JP2003196491A - Data distribution method and content provider device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data distribution method capable of easily downloading contents data such as television programs to a portable contents reproducing unit. <P>SOLUTION: A contents management device 2 compiles contents data such as programs into such a form that the portable contents reproducing unit 4 can store and reproduce, and transmits the compiled contents data to a plurality of contents provider devices 3 disposed in a station yard. While the contents provider device 3 stores the compiled contents data received from the contents management device 2 in the searchable form, searches the stored contents data to provide a screen to be specified, and outputs the specified contents data to the portable contents reproducing unit 4. A user reproduces the contents data using the portable contents reproducing unit 4 in a train, etc. <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, for example, PDA (Personal Digital) for content data of broadcast programs.
The present invention relates to a data distribution method and a content providing device that can be efficiently distributed to portable content reproducing devices such as Assistants).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a television station or the like compresses the content data of a program into a data having a transmission rate of about 100 Kbps by a method such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 4 in order to reuse a program broadcast in the past. However, it is uploaded to the hard disk of its own server device and is available on the website. The user uses a personal computer or the like to access the home page of the television station via the Internet or the like and download the content data of the desired program. Then, in the personal computer, the user demodulates the downloaded content data based on the program and views the program.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, the user needs to access the home page of the television station via the Internet using the personal computer, which makes the procedure of acquiring content data such as programs troublesome. There is a problem that is. Also,
In the conventional method described above, when the user views the content data on the go using the PDA or the like, the content data is further transferred from the personal computer to the PDA.
There is a problem in that it needs to be transferred to, which is troublesome. Further, in the above-described conventional method, since the content data of the program is distributed via the Internet, it is difficult to construct a mechanism for charging the user for the content distribution service, and it is difficult to popularize the service. There is a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data distribution method and a content providing apparatus which can easily download content data such as a television program to a portable content reproducing apparatus. . It is another object of the present invention to provide a data distribution method and a content providing device that can charge a user for providing the download service.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems of the prior art and achieve the above object, the data distribution method of the first invention uses a content management device and a plurality of content providing devices. Is a data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproduction device, wherein the content management device edits the content data in a format that can be stored and reproduced by the portable content reproduction device, and the edited content data is edited. The content data is transmitted to the plurality of content providing devices, the content providing device stores the edited content data received from the content management device in a searchable format, and searches the stored content data. Providing a specifiable screen and playing the specified content data to the portable content And outputs it to the location.

[0006] In the data distribution method of the first invention, preferably, when the content management device has a plurality of related content data, the content data is defined in each of the plurality of content data, and the content data is associated with the content data. The plurality of content data are edited based on the metadata including the data that can specify the. Further, in the data distribution method of the first invention, preferably, the content management apparatus uses a predetermined number of a plurality of content data in order from the newest one of a series of a plurality of content data based on the metadata. The editing is performed. Further, in the data distribution method of the first invention, preferably, the content management device associates the program content data with the content data for introduction of a product related to the program content data based on the metadata. The editing is performed so that it is displayed. In the data distribution method of the first invention, preferably, the content providing device outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproduction device by a wireless method. Further, in the data distribution method of the first invention, preferably, the content providing device outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproducing device by using infrared rays.

Further, in the data distribution method of the first invention, preferably, the content providing apparatus is a portable content reproducing apparatus in relation to a service for outputting the designated content data to the portable content reproducing apparatus. Charge the user. In the data distribution method according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably, data is exchanged with the portable integrated circuit by a data wireless method to perform the charging process, and power is supplied to the portable integrated circuit by electromagnetic induction by electromagnetic waves. Further, in the data distribution method of the first invention, preferably, the content management device encrypts the edited content data and transmits the encrypted content data to the content providing device, and the content providing device encrypts the encrypted content data. The content data is output to the portable content reproduction device, and the content reproduction device decrypts and reproduces the input encrypted content data.

The content providing apparatus of the second invention is a content providing apparatus that outputs the content data distributed from the content management apparatus to the portable content reproducing apparatus, and the portable content reproducing apparatus stores and stores the content data. Via a first interface for receiving content data edited in a reproducible format from the content management device, a second interface for outputting the content data to the portable content reproduction device, and the first interface. Storage means for storing the received edited content data in a searchable format, display means, designating means, and displaying on the display means a screen capable of searching and designating the stored content data,
And a control unit that reads out the content data designated by the designation unit from the storage unit and outputs the content data to the portable content reproduction device via the second interface.

The data distribution method of the third invention is a data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproducing apparatus using a content managing apparatus and a plurality of content providing apparatuses, wherein the content managing apparatus is , Transmitting the content data to the plurality of content providing devices, each of the plurality of content providing devices,
The content data received from the content management device is edited into a format that can be stored and played by the portable content playback device, the edited content data is stored in a searchable format, and the stored content data is searched. Then, a screen that can be specified is provided, and the specified content data is output to the portable content reproduction device.

The content providing apparatus of the fourth invention is a content providing apparatus for outputting the content data distributed from the content managing apparatus to the content reproducing apparatus, and receiving the content data from the content managing apparatus. A first interface, a second interface for outputting content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus, a storage unit for storing the content data in a searchable format, a display unit, a designation unit,
The received content data is edited into a format that can be stored and played by the portable content playback device, the edited content data is stored in the storage unit in a searchable format, and the stored content data is searched. Control means for displaying a screen that can be designated by the display means, reading the content data designated by the designating means from the storage means, and outputting the content data to the portable content reproducing apparatus via the second interface. Have and.

The data distribution method of the fifth invention is a data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproducing apparatus using a content management apparatus and a plurality of content providing apparatuses, wherein the content management apparatus is A format in which the content data and the advertisement data are displayed in association with each other using the content data and the advertisement data corresponding to the place where the content providing apparatus is installed, and which can be stored and reproduced by the portable content reproduction apparatus The edited content data received from the content management device is transmitted to the plurality of content providing devices, and the content data obtained by the editing is transmitted to the plurality of content providing devices. Is stored in a searchable format, and the stored content is stored. Providing addressable screen searching for over data, and outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus.

The content providing apparatus of the sixth invention is a content providing apparatus that outputs the content data distributed from the content management apparatus to the portable content reproducing apparatus, and the location where the content providing apparatus is installed. A first interface for receiving from the content management device content data which is displayed in association with advertisement data corresponding to, and which is edited in a format that can be stored and played back by the portable content playback device; A second interface for outputting content data to the portable content reproduction device; a storage means for storing the edited content data received via the first interface in a searchable format; a display means; Means and search and specify the stored content data An effective screen is displayed on the display unit, the content data designated by the designating unit is read from the storage unit, and is output to the portable content reproducing apparatus via the second interface. Have.

A data distribution method of the seventh invention is a data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproducing apparatus using a content managing apparatus and a plurality of content providing apparatuses, wherein the content managing apparatus is Content data transmitted to each of the plurality of content providing devices and advertisement data corresponding to a location of the content providing device, and each of the plurality of content providing devices receives the content from the content management device. The data and the advertisement data are used to perform editing so that the content data and the advertisement data are displayed in association with each other and the portable content reproduction device can store and reproduce the data. Store the content data in a searchable format, and Searching for Ceiling data provides the possible screen, and outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus.

The content providing apparatus of the eighth invention is a content providing apparatus for outputting the content data and the advertisement data distributed from the content management apparatus to the portable content reproducing apparatus, the content data and the content. A first interface for receiving advertisement data corresponding to the location of the providing device from the content management device, a second interface for outputting the content data to the portable content reproduction device, and a content data in a searchable format. The content data and the advertisement data are displayed in association with each other using the storage means for storing, the display means, the designating means, and the received content data and the advertisement data, and the portable content reproduction device stores the content data and the advertisement data. And edit it into a playable format The content data obtained by the editing is stored in the storage unit in a searchable format, the stored content data is searched, and a screen that can be designated is displayed on the display unit. And a control unit that reads out specified content data from the storage unit and outputs the content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus via the second interface.

The content providing apparatus of the ninth invention is a content providing apparatus for outputting the content data distributed from the content managing apparatus to the portable content reproducing apparatus, wherein the content data is transmitted from the content managing apparatus. A first interface for receiving, a second interface for wirelessly outputting content data to the portable content player, and a memory for storing the content data received via the first interface in a searchable format. Means, a display means, a designating means, a screen capable of designating by searching the stored content data is displayed on the display means, and the content data designated by the designating means is read from the storage means. The portable content reproduction device via the second interface Output, and a control means for performing a billing process by performing communication with the portable integrated circuit through the second interface and supplies power to the portable integrated circuit by electromagnetic induction by electromagnetic waves. A portable content reproducing apparatus of a tenth invention is a portable content reproducing apparatus which inputs and stores content data from a content providing apparatus and reproduces the stored content data, wherein An interface for inputting data, a storage unit for storing the input content data, and a reproduction unit for reproducing the content data read from the storage unit, the storage unit being the content stored in the storage unit. In order to prevent the data from being used outside the portable content reproducing apparatus, the portable content reproducing apparatus has a built-in structure that is difficult to remove.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First Embodiment The present embodiment is an embodiment corresponding to the first and second, fifth and sixth inventions. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a content distribution system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system 1 includes, for example, a content management device 2, a plurality of content providing devices 3, and a plurality of portable content reproduction devices 4. The content management device 2 and the plurality of content providing devices 3 are connected via a network 5 such as the Internet. The plurality of content providing devices 3 are arranged, for example, in the corresponding station yard, convenience store, coffee shop, or the like. The portable content reproduction device 4 is, for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), which is owned and used by a general user who uses a station, has a portable size and weight, and is portable.

In the content distribution system 1, the content management device 2 distributes image (image) and audio (audio) content data to a plurality of content providing devices 3, for example. In the following, in the present embodiment, the content data is at least one of image and audio content data, and the content thereof is, for example,
It may be any of television programs, movies, music, etc. broadcast by a broadcasting station. Then, the content providing device 3 outputs the specified content data to the user's portable content reproducing device 4 in a wireless manner using infrared rays or the like in response to the user's instruction. At this time, a charging process for the user is performed as necessary. The user reproduces and views the content data by using the portable content reproduction device 4 on a train, for example.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the content management device 2, the content providing device 3, and the portable content reproducing device 4 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the components shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. [Content Management Device 2] As shown in FIG. 2, the content management device 2 includes, for example, a storage unit 21, a compression unit 22, a control unit 23, and an interface 24. Storage unit 2
1 stores content data of images and sounds to be distributed, for example. The storage unit 21 stores metadata indicating characteristics such as the content and format of the content data in association with the content data. The metadata is generated in advance in order to detect the characteristics of the content data and utilize it for search. A hard disk or the like is used as the storage unit 21, for example. The storage unit 21 stores, for example, compressed content data. The compression unit 22 converts the content data to be transmitted to the content providing device 3 into, for example, MP
Compress by EG4 method. The control unit 23 centrally controls the processing of the content management device 2. The control unit 23 takes the content data read from the storage unit 21 based on the above-mentioned metadata into consideration of the storage capacity and the processing capacity of the portable content reproduction device 4, and the portable content reproduction device 4
Edits into a format that can be stored and played back, and writes the edited content data in the storage unit 21. The control unit 23 also compresses the edited content data into the compression unit 22.
After compressing with, from interface 24 to network 5
To the plurality of content providing devices 3 via. The interface 24 exchanges data and requests with the plurality of content providing devices 3 via the network 5. The distribution of the content data from the content management device 2 to the plurality of content providing devices 3 is performed by, for example, the network 5
This is done by multicasting the content data above.

[Content Providing Device 3] As shown in FIG. 2, the content providing device 3 includes, for example, an interface 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a control unit 3.
5 and an interface 36. The interface 31 corresponds to the first interface of the present invention, the storage unit 32 corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention, the operation unit 33 corresponds to the instruction unit of the present invention, and the display unit 34 corresponds to the display unit of the present invention. Correspondingly, the control unit 35 corresponds to the control means of the present invention, and the interface 36 corresponds to the second interface of the present invention.

The interface 31 exchanges data and requests with the content management apparatus 2 via the network 5. The interface 31 receives content data data from the content management device 2. The storage unit 32 stores the content data data received from the content management device 2 via the interface 31. The operation unit 33 is an operation unit such as a touch panel or a keyboard, and inputs an instruction or the like according to the operation of the user of the portable content reproduction device 4. The display unit 34 is
The display.

The control unit 35 stores the edited content data received from the content management apparatus 2 via the interface 31 in the storage unit 32 in a searchable format. The control unit 35 also causes the display unit 34 to display a search screen that can be searched by searching the stored content data based on a list such as a title. In addition, the control unit 35
The content data designated by the user using the operation unit 33 is output to the portable content reproduction device 4 via the interface 36. Interface 36
Outputs the content data to the interface 41 of the portable content reproduction apparatus 4 wirelessly using infrared rays or the like, for example. FIG. 3 is an external view of the vicinity of the interface 36 of the content providing device 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the content providing apparatus 3 is provided with a light-shielding cover 38 for preventing infrared rays output from the interface 36 toward the interface 41 from leaking to the surroundings. By providing such a light shielding cover 38, it is possible to prevent a third party from illegally acquiring the content data.

[Portable Content Playback Device 4] As shown in FIG. 2, the portable content playback device 4 includes, for example, an interface 41, a storage unit 42, an operation unit 43, a display / audio output unit 44, an expansion unit 45, and It has a control unit 46.

The interface 41, as described above,
Content data is input from the interface 36 of the content providing apparatus 3 using infrared rays. The storage unit 42 is
The content data input via the interface 41 is stored. The storage unit 42 is a memory such as an EEPROM, and is installed so that it cannot be removed from the portable content reproduction device 4 for preventing unauthorized reuse in terms of hardware from the viewpoint of copyright protection, for example.
When the copyright protection function is provided, the storage unit 42 may be a memory card or the like that is detachably attached to the portable content reproduction device 4. The operation unit 43 is an operation unit such as a button for instructing reproduction of content data. The display / sound output unit 44 outputs an image and sound according to the reproduced content data. display·
The audio output unit 44 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display, a speaker, a headphone plug, and the like. The decompression unit 45 decompresses the content data instructed to be reproduced, for example, by the MPEG4 method. The control unit 46 decompresses the content data instructed to be reproduced by the decompression unit 45 and then reproduces it, and causes the display / audio output unit 44 to output an image and sound corresponding to the reproduction. The control unit 46, for example,
After the content data stored in the storage unit 42 is reproduced once or a predetermined number of times, the storage of the content data is deleted from the storage unit 42. In addition, the control unit 4
After writing the content data data from the content providing device 3 to the storage unit 42, the storage device 6 may delete the storage of the content data after a certain time has elapsed.

An operation example of the content distribution system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation example. Step ST1: Control unit 23 of content management device 2
Edits the content data read from the storage unit 21 into a format that can be stored and played back by the portable content playback device 4, based on the metadata. Then, the control unit 23
Compresses the edited content data by the compression unit 22.

Step ST2: The control section 23 of the content management device 2 transmits the content data compressed in step ST1 from the interface 24 to the plurality of content providing devices 3 via the network 5. The content providing device 3 receives the content data at the interface 31 in FIG. Step ST3: The content providing device 3 performs step S
The content data received at T2 is stored in the storage unit 32.

Step ST4: When the user operates the operation unit 33 of the content providing apparatus 3 to input a search instruction,
The process of step ST5 is performed. Step ST5: Control unit 35 of content providing device 3
However, in accordance with the search instruction input in step ST4, the search screen showing the list of content data stored in the storage unit 32 is displayed on the display unit 34. Step ST6: The user looks at the search screen displayed in step ST5 and sees the operation unit 33 of the content providing device 3.
When you specify the content data by operating, step S
The processing of T7 is performed.

Step ST7: The user inserts the interface 41 of the content providing apparatus 3 into the light shielding cover 38 shown in FIG. 3, for example. Then, the control unit 35 of the content providing apparatus 3 and the control unit 46 of the portable content reproduction apparatus 4 authenticate through the interface 36 and the interface 41, and the validity of the portable content reproduction apparatus 4 is confirmed. Then, the process of step ST8 is performed. Step ST8: Control unit 35 of content providing device 3
Reads out the content data specified in step ST6 from the storage unit 32 and outputs it from the interface 36 to the interface 41 using infrared rays. Step ST9: Storage unit 42 of content providing device 3
Stores the content data input in step ST8 in the storage unit 42. After that, the user uses the portable content reproduction device 4 to get on a train, for example.

Step ST10: When the user operates the operation unit 43 of the content providing device 3 to input a reproduction instruction, the process of step ST11 is performed. Step ST11: Control unit 46 of content providing device 3
However, in response to the reproduction instruction input in step ST10, the content data instructed to be reproduced is read from the storage unit 42 and expanded by the expansion unit 45. Then, the control unit 46
Reproduces the decompressed content data and causes the display / sound output unit 44 to output the reproduced image and sound. This allows the user to view the content data.

As described above, according to the content distribution system 1, the user who uses the station transmits the content data managed by the content management device 2 to the plurality of content providing devices 3 arranged at the station. The content data can be taken from the content providing device 3 into the portable content reproducing device 4 in the station, and the content data can be viewed using the portable content reproducing device 4 on the train or the like. As described above, according to the content distribution system 1, the user accesses the server device via the Internet or the like to download the content data to the personal computer, or downloads the content data from the personal computer to the portable content reproduction device 4. There is no need, and the content data can be acquired in the portable content reproduction device 4 by a simple procedure.

Editing Mode in First Embodiment Content management device 2 described above in step ST1 of FIG.
Editing of the content data by is performed as follows, for example. FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a case where the content management device 2 edits content data based on its continuity. In this case, the control unit 23 of the content management device 2 shown in FIG. 2 specifies a plurality of continuous content data items stored in the storage unit 21 (ST2).
1). Specifically, for example, a plurality of content data such as a serial program that is broadcast weekly at a predetermined time on a predetermined day of the week is specified. Next, the control unit 23 edits the plurality of identified content data into a format that can be stored and played by the portable content playback device 4 (ST22), and then compresses it (ST23).

FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a case where the content management device 2 edits content data based on its relevance. In this case, the control unit 23 of the content management device 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 identifies a plurality of related content data stored in the storage unit 21 (S
T31). Specifically, for example, the content data of the movie and the content data of the commentary program of the movie are specified. Next, the control unit 23 edits the plurality of specified content data into a format that can be stored and reproduced by the portable content reproduction device 4 (ST32), and then compresses it (ST33).

Further, in the case shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 23 edits, for example, the content data of a broadcasted television program and the product description content data that are closely related to the television program in association with each other. You can go. In this case, the control unit 23, for example, as shown in FIG.
Following the broadcasted TV program, the content data is edited so as to output the product description content that is closely related to the TV program. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the control unit 23 edits the content data so that a product explanation content screen that is closely related to the TV program is displayed in the screen of the broadcasted TV program. You may. This can motivate the user to purchase the product.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a case where the content management device 2 edits program content data and advertisement content data in association with each other. In this case,
The control unit 23 of the content management device 2 shown in FIG.
The program content data stored in No. 1 and the advertising content data suitable for the installation location of the content providing device 3 are specified (ST41). Specifically, the control unit 23
For example, for each of the plurality of content providing devices 3, the advertisement content data having high relevance to the place where the content providing device 3 is installed is individually specified. Next, the control unit 23 edits the specified program content data and advertisement content data into a format that can be stored and played back by the portable content playback device 4 (ST.
42), followed by compression (ST43).

Second Embodiment This embodiment is an embodiment corresponding to the third and fourth inventions and the seventh and eighth inventions. The content distribution system of the embodiment is basically the same as the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment described above except that the content data is edited not by the content management apparatus 2 but by the content providing apparatus 3. . FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system of this embodiment. Step ST51: Control unit 23 of content management device 2
Compresses the content data read from the storage unit 21 by the compression unit 22 based on the metadata, and then transmits the content data from the interface 24 to the content providing apparatus 3 via the network 5. The content providing apparatus 3 inputs the content data from the interface 31, and the storage unit 3
Store in 2.

Step ST52: Content providing device 3
The control unit 35 reads the content data stored in step ST51, and edits the read content data into a format that can be stored and played back by the portable content playback device 4. Step ST53: Control unit 35 of content providing device 3
However, the content data edited in step ST52 is stored in the storage unit 32 in a searchable format.

Steps ST54 to ST61: Step S
The processing of T54 to ST61 is the same as the processing of steps ST4 to ST11 described above using FIG.

Hereinafter, the editing of the content data by the content providing device 3 described above in step ST52 of FIG. 8 is performed as follows, for example. The editing is shown in FIGS.
Is basically the same as that described in the first embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a case where the content providing device 3 edits content data based on its continuity. In this case, the control unit 35 of the content providing device 3 illustrated in FIG. 2 identifies a plurality of continuous content data items stored in the storage unit 32 based on the metadata (ST71). Specifically, for example, a plurality of content data such as a serial program that is broadcast weekly at a predetermined time on a predetermined day of the week is specified. Next, the control unit 35
Expands the plurality of specified content data (ST72). Next, the control unit 35 edits the plurality of decompressed plurality of content data into a format that can be stored and reproduced by the portable content reproduction apparatus 4 (ST73) and then compresses it (ST74).

FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining a case where the content providing device 3 edits the content data based on its relevance. In this case, the control unit 35 of the content providing device 3 shown in FIG. 2 identifies a plurality of related content data stored in the storage unit 32 based on the metadata and the like (ST81). Specifically, for example, the content data of the movie and the content data of the commentary program of the movie are specified. Next, the control unit 35
Decompress the plurality of specified content data (ST
82). Next, the control unit 35 edits the plurality of decompressed content data into a format that can be stored and played by the portable content playback device 4 (ST83), and then compresses it (ST84).

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a case where the content providing device 3 edits program content data and advertisement content data in association with each other. In this case, the control unit 35 of the content providing device 3 shown in FIG. 2 controls the program content data stored in the storage unit 32 and the advertising content corresponding to the installation location of the content providing device 3 based on the metadata and the like. Specify the data (ST9
1). Next, the control unit 35 expands the specified program content data and advertisement content data (ST9).
2). Next, the control unit 35 edits the expanded program content data and advertisement content data into a format that can be stored and played back by the portable content playback device 4 (ST
93), followed by compression (ST94).

As described above, the content delivery system of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the content delivery system 1 of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment The content delivery system of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a charging function is added to the content delivery system 1 of the first embodiment described above. FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram of the content distribution system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the content distribution system of this embodiment includes, for example, a content management device 2, a plurality of content providing devices 3, and a plurality of portable content reproduction devices 4. 11, the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are basically the same as those described in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the content providing device 3 has a configuration in which a charging unit 37 is added to the content providing device 3 of the first embodiment. Further, the portable content reproduction device 4 has a configuration in which a charging unit 47 is added to the portable content reproduction device 4 of the first embodiment.

In the content distribution system of the present embodiment, under the control of the control unit 35 and the control unit 46, the charging unit 37 and the charging unit 47 communicate via the interface 36 and the interface 41 by using infrared rays,
From the content providing device 3 to the portable content reproducing device 4
With respect to the content data providing service to the user, the user of the portable content reproducing device 4 is charged.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the operation example of the content distribution system is the step ST9 of the operation example of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.
It is the same as the case of FIG. 4 except that a is performed. As described above, in the content distribution system of the present embodiment, after the content data designated by the content providing apparatus 3 is output to the portable content reproducing apparatus 4 and stored therein,
The billing unit 37 and the billing unit 37 cooperate with each other to perform billing processing.

According to the content distribution system of the present embodiment, the content data distribution service from the content providing apparatus 3 to the portable content reproducing apparatus 4 can be charged, and a business model can be constructed. In the third embodiment described above, the case where the charging function is added to the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment is illustrated.
The present invention is also applicable to the case where the charging function is added to the content distribution system of the second embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment The content distribution system of the present embodiment has a configuration in which an encryption / decryption function is added to the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment described above. FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram of the content distribution system of this embodiment. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution system according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a content management device 2, a plurality of content providing devices 3, and a plurality of portable content reproduction devices 4.
Have. In FIG. 13, the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are basically the same as those described in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the content management device 2
Is the encryption unit 2 in the content management device 2 of the first embodiment.
It has a configuration in which 5 is added. Further, the portable content reproduction device 4 has a configuration in which a decoding unit 48 is added to the portable content reproduction device 4 of the first embodiment. In the content distribution system of the present embodiment, the content management device 2 encrypts the content data and sends it to the content providing device 3. In the present embodiment, the content management device 2 holds encryption key data for encryption, and the portable content reproduction device 4 holds decryption key data corresponding to the encryption key data.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the content distribution system shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the operation example of the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, except that the encryption step in the content management apparatus 2 and the portable content reproduction apparatus are performed. Four
It becomes the thing which added the decoding step in. 14, steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 are the same as those described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the encryption unit 25 of the content management device 2 encrypts the edited and compressed content data using the encryption key data (ST1a), and the encrypted content data is It is transmitted to the content providing device 3 (ST2). As the encryption method, for example, DRM (Digital Rights Management) of Microsoft Corporation is used. In addition, the portable content reproduction apparatus 4 receives the encrypted content data, and the decryption unit 4 receives the encrypted content data.
In 8, the content data is decrypted using the decryption key data (ST8a), and the decrypted content data is stored in the storage unit 42 (ST9).

According to this embodiment, since the content data transmitted on the network 5 is encrypted, it is possible to prevent the content data from being illegally used. In the fourth embodiment described above, the case where the encryption / decryption function is added to the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment is illustrated, but the encryption / decryption function is added to the content distribution system of the second embodiment. In this case, the present invention can be similarly applied.

Fifth Embodiment The content distribution system of the present embodiment has a structure in which a broadcasting device is added to the content distribution system 1 shown in FIG. The content distribution system of this embodiment is
The content data of a broadcasted program is reused. FIG. 15 is an overall configuration diagram of the content distribution system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the content distribution system of the present embodiment has, for example, a content management device 2, a plurality of content providing devices 3, a plurality of portable content reproduction devices 4, and a broadcasting device 6. Figure 1
5, the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are basically the same as those described in the first embodiment. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 5, the content management device 2 has a configuration in which an editing unit 26 for editing the content data input from the broadcasting device 6 is added to the content management device 2 shown in FIG.

First, the broadcasting device 6 will be described. Figure 1
As shown in FIG.
1, a broadcasting unit 52 and an interface 53. The program storage unit 51 stores program content data for broadcasting. The broadcasting unit 52, based on a predetermined schedule,
A broadcast signal is generated using the program content data read from the program storage unit 51, and the broadcast signal is transmitted to the antenna 54.
Broadcast over. The interface 53 is a broadcasting unit 52.
The program content data that is being broadcast at, along with the above-mentioned metadata showing the characteristics of the program content data,
Output to the content management device 2 in real time via the cable 56.

Next, the editing unit 26 of the content management device 2
Will be described. The editing unit 26 sets the program content data input from the broadcasting device 6 via the cable 56 based on the metadata corresponding to the program content data.
The program content data is selected automatically or manually based on a predetermined rule, and the selected program content data is edited. Then, the edited content data is stored in the compression unit 22.
And is stored in the storage unit 21. Therefore, when the broadcasting device 6 finishes broadcasting one program, the edited and compressed program content data corresponding thereto is stored in the storage unit 21. Here, the editing by the editing unit 26 is
For example, the program content data of news is selected from the program content data input from the broadcasting device 6.
As a result, it becomes possible to provide the program content data of news broadcast within a predetermined time to the portable content reproduction device 4 via the content providing device 3.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, in the content distribution system shown in FIG. 13, in the operation example of the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, step ST10 of transmitting content data from the broadcasting device 6 to the content management device 2 is performed.
1 is added. 16, steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 are basically the same as those described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. In step ST101 shown in FIG. 16, as described above, the editing unit 26
Program content data is input from the network 5.
In step ST102, the editing unit 26 automatically or manually selects the selected program content data based on the predetermined rule based on the metadata corresponding to the program content data input in step ST101. Edit and compress this. Subsequent processing is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of distribution operation of program content data of a plurality of news broadcast at predetermined time intervals in the content distribution system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17A, the broadcasting device 6 of the company A broadcasts news 2, 3, 4, 5 in order.
At the same time, as shown in FIG. 17B, the program content data of the news 2, 3, 4, and 5 is output from the broadcasting device 6 to the content management device 2 and edited and edited in the content management device 2. Compressed, followed by FIG.
As shown in (C), it is transmitted to the plurality of content providing devices 3. Here, the program content data in which the news 0, 1, 2 of company A is edited is transmitted from the content management device 2 to the content providing device 3, and the news 1, 2, 3 of company A is edited in FIG. The program content data that was
Program content data obtained by editing 3 and 4 is transmitted.
Then, when the content providing device 3 provides the latest three news items to the portable content reproducing device 4, the content providing device 3 informs the portable content reproducing device 4 that news 0, 1 at the timing T1 shown in FIG. , 2, edited program content data, at timing T2 news 1, 2, 3 edited program content data, and at timing T3 news 2, 3, 4 edited program content data.

Here, the timing shown in FIG.
The same file name is given to both of the program content data transmitted by
The newly received program content data is overwritten on the previously received and stored program content data and stored.
As a result, the storage of the previous program content data is automatically deleted from the storage unit 21, and the storage unit 21 always stores the latest news program content data.

As described above, according to the content distribution system of this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently reuse the content data of the broadcasted program. In addition,
The fifth embodiment described above exemplifies the case where the broadcasting device is added to the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment, but the present invention is also applicable when the broadcasting device is added to the content distribution system of the second embodiment. It is applicable as well.

Sixth Embodiment The content distribution system of the present embodiment has a structure in which a broadcasting device 6 of company B is added to the content distribution system of the fifth embodiment described above. FIG. 19 is an overall configuration diagram of the content distribution system of this embodiment. FIG. 19
As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system of the present embodiment is, for example, a content management device 2, a plurality of content providing devices 3, a plurality of portable content reproduction devices 4, a broadcasting device 6 of company A, and a broadcasting device of company B. Have six. Figure 1
In FIG. 9, the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 15 are basically the same as those described in the fifth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the editing unit 26 of the content management device 2
Content data input from the broadcasting device 6 of Company A, and B
Editing is performed using the content data input from the broadcasting device 6 of the company.

The editing unit 26 automatically operates the program content data input from the broadcasting devices 6 of the companies A and B via the cable 56 based on the metadata corresponding to the program content data based on a predetermined rule. Manually or manually to edit the selected program content data. Then, the edited content data is compressed by the compression unit 22 and stored in the storage unit 21. Therefore, when the broadcasting device 6 finishes broadcasting one program, the edited and compressed program content data corresponding thereto is stored in the storage unit 21. Here, for the editing by the editing unit 26, for example, the program content data of news is selected from the program content data input from the broadcasting devices 6 of the A company and the B company. As a result, it becomes possible to provide the program content data of news broadcast within a predetermined time to the portable content reproduction device 4 via the content providing device 3.

The operation steps of the content distribution system of this embodiment are basically the fifth step described with reference to FIG.
This is the same as the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of distribution operation of program content data of a plurality of news broadcast at predetermined time intervals in the content distribution system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20 (A), the broadcasting device 6 of company A broadcasts A news 2 and 3 in order. Also,
As shown in FIG. 20 (B), the broadcasting device 6 of company B broadcasts B news 1 and 2 in order. In parallel with that, FIG.
The program content data of A news 2 and 3 in (A) and the program content data of B news 1 and 2 in FIG. 20 (B) are output from the broadcasting device 6 to the content management device 2. Then, as shown in FIGS. 20 (C) and (D),
The content management device 2 edits and compresses using the program content data of A news 2 and 3 and the program content data of B news 1 and 2, and FIG.
It is transmitted to the content providing device 3 at the timing shown in.
Here, from the content management apparatus 2 to the content providing apparatus 3, in FIG. 20 (E), A shown in FIG.
Program content data in which news 0, A news 1 and A news 2 are edited is transmitted, and a program in which A news 1, A news 2 and B news 1 shown in FIG. 21B are edited is shown in FIG. Content data is transmitted, and in FIG. 20 (E), program content data obtained by editing A news 2, B news 1 and B news 2 shown in FIG. 21 (C) is transmitted.
In FIG. 21 (E), B news 1, shown in FIG. 21 (D).
Program content data in which B news 2 and A news 3 are edited is transmitted.

Then, the content providing device 3 has the latest 3
When the book content is provided to the portable content reproducing apparatus 4, the content providing apparatus 3 edits A news 0, A news 1 and A news 2 in the portable content reproducing apparatus 4 at timing T1 shown in FIG. Program content data, A news 1, A at timing T2
The program content data in which news 2 and B news 1 are edited, the program content data in which A news 2, B news 1 and B news 2 are edited at timing T3, and the B news 1, B news 2 and A news 3 are edited at timing T4 It is possible to respectively provide the selected program content data.

Here, the timing shown in FIG.
, The program content data transmitted by the same content are given the same file name.
Stores the newly received program content data over the previously received and stored program content data. As a result, the storage of the previous program content data is automatically deleted from the storage unit 21, and the storage unit 21 always stores the latest news program content data.

As described above, according to the content distribution system of this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with the content data edited by using the content data of the programs broadcast by a plurality of broadcasting stations. In the sixth embodiment described above, the case where two broadcasting devices are added to the content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment is illustrated, but when two broadcasting devices are added to the content distribution system of the second embodiment. However, the present invention is similarly applicable. Further, the number of broadcasting devices is arbitrary.

Seventh Embodiment The content distribution system of this embodiment has the same configuration as the content distribution system of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 15, but as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. Only one news program content data is distributed from the device 2 to the content providing device 3. Then, in the program content data, as shown in FIG. 23, the length of the program and the data length are stored. When the content providing device 3 adds the newly received news program to the news programs received so far based on the program length of the content data of the news program received from the content management device 2 and the metadata, The number of latest news programs is determined so that the amount of data does not exceed the storage capacity of the storage unit 42 of the portable content reproduction apparatus 4, and the news program is re-edited based on the determined content. According to the embodiment, the content management device 2 does not need to redistribute the content data of the once delivered news program to the content providing device 3,
Delivery time and cost can be saved.

FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 are the sixth diagram shown in FIG.
In the embodiment, the case where the content management apparatus 2 delivers the content data of the single news program to the content providing apparatus 3 as a unit is described.

Eighth Embodiment In the above-described first to seventh embodiments, the case where the content data is output from the content providing device 3 to the portable content reproducing device 4 by using infrared rays is exemplified. Those using specific low power radio waves and frequencies 2.4G
IEEE802.11a, b and Blue using Hz band radio waves
Wireless LAN (L
ocal Area Network) may be used. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, in the first to seventh embodiments, the content data may be output from the content providing apparatus 3 to the portable content reproducing apparatus 4 by a contact method by wire such as a cable.

Ninth Embodiment This embodiment is an embodiment corresponding to the ninth invention. In this embodiment, a case will be described with reference to FIG. 11 in which the charging process is performed using an IC card in the content distribution system described in the third embodiment. 27 and 28 are diagrams for explaining the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the content providing device 3
Interface 136 transmits the content data to the portable content reproduction device 4 by radio waves such as a short-range wireless communication system such as IEEE802.11a, b or Bluetooth using radio waves in the frequency band of 2.4 GHz. Further, the interface 141 of the portable content reproduction device 4 receives the content data transmitted by the content providing device 3. Further, the content providing device 3 communicates with an IC (integrated circuit) 200 incorporated in an IC card or the like to perform authentication and billing processing. Specifically, the authentication / billing unit 137 of the content providing device 3 uses the interface 135.
And, through the interface 201, it communicates with the authentication / accounting unit 147 of the portable content reproduction apparatus 4 to perform authentication and accounting processing. For example, the authentication / billing unit 137
Communicates with the authentication / billing unit 147 to check whether the user of the IC 200 has the ability to pay for the content data providing service, and if there is the ability to pay, deduct the amount from the value. Perform processing for performing. The authentication / billing unit 137 notifies the system operator, the IC 200 operator, and the television program provider that the program has been transmitted and charged via the network 5.

In this embodiment, the IC 200 is, for example,
From the content providing device 3 to the portable content reproducing device 4
It operates by receiving power supply by electromagnetic induction by radio waves used when transmitting content data to.

Tenth Embodiment FIG. 29 is a block diagram of the content distribution system of the present embodiment. In FIG. 29, the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are basically the same as the components described in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 29, in the content distribution system of the present embodiment, the content providing device 3 does not receive the content data from the content management device, but, for example, a program already broadcast in the storage unit 32 in advance via a recording medium or the like. It stores content data of. In the content distribution system, the point that the content data read from the storage unit 32 is output to the portable content reproduction device 4 is the same as in the other embodiments described above.

As described above, according to the content distribution system of the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a broadcaster hardly needs to process a televised TV program that has not been used sufficiently in the past. , Will be able to reuse and profit. Also,
For merchants, new advertising media are available for the sale of products that are strongly related to television programs. Also, it is difficult to watch TV programs during work hours in the office, and for many workers who are busy and commuting to public transportation for a certain period of time, without watching the TV programs themselves, You can easily watch TV programs that have been aired during commuting hours.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Content data such as a television program can be easily downloaded to the portable content reproduction device. Further, according to the present invention, the user can be charged for the provision of the download service.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a content distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the content management device, the content providing device, and the portable content reproduction device shown in FIG.

3 is an external view of the interface of the content providing apparatus shown in FIG.

4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system shown in FIG.

5A is a diagram for explaining a case where the content management apparatus shown in FIG. 2 edits content data based on its continuity, and FIG. 5B is a content management apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where content data is edited based on its relevance.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen in the case shown in FIG. 5 (B).

FIG. 7 shows a case where the content management apparatus shown in FIG. 2 edits, for example, content data of a broadcasted television program and product description content data that is closely related to the television program in association with each other. It is a figure for explaining.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a case where a content management apparatus edits content data based on its continuity in the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B shows the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a content management apparatus edits content data based on the relationship in 2nd Embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating that the content management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention edits, for example, content data of a broadcasted television program and product description content data that is closely related to the television program in association with each other. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where it performs.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the content distribution system shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of distribution operation of program content data of a plurality of news broadcast at predetermined time intervals in the content distribution system shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the content data distributed in, shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of distribution operation of program content data of a plurality of news broadcast at predetermined time intervals in the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining content data distributed by, and shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a content distribution system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the interface between the content providing device and the portable content reproducing device of the content distribution system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content distribution system, 2 ... Content management apparatus, 3 ... Content providing apparatus, 4 ... Portable content reproduction apparatus, 5 ... Network, 21 ... Storage part, 22 ... Compression part, 23 ... Control part, 24 ... Interface, 31 ... interface, 32 ... storage section, 33 ... operation section, 34 ... display section, 35 ... control section, 36 ... interface, 41 ... interface, 42 ... storage section, 43 ... operation section, 44 ... display / audio output section, 45 ... extension part, 46 ... control part

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification Code FI Theme Coat (Reference) H04N 7/173 640 H04N 7/173 640A

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproducing device using a content managing device and a plurality of content providing devices, wherein the content managing device stores the portable content reproducing device, and Edit the content data in a reproducible format, send the edited content data to the plurality of content providing devices, and the content providing device retrieves the edited content data received from the content management device. A data distribution method of storing in a possible format, searching the stored content data, providing a screen that can be designated, and outputting the designated content data to the portable content reproducing device. 2. The content management device, when there are a plurality of related content data, based on metadata including data that is defined in each of the plurality of content data and that can identify the relationship of the content data. The data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of content data are edited. 3. The content management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein based on the metadata, the editing is performed using a predetermined number of a plurality of content data in order from the newest one of a series of a plurality of content data. Data distribution method. 4. The content management device performs the editing so that the program content data and the introduction content data of a product related to the program content data are displayed in association with each other based on the metadata. The data distribution method described in 2. 5. The data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content providing apparatus outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproducing apparatus by a wireless method. 6. The data distribution method according to claim 5, wherein the content providing device outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproducing device by using infrared rays. 7. The content providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a charging process for a user of the portable content reproducing apparatus is performed for a service of outputting the designated content data to the portable content reproducing apparatus. Data distribution method. 8. The data according to claim 7, wherein the content providing device exchanges data with a portable integrated circuit by a data wireless method to perform the charging process, and supplies power to the portable integrated circuit by electromagnetic induction. Delivery method. 9. The content management apparatus encrypts the edited content data and transmits the encrypted content data to the content providing apparatus, and the content providing apparatus transmits the encrypted content data to the portable content reproducing apparatus. The data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content reproduction device outputs and decrypts and reproduces the input encrypted content data. 10. The data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content management device transmits the edited content data to the content providing device via a network. 11. The data distribution method according to claim 10, wherein the content management apparatus multicasts the content data on a network and transmits the content data to the content providing apparatus. 12. The data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content data is content data of a broadcasted program. 13. A content providing apparatus for outputting content data distributed from a content management apparatus to a portable content reproducing apparatus, wherein the content data edited in a format which can be stored and reproduced by the portable content reproducing apparatus. From the content management device, a second interface for outputting content data to the portable content reproduction device, and a search for the edited content data received via the first interface. Storage means for storing in a possible format, display means, designating means, content data designated by using the designating means, by displaying on the display means a screen that can be designated by searching the stored content data Is read from the storage means and passed through the second interface. Content providing apparatus and a control means for outputting to the portable content playback apparatus Te. 14. The content providing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second interface outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus by a wireless method. 15. The content providing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second interface outputs the designated content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus using infrared rays. 16. The content according to claim 13, wherein the control means performs a billing process for a user of the portable content reproduction apparatus regarding a service of outputting the designated content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus. Providing device. 17. The content providing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the control means exchanges data with a portable integrated circuit by a data wireless method to perform the billing process, and supplies power to the portable integrated circuit by electromagnetic induction. apparatus. 18. A data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproduction device using a content management device and a plurality of content providing devices, wherein the content management device distributes content data to the plurality of content providing devices. Each of the plurality of content providing devices edits the content data received from the content management device into a format that can be stored and played back by the portable content playback device, and retrieves the edited content data. A data distribution method of storing in a possible format, searching the stored content data, providing a screen that can be designated, and outputting the designated content data to the portable content reproducing device. 19. The content management device transmits a plurality of related content data to the plurality of content providing devices, wherein each of the plurality of content providing devices is defined in each of the plurality of content data. The plurality of content data are edited based on metadata including data capable of specifying the association of the content data.
8. The data distribution method described in 8. 20. The content providing device stores a predetermined number of a plurality of content data in order from the newest one of a series of a plurality of content data received from the content management device, and stores the stored plurality of content data. The data distribution method according to claim 19, wherein the editing is performed using the data distribution method. 21. The content providing device performs the editing so that the program content data and the content data for introducing a product related to the program content data are displayed in association with each other based on the metadata. 19
Data distribution method described in. 22. The plurality of content management devices transmit content data to the plurality of content providing devices, and each of the plurality of content providing devices receives the plurality of content data received from the plurality of content managing devices. The data distribution method according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of pieces of content data are edited based on the metadata. 23. A content providing device for outputting the content data distributed from the content management device to a content reproduction device, the first interface receiving the content data from the content management device, and the portable content. A second interface for outputting content data to the playback device, a storage unit for storing the content data in a searchable format, a display unit, a designation unit, and the received content data stored by the portable content playback device. And edit the content data in a reproducible format, store the edited content data in a searchable format in the storage means, search the stored content data and display a specifiable screen on the display means, The storage means stores the content data designated by the designation means. Et reads the content providing device and a control means for outputting to the portable content playback apparatus via the second interface. 24. The first interface receives a plurality of related content data from the content management device, and the control means defines the relationship of the content data defined in each of the plurality of content data. The content providing device according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of content data are edited based on metadata including identifiable data. 25. The control means, among a series of a plurality of content data received from the content management device,
The content providing device according to claim 24, wherein a predetermined number of a plurality of content data are stored in order from the newest one, and the editing is performed using the stored plurality of content data. 26. The editing means performs the editing so that the program content data and the content data for introducing a product related to the program content data are displayed in association with each other based on the metadata. The content providing device according to item 1. 27. The first interface receives the content data from a plurality of the content management devices, and the control means is based on the metadata of the plurality of content data received from the plurality of content management devices. 25. The plurality of contents data are edited on the screen.
The content providing device according to item 1. 28. A data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproduction device using a content management device and a plurality of content providing devices, wherein the content management device comprises the content data and the content providing device. Editing is performed using the advertisement data corresponding to the installed location so that the content data and the advertisement data are displayed in association with each other and the portable content playback device can store and play the data. Transmitting the content data obtained by the above to the plurality of content providing devices, each of the plurality of content providing devices stores the edited content data received from the content management device in a searchable format, A screen that allows you to search and specify the stored content data Subjecting the data distribution method of outputting the specified content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus. 29. A content providing device that outputs content data distributed from a content management device to a portable content reproducing device, and is displayed in association with advertisement data corresponding to a place where the content providing device is installed. A first interface for receiving, from the content management device, content data that is content data that has been edited and stored in a format that can be stored and played by the portable content playback device; and outputs the content data to the portable content playback device. A second interface, a storage unit for storing the edited content data received via the first interface in a searchable format, a display unit, a designation unit, and a search for the stored content data. To display a screen that can be specified on the display means. Content providing apparatus and a control means for outputting the content data specified by using the designating means in the portable content playback apparatus via the second interface reads from the storage means. 30. A data distribution method for distributing content data to a portable content reproduction device using a content management device and a plurality of content providing devices, wherein the content management device provides each of the plurality of content providing devices. , Content data, and the advertisement data corresponding to the location of the content providing device, each of the plurality of content providing devices, using the content data and the advertisement data received from the content management device, Editing is performed so that the content data and the advertisement data are displayed in association with each other and the portable content playback device can store and play the content, and the content data obtained by the editing is stored in a searchable format. , It is possible to search and specify the stored content data It provides screen, data distribution method of outputting the specified content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus. 31. A content providing device for outputting content data and advertisement data distributed from a content management device to a portable content reproduction device, the content data and advertisement data corresponding to a location of the content providing device. A first interface for receiving the content data from the content management device, a second interface for outputting the content data to the portable content reproduction device, a storage unit for storing the content data in a searchable format, and a display unit. Editing so that the content data and the advertisement data are displayed in association with each other by using the designating means and the received content data and the advertisement data, and the portable content reproduction device can store and reproduce the data. And the computer obtained by the editing. Content data in a searchable format in the storage means, the stored content data is searched, and a screen that can be designated is displayed on the display means, and the content data designated by the designating means is stored in the storage means. And a control unit for reading out from the portable content reproducing apparatus and outputting the content to the portable content reproducing apparatus via the second interface. 32. A content providing apparatus for outputting content data distributed from a content management apparatus to a portable content reproduction apparatus, comprising: a first interface for receiving the content data from the content management apparatus; Second interface for wirelessly outputting content data to the portable content reproduction apparatus, storage means for storing the content data received via the first interface in a searchable format, display means, and designating means , Displaying a screen that can be designated by searching the stored content data on the display unit, reading the content data designated by the designating unit from the storage unit, and then carrying the mobile phone through the second interface. Output to a portable content reproducing device, and the second interface Through and a control means for performing a billing process by performing communication with the portable integrated circuit, the electromagnetic wave content providing apparatus for supplying power to the portable integrated circuit by electromagnetic induction by. 33. A portable content reproducing device for inputting and storing content data from a content providing device and reproducing the stored content data, the interface comprising inputting content data from the content providing device, Storage means for storing the selected content data,
Playback means for playing back the content data read from the storage means, wherein the storage means is configured to prevent the content data stored in the storage means from being used outside the portable content playback device. A portable content playback device built in the content playback device with a structure that is difficult to remove.