Right management apparatus, information management system, right management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a right management apparatus capable of accurately identifying the status of use of digital content.SOLUTION: A right management apparatus includes: a communication unit which transmits a request to use target content to be managed, to a management apparatus which manages the target content, and receives the target content transmitted in accordance with the use request; a storage unit which stores the received target content; a content processing unit which executes processing using the target content; and a right management unit which updates right information included in a usage right set to the target content, in accordance with the status of use of the target content. The communication unit transmits the right information updated in accordance with the status of use of the target content, to the management apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an authority management device, an information management system, an authority management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Digital content is easy to copy and revise, making it difficult to accurately manage copyright. It is also difficult to accurately manage secondary and tertiary uses of digital content, which can lead to copyright holders not receiving fair compensation.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that uses a blockchain network. The system of Patent Document 1 registers contract information in a first blockchain network. The system of Patent Document 1 issues a non-fungible token corresponding to digital content in a second blockchain network, with information specifying contract information related to the digital content set in metadata. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-005799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 aims to utilize non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for business purposes. The method in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to manage records of buying, selling, distribution, and other activities related to non-fungible digital content. However, the method in Patent Document 1 does not allow for accurate understanding of the usage status of fungible digital content, such as copying and revisions.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an authority management device, an information management system, an authority management method, and a program that enable accurate understanding of the usage status of digital content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An authority management device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that transmits a usage request for managed content to a management device that manages the managed content and receives the managed content transmitted in response to the usage request, a storage unit that stores the received managed content, a content processing unit that executes processing using the managed content, and an authority management unit that updates authority information included in usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content. The communication unit transmits the updated authority information to the management device in accordance with the usage status of the managed content.

[0008] In one aspect of the rights management method of the present disclosure, a computer sends a request to use managed content to a management device that manages the managed content, receives the managed content sent in response to the usage request, stores the received managed content, performs processing using the managed content, updates the rights information included in the usage rights set for the managed content depending on the usage status of the managed content, and sends the updated rights information depending on the usage status of the managed content to the management device.

[0009] A program of one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: sending a request to use managed content to a management device that manages the managed content, receiving the managed content sent in response to the usage request, storing the received managed content, performing processing using the managed content, updating permission information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content, and sending the updated permission information to the management device in accordance with the usage status of the managed content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an authority management device, an information management system, an authority management method, and a program that enable accurate understanding of the usage status of digital content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a rights management device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example of an image including notification information regarding usage rights transmitted from a management device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a management device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a table illustrating an example of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a phase in which use of managed content is permitted according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a rights management phase for managed content according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a table illustrating an example of updating a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of displaying notification information in response to a change in a use flag due to an update of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of management of usage status in distribution of managed content in the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of displaying distribution information indicating the distribution status of content to be managed according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a table illustrating an example of updating a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of displaying notification information in response to a change in a use flag due to an update of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a table illustrating an example of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of displaying notification information in response to a change in a use flag due to an update of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of data management according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 is a table illustrating an example of a management table according to the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 1 is a table for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 1 is a table for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 24] 1 is a table for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 26] 1 is a table for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 28] 1 is a table for explaining an application example of an information management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 29] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a rights management device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 30]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the authority management device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration for executing processing according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Below, embodiments for implementing the present disclosure are described using the drawings. In this disclosure, the drawings used in the description of each embodiment relate to one or more embodiments. Furthermore, elements included in each drawing may apply to one or more embodiments. The embodiments described below are limited in a way that is technically preferable for implementing the present disclosure, but this does not limit the scope of the disclosure to the following. In all drawings used to describe the following embodiments, similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified. In the following embodiments, repeated description of similar configurations and operations may be omitted. The direction of arrows in the drawings is an example and does not limit the direction of data, etc.

[0013] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of an information management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The entities that use the information management system according to this embodiment include an administrator who manages digital content (hereinafter referred to as content) and users who use the content. The administrator owns a database. Content is stored in the database. The administrator uses a management device to manage the content stored in the database. Users use a rights management device to use the content stored in the database. Below, an example of managing content such as video and music will be described. The method of this embodiment can be applied to managing any content, not just video and music.

[0014] (composition) 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of an information management system according to the present disclosure. The information management system 1 includes an authority management device 10, a management device 110, and a database 130. The information management system 1 may be configured with only the authority management device 10 and the management device 110 without including the database 130. In this case, the database 130 is built on a server or cloud that is capable of data communication with the authority management device 10. The database 130 may also be built on an information processing device managed by an individual or a corporation.

[0015] The right management device 10 is an information processing device used by a user. For example, the right management device 10 is realized by a desktop or notebook personal computer. The right management device 10 may be built in a cloud or a server accessible from the information processing device used by the user. The right management device 10 may also be realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0016] The authority management device 10 transmits a request to use data including content (also referred to as managed content) to the management device 110 in response to an input operation by the user. The authority management device 10 acquires the managed content transmitted from the management device 110 in response to the use request from the user. The authority management device 10 may be configured to grant authority to access the managed content via a highly secure interface.

[0017] A usage right is set for the managed content transmitted from the management device 110. The right management device 10 is granted the right to execute data processing using the managed content within the scope of the usage right. The right management device 10 is granted rights based on a content usage contract concluded between the administrator and the user. The right management device 10 executes data processing using the managed content within the scope of the granted rights. Furthermore, the right management device 10 updates the right information including the usage status of the managed content according to the use of the managed content. The right management device 10 transmits the right information including the usage status of the managed content to the management device 110.

[0018] The management device 110 and the database 130 are managed by an administrator. For example, the management device 110 and the database 130 are constructed in a cloud or a server. For example, the status of content management by the management device 110 is presented to the administrator via an information processing device that can access the management device 110. The database 130 stores managed content. The management device 110 manages the managed content stored in the database 130. For example, the management device 110 may manage the managed content in a secure area. For example, the secure area is realized by container-type virtualization technology. If the managed content is managed in a secure area, the copyright of the managed content can be managed more safely.

[0019] For example, database 130 stores content to be managed including video and music. Database 130 may store content to be managed including images such as paintings and photographs, books such as novels and manga, and games. For example, database 130 may store learning content used in online learning and online exams. There are no particular limitations on the content to be managed, as long as it is data that can be distributed over a network such as the Internet.

[0020] The management device 110 receives a request to use managed content from the authority management device 10. The management device 110 acquires the managed content from the database 130 in response to the usage request transmitted from the authority management device 10. The management device 110 sets usage rights for the managed content acquired from the database 130. The management device 110 transmits the managed content for which usage rights have been set to the authority management device 10. The management device 110 may be configured to grant the authority to access the managed content to the authority management device 10.

[0021] The management device 110 obtains rights information including the usage status of the managed content from the rights management device 10. The management device 110 uses the rights information to verify whether the usage status of the managed content by the rights management device 10 is within the scope of the usage rights. If the use of the managed content is within the scope of the usage rights, the management device 110 allows the rights management device 10 to continue using the managed content. If the use of the managed content exceeds the usage rights, the management device 110 terminates the use of the managed content by the rights management device 10. For example, if the use of the managed content exceeds the usage rights, the management device 110 transmits information including a warning to the rights management device 10. For example, if the use of the managed content is about to exceed the usage rights, the management device 110 may be configured to transmit information including a warning to the rights management device 10.

[0022] Next, detailed configurations of the right management device 10 and the management device 110 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, an example will be described in which the content to be managed is video content including video and music. The content to be managed may also be images such as paintings and photographs, books such as novels and manga, games, learning content, etc.

[0023] [Authority Management Device] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of an authority management device 10 according to the present disclosure. The authority management device 10 includes an input / output interface 11, a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, a content processing unit 15, an authority management unit 16, and an output unit 18.

[0024] The input / output interface 11 is an interface connected to an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse and an output device such as a monitor. The input / output interface 11 is connected to the output device such as a monitor via a terminal device used by a user. The input / output interface 11 may be configured as an input interface connected to the input device and an output interface connected to the output device separately. The input / output interface 11 accepts input from a user via the input device. The input / output interface 11 accepts a request to use managed content managed by the management device 110. For example, a request to use managed content is input via a dedicated graphical user interface (GUI). The input / output interface 11 sends the input request to use managed content to the communication unit 12. The input / output interface 11 also displays information related to data processing in the secure area on the monitor. The user can perform input operations using the keyboard or mouse while viewing the information displayed on the monitor.

[0025] The communication unit 12 functions as a communication interface connected to the management device 110 via a network such as the Internet so as to enable data communication. The communication unit 12 and the output unit 18 may be integrated into a communication interface. The communication unit 12 acquires a use request for the managed content input by a user. The communication unit 12 transmits the use request for the managed content to the management device 110. The communication unit 12 also acquires permission information including the usage status of the managed content from the permission management unit 16. The communication unit 12 transmits the permission information including the usage status of the managed content to the management device 110. For example, the communication unit 12 may include a secure interface connected to the management device 110 via a highly secure gateway. For example, the secure interface is provided as a communication interface dedicated to communication with the management device 110. If content is distributed from the management device 110 to the permission management device 10 via the secure interface, more secure content management can be achieved.

[0026] The communication unit 12 acquires the managed content transmitted from the management device 110 in response to the usage request. The managed content transmitted from the management device 110 has usage rights set for the managed content. The communication unit 12 stores the managed content with usage rights set in the storage unit 13.

[0027] The communication unit 12 also acquires notification information regarding the usage rights of the managed content from the management device 110. The notification information differs depending on the usage status of the managed content by the authorization management device 10. If the use of the managed content by the authorization management device 10 is within the scope of the usage rights, notification information indicating permission for use is issued. If the use of the managed content by the authorization management device 10 is within the scope of the usage rights, notification information need not be issued. If the use of the managed content by the authorization management device 10 is likely to exceed the usage rights, notification information issuing a warning is issued. If the use of the managed content by the authorization management device 10 exceeds the usage rights, notification information indicating a warning is issued. If the use of the managed content by the authorization management device 10 exceeds the usage rights, processing may be executed to prohibit the use of the managed content. The notification information regarding the usage rights is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100 used by the user via the input / output interface 11. A user who views the notification information can take action in accordance with the notification information.

[0028] The storage unit 13 includes a storage area in which content is stored. For example, the storage unit 13 is realized by a hard disk drive. The storage unit 13 stores managed content acquired via the communication unit 12. Usage rights are set for the managed content stored in the storage unit 13. The authority management device 10 is granted the right to execute data processing using the managed content within the scope of the usage rights. The managed content stored in the storage unit 13 is used by the content processing unit 15.

[0029] Furthermore, information generated using the managed content is stored in the storage unit 13. Generally, the information stored in the storage unit 13 can also be used within the scope of usage rights set for the managed content. The content and information stored in the storage unit 13 may be configured to be output via the output unit 18.

[0030] The content processing unit 15 acquires the managed content stored in the storage unit 13. The content processing unit 15 executes data processing using the managed content. The content processing unit 15 stores information generated by the data processing in the storage unit 13. The data processing using the managed content is executed within the scope of the usage rights set for the managed content. Therefore, the copyright of the content included in the managed content is accurately managed according to the user's usage status. For example, the content processing unit 15 may be configured to convert output information, such as content or information to be output to the outside, into an uneditable format. This configuration reduces the possibility that the content included in the output information will be edited or tampered with.

[0031] The authority management unit 16 updates the authority information, including the usage status of the managed content, in response to the use of the managed content. The authority information includes restrictions on the use of the managed content permitted to the user. For example, the authority information includes a user identifier for identifying a user permitted to use the managed content, a dimension for tracing the usage history of the managed content, and the update date and time of the managed content. For example, the dimension assigned to the managed content corresponds to the version information of that content. The authority information may include information other than the user identifier, the dimension of the managed content, and the update date and time of the managed content.

[0032] The initial value of the dimension of the managed content is set by the management device 110. For example, the initial value of the dimension of the managed content is set to 1.0. The authority management unit 16 increases the dimension of the managed content as the managed content is used. That is, the authority management unit 16 updates the dimension as the managed content is used. The authority management device 10 can use the managed content up to the permitted dimension set by the management device 110. The usage period of the managed content is set by the management device 110. The authority management unit 16 adds the update date and time of the managed content to the authority information. The authority management device 10 can use the managed content until the usage period set by the management device 110.

[0033] For example, the authority management unit 16 adds a predetermined value to the dimension of the managed content depending on the number of uses, duration of use, number of changes, and details of changes of the managed content. The predetermined value is set based on a preset standard. For example, the predetermined value is set to a numerical value such as 0.01 or 0.1. For example, if the managed content is only viewed, the dimension of the managed content does not need to be updated. On the other hand, if the managed content is edited, the dimension of the managed content is updated depending on the degree of editing. Different weights may be assigned to each part of the managed content. For example, if the managed content is a movie, different weights may be assigned to the video and the music. For example, if the managed content includes video, popular parts or climax parts may be weighted more heavily. For example, if the managed content includes audio, the theme song, insert songs, or parts containing dialogue between characters may be weighted more heavily. For example, different weights may be assigned to each character in a movie.

[0034] The output unit 18 functions as a communication interface connected to an external system or device via a network such as the Internet so as to be able to perform data communication. The output unit 18 and the communication unit 12 may be integrated as a communication interface. The output unit 18 acquires output information from the content processing unit 15. The output unit 18 outputs the acquired output information. There are no particular limitations on the destination of the output information.

[0035] The output unit 18 may also function as an output interface that displays an image on the screen of a terminal device used by the user. The output unit 18 displays an image related to notification information regarding usage rights transmitted from the management device on the screen of the terminal device. For example, the output unit 18 displays an image including notification information transmitted from the management device 110 on the screen of the terminal device. For example, the output unit 18 may be configured to display an image including information generated using the notification information transmitted from the management device 110 on the screen of the terminal device. For example, the output unit 18 may display an image including information generated using a large-scale language model on the screen of the terminal device. For example, the output unit 18 may be configured to display information generated on a rule-based basis using a preset template on the screen of the terminal device.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a display image including notification information regarding usage rights transmitted from a management device according to the present disclosure. Information including usage rights for the managed content, such as "Permission to use content AAA has been granted in response to B's usage request," is displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B used by user B. Information regarding usage rights, such as "Usage expiration date: 2024 / 6 / 30_23:59:59, Usage permission dimension: 2.0," is also displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B. Furthermore, information according to the usage rights, such as "The content can be used within the usage expiration date and usage permission dimension," is also displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B. User B can recognize that usage rights for the managed content have been granted by viewing the information displayed on the screen of terminal device 100.

[0037] [Management device] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a management device according to the present disclosure. The management device 110 has a communication interface 111, a usage authority management unit 112, and a content acquisition unit 113. The content acquisition unit 113 is connected to a database 130. The management device 110 has a management table 120. The management table 120 is used to manage usage authority of managed content.

[0038] The database 130 is a database accessible from the management device 110. The database 130 stores managed content. The data stored in the database 130 is transferred to the management device 110. The database 130 may be constructed inside a secure area with a high level of security. For example, the secure area is realized by container-type virtualization technology. The environment of the secure area itself is encrypted, and is isolated from a local environment connected to an external environment. The managed content read into the secure area is not stored in a terminal device accessing the secure area. For example, the managed content read into the secure area is provided to the rights management device 10 via a secure interface with a high level of security. If the managed content is managed in a secure area, the copyright of the managed content can be managed more safely.

[0039] The communication interface 111 is a communication interface connected to the authorization management device 10 via a network such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate data. The communication interface 111 acquires a request to use managed content transmitted from the authorization management device 10. The communication interface 111 sends the acquired request to use managed content to the usage authorization management unit 112. The communication interface 111 transmits the managed content, for which usage authorization has been set, to the authorization management device 10 that has sent the request to use the managed content. The communication interface 111 also acquires authorization information including the usage status of the managed content from the authorization management device 10. The communication interface 111 sends the acquired authorization information to the usage authorization management unit 112. For example, the secure area of ​​the authorization management device 10 and the secure area of ​​the management device 110 may be configured to function as a single secure area via the communication interface 111. With such a configuration, content deployed in the secure area on the management device 110 side can be provided to a user of the terminal device 100 in which the authorization management device 10 is implemented.

[0040] The usage rights management unit 112 acquires a usage request transmitted from the rights management device 10. In response to the usage request, the usage rights management unit 112 issues an instruction to the content acquisition unit 113 to acquire managed content from the database 130. Note that the usage rights management unit 112 does not provide managed content in response to all usage requests from users. The criteria for providing managed content are set appropriately in accordance with the terms of the contract between the administrator and the user.

[0041] The usage rights management unit 112 sets usage rights for the managed content for which a usage request has been received. The usage rights management unit 112 manages usage rights for the managed content using a management table 120. The management table 120 records permission information for each managed content that a user is permitted to use. The management table 120 also records permission information for each managed content, including the permission level and expiration date for use. Furthermore, a usage flag is set in the management table 120 according to the usage status of the managed content by the user. The usage flag is a flag that indicates whether the user's use of the managed content is within the scope of the usage rights (allowed) or outside the scope of the usage rights (not allowed).

[0042] 5 is a table showing an example of a management table according to the present disclosure. Management table 120 records authority information, usage permission information, and a usage flag. Management table 120 records, as authority information, an identifier of a user who has been granted permission to use the managed content, a dimension of the managed content that is updated according to the user's usage status, and an update date and time of the managed content. Management table 120 also records, as usage permission information, a permission dimension indicating an upper limit on the use of the managed content and a usage expiration date of the managed content. Furthermore, management table 120 sets a usage flag indicating whether the user is permitted to use the managed content.

[0043] For example, user B has permission to use managed content AAA. The permission information for managed content AAA set for the user has a permission dimension of "2.0" and a usage expiration date of "June 30, 2024, 11:59:59 PM." When updated on March 30, 2024, at 12:00:00 PM, the dimension indicating the usage status of managed content AAA is 1.0. In this case, managed content AAA is being used within the permitted range, so the usage flag is set to "allowed." In the example of Figure 5, the usage flags for all managed content are "allowed."

[0044] The usage rights management unit 112 acquires the rights information transmitted from the rights management device 10. The usage rights management unit 112 updates the rights information recorded in the management table 120 using the acquired rights information. For example, the usage rights management unit 112 sets an initial value of the dimension of the managed content. For example, the usage rights management unit 112 sets the initial value of the dimension of the managed content to 1.0. The rights management unit 16 updates the dimension of the managed content in accordance with the use of the managed content.

[0045] Furthermore, the usage rights management unit 112 uses the management table 120 to verify whether the usage status of the managed content is within the scope of the usage rights. If the use of the managed content is within the scope of the usage rights, the usage rights management unit 112 allows the permission management device 10 to continue using the managed content. In this case, the usage rights management unit 112 does not need to take any particular action with respect to the permission management device 10. If the use of the managed content exceeds the usage rights, the usage rights management unit 112 instructs the communication interface 111 to send notification information including a warning to the permission management device 10. For example, the usage rights management unit 112 instructs the communication interface 111 to send notification information to alert the permission management device 10.

[0046] The content acquisition unit 113 is connected to the database 130. The content acquisition unit 113 acquires managed content from the database 130 in response to an instruction from the usage authority management unit 112. The content acquisition unit 113 grants the usage authority set by the usage authority management unit 112 to the acquired managed content. The content acquisition unit 113 sends the managed content for which usage authority has been set to the communication interface 111.

[0047] (operation) Next, the operation of the information management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, we will briefly explain the processing of the authority management device 10, management device 110, and database 130 included in the information management system 1, and the exchange of information and data between these components. The following explanation will be divided into a phase in which usage permission for the managed content is granted and a phase in which the managed content is authorized to be used.

[0048] [Permission Phase] 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the permission phase for use of managed content according to the present disclosure, showing the processing of the rights management device 10, the management device 110, and the database 130, and the exchange of information and data between these components.

[0049] First, the right management device 10 receives a request from a user to use content to be managed (step S101). For example, a request to use content including video and music as content to be managed is input to the right management device 10. Next, the right management device 10 transmits the received request to be used to the management device 110 (step S102).

[0050] The management device 110 acquires the use request transmitted from the authorization management device 10 (step S103). Next, the management device 110 acquires the managed content for which the use request has been received from the database 130 (step S104). The criteria for determining whether to issue permission to use the managed content are set arbitrarily. Next, the management device 110 sets usage rights for the managed content acquired from the database 130 (step S105). The management device 110 records the usage rights for the managed content in the management table 120. Next, the management device 110 transmits the managed content for which usage rights have been set to the authorization management device 10 (step S106). The management device 110 may be configured to grant the authorization to access the managed content for which usage rights have been set to the authorization management device 10.

[0051] The right management device 10 receives the managed content for which the usage rights have been set (step S107). Next, the right management device 10 stores the received managed content (step S108). The user can use the managed content within the scope of the set usage rights.

[0052] [Authority management phase] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining the rights management phase of the managed content according to the present disclosure. Fig. 7 shows the processing of the rights management device 10 and the management device 110, and the exchange of information and data between these components. Fig. 7 also shows an example in which the managed content is used within the scope of permitted use.

[0053] First, the authority management device 10 executes a process using the managed content (step S111). For example, the authority management device 10 executes a display control process to display a video included in the managed content on the screen of the terminal device 100 used by the user. For example, the authority management device 10 executes an audio output process to output audio associated with the video from a speaker of the terminal device 100. For example, the authority management device 10 accepts an editing process for video or music included in the managed content. The authority management device 10 executes an editing process according to the usage rights set for the managed content. Next, the authority management device 10 transmits the authority information updated in accordance with the execution of the primary process to the management device 110 (step S112). The process of step S112 may be executed at a preset timing, or may be executed when the authority information is updated.

[0054] The management device 110 acquires the right information of the content to be managed transmitted from the right management device 10 (step S113). Next, the management device 110 updates the management table 120 using the acquired right information (step S114).

[0055] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of processing for managed content in the present disclosure. The example in FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which user B is granted permission to use managed content AAA. The copyright holder of managed content AAA is A. The initial value of the dimension representing the permission to use set for managed content AAA is 1.0. The usage status of managed content AAA, for which permission to use has been granted to user B, is managed by the permission management device 10 implemented in the terminal device 100B used by the user. The permission information (dimension) included in the usage rights set for managed content AAA is updated according to the usage status of the managed content. For example, when user B views managed content AAA, the dimension remains at 1.0. For example, when user B edits managed content AAA, the dimension is updated. For example, when managed content AAA is made viewable from outside, the dimension is updated. The dimension according to the usage status of managed content may be updated according to a preset standard. For example, information representing the usage status of the managed content is displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B. In the example in FIG. 8, information related to the usage status and copyright of managed content AAA, such as "content AAA, in 1.0th use, copyright holder A," is displayed. When the user sees the information indicating the usage status of the managed content displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B, the user can recognize that the managed content is being used within the scope of the usage rights.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of processing for managed content in the present disclosure. The example in FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which user B processes managed content AAA. The initial value of the dimension representing the usage permission set for managed content AAA is 1.0. The upper limit of the usage rights (dimension) of managed content AAA granted to user B is 2.0. The usage status of managed content AAA for which user B has been granted usage permission is managed by the authority management device 10 implemented in the terminal device 100B used by the user. The authority information (dimension) included in the usage rights set for managed content AAA is updated in accordance with the usage status of the managed content according to a preset standard. In the example in FIG. 9, the dimension is updated to 1.1, 1.5, . . . , 1.9 in accordance with the processing of managed content AAA. For example, information representing the usage status of the managed content is displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B. In the example in FIG. 9, information indicating the dimension corresponding to the processing of managed content AAA is displayed. User B, viewing the information displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B, can recognize his / her usage status of the managed content in accordance with the dimension updated in accordance with the processing of the managed content.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of usage status management in the distribution of managed content according to the present disclosure. The example in FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which managed content AAA processed by user B is distributed to terminal devices 100 used by other users. In the example in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the terminal devices 100 used by users other than user B also have the authority management device 10 installed. For example, the managed content AAA is content provided via a video sharing platform or a video distribution service. For example, the managed content AAA may be content posted on a social networking service (SNS). The upper limit of the usage authority (dimension) granted to user B for the managed content AAA is 2.0. FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which the upper limit of the usage authority (dimension) for the managed content AAA processed by user B is set to 3.0. It is assumed that users other than user B are granted permission to use the managed content AAA processed by user B up to the upper limit of the usage authority (dimension) (3.0). Note that users other than user B may be provided with information generated in response to the processing of the managed content AAA, rather than the processed managed content AAA itself. For example, the dimension of information generated in response to processing of the managed content can be managed using metadata of the source managed content. For example, the usage status of the managed content in distribution may be managed using blockchain technology.

[0058] In the example of FIG. 10, when the managed content processed by user B is distributed to other users, the dimension of the managed content increases by one. The managed content AAA (1.1 order) processed by user B is distributed to terminal device 100S used by user S. The dimension of the managed content AAA distributed to user S is set to 2.1. User S is granted the right to use the managed content AAA (2.1 order). User S is given the right to use the managed content AAA (2.1 order) up to 3.0 order. Furthermore, the managed content AAA (1.2 order) processed by user B is distributed to terminal device 100T used by user T and terminal device 100U used by user U. The dimension of the managed content AAA distributed to user T and user U is set to 2.2. User T and user U are granted the right to use the managed content AAA (2.1 order). User S obtains the right to use the managed content AAA (2.1 order) up to 3.0 order. Furthermore, the managed content AAA (1.9 order) processed by user B is distributed to terminal device 100X used by user X. The dimension of the managed content AAA distributed to user X is set to 2.9. User X is granted the right to use the managed content AAA (2.9 order). User S obtains the right to use the managed content AAA (2.9 order) up to 3.0 order.

[0059] The usage status of the managed content AAA for which a user has been granted permission to use is managed by the authorization management device 10 implemented in the terminal device 100 used by each user. The usage status of the managed content AAA for which a user has been granted permission to use may be centrally managed by the authorization management device 10 of the terminal device 100B that has been granted permission to use the managed content AAA by the management device 110. The permission information (dimension) included in the usage rights set for the managed content AAA is updated in accordance with the usage status of the managed content by each user according to a preset standard. In the example of FIG. 10, dimensions corresponding to the processing of the managed content AAA are displayed on the screens of multiple terminal devices 100. For example, information indicating the usage status of the managed content is displayed on the screens of multiple terminal devices 100. In the example of FIG. 10, information indicating dimensions corresponding to the use of the managed content AAA is displayed. Each user viewing the information displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100 can recognize their own usage status of the managed content in accordance with the dimensions updated in accordance with the use of the managed content. The usage status of the managed content by each user may be configured to be displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100 used by a user who has been granted permission to use the managed content by the management device 110.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of displaying distribution information indicating the distribution status of managed content according to the present disclosure. Information according to the distribution status of managed content AAA is displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B used by user B. Distribution information indicating the distribution status of managed content AAA, such as "User S_Data 2.1, User T_Data 2.2, User U_Data 2.2, . . ., User X_Data 2.9, . . .," is displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B. Furthermore, information according to the distribution status, such as "The content you edited has been viewed by Y users," is displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B. User B can view the information displayed on the screen of terminal device 100B to recognize the distribution status of the managed content that he or she edited.

[0061] [Management Table] Next, an example of updating the management table 120 in accordance with the user's usage status of managed content will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 12 to 15 are diagrams for explaining an example of updating the management table according to the present disclosure. FIGS. 12 and 14 are tables showing an example of updating the management table. FIGS. 13 and 15 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of displaying notification information in accordance with changes in the usage flag due to updating the management table. The notification information may be displayed on the entire screen of the terminal device 100 used by the user, or may be displayed as a pop-up on a portion of the screen of the terminal device 100. Note that FIGS. 12 to 15 are examples of updating the management table and displaying the notification information, and are not intended to limit the updating of the management table or the display of the notification information.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of updating a management table according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the dimension (1.9) of the managed content AAA used by user B approaches the upper limit of the permitted dimension (2.0). When the dimension of the managed content AAA approaches the upper limit of the permitted dimension, management device 110 updates the usage flag in management table 120 to "Caution Required." After updating the usage flag in management table 120 to "Caution Required," management device 110 generates notification information including information warning about the use of managed content AAA. Management device 110 transmits the generated notification information to terminal device 100B used by user B.

[0063] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of displaying notification information in response to a change in the usage flag due to an update of the management table according to the present disclosure. Information in response to a usage status of the managed content AAA is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B used by user B. In response to the usage flag changing to "Caution Required," information urging the user to be careful, saying "Caution!!!," is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B. Furthermore, information including the usage status of the managed content AAA, such as "The usage dimension has reached 1.9 dimensions. You are about to reach the upper limit of your usage permission," is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B. Furthermore, information in response to the usage authority, such as "You cannot modify the content any further," is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B. By viewing the information displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B, user B can recognize that the managed content AAA cannot be further modified.

[0064] 14 is a table showing an example of updating a management table according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the dimension (2.0) of managed content AAA used by user B has reached the upper limit (2.0) of the permitted dimension. When the dimension of managed content AAA is reached, management device 110 updates the usage flag in management table 120 to "unavailable." When the usage flag in management table 120 is updated to "unavailable," management device 110 generates notification information including a warning. Management device 110 transmits the generated notification information to terminal device 100B used by the user.

[0065] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of display of notification information corresponding to a change in the usage flag due to an update of the management table according to the present disclosure. Information corresponding to the usage status of the managed content AAA is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B used by user B. In response to the change of the usage flag to “Warning,” information indicating a warning to the user, such as “Warning!!!!!,” is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B. Furthermore, information including the usage status of the managed content AAA, such as “The usage dimension has reached 2.0 dimension. The upper limit of the usage permission has been reached,” is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B. Furthermore, information corresponding to the usage permission, such as “The content cannot be used,” is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100B. By viewing the information displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100, user B can confirm that the managed content AAA has been used up to the permitted dimension and recognize that the managed content AAA cannot be used any further. For example, a user interface that allows the user to request an extension of the usage permission for the managed content AAA may be displayed on the screen of the terminal device 100 in response to the managed content AAA being used up to the permitted dimension.

[0066] [Data Management] Next, an example of management of content to be managed according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The following data management is an example and does not limit the method of managing content to be managed according to the present embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of data management according to the present disclosure. FIG. 16 illustrates a method for managing managed content using metadata (hash values). FIG. 16 illustrates an example of managing managed content using metadata (hash values) in blockchain technology. Depending on the use of managed content, the authority management unit 16 of the authority management device 10 generates management data in units of block 1, block 2, block 3, ..., block n (n is a natural number). For example, the authority management unit 16 generates a hash value for each block using a hash function such as SHA-256.

[0068] Block 1 is management data generated by the authority management unit 16 when the managed content transmitted from the management device 110 is used for the first time. Block 1 includes data 1-1 generated in response to the use of the managed content, an initial hash value, and a nonce (nonce: number used once). Data 1-1 includes a dimension in response to the use of the managed content. The initial hash value is a value set by the management device 110. The nonce is a value used to generate a new hash value (the hash value of block 1). The authority management unit 16 generates the hash value of block 1 using data 1-1, the initial hash value, and the nonce. The authority management unit 16 transmits the generated hash value of block 1 to the management device 110. The hash value of block 1 transmitted to the management device 110 is recorded in the management table 120.

[0069] Block 2 is management data generated by the authority management unit 16 when data 1-1 generated using the managed content or the managed content itself is used at a point in time subsequent to block 1. Block 2 includes data 1-2 generated in response to the use of data 1-1 or the managed content, a hash value of block 1, and a nonce. Data 1-2 includes a dimension in response to the use of data 1-1 or the managed content. The hash value of block 1 is the hash value of the previous block (block 1). The nonce is a value used to generate a new hash value (the hash value of block 2). The authority management unit 16 generates a hash value of block 2 using data 1-2, the hash value of block 1, and the nonce. The authority management unit 16 transmits the generated hash value of block 2 to the management device 110. The hash value of block 2 transmitted to the management device 110 is recorded in the management table 120.

[0070] Block 3 is management data generated by the authority management unit 16 when data 1-1, data 1-2, or the managed content itself, generated using the managed content, is used at a point in time following block 2. Block 3 includes data 1-3 generated in response to the use of data 1-1, data 1-2, or the managed content, the hash value of block 2, and a nonce. Data 1-3 includes dimensions in response to the use of data 1-1, data 1-2, or the managed content. The hash value of block 2 is the hash value of the previous block (block 2). The nonce is a value used to generate a new hash value (the hash value of block 3). The authority management unit 16 generates a hash value of block 3 using data 1-3, the hash value of block 2, and the nonce. The authority management unit 16 transmits the generated hash value of block 3 to the management device 110. The hash value of block 3 transmitted to the management device 110 is recorded in the management table 120.

[0071] Block n is management data generated by the authority management unit 16 when data 1-1, data 1-2, ..., data 1-(n-1) generated using the managed content, or the managed content itself, is used at a point in time following block n-1. Block 3 includes data 1-1, data 1-2, ..., data 1-(n-1), or data 1-n generated in response to the use of the managed content, the hash value of block n, and a nonce. Data 1-n includes data 1-1, data 1-2, ..., data 1-(n-1), or dimensions in response to the use of the managed content. The hash value of block n is the hash value of the previous block (block n-1). The nonce is the value used to generate a new hash value (the hash value of block n). The authority management unit 16 generates the hash value of block n using data 1-3, the hash value of block 2, and the nonce. The authority management unit 16 transmits the generated hash value of block n to the management device 110. The hash value of block n transmitted to the management device 110 is recorded in the management table 120.

[0072] FIG. 17 is a table illustrating an example of a management table according to the present disclosure. Permission information, a usage period, and a usage flag are recorded in management table 125. The permission information recorded in management table 125 includes an identifier of a user authorized to use the managed content and a hash value. The hash value transmitted in response to the use of the managed content is recorded in management table 125. Management device 110 uses the hash value to calculate a dimension indicating the usage status of the managed content. By using metadata (hash values) in this way, the dimension indicating the usage status of the managed content cannot be tampered with by the user, thereby achieving data management with a higher level of security. For example, if the managed content is distributed in a state accessible to third parties, the usage status of the managed content can be strictly managed by using metadata (hash values).

[0073] (Application example) Next, application examples of the information management system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, application examples relating to copyright management and content usage management will be given.

[0074] [Application example 1] 18 is a conceptual diagram for explaining application examples of the information management system according to the present disclosure. Application example 1 is an example in which usage information of managed content managed by management device 110 is provided to the copyright holder.

[0075] Usage information according to the user's usage of the managed content is provided to the copyright holder. The copyright holder is an entity that manages the copyright of works created by authors. The entity that manages copyright may be an organization or an individual. For example, the copyright holder is an entity that manages the copyright of digital content such as movies, dramas, animations, photographs, music, and artworks. For example, the copyright holder is an entity that manages the copyright of digital content such as novels, poems, and manga. For example, the copyright holder is an entity that manages the copyright of digital content such as software and web pages.

[0076] Copyright royalties for use of a copyrighted work are calculated based on standards set by the copyright holder. For example, copyright royalties are calculated based on standards set in a fee schedule or the like created by the copyright holder. Copyright royalties for use of a copyrighted work may be calculated in accordance with an agreement between the administrator of the management device 110 and the copyright holder. There are no particular limitations on the payment of copyright royalties as long as they comply with Copyright Act. For example, copyright royalties are billed by the copyright holder based on the usage status of the managed content managed by the management device 110. A system may be established in which the management device 110 automatically bills the user for copyright royalties based on the usage status of the managed content managed by the management device 110. According to this application example, the information management system of this embodiment accurately grasps the usage status of the managed content, allowing copyright royalties to be accurately calculated.

[0077] [Application example 2] Fig. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 20 is a table for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Application example 2 is an example in which the managed content managed by management device 110 is a video I. This application example is an example in which a weight is set according to the value of each element that makes up the managed content, and usage status is managed according to the weight set for each element. The elements in this application example are frames that make up the video I.

[0078] In this application example, a weight is set for each frame constituting the video I according to the value of the frame. In this application example, the more valuable a frame is, the greater the weight is set. FIG. 19 is a diagram visualizing how weights are set for each frame constituting the video I. FIG. 20 is a table (weight table 152) that summarizes the weights set for each frame constituting the video I. For example, the weight w set for each frame is i are added to and multiplied by the dimensions used to manage the managed content.

[0079] 19 and 20 show a case where a weight w is assigned to each of a plurality of frames that make up a video I. i Each of the multiple frames is assigned a weight w according to the value of the frame. i is set. The weight of frame f1, w i is set to 1. The weight w of frame f2 i is set to 1. The weight w of frame f3 i is set to 5. The weight w of frame f4 i is set to 6. The weight w of frame f5 i is set to 6. The weight w of frame f6 i is set to 7. The weight w of frame f7 i is set to 7. The weight w of frame f8 i is set to 3. The weight w of frame f9 i is set to 2. Frame f 10 The weight of i is set to 1. Frame f 11 The weight of i is set to 1.

[0080] Weights per frame w i can be set arbitrarily. For example, a frame containing a person is assigned a larger weight w than other frames. i For example, a frame containing a popular person is assigned a larger weight w than other frames.i For example, the weight w for each frame is set according to its importance in the world represented by video I. i According to this application example, the weight w for each frame constituting the video I may be set. i can be used to manage content usage according to the value of each frame.

[0081] [Application example 3] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a table for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Application example 3 is an example in which the managed content managed by management device 110 is a video I. This application example is an example in which a weight is set according to the value of each element that makes up the managed content, and the usage status of the managed content is managed according to the weight set for each element. The elements in this application example are a group of frames made up of multiple frames that make up the video I.

[0082] In this application example, a weight is set for each frame group constituting a moving image I according to the value of the frame group. In this application example, the higher the value of a frame group, the larger the weight is set. FIG. 21 is a diagram visualizing how weights are set for each frame group constituting a moving image I. FIG. 22 is a table (weight table 153) that summarizes the weights set for each frame group constituting a moving image I. For example, the weight w set for each frame group is i are added to and multiplied by the dimensions used to manage the managed content.

[0083] 21 and 22 show a weight w i Each of the multiple frame groups is assigned a weight w according to the value of the frame group. i The frame group F1 includes the frame f1 and the frame f2. The weight w of the frame group F1 is set. iis set to 1. Frame group F2 includes frames f3, f4, and f5. The weight w i is set to 5. Frame group F3 includes frames f6, f7, f8, and f9. The weight w i is set to 7. Frame group F2 includes frame f 10 and frame f 11 The weight of frame group F4 is w i is set to 1.

[0084] Weights for each frame group w i can be set arbitrarily. For example, a frame group containing a climax scene is assigned a larger weight w than other frames. i For example, a frame group containing a popular person is assigned a larger weight w than the other frame groups. i For example, the weight w for each frame group is set according to its importance in the world represented by video I. i According to this application example, the weight w for each frame group constituting the video I may be set. i By using the above, the usage status of the content can be managed according to the value of each frame group. According to this application, content management can be simplified compared to application example 2.

[0085] [Application Example 4] Fig. 23 is a conceptual diagram for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 24 is a table for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Application example 4 is an example in which the managed content managed by management device 110 is a video or an image. This application example is an example in which a weight is set according to the value of each element that makes up the managed content, and the usage status of the managed content is managed according to the weight set for each element. The elements in this application example are areas included in frame f that make up the video.

[0086] In this application example, a weight is set according to the value of each region included in a frame f constituting a moving image or each region included in an image. Hereinafter, a region included in a frame f constituting a moving image or each region included in an image will be referred to as a partial region. In this application example, the more valuable a partial region is, the greater the weight is set. FIG. 23 is a diagram that visualizes how weights are set for each partial region. FIG. 24 is a table (weight table 154) that summarizes the weights set for each partial region. For example, the weight w set for each partial region is i are added to and multiplied by the dimensions used to manage the managed content.

[0087] 23 and 24 show the weights w i Each of the multiple partial regions is assigned a weight w according to the value of the partial region. i The weight w of the subregion Z1 is set. i is set to 7. The weight w of the subregion Z2 i is set to 5. The weight w of the subregion Z3 i is set to 2. The weight w of the subregion Z4 i is set to 2. The weight w of the subregion Z5 i is set to 1.

[0088] Weights for each subregion w i can be set arbitrarily. For example, a partial region containing a person is assigned a larger weight w than other partial regions. i For example, a partial region containing many people is assigned a larger weight w than a partial region containing few people. i For example, a subregion containing a popular person is assigned a larger weight w than other subregions. i For example, the weight w for each subregion is set according to its importance in the world represented by the video. i According to this application example, the weight w for each partial region may be set. i By using this, the usage status of the content can be managed according to the value of each partial area.

[0089] [Application example 5] FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 26 is a table for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Application example 5 is an example in which management device 110 manages managed content that is a combination of video I and audio A. This application example is an example in which weights are set according to the value of each element that makes up the managed content, and the usage status of the managed content is managed according to the weights set for each element. In this application example, the managed content is content M, such as a movie or drama, in which video I and audio A are associated. The elements in this application example include frames that make up the video I and audio A associated with the video I.

[0090] In this application example, similarly to application example 2, a weight is set for each frame constituting the video I according to the value of the frame. Also, in this application example, a weight is set according to the value of the audio, independent of the video I. For example, a weight according to the value of the audio is set in association with a time period. The weights of the frame and the audio may be associated. In this application example, the more valuable the frame, the greater the weight is set. Also, in this application example, the more valuable the audio, the greater the weight is set. FIG. 25 is a diagram visualizing how different weights are set for the frames and audio constituting the video I. FIG. 26 is a table (weight table 155) that summarizes the weights set for each time period in which the audio associated with the video I is played. The weights set for each frame constituting the video I are as shown in the weight table 152 in FIG. 20. For example, the weight w set for each frame is i and weights w set for each voice a are added to and multiplied by the dimensions used to manage the managed content.

[0091] Figures 25 and 26 show the weights w a The weight of the voice for time period T1 is set as follows: a is set to 1. The weight of the voice in time period T2, wa is set to 4. The weight of the voice in time period T3, w a is set to 1. The weight of the voice in time period T4, w a is set to 5. The weight of the voice for time period T5 is a is set to 1. The weight of the voice in the time period T6, w a is set to 7. The weight of the voice for time period T7 is a is set to 3.

[0092] Weight of audio for each time period a can be set arbitrarily. For example, a larger weight w is assigned to the audio in the time period containing human voices compared to other time periods. a For example, a larger weight w is assigned to the audio of a time period containing a popular person than to other time periods. a For example, the weight of the audio for each time period, w, is set according to the importance of the video I and audio A in the world represented by them. a According to this application example, the weight of the voice for each time period w a Using this, the value of video I and audio A can be managed independently.

[0093] [Application Example 6] Fig. 27 is a conceptual diagram for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 28 is a table for explaining application examples of an information management system according to the present disclosure. Application example 6 is an example in which the managed content managed by management device 110 is audio A. This application example is an example in which a weight is set according to the value of each element that makes up the managed content, and the usage status of the managed content is managed according to the weight set for each element. The element in this application example is audio A.

[0094] For example, a weight according to the value of the sound is set in association with a time period. The method of this application example may also be applied to the management of sound A associated with a video. In this application example, the more valuable the sound, the greater the weight is set. FIG. 27 is a diagram visualizing how different weights are set for each sound source. FIG. 28 is a table (weight table 156) that summarizes the weights set for each sound source. For example, the weight w set for each sound source is a are added to and multiplied by the dimensions used to manage the managed content.

[0095] Figures 27 and 28 show the weights w for each person and background sound. a 27 and 28 show examples of rights holders for each character (actor) and background sound (music). a The weight of actor K's voice is set to 7. The voice rights holder of actor K is set to agency g. The weight of actor L's voice is set to w. a The voice weight of actor L is set to 5. The voice rights holder of actor L is set to agency h. The voice weight of actor N is set to w. a The weight of music 1 is set to w. The voice rights holder of actor N is set to agency j. a The weight of Music 1 is set to 4. The weight of Music 2 is set to P. a The weight of Music 2 is set to 5. The weight of Music 3 is set to w. a The copyright holder of music 3 has an R rating.

[0096] Weight of each character and background sound a can be set arbitrarily. For example, a voice containing the voice of a popular actor or an actor with a high performance fee is weighted more heavily than other voices. a For example, a sound that includes music performed by a popular artist or a theme song is assigned a larger weight w than other sounds. a For example, the weight of the voice, w, is set according to the importance of the voice in the world. aAccording to this application example, the weight w of the sound for each person and background sound may be set. a For example, even if it is the same music, the weight of the chorus part of the song and the main phrase part can be managed independently. a For example, even if it is background sound, if it can be used for other purposes, the weight w a may be set high.

[0097] As described above, the information management system according to this embodiment includes an authority management device and a management device. The information management system may also include a database in which content to be managed is stored.

[0098] The authority management device has a communication unit, a storage unit, a content processing unit, and an authority management unit. The communication unit transmits a request to use the managed content to the management device that manages the managed content. The communication unit receives the managed content transmitted in response to the usage request. The storage unit stores the received managed content. The content processing unit executes processing using the managed content. The authority management unit updates the authority information included in the usage authority set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content. The communication unit transmits the updated authority information to the management device in accordance with the usage status of the managed content.

[0099] The management device includes a communication interface, a usage rights management unit, and a content acquisition unit. The communication interface acquires a usage request sent from the rights management device. In response to the usage request, the rights management unit issues an instruction to the content acquisition unit to acquire managed content from a database. The content acquisition unit acquires the managed content from the database in response to the instruction from the rights management unit. The rights management unit sets usage rights for the managed content acquired from the database. The rights management unit manages the usage status of the managed content using a management table that manages the rights information of the managed content. The communication interface transmits the managed content for which usage rights have been set to the rights management device. The communication interface also acquires rights information of the managed content that has been updated in response to the usage status of the managed content. The rights management unit records the updated rights information of the managed content in the management table.

[0100] The rights management device of this embodiment updates the rights information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content, and transmits the updated rights information to the management device. The management device uses the rights information obtained from the rights management device to trace the usage status of the managed content in the rights management device. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the usage status of the digital content can be accurately grasped.

[0101] An authority management device according to one aspect of the present embodiment includes an input / output interface connected to a terminal device used by a user authorized to use the managed content. The input / output interface displays information related to the authority information set for the managed content on a screen of the terminal device. According to this aspect, a user authorized to use the managed content can check the usage status of the managed content. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user can be encouraged to use the managed content appropriately.

[0102] In one aspect of the present embodiment, the input / output interface displays information including dimensions representing the usage status of the managed content on the screen of the terminal device. According to this aspect, the user can understand the usage status of the managed content by checking the dimensions displayed on the screen of the terminal device.

[0103] An authority management device according to one aspect of the present embodiment includes an output unit connected to the Internet. The output unit outputs managed content that has been modified by a user. The authority management unit acquires information including dimensions that represent external usage of the managed content that has been modified by the user. The input / output interface displays information regarding external usage of the managed content that has been modified by the user on a screen of a terminal device. According to this aspect, by checking the dimensions displayed on the screen of the terminal device, the user can understand external usage of the managed content that has been modified by the user.

[0104] In one aspect of the present embodiment, the authority management unit manages the usage status of the managed content according to the value of each element that constitutes the managed content. According to this aspect, the usage status of the managed content can be more accurately understood based on the value of each element that constitutes the managed content.

[0105] In one aspect of the present embodiment, the managed content is content in which video and audio are associated with each other. The authority management unit separately manages the usage status of the video and audio included in the content. According to this aspect, by separately managing the usage status of the video and audio included in the managed content, it is possible to more accurately grasp the usage status of the content.

[0106] In one aspect of this embodiment, the rights management unit generates a hash value at a current stage using data generated in response to use of the managed content, a hash value obtained in a previous data processing stage, and a nonce. The communication unit transmits the generated hash value at the current stage to the management device. According to this aspect, the usage status of the managed content can be managed using the hash value. For example, blockchain technology can be applied to the method of this aspect.

[0107] (Second embodiment) Next, a right management device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The right management device of this embodiment has a simplified configuration of the right management device of the first embodiment.

[0108] (composition) 29 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an authority management device according to the present disclosure. The authority management device 20 includes a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, a content processing unit 25, and an authority management unit 26.

[0109] The communication unit 22 transmits a request to use the managed content to a management device that manages the managed content. The communication unit 22 receives the managed content transmitted in response to the usage request. The received managed content is stored in the storage unit 23. The content processing unit 25 executes processing using the managed content. The authority management unit 26 updates the authority information included in the usage authority set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content. The communication unit 22 transmits the updated authority information in accordance with the usage status of the managed content to the management device.

[0110] (operation) Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of generation of evacuation information by the authority management device according to the present disclosure. In the description of the processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 30, the components of the authority management device 20 will be the main focus. The main focus of the processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 30 may be the authority management device 20.

[0111] In FIG. 30, first, the communication unit 22 transmits a request to use the managed content to the management device that manages the managed content (step S211).

[0112] The communication unit 22 receives the content to be managed that has been transmitted in response to the usage request (step S212).

[0113] The storage unit 23 stores the received content to be managed (step S213).

[0114] The content processing unit 25 executes processing using the content to be managed (step S214).

[0115] The authority management unit 26 updates the authority information included in the usage authority set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content (step S215).

[0116] The communication unit 22 transmits the updated authority information according to the usage status of the content to be managed to the management device (step S216).

[0117] The rights management device of this embodiment updates the rights information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content, and transmits the updated rights information to the management device. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the usage status of the digital content can be accurately grasped.

[0118] (Hardware) Next, a hardware configuration for executing the processes in the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, an information processing device 90 (computer) in Fig. 31 is given as an example of such a hardware configuration. The information processing device 90 in Fig. 31 is an example of a configuration for executing the processes in the present disclosure and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 31, an information processing device 90 includes a processor 91, a memory 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, an input / output interface 95, and a communication interface 96. In Fig. 31, interface is abbreviated as I / F (Interface). The processor 91, memory 92, auxiliary storage device 93, input / output interface 95, and communication interface 96 are connected to each other via a bus 98 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. The processor 91, memory 92, auxiliary storage device 93, and input / output interface 95 are also connected to a network such as the Internet or an intranet via the communication interface 96.

[0120] The processor 91 loads a program (instructions) stored in an auxiliary storage device 93 or the like into the memory 92. For example, the program is a software program for executing the processes of the present disclosure. The processor 91 executes the program loaded into the memory 92. The processor 91 executes the program to execute the processes of the present disclosure.

[0121] The memory 92 is a storage device having an area in which a program is loaded. The processor 91 loads a program stored in an auxiliary storage device 93 or the like into the memory 92. The memory 92 is realized by a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Alternatively, a non-volatile memory such as an MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) may be used as the memory 92.

[0122] The auxiliary storage device 93 stores various data such as programs. For example, the auxiliary storage device 93 is realized by a local disk such as a hard disk or flash memory. Note that it is also possible to configure the system so that various data is stored in the memory 92, and omit the auxiliary storage device 93.

[0123] The input / output interface 95 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 90 to peripheral devices based on standards and specifications. The communication interface 96 is an interface for connecting to external systems and devices via a network such as the Internet or an intranet based on standards and specifications. The input / output interface 95 and the communication interface 96 may be a common interface for connecting to external devices.

[0124] Input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel may be connected to the information processing device 90 as needed. These input devices are used to input information and settings. When a touch panel is used as the input device, a screen having the function of the touch panel serves as the interface. The processor 91 and the input devices are connected via an input / output interface 95.

[0125] The information processing device 90 may be equipped with a display device for displaying information. When a display device is equipped, the information processing device 90 is equipped with a display control device (not shown) for controlling the display of the display device. The information processing device 90 and the display device are connected via an input / output interface 95.

[0126] The information processing device 90 may be equipped with a drive device. The drive device acts as an intermediary between the processor 91 and a recording medium (program recording medium) to read data and programs stored on the recording medium and to write processing results of the information processing device 90 to the recording medium. The information processing device 90 and the drive device are connected via an input / output interface 95.

[0127] The above is an example of a hardware configuration for enabling the processing in the present disclosure. The hardware configuration in Figure 31 is an example of a hardware configuration for executing the processing in the present disclosure and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. A program that causes a computer to execute the processing in the present disclosure is also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] A program recording medium on which a program for executing the processing in this embodiment is recorded is also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the program recording medium is a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. The recording medium can be realized as an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The recording medium may also be realized as a semiconductor recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) card. The recording medium may also be realized as a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk or other recording medium.

[0129] The components in the present disclosure may be combined in any manner. The components in the present disclosure may be realized by software. The components in the present disclosure may be realized by circuits.

[0130] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0131] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) a communication unit that transmits a request to use the managed content to a management device that manages the managed content, and receives the managed content transmitted in response to the request; a storage unit in which the received content to be managed is stored; a content processing unit that executes processing using the managed content; a rights management unit that updates rights information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with a usage status of the managed content, The communication unit a rights management device that transmits the rights information updated according to the usage status of the managed content to the management device; (Appendix 2) an input / output interface connected to a terminal device used by a user authorized to use the managed content; The input / output interface includes: 2. The rights management device according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the rights information set for the content to be managed is displayed on a screen of the terminal device. (Appendix 3) The input / output interface includes: 3. The rights management device according to claim 2, wherein information including a dimension representing the usage status of the managed content is displayed on a screen of the terminal device. (Appendix 4) Equipped with an output unit connected to the Internet, The output unit outputting the managed content that has been processed by the user; The authority management unit obtaining information including a dimension representative of usage outside of the managed content modified by a user; The input / output interface includes: 3. The rights management device according to claim 2, wherein information relating to an external usage status of the managed content that has been processed by a user is displayed on a screen of the terminal device. (Appendix 5) The authority management unit 10. The rights management device according to claim 1, which manages the usage status of the managed content according to the value of each element constituting the managed content. (Appendix 6) The content to be managed is content in which video and audio are associated with each other, The authority management unit An authority management device according to claim 5, which individually manages the usage status of video and audio contained in the content. (Appendix 7) The authority management unit generating a hash value at a current stage using data generated in response to the use of the managed content, a hash value at a previous stage, and a nonce; The communication unit 7. The rights management device according to claim 6, wherein the generated hash value at the current stage is transmitted to the management device. (Appendix 8) a rights management device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7; an information management system comprising: a management device that manages the usage status of managed content using a management table that manages the authority information of the managed content; transmits the managed content, for which usage authority has been set in accordance with a usage request transmitted from the authority management device, to the authority management device; obtains authority information of the managed content that has been updated in accordance with the usage status of the managed content; and records the updated authority information of the managed content in the management table. (Appendix 9) The computer transmitting a request to use the managed content to a management device that manages the managed content; receiving the managed content transmitted in response to the use request; storing the received managed content; Execute a process using the managed content; updating right information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content; A rights management method, comprising: transmitting the rights information updated in accordance with a usage status of the managed content to the management device. (Appendix 10) transmitting a request to use the managed content to a management device that manages the managed content; receiving the managed content transmitted in response to the usage request; storing the received managed content; A process of executing a process using the managed content; a process of updating right information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content; and transmitting the right information updated in accordance with the usage status of the managed content to the management device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 Information Management System 10, 20 Authority management device 11 Input / Output Interface 12, 22 Communications Department 13, 23 Storage section 15, 25 Content processing section 16, 26 Authority Management Department 18 Output section 100 Terminal Device 110 Management device 111 Communication Interface 112 Usage Rights Management Department 113 Content Acquisition Department 120 Management Table 130 databases

Claims

1. a communication unit that transmits a request to use the managed content to a management device that manages the managed content, and receives the managed content transmitted in response to the request; a storage unit in which the received content to be managed is stored; a content processing unit that executes processing using the managed content; a rights management unit that updates rights information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with a usage status of the managed content, The communication unit a rights management device that transmits the rights information updated according to the usage status of the managed content to the management device;

2. an input / output interface connected to a terminal device used by a user authorized to use the managed content; The input / output interface includes:

2. The right management device according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the right information set for the content to be managed is displayed on a screen of the terminal device.

3. The input / output interface includes:

3. The rights management device according to claim 2, wherein information including a dimension representing the usage status of the managed content is displayed on a screen of the terminal device.

4. Equipped with an output unit connected to the Internet, The output unit outputting the managed content that has been processed by the user; The authority management unit obtaining information including a dimension representative of usage outside of the managed content modified by a user; The input / output interface includes:

3. The right management device according to claim 2, wherein information about the external usage of the managed content that has been processed by the user is displayed on a screen of the terminal device.

5. The authority management unit The right management device according to claim 1 , wherein the use status of the managed content is managed according to the value of each element constituting the managed content.

6. The content to be managed is content in which video and audio are associated with each other, The authority management unit The right management device according to claim 5 , wherein the usage status of the video and audio included in the content is managed separately.

7. The authority management unit generating a hash value at a current stage using data generated in response to the use of the managed content, a hash value at a previous stage, and a nonce; The communication unit The right management device according to claim 6 , wherein the generated hash value at the current stage is transmitted to the management device.

8. A rights management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; an information management system comprising: a management device that manages the usage status of managed content using a management table that manages the authority information of the managed content; transmits the managed content, for which usage authority has been set in accordance with a usage request transmitted from the authority management device, to the authority management device; obtains authority information of the managed content that has been updated in accordance with the usage status of the managed content; and records the updated authority information of the managed content in the management table.

9. The computer transmitting a request to use the managed content to a management device that manages the managed content; receiving the managed content transmitted in response to the use request; storing the received managed content; Execute a process using the managed content; updating right information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content; A rights management method, comprising: transmitting the rights information updated in accordance with a usage status of the managed content to the management device.

10. transmitting a request to use the managed content to a management device that manages the managed content; receiving the managed content transmitted in response to the usage request; storing the received managed content; A process of executing a process using the managed content; a process of updating right information included in the usage rights set for the managed content in accordance with the usage status of the managed content; and transmitting the right information updated in accordance with the usage status of the managed content to the management device.

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