Temporary Memory Content Reproduction with Session-Based Erasure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content data reproducing systems struggle to accurately restrict the reproduction of externally downloaded content data, particularly musical performance data, due to the volatility of temporary memory storage and the need for continuous clock functions, which increases costs and complicates usage restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A content data reproducing apparatus and program that acquires content data from an external server, temporarily stores it in memory, and enforces reproduction conditions based on maximum running time, session count, or time period, using an internal clock synchronized with an external time source to ensure data is erased when conditions are no longer met, thereby preventing unauthorized reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content data is stored in temporary memory for later reproduction, then the reproduction system can support streaming distribution and partial storage, but the data can be repeatedly read and reproduced as long as the machine is on, making it difficult to restrict the number of reproduction sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing reproduction condition data (maximum session count, time period, running time) together with content data before reproduction occurs. The reproduction control section checks these conditions in advance before each reproduction session, preventing unauthorized repeated reproduction by verifying session counts and time constraints before allowing playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The reproduction control section implements feedback by continuously monitoring reproduction sessions and comparing actual reproduction counts against the maximum session count stored in temporary memory. After each reproduction session, the system updates the remaining session count and checks whether the time period has expired, providing real-time feedback control to enforce reproduction restrictions accurately.
2Reliability
If a clock function is used to enforce reproduction time restrictions, then reproduction can be limited to a specified period, but a clock battery is needed to always operate the clock function, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The reproduction control section performs multiple functions using the same temporary memory storage: it stores both reproduction condition data (maximum session count, time period, running time) and content data. The system checks multiple reproduction constraints (session count, time period expiration, running time limits) without requiring separate dedicated storage or clock mechanisms, achieving multi-functional control with minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by leveraging the existing temporary memory volatility characteristic to its advantage. When power is turned off, the temporary memory automatically erases reproduction condition data, which inherently enforces time-based reproduction restrictions without needing an active clock battery. The system serves itself by using the physical property of the memory medium to enforce temporal constraints.
3Productivity
If temporary memory is used for content data storage, then the system can support streaming reproduction, but turning the power off disables the stored data from being maintained, causing loss of downloaded content data
Solution Approach 1:
The reproduction control section implements beforehand cushioning by checking reproduction conditions (session count, time period, running time) before each reproduction operation. If conditions are not met, the system prevents reproduction before data loss can occur, cushioning against potential unauthorized or expired reproduction attempts. The system prepares by verifying all constraints are satisfied before allowing content access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies discarding and recovering by intentionally allowing temporary memory data to be discarded (erased) when power is turned off, which is the natural behavior of volatile memory. However, the system recovers by re-downloading content data and reproduction condition data from the external server when needed, using the bandwidth and storage capacity of the external content provision server to replenish the temporary memory storage.
Data Source
AI summary
In a content data reproducing apparatus having a temporary memory for stream reproduction, a content data acquisition section acquires content data from an external content provision server. A storage control section temporarily stores the content data acquired by the content data acquisition section in the temporary memory such that the stored content data should be erased from the temporary memory when a power supply is turned off. A reproduction condition acquisition section acquires reproduction condition data which defines a reproduction condition for reproducing the content data. A reproduction section reproduces the content data read from the temporary memory. A reproduction control section operates in case that the reproduction condition is satisfied for supplying the reproduction section with the content data read from the temporary memory for the reproduction, and operates in case that the reproduction condition is no more satisfied for erasing the content data from the temporary memory even before the power supply is turned off.