Information recording apparatus, information reproducing apparatus, and information distribution system

A computer-implemented information recording system for storing encrypted contents information on a storage medium, comprising:

• a contents information input section configured to input encrypted contents information;
• an encryption section configured to merge (a) a first key for decoding the encrypted contents information and (b) information indicating an ability to use the contents information, to produce a merged result, and configured to encrypt the merged result using a second key to produce a merged and encrypted result including the first key and the use information relevant only to use of the contents information, the first key and the use information being inseparably combined;
• a condition input section configured to input to the encryption section the information indicating an ability to use the contents information;
• a key input section configured to input the first key for decoding the encrypted contents information;
• and
• a recording section configured to receive the encrypted contents information input by the contents information input section and the merged and encrypted result, and configured to store in the storage medium the encrypted contents information together with the merged and encrypted result.

A computer-implemented information recording system for encrypting contents information and for storing the contents information on a storage medium, comprising:

• means for encrypting contents information to generate encrypted contents information;
• means for merging (a) a first key for decoding the encrypted contents information and (b) use information relevant only to use of the contents information to produce a merged result;
• means for encrypting the merged result using a second key to produce a merged and encrypted result including the first key and the use information relevant only to use of the contents information, the first key and the use information being inseparably combined;
• and
• means for storing the encrypted contents information together with the merged and encrypted result in the storage medium.

A computer-implemented information system for providing encrypted contents information, comprising:

• a contents information input section configured to input encrypted contents information;
• an encryption section configured to merge (a) a first key for decoding the encrypted contents information and (b) use information relevant to only use of the contents information, to produce a merged result, and configured to encrypt the merged result using a second key to produce a merged and encrypted result including the first key and the use information relevant only to use of the contents information, the first key and the use information being inseparably combined;
• a condition input section configured to input to the encryption section the use information relevant only to use of the contents information;
• a key input section configured to input the first key for decoding the encrypted contents information;
• and
• a providing section configured to receive the encrypted contents information input by the contents information input section and the merged and encrypted result, and configured to store in the storage medium the encrypted contents information together with the merged and encrypted result.