Patent ID: RE40547

Claim:
A software reproduction apparatus for reproducing encrypted or non-encrypted software data received via an input route including a storage medium and by communications with a remote source, and for executing monetary charges according to the usage of the software comprising: signal processing means for performing unique signal processing based on the input route of the software data; and error processing means for conducting error processing based on the input route; input switchover means for selecting an input route, said input switchover means comprising: first switchover means for outputting encrypted and non-encrypted software data to said signal processing means and; second switchover means for receiving the output from said signal processing means and directing the output of said signal processing means to said error processing means; software management means for decoding encrypted software data and for managing monetary charges according to the usage of the software data; data conversion means for converting decoded data outputted from said software management means to output data offered to the user; and output route switchover means for receiving encrypted data from said input switchover means and outputting the encrypted data to said software management means, and for receiving non-encrypted software data from said input switchover means and outputting the non-encrypted software data to said data conversion section.