WO2008026790A1

WO2008026790A1 - Storage medium storing deletable digital contents, player fixedly equipped with the storage medium, and methods of using the storage medium and the player

Info

Publication number: WO2008026790A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/003600
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sung-Dong Cho
Original assignee: Sung-Dong Cho
Priority date: 2006-08-30
Filing date: 2006-09-11
Publication date: 2008-03-06

Abstract

A storage medium, in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, and which can be attached to and detached from (or can be fixed to) a digital content player. The storage medium includes a storage part in which the digital content has been deletably stored prior to the user's purchase of the storage medium, a coupling part (or fastening part) which allows the storage medium to be attached to and detached from the player, and an input/output part which inputs and outputs data in conjunction with the player.

Description

STORAGE MEDIUM STORING DELETABLE DIGITAL

CONTENTS, PLAYER FIXEDLY EQUIPPED WITH THE

STORAGE MEDIUM, AND METHODS OF USING THE

STORAGE MEDIUM AND THE PLAYER Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a storage medium storing deletable digital content, a player equipped with the storage medium, and methods of using the storage medium and the player. Background Art

[2] In general, digital content, such as music and moving images, is played in a device that is capable of playing it. Meanwhile, software, such as games and application programs, is executed in a device that is capable of executing it.

[3] The term "digital content" refers to a concept that includes both digital content, such as music and moving images, and software, such as games packages and application programs. The term "playing" is used to include both the playing of digital content, such as music and moving images, and the execution of software.

[4] In general, the types of storage media capable of storing digital data may be classified into detachable storage media and fixed storage media.

[5] The detachable storage media refer to storage media the manufacture and distribution of which are independently performed and which must be combined with a player for use, so that data can be input and output. Such detachable storage media may be classified into a tape type (cassette tape, etc.), a disk type (CD, etc.), and a semiconductor type (memory card, etc.), and into an erasable type and a non-erasable type.

[6] The fixed storage media refer to storage media that are previously provided in players capable of playing digital content, manufactured and distributed. Such fixed storage media include, for example, hard disks for computers, semiconductor memory for Moving Picture Experts Group Audio layer-3 (MP3) players, etc., most of which are erasable. However, there are cases where fixed storage media may be distributed, independently of players, such as hard disks for computers.

[7] Meanwhile, the players for digital content may be classified into portable players and fixed players. The portable players refer to players that can be carried, such as an MP3 player, a Portable Media Player (PMP), a mobile phone having a MP3 player function, a notebook computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a navigation device having a function of playing digital content, and a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) device having a function of playing digital content. The fixed players refer to players that cannot be carried or are difficult to carry, such as a desktop computer, a component audio system, and a video player. In such a player, a coupling part for coupling a detachable storage medium, a fixed storage medium provided therewith, or both are previously installed.

[8] Meanwhile, Digital Rights Management (DRM) is generally applied to such digital content. It is well known that DRM can be applied both to digital content, which is distributed through streaming or downloading, or via storage media, and to players for playing digital content. As the application of DRM is expanding, more digital content providers are expected to actively participate in this market.

[9] Meanwhile, for digital content to be played in a player, the digital content must be acquired by the player from the manufacturer of the digital content.

[10] Conventionally, methods of acquiring digital content are classified into the case of acquiring digital content on-line and the case of acquiring digital content off-line. Online acquisition includes, for example, cases of streaming and downloading, while offline acquisition includes, for example, the acquisition of digital content that is stored in a storage medium, such as a CD or a DVD.

[11] In the case of streaming, not all digital content is transmitted from a VOD server or the like to a terminal at one time, but a process, in which only a very small part of digital content required to be played in a terminal is transmitted, is repeated. Accordingly, in general, all of the digital content cannot be stored, and cannot be copied and stored in another storage medium. Since streaming is impossible in an environment in which an on-line connection cannot be established, the most important problem is that the digital content cannot be utilized at all.

[12] Meanwhile, in the case of downloading, all of the digital content is transmitted from a server to a terminal. In general, the digital content cannot be played until the transmission of the digital content is completed. Accordingly, downloading is possible only in an environment in which an on-line connection is established. Furthermore, in the case where the size of a digital content file is large, such as high-quality digital moving image content, download time is long, therefore there is a problem in that the time taken to start to use digital content is not short.

[13] Meanwhile, in the case where digital content is acquired through a storage medium in which the digital content is stored off-line, the digital content is distributed in the state of being stored in a storage medium, such as a CD or DVD. The price of the storage medium is determined depending on the price of digital content, rather than the price of the storage medium itself. Accordingly, for example, the end user of digital musical content must pay for all pieces of music stored in a music CD, even if the end user desires to purchase only one piece of music, therefore there is a problem in that the user's selectivity is considerably limited.

[14] It is well known that, recently, digital content is becoming diversified. In particular, with the advent and popularization of compression techniques having excellent compression ratios, a large amount of digital content is compressed into very small size data without significant change of quality, compared to conventional compressed data.

[15] For example, in the case of digital musical content, an MP3 technique is widely used as a compression technique therefor. According to the MP3 technique, a popular song can be sufficiently stored using a storage capacity of about 4-6 MB when practical quality is targeted. Of course, recently, there is also a tendency toward the pursuit of high sound quality for the same music, and the resulting increase in size.

[16] Meanwhile, for example, in the case of digital moving image content (a movie, a drama, a music video, etc.), MPEG 2, MPEG 4 and H.264 techniques are widely used as the compression techniques therefor. According to these compression techniques, for example, a movie can be stored using a storage capacity of about 700 MB when practical sound quality and image quality are targeted, and using a storage capacity of about 1.5 GB in the case of high quality. Of course, recently, there is also a tendency toward the pursuit of high sound quality and high image quality for the same moving image, and the resulting increase in size.

[17] Moreover, for example, game packages for computers or game-dedicated machines may be considered to be a kind of digital content. Such game packages trend toward increased file size as the functionality thereof is improved recently.

[18] In view of the trends, for example, in the case of a conventional music CD, data is stored in a music CD track form, therefore the number of pieces of music is only about 10. In consideration of the fact that a data CD having the same storage capacity can store about 150 5 MB- MP3 files, there is a problem that excessive storage capacity thereof is consumed.

[19] Furthermore, for example, in the case of a ready-made detachable storage medium such as a music CD, a movie DVD, and a game CD, all or part of digital content stored thereon cannot be freely deleted. That is, in the detachable storage medium in which specific digital content has been already stored, an end user cannot delete part or all of the content when the user desires to do so. For example, in the case where a CD containing 10 pieces of digital musical content is purchased, it is impossible to delete the content even if a user desires to maintain 4 pieces of music and to delete the remaining 6 pieces of music.

[20] Accordingly, digital content the use of which is not desired must be maintained, consequently there is a problem in that the storage space therefor cannot be utilized for other purposes. [21] Conventionally, for example, notwithstanding that about 2,000 5 MB MP3 music files or about 6 1.5 GB high-quality moving image files can be stored on an empty double-sided DVD having, for example, a storage capacity of about 9 GB, the DVD is distributed with the storage space empty. Meanwhile, for example, an MP3 player has a built-in semiconductor-type storage medium. When the storage capacity of the storage medium is about 4.5 GB, the MP3 player is distributed with the storage space thereof empty, although about 1,000 5MB-MP3 music files or about 3 1.5 GB high- quality moving image files can be stored therein.

[22] That is, among detachable storage media, erasable and writable storage media, for example, a rewritable CD, DVD and semiconductor- type storage medium (memory card, etc.), are distributed and purchased with digital content not stored thereon but in an empty state.

[23] Furthermore, in the case of players having erasable and writable fixed storage media, although a large storage space other than the space for requisite programs and an operating system remains in a storage medium such as the hard disk or semiconductor-type memory of a computer or MP3 player, the players are distributed and purchased with the large storage space empty. For example, when the capacity of a hard disk is 100 GB and the capacity of system files is 10 GB when a notebook computer is purchased, the notebook computer is distributed with a storage space of 90 GB empty.

[24] As a result, there is a problem in that it is impossible to efficiently use a storage space because a product is distributed with the storage space thereof empty, despite the presence of the storage space in which digital content can be stored. Furthermore, consequently, digital content must be acquired through another route, for example, on-line download, so there is a problem in that a considerably long download time is required for large-sized digital content.

[25] Moreover, for example, in the case of MP3 files, for the on-line downloading thereof, a tiresome procedure of selecting 500 pieces of music is required.

[26] As described above, the streaming scheme has a characteristic in that it cannot be used off-line, the downloading scheme has a tendency toward increased size of digital content, and the off-line scheme based on storage media has a problem in that it cannot accommodate users' diversifying demands because it fails to take into account the development of technology based on the popularization of compression techniques and it restricts users' right to be selective. In order to solve the above problems, the convention digital content acquisition methods require improvement. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [27] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an erasable detachable storage medium and a fixed storage medium in the empty spaces of which a plurality of pieces of digital content has been previously stored so as to eliminate the need for an on-line environment for streaming and download time.

[28] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a player equipped with the fixed storage medium.

[29] Additionally, a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a storage medium in which deletable digital content has been previously stored, such that an end user can maintain the stored digital content if the end user desires to use the content, and can freely delete the content if the end user determines the content to be unnecessary, and a method of using a player that is equipped with the storage medium.

[30] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium in which deletable digital content has been stored, which allows the playing of the digital content through a predetermined authentication procedure so as to prevent the illegal reproduction, distribution and use of the digital content, a player equipped with the storage medium, and methods of using the storage medium and the player.

[31] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium in which deletable digital content has been stored, which provides compressed, high-quality digital content via a high-capacity next generation storage medium, so the number of the pieces of digital content stored in a single storage medium is increased as high as possible, the price of each piece of digital content is reduced through the provision of a large amount of digital content, thereby protecting the profits of end users, and the activation of the digital content provision industry is promoted through the mass distribution of digital content, a player equipped with the storage medium, and methods of using the storage medium and the player. Technical Solution

[32] In order to accomplish the above objects, the first invention of the present invention provides a storage medium (hereinafter referred to as a detachable storage medium), in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, and which can be attached to and detached from a player capable of playing the digital content, the storage medium including a storage part in which the digital content has been deletably stored prior to the user's purchase of the storage medium; a coupling part which allows the storage medium to be attached to and detached from the player; and an input/output part which inputs and outputs data in conjunction with the player.

[33] The second invention of the present invention provides a storage medium

(hereinafter referred to as a fixed storage medium), in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, and which can be fixedly attached to a player capable of playing the digital content, the storage medium including a storage part in which the digital content has been deletably stored prior to the user's purchase of the storage medium; a fastening part which allows the storage medium to be fixedly attached to the player; and an input/output part which inputs and outputs data in conjunction with the player.

[34] The third invention of the present invention provides a digital content player comprising a fixed storage medium, an input/output part for inputting and outputting data in conjunction with the fixed storage medium, a player part for displaying digital content data input by the input/output part, and a processing part for managing digital content stored in the fixed storage medium, wherein the fixed storage medium is the storage medium, which is set forth in claim 2 and in which deletable digital content has been stored.

[35] The fourth invention of the present invention provides a method of using a storage medium (first or second invention) in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, the method including the steps of combining the storage medium with a player capable of playing the digital content; if the digital content is not used, deleting the digital content; and, if the digital content is used, maintaining and playing the digital content, or playing the digital content after undergoing a predetermined authentication procedure for use of the digital content.

[36] The fifth invention of the present invention provides a method of using a player equipped with a fixed storage medium in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, the method including the steps of, if the digital content is not used, deleting the digital content; and, if the digital content is used, maintaining and playing the digital content, or playing the digital content after undergoing a predetermined authentication procedure for use of the digital content.

[37] In the first to fifth inventions:

[38] 1. Preferably, in the storage medium, a management program for managing the digital content has been further stored along with the digital content in the storage medium; the management program is executed by the player; and the management program is configured to have at least one of functions of searching digital content, displaying a list of previously played items, repetitively playing digital content, performing karaoke emulation, creating and editing music videos, and preventing illegal reproduction of digital content files.

[39] 2. Preferably, the digital content is configured to be played after a predetermined authentication procedure.

[40] 3. Preferably, the storage medium is at least one of an HD DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, an optical disk, a VCD, a CD, USB memory, a memory card, and flash memory.

[41] 4. Preferably, the player is at least one of a PC, a PVR, a DVR, a DVD player, a

PMP, an MP3 player, a navigation device having a function of playing digital content, a DMB device having a function of playing digital content, a car audio device, and a video player having a function of playing digital content.

Advantageous Effects

[42] According to the present invention having the above-described construction, a detachable storage medium, such as a CD, is distributed with a large amount of digital content previously stored in the empty space thereof, thereby completely eliminating download time.

[43] Additionally, a player equipped with a fixed storage medium, such as the hard disk of a computer, with a large amount of digital content previously stored in the empty storage space of the fixed storage medium, is distributed, thereby completely eliminating download time.

[44] Additionally, the freedom that allows end users to play previously stored digital content if they desire to use it and to freely delete it if they determine it to be unnecessary is provided.

[45] Additionally, the playing of the digital content is permitted through a predetermined authentication procedure, thereby blocking illegal reproduction.

[46] Moreover, through the provision of a large amount of digital content, the price of each piece of digital content is reduced, thereby protecting the profits of end users and promoting the activation of the digital content provision industry. Brief Description of the Drawings

[47] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a structure in which a player for playing digital content stored in the (detachable) storage media of the present invention is connected to a server;

[48] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a structure in which a player equipped with the (fixed) storage media of the present invention is connected to a server;

[49] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of using the storage medium in which the digital content of the present invention has been previously stored;

[50] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of using a digital content management program that has been previously stored along with digital content in the storage medium of the present invention;

[51] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of using the player that is equipped with the

(fixed) storage medium in which the digital content of the present invention has been previously stored; and

[52] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of using a digital content management program that has been previously stored along with digital content in the (fixed) storage medium of the player of the present invention. Mode for the Invention

[53] <Embodiments>

[54] The present invention having the above-described construction will be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements throughout the different drawings, and detailed descriptions of the elements are omitted.

[55] The first invention of the present invention relates to a detachable storage medium in which deletable digital content has been stored.

[56] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a structure in which a player for playing digital content stored in the (detachable) storage media of the present invention is connected to a server.

[57] In detail, each of the storage media 100 and 101 includes a storage part 110, a coupling part 111 and an input/output part 112. The storage medium 100 is an example of a disk- type storage medium while the storage medium 101 is an example of a semiconductor-type storage medium. The present invention may also be applied to other types of storage media, such as a tape-type storage medium, as long as the storage media can store digital content.

[58] The storage part 110 is a part in which the digital content has been stored. The digital content has been stored in the storage part 110 since the distribution of the storage medium 100 or 101, and the state of the storage may be an erasable state according to a user's intention. That is, paid digital content is provided in advance, but the user can delete the digital content if the user determines the digital content to be unnecessary. Meanwhile, the case where data other than digital content has been stored along with the digital content in a portion of the storage part 110 is not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[59] The coupling part 111 is a part that allows the storage medium 100 or 101 to be attached to or detached from the coupling unit 210 of the player 200 for digital content. That is, the coupling part 111 is a part for mechanical coupling, and may refer to the inner circular part of a disk-type storage medium, such as a CD, that acts as a rotating and supporting part, or the metallic part of a USB semiconductor-type storage medium that is connected to the USB terminal of the player 200.

[60] The input/output part 112 is a part that functions to input and output data between the storage medium 100 or 101 and the player 200 for digital content. That is, the input/output part 112 is a part for electrical coupling, and may refer to the storage surface of the disk of a disk-type storage medium (which is finally and electrically coupled via optical coupling), such as a CD, or the contact part of a USB semiconductor-type storage medium that is coupled to the inside contacts of the USB terminal of the player 200. Meanwhile, the coupling part 111 and the input/output part 112 may be integrated with each other, and the coupling method includes contactless coupling methods such as an optical coupling method and an electrostatic coupling method.

[61] The second invention of the present invention relates to a fixed storage medium that is fixedly provided in the digital content player.

[62] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a structure in which a player equipped with the (fixed) storage media of the present invention is connected to a server. The fixed storage medium 400 previously provided in the player 500 is illustrated in the left part of FIG. 2.

[63] The fixed storage medium 400 includes a storage part, a fastening part and an input/ output part. In this case, since the storage part (not shown) and the input/output part (not shown) have the same functions and configurations as described in conjunction with the detachable storage medium of the first invention, redundant descriptions are omitted here.

[64] The fastening part (not shown) is a part that allows the fixed storage medium 400 to be mechanically fixed to the player 500.

[65] Although, in this case, the fixed storage medium 400 is fixedly installed in the player 500 and distributed, the fixed storage medium 400 itself may be separately distributed. Accordingly, in the case where the independently distributed fixed storage medium 400 is separately acquired, the fastening part is used to install the storage medium 400 in the player 500. Meanwhile, at the time of installation, to achieve electrical connection with the player 500, the input/output part must be connected to the corresponding input/output part (not shown) of the player 500.

[66] In this case, the storage media 100, 101 and 400 must be erasable media. Accordingly, storage media on which deletion and rewriting cannot be performed, such as Compact Disk (CD) Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) ROM, cannot be considered. Furthermore, since the digital content must be delectably stored, the case where the digital content is stored in ROM and cannot be deleted using a general method is not considered.

[67] The third invention of the present invention relates to a player 500 that is equipped with the fixed storage medium of the second invention.

[68] In FIG. 2, the structure in which the player 500 is connected to the server 300 is illustrated. The player 500 includes a fixed storage medium 400, an input/output part (not shown), a player part (not shown), and a processing part (not shown).

[69] The fixed storage medium 400 is a fixed storage medium on which deletable digital content has been previously stored, according to the second invention. Accordingly, the digital content is an object that a user determines whether to use. If the use of the digital content is determined to be unnecessary, the digital content is deleted by the user. If the digital content is determined to be necessary, the digital content is kept as it has been stored, and is also used.

[70] The input/output part is a part through which the player 500 inputs and outputs data to and from the fixed storage medium 400. Since the player 500 is generally connected to a storage medium via a data line, the input/output part is formed of an electric connection means. For example, in the case of a Personal Computer (PC), when a hard disk is the storage medium 400, the input/output part corresponds to a hard disk controller.

[71] The player part is a part that plays digital content data that is input through the input/output part. For example, in the case of a desktop computer, which is a multipurpose device, the player part refers to all devices participating in a process ranging from the reading of data from a hard disk to the output of the data through a speaker in an audible form, which include a Central Processing Unit (CPU). In another example, in the case of an MP3 player, which is a dedicated device, the player part refers to all devices participating in a process ranging from the reading of data from flash memory, which is a kind of semiconductor storage medium, to the output of the data through a speaker in a sound form, that is, the almost all parts of the MP3 device, which include a CPU, a microprocessor or a microcomputer.

[72] The processing part refers to a part that is used to manage digital content stored in the fixed storage medium. For example, in the case where the digital content is managed, for example, deleted or moved, the processing part refers to, in the case of a desktop computer, which is a multipurpose device, the module of a disk Input/Output (I/O) processing unit which accesses a fixed storage medium storing digital content and deletes files, which includes a CPU. In another example, in the case of an MP3 player, which is a dedicated device, the processing part refers to a module that selects, deletes and moves files in, for example, flash memory, that is, a kind of semiconductor storage medium, which includes a CPU, a microprocessor or a microcomputer. [73] The above-described detachable storage media 100 and 101 according to the first invention of the present invention and the above-described fixed storage medium 400 according to the second invention thereof are purchased and distributed at least through acquisition and distribution stages. This case refers to a case where the fixed storage medium 400 is distributed independently of the player 500.

[74] The acquisition stage is the stage in which distributors or the like acquire storage media 100, 101 and 400 in which digital content has been deletably stored. However, the storage medium may be acquired in an empty form, the digital content may be separately acquired, and the digital content may be input to and stored in the empty storage medium by the distributors or the like.

[75] The distribution stage is a stage in which the storage medium is distributed. The term 'distribution' refers to a case where notification of the availability of a storage medium in which the digital content has been previously and deletably stored is provided to a purchaser and the storage medium is sold to the purchaser. In the case where the market price is the price of the storage medium itself and does not include the price of the digital content, it is preferred that authentication be performed via the Internet when an end user desires to use the digital content. In contrast, in the case where the market price includes both the price of the storage medium itself and the price of the digital content, it is not necessary to undergo authentication when an end user desires to use digital content.

[76] However, in any case, a kind of DRM technique of putting restrictions on the number of uses of digital content, the period of use of digital content, and the copying of digital content may be employed.

[77] In the first invention and the third invention, or in the second invention and the third invention, the type of storage medium and the type of player may be the same, and an additional management program, which has been stored and is then provided together with the digital content and which will be described later, may be the same.

[78] The fourth invention of the present invention relates to a method of using the storage medium (according to the first or second invention), while the fifth invention of the present invention relates to a method of using a player (according to the third invention) that is equipped with the fixed storage medium.

[79] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the method of using the storage medium (according to the first or second invention) in which digital content has been previously stored (according to the fourth invention), and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the method of using the player (according to the third invention) that is equipped with the (fixed) storage medium in which the digital content of the present invention has been previously stored (according to the fifth invention).

[80] As illustrated, once digital content has been stored in an empty storage medium at steps Sl 10-S120, the detachable storage medium 100 or 101 of the first invention or the fixed storage medium 400 of the second invention having the digital content of the present invention is obtained.

[81] The detachable storage media 100 and 101 are generally distributed independently of the players 200. Although the fixed storage medium 400 is generally combined with and fixed to the player 500 and is then distributed, there are cases where the fixed storage medium 400 is independently distributed. In the case where the fixed storage medium 400 is combined with and fixed to the player 500, the player 500 may be considered to be distributed.

[82] After the detachable storage medium 100 or 101, distributed independently of the player 200, as described above, or the fixed storage medium 400, distributed independently of the player 500, as described above, has been acquired by a user, it is combined with or installed in the player 200 or 500 capable of playing the digital content at step S 130.

[83] When the storage medium is the detachable storage medium 100 or 101, the combination (or installation) of step S 130 may be performed whenever the digital content is managed, that is, deleted or used. At this time, the coupling part 111 of the storage medium 100 or 101 is coupled to the coupling unit 210 of the player 200, electrical connection is established between the input/output part (not shown) of the player 200 and the input/output part 112 of the storage medium, and a state in which the data of the digital content stored in the storage part 110 can be transferred to the player 200 is realized.

[84] When the storage medium is the fixed storage medium 400, the combination or installation of step S 130 is performed at the time when the storage medium 400 is previously installed in the player 500 by a manufacturer in a stage prior to the distribution stage, or when a user purchases the independently distributed storage medium 400 and installs it in the player 500. At this time, the fastening part (not shown) of the fixed storage medium 400 is combined with and fixed to the corresponding part (not shown) of the player 500, and the input/output part (not shown) of the fixed storage medium 400 is coupled to the input/output part (not shown) of the player 500.

[85] Thereafter, whether to delete or use all or part of the digital content stored in the storage media 100, 101 or 400 is determined by the user at step S 140. Since the digital content is deleted, or maintained and used, the player 200 or 500 needs to have functions related to deletion and use.

[86] If, as a result of the determination, the digital content is determined to be deleted, the digital content may be deleted using the functions of the player 200 or 500, or using a management program (which will be described later) at step S 150. As a result, storage space is ensured in the storage medium 100, 101 or 400, and may be used for the storage of other data.

[87] If the digital content is determined to be used, the digital content may be used using the functions of the player 200 or 500, or the various functions of the management program (which will be described later) at step S 160.

[88] Meanwhile, the use of the digital content may be restricted using a DRM technique.

According to the DRM technique, the playing of digital content itself may be restricted, or the playing of digital content may be restricted to a specific range, such as the number of times the digital content is played, or the period of use of the digital content, even though playing itself is permitted.

[89] If the price of the storage medium and the price of the digital content were both paid at the time of purchasing the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 in which the digital content has been stored, it is preferable not to restrict whether the digital content can be played. In this case, DRM is not employed, or may be previously unlocked.

[90] If the price of the storage medium was paid but the price of the digital content was not paid, it is preferred that authentication be performed before playing. In this case, it is possible to connect to the server 300 and then perform authentication via the Internet, or it is possible to perform authentication using any other known authentication method, such as authentication through a telephone call, or authentication using a serial number.

[91] In greater detail, the authentication through connection to the server 300 via the

Internet is described below. For the connection to the server 300, the wired or wireless Internet (WIBRO, WIMAX, HSPDA, HSUPA, WCDMA, etc.) may be used.

[92] In the case where the player 200 or 500 for the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 such as a DVD, for example, a DVD player, has an Internet access function, the user may directly connect to the server 300 in a state in which the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 has been installed in the player 200 or 500, and may perform a predetermined authentication procedure, including a request for authentication and the payment of corresponding fee. In this case, construction may be made such that information about content authenticated as a result of the authentication is recorded in the storage medium 100, 101, or 400. Thereafter, the authenticated digital content may be made playable on the player 200 or 500.

[93] In the case where the player 200 or 500 for the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 such as a DVD, for example, a DVD player, has no Internet access function, the user may directly connect to the server 300 in a state in which the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 has been installed in a separate device having an Internet access function, for example, a PC, and may perform a predetermined authentication procedure, including a request for authentication and the payment of a corresponding fee. In this case, construction may be made such that information about content authenticated as a result of the authentication is recorded in the storage medium 100, 101, or 400. Thereafter, the authenticated digital content may be made playable on the player 200 or 500.

[94] Alternatively, in the case where the player 200 or 500 for the storage medium 100,

101 or 400 such as a DVD, for example, a DVD player, has no Internet access function, the user may directly connect the player 200 or 500 to a separate device having an Internet access function, for example, a PC, in a state in which the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 has been installed in the player 200 or 500, may access the server 300, and may perform a predetermined authentication procedure, including a request for authentication and the payment of a corresponding fee. In this case, construction may be made such that information about content authenticated as a result of the authentication is recorded in the storage medium 100, 101, or 400. Thereafter, the authenticated digital content may be made playable on the player 200 or 500.

[95] In the case of using the digital content of the detachable storage medium 100 or 101 in the player 500 having the fixed storage medium 400, such as semiconductor-type flash memory, and an Internet access function, for example, a mobile phone, the user may connect the player 500 to a separate device, such as a PC, in a state in which the detachable storage medium 100 or 101 has been installed in the device, may download digital content to be authenticated, may access the server 300 through the function of the player 500, and may perform a predetermined authentication procedure, including a request for authentication and the payment of a corresponding fee. In this case, construction may be made such that information about content authenticated as a result of the authentication is recorded in the storage medium 100 or 101. Thereafter, the authenticated digital content may be made playable on the player 500.

[96] In the case of using the digital content of the detachable storage medium 100 or 101 in the player 500 having the fixed storage medium 400, such as semiconductor-type flash memory, and no Internet access function, for example, a MP3 player, the user may connect to the server 300 in a state in which the detachable storage medium 100 or 101 has been installed in a separate device having an Internet access function, such as a PC, and may perform a predetermined authentication procedure, including a request for authentication and the payment of a corresponding fee. In this case, construction may be made such that information about content authenticated as a result of the authentication is recorded in the storage medium 100 or 101. Thereafter, it is possible to connect the player 500 to the separate device, download the authenticated digital content and play the authenticated digital content on the player 500.

[97] Meanwhile, the authentication of the digital content may be performed for respective pieces of content stored in the storage medium. Accordingly, since only desired content can be authenticated, there are advantages in which the data of undesirable content can be deleted, thereby utilizing empty space, and it is not necessary to pay for the content.

[98] Furthermore, according to the construction, digital content has been previously stored and is provided, therefore there is an advantage in that, for a user requiring the digital content, the time expenditure (of search and transmission) and the physical cost (of electricity and communication) for the downloading of the digital content can be saved. In contrast, for a user not requiring the previously stored digital content, only the time expenditure and physical cost for the deletion of data are incurred.

[99] An example of the use of the digital content stored in the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 will be described below.

[100] For example, when, in a notebook computer having a 100 GB hard disk, a 10 GB system file is stored therein and the 90 GB storage space thereof is empty, the notebook computer is distributed in a state in which the 90 GB space has been fully filled with digital content free of charge, according to the present invention. Accordingly, a person who buys the notebook computer tentatively obtains a large amount of digital content free of charge. This digital content may be deleted later, or may be paid for and used after authentication.

[101] Alternatively, the price of the digital content may be also paid for at the time of purchasing the notebook computer. In this case, a reduced price based on a mass quantity sale may be set on the digital content, and the digital content may be freely used without authentication or may be deleted if not necessary.

[102] The storage media to which the present invention can be applied will be described below.

[103] Each of the storage media 100, 101 and 400 in which the digital content is stored is a detachable storage medium or a fixed storage medium. In particular, it is preferred that each of the storage media 100, 101 and 400 be at least one of an HD DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, an optical disk, a VCD, a CD, USB memory, a memory card and flash memory. The reason for this is that the latter is advantageous to distribution because the capacity thereof is high compared to the volume or weight thereof.

[104] It is apparent that not only the disk- type storage medium 100 and the semiconductor-type storage medium 101 but also storage media having other shapes and other types of storage media are not excluded from the scope of the storage medium of the present invention.

[105] For reference, the capacities of the disk-type storage media 100 are listed in the following Table 1.

[106] Table 1

[107] For example, in the case of digital musical content, 1,000 MP3 files can be stored on a single-sided DVD. According to research, 90% of MP3 player users store about 500 pieces of music. Capacity corresponding to 1,000 pieces of music is capacity that can satisfy about 95% or more of the users. Since a double-sided DVD can store about 2,000 MP3 files, a single-sided next generation storage medium (HD DVD or Blu-ray disk) can store about 5,000 MP3 files and a double-sided next generation storage medium can store about 10,000 MP3 files, they are more preferable. Accordingly, digital musical content previously arranged according to various classifications, such as the singer, the genre, etc., can be stored and provided.

[108] In the case of digital moving image content, a single-sided DVD can stores about 3 movies, a double-sided DVD can store about 6 movies, a single-sided next generation storage medium can store about 15 movies, and a double-sided next generation storage medium can store about 30 movies, that is, about 1.5 GB high-quality moving images. Accordingly, for example, a movie series, such as Star Wars Episodes I, π, HI, IV and V, can be stored in a single storage medium, thus users' demands can be fulfilled.

[109] Meanwhile, in the case of the semiconductor-type storage medium, the capacity thereof is increasing considerably, therefore the same remarks made above can be made. It is expected that the semiconductor-type storage medium will be widely popularized due to the small size, convenience and compatibility thereof. Storage media in which a semiconductor device, such as flash memory, constitutes the storage part 110, such as USB memory, CF memory, SD memory and a memory stick, are considered to belong to the semiconductor-type storage medium, regardless of the maker or type.

[110] According to the type and specification of the storage medium and according to the type of digital content, the type of player capable of playing the digital content is determined. For example, the player is preferably at least one of a PC, a PVR, a DVR, a DVD player, a PMP, an MP3 player, a navigation device having a function of playing digital content, a DMB device having a function of playing digital content, a car audio device, and a video player having a function of playing digital content. Of course, the player includes all types of digital Audio/Video (AfV) devices that can be realized in the near future.

[I l l] The management program for the digital content will be described below.

[112] It is preferred for convenient use of the high-capacity storage medium 100, 101 or

400, in which a plurality of pieces of digital content is stored, that the management program be installed.

[113] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the digital content management program that has been previously stored along with the digital content in the storage medium (according to the first or second invention), and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the digital content management program that has been previously stored along with the digital content in the (fixed) storage medium of the player (according to the third invention) of the present invention.

[114] As described above, the storage medium 100, 101 or 400 may be distributed with the management program for the management of the digital content, along with the digital content, stored therein at step S 122. The management program is combined with the player 200 or 500 for playing the digital content at step S 130, and is executed at step S 145. Although the management program may be constructed to run according to the user's instructions via the input means (not shown) and display means (not shown) of the player 200 or 500, convenience can be further enhanced if the management program is constructed as a plug-and-play type program that is loaded immediately after it is combined with the player 200 or 500.

[115] The management program is used to manage the digital content at step S147. It is preferred that the management program be constructed to have at least one of the functions of searching digital content, displaying a list of previously played items, repetitively playing digital content, performing Karaoke emulation, creating and editing music videos, and preventing the illegal reproduction of digital content files.

[116] The function of searching digital content is the most important function, and may be stored as a separate search program. Using this, the digital content can be managed through searches using the various classification attributes of the digital content, for example, in the case of music, composer, singer, year of issue, etc., and, in the case of movies, producer, distributor, director, leading actor, genre, etc. There are many cases where the search function must be executed first. Like a conventional case where a menu is automatically displayed on a screen when a DVD is loaded into a DVD player, the search function is automatically run and a search menu is displayed on a screen when the storage medium 100 or 101 is loaded into the player 200. Here, in the case of a multipurpose player having a complicated multifunction, such as a computer, it is preferable not to execute an automatic display function. In contrast, in the case of a player provided with a simple function and dedicated to digital content having specific formats, such as a PMP or an MP3 player, it is preferable to execute the automatic display function.

[117] The function of displaying a list of previously played items is a function of displaying a list of pieces of digital content previously played by a user, and enabling the management of a playing list, such as a personal music box, using the list of previously played items. Using this, the user can maintain and manage the user's own album.

[118] The function of repetitively playing digital content is a function of repeatedly playing only a single piece of digital content.

[119] The function of performing karaoke emulation function is a function of playing only the accompaniment part of digital content and allowing a user to sing the song part thereof, as in a karaoke shop, in particular, in the case of digital musical content.

[120] The function of creating and editing music videos is a function of combining specific digital musical content with separately prepared digital moving image content, such as the moving images of an entrance ceremony, and issuing music and moving images together, as a music video, and enabling the editing of the resultant product when necessary.

[121] The function of preventing the illegal reproduction of digital content files is a DRM function of preventing illegally copying digital content files to other devices or other storages without authentication.

[122] It is preferred that the management program be constructed to be provided with other functions as needed.

[123] Although, in the above description, the present invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that various modifications, which are made by those skilled in the art in a range that does not depart from the gist of the present invention, pertain to the scope of the present invention.

[124] For example, it is preferred that the management program, along with the digital content, be stored in an erasable state.

[125] Meanwhile, since a plurality of pieces of digital content is stored in a single storage medium, it is difficult to know the details of the stored digital content. In order to mitigate this difficulty, a short piece of material for introducing the digital content may be further stored in the storage medium as a kind of intro thereto, or the management program may be configured to have an intro creating function.

Claims

[1] A storage medium, in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, and which can be attached to and detached from a player capable of playing the digital content, the storage medium comprising: a storage part in which the digital content has been deletably stored prior to the user's purchase of the storage medium; a coupling part which allows the storage medium to be attached to and detached from the player; and an input/output part which inputs and outputs data in conjunction with the player.

[2] A storage medium, in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, and which can be fixedly attached to a player capable of playing the digital content, the storage medium comprising: a storage part in which the digital content has been deletably stored prior to the user's purchase of the storage medium; a fastening part which allows the storage medium to be fixedly attached to the player; and an input/output part which inputs and outputs data in conjunction with the player.

[3] A digital content player comprising a fixed storage medium, an input/output part for inputting and outputting data in conjunction with the fixed storage medium, a player part for displaying digital content data input by the input/output part, and a processing part for managing digital content stored in the fixed storage medium, wherein the fixed storage medium is the storage medium, which is set forth in claim 2 and in which deletable digital content has been stored.

[4] The storage medium as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein: a management program for managing the digital content has been further stored along with the digital content in the storage medium; the management program is executed by the player; and the management program is configured to have at least one of functions of searching digital content, displaying a list of previously played items, repetitively playing digital content, performing karaoke emulation, creating and editing music videos, and preventing illegal reproduction of digital content files.

[5] The storage medium as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the digital content is configured to be played after a predetermined authentication procedure.

[6] The storage medium as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage medium is at least one of an HD DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, an optical disk, a VCD, a CD, USB memory, a memory card, and flash memory.

[7] The storage medium as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the player is at least one of a PC, a PVR, a DVR, a DVD player, a PMP, an MP3 player, a navigation device having a function of playing digital content, a DMB device having a function of playing digital content, a car audio device, and a video player having a function of playing digital content.

[8] The player as set forth in claim 3, wherein: a management program for managing the digital content has been further stored along with the digital content in the storage medium; the management program is executed by the player; and the management program is configured to have at least one of functions of searching digital content, displaying a list of previously played items, repetitively playing digital content, performing karaoke emulation, creating and editing music videos, and preventing illegal reproduction of digital content files.

[9] The player as set forth in claim 3, wherein the digital content is configured to be played after a predetermined authentication procedure.

[10] The player as set forth in claim 3, wherein the storage medium is at least one of an HD DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, an optical disk, a VCD, a CD, USB memory, a memory card, and flash memory.

[11] The player as set forth in claim 3, wherein the player is at least one of a PC, a

PVR, a DVR, a DVD player, a PMP, an MP3 player, a navigation device having a function of playing digital content, a DMB device having a function of playing digital content, a car audio device, and a video player having a function of playing digital content.

[12] A method of using a storage medium in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, the method comprising the steps of: combining the storage medium with a player capable of playing the digital content; if the digital content is not used, deleting the digital content; and if the digital content is used, maintaining and playing the digital content, or playing the digital content after undergoing a predetermined authentication procedure for use of the digital content. [13] A method of using a player equipped with a fixed storage medium in which deletable digital content has been previously stored on condition that the digital content is deleted if a user determines the digital content to be unnecessary, and is maintained and used if the user determines the digital content to be necessary, the method comprising the steps of: if the digital content is not used, deleting the digital content; and if the digital content is used, maintaining and playing the digital content, or playing the digital content after undergoing a predetermined authentication procedure for use of the digital content.