System and method of online deciphering data on storage medium

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method of online releasing of software, which is encrypted and stored on a storage medium and distributed to the user, from a cryptogram.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Recently, it has become popular that CD-ROM disks (compact disk read only memory) as large capacity storage media are distributed with software, such as programs, image data, etc. stored on them. The users obtain the CD-ROM disks directly at stores or through mail order systems. However, the user has to either go all the way to the store or wait for a certain period to actually obtain the disks.

[0006] Under the above described situation, it has been suggested that the CD-ROMs should be first distributed to the users. The problem is how the distribution is established.

[0007] The present invention aims at providing a system and method of online releasing of software distributed to a user from a cryptogram, so that the information stored on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, etc. distributed to the users, can be purchased and utilized by them.

[0008] The online deciphering system according to the present invention comprises a communication unit, an interactive unit, an information storage unit, and a key generating unit. The online deciphering system corresponds to, for example, a host computing system connected to a user terminal through a communications network to decipher data from an encrypted form on a storage medium mounted in the user terminal unit. The storage medium can be, for example, a CD-ROM, floppy disk, memory card, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, the communication unit transmits and receives information to and from a user terminal unit through the communications network. The interactive unit releases online the data encrypted on the user storage medium from a cryptogram through the communication unit according to the order information received in an interactive form from the above described user terminal unit.

[0010] Thus, the user can decipher and then utilize the contents of a specified software on the distributed storage medium.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the interactive unit transmits online through the communication unit a first key information for use in accessing in the user terminal unit the information stored on a user storage medium based on the above described order information.

[0012] The interactive unit communicates with the user terminal unit through the communication unit and receives software purchase order information requested by the user. Based on the order information, the interactive unit transmits online to the user terminal unit the first key information for use in accessing the software (information) stored on the storage medium.

[0013] Then, the user deciphers the requested software on the user terminal unit using the transmitted first key information, and installs it on a hard disk, etc. The host computer system stores the user identification information and the identification information about the requested software, and charges the user the fee.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the information storage unit stores a second key information specific to the information stored on the above described storage medium. The interactive unit searches the information storage unit according to the order information, retrieves the second key information corresponding to the ordered information, and transmits to the user terminal unit the first key information generated according to the second key information.

[0015] The second key information stored by the information storage unit is a software key specific to the software stored on the storage medium, and is independent of the identification information about the accessing user and user terminal unit. The interactive unit retrieves the corresponding second key information from the information storage unit according to the software identification information contained in the order information.

[0016] Using the software-specific second key information, the first key information effective only to a specified software is generated. Therefore, it is impossible to use the first key information for deciphering other software. As a result, the deciphering service charge can be collected for each piece of software.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the key generating unit generates the first key information according to the user identification information or user terminal unit identification information contained in the order information, and according to the second key information received from the interactive unit.

[0018] Thus, the generated first key information is a composite key required to read, on the user terminal unit from which the order information is transmitted, the software having the second key information as a software key.

[0019] For example, deciphering data according to the first key information generated using the user identification information and second key information allows the user to be automatically charged corresponding to the user identification information. Therefore, an error occurs if a person other than the authorized user tries to decipher the data. The first key information generated using the user terminal unit identification information and second key information can be used only on the corresponding user terminal unit. Therefore, the software cannot be read on another user terminal unit using the first key information.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the user terminal unit comprises a mounting unit, an order output unit, and a deciphering unit. The mounting unit mounts a storage medium. The order output unit accesses an deciphering center through a communications network, selects the information stored on the above described storage medium in an interactive mode with the deciphering unit, and outputs order information to the deciphering center.

[0021] The deciphering unit receives online from the deciphering center through the communications network the first key information for use in accessing the selected information from the storage medium, and then accesses the selected information on the storage medium according to the first key information.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a user terminal unit comprises a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for a deciphering service.

[0023] The computer-readable storage medium directs the computer at the user terminal unit to access the deciphering center through the communications network, select the information stored on the above described storage medium in an interactive mode with the deciphering unit, and output order information to the deciphering center. It also directs the computer to receive online from the deciphering center through the communications network the first key information for use in accessing the selected information on the storage medium, and then access the selected information on the storage medium according to the first key information.

[0024] The computer-readable storage medium can be either the same one as the storage medium storing the information to be accessed, or another one.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows the principle of the online deciphering system according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a distribution system for the CD-ROM software;

[0027] FIG. 3A shows the configuration of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3B shows the configuration of the information processing device;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart (1) showing the CD-ROM deciphering process;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (2) showing the CD-ROM deciphering process;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flowchart (3) showing the CD-ROM deciphering process;

[0032] FIG. 7 shows the display screen (1) of a common communications software;

[0033] FIG. 8 shows the display screen (2) of a common communications software;

[0034] FIG. 9 shows the display screen (3) of a common communications software;

[0035] FIG. 10 shows the display screen (4) of a common communications software;

[0036] FIG. 11 shows the display screen (5) of a common communications software;

[0037] FIG. 12 shows the display screen (1) where data is manually input;

[0038] FIG. 13 shows the display screen (2) where data is manually input;

[0039] FIG. 14 shows the display screen (3) where data is manually input;

[0040] FIG. 15 shows the display screen where previously-known information is omitted;

[0041] FIG. 16 shows a transmitted mail and received mail;

[0042] FIG. 17 shows information about each software;

[0043] FIG. 18 shows the display screen when the software has already been updated;

[0044] FIG. 19 shows the display screen for confirmation of a key number;

[0045] FIG. 20 shows the case in which the key number is recorded in the file;

[0046] FIG. 21 shows the display screen showing the contents of the communications log;

[0047] FIG. 22 shows a record of the active contents table;

[0048] FIG. 23 shows a record of the purchase history table;

[0049] FIG. 24 shows a record of the active customer table;

[0050] FIG. 25 shows a record of the accounting log table;

[0051] FIG. 26 shows a record of the error log table; and

[0052] FIG. 27 shows a record of the access log table.

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below by referring to the attached drawings.

[0054] FIG. 1 shows the principle of the online deciphering system according to the present invention. The online deciphering system shown in FIG. 1 comprises a communication unit 1, an interactive unit 2, a key generating unit 3, and an information storage unit 4.

[0055] The communication unit 1 transmits and receives information to and from a user terminal unit through the communications network. The interactive unit 2 releases online the data encrypted on the user encrypted storage medium through the communication unit 1 according to the order information received in an interactive form from the above described user terminal unit. An encrypted storage medium refers to a medium such as a CD-ROM disk, etc. containing encrypted information.

[0056] The interactive unit 2 online transmits through the communication unit 1 a first key information for use in accessing in the user terminal unit the information stored on a user encrypted storage medium based on the above described order information.

[0057] The information storage unit 4 stores the second key information specific to the information stored on the above described storage medium. The interactive unit 2 searches the information storage unit 4 according to the order information, and retrieves the second key information corresponding to ordered information.

[0058] The key generating unit 3 generates the first key information according to the user identification information or user terminal unit identification information contained in the order information, and according to the second key information.

[0059] For example, the communication unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a gateway 33 shown in FIG. 3A, the interactive unit 2 corresponds to a receiving unit 34, the key generating unit 3 corresponds to an enciphering system 35, and the information storage unit 4 corresponds to a database 32. The storage medium corresponds to the enciphered CD-ROM, and the user terminal corresponds to the personal computer (PC) comprising an enciphered CD-ROM system 21.

[0060] The online deciphering system shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to, for example, a host computing system connected to the user terminal unit through the communications network, and provides a deciphering service for the storage medium such as a CD-ROM disk, etc. mounted in the user terminal unit, at a request from the user.

[0061] The interactive unit 2 communicates with the user terminal unit through the communication unit 1 and receives software purchase order information requested by the user. Based on the order information, the interactive unit transmits online to the user terminal unit the first key information for use in retrieving the software (information) stored on the encrypted storage medium.

[0062] Then, the user deciphers the requested software on the user terminal unit using the transmitted first key information, and installs it to a hard disk, etc. The host computer system stores the user identification information and the identification information about the requested software, and charges the user the fee.

[0063] The second key information stored by the information storage unit 4 is a software key specific to the software stored on the encrypted storage medium, and is independent of the identification information about the accessing user and user terminal unit. The interactive unit retrieves the corresponding second key information from the information storage unit 4 according to the software identification information contained in the order information, and transmits it to the key generating unit 3.

[0064] The key generating unit 3 generates the first key information to be provided to the user, according to the second key information received from the interactive unit 2 and according to the user identification information or user terminal unit identification information contained in the order information. Thus, the generated first key information is composite key information required to read, on the user terminal unit through which the order information is transmitted, the software having the second key information as a software key.

[0065] For example, deciphering data according to the first key information generated using the user identification information and second key information allows the user to be automatically charged corresponding to the user identification information. Therefore, an error occurs if a person other than the authorized user tries to decipher the data. The first key information generated using the user terminal unit identification information and second key information can be used only on the corresponding user terminal unit. Therefore, the software cannot be read on another user terminal unit using the first key information.

[0066] Thus, the user has the software on the distributed storage medium released online from a cryptogram, at his or her request.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows the distribution system of the software stored on CD-ROM (CD-ROM software). A sales agent dealing in CD-ROM software establishes a CD-ROM deciphering center 14, and the information is managed in databases 11, 12, and 13. A contents provider contracts with the sales agent to perform the sales, and provides pictures, films, music, etc. for the sales agent as the contents of the CD-ROMs. The contents collecting department of the sales agent stores the received contents in the database 11 to be used as a warehouse for the electronic information. The sales agent retrieves the contents from the database 11 based on the editing plan scheduled by the planning department of an external agent, and generates a CD-ROM 17.

[0068] The published CD-ROM 17 is distributed by a distributor to users who are NIFTY members. NIFTY or NIFTY-SERVE is the name of a personal computer communications service. The user checks the product list on the CD-ROM 17 mounted into his or her personal computer, and is then connected to the CD-ROM deciphering center 14 using a gateway through a personal computer communications network 16 and a NIFTY center 15. Thus, the user orders one of the products, that is, a CD-ROM software. The CD-ROM deciphering center 14 provides the user with the key to the ordered product online, and stores the sales record in the databases 12 and 13. The databases 12 and 13 are used as a sales management DB (database) and a customer management DB respectively. In this example, the CD-ROM deciphering center 14 is open all hours.

[0069] The accounting/purchasing department of the sales agent refers to the sales information stored in the database 12 to distribute the amount of the sales and perform an accounting process. At this time, the contents provider gets payment based on the contract, and the contents collecting department and the planning department record the editing and planning fees.

[0070] FIG. 3A shows the configuration of the system for realizing the distribution system as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3A, the user personal computer (user PC) is provided with the enciphered CD-ROM system 21 comprising a product selecting portion 22, an order output portion 23, and a deciphering portion 24. When the enciphered CD-ROM system 21 is installed by the user from the CD-ROM 17 to the user PC, a machine identifier (MID) specifying the user PC is generated, provided with an illegal copy preventing mechanism, and recorded in a file. The enciphered CD-ROM system 21 is connected to a CD-ROM deciphering center 31 through a common communications terminal software 25 (PC communications software) and the common PC communications network 16.

[0071] The CD-ROM deciphering center 31 comprises the database 32, gateway 33, receiving unit 34, enciphering system 35, and an accounting system 36. The receiving unit 34, enciphering system 35, and accounting system 36 corresponds to the functions of the processor of the host computer forming the CD-ROM deciphering center 31. The database 32 stores various management tables such as an active contents table, purchase history table, active customer table, accounting log table, error log table, access log table, etc.

[0072] The user mounts the enciphered CD-ROM 17, selects a product through the product selecting unit 22, and generates a text file as an order file using the order output unit 23. Then, using the communications terminal software 25, the user is connected to the PC communications network 16, accesses the CD-ROM deciphering center 31 through the gateway 33, and orders the product by presenting the order file. At this time, the user enciphers the user identifier (UID) and MID together with the CD number and product number, and notifies the CD-ROM deciphering center 31 of the enciphered data. These numbers and enciphered UID and MID are recorded in the order file by the enciphered CD-ROM system 21.

[0073] The CD-ROM deciphering center 31 retrieves the CD number and product number from the active contents table according to the order file received by the receiving unit 34, and reads the corresponding software key. Then, it passes to the enciphering system 35 the read software key and the UID and MID entered in the order file. The enciphering system 35 enciphers the software key using one or both of UID and MID, and generates the key number of the ordered product. The receiving unit 34 notifies the user of the key number generated by the enciphering system 35. The accounting system 36 computes data relating to the charge for the product in association with the receiving unit 34.

[0074] On the other hand, the user stores the key notified by the CD-ROM deciphering center 31, and deciphers the product data on the CD-ROM 17. At this time, the deciphering unit 24 decodes the user-input key number using the user UID and user PC MID, decodes the product data after obtaining the software key of the ordered product, and finally implements the product and utilizes it.

[0075] Thus, enciphering the software key using the MID of the user PC limits the key to use only on the user PC corresponding to the MID. This prevents illegal use of the software key on other personal computers. Furthermore, enciphering the software key using the UID allows the user to be automatically charged the product fee according to the UID. If each user is preliminarily informed of this, illegal use by other users can be successfully avoided. Additionally, if data is enciphered using both MID and UID, a double preventive effect is obtained.

[0076] FIG. 3B shows the configuration of the computer used as a PC. The computer shown in FIG. 3B comprises a CPU 41, a memory 42, an input device 43, a display 44, a CD-ROM driver 45, and a network connecting device 46. Each of these devices are connected via a bus 47.

[0077] The CD-ROM 17 is loaded into the CD-ROM driver 45, and the program corresponding to the enciphered CD-ROM system 21 is installed from the CD-ROM 17 to the memory 42. The CPU 41 executes the program using the memory 42 and performs the processes of the product selecting portion 22, order output portion 23, and deciphering portion 24.

[0078] The input device 43 corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. and is used in inputting instructions from the user. The screen of the display 44 displays messages, etc. The network connecting device 46 is connected to the PC communications network 16 to control the communications to the CD-ROM deciphering center 31.

[0079] The configuration of the host computer of the CD-ROM deciphering center 31 is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 3B. However, the CPU of the host computer does not perform the process of the enciphered CD-ROM system 21, but the processes of the receiving unit 34, enciphering system 35, accounting system 36, etc.

[0080] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are flowcharts showing the CD-ROM deciphering process performed by the CD-ROM deciphering center 31. FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 show the screen images of the user PC displayed when the common PC communications software 25 is used. In this example, HIDE-TERM is used as well-known example of the PC communications software 25.

[0081] If the process starts as shown in FIG. 4, the receiving unit 34 first checks the user ID (UID) (step S1). If the credit flag of the active customer table corresponding to the user ID is B indicating that the user is entered on the “black-list”, the user is made to exit the program with a termination message (step S2). Otherwise, the user is inquired as to whether he or she requests to purchase software, display an already purchased software, or exit the program (step S3).

[0082] In this example, the screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 44. In FIG. 7, the user selects from the menu “Media Shuttle” corresponding to the CD-ROM software sales service. After the “Media Shuttle” start message, three selection items, that is, obtaining the implementation key number, displaying a product list, and exiting the program, are displayed.

[0083] When the user selects to exit, the process terminates. When the user selects to display the already purchased software, the software already purchased by the user is displayed in 10 rows from the latest data (step S4). Unless the user stops partway, the data is completely displayed. When the user selects to purchase, an opening message is output (step S5), and the order file input condition is confirmed (step S6).

[0084] When the user selects the upload as an input method, a prompt message is output (step S7) and the system waits for the input to terminate (step S8). When the input terminates, an input order file is interpreted through a parse process (step S9). When it cannot be parsed, the prompt message is issued again. If the NIFTY-ID of the order file (order sheet) is different from the log-in NIFTY-ID, then a message is issued to return to *START (step S3). In this example, the log-in NIFTY-ID refers to an identifier received by the user when the user logs into the NIFTY center 15.

[0085] When the user selects manual input as an input method, a prompt message is output (step S10). When the user confirms the message (step S11), the next prompt message is output. These processes are repeated until all necessary items are completely input. If the NIFTY-ID of the order sheet is different from the log-in NIFTY-ID, then a message is issued to return to *START.

[0086] If the user has accessed the system before, known data such as name, telephone number, etc. can be displayed according to the active customer table, to omit inputting the known data again.

[0087] The upload of the text is selected in FIG. 7, and the implementation file as shown in FIG. 8 is uploaded as an order file in the text mode. In FIG. 8, NIFTY-ID corresponds to UID. The CD number indicates the identification number of the CD-ROM. The access number indicates the enciphered result (enciphered MID) of the MID of the user PC. The product numbers 1 and 2 indicate the numbers of the ordered products. The order file is displayed, and then the user selects to amend the order file. As a result, the name is partially amended.

[0088] Then, the receiving unit 34 instructs the user to input the answers to the questionnaire (step S12 shown in FIG. 5). However, the user only has to input the answers to the questionnaire at his or her initial access. The contents of the order sheet are checked (step S13).

[0089] FIG. 9 shows an example of input answers to the questionnaire. In FIG. 9, the birthday, gender, model of personal computer, and type of credit card are input as the answers to the questionnaire. The number of the first product of the two ordered products is confirmed.

[0090] Next, the receiving unit 34 computes the total cost of the ordered products (step S14) and checks the order sheet according to the active contents table (step S15). As a result, if an illegal sales condition breaching a predetermined sales form is detected, it is output as an error with an error message, and the user is prompted to select either to re-input or exit (step S16). Then, an error log is output to the error log table. If data is to be input again, control is returned to *START when there is a single order and the re-input process is omitted for the NG's when there are a plurality of orders.

[0091] For example, when an ordered product is not entered in the active contents table, the error message informs, “The specified software does not exist.” If an urgent stop flag is set, then the error message informs, “We currently don't deal with this software.” If the ordered products are not within the range between the sales start and termination dates, then the error message informs, “The software is out of the sales period.” Even if the software does not exist, the system is returned to a normal condition as long as the re-sales flag is 1 and it is within the re-sales period.

[0092] If the credit flag indicates 0 or 1, the receiving unit 34 refers to the active customer table to check the maximum account value (MAX) (step S17). When the first NG is encountered, the message is issued to return control to *START. When the second and consequent NGs are encountered, the control jumps to an account log output process.

[0093] Then, the active customer table is updated (step S18). In this example, the active customer table is updated using the NIFTY-ID as a key.

[0094] According to the instruction from the receiving unit 34, the enciphering system 35 generates a key to be provided to the user (step S19 shown in FIG. 6). If the key cannot be generated due to an incorrect access number, etc., an error message is output to prompt the user to select either re-input or exit (step S20). Then, an error log is output to the error log table. If data is re-input, control is returned to *START when there is a single order, and the re-input process is omitted for the NGs when there are a plurality of orders.

[0095] Next, the receiving unit 34 updates the purchase history table (step S21), notifies the user of the generated key (step S22), and updates an account log table (step S23). However, if the credit flag=T, the account log table is not updated.

[0096] Then, the notified key is checked by the user (step S24), and the processes in and after step S13 are repeated for the product described on the order sheet. If the user stops the purchase for some reason, an error message informing that “The fee is charged. An electronic mail is addressed to XXXX (NIFTY-ID of the system manager).” is output, and an error log is output to the error log table (step S25). If there are a plurality of orders, the user can exit the process here.

[0097] The user is informed of the implementation key number shown in FIG. 10 as a key to the product numbered as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the user inputs the implementation key number, which is provided for confirmation, through the deciphering unit 24, and the receiving unit 34 of the CD-ROM deciphering center 31 confirms it. Then, the second product number is confirmed, and the corresponding implementation key number is provided.

[0098] If the key has been notified and confirmed for all products entered on the order sheet, then a message (purchase slip) is output (step S26), a termination message is output (step S27), and control is returned to *START. When the user selects EXIT in step S3, the process terminates.

[0099] FIG. 11 shows an example of displaying the purchase slip and termination message. In FIG. 11, it is clearly indicated that the key charge (implementation charge) is added to the use charge of NIFTY-SERVE.

[0100] If the user has not selected the upload of a product order sheet, but has selected the manual input in step S6, then the display screen of the user PC is as shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the NIFTY-ID, user name, CD number, access number, birthday, gender, model of the user PC, type of the credit card, and ordered product number are sequentially input in the interactive mode. According to the input CD number, product number, and access number, the implementation key number is notified as shown in FIG. 14.

[0101] At this time, if the user has accessed the system before, he or she can omit inputting the already input data as shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, only the NIFTY-ID, that is, the PC communications ID, is input. The other items, that is, the name, address, CD number, and access number have all been entered previously, and are displayed without being re-input. When the user inputs and confirms the product number, the implementation key number is notified similarly as in FIG. 14.

[0102] The system shown in FIG. 3 processes an order through common PC communications, but can also process it through an electronic mail system. In this case, the order transmission mail and implementation key number notification mail are shown in, for example, FIG. 16. According to this method, it is not necessary to trace the tree structure of the menu of the PC communications center (NIFTY center) to access the CD-ROM deciphering center 31, thereby efficiently transmitting the key. In the system shown in FIG. 3, the information is stored for each software in the access contents table. Therefore, an individual message is output for each set of software when the product number is confirmed.

[0103] FIG. 17 shows the comment column in the active contents table in the database 32, which stores information about each set of software. In the enciphered CD-ROM 17, there is a time lag between editing the CD-ROM and distributing it. Accordingly, the software may be updated during this period. In such a case, the comment column should contain the information that “this software has been updated” as shown in FIG. 17 so that a corresponding message can be output when the software is ordered. For example, when the product number 001 shown in FIG. 17 is ordered, the message shown in FIG. 18 is output. If the user accepts the message, he or she is to purchase the implementation key number corresponding to the older version of the distributed software. FIG. 18 shows that the user has stopped the purchase.

[0104] The information displayed before the notification of the implementation key number can also be “There are bugs in the software. If you accept this, please purchase the software.”, “This is the second time you have purchased this software. If you accept this, please purchase the software.”, etc.

[0105] According to the present embodiment, the notified key number is confirmed in step S24 shown in FIG. 6 so that the user may not mistakenly memorize and use the key number. FIG. 19 shows again the entry screen for confirmation of the key. For example, if the user mistakenly memorizes the implementation key number, then the receiving unit 34 can detect the error because the implementation key number does not match the notified number.

[0106] In the above described embodiment, the user memorizes the key notified from the CD-ROM deciphering center 31, and inputs it to the enciphered CD-ROM system 21 through the keyboard to allow the deciphering portion 24 to decipher the CD-ROM. However, the key number should also be noted in a notebook using this method. Instead, if the user records in an electronic file the key notified from the CD-ROM deciphering center 31, the deciphering portion 24 can automatically read the file to decipher the product.

[0107] FIG. 20 shows an example of the text file storing the information notified from the CD-ROM deciphering center 31. The user generates the text file as shown in FIG. 20 using a capability of the PC communications software 25 to write a part of the communications log to the file. The deciphering portion 24 automatically reads the implementation key number described in the text file, and deciphers the CD-ROM.

[0108] Instead of the user noting in the file the key number notified from the CD-ROM deciphering center 31, the PC communications software 25 can automatically store the contents of the communications log in the file. In this case, the automatic piloting function of the common PC communications software 25 prepares in the enciphered CD-ROM system 21 the automatic piloting script storing, in the file, from A to B as shown in FIG. 21. The positions of A and B in the communications log are automatically specified by retrieving the character strings “requested product” and “implementation fee” respectively. The deciphering portion 24 reads the implementation key number from the thus-generated file to decipher the CD-ROM.

[0109] According to this method, the enciphered CD-ROM system 21 automatically receives the key and deciphers the CD-ROM, thereby reducing the load of the user.

[0110] Described below is the record of each table stored in the database 32, shown in FIG. 3A.

[0111] FIG. 22 shows the record of the active contents table. The table name is TB ACTIVE CONTENT, and the table is used to obtain the software key according to the user-specified CD number and contents number (product number or work number). It is also used to obtain the sales form and price according to the user-specified contents number.

[0112] The table is distributed using a 1.4 MB floppy disk (CSV format/SJIS). The contents number is obtained by merging TYPE and LEVEL. The file name is CD9508.CSV and is used to update the existing table. The name is uniquely assigned using a concatenation key by adding the CD number and contents number.

[0113] In FIG. 22, the receiving unit 34 determines the sales price in consideration of the price switch date. The price is updated at 00:00 on the day specified by the price switch date. If the price switch date is set to 0, the old price is assigned.

[0114] The contents of the sales form type are as follows.

[0115] 1: The identical user is provided with the software free of charge for the second and consequent accesses, regardless of the machine ID (MID).

[0116] That is, the user is charged for the software when he or she first obtains it, and the software is provided to the user free of charge for the second and consequent accesses.

[0117] 2: The identical user is provided with the software free of charge for the first through the fifth accesses regardless of the machine ID, but is inhibited from accessing the software for the sixth and consequent accesses.

[0118] That is, the software is provided free of charge for the first through fifth accesses, but is inhibited from being accessed for the sixth and consequent accesses.

[0119] 3: The identical user is provided with the software free of charge for the second and consequent accesses using the same machine ID (MID).

[0120] That is, the user is charged for the software when he or she first obtains it, and the software is provided to the user free of charge for the second and consequent accesses.

[0121] 4: The identical user is provided with the software free of charge for the first through the fifth accesses using the same machine ID, but is inhibited from accessing the software for the sixth and consequent accesses.

[0122] That is, the software is provided free of charge for the first through fifth accesses, but is inhibited from being accessed for the sixth and consequent accesses.

[0123] 5: The software is provided free of charge to the same machine ID for the second and consequent accesses regardless of the user ID.

[0124] That is, the machine is charged for the software when it is first provided with the software, and the software is provided to the machine free of charge for the second and consequent accesses.

[0125] 6: The software is provided free of charge to the same machine ID for the first through fifth accesses regardless of the user ID. However, the machine is prohibited from accessing the software for the sixth and consequent accesses.

[0126] That is, the machine is provided with the software free of charge for the first through fifth accesses. However, the machine is prohibited from accessing the software for the sixth and consequent accesses.

[0127] 7: The user is charged for the software for the second and consequent accesses.

[0128] That is, the user is charged for the software regardless of the user ID and machine ID. The user is charged for the software for the first and second accesses.

[0129] 8: The user is prohibited from accessing the software for the second and consequent accesses.

[0130] That is, the user is charged for the software for the first access. If the software has been implemented using the user ID, the same user is prohibited from accessing the software regardless of the machine ID for the second and consequent accesses.

[0131] 9: Free of charge

[0132] The software is always provided free of charge regardless of the user ID and machine ID. It is provided free of charge even if the value of the price field is other than 0.

[0133] 10: The identical user is charged, with a suitable message, for the software for the second access regardless of the machine ID.

[0134] That is, the user is charged, without a message, for the software for the first access. The user is presented only with the message for the second access, but it is not inquired whether or not he or she purchases the software.

[0135] 11: The message is output for the first purchase, and the user is inquired as to whether or not he or she purchases the software, even for the first access.

[0136] That is, the message is output for each access regardless of the user ID or machine ID, to inquire as to whether or not the user purchases the software. If the user is prohibited from accessing the software, a message indicating “The software cannot be deciphered. Send mail to XXXX (XXXX=SHB00906).” is output.

[0137] The contents for the re-sales type are as follows.

[0138] 1: re-saleable.

[0139] 0: not re-saleable.

[0140] The contents of the urgent sales stop are as follows.

[0141] 1: urgent sales stop

[0142] 0: no urgent sales stop

[0143] FIG. 23 shows a record of the purchase history table. The table name is TB PURCHASE LOG, and the table is used in making a check when the software is accessed by a plurality of users with the same NIFTY-ID or the same machine ID. It is also used for displaying the purchased software. This table is added to/deleted from during the operation. In FIG. 23, the purchase amount is recorded when the software is purchased.

[0144] FIG. 24 shows a record of the active customer table. The table name is TABLE TB ACTIVE CUSTOMER, and the table is used in making the black list check at the time of logging-in. It is also used in helping inputting data through the keyboard. For example, the known data such as a name, etc. is retrieved from this table at the second access. This table is added to/deleted from during the operation. The active customer table is required in checking the maximum monthly account value. If the monthly total exceeds the account limit, it is determined to be NG.

[0145] In FIG. 24, the contents of the credit flag are as follows.

[0146] If ‘B’ is set, then the user is referred to as a black listed customer and the sale is prohibited.

[0147] If ‘0’ is set, the amount of the standard limit is not exceeded. If the accumulative purchase amount for the current month does not exceed the value set for the credit limit, then the sales is permitted. The total of the ordered products plus the purchase amount for the current month is determined to be the accumulative purchase amount for the current month.

[0148] If ‘1’ is set, the user is referred to as an executive customer. If the accumulative purchase amount for the current month does not exceed the value set for the item of the credit limit, the sales is permitted. The program is executed as in the case of ‘0’.

[0149] If ‘T’ is set, then the user is referred to as a test ID customer without credit limit. Therefore, the normal accounting process is not applied to this user.

[0150] The receiving unit 34 switches the credit limit depending on the user according to the credit limit switch date. The credit limit is switched at 00:00 of the credit limit switch date. If the credit limit switch date is 0, then the old credit limit amount is adopted, and the purchase amount switch date is not applied. The purchase amount for the current month and the purchase amount for the previous month are copied by a process called CRON on the specified date. The purchase amount for the current month is set to 0. When the number of models exceeds 5, one of the models is sequentially rewritten.

[0151] FIG. 25 shows a record of the accounting log table. The table name is TB CHARGE LOG, and the table is passed to EDP. If the software has already been purchased, the purchase amount is passed as ‘−1’. If the software is provided free of charge, then ‘0’ is passed as the purchased amount. This table is added to/deleted from during the operation.

[0152] FIG. 26 shows a record of the error log table. The table name is TABLE TB ERROR LOG, and the table is used in monitoring errors. This table is added to/deleted from during the operation.

[0153] In FIG. 26, the contents of the cause of an error are as follows.

[0154] 1: black list

[0155] 2: ID error

[0156] 3: parse error

[0157] 4: no corresponding software

[0158] 5: illegal maximum accounting value

[0159] 6: urgent stop access

[0160] 7: sales period (including re-sales) error

[0161] 8: illegal sales form

[0162] 9: key generation error

[0163] 10: key confirmation error

[0164] 11: other system error

[0165] FIG. 27 shows a record of the access log table. The table name is TABLE TB ACCESS LOG, and the table is used in obtaining statistical data of accesses to the CD-ROM deciphering center 31.

[0166] In the above described embodiments, a CD-ROM is used as an enciphered storage medium. However, the present invention is also applicable to other storage media that can be enciphered-by a sales agent. In such cases, the user sends an order file describing the identifier of a product on the storage medium, an access number, etc. to the deciphering center. The deciphering center notifies the user of the corresponding key. The other storage media can be, for example, a floppy disk, memory card, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.

[0167] Furthermore, the information stored on an enciphered storage medium can be image data, music data, software program, and any other software information.

[0168] According to the present invention, the information stored on an enciphered storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, etc. distributed to the users, can be provided online. At this time, the user is provided with various services including the decryption of the information on the storage medium while communicating with the deciphering center in an interactive mode.