Storage Apparatus, Method for Validating Encrypted Content and Terminal Apparatus

A method for validating encrypted content of a storage apparatus which is able to communicate with an external apparatus and stores encrypted content, the storage apparatus including:

• a storing area for storing encrypted content that content is encrypted;
• a storing area for storing a key for decrypting the encrypted content;
• a storing area for storing state information of a key for decrypting the encrypted content;
• means for receiving authentication information from a first external apparatus which reproduces content;
• means for executing authentication processing based on the authentication information received from the first external apparatus;
• means for receiving location information of a key for decrypting the encrypted content from the first external apparatus;
• means for receiving a command for changing state information of a key for decrypting the encrypted content from the first external apparatus;
• means for executing a command for changing state information of the received key under a certain condition;
• means for recording a history that the command is executed in a storing area installed therein;
• means for receiving a command for outputting the history to a corresponding external apparatus from the first external apparatus or a second external apparatus;
• and
• means for executing a command for outputting the history when the command for outputting the history is received from the first or second external apparatus,
• the method comprising the steps of:
• at the method for receiving the authentication information, receiving authentication information and location information of a key for decrypting the encrypted content transmitted from an external apparatus;
• at the method for executing the authentication processing, validating a state of a key corresponding to location information of a key for decrypting encrypted content designated by the external apparatus in the storage apparatus if the authentication information is identical to authentication information stored in the storage apparatus;
• at the method for recording a history that the command is executed in a storing area therein, recording a history that the method for executing a command for changing the state information of the key validates the key state in the storing area installed in the storage apparatus;
• and
• when the first or second external apparatus requests to output a history stored in the storage apparatus, outputting a history stored therein to the external apparatus which requests a history stored therein.

A terminal apparatus which is able to communicate with a storage apparatus and reproduces encrypted content in the storage apparatus, comprising:

• means for acquiring location information of a key for decrypting encrypted content recorded in the storage apparatus from the storage apparatus;
• means for acquiring an electronic certificate stored in the storage apparatus from the storage apparatus;
• means for verifying the acquired electronic certificate;
• means for extracting service specific information contained in the electronic certificate from the electronic certificate;
• means for urging a user to input authentication information and information of content desired to watch if a value of the service specific information is a predetermined certain value;
• means for transmitting information inputted by the user and location information of a key for decrypting encrypted content corresponding to information of content desired to watch which is inputted by the user;
• means for transmitting to the storage apparatus a command for validating a state of a key for decrypting encrypted content corresponding to the information of content desired to watch;
• and
• means for acquiring history information stored in the storage apparatus.