that the
auxiliary data is erased when the receiving step has received the
selling notification transmitted from the selling and buying
processing step through the communication network, wherein the
buying processing step comprises the steps of: transmitting user
identification information and a buying request of a buying
applicant of the auxiliary digital data through the communication
network, receiving a buying notification of the digital data and/or
the auxiliary digital data transmitted from the selling and buying
processing step through the communication network, and controlling
the transmitting step so that the user identification information
and the buying request are transmitted to the selling and buying
processing step through the communication network, and wherein the
selling and buying processing step comprises the steps of:
receiving the user identification information and the selling
request transmitted from the selling processing step through the
communication network and/or the user identification information
and the buying request transmitted from the buying processing step
through the communication network, storing user management
information and the auxiliary digital data, the user management
information correlating the user identification information and
information that represents the state of ownership of the auxiliary
digital data and the digital data, concluding the selling and
buying transactions of the auxiliary digital data corresponding to
the user identification information and the selling request
received by the receiving step from the selling processing step and
the user identification information and the buying request received
by the receiving step from the buying processing step, having a
function for transmitting the auxiliary digital data and a selling
notification thereof through the communication network, and
performing a process for updating the user management information
stored in the storing step corresponding to the user identification
information of the selling applicant and/or the user identification
information of the buying applicant received by the receiving step,
a process for reading the auxiliary digital data to be transmitted
from the storing step to the buying applicant, a process for
controlling the transmitting step so that the auxiliary digital
data that has been read to the buying processing step, and a
process for controlling the transmitting step so that the selling
notification is transmitted to the selling processing step, when
the selling and buying transactions of the auxiliary digital data
have been concluded.
46. A digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus for
performing selling and buying transactions for an encryption key
for encrypted digital data among a plurality of terminal units
connected through a communication network, comprising: first
receiving means for receiving buying request data that represents a
buying order and a buying condition for an encryption key for
encrypted digital data from a buying requesting device through the
communication network; second receiving means for receiving selling
request data that represents a selling order and a selling
condition for an encryption key for encrypted digital data from a
selling requesting device through the communication network;
transaction condition determining means for determining whether or
not transactions are concluded with the transaction conditions for
the encryption key for the digital data corresponding to the buying
request data for the encryption key and the selling request data
for the encryption key; and key movement controlling means for
controlling the movement of the encryption key for the digital data
from the selling requesting device to the buying requesting device
corresponding to the concluded transactions determined by said
transaction condition determining means.
47. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 46, further comprising: buying request storing
means for storing buying request data transmitted from the buying
requesting device; and selling request storing means for storing
selling request data transmitted from the selling requesting
device, wherein said transaction condition determining means
determines whether or not transactions are concluded corresponding
to transaction conditions for the encryption key for the digital
data, the transaction conditions being stored in said buying
request storing means and said selling request storing means.
48. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 47, further comprising: buying request data
sorting means for sorting the buying request data stored in said
buying request storing means corresponding to a predetermined
condition.
49. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 47, further comprising: selling request data
sorting means for sorting the selling request data stored in said
selling request storing means corresponding to a predetermined
condition.
50. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 46, further comprising: content attribute
storing means for storing content attribute data that represents
whether or not key data for digital data corresponding to a buying
request transmitted from the buying requesting device has been
permitted to be circulated; and a first transaction permission
determining portion for determining whether or not transactions for
key data for digital data corresponding to a buying request
transmitted from the buying requesting device can be permitted
corresponding to content attribute data stored in said content
attribute storing means.
51. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 46, further comprising: content attribute
storing means for storing content attribute data that represents
whether or not key data for digital data corresponding to a selling
request transmitted from the selling requesting device has been
permitted to be circulated; and a second transaction permission
determining portion for determining whether or not transactions for
key data for digital data corresponding to a selling request
transmitted from the selling requesting device can be permitted
corresponding to content attribute data stored in said content
attribute storing means.
52. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 51, further comprising: content attribute
managing means for updating the content attribute data stored in
said content attribute storing means corresponding to a request of
a content right owner.
53. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 46, further comprising: use limit information
transmitting means for transmitting information to the selling
requesting device, the information causing the use of key data for
digital data corresponding to a selling request stored in said
selling requesting device to be temporarily limited for a
predetermined period.
54. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 46, wherein the digital data selling and buying
transacting apparatus has data that causes the key data for the
digital data to be erased from the selling requesting device, and
wherein said key movement controlling means controls said erase
data transmitting means so that the key data for the digital data
whose selling and buying transactions have been concluded are
erased from the selling requesting device.
55. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 46, further comprising: black list storing means
for storing a condition in which transactions are prohibited; and
transaction permission determining means for determining whether or
not the received selling request data complies with the condition
in which the transactions are prohibited, wherein when the received
selling request data complies with the condition in which the
transactions are prohibited, the transactions are prohibited.
56. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 55, wherein the condition in which the
transactions are prohibited and that is stored in said black list
storing means is updated when said key movement controlling means
has failed to move the key.
57. The digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus as
set forth in claim 56, further comprising: sold key management data
storing means for storing information with respect to the
encryption key for the digital data sold and moved by said key
movement controlling means, wherein said transaction permission
determining portion prohibits transaction of the encryption key for
the digital data corresponding to the selling request data when the
encryption key is managed with the sold key management data.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a digital data selling and
buying transaction system, an auxiliary digital data buying and
selling system, a digital data selling and buying transaction
method, an auxiliary digital data selling and buying method, and a
digital data selling and buying transaction apparatus for
performing selling and buying transactions for digital data on a
communication network using for example Internet or the like.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In recent years, because of for example the deregulation of
stock selling and buying commissions, so-called net trading using
the Internet and so forth has been increasingly grown. It is stated
that the foundation of NASDAC JAPAN will further contribute to
allow the net trading to become common. Moreover, in addition to
the sale of Play Station 2 (registered trademark), "e-Distribution"
that is a full distributing service for digital data has been
proposed.
[0003] As such a digital data distributing service using a
communication network such as the Internet has become common, it is
expected that the conventional distribution form will drastically
change. For example, in a digital data distributing service, it is
expected that the circulation cost, cost in progress, and so forth
will not exist or they will be remarkably reduced. Thus, since the
ratio of the development cost and advertisement cost to the selling
price will largely increase, it is believed that uniformly standard
prices will become meaningless.
[0004] At present, particularly as to music data, a digital data
distribution business is being practically started. In such a
distribution business, a buyer can buy his or her desired music
data at a pre-designated distribution price. At present, the
reasons why distribution prices have been designated relatively low
are in that data that is distributed is compressed unlike with data
that provided with a CD and that most of the development cost and
advertisement cost can be collected from the sale of package
mediums.
[0005] In future, non-compressed data for example data provided
with a CD, a DVD, or the like will be able to be distributed. Thus,
most of the development cost of digital data should be collected
from the content distribution business. In such a situation, it
will become difficult to keep the distribution prices low. As a
result, it is predicted that the distribution price will rise.
[0006] In the present distribution business, systems that allow
copyright to be protected have been proposed. However, systems that
allow digital data of music data or the like that consumers bought
to be freely resold have not been scarcely proposed. Thus, it is
difficult to accomplish a distribution business that allows
consumers to be protected. Such a situation results from the fact
that since digital data provided with the distribution service is
intangible information without using package mediums, it is
restricted to sell and buy the digital data from a view point of
copyright protection.
[0007] Thus, as to deciding the prices of digital data, it is
important to consider how to accomplish a reselling system for
digital data. Considering that in future contents are sold by
distributing digital data, it is necessary to properly form a
resale market. To do that, the conventional price determining
system for digital data should be largely changed.
[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a digital data selling and buying transaction system, an auxiliary
digital data selling and buying system, a digital data selling and
buying transaction method, an auxiliary digital data selling and
buying method, and a digital data selling and buying transaction
apparatus that allow a proper transaction price to be decided on a
communication network using for example the Internet and digital
data to be sold (resold) and bought.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention of claim 1 is a digital data selling and
buying transaction system for performing selling and buying
transactions for an encryption key for encrypted digital data among
a plurality of terminal units connected through a communication
network, comprising the processes of:
[0010] receiving buying request data representing a buying order
and a buying condition for the encryption key for the encrypted
digital data, the buying request data being transmitted through the
communication network;
[0011] receiving selling request data representing a selling
request and a selling condition for the encryption key for the
encrypted digital data, the selling request data being transmitted
trough the communication network;
[0012] deciding a transaction price for the encryption key for the
digital data corresponding to the received buying request data and
selling request data for the encryption key; and
[0013] concluding transactions of the buying request and the
selling request corresponding to the decided transaction price.
[0014] The invention of claim 35 is an auxiliary digital data
selling and buying system, comprising: a selling processing device
for performing a process for selling auxiliary digital data with
respect to a process for canceling the limitation of the use of
digital data; a buying processing device for performing a process
for buying the auxiliary digital data; and a selling and buying
processing device for performing a process for receiving a selling
request from the selling processing device and a buying request
from the buying processing device and concluding selling and buying
transactions, the selling processing device, the buying processing
device, and the selling and buying processing device being
connected through a communication network,
[0015] wherein the selling processing device comprises:
[0016] a transmitting means for transmitting user identification
information and a selling request of a selling applicant of the
auxiliary digital data through the communication network,
[0017] a receiving means for receiving a selling notification for
the digital data transmitted from the selling and buying processing
device through the communication network,
[0018] an erasing means having a function for erasing the auxiliary
digital data, and
[0019] a controlling means for controlling the transmitting means
so that the user identification information and the selling request
are transmitted to the selling and buying processing device and
controlling the erasing means so that the auxiliary data is erased
when the receiving means has received the selling notification
transmitted from the selling and buying processing device through
the communication network,
[0020] wherein the buying processing device comprises:
[0021] a transmitting means for transmitting user identification
information and a buying request of a buying applicant of the
auxiliary digital data through the communication network,
[0022] a receiving means for receiving a buying notification of the
digital data and/or the auxiliary digital data transmitted from the
selling and buying processing device through the communication
network, and
[0023] a controlling means for controlling the transmitting means
so that the user identification information and the buying request
are transmitted to the selling and buying processing device through
the communication network, and
[0024] wherein the selling and buying processing device
comprises:
[0025] a receiving means for receiving the user identification
information and the selling request transmitted from the selling
processing device through the communication network and/or the user
identification information and the buying request transmitted from
the buying processing device through the communication network,
[0026] a storing means for storing user management information and
the auxiliary digital data, the user management information
correlating the user identification information and information
that represents the state of ownership of the auxiliary digital
data and the digital data,
[0027] a selling and buying transaction concluding processing means
for concluding the selling and buying transactions of the auxiliary
digital data corresponding to the user identification information
and the selling request received by the receiving means from the
selling processing device and the user identification information
and the buying request received by the receiving means from the
buying processing device,
[0028] a transmitting means having a function for transmitting the
auxiliary digital data and a selling notification thereof through
the communication network, and
[0029] a controlling means for performing a process for updating
the user management information stored in the storing means
corresponding to the user identification information of the selling
applicant and/or the user identification information of the buying
applicant received by the receiving means, a process for reading
the auxiliary digital data to be transmitted from the storing means
to the buying applicant, a process for controlling the transmitting
means so that the auxiliary digital data that has been read to the
buying processing device, and a process for controlling the
transmitting means so that the selling notification is transmitted
to the selling processing device, when the selling and buying
transactions of the auxiliary digital data have been concluded.
[0030] The invention of claim 44 is a digital data selling and
buying transaction method for performing selling and buying
transactions for digital data through a wired or wireless
communication network, comprising the steps of:
[0031] receiving buyer side data that represents a buying order for
digital data and a buying condition through the communication
network;
[0032] receiving seller side data that represents a selling order
for digital data and a selling condition through the communication
network;
[0033] deciding a transaction price of the digital data
corresponding to the number and contents of the buyer side data and
the number and contents of the seller side data; and
[0034] concluding the selling and buying transactions corresponding
to the transaction price.
[0035] The invention of claim 45 is an auxiliary digital data
selling and buying method, comprising the steps of performing a
process for selling auxiliary digital data with respect to a
process for canceling the limitation of the use of digital data;
performing a process for buying the auxiliary digital data; and
performing a process for receiving a selling request from the
selling processing step and a buying request from the buying
processing step and concluding selling and buying transactions, the
selling processing step, the buying processing step, and the
selling and buying processing step being performed by transmitting
and receiving data through a communication network,
[0036] wherein the selling processing step comprises the steps
of:
[0037] transmitting user identification information and a selling
request of a selling applicant of the auxiliary digital data
through the communication network,
[0038] receiving a selling notification for the digital data
transmitted from the selling and buying processing step through the
communication network,
[0039] having a function for erasing the auxiliary digital data,
and
[0040] controlling the transmitting step so that the user
identification information and the selling request are transmitted
to the selling and buying processing step and controlling the
erasing step so that the auxiliary data is erased when the
receiving step has received the selling notification transmitted
from the selling and buying processing step through the
communication network,
[0041] wherein the buying processing step comprises the steps
of:
[0042] transmitting user identification information and a buying
request of a buying applicant of the auxiliary digital data through
the communication network,
[0043] receiving a buying notification of the digital data and/or
the auxiliary digital data transmitted from the selling and buying
processing step through the communication network, and
[0044] controlling the transmitting step so that the user
identification information and the buying request are transmitted
to the selling and buying processing step through the communication
network, and
[0045] wherein the selling and buying processing step comprises the
steps of:
[0046] receiving the user identification information and the
selling request transmitted from the selling processing step
through the communication network and/or the user identification
information and the buying request transmitted from the buying
processing step through the communication network,
[0047] storing user management information and the auxiliary
digital data, the user management information correlating the user
identification information and information that represents the
state of ownership of the auxiliary digital data and the digital
data,
[0048] concluding the selling and buying transactions of the
auxiliary digital data corresponding to the user identification
information and the selling request received by the receiving step
from the selling processing step and the user identification
information and the buying request received by the receiving step
from the buying processing step,
[0049] having a function for transmitting the auxiliary digital
data and a selling notification thereof through the communication
network, and
[0050] performing a process for updating the user management
information stored in the storing step corresponding to the user
identification information of the selling applicant and/or the user
identification information of the buying applicant received by the
receiving step, a process for reading the auxiliary digital data to
be transmitted from the storing step to the buying applicant, a
process for controlling the transmitting step so that the auxiliary
digital data that has been read to the buying processing step, and
a process for controlling the transmitting step so that the selling
notification is transmitted to the selling processing step, when
the selling and buying transactions of the auxiliary digital data
have been concluded.
[0051] The invention of claim 46 is a digital data selling and
buying transaction apparatus for performing selling and buying
transactions for an encryption key for encrypted digital data among
a plurality of terminal units connected through a communication
network, comprising:
[0052] a first receiving means for receiving buying request data
that represents a buying order and a buying condition for an
encryption key for encrypted digital data from a buying requesting
device through the communication network;
[0053] a second receiving means for receiving selling request data
that represents a selling order and a selling condition for an
encryption key for encrypted digital data from a selling requesting
device through the communication network;
[0054] a transaction condition determining means for determining
whether or not transactions are concluded with the transaction
conditions for the encryption key for the digital data
corresponding to the buying request data for the encryption key and
the selling request data for the encryption key; and
[0055] a key movement controlling means for controlling the
movement of the encryption key for the digital data from the
selling requesting device to the buying requesting device
corresponding to the concluded transactions determined by the
transaction condition determining means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0056] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of
conclusion/unconclusion of selling and buying transactions
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 3 is schematic diagram for explaining another example
of conclusion/unconclusion of selling and buying transactions
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a change of
transaction form after placing digital data on the market.
[0060] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining practical
selling and buying transactions of digital data.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a transfer of
digital data that was bought.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a
digital data transaction market formed according to the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0063] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic diagrams for explaining
encryption key data.
[0064] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the
structure of a server side.
[0065] FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow charts showing a process
performed in the case that a selling request is issued to the
server.
[0066] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a screen displayed on
a user terminal side that issues a selling request.
[0067] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a screen displayed on
the user terminal side that issues a selling request.
[0068] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a screen displayed on
the user terminal side that issues a selling request.
[0069] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a process performed in the
case that a buying request is issued to the server.
[0070] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a screen displayed on
the user terminal side that issues a buying request.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0071] FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of a system
according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to
the embodiment of the present invention, an online digital data
transaction managing portion 2 (hereinafter referred to as
transaction managing portion 2), a digital data copyright owner 3,
a digital data user 4, a transaction intermediary 5 are connected
through a communication network using for example the Internet.
[0072] Generally, when digital data is provided to a user by for
example distributing the digital data to him or her through the
communication network, there is a risk of which the digital data is
illegally copied. To protect the copyright of the digital data, a
process such as an encrypting process is performed for the digital
data so that even if it is copied, it cannot be used. In this case,
when a user who legally bought digital data uses it, since the
digital data has been encrypted, it is necessary to decrypt the
encrypted digital data using auxiliary digital data such as
encrypting key data for the digital data so as to remove the
restriction of the use of the digital data.
[0073] In the state of which auxiliary digital data that cannot be
copied is transferred, the right of use for digital data can be
sold and bought. The right of use for digital data can be used for
a device that uses copyright protecting technology. In the
following description, phrases "buying, selling, selling and buying
transactions, and so forth for digital data mean "buying, selling,
selling and buying transactions, and so forth for the right of use
of digital data, respectively.
[0074] The transaction managing portion 2 has a data storing
portion 21 and a data process calculating portion 22. The data
storing portion 21 is composed of for example a hard disk array, an
optical disc library, or the like. The data storing portion 21
stores digital data as a transaction object of online digital data,
encryption key data, chronological change of circulation number of
encryption key data for each of digital data, chronological change
of number of transactions, identification information and asset
information of the transaction intermediary 5 who intermediates
transactions, and the user 4, and so forth.
[0075] The data process calculating portion 22 perform processes
for determining whether or not a transaction is settled
corresponding to number of demanded digital data and number of
supplied digital data supplied through the communication network,
identification information and asset information of people
concerned in the transaction, identification information of
encryption key data, and so forth, distributing digital data and
encryption key data, and/or a charging the people concerned in the
transaction. In addition, the transaction managing portion 2
performs processes for managing information of all transactions
performed through the communication network and publicizes all or
part of transaction data on the network in real time.
[0076] The copyright owner 3 represents a person or an organization
who (that) creates digital data (content) such as music, a picture,
an image, a novel, and a game as a transaction object of digital
data. In the specification, it is assumed that the copyright owner
3 includes a data process calculating portion 32, a data storing
portion 31, and so forth. The data process calculating portion 32
creates digital data and key data. The data storing portion 31 is
composed of a hard disk array, an optical disc array, or the like
that stores and saves contents. Alternatively, the copyright owner
3 may create encryption key data for digital data that he or she
created by himself or herself. Alternatively, the transaction
intermediary 5 or the like who has obtained the right for selling
digital data may create encryption key data.
[0077] The user 4 represents a person or an organization who (that)
downloads digital data that the copyright owner 3 created through
the communication network, buys encryption key data from the
copyright owner 3 or the transaction intermediary 5 who created it,
and is charged for the price thereof through the communication
network. In addition, the user 4 can sell and buy encryption key
data that he or she bought. In the specification, it is assumed
that the user 4 includes a data process calculating portion 42, a
data storing portion 41, and so forth. The data process calculating
portion 42 uses digital data and key data. The data storing portion
41 is composed of a hard disk array, an optical disc library, or
the like that stores and saves digital data.
[0078] The transaction intermediary 5 represents a person or an
organization who (that) performs a process for creating and/or a
process for managing encryption key data corresponding to digital
data that the copyright owner 3 created, a process for selling
encryption key data to the user 4 (namely, a process for concluding
selling and buying transactions of encryption key data for digital
data and for distributing the encryption key data), a process for
charging the user 4 for the encryption key data and rewriting
personal information, a process for checking the number of selling
requests and/or the number of buying requests of encryption key
data of users through the communication network, and a process for
transferring selling and buying transaction data to the transaction
market. Alternatively, the transaction intermediary 5 may
intermediate to additionally issue encryption key data.
[0079] Generally, the transaction intermediary 5 is a person who
has been permitted to perform the above-described processes by the
supervisor or the like of the transaction managing portion 2. In
the specification, it is assumed that the transaction intermediary
5 includes a data storing portion 51, a data process calculating
portion 52, and so forth. The data storing portion 51 is composed
of a hard disk array, an optical disc library, or the like that
stores and saves digital data, encryption key data, selling and
buying transaction data, personal information of people concerned
in the transaction, and so forth. The data process calculating
portion 52 performs a process for concluding transactions of
digital data.
[0080] Next, selling and buying transactions for digital data
according to the embodiment of the present invention will be
described. First of all, transactions of digital data that is
initially sold on the market will be described. The copyright owner
3 creates a required number of encryption key data for digital data
A created by himself or herself so as to sell the digital data A on
the market, decides the date and time on and at which he or she
will sell the encryption key data, the number of encryption key
data, the face value thereof, and so forth, and publicizes the
seller side data including the decided contents on the
communication network through the data transaction managing portion
2.
[0081] At that point, the transaction intermediary 5 is consigned
for information necessary for selling the digital data A by the
copyright owner 3. The transaction intermediary 5 may act on behalf
of the copyright owner 3 for creating encryption key data and
selling it. Alternatively, the copyright owner 3 may sell the right
for selling a desired number of digital data to the transaction
intermediary 5 in the lump. At that point, the transaction
intermediary 5 who bought the right may sell the digital data at a
price different from that at which the transaction intermediary 5
bought the right from the copyright owner 3.
[0082] The transaction managing portion 2 publicizes a home page on
the communication network so as to allow the user to browse it with
his or her browser. The copyright owner 3 publicizes on the home
page (1) selling period, (2) number of selling digital data, and
(3) market price (face value) for digital data that will be sold.
Alternatively, the transaction intermediary 5 may publicize a home
page that has such contents.
[0083] The user 4 obtains information about digital data that will
be sold and that is publicized on the home page or the like. When
the user 4 wants to buy the digital data, he or she performs
processes necessary for buying the digital data. The processes
include a process for inputting personal information of the user 4,
a process for creating buyer side data such as conditions necessary
for concluding a buying transaction, and a process for transmitting
the buyer side data to the transaction managing portion 2. The
conditions for concluding a buying transaction are for example
"will be bought by an increase of 20% against the market price" and
"will be bought by month m, day d".
[0084] The transaction intermediary 5 and/or the transaction
managing portion 2 collects buying request information from a
plurality of users 4 through the communication network. All the
buying request information is collected to the transaction managing
portion 2 through the communication network. The data process
calculating portion 22 of the transaction managing portion 2
performs a process for concluding transactions corresponding to the
buying request information, the number of encryption key data that
will be sold, and the face price.
[0085] Next, an example of such processes will be described with
reference to FIG. 2. In the example, it is assumed that the
copyright owner 3 creates 100,000 encryption key data for the new
digital data A and that he or she wants to sell each encryption key
data at $30 as a market price on the market. In this case, if there
are 150,000 buying applicants, the data process calculating portion
22 of the transaction managing portion 2 concludes the transactions
in the order of higher buying prices of the buying applicants
corresponding to buying transaction concluding conditions that have
been input by the buying applicants.
[0086] When a 100,000-th transaction is concluded, if the
transaction price is $32 as shown in FIG. 2, the initial price of
the digital data A is $32. Thereafter, the copyright owner 3 can
further sell a desired number of digital data A. At that point, the
market price may not be $30. In addition, the copyright owner 3 may
sell the digital data A to the users 4 at a privileged price when
they are particular users who bought digital data that the
copyright owner 3 created.
[0087] In addition, when the copyright owner 3 wants to quickly
collect the development expense for digital data, he or she may
sell the digital data to the transaction intermediary 5 in the lump
(for example, 100,000 digital data). The transaction intermediary 5
may buy the selling right for 100,000 encryption key data at $28
per each and sell them at for example $30 as the market price. When
the copyright owner 3 sells the digital data A on the market, if he
or she determines that selling profit cannot be obtained because
the number of buying applicants who will buy the digital data A is
smaller than the number of encryption key data that he or she will
sell, he or she can permit the transaction intermediary 5 and/or
the transaction managing portion 2 to freely sell the digital data
A on the market.
[0088] When digital data is sold and bought in the above-described
manner, the profit of the copyright owner 3 can be effectively
secured. In other words, by predicting the number of people of
initial buying class (so-called mania class) of the users 4, the
number of encryption key data to be sold and the face price thereof
can be freely designated so that the maximum selling profit is
obtained in a short time. In addition, corresponding to the
transaction achievement of the first market sale, the number of
encryption key data and the face price thereof can be freely
designated for the second market sale. Alternatively, when the
copyright owner 3 sells the selling right for a predetermined
number of encryption key data in the lump, he or she can quickly
collect the cost for the digital data.
[0089] Next, selling and buying transactions performed by the
transaction managing portion 2 for digital data that has been sold
and bought among a plurality of users 4 will be described. As to
digital data that has been permitted to be freely sold and bought
by that the copyright owner 3, the date on which the digital data
can be freely sold and bought is publicized on a home page of the
transaction intermediary 5 and/or the transaction managing portion
2. The users 4 who want to buy and sell such digital data perform
processes necessary for selling and buying it. The processes
include a process for inputting personal information and a process
for inputting conditions necessary for concluding transactions. The
conditions necessary for concluding transactions are for example a
condition with respect to a transaction price such as "will be sold
(bought) at $D or higher (or lower)", a condition with respect to
transaction date and time such as "will be sold (bought) by month
m, day d", and a condition with respect to a trading settlement
method such as "will be sold (bought) with money" or "will be
substituted by selling digital data A and buying digital data
B".
[0090] The transaction intermediary 5 or the transaction managing
portion 2 collects selling or buying request information from a
plurality of users through the communication network. Thus, all
selling and buying request information on the communication network
is collected to the transaction managing portion 2. The data
process calculating portion 22 of the transaction managing portion
2 concludes transactions corresponding to the above-described
selling and buying request information. Next, an example of such a
process will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In the example,
it is assumed that the number of selling applicants is five and the
number of buying applicants is three.
[0091] In this case, selling order numbers are assigned to the five
selling applicants in the order of lower selling prices. In
contrast, buying order numbers are assigned to the three buying
applicants in the order of higher buying prices. The transactions
are concluded until either the number of buying applicants or the
number of selling applicants becomes zero in the higher
selling/buying order numbers. In other words, in the example shown
in FIG. 3, since the number of buying applicants (namely, three
people) is smaller than the number of selling applicants (namely,
five people), the transactions are concluded until the number of
selling applicants becomes 0.
[0092] Although such buying and selling transactions are concluded
after the date of which digital data can be freely sold and bought,
for example when the number of transactions decreases to a
predetermined level, the copyright owner 3 can stop the buying and
selling transactions on the transaction market. This point will be
described with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis
represents time, whereas the vertical axis represents transaction
price (market price) on the left side and circulation number of
encryption key data on the right side (right side). The
chronological change of transaction price is denoted by a solid
line, whereas the chronological change of the circulation number of
encryption key data is represented by a dotted line.
[0093] At the market publicized time P, the market selling price is
designated at $30. Thereafter, both the transaction price and the
circulation number of encryption key data increase. After time Q at
which the encryption key data can be freely sold and bought, the
price lowers. Thereafter, the circulation number of encryption key
data does not change for a while. At time R, the circulation number
of encryption key data largely decreases. Thus, the transaction
price cannot be designated. As a result, the transactions are
stopped. After the transactions are stopped, the encryption key
data of the digital data can be sold and bought at an
over-the-counter price designated by the copyright owner 3 or the
transaction intermediary 5 between the copyright owner 3 or the
transaction intermediary 5 and the users 4. In the example shown in
FIG. 4, the over-the-counter price is designated at $25.
[0094] In the above-described selling and buying transactions for
digital data, the profit of the users 4 can be secured as follows.
First, the user 4 can sell digital data that they bought. Thus, a
resale market is formed. Consequently, when the users 4 do not need
to hold the right of use of digital data that they bought (because
the digital data became old), they can sell the right of use so as
to collect the cost that they spent.
[0095] In addition, when the users 4 sell the right of use of
digital data that they recently bought, they can collect the cost
that they spent for buying the right of use. In other words, it is
thought that the earlier the users 4 sell the right of use of
digital data, the more money they can collect. In addition, after
the time Q at which digital data can be freely sold and bought,
since the transaction price lowers, the users 4 can buy the digital
data at a low cost.
[0096] When digital data is sold and bought, a predetermined
percentage of transaction price or a predetermined price may be
collected as a transaction commission by the transaction managing
portion 2 or the transaction intermediary 5. Alternatively, a
predetermined percentage of the buying price of the market
transaction or a predetermined price may be collected as a
copyright price as the profit of the copyright owner. In this case,
when the transaction is concluded, the buying price does not always
match the selling price as expressed by the following
expression.
[buying price]=[selling price]+[transaction commission]+[copyright
price]
[0097] In such a case, a copyright price corresponding to the
number of transactions for digital data on the market (for example,
several percent of the number of transactions) is paid to the
copyright owner. Thus, even in the environment of the resale
market, the profit of the copyright owner is secured.
[0098] Next, a practical scheme in which the user 4 buys digital
data will be described. When the process necessary for the user 4
to buy digital data is completed, encryption key data and digital
data are distributed from the data storing portion 21 of the
transaction managing portion 2 or the data storing portion 51 of
the transaction intermediary 5 to the user 4 through the
communication network. The user 4 stores the transmitted data to
the data storing portion 41. Thus, the user 4 can remove the
restriction for the data (decrypt the encrypted data) and use the
digital data.
[0099] When encryption key data and digital data are distributed to
the user 4, a process for rewriting/storing seller/buyer
information and management information of encryption key data is
performed in the data storing portion 21 of the transaction
managing portion 2 or the data storing portion 51 of the
transaction intermediary 5. In addition, data for a charging
process is transmitted to the user 4. As a practical example of the
charging process, the data storing portion 2 of the transaction
managing portion 2 or the transaction intermediary 5 accesses a
managing server of a financial agency that manages the bank account
of the user 4 and rewrites the asset information such as bank
deposit balance of the user 4.
[0100] When the user 4 sells digital data, a process for selling
digital data is performed. Thereafter, a process for erasing
encryption key data that the user 4 has is performed. As such a
process is performed, a process for rewriting/storing seller/buying
information and management information of the encryption key data
is performed in the data storing portion 21 of the transaction
managing portion 2 or the data storing portion 51 of the
transaction intermediary 5. The transaction managing portion 2 or
the transaction intermediary 5 performs a process for paying the
selling price to the user 4 through the communication network.
[0101] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of such a process
will be described. The user 4 transmits to the data process
calculating portion 22 of the transaction managing portion 2 data
necessary for a process for buying or selling digital data.
Corresponding to the transmitted data, the data process calculating
portion 22 performs a process for determining whether the
transaction is valid. Thereafter, the data process calculating
portion 22 performs a process for transmitting or receiving
encryption key data, a process for rewriting transaction data,
management information of encryption key data, and so forth in the
data storing portion 21, and so forth. Such processes may be
performed by the transaction intermediary 5.
[0102] The digital data and encryption key data that have been
obtained by the user 4 in such a manner can be moved from the data
storing portion 41 of the user 4 to another storage medium for
example a semiconductor memory, an optical disc, or the like that
complies with encryption key technology. However, to prevent the
digital data from being illegally copied, when it is moved from the
data storing portion 41 to another storage medium, the encryption
key data is erased from the storage medium.
[0103] In other words, when digital data is moved to a storage
medium 42 other than the data storing portion 41, digital data
(stored in the data storing portion 41) may be kept left as shown
in FIG. 6. In contrast, when encryption key data is moved to the
storage medium 42, encryption key data (stored in the data storing
portion 41) is erased. When the storage medium 42 can be easily
carried as a package medium, digital data can be circulated.
[0104] When the user 4 sells digital data, it is necessary to erase
at least encryption key data or both digital data and encryption
key data stored in the data storing portion 41 or the like. Thus,
when the user 4 tries to sell encryption key data, it should be
stored in a storing portion of a terminal unit connected to the
communication network (for example, the data storing portion 41 of
the user 4). When encryption key data is erased, a process for
rewriting/storing seller/buyer information and management
information of encryption key data in the data storing portion 21
of the transaction managing portion 2 or the data storing portion
51 of the transaction intermediary 5.
[0105] FIG. 7 shows an example of a transaction form performed
according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the
copyright owner 3, the user 4, and the transaction intermediary 5
are connected to the communication network, a market is formed. The
copyright owner 3 creates digital data. The created digital data is
placed on the market through the communication network. On the
other hand, the user 4 buys the digital data and uses it. The
transaction intermediary 5 performs (1) a process for
intermediating transactions between the copyright owner 3 and the
user 4, (2) a process for selling and buying digital data
over-the-counter when the transactions are stopped, and (3) a
process for registering and erasing the right of use of the digital
data for the user 4 when the selling and buying transactions are
concluded.
[0106] In addition, when the copyright owner 3 newly or
additionally publicizes digital data to the transaction
intermediary 5, the copyright owner 3 notifies the transaction
intermediary 5 of the market price or consigns the digital data to
the transaction intermediary 5. The transaction intermediary 5
consults for the copyright owner 3 about a selling condition and so
forth. In addition, the transaction intermediary 5 returns the
profit from sold digital data to the copyright owner 3. Moreover,
the transaction intermediary 5 distributes digital data and
corresponding encryption key data to the user 4 and provides
information about the digital data to the user 4. The user 4
requests the transaction intermediary 5 to return (sell) the right
of use of digital data to the user 4 and to invest (buy) the right
of use of digital data.
[0107] Next, encryption key data as auxiliary digital data will be
described in detail. FIG. 8 shows an example of encryption key
data. A data portion 61 represents the type of encryption key data.
A data portion 62 represents an ID number of a copyright owner 3. A
data portion 63 represents a serial number that represents the type
of a digital content. A data portion 64 represents a serial number
of an encryption key. A data portion 65 represents a letter that
represents other attribute. A data portion 66 represents an
attribute of a validation period of an encryption key. A data
portion 67 represents a validation period of an encryption key. A
data portion 68 represents a limit period as a temporarily
designated validation period of the validation period of the
encryption key of the data portion 67.
[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 8, only data necessary for
identifying encryption key data is contained. In real encryption
key data, another data for determining whether or not digital data
can be used corresponding to a calculation result using the digital
data may be contained.
[0109] Next, the data portions 61 to 68 will be described in
detail. The data portion 61 (type of encryption key data)
represents, with respect to copying or moving encryption key data,
whether encryption key data can be moved and copied one time;
encryption key data can be moved only; or encryption key data can
be neither copied nor moved. The data portion 62 (ID number of
copyright owner) represents a number with which the copyright owner
3 who creates digital data is identified. The data portion 63
(serial number that represents type of digital content) identifies
encryption key data for digital data of many types created by the
copyright owner represented by the data portion 62. The data
portion 64 (serial number of encryption key data) identifies
encryption key data for digital data represented by the data
portions 62 and 63. The data portion 65 (letter that represents
other attribute) represents an encryption key copied from
encryption key data that can be copied one time and the number of
times the encryption key data has been sold and bought on the
transaction market.
[0110] The data portion 67 (validation period of encryption key)
represents the validation period in which digital data can be
reproduced with an encryption key. The data portion 67 is composed
of digits for a Christian year, digits for a month, and digits for
a day. The data portion 68 (limit period) represents the limit
period in which digital data can be reproduced with the encryption
key in the validation period represented by the data portion 67.
The data portion 66 (attribute of validation period) represents
attributes of the data portion 67 (validation period) and the data
portion 68 (limit period).
[0111] The high order digit of the period attribute data 66 ("1" in
FIG. 8A) represents the attribute of the validation period data 67.
The low order digit of the period attribute data 66 ("2" in FIG.
8A) represents the attribute of the time period data 68. The high
order digit of the period attribute data 66 that represents the
attribute of the validation period data 67 has values shown in FIG.
8B.
[0112] When the high order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"0", this state represents that regardless of whether or not the
current date is before the expiration of the validation period
represented by the validation period data 67, digital data using
the encryption key is prohibited from being reproduced. This state
is designated when the user has illegally used the encryption key
or when the copyright owner of the digital data as a content has
prohibited the digital data from being used regardless of the
initial validation period of the digital data.
[0113] When the high order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"1", the state represents that digital data as a content can be
reproduced with an encryption key in the period represented by the
validation period data 67.
[0114] When the high order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"9", the state represents that content digital data can be
reproduced with an encryption key regardless of the period
represented by the validation period data 67.
[0115] When the low order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"9", this state represents that the limit period represented by the
limit period data 68 is not counted. In this state, the date
represented by the limit period data 68 is not used.
[0116] When the low order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"1", this state represents that the limit period represented by the
limit period data 68 is being counted. In this state, in the limit
period (as will be described later), the encryption key as the
right of use of the content is placed on the market as a buying and
selling object.
[0117] When the low order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"0", this state represents that the counting of the limit period
represented by the limit period data 68 has been completed. This
state is set after the encryption key is placed on the market, if
the server that forms the market has not been accessed by the end
of the limit period. In this state, until an operation for
reflecting the result of selling and buying transactions is
performed by accessing the server, the content digital data using
the encryption key is prohibited from being used.
[0118] In the combination of the high order digit and the low order
digit of the period attribute data 66, there are a plurality of
states for an encryption key. For example, when the high order
digit of the period attribute data 66 is "9" and when the low order
digit of the period attribute data 66 is "9", a period for which
content digital data using an encryption key can be reproduced has
not been designated. Thus, in this state, the digital content data
can be freely used in the range of the use limit other than the use
period.
[0119] In addition, since the limit period has not been designated,
a process with respect to the limit period is not performed. When
the high order digit of the period attribute data 66 is "9" and the
low order digit of the period attribute data 66 is "1", this state
represents that since the use period for the encryption key is not
limited, it can be used without the limit period. However, since
this state represents that since the encryption key is placed on
the market, the limit period data 68 is valid. When the content
digital data is reproduced with the key, this state represents that
it should be checked whether or not the limit period has elapsed so
as to determine whether the content digital data can be
reproduced.
[0120] When the high order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"9" and the low order digit of the period attribute data 66 is "0",
this state represents that although the use period for the
encryption key has not been designated, while the result of selling
and buying transactions of the encryption key placed on the market
is not affected to the encryption key, the limit period has
elapsed. Thus, this state represents that content digital data
using the encryption key is prohibited from being reproduced. In
this state, as will be described later, when the state of the
encryption key that is stored in the server that forms the
transaction market is updated, the content digital data may become
reproducible.
[0121] When the high order digit of the period attribute data 66 is
"1" and the low order digit of the period attribute data 66 is "9",
this state represents that the encryption key can be freely used in
the range of the use limit until the end of the period represented
by the validation period data 67 and that since the encryption key
has not been placed on the transaction market, the period
represented by the limit period data 68 is invalid. The above
description applies to other combinations of the high order bit and
the low order bit of the period attribute data 66.
[0122] The data portion 61 can be changed independent from the data
portions 62, 63, and 64. For example, when the encryption key
serial number 64 is in the range from 0000001 to 0001000, with
respect to the data portion 61, encryption key data can be moved
and copied one time. When the encryption key serial number 64 is
after 0001000, with respect to the data portion 61, the encryption
key data can be moved only.
[0123] The above-described encryption key data and encryption key
data management data that represents the state of each thereof are
stored in the data storing portion 21 of the transaction managing
portion 2. The encryption key data management data represents the
state of each encryption key data with respect to for example
whether it has not been sold and bought on the market, it is
managed by a particular user 4, and it is managed by the
transaction intermediary 5 through selling and buying transactions
on the transaction market.
[0124] When encryption key data is managed by the control of a
particular user 4, it may be managed by the data storing portion 21
of the transaction managing portion 2. Alternatively, personal
information of the user 4 may be correlated with the encryption key
data management data. In this case, the personal information is
separately obtained. For example, the encryption key data
management data may contain an identification number of a user
4.
[0125] Next, the case of which a copyright owner 3 creates digital
data, publicizes encryption key data to the transaction managing
portion 2, and sells the encryption key data will be described. As
a practical example, the case of which the copyright owner 3 whose
copyright owner ID number is 0001 causes the transaction managing
portion 2 to publicize 100,000 encryption key data for digital data
whose serial number is 00100 and to sell them will be considered.
In this case, it is assumed that encryption key data whose serial
numbers are from 0000001 to 0010000 (namely, first 10,0000
encryption key data) are permitted to be moved and copied one time
and that encryption key data whose serial numbers are from 0010001
to 0100000 (namely, the remaining 90,000 encryption key data) are
permitted to be moved only.
[0126] In such a case, 10,000 encryption key data
P-0001-00100-0000001, P-0001-00100-0000002, . . . , and
P-0001-00100-0010000 and 90,000 encryption key data
Q-0001-00100-0010001, Q-0001-00100-0010002, . . . , and
Q-0001-00100-01000000 are prepared. Those encryption key data and
the encryption key data management data are stored in the data
storing portion 21 of the transaction managing portion 2.
[0127] In the above-described practical example, "P" is a letter
that represents the type of encryption key data that is permitted
to be moved and copied one time, whereas "Q" is a letter that
represents the type of encryption key data permitted to be moved
only.
[0128] The form of the encryption key data is not limited to the
above-described practical example. For example, the types of
encryption key data with respect to whether or not they can be
copied and moved may be letters other than "P" and "Q". Likewise,
the effective numbers of digits of serial numbers and so forth are
not limited to those used in the example. In addition, the data
portion 65 (letter representing other attribute) may be preceded by
a string for identifying encryption key data.
[0129] When the copyright owner 3 places the above-described
100,000 encryption key data on the market, he or she notifies the
transaction managing portion 2 and the transaction intermediary 5
of market publicizing data that recites "100,000 encryption key
data will be placed on the market at $30 as a market price at 0 AM
on Mar. 30, 2001. Although all the encryption key data can be
moved, the first 10,000 encryption key data can be also copied one
time each". The transaction managing portion 2 or the transaction
intermediary 5 publicizes the above-described market publicizing
data at least on the communication network. When encryption key
data is sold on the transaction market, a user 4 performs a buying
process thereof. Corresponding to the buying process, the
transaction managing portion 2 performs various processes
corresponding to the buying process.
[0130] Among those processes, a transmitting process for
transmitting encryption key data to a user, an updating process for
updating a database for encryption key data in the data storing
portion 21 of the transaction managing portion 2, and so forth will
be described in detail. When selling and buying transactions of
encryption key data are concluded, the encryption key data is
transmitted to a user 4 who bought it. At that point, information
of the data portion 65 (data of other attribute) is added to the
encryption key data. Alternatively, the information of the data
portion 65 is updated. The information of the other attribute is
personal information of the user 4 such as the local area thereof,
selling and buying transaction history of the encryption key data,
the market publicized date, and so forth.
[0131] Although the encryption key data contains the
above-described contents, a scrambling process or the like has been
performed so that the encryption key data cannot be easily read.
Thus, it is impossible for the third person to create false
encryption key data.
[0132] When encryption key data is transmitted to a user 4,
encryption key data management information, user management
information, and so forth managed by the transaction managing
portion 2 are rewritten. In other words, in the encryption key data
management information, the attribute of each encryption key data
(namely, the contents of the data portion 65) and so forth are
added or updated. On the other hand, in the user management
information, information that represents bought encryption key data
and the attribute of the encryption key data is added or
updated.
[0133] Next, the case of which encryption key data as auxiliary
data is freely sold and bought on the transaction market will be
described. As a practical example, the case of which the copyright
owner ID number is 0001, the serial number is 00100, and the serial
numbers of encryption key data that are circulated on the market
are from 0000001 to 0100000 (namely, 100,000 encryption key data
are freely sold and bought) will be considered. The transaction
managing portion 2 frequently receives seller side data and buyer
side data and manages them. The transaction managing portion 2
performs a determining process for determining whether the
transactions are concluded corresponding to transaction request
conditions contained in the seller side data and buyer side data,
user asset information obtained from user management information,
attributes of encryption key data contained in encryption key data
management information, and so forth.
[0134] When the transaction managing portion 2 concludes a
transaction, the transaction managing portion 2 performs a process
for identifying encryption key data that a user 4 who will sell the
encryption key data in the transaction (hereinafter, this user 4 is
referred to as selling user 4) has corresponding to user
identification information and user management information of the
selling user 4. Thereafter, the transaction managing portion 2
updates the encryption key data management information. In
addition, the transaction managing portion 2 controls (or issues a
command for) a process for erasing encryption key data stored in a
selling processing device of the selling user 4. In addition,
corresponding to the price that the selling user 4 will obtain from
the transaction, the transaction managing portion 2 rewrites and/or
transmits data necessary for updating the asset information of the
selling user 4.
[0135] In addition, corresponding to user identification
information and user management information of a user 4 who will
buy the encryption key data in the transaction (hereinafter, this
user 4 is referred to as buying user 4), attribute data equivalent
to the data portion 65 of the encryption key data obtained from the
selling user 4 is updated. After a scrambling process is newly
performed for the encryption key data, the scrambled encryption key
data is transmitted to the buying user 4. In addition, the
encryption key data management information is updated.
Corresponding to the price that the buying user 4 should pay in the
transaction, data necessary for updating asset information of the
buying user 4 is rewritten and/or transmitted.
[0136] At that point, a trading transaction may be performed
between encryption key data for first digital data and encryption
key data for second digital data. Next, such a transaction will be
described. As a practical example, the case of which there are a
user 4a who wants to sell digital data A, a user 4b who wants to
buy digital data B, and a user 4c who wants to buy the digital data
A and sell the digital data B is considered. In this case, the user
4c will pay the price for buying the digital data A and receives
the price for selling the digital data B. In this case, these two
transactions may be performed separately or simultaneously.
[0137] In other words, the transaction managing portion 2
calculates the transfer of the asset that takes place when the
transaction that the user 4c wants (namely, a trade between A and
B) is concluded. In addition, the transaction managing portion 2
simultaneously performs a process for erasing encryption key data a
for A and a process for transmitting encryption key data b for B
for the user 4c. Thus, the transaction managing portion 2
calculates the changed asset information of the user 4c that takes
place in the two transactions and updates the asset information
corresponding to the calculated result.
[0138] Digital data may be changed with respect to each encryption
key data (as method (a)). Alternatively, digital data may be
changed with respect to all encryption key data (as method (b)). In
the method (a), each digital data corresponds to each encryption
key data in the relation of one to one. As a practical example of
the method (a), each encryption key data A-0001-00100- . . . and so
forth is scrambled. As a practical example of the method (b), all
encryption key data A-0001-00100-0000001 to A-0001-00100-0100000
are scrambled. In any method, when digital data is transmitted to
the user 4, the use thereof is limited. Only when a process using
proper encryption key data is performed, the limitation is
removed.
[0139] Next, a process for determining whether or not a transaction
is concluded and a process for deciding a transaction price will be
described in detail. When the transaction managing portion 2
receives seller side data and buyer side data, the transaction
managing portion 2 reads user management information corresponding
to user identification information of a user 4 who is concerned in
the transaction. Information contained in the seller side data and
the buyer side data is (p) dates and times on and at which the
transaction managing portion received the seller side data and the
buyer side data, (q) price conditions (upper limit value and lower
limit value) in the selling and buying transactions, and (r)
transaction conclusion request dates and times (for example, a
period from May 1 to May 31).
[0140] When the transaction prices are decided corresponding to
such information, an official selling price and an official buying
price are decided in consideration of a commission, other fees, and
so forth corresponding to the decided transaction prices. With
respect to each price, in consideration of the relation of the
buying price and the asset information of the user 4 who wants to
buy the encryption key data, as long as no inconsistency takes
place, the transactions are concluded. Inconsistency takes place
when the asset information is changed corresponding to the buying
price, if an asset management condition (for example, the bank
account can be maintained when the balance exceeds a predetermined
value) of the asset information managing portion that manages the
bank account of the user 4 who wants to buy the encryption key data
(the asset information managing portion is for example a bank
account of the user 4 or an account of the user 4 on the
transaction managing portion 2) cannot be satisfied (for example,
the balance becomes minus).
[0141] The transaction prices are decided in at least three cases:
(s) a price at which the copyright owner places encryption key data
on the market; (t) a selling price in free selling and buying
transactions; and (u) a barter trade in free selling and buying
transactions. To designate the transaction prices, as necessary
information, there are (x) contents of seller side data/buyer side
data (reception dates and times, price conditions, transaction
conclusion request dates and times, and so forth of the transaction
managing portion 2); and (y) number of seller side data/number of
buyer side data necessary for the transactions and number of
digital data/auxiliary digital data (number of demands/number of
supplies).
[0142] When necessary, the chronological change of past transaction
prices may be contained in information necessary for designating
transaction prices. Corresponding to the information necessary for
designating the transaction prices in a predetermined time period
or in each unit time, the transaction prices are decided. As to the
buyer side data and the seller side data, when the contents of a
plurality of selling requests/buying requests are similar (in price
conditions, transaction dates and times, or the like), the
transaction priority is decided corresponding to the reception
dates and times of the requests received by the transaction
managing portion 2.
[0143] Next, the case (s) will be descried in detail. In this case,
while a predetermined number of encryption key data are prepared
and supplied on a predetermined date, the transaction prices are
decided corresponding to buying requests of users 4 (namely,
corresponding to a plurality of buyer side data). For example,
before encryption key data is publicized, buyer side data collected
before the publicized date (namely, received by the transaction
managing portion 2) is arranged in the order of higher buying
prices. When the number of buyer side data is larger than the
number of encryption key data that are placed on the market, the
buying price of buyer side data that matches the number of
encryption key data placed on the market becomes a transaction
price.
[0144] On the other hand, when the number of buyer side data is
smaller than the number of encryption key data that are placed on
the market, the buying price of buyer side data corresponding to
the lowest buying order or the publicized price of encryption key
data becomes an initial transaction price. As to the remaining
encryption key data, corresponding to the contents and the number
of buyer side data in each unit time after the publicized date, the
transaction price is decided in the above described manner. In any
case, the transaction price is designated in consideration of a
commission and so forth.
[0145] Next, the case (t) will be described in detail. In this
case, corresponding to the contents and the number of buyer side
data and seller side data in each unit time, the transaction price
is decided. In this case, the transaction price should be
designated in consideration of a commission, copyright right of
use, and so forth.
[0146] Next, the case (u) will be described in detail. In this
case, transactions of which a plurality of encryption key data are
sold and bought at the same time is performed. In this case, the
same price deciding method as the case (t) is used. However, it is
necessary to change a commission and so forth in the barter
trade.
[0147] Next, the embodiment of the present invention will be
described more practically. FIG. 9 shows a more practical structure
of a server side (transaction managing portion 2 or transaction
intermediary 5) according to the embodiment.
[0148] A selling request of a user is received by a selling request
receiving portion 71 and supplied to a transaction permission
determining portion 72. The transaction permission determining
portion 72 references a black list management database 73, a sold
key management database 74, and a content attribute management
database 81 and determines whether or not the selling request is
valid The content attribute management database 81 is managed by a
content attribute managing portion 80. A content attribute
management request is supplied to the content attribute managing
portion 80.
[0149] The selling request permitted by the transaction permission
determining portion 72 is stored in a selling request database 75.
The selling request database 75 is sorted by a selling request
sorting portion 76.
[0150] On the other hand, a buying request of a user is supplied to
a transaction permission determining portion 85 through a buying
request receiving portion 84. The transaction permission
determining portion 85 references the content attribute management
database 81 and determines whether or not the buying request is
valid.
[0151] The buying request permitted by the transaction permission
determining portion 85 is stored in a buying request database 86.
The buying request database 86 is sorted by a buying request
sorting portion 87.
[0152] A transaction condition determining portion 82 checks the
selling request stored in the selling request database 75 and the
buying request stored in the buying request database 86 and
determines whether or not transactions are concluded. Transaction
data that is output from the transaction condition determining
portion 82 is supplied to a key data move controlling portion
83.
[0153] The key data move controlling portion 83 moves key data from
a seller to a buyer corresponding to the transaction data that is
output from the transaction condition determining portion 82. The
key data move controlling portion 83 settles a buying price. The
key data move controlling portion 83 controls a key rewriting
portion 88 and transmits the rewritten key to the buyer.
[0154] In addition, the server side is provided with a key time
limit temporary managing portion 77, a key erasing portion 78, and
a selling transaction completion transmitting portion 79 that are
controlled by the key data move controlling portion 83. The key
time limit temporary managing portion 77 designates and cancels key
time limit. The key erasing portion 78 generates a key erase
command. The selling transaction completion transmitting portion 79
outputs a selling transaction completion notice.
[0155] An owner of a content such as a copyright owner can
designate a use period for a content key (for example, one year
after the selling start date of the key, one year after the key is
obtained, and so forth). An attribute with respect to such a use
period is managed by the content attribute management database 81.
The attribute with respect to the use period is set under the
control of the key data move controlling portion 83 when the key
rewriting portion 88 rewrites right-of-use user information of the
key after the movement for the right of use of the content to a
user who wants the content is approved.
[0156] When the content owner designates one year as the use period
of the content after the selling date of the content (for example,
the date on which the encryption key is circulated), the key
rewriting portion 88 writes the designated limit date to the key
and encrypts the resultant key. When the content owner designates
one year after the key is obtained as a right-of-use period, the
key rewriting portion 88 writes the date one year after the right
of use is moved as a limit period to the key and then encrypts the
resultant key.
[0157] Next, with reference to a flow chart shown in FIGS. 10A and
10B, a process in the case that a selling request for digital data
is issued according to the embodiment of the present invention will
be described in detail. Due to the drawing limitation, the flow
chart is divided into two drawings. At step S11 as the initial
step, a selling order is input.
[0158] A user who wants to sell a content accesses a home page of
the transaction managing portion 2 or the transaction intermediary
5 and inputs a selling order thereon. A screen as shown in FIG. 11
is displayed on a display of a computer of the user. With a content
owner display field 90, a content name display field 91, a
validation period display field 92, and a price display field, a
content to be sold is identified. In addition, a sell button 93, a
buy button 94, a cancel button 95, a transmission button 96 are
displayed. In this case, since a selling process is performed, the
sell button 93 is selected. In addition, an address 97 at which the
user accesses the home page of the transaction managing portion 2
or the transaction intermediary 5 is displayed.
[0159] When the selling request is received, the transaction
permission determining portion 72 references the black list
management database 73 (at step S12). The transaction permission
determining portion 72 determines whether or not the key for the
selling request is on the black list at step S13. When the key for
the selling request is on the black list, at step S27, the key
stored in the client machine that transmitted the selling request
is erased and the process is terminated.
[0160] When the determined result represents that the key for the
selling request is not on the black list, at step S14, the
transaction permission determining portion 72 references the sold
key management database 74 and determines whether or not the key
for the selling request has been sold. When the determined result
represents that the key has not been sold, at step S16, the content
of the key is determined.
[0161] At step S17 shown in FIG. 10B, using the validation period
data 67 and the limit period data 68 contained in the encryption
key data, it is determined whether or not the key for the selling
request has been expired. As to the expiration, there are two
cases: the validation period represented by the validation period
data 67 that represents the validation period of the encryption key
has elapsed and the limit period represented by the limit period
data 68 has elapsed.
[0162] When the determined result at step S17 represents that the
validation period has not elapsed, at step S18, the attribute is
checked with the other attribute letter 65. Corresponding to the
checked attribute, at step S19, it is determined whether the
encryption key cannot be sold. When the determined result
represents that the encryption key cannot be sold, at step S30, the
key attribute is rewritten and the process is completed. In this
case, as shown in FIG. 12, a screen that warns the user that the
encryption key cannot be sold is displayed.
[0163] When the determined result at step S19 represents that the
encryption key can be sold, at step S20, the limit period for the
key represented by the limit period data 68 is designated.
Thereafter, the selling request is registered to the selling
request database 75 (at step S21). As shown in FIG. 13, a screen
representing that the selling order has been accepted is displayed
on the display of the computer of the user who issued the selling
request. In addition to the use period of the key represented by
the validation period data 67, the limit time of the key that has
been designated at step S20 and the date on which the use period
has been designated are displayed.
[0164] Next, the designation of the limit period will be further
described. In the state that the same content is temporarily sold
and bought by a large number of users (for example, new contents)
in a server that forms a market on which an encryption key for a
digital content is sold and bought, when a buying request or a
selling request is placed on the market, it is easily expected that
the transactions are immediately concluded. However, after a period
in which many transactions are performed has elapsed (namely, after
time Q shown in FIG. 4), a transaction for a request may not be
quickly concluded. In other words, it may take several hours to
several days until the transaction is concluded. When a transaction
is performed in a non-peak period (in which the number of
transactions is small), if the computer that stores the encryption
key is continuously connected to the network, the network is
excessively loaded. In addition, the resource of the server that
forms the transaction market is wasted and excessively loaded. In
addition, when the computer that stores the encryption key is of
hand-held type, the user may use the computer until the trade is
concluded in the state that the computer is not connected to the
network.
[0165] When the limit period is designated, while a selling request
for an encryption key is being issued, even if the owner of the
encryption key disconnects the computer from the network connected
to the server that forms the transaction market, he or she can use
the digital content data. In addition, when the result of the
transaction is not reflected for a long time, a plurality of
royalties exist for each encryption key. However, this period can
be shortened. In other words, when the limit period is designated,
after a selling request for digital content data is transmitted,
the computer that sores the digital content data can be
disconnected from the network and used. In addition, a plurality of
encryption keys as the right of use of digital content data can be
prevented from existing for a predetermined time period.
[0166] Returning to FIG. 10B, at step S22, the selling request
database is sorted so as to perform the process described with
reference to FIG. 3. At step S23, the transaction condition
determining portion 82 performs selling and buying transactions.
When the transactions are concluded, the key erasing portion 78
issues a key erase command. At step S24, the key stored in the
client machine that has transmitted the selling request is erased.
At step S25, it is determined whether or not the key stored in the
client machine that had transmitted the selling request has been
successfully erased. When the determined result at step S25
represents that the key stored in the client machine that had
transmitted the selling request has been successfully erased, at
step S26, the price is settled and the process is completed.
[0167] When the determined result at step S17 represents that the
validation period has elapsed, at step S28, it is determined
whether or not the limit period has elapsed. When the determined
result represents that the limit period has not elapsed, since the
validation period of the key has elapsed, at step S31, the key
stored in the client machine that had transmitted the selling
request is erased. It is determined whether or not the key stored
in the client machine that had transmitted the selling request has
been successfully erased at step S32.
[0168] When the determined result at step S32 represents that the
key stored in the client machine that had transmitted the selling
request has been successfully erased, the process is completed.
When the determined results at steps S32 and S25 represent that the
key stored in the client machine that had transmitted the selling
request has not been successfully erased, the user name of the key
is added to the black list management database 73 (at step S33).
Thereafter, the process is completed.
[0169] When the determined result at step S28 represents that the
limit period has elapsed, at step S29, it is determined whether or
not the key has been sold in the preceding selling order with
reference to the sold key management database 74. When the key has
been sold, after step S31 (erasing the key), the above-described
operation is performed. When the determined result at step S29
represents that the key has not been sold, the flow advances to
step S18. At step S18, the process for checking the attribute is
performed. After step S19 (determining whether the key cannot be
sold), the above-described process is performed.
[0170] Since the limit period can be designated to the encryption
key, there is a case that the user who has issued a selling request
disconnects the computer that stores the encryption key from the
network that is connected to the server that forms the transaction
market. The selling request issued before the disconnection of the
computer from the network is the preceding selling order. When the
computer is connected to the network, the result of the preceding
selling order is reflected to the encryption key.
[0171] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a process for
buying digital data will be described. At step S41 as the initial
step, a buying order is issued. A display of a computer of a user
who inputs the buying order shows a screen depicted in FIG. 14.
With the content owner display field 90, the content name display
field 91, the validation period display field 92, and the price
display field, a content to be bought is designated. In addition,
the sell button 93, the buy button 94, the cancel button 95, and
the transmission button 96 are displayed. Since a buying process is
performed, the buy button has been selected. In addition, the
address 97 at which the user accesses the home page of the
transaction managing portion 2 or the transaction intermediary 5 is
displayed.
[0172] At step S42, the attribute of the content to be bought
corresponding to the input buying order is checked with reference
to the content attribute management database 81. Corresponding to
the checked result, at step S43, it is determined whether or not
the content can be bought. When the content cannot be bought, the
flow returns to step S41. When the content can be bought, at step
S44, the buying order is registered to the buying request database
86.
[0173] At step S45, the buying request database 86 is sorted. The
transaction condition determining portion 82 determines whether or
not the transactions are concluded. At step S46, the transactions
are concluded. At step S47, the price is settled. Practically, the
key data move controlling portion 83 generates a buying/paying
request. At step S48, the key rewriting portion 88 rewrites the
key. For example, the key rewriting portion 88 rewrites information
of for example key transaction history. At step S49, the key is
transmitted to the buyer. Thereafter, the process is completed.
[0174] In the above description, the present invention was applied
for a conventional communication network such as the Internet.
However, the present invention is not limited to such a
communication network. In other words, the present invention can be
also applied to a broad band information communication network
using a CATV network, a wireless communication network using a
broadcast satellite or a communication satellite, or a broad band
cellular phone network.
[0175] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiment. Instead, without departing from the scope and sprit of
the present invention, various modifications and applications are
available.
[0176] According to the present invention, digital data can be sold
and bought through a communication network using for example the
Internet. The number of buying applicants for digital data and the
number of selling applicants for digital data are obtained by
transmitting and receiving information through the communication
network. Corresponding to the obtained number of buying applicants
for digital data and the obtained number of selling applicants for
digital data, the transaction price can be properly decided. Thus,
while the transaction price is properly decided, the digital data
can be sold, bought, and resold.
[0177] Thus, when the copyright owner controls the circulation
number of royalties of digital data, the sales of digital data can
be effectively increased. In addition, when the copyright owner
sells digital data to a transaction intermediary in the lump, he or
she can quickly collect the development cost of the digital data.
This point is advantageous especially for a copyright owner who is
lack of capital.
[0178] In addition, because of the presence of the transaction
intermediary, the copyright owner can dedicate to the development
of digital data and have a proper consultation with respect to
development guideline and so forth therefrom.
[0179] In addition, corresponding to the total price of digital
data placed on the market, when several percent thereof is paid to
the copyright owner, even in the resale market environment, the
profit of the copyright owner can be assured.
[0180] On the other hand, a user can buy digital data that matches
his or her sense of values at his desired price. In addition, a
user can freely resell digital data that he bought. Thus, a user
can not only use digital data by himself or herself, but get
profits by reselling it.
[0181] In addition, on the transaction market according to the
present invention, since transaction data is publicized on the
communication network, the grading of digital data on the market is
widely known. Thus, in addition to the enhancement of the business
value of the copyright owner, digital data that has been highly
evaluated can be quickly placed on the market. Thus, users can have
many chances of which they can use digital data with high
values.
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