JP2003195864A - Music data distribution system, music data reproducing device, server, music data distributing method, and automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a music data distribution system, music data reproducing device, etc., which are superior in convenience. <P>SOLUTION: At a request from an automobile sales company terminal 40, a service providing company server 10 generates and ends a music data collective to the automobile sales company terminal 40. The automobile sales company terminal 40 provides the music data collective received from the service providing company server 10 as onboard music data for a contractor 5. Here, the music data collective is a collection of music data selected at a request made by the contractor 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a music data distribution system for distributing music data, and more particularly to a music data distribution system for providing a predetermined music data aggregate to a customer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a hard disk drive has been widely used as an external storage device of a computer device represented by a personal computer. This hard disk drive generally has a short access time to data and a very large storage capacity. Moreover, the storage capacity of hard disk drives is increasing year by year, for example, 10 GB.
The above-mentioned large-capacity hard disk drives have become widespread and are now available at low cost. With this,
Hard disk drives have come to be adopted not only as computer devices but also as storage devices for various devices.

As an example thereof, it is considered that a hard disk drive is used as a storage medium of, for example, an in-vehicle device. Although the content of data stored in such a hard disk drive varies, it is also possible to store, for example, a plurality of pieces of music data and reproduce them in the vehicle. Here, assuming that the capacity of the music data for one music is about 50 MB without compression, for example, 10
A hard disk drive having a GB storage capacity can store about 200 pieces of music data. Further, by compressing the music data for one song to about 3 MB, it is possible to store the music data for 3400 songs or more in the hard disk drive.

[0004]

However, when a plurality of music data are stored in a vehicle-mounted hard disk drive, there are the following problems. That is, even if the hard disk drive has a storage capacity for storing a large amount of music data described above, the user must perform the operation of storing a plurality of music data in the hard disk drive. Then, as the amount of music data to be stored in the hard disk drive increases, the time and effort required to store the music data in the hard disk drive becomes enormous. Therefore, the present invention can save such trouble and time,
An object of the present invention is to provide a music data distribution system, a music data reproduction device, and the like that are highly convenient.

[0005]

Based on the above object, the present invention provides a music data distribution system characterized by providing a music data aggregate as car-mounted music data to a customer. More specifically, the music data distribution system according to the present invention includes a server that distributes music data via a network, and a terminal that requests the server to create a music data aggregate via the network. Upon receiving the music data aggregate from the server, this terminal provides the customer with the received music data aggregate as vehicle-mounted music data. Here, the music data aggregate is a bundle of music data in which music data that can be distributed by the server is collected. In the music data distribution system according to the present invention, music data aggregates can be selected based on a customer request.

In the music data distribution system according to the present invention, the terminal stores the music data aggregate received from the server in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive,
This storage medium may be provided to the customer. Further, it is possible for the server to acquire the reproduction history information of the music data included in the music data aggregate, and charge the fee based on the acquired reproduction history information. Examples of the reproduction history information of the music data related to the music data aggregate include the number of times of reproduction of the music data and the reproduction time.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a music data reproducing apparatus in which a plurality of music data are stored in advance in a storage means such as a hard disk drive. More specifically, the storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of music data extracted from the database of the server that distributes music data. When the reproducing means reproduces arbitrary music data from the plurality of music data stored in the storage means on the vehicle, the reproduction history information generating means generates reproduction history information regarding reproduction of the music data and reproduces it. The history information transmitting means transmits it to the server using a predetermined communication device. The reproduction history information regarding the reproduction of the music data may include at least one of the number of reproduction times and the reproduction time of the music data, for example.

Further, the present invention provides a server characterized in that the music data aggregate according to genre is stored in a memory which can be reproduced by a vehicle audio device and provided. Here, the genres are not limited to the types of music data such as classical music, rock, jazz, and the like, but broadly include artists, eras, and the like. In the server according to the present invention, when the music data aggregate creating means creates a music data aggregate by genre based on a request made via a network, the music data aggregate is reproduced in a vehicle audio device. It is provided to customers etc. in a state of being stored in.

Further, the server according to the present invention can acquire a plurality of music piece data from an external server connected via a network. There is no need for a single external server, and it is effective to have a configuration in which various music data are collected from a plurality of external servers. Further, the server according to the present invention can receive the reproduction history information of the music data related to the music data group by genre, store this, and use it for a predetermined process. In order to identify the vehicle audio device in which the music data collection by genre is stored and the customer who owns the vehicle audio device, the server plays the music data with the unique identification information for identifying the vehicle audio device added. It is preferable to receive history information.

The present invention also provides a music data distribution method. First, when a music data distribution request is received, a plurality of music data are collected from an external database and a music data aggregate based on the music data distribution request is created. The music data aggregate thus created is output to the on-vehicle hard disk drive. Further, the present invention provides an automobile including a hard disk drive storing a plurality of music data and an audio device for reproducing arbitrary music data from the plurality of music data stored in the hard disk drive.
In the vehicle according to the present invention, the hard disk drive may store a music data aggregate generated in response to a customer's genre request at the time of purchasing the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention can be provided as a program that causes a computer device or a navigation device to execute processing corresponding to each step in the above-described music data distribution method.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below in detail based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a music data distribution system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the music data distribution system in the present embodiment is connected to a service business company server (server) 10 that creates a music data package, and the service business company server 10 via a network 30 such as the Internet. The music production company server (external server) 20 that provides music data to the service business company server 10 and the service business company server 1
0 and a vehicle sales company terminal (terminal) 40 that is connected via a network 30 such as the Internet and requests the service business company server 10 to create a music data package. The contractor 50 as a customer
A request (genre request) regarding the music data package is made to the car sales company terminal 40. In response to this, the car sales company terminal 40 has the contractor 5
On the other hand, for example, when selling an automobile, a music data reproducing device (vehicle-mounted device) 60 including a hard disk in which a music data package is stored is provided.

The automobile maker or car dealer (hereinafter, both are collectively referred to as "automobile sales company") who is the owner of the automobile sales company terminal 40 sends an automobile (vehicle) to the contractor 50 who is a customer. Are sold. Based on a request from the contractor 50 such as selecting a favorite music genre, the car sales company terminal 40 sends the service business company server 10 the network 3 for example.
A request for creating a music data package is made via 0. Here, the music data package requested to be created is the contractor 5
The music data aggregate is selected based on the request of the contractor 50 according to the preference of 0, and is stored and provided in the music data reproducing device 60. The request from the contractor 50 is made, for example, at the time of purchasing a car at a car sales company.

The music production company server 20 is stored in a communication unit 21 for transmitting and receiving information to and from the service business company server 10, a music DB (database) (external database) 23 for storing a plurality of music data, and a music DB 23. A music data management unit 22 for reading music data is provided. The communication unit 21 is capable of transmitting / receiving information to / from the service business company server 10 via the network 30, and receives the music data transmission request message transmitted from the service business company server 10. Also, the communication unit 21
To the service business company server 10 to the music DB 2
The music data stored in No. 3 is transmitted. The music data management unit 22 reads the music data stored in the music DB 23 in response to a music data transmission request message from the service business company server 10. The music DB 23 stores a huge amount of music data such as music of various genres owned by the music production company that operates the music production company server 20.

Next, the configuration of the service business company server 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the service business company server 10 communicates with the music production company server 20 and the car sales company terminal 40 via the network 30, the communication unit (reception means) 11, the car sales company terminal 4
Based on a request from 0, a music data package creation unit (music data collection creating means) 12 for creating a music data package (music data collection, music data collection by genre) P, authentication of the contractor 50, etc. are performed. Information regarding the customer information management unit 13, the music list DB 14 that stores the music list created by the music data package creation unit 12, the music DB 15 that stores the music data collected from one or more music production company servers 20, and the contractor 50 Customer information DB (storing means) 16 for storing information, billing information DB 1 for storing data and the like that are the basis for calculation of music data usage fee
7. The music data package DB 18 for storing the music data package P created by the music data package creation unit 12 is provided.

The communication unit 11 can send and receive information to and from the music production company server 20 via the network 30, and sends a music data transmission request message to the music production company server 20. The communication unit 11 also receives the music data transmitted from the music production company server 20. The music data package creation unit 12 creates a music data package P, which is a collection of music that collects the music data that the contractor 50 likes, based on a request from the automobile sales company terminal 40. When the music data package creating unit 12 creates the music data package P, it collects music data from one or a plurality of music production company servers 20 and edits the music data into appropriate genres to create a music list. To do. Music data package P
The number of songs (number in the song list) is, for example, 100 to 1
It can be about 0000 songs. Further, as will be described later, since the fee is charged according to the number of times of reproduction of the music data or the reproduction time, the music data package creating unit 12 adds a music ID to each music data.

The customer information management unit 13 authenticates the contractor 50 based on the unique identification information N, collects information about the contractor 50, and charges the contractor 50. Customer Information Management Department 1
The information about the contractor 50 collected by 3 is stored in the customer information DB 16 at any time.

The music list DB 14 stores a music list created by the music data package creating unit 12. Further, the music DB 15 stores a huge amount of music data of various genres collected from one or a plurality of music production company servers 20. Further, along with the music data, information about the music data such as the music title and the artist name is also stored in the music DB 15. The customer information DB 16 stores unique identification information for identifying the contractor 50, a type (contract type) with which the contractor 50 has a contract, and the like. In the billing information DB 17, the type of contract type,
Stores data that is the basis for calculation of music data usage fees based on the pay-as-you-go and flat-rate systems. As will be described later, the music data usage fee is a consideration paid to the music production company server 20 who provided the music data. The music data package DB 18 stores the music data package P created by the music data package creation unit 12.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing information about music data stored in the music DB 15. As shown in FIG.
A song ID is individually added to the song data stored in the song DB 15. Information such as the song name, artist name, song creation date, genre, playing time, and which music production company server 20 the song data was collected from is stored in association with the song ID. These pieces of information are used when the music data package creating unit 12 creates the music data package P.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information about the contractor 50 stored in the customer information DB 16. As shown in FIG. 3, in the customer information DB 16, the unique identification information N that identifies the contractor 50, the type (contract type) with which the contractor 50 has a contract, the music data package ID, the contract date, the specified value K,
Music reproduction data (reproduction history information) R, music reproduction data R
The update date of is stored in table format.

The music data package ID is unique identification information for specifying the music data package P. Further, as the unique identification information N for identifying the contractor 50, for example, a serial number or vehicle ID (unique identification information attached to each vehicle) added to the music data reproducing device 60 can be used. As the contract type, there is a pay-as-you-go system that charges based on the reproduction time and the number of times of reproduction of music data, for example, a flat-rate system that pays a fixed amount every month regardless of the reproduction time and the number of reproductions of music data. Further, in the present embodiment, the data regarding the reproduction time, the number of reproductions, etc. of the music data is referred to as music reproduction data R. The prescribed value K is a value indicating how often the contractor 50 provides the service reproducing company server 10 with the music reproduction data R. Each time the music data reproducing device 60 is used, the service business company server 10
This is because, if the music reproduction data R is transmitted to, the load on the customer information management on the service business company server 10 side will increase. The prescribed value K is, for example, K = 1 month, 3 months, 6
It can be set as months. Further, the music reproduction data R may be transmitted to the service business company server 10 on a specific date such as at the time of vehicle inspection. In addition to the information shown in FIG. 3, the customer information DB 1
6 includes contractor 5 such as address, telephone number, and email address.
0 contact information and the like are stored.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage format example of the music data package P in the music data package DB 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the music data package DB1
8 stores a package ID that identifies the music data package P, unique identification information N that identifies the contractor 50 who is the destination of the music data package P, and a plurality of encrypted music data. . As the attribute information of the music data, a music ID, a copy date indicating the date when the music data is copied from the music DB 15, an artist name corresponding to the music ID, a music title, a music creation date, etc. are encrypted. It is stored in association with each music data. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, not only is the music data stored in the music data package P encrypted to prevent unauthorized copying, but the music data is copied with each piece of music data protected by copy protection. It is preferable to record in the music data package P.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the music data reproducing apparatus 60. As shown in FIG. 5, the music data reproducing apparatus 60 according to the present embodiment has a speaker (reproducing means) 61 for outputting music data by voice, an operation unit 62 such as a remote controller or a control panel, and a network 3.
0, a communication terminal (communication device) 63 that is a communication means for connecting with the hard disk drive, a hard disk drive (HDD, storage medium, storage means, memory) 64 in which the music data package P is stored, and a control block 65 that controls the entire apparatus. , And are configured.

The control block 65 includes a CPU 70 for controlling the entire system and arithmetic processing, and a DRAM (Dynamic Rand).
R as an internal storage device including om access memory)
AM 71, ROM 72 in which a predetermined program for operating the music data reproducing apparatus 60 is stored, speaker 6
A voice control unit (playback means) for controlling the voice output by 1.
73, an input control unit 74 that controls an input signal from the operation unit 62, a communication unit (playback history information transmission unit) 75 that communicates with the network 30 and the like through the communication terminal 63, the HDD 6
4 is provided with a storage control unit 76.

Further, the control block 65 calculates the music reproduction data R such as the reproduction time and the number of times of reproduction of the music data, and uses it as the data for transmission to the service business company server 10 (reproduction history information generating means). ) 77 is further provided. The music reproduction data control unit 77 includes a counting unit 77a and a music reproduction data storage unit 77b. The counting unit 77a measures the music reproduction data R and stores the data in the music reproduction data storage unit 77b as needed. . Further, the music reproduction data control unit 77 internally includes the unique identification information N
And holds the specified value K.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of processing until the music data package creating unit 12 of the service business company server 10 creates the music data package P. The music data package creation unit 12 uses the car sales company terminal 40.
A music data package P is created in response to a request from the. The music data package creation unit 12 is connected to four music production company servers 20 (music production company servers A to D) via a network 30. As shown in (1) and (2) of FIG. 6, the music data package creation unit 12 requests the music production company server 20 (music production company servers A to D) to provide the music data, and also Music data is collected from the production company servers A to D. As a result, the music DB 15 collects from the music production company server 20 (music production company servers A to D),
A huge amount of music data of various genres is stored.
Then, the music data stored in the music DB 15 is added with a music ID, for example, 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 by the music data package creating unit 12.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (3), the music data package creating section 12 causes the music list J by genre to be displayed.
Create L (JL1 to JL3). The music list JL by genre (JL1 to JL3) is a music list created based on a request from the contractor 50. Here, the genres are not limited to the types of music data such as rock and jazz, but depending on the request of the contractor 50, the artist, the age (for example, the 1970s,
1980s) are widely included. The music list JL by genre (JL1 to JL3) is a music list DB.
14 are stored.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6 (4), the music data package creating section 12 causes the music data package P
(P1 to P3) are created. Music data package P
(P1 to P3) are music list JL by genre (JL1
~ JL3) is a collection of music data obtained by collecting music. The music data package P (P1 to P3) is the music D
It is created by sorting a huge amount of music data in B15 based on the genre-specific music list JL (JL1 to JL3). This music data package P (P1
To P3) are stored in the music data package DB 18 in the storage format as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, the music data package creating unit 12 of the service business company server 10 is used by the music production company server 2.
It is a figure which shows the flow of a process at the time of receiving the provision of music data from 0 and creating the music data package P. First, the communication unit 11 of the service business company server 10 receives a music data package P creation request message from the automobile sales company terminal 40 (step S101). Then, the communication unit 11 transfers this message to the music data package creation unit 12, and the music data package creation unit 12 transmits a music data request message to the communication unit 21 of the music production company server 20 based on the request content. (Step S102). Here, one music production company server 20 does not own all music data. Therefore, as shown in (1) of FIG. 6, the music data package creation unit 12 transmits a music data request message to the plurality of music production company servers 20 as necessary.

When the communication section 21 of the music production company server 20 receives the music data request message (step S10)
3), the communication unit 21 transfers this message to the music data management unit 22. In response to this, the music data management unit 22
Reads the corresponding music data from the music DB 23. Then, the read music data is transmitted to the communication unit 11 of the service business company server 10 by the communication unit 21 (step S104).

Communication department 11 of service business company server 10
When the music data is received from the communication unit 21 of the music production company server 20, the music data is stored in the music DB 15 as shown in (2) of FIG. 6 (step S10).
5). When the music data is stored in the music DB 15, the music data package creating unit 12 adds a music ID to each music data (step S106). Next, as shown in (3) of FIG. 6, the music data package creation unit 12 causes the music list JL by genre (JL1 to JL3).
Is created and stored in the music list DB 14 (step S107).

Music list JL by genre (JL1 to JL
Based on 3), the music data package creating unit 12 creates the music data package P (step S108).
The created music data package P is stored in the music data package DB 18. Here, as shown in (4) of FIG. 6, for example, a music data package P1 that collects jazz music data, a music data package P2 that collects rock music data, and a music data package that collects classical music data. Various types of music data packages P such as P3 are created.

The flow of processing in the music data package creating section 12 has been described above. In the present embodiment, by receiving the music data provided from the plurality of music production company servers 20, it becomes possible to create the music data package P according to the preference of the contractor 50.

Next, the delivery form of the music data package P will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Figure 8
The service business company server 10 uses the music data package P
Is a block diagram showing the flow in the case of storing the data in the HDD 64 and providing this to the automobile sales company. Here, the automobile sales company owns the above-described automobile sales company terminal 40.

As shown in (1) of FIG. 8, the music data package P created by the music data package creating unit 12 is stored in the HDD 64 by performing a predetermined process in the service business company server 10. At this time, the music data package ID added to the music data package P and the unique identification information N of the contractor 50 are stored in the HDD 64 in a state of being associated with each other. This is H
This is to identify the contractor 50 who is the final delivery destination of the DD64.

Next, as shown in (2) of FIG. 8, the HDD 64 in which the music data package P is stored is incorporated in the music data reproducing device 60 on the service business company server 10 side. Then, as shown in (3) of FIG. 8, when the music data reproducing device 60 is delivered to the car sales company that owns the car sales company terminal 40, the car sales company side will use this music data reproducing device 60. It is installed in the car that the contractor 50 will purchase. Then, as shown in (4) of FIG. 8, the contractor 50 is delivered from the automobile sales company with an automobile provided with the music data package P created according to his / her preference.

The service business company server 10 may store the music data package P in the HDD 64 and then deliver the HDD 64 to the automobile sales company. In this case, the HDD 64 is incorporated into the music data reproducing device 60 at the automobile sales company. Alternatively, the automobile sales company may incorporate the HDD 64 into the music data reproducing device 60, and use the music data reproducing device 6 together.
0 may be incorporated in the car that the contractor 50 plans to purchase.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow in the case of delivering the music data package P online. here,
A case will be described in which the music data reproducing apparatus 60 and the car scheduled to be purchased by the contractor 50 are in the car sales company that owns the car sales company terminal 40.

As shown in (1) of FIG. 9, the music data package P (P1 to P3) created by the music data package creating unit 12 is the service business company server 1
The communication unit 11 of No. 0 transmits to the communication unit 75 of the music data reproducing device 60 via the network 30. Then, the music data package P received by the communication unit 75 is stored in the HDD 64 via the storage control unit 76 of the music data reproducing device 60.

Next, as shown in (2) of FIG. 9, the automobile sales company installs the music data reproducing device 60 in which the music data package P is stored in the automobile planned to be purchased by the contractor 50. Alternatively, the communication section 75 of the music data reproducing device 60 may be used in a state where the music data reproducing device 60 is installed in advance in the car that the contractor 50 plans to purchase.
And the music data package P via the storage control unit 76.
May be delivered online. As shown in (3) of FIG. 9, when the music data package P is delivered online, the contractor 50 can be delivered to the contractor 50 as in the case where the music data package P shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the HDD 64 and delivered. A vehicle provided with a music data package P created according to its own preference is delivered from an automobile sales company.

FIG. 10 shows the flow of processing when the music reproduction data control unit 77 transmits the music reproduction data R to the service business company server 10. This processing is started by the music data reproduction apparatus 60, for example. It is automatically executed when First, the music reproduction data control unit 77 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the music reproduction data R was transmitted to the service business company server 10 last time (step S201). This determination is performed with reference to the specified value K, the previous data transmission date (referred to as "D1"), and the time data indicating the present date (referred to as "D2"). here,
If the predetermined period has not elapsed, the process ends.
On the other hand, if the predetermined period has elapsed, step S2
Go to 02.

In step S202, the counting section 77a calculates the music reproduction data R from the previous data transmission date to the current date. At this time, the music reproduction data storage unit 77
The music reproduction data R such as the reproduction time and the number of times of reproduction stored in b is used. In step S203, step S2
Unique identification information N in the music reproduction data R calculated in 02.
Is added and converted into a format such as “reproduction time” + “reproduction count” + “unique identification information N” to generate transmission data. However, this is just an example, and the "reproduction time" and the "reproduction count" do not necessarily have to be used as the transmission data, and the reproduction time,
The transmission data may be generated by including at least one of the reproduction counts.

When the transmission data is generated in step S203, the transmission data is sent to the communication section 75, and the data is transmitted to the service business company server 10 via the communication terminal 63 and the network 30 (step). S2
04). When the transmission data is transmitted in step S204, the communication unit 11 of the service business company server 10 accepts the access (step S205). Step S2
In 05, the unique identification information N added to the transmission data
The contractor 50 is authenticated with reference to. Step S2
In 06, the communication unit 11 of the service business company server 10
Transmits a reception confirmation message indicating that the data has been received to the contractor 50 who has transmitted the data to which the unique identification information N is added. Receiving this, music data reproducing device 60
The communication unit 75 receives the reception confirmation message (step S207) and outputs it to the speaker 61, for example.

When the reception confirmation message from the service business company server 10 is received in step S207,
The music reproduction data control unit 77 rewrites the time data to D2 = D1 (step S208). As a result, the date D1 of this time is the date D2 which is the starting date for the next transmission.
Will be held in the music reproduction data control unit 77.

Next, the operation of the music distribution system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the music distribution system in this embodiment. As shown in (1) of FIG. 11, the contractor 50
Provides the playlist to the vehicle sales company terminal 40 at the time of vehicle inspection or at regular intervals. Here, the contents of the play list are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the playlist is a list in which information such as the date and time when the contractor 50 reproduced the music data using the music data reproducing device 60, the reproduction time of the music data, the number of reproductions, and the like. The playlist is transmitted to the automobile sales company terminal 40 via a communication terminal 63 such as a mobile phone or a personal computer connected to the music data reproducing device 60. Note that the contractor 50 may directly provide the playlist to the service business company server 10 instead of to the vehicle sales company terminal 40.

As shown in (2) of FIG. 11, when the service business company server 10 receives a playlist from the automobile sales company terminal 40 or the contractor 50, the service company company server 10 charges the contractor 50 a music data usage fee based on the playlist. To do. In response to this, the contractor 50 pays the usage fee to the service business company server 10 as shown in (3) of FIG. Or
As described above, the music reproduction data R may be transmitted from the music data reproduction device 60 to the service company server 10. In this case, the service business company server 10 charges the subscriber 50 for the music data usage fee based on the music reproduction data R.

If the contractor 50 has a mobile phone or an ITS-dedicated terminal as the communication terminal 63 in the automobile owned by the contractor 50, the following configuration can be adopted. That is, the contractor 50 and the service business company server 1
0 can be configured to be connected via a mobile phone company or a private ITS company. In this case, the contractor 50 sends the playlist or the music reproduction data R to the mobile phone company or the private ITS company, and the mobile phone company or the private ITS company bills the contractor 50 for the music data usage fee based on this. . Then, the music data usage fee paid by the contractor 50 is transferred to a mobile phone company or a private ITS.
The company may pay the service business company server 10.

As shown in (4) of FIG. 11, the service business company server 10 pays the received music data usage fee to the music production company server 20. On the other hand, the service business company server 10 receives the fee for providing the music data package P from the automobile sales company terminal 40, as shown in (5) of FIG. 11.

Here, a method of calculating the music data usage fee from the output playlist will be described. As a method of calculating the payment amount, for example, a fixed amount system or a pay-as-you-go system can be adopted. The flat rate is for the playback time (eg 3
This is a method of paying a fixed amount every month (for example, 2000 yen per month), regardless of the number of times of reproduction, etc. On the other hand, the pay-as-you-go system is a method of charging according to the reproduction time and the number of reproduction times. Hereafter, as Pay-As-You-Go 1 and Pay-As-You-Go 2,
Two calculation methods based on the pay-as-you-go system are shown.

(Pay-as-you-go system 1) Fixed reproduction time (for example, 30)
However, if the time exceeds a certain time, one yen is added every 15 seconds, for example. This charge is arbitrary for the service business company server 10, and may change depending on the freshness of the music. When the reproduction is finished on the way, it is calculated by the reproduction time. When the contractor 50 stops the reproduction of the music data on the way, the counting unit 77a stops counting the reproduction time for the music, and when the reproduction is started after that, the counting unit 77a restarts the counting of the reproduction time. (Pay-as-you-go system 2) No charge is made until a certain playback time (for example, 30 seconds), but if this certain time is exceeded, for example, a fixed amount of 10 yen is added per song regardless of the subsequent playback time. The charge per song is arbitrary for the service business company server 10, and may change depending on the freshness of the song.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of processing of the music data reproducing apparatus 60 in the case where the calculation method based on the pay-as-you-go system is adopted. This process is performed when the contractor 50 performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 62 of the music data reproducing device 60 and the power is turned on.

First, the music data reproducing device 60 is turned on.
When the number becomes N, the communication unit 75 of the music data reproducing device 60 and the communication unit 11 of the service business company server 10 are automatically connected. In step S301, the customer information management unit 13 of the service business company server 10 determines whether or not the access is from the contractor 50 for whom payment has been made. here,
If it is determined that payment has not been made, step S3
The process proceeds to 02, and a message such as "Cannot be used because payment has not been made" is output by voice from the speaker 61, and the process returns to step S301.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that payment has been made, the process proceeds to step S303. Here, the contractor 50 gives a reproduction instruction to the music data reproducing apparatus 60 by performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 62. This reproduction instruction is, specifically, an instruction of a music piece to be reproduced, a reproduction order, a reproduction method (for example, random reproduction), and the like, and it is possible to issue a reproduction instruction of several songs or tens of songs at the same time. When the apparatus receives the reproduction instruction in step S303, step S304
Proceed to. In step S304, it is determined whether or not the music piece for which the contractor 50 has given a reproduction instruction can be reproduced. here,
If it is determined that reproduction is not possible, the process ends. As a case where it is determined that the reproduction is not possible, there is a case where the contractor 50 delays the previous payment and the specific music data is controlled to be in the reproduction impossible state.

When it is determined in step S304 that the reproduction is possible, the process proceeds to the following step S305 and the reproduction is started. Then, the reproduction ends (step S306).
Then, the process proceeds to step S307, and it is determined whether or not the counting unit 77a has started from the pause. here,
If it is determined that it is not the start from the pause, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, it is determined whether or not the reproduction time is a basic time, for example, 30 seconds or more. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the music ID
Regarding 1.1.1, it is assumed that the reproduction time is 18 seconds in some cases. In this case, since the reproduction time is less than 30 seconds, it is possible not to count the number of times of reproduction for this. If it is determined in step S308 that the basic time has not been reached, the process proceeds to the next song (step S309), and the processes in step S304 and subsequent steps are repeated.

If it is determined in step S307 that the start is from the pause, the process proceeds to step S310. Further, in step S308, the reproduction time is 30
Even when it is determined that the time is longer than the second, step S310
Proceed to. In step S310, the counting unit 77a determines whether or not the reproduction has been completed. If it is determined in step S310 that the playback has not been completed to the end, the process proceeds to step S312, and the counting unit 77a determines whether or not the pause is performed. Step S3
If it is determined in step 12 that the user is posing, the process proceeds to step S314. Pose I in step S314
When D is recorded, the process returns to step S303.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S312 that the player has not paused, the process proceeds to step S311. In step S311, the end ID is recorded. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S310 that the reproduction has been completed, the process proceeds to step S311 and the end ID is recorded. With the recording of the end ID, the counting unit 77a increases the number of times of reproduction of the reproduced music ID by 1, and records the reproduction date and time and the reproduction time. Step S311
When the end ID is recorded at, the process proceeds to the next song (step S313), and the processing from step S304 is repeated.

According to the music data distribution system as described above, the contractor 50 only requests the automobile sales company terminal 40 for the genre of the music data aggregate,
An on-vehicle music data aggregate can be obtained. Therefore, it is excellent in convenience. Further, the service business company server 10 can obtain the fee for providing the music data package P from the car sales company terminal 40, and the car sales company terminal 40 sells the car with the added value of the music data package P added to the car. Therefore, there is an advantage that the number of sales can be expected to increase.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the music data reproducing apparatus 60 calculates the music reproduction data R within a certain period and transmits it to the service business company server 10 has been described. Service business company server 1
The data within a certain period may be calculated on the side of the service business company server 10 based on the previous data.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the fixed amount system and the pay-as-you-go system are shown as an example of the calculation method of the payment amount. However, in another embodiment, the music data is recorded by a prepaid card or the like issued by the service business server 10 You may pay the usage fee. Other than this, the configurations described in the above embodiments can be selected or changed to other configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a predetermined music data aggregate to the customer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a music data distribution system according to this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing information about music data stored in a music DB.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table stored in a customer information DB.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage format example of a music data package in a music data package DB.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a music data reproducing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of processing until a music data package is created.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of processing in a music data package creation unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow in the case where a music data package is stored in an HDD and provided to an automobile sales company.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flow of providing a music data package online to an automobile sales company.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of a music data reproducing device and a service business company according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining operation of the music distribution system in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a playlist.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of processing of the music data reproducing apparatus when the calculation method based on the pay-as-you-go system is adopted.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Service business company server (server), 11 ... Communication unit (reception means), 12 ... Music data package creation unit (music data aggregate creation means), 15 ... Music DB, 16
... Customer information DB (storage means), 18 ... Music data package DB, 20 ... Music production company server (external server),
23 ... Music DB (external database), 30 ... Network, 40 ... Car sales company terminal (terminal), 50 ... Contractor (customer), 60 ... Music data reproducing device (vehicle equipment), 61 ... Speaker (reproducing means) , 63 ... Communication terminal (communication device), 64 ... HDD (storage medium, storage means, memory), 73 ... Voice control section (reproduction means), 75 ... Communication section (reproduction history information transmission means), 77 ... Music reproduction data Control unit (reproduction history information generating means), 77a ... Count unit, 7
7b ... Music reproduction data storage unit, JL ... Genre-specific music list, N ... Unique identification information, P ... Music data package (music data collection, genre-specific music data collection),
R: Music reproduction data (reproduction history information)

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A server that distributes music data via a network, and a request via the network to the server to create a music data aggregate in which music data that can be distributed by the server is collected. A music data distribution system comprising: a terminal that receives the music data collection distributed by the server and provides the received music data collection to a customer as vehicle-mounted music data. 2. The music data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the music data aggregate is selected based on a request from the customer. 3. The music data distribution according to claim 1, wherein the terminal stores the music data collection received from the server in a storage medium and provides the storage medium to the customer. system. 4. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server acquires reproduction history information of the music data included in the music data aggregate, and charges a fee based on the acquired reproduction history information. Music data distribution system. 5. A music data reproducing apparatus mounted on a vehicle, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of music data extracted from a database of a server that distributes music data, and the plurality of storage means stored in the storage means. Reproducing means for reproducing any one of the music data from the music data in the vehicle, reproduction history information generating means for generating reproduction history information regarding reproduction of the music data by the reproducing means, and the reproduction history information generating means And a reproduction history information transmitting unit that transmits the reproduction history information generated by the above to the server using a predetermined communication device. 6. The music data reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reproduction history information generated by the reproduction history information generating means is at least one of a reproduction count and a reproduction time of the music data. 7. A server connected to a network, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of music data, and the plurality of music data stored in the storage means based on a request made via the network. A music data aggregate creating means for creating a music data aggregate by genre classified by genre, and the music data aggregate by genre created by the music data aggregate creating means can be reproduced by a vehicle audio device. A server that is provided by storing in a special memory. 8. The server according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of pieces of music data are obtained from an external server connected via the network. 9. Receiving means for receiving reproduction history information of the music data concerning the genre-specific music data aggregate, to which unique identification information for identifying the vehicle audio device is added, and storing the reproduction history information. 8. The server according to claim 7, further comprising a storage unit. 10. A step of accepting a music data distribution request, a step of collecting a plurality of music data from an external database, and creating a music data aggregate based on the music data distribution request; And a step of outputting to a hard disk drive. 11. A hard disk drive, comprising: a hard disk drive storing a plurality of music piece data; and an audio device for reproducing any of the music piece data from the plurality of music piece data stored in the hard disk drive. Is a car storing a music data aggregate generated in response to a customer's genre request at the time of car purchase.