JP2002117305A - System and server for distributing contents - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize information collection and business development such as an advertisement by using a contents distributing system. SOLUTION: In this system, the contents registered in a server 1 are distributed to a predetermined terminal connected to the Internet 3. As to the contents, a limited function product and a product with no limitation are registered in an auction file 17. Personal information of the user using a terminal transmitted via the Internet is obtained and registered in a member file 16, while a predetermined number of points are issued to the registered user. When the member demands a tender with a tender point for desired contents, this tender condition is registered in a tender file 18. A control part making access to the tender file after the end of a tender duration judges that members to the N-th member are successful bidders and distributes the contents to the terminals of the users making a successful tender.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system and a server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a content distribution system for distributing content stored in a server to users while limiting the number and functions of the content by a network is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei.
It is provided by, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-212910.

[0003] That is, the server is provided with a function restriction, a file storing the content in which the information on the number of distribution of the function release version is set, and the content when receiving a content distribution command from the client. Content distribution means to be distributed, function restriction release means for releasing the function restriction added to the content when a function restriction release command is received from the client, and the number of functions whose function restrictions have been released by the function restriction release means And a function restriction release number limiting unit that stops releasing the function restriction of the function restriction release unit when the number set in the distribution number setting information is reached. Note that the content can be composed of still images, moving images, audio, and various other objects.

[0004] Thereby, an upper limit can be set for the number of distributions, and a rare value can be given to the contents to be distributed. In addition, even if the number of distributions exceeds the upper limit, by providing a mechanism for distributing the function without limitation, only the display can be displayed, the existence of the content can be widely notified, and the Rare value can be further enhanced.

In the above-mentioned conventional system, an equipment environment / system configuration for distributing restricted contents has been proposed. In view of the above, the present invention makes it possible to use the above-described content distribution system to develop a business such as user information collection and advertisement.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a content distribution system according to the present invention includes a server connected to the Internet and a terminal, and transmits content registered in the server to the Internet. And a content distribution system for distributing the content to the terminal via the terminal.
Then, the user who wishes to distribute inputs personal information via the terminal to register as a member, and the server issues a predetermined number of points to the user who has registered as a member. Using the issued points, the content is distributed.

Further, a server according to the present invention suitable for constructing such a system is a server connectable to the Internet.
It is assumed that the server has a function of distributing to a predetermined terminal connected to the Internet. Then, storage means for storing the content (corresponding to “exhibition file 17” and “content file 21” in the embodiment).
And the personal information of the user (member) who uses the terminal sent via the Internet is obtained, and the obtained personal information is stored in the member storage means (in the embodiment, the “seal exchange place member file 16”). ) To register a member and issue a predetermined number of points to the user who has registered the member (in the embodiment, the control unit 12 executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5). Function to be realized)), when the content distribution request is received, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. If the content distribution request is satisfied, the predetermined condition stored in the storage unit is determined. Means for distributing the content to the user's terminal (in the embodiment, for example, “the function of the control unit 12 for implementing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19 and 20”) It was constructed with corresponding) to.

[0008] According to the above-described inventions, the member can obtain the content by using the points given when the member is registered. For the organizers and sponsors of this system, it is possible to collect personal information of members, to carry out advertisements along with the distribution of contents, and to know the tastes of users such as popular contents. It can be used for collecting and marketing useful information on business development.

Further, in the content distribution system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the function of distributing the content makes a bid using the points and issues the bid to the winning member. The server according to the present invention, which is suitable for constructing this system, determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, by accepting a bid from the member,
This is to add a function of determining whether or not a successful bid has been made based on the bid points (for example, from the highest bid points to the top N).

[0010] In this way, it is possible to participate in a bid like a pseudo auction using points acquired at the time of member registration, and it is necessary to use limited points effectively. Since a bid is made for a favorite content, there is a pleasure to think about which content to bid. Then, the popularity ranking of the content that is voted and bid with limited points becomes more accurate.

Of course, the present invention may be distributed to any number of first-come-first-served persons or all applicants without using a bidding system. In the case of the latter distribution, points may be exchanged for predetermined points, or points may be distributed free of charge.

[0012] In the content distribution system for realizing the bidding system, preferably, the content is provided with a function-restricted one and a function-unrestricted one. It is preferable that the successful bidder be able to receive the distribution of the content without the function restriction. And, as a server suitable for realizing this system, the contents stored in the storage means are limited in function,
It has a function of preparing the one without the function restriction, distributing the content with the function restriction to the terminal that has made a bid request, and distributing the content without the function restriction to the member who has won the successful bid. It is good to do so. As described above, it is preferable to distribute the content with limited functions and to bid after trial, since it is possible to bid after confirming the completeness of the content. Also, for the person who registers the content, the quality of the content itself is evaluated, which is rewarding.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the number of points to be given is changed according to the content of the inputted personal information. By providing such a function,
While it becomes easier to obtain more detailed personal information, it becomes easier for users who register as a member to enter their personal information with a balance between their information disclosure and acquisition points,
Further, even when it is not desired to disclose personal information very much, a certain amount of points can be obtained by minimum necessary disclosure.

[0014] Further, the contents stored in the server may be the contents transmitted from the member. In this way, the member is a registrant of the content at one time and a fetcher of the content at some time. Furthermore, the contents can be exchanged with each other, and the present system can be a place for exchanging contents, and can be a kind of amusement arcade or social hall on the net.

In the present invention, the content sender who registers the content is mainly a creator of the content such as a designer or a programmer, or a person who has been given a transfer or registration permission from the creator. Of course, it is not limited to these people.

Further, the acquired content can be used again for content exchange. In the case of a system that allows such re-registration, the content provider may be the creator itself or the content acquirer. In the latter case, the number of pieces of exhibited content falls within the range of the number of contents acquired by the user. Furthermore, if re-registration is permitted and the popularity ranking is calculated as the total number of bid points for each content, exchanges other than the creator (exchange based on re-registration) are also added. , The ranking will be higher. In other words, those that are frequently exchanged have high market value and are popular. Of course, the total number of bid points is determined by removing points based on re-registration,
Rankings can also be determined.

[0017] In addition, the points of the contents are increased according to how they are arranged. In other words, when a set of contents such as a series is put together, the lowest bid point can be made higher than when the contents are put up individually. Such a collective exhibition is also possible.

When the content exchange is used as a business, an advertisement is added to the content,
The person who downloads the content can also download the advertisement and store it in the terminal. Then, each time the content is used (viewed), the advertisement is displayed on the monitor of the terminal, so that the advertisement effect can be enhanced. For each content, a provider to which an advertisement is attached may or may not be determined in advance. In this case, in the same manner as in the case of bidding in a content exchange place, providers who want to add an advertisement to this content are determined by bidding or first-come-first-served order. Therefore, for the provider,
It ’s better to put ads on popular content,
The popularity rankings described above will guide you in choosing content. In addition, if one ad can be attached to each content, the number of companies that can advertise,
Will be the number of content.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a system configuration for implementing the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a server 1 that manages storage and distribution of contents (Internet stickers) and the like and a terminal (client) 2 are connected via the Internet 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 has an input control unit 10 and an output control unit 1 for connecting to the Internet.
One. Then, the terminal 2 via the Internet 3
Is received by the input control unit 10 and given to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 stores the storage unit 1
Based on the main program stored in 3, a predetermined process is executed in accordance with the received data, data is registered or updated in each file, output data for terminal 2 is generated, and passed to output control unit 11. Has functions. Then, the output control unit 11 transmits the received output data to the predetermined terminal 2 via the Internet 3.

Next, the function of the control unit 12 will be described while explaining the operation of the present system. First, in this embodiment, the server 1 on the Internet is provided with a place for exchanging Internet stickers (still images and moving images) as contents, and the Internet stickers are registered by members and distributed to desired members. It is supposed to. In addition, by exchanging this Internet seal, you can advertise companies, products, etc., collect information on members, find the popularity ranking of Internet seals, and determine who can access which Internet seals from member information. Various statistics, such as whether you saw a lot, can be planned.

First, when the image shown in FIG. 3 (a) is displayed and the user clicks on the side of a telephone pole, for example, a bear wearing a helmet as shown in FIG. The video that climbs up will be played. Of course, in addition to the above, there is a case where, when a predetermined area on the screen is clicked, the moving image is reproduced or the screen is switched to another screen. In addition, the function-restricted version is such that a video does not play even if it is clicked, it is made to play halfway, or if multiple videos are incorporated, only a part of them is played be able to. Then, how to restrict the function can be set by a member who creates and registers an Internet seal.

Further, the Internet sticker is not limited to one including a moving image as described above, and may be, for example, a photo book composed of a plurality of still images (photos). In this case, as a function restriction, it is possible to make it possible to see only the front cover or a page in the middle. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, one sheet such as an emblem may be used.

Then, such various contents are
Control unit 1 via Internet 3 and input control unit 10
2, the control unit 12 adds necessary information and registers it in a predetermined file.

Further, the contents registered in this way can be distributed to those who satisfy predetermined conditions. Specifically, a bid is made by an auction method, and a successful bidder distributes the content by downloading the content.

A processing procedure for performing the above-described basic operations (content registration / bid / distribution) will be described.
A user who intends to use the present system (a place for exchanging seals) first registers as a member. Control unit 1
2 executes member registration processing in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the received request is a member registration processing request sent from the terminal 2 (ST1). If not, another process according to the request is executed, and the next request is waited (ST2).

On the other hand, if the received request is a member registration processing request, the process proceeds to step 3 to output a registration screen (ST3). That is, processing necessary to output and display the registration screen shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor screen of the terminal 2 is executed.

The user inputs necessary items in blanks on the member registration screen displayed on his / her own terminal 2 and clicks a “register” button area on the screen. Control unit 1 in server 1 via
Sent to 2. If there is an input error, by clicking on a "clear" button area, all input data is erased in a lump and data can be input from the beginning. Further, by using this screen, registration can be canceled (clicking on a “registration cancellation” button area) and registration contents can be corrected (clicking on a “registration correction” button area).

As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, "name" and "E-m"
"ail address" is mandatory (level 0), "age / gender" (level 1) and "address / telephone number" (level 2)
Was set as arbitrary input information. As described below,
The optional input information can be used for statistics / analysis based on each processing in the place of seal exchange and when it is used for advertising and promotion, and the level is divided according to the importance and contribution degree when using it. This is done so that the points to be given along with the registration are different.

After the user inputs necessary information,
When the "register" button area is clicked, the data input as described above is sent to the control unit 12, so that the input data is analyzed and the member information is obtained (ST4).
Then, it is determined which field has been entered, and the member information level is determined (ST5). That is, when only the essential items are input, it is determined that the level is 0, and the possessed points are set to 1000 (ST6). If only the required items and the age and gender have been input, the level is determined to be level 1 and the holding points are set to 2000 (ST7). Further, when all the information has been input, it is determined that the level is 2, and the holding points are set to 3000 (ST8). Here, the possessed points are used, for example, when performing various processes at a place for exchanging seals, such as participating in a bid, and correspond to coins for playing in a game center or the like.

Next, when the holding points are set for the use, a confirmation screen is output based on the set holding points and the acquired member information (ST9). That is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is generated and output and displayed on the monitor of the terminal 2. Then, if the content is correct, the user selects “Registration O” on the screen.
The user clicks the "K" button area, and if there is an error, clicks the "Registration correction" button area on the screen, so that it is determined which is selected (ST10).

When "registered correction" is selected, correction data is obtained (ST11), and the process returns to step 5 to execute the processing again. It should be noted that the correction data is acquired, and for example, the acquired member information is displayed in a blank space in the member registration screen shown in FIG. It can be executed by clicking the button area. Of course, the correction data may be obtained using a special screen for correction.

On the other hand, when "registration OK" is selected, the process jumps from step 10 to step 12 to execute an ID issuing process (ST2). That is, the control unit 12 determines the registration ID, and generates and outputs a member ID issuance screen as shown in FIG. 8 based on the acquired member information. Then, the user is prompted to enter a password by using this ID issuance screen. As a result, the identity is confirmed from the ID and the password. Then, the member information (name, E-mail address, ID, password,
The member points 16 of the seal exchange are associated with the possessed points (required), age, gender, address, and telephone number.
Registered in.

The user (member) who has completed the above-mentioned registration process can select the used process from a list of processable menus as shown in FIG. That is, the user clicks “I want to sell” to register the content, and clicks “I want to bid” to bid. Further, as will be described later, since the possessed points are reduced by bidding, when confirming the current possessed points, the user clicks “I want to confirm the possessed points”. In addition, if you want to know the exchange history of the Internet sticker up to now, click "I want to check the exchange history", and if you want to change the contents of member registration or delete the member registration itself, click "Member registration" Want to change or delete. " In addition, if you want to know popular content, click "I want to see the popular ranking", and if you want to get an Internet sticker distributed free of charge, "Get a seal for free!" click.

The person who wants to exhibit the content clicks "I want to exhibit" shown in FIG. 9. When this is selected, the exhibiting function in the control section 12 is activated and the content is registered. Specifically, the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is performed.

That is, as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the received request is an exhibition processing request sent from the terminal 2 (ST21). If not, another process according to the request is executed, and the next request is waited for (ST22).

On the other hand, if the received request is an exhibition processing request, the process proceeds to step 23, where a registration screen is output (S23).
T23). That is, processing necessary to output and display the registration screen shown in FIG. 11 on the monitor screen of the terminal 2 is executed.

A member who intends to exhibit content inputs desired data in the blanks shown. That is,
In addition to entering ID and password as member information, the title of the exhibited content for indicating the content of the content as text information, the author (whether or not to match with the member), the description of the content, and the information necessary for receiving a bid , The minimum bidding point and the number of exhibitions. Here, the minimum bid point is literally the lowest point desired by the exhibitor, and the bidder needs to bid at a point higher than the minimum bid point. Furthermore, the number of exhibitions means the number of distributable copies of the content. Therefore, assuming that the number of exhibited copies is N, the people from the highest bid point to the N-th person who have been bid during the bidding period win a bid and are distributed.

When the member has correctly entered the text information (see FIG. 12), the user clicks on “OK” and the entered text information is given to the control unit 12 of the server 1. The control unit 12 acquires the text information of the exhibition (ST24), and outputs the registered contents (name, title, number of exhibitions, and lowest bid point: shown in bold) shown in FIG. 13 based on the acquired contents. (ST25). FIG. 13 also serves as an actual content registration screen.

After the text information has been registered as described above, a specific trial version (limited function version) is registered (ST26). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, when the user selects content stored in his / her own terminal 2 and clicks a “trial version registration” button area, the trial version content is transmitted to the server 1 via the Internet 3.
, The control unit 12 of the server 1 stores the sent content in the exhibition file 17. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, a message screen notifying that the registration has been performed is output and displayed, and registration of the function restriction contents is prompted. Then, the member enters the details of the function restriction,
Click the "Register Function Restrictions" button area. Then, the content of the function restriction is also sent to the server 1, and the control unit 12 also registers the content of the function restriction in the exhibition file 17. By performing such a series of processing, trial version content registration processing is executed.

Next, the control unit 12 that has performed the registration outputs, as an answerback, a completion notice of the trial version registration as shown in FIG. 16 and a message screen for urging the registration of the formal exhibition version. The member receiving this, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, selects the content stored in his / her own terminal 2 and clicks the “exhibition version registration” button area to display the selected exhibition version without functional restrictions. Since the content is sent to the server 1 via the Internet 3, the control unit 12 of the server 1 stores the sent content in the exhibition file 17. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, a message screen indicating that the registration has been made is output and displayed. By performing such a series of processing, the exhibition version content registration processing is executed.

Next, the bid processing function will be described. The person who wants to bid on the content clicks "I want to bid" shown in FIG. 9, and when this is selected, the bid processing function in the control unit 12 is activated, and the bid condition is registered. Specifically, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 are implemented.

That is, as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the request received from the terminal 2 is a bidding processing request sent from the terminal 2 (ST31). If they are different, another process according to the request is performed, and the next request is waited (ST32).

On the other hand, if the received request is a bidding processing request, the process proceeds to step 33, where a registration screen is output (S33).
T33). That is, the bid registration screen shown in FIG.
Execute the necessary processing to output and display on the monitor screen.

A member who intends to bid on the content using the possessed points inputs desired data in the blanks shown. In other words, ID,
A password is entered, and conditions (a desired title and desired contents) for searching for a bid content are input. It is not necessary to input both the desired title and the desired content.

Then, if the member has correctly entered the search conditions (see FIG. 22), and clicks “view the appeared content”, the entered search conditions are transmitted to the control unit 12 of the server 1. Provided, the control unit 12 sets the exhibition file 17 based on the acquired search condition.
To search for a content that matches the search condition (ST34, ST35). The match of the search condition may be a perfect match or a partial match. Furthermore, a similar / synonym dictionary may be prepared, and related / similar contents may be detected.

The control section 12 outputs the content detected as described above (ST36). As a specific example, "Browse of exhibition contents" shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 23, when the display screen of the exhibition content is displayed on the monitor of the terminal 2, the user clicks on the content of interest (to bid). It is determined whether or not a click has been made (ST37).

Then, if selected, a trial version of the selected content (function restriction) is displayed (ST).
38). As a specific display screen, as shown in FIG. 24, in addition to displaying the content (trial version), a description of the function limitation, a “download start” button area, and the like are also displayed.

The member clicks a "download start" button area when trying the trial version, and clicks a "cancel" button area when the trial version is determined to be unnecessary. Therefore, the control unit 12
Determines which is selected (ST39), and if "cancel" is selected, returns to step 36 and outputs and displays the content retrieved in step 35.

On the other hand, if “download start” is selected, the content is downloaded and the
(ST40). When the download is completed, a trial version is displayed as shown in FIG. 25, and the content can be operated within the range of limited functions. Further, a button for registering whether or not to bid the exhibition version is also displayed. As a result, the member who has tried the trial version of the function determines whether or not to bid for an exhibition without functional restrictions, and determines whether or not to bid for the exhibition version (bid request) (bid request),
Click one of "Return to" Browse contents "(not a bid request). When one of these is clicked, the clicked content is sent to the server 1.

Accordingly, the control unit 12 determines whether there is a bid request (ST41). If there is no bid request, the process returns to step 36 to enable selection of a trial version of another content. Then, when there is a bid request, a bid screen shown in FIG. 26 is displayed (ST42), and input of a bid point and the number of copies to be distributed is requested. When a member bids,
Enter the bidding points and the number of copies when bidding (required)
And click on the "Bid on this content" button area. If the user again thinks that no bid will be made, the user clicks "Return to" Viewing exhibition contents "". Then, with the click, predetermined information is sent to the server.

Therefore, the control unit 12 determines whether or not there is a bid (ST43). If no bid is made, the process returns to step 36 to enable selection of a trial version of another content. Then, when a bid is made, the bidding condition is acquired, and based on the acquired bidding condition, a bidding condition confirmation screen shown in FIG. 27 is generated and output and displayed (ST44, ST44).
ST45).

The member clicks the "Yes" button area if there is no mistake in the bid conditions, and accordingly, the control unit 12 of the server 1 associates the member information and the content with the bid conditions acquired in step 14. Is registered in the bid file 18 (ST46, ST47). If there is an error in the bid conditions on the confirmation screen or if the bid is reconsidered, the user clicks on the "cancel" button area. . The control unit has various functions described below in addition to the functions described above. * Bidding process Since the bidding period is determined for each content, the content whose bidding period has passed is detected and the bidding file 18
To access and extract the bid conditions for the content. Then, the contents are sorted in descending order from the one giving the highest bid point, and the number of copies set for the content is selected. Then, the selected member (bidder) is notified by e-mail that a successful bid has been made.

* Popularity ranking management processing The bidding file is accessed regularly, and the total number of bidding points is obtained for each content. Then, popularity rankings are obtained in the order of the highest total bid points, such as first, second, third,.... The totalized information is registered in the content popularity ranking file 19. Also,
Instead of simply determining the popularity ranking based on the number of bid points, categories may be classified according to the contents of the content, and the popularity ranking may be obtained for each category (classification). Further, when there is information on bidders, it is preferable to obtain more detailed rankings for each category, such as, for example, finding the above-mentioned popularity rankings separately for men and women, or finding popularity rankings by age. The ranking may be determined simply by the total number of bid points, may be determined in consideration of the number of bids, and may be determined in various ways.

This content popularity ranking file 1
9 is stored in a data structure as shown in FIG. It should be noted that the provider company ID in the content information in FIG.
An ID for specifying the provider is stored. Of course, the content may be exhibited independently by the individual member (without the provider), or the provider may be attached after such independent listing.

The information about the providing company is stored in the providing company advertisement file 20. As shown in FIG. 29, the registration contents and data structure of the providing company advertisement file 20 are registered in association with the providing company ID, the advertisement message, the logo image, the contact URL of the company homepage, and the like for each company. It has become.

The popularity ranking obtained in this manner can be obtained by requesting a member, for example, by selecting “I want to see the popularity ranking” on the “menu list” screen shown in FIG. A screen (not shown) for inputting the type is output, and the popularity ranking of the category requested by the member is extracted, and output in a display layout as shown in FIG. 30, for example. Of course, the output form and contents are not limited to this. Also, in this example, the logo is an icon for jumping to the company homepage, and clicking on the logo automatically connects to the homepage of the providing company. * Member-specific exchange history In this embodiment, a member-specific exchange history file 25 is further provided to manage member-specific exchange history information and to disclose such information upon request. From the exchange history of each member, we can see whether a member is interested in what, what is more likely to keep the acquired content as it is, and how often to register the distributed content again. You can see the characteristics. And, for example, gender,
Their tendency can be understood from the age and the like.

* Point confirmation processing function This is a function in which a member searches for the points currently held and informs the members. Specifically, for example, when “I want to check the possessed points” is selected on the “menu list” screen shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 12 that has detected this selects the personal identification as shown in FIG. Output the input screen. Members,
After inputting necessary items, clicking on a "confirmation" button area on the monitor screen transmits the input information to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 accesses the seal exchange place member file 16 and Are extracted, and an answer screen as shown in FIG. 32 is output, for example. In this way, knowing the remaining points currently available can be a reference for determining the entry points when bidding. In the display state of FIG. 32, when "return to menu" is clicked, for example, a menu screen shown in FIG. 6 is output and displayed.

According to the above-described embodiment, the member can participate in the sense of a game like a pseudo auction by using the points acquired by the registration, and can obtain the favorite content by making a successful bid. Therefore, by giving the advertisement of the providing company to the content, the advertising effect is enhanced. For example, if a series with a story, a popular series, or a content with a rare value can be produced and provided, a topic among members appears that they want a card (content) of company XX. It can be expected to be widely known.

Further, it is possible to easily collect personal information of members. In addition, based on personal information, it is possible to determine who was interested in their content, and if there is a company that provides the content, distribute the content to the target purchasers and the company. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the registered member groups match. In other words, it can be a providing company for content that is popular with the target purchaser.

Although each of the above examples is a processing function for performing an auction, the present invention is not limited to this, and a free seal (content) that does not require a bid can be replaced. I have. In this exchange, those who have content with each other can exchange the content, and in some cases, the content is distributed free of charge. That is, the exchange is not limited to exchanging contents. In addition, when one-sided distribution is received, bid points may be exchanged for a predetermined number of points, or points that do not need to be completely eliminated may be used.

The contents for such exchange are as follows:
It is stored in the content file 21 to distinguish it from the bid. The history information of the exchanged content is registered in the content history file 22. This history information registers the date of exchange and the person who acquired the content in association with the content information.

When the member wants to acquire the content stored in the content file 21, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the “Menu list” screen shown in FIG. 7, when “Get a free sticker!” Is selected, the control unit 12 that detects this is selected.
Outputs an input screen (not shown) for conditions for searching for content (specifying title, content, author, etc.) and inputs necessary conditions on the input screen, as in the case of bidding. The control unit 12 includes a content file 21
Is accessed, and a content meeting the conditions is extracted from the contents, and output and displayed to the terminal 2.

When the member finds the content he / she wants to obtain, he selects it, downloads it and takes it into his / her terminal 2. When this download finishes,
Upon receiving the completion notification, the control unit 12 registers the exchange history information in the content history file 22.

When "I want to check the exchange history" is selected on the "menu list" screen shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 12 which has detected this selects the exchange history confirmation screen as shown in FIG. In other words, the control unit 12 outputs a screen having an input area for conditions for searching for contents (designating title, contents, author, etc.), and inputs necessary conditions on the confirmation screen. The file 22 is accessed, contents that match the conditions are extracted from the file 22, and output and displayed to the terminal 2 (see FIG. 34).

Then, when the member clicks the content whose history is to be viewed, the control unit 12 extracts history information on the content selected by the click, and
Display as shown in FIG. If there are many acquirers, it can be presumed to be popular, and it is attempted to acquire the content, or conversely, those with few acquirers are judged not to be on the market, and only the user and a few people possess Is considered valuable content, and attempts to acquire that content,
It can be used as a material for determining whether to obtain.

By the way, it has already been described that an advertisement can be attached to the above-mentioned distributed content. However, this advertisement has already been determined at the time of registering the content by the providing company or the like. May be performed, or a provider may be determined after the content is registered, and thereafter, the content may be distributed with an advertisement.

Then, when deciding the content to which the advertisement is to be added, the popularity ranking is used, and the advertisement can be given to the popular one. This function is realized by the function for realizing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, and is executed by the control unit 12.

Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the request received by the control section 12 is an advertisement posting processing request sent from the terminal 2 (ST51). If not, another process according to the request is executed, and the next request is waited for (ST52).

On the other hand, if the received request is an advertisement posting processing request, the process proceeds to step 53, where it is determined whether or not the advertiser information is registered (ST53). That is, an advertisement insertion explanation screen as shown in FIG. 39 is output, and the user is prompted to click one of a “register advertiser information” button area and a “cancel” button area provided at the bottom of the screen. Determine whether it was done. If "cancel" is clicked, the process returns to step 50 and waits for the next command. If "register advertiser information" is clicked, an advertiser information registration screen is output (ST5).
3). That is, processing necessary to output and display the registration screen shown in FIG. 40 on the monitor screen of the terminal 2 is executed.

After inputting necessary items, clicking on a “register” button area on the screen sends the input data to the control unit 12 in the server 1 via the Internet 3. If there is an input error, by clicking on a "clear" button area, all input data is erased in a lump and data can be input from the beginning. Further, by using this screen, registration can be canceled (clicking on a “registration cancellation” button area) and registration contents can be corrected (clicking on a “registration correction” button area).

After the user inputs necessary information,
When the "register" button area is clicked, the data input as described above is sent to the control unit 12, so that the input data is analyzed and advertiser information is obtained (ST5).
4). Next, a registered content confirmation screen is output based on the acquired advertiser information (ST55). That is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is generated and output and displayed on the monitor of the terminal 2. Then, if the content is correct, the user selects “Registration O” on the screen.
The user clicks the "K" button area, and if there is an error, the user clicks the "Registration correction" button area on the screen, so that it is determined which is selected (ST56).

If "register correction" is selected, correction data is obtained (ST57), and the process returns to step 54 to execute the processing again. In addition, acquisition of correction data
For example, in the blank space in the member registration screen shown in FIG. 40, the acquired member information is displayed in a state where it is added in advance, the necessary parts are corrected in that state, and the “register” button area is clicked. it can. Of course, the correction data may be obtained using a special screen for correction.

On the other hand, if "registration OK" is selected, the process jumps from step 56 to step 58, and outputs a payment method input screen (ST58). In the present embodiment, since two types of payment modes, payment by credit card and bill payment, are accepted, an input screen as shown in FIG. 42 is output, for example. In the screen to be actually output, the columns of the card company name and the card number are blank in FIG.

Accordingly, the advertiser checks either the credit card or the bill payment, and if a credit card is selected, further inputs a card company name and a card number. Then, the member clicks the “register” button area after correctly inputting, so that the settlement method information input on this input screen is transmitted to the server 1 via the Internet 3.
Is transmitted to the control unit 12, the control unit 12 acquires the transmitted settlement method information (ST59).

Then, based on the acquired information, a confirmation screen of the registered contents as shown in FIG. 43 is output (ST6).
0). The advertiser who sees this screen judges whether the contents are correct and whether or not the registration is possible, and confirms “OK” (register with the displayed contents), “Registration” (corrects the contents), “Registration” (Do not perform registration itself). Therefore, control unit 12 determines what is selected (ST
61).

If "registration correction" is selected, the flow advances to step 62 to execute processing of correction data based on the correction processing again. It should be noted that the correction data is obtained by, for example, displaying the obtained member information in a blank space in the registration screen shown in FIG. It can be executed by clicking the button area. Of course, the correction data may be obtained using a special screen for correction. Furthermore, when the registration is not performed in the current work (click on the “cancel” button area in step 61), the processing is terminated as it is.

Then, if correct information is input,
Since "confirmation OK" is selected, when the selection is recognized, the displayed content is stored. This may be recorded in a temporary file buffer or registered in a file for long-term storage. Thereafter, a search condition registration screen is output to detect the content to be advertised (ST6).
2). In other words, the processing necessary to output and display the search condition registration screen shown in FIG. 44 (actually, the part “animal” is blank) on the monitor screen of the terminal 2 is executed.

The advertiser receiving this inputs desired data in the blank box shown in the figure (in FIG. 44, "animal" is entered in the box of desired content). That is, a condition (a desired title, a desired content, a desired creator) for searching for a content to be bid is input. It is not always necessary to input both the desired title and the desired content.

When the member inputs the search conditions correctly, the user clicks on “Register”. Accordingly, the input search conditions are given to the control unit 12 of the server 1. Access the content popularity ranking file 19 based on the acquired search conditions,
A ranking name (group) that matches the search condition is searched, and the result is output (ST64). The match of the search condition may be a perfect match or a partial match. Furthermore, a similar / synonym dictionary may be prepared, and related / similar contents may be detected.
As a specific example, “registration of popularity ranking advertisement content” shown in FIG. 45 is displayed.

In this display screen (ranking table),
The advertiser selects a ranking name. In other words, click the white circle in front of each ranking name, and then click "Display"
You can select by clicking the button area. Then, if selected, the control unit 12 extracts information on the selected ranking name, and outputs and displays a list in which the popularity rankings in the groove are arranged in descending order (ST65, ST66). . This list is
For example, as shown in FIG. 46, as is apparent from the figure, a “register advertisement content” button area and a “return” button area are provided below the ranking list.

When the "advertisement content registration" button area is clicked, the content of the click is sent to server 1, and control unit 12 determines whether or not a request to register an advertisement has been made. (ST67). If "registration of advertisement contents" is clicked, this branch judgment is Yes.
Then, the process proceeds to a step 68, and the process shifts to a process of acquiring the advertisement content. If "return" is clicked, the process returns to step 66, and the process is repeated from the selection of the group name. Of course, the processing may be terminated without performing the re-processing.

In the advertisement content registration process in step 68, first, as shown in FIG. 47, information such as an advertisement document, a URL address of a company's homepage, and content to which an advertisement is attached is input. Therefore, such information is obtained. Then, when registering only this advertisement document, after inputting the document and clicking “execute”, the advertisement document composed of text data is converted to the server 1 as the advertisement content.
Sent to.

Further, on this input screen, a button area of “Registration of advertisement image” for adding an advertisement image prepared separately is prepared. Click "Register image". Then, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and when an image to be registered is selected from this state, the selected image data and advertisement document are displayed as shown in FIG. The screen is displayed.

When "OK" is selected on this inquiry screen, information (advertisement content) on the content, the advertisement document, and the advertisement image is sent to server 1, and control unit 12 acquires the advertisement content (ST69). Through these series of processes, an advertisement content registration process step is realized.

The control unit 12 generates an advertisement content to be uploaded to the server 1 according to the advertisement content thus obtained, and outputs it to the terminal 2 (ST70: FIG. 50).
reference). Then, the member who sees the advertisement content clicks "confirmation OK" after confirming that there is no mistake in the content, so that the control unit 12 determines whether or not the confirmation is OK (ST71).

Then, if the confirmation is OK, a process for associating the advertisement with the content is executed (ST72). That is, when the popularity ranking is displayed, the advertisement can be output with an advertisement as shown in FIG. 50, and the content can be distributed with the advertisement. Specifically, an advertisement may be attached to each content or the like, or the advertisement information is stored in a separately prepared file, and the content or popularity ranking has a pointer for accessing a predetermined area of the file. You may leave it. In particular, in the case of the pointer method, the content of the advertisement can be easily updated.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to use a system for distributing limited contents to develop a business such as information collection and advertisement of a user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall system configuration to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a server.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating contents.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating contents.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart for implementing a member registration processing function.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a function of member registration.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a function of member registration.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a function of member registration.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a general menu screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart for implementing an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an exhibition processing function.

FIG. 19 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a flowchart for implementing a bid processing function.

FIG. 20 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a flowchart for implementing the bidding process function.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a bid processing function.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a bid processing function.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a bidding processing function.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a bid processing function.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a bidding processing function.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a bid processing function.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a bid processing function.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a content popularity ranking file.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a providing company advertisement file.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a display result of a popularity ranking.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a possessed point confirmation function.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a possession point confirmation function.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a replacement history confirmation processing function.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a replacement history confirmation processing function.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a replacement history confirmation processing function.

FIG. 36 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a flowchart for implementing the advertisement registration processing function.

FIG. 37 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a flowchart for performing the advertisement registration processing function.

FIG. 38 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating a flowchart for performing the advertisement registration processing function.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating an advertisement registration processing payment function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Server 2 Terminal 3 Internet 10 Input Control Unit 11 Output Control Unit 12 Control Unit 13 Storage Unit 16 Seal Exchange Place Member File 17 Exhibition File 18 Bid File 19 Content Popularity Ranking File 20 Provider Advertising File 21 Content File 22 Content History File

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 502 G06F 17/60 502 (72) Inventor Morihiro Shiozawa Egasakicho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa No. 4-1 F-term in Tokyo Electric Power Company System Research Laboratory (Reference) 5B049 AA02 CC05 CC27 GG00 5B055 CB00

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A server connected to the Internet,
In a content distribution system that includes a terminal and distributes the content registered in the server to the terminal via the Internet, a user who wants to distribute inputs personal information via the terminal and registers as a member, The server issues a predetermined number of points to a user who has registered as a member, and the user uses the issued points to receive distribution of the content. Distribution system. 2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the function of distributing the content makes a bid using the points and issues the bid to a member who has won the bid. 3. The content is provided with a function-restricted one and a function-free one, and the bidding is performed by looking at the function-restricted content.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the successful bidder can receive the distribution of the content having no functional restriction.
Content distribution system described in 1. 4. According to the contents of the inputted personal information,
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a function of changing the number of points to be given. 5. The content stored in the server,
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the content is transmitted from the member. 6. A server capable of connecting to the Internet, the server having a function of distributing contents registered in the server to predetermined terminals connected to the Internet. Means, and obtains personal information of a user who uses the terminal sent via the Internet, and inputs the obtained personal information into the member storage means to register as a member;
Member registration means for issuing a predetermined number of points to the user who has registered the member, and using the points together with the points, upon receiving the content distribution request, determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied,
A server comprising: means for delivering predetermined content stored in the storage means to the user terminal when the content is satisfied. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination as to whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied includes receiving a bid from the member and determining whether or not a successful bid has been made based on bid points. 7. The server according to 6. 8. The content is prepared with the function limitation and the one without the function limitation, and the content with the function limitation is distributed to the terminal which has requested the bid, and the successful bid is received. The server according to claim 7, further comprising a function of distributing the content having no functional restriction to a member. 9. According to the content of the acquired personal information,
The server according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a function of setting the number of points to be given. 10. The server according to claim 6, further comprising a function of registering the content sent from said member in said storage means.