JP2009105718A - Content distribution system, information terminal, and content distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution technique which can limit users of digital content. <P>SOLUTION: An information terminal 41 transmits a user ID read from an authentication IC card 51 and a password accepted from a user to an authentication server 21. Also, the information terminal 41 transmits a service ID read from a distribution request IC card 52 to the authentication server 21, and receives digital content from a content distribution server 31 to output it. On the other hand, the authentication server 21 performs a user authentication by using the user ID and the password received from the information terminal 41. When the service ID is received from the information terminal 41 authenticated, the service ID and a category which can be used by a user are notified to the content distribution server 31. The content distribution server 31 compares the category of the digital content corresponding to the service ID with the category which can be used by the user, and determines whether or not it can be accepted. If it is acceptable, the content distribution server 31 transmits the digital content to the information terminal 41. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to digital content distribution technology.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a video distribution system in which a user can confirm a usage fee when providing a video distribution service.

In this video distribution system, a user is authenticated by an authentication server in response to a video viewing request from the user's receiver, and video is IP multicast distributed from the video server to the authenticated user. Then, a viewing fee for the distributed video is calculated for each user in the billing server. The authentication server creates an authentication history at the start and end of video viewing by the user and accumulates it in the database along with user authentication, and the billing server stores the authentication history and program data provided from the program information server and The viewing fee is calculated with reference to the charge type.
JP 2003-333580 A

  In the video distribution system described in Patent Literature 1, all the distributed videos can be viewed by an authenticated user. That is, the user restriction of the distribution video for the authenticated user is not considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital content distribution technique capable of restricting users of digital content to authenticated users.

  In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, an authentication IC card storing a user ID for user authentication, and a distribution request IC storing a service ID for receiving a desired digital content distribution service Using a card, digital content is distributed from the content distribution system to the information terminal.

  The information terminal transmits the user ID read from the authentication IC card and the password received from the user to the authentication server of the content distribution system, and requests user authentication. If the authentication is successful, the service ID read from the distribution request IC card is transmitted to the authentication server, and the digital content is received and output from the content distribution server of the content distribution system.

  On the other hand, in the content distribution system, the authentication server performs user authentication using the user ID and password received from the information terminal. When the service ID is received from the information terminal that has been authenticated, the service ID, the genre of the digital content that can be used by the user of the information terminal, and the address of the information terminal are notified to the content distribution server. Request distribution of content. In response to this, the content distribution server compares the genre of the digital content corresponding to the service ID with the genre of the digital content that can be used by the user of the information terminal, and determines whether the distribution of the digital content is acceptable. If it is determined that it is acceptable, the digital content is distributed to the information terminal.

For example, the content distribution system of the present invention is
An authentication server connected to the information terminal via a network and at least one content distribution server;
The authentication server is
User information storage means for storing user information including the user ID, password, and genre of available digital content for each user,
Distribution server information storage means for storing distribution server information including a server ID and an address of the target content distribution server for each content distribution server;
User information including the user ID received from the information terminal is retrieved from the user information storage means, and the information terminal is used by using the password included in the retrieved user information and the password received from the information terminal. An authentication means for performing user authentication of
The distribution server information including the server ID received from the information terminal authenticated by the authentication unit is retrieved from the distribution server information storage unit, and the content distribution server having the address included in the retrieved distribution server information is stored. On the other hand, a distribution request means for transmitting a content distribution request including the service ID received from the information terminal together with the server ID, the genre included in the searched user information, and the address of the information terminal is provided. And
The content distribution server is
Service information storage means for storing service information including a service ID of a target distribution service, a genre of digital content to be distributed, and a storage location of the digital content for each distribution service;
Service information including a service ID included in the content distribution request received from the authentication server is retrieved from the service information storage unit, and the genre included in the retrieved service information and the content distribution request are included. The acceptance / rejection determination means for determining the acceptance / rejection to the content distribution request using
For the information terminal specified by the address included in the content distribution request determined to be accepted by the acceptance / rejection determination unit, the digital content is read from the storage location included in the searched service information. Distribution means for transmitting.

The information terminal of the present invention
An authentication IC card mounting means for mounting an authentication IC card in which a user ID is stored;
A distribution request IC card mounting means for mounting a distribution request IC card in which a server ID and a service ID are stored;
User ID reading means for reading the user ID from the authentication IC card mounted on the authentication IC card mounting means;
Service ID reading means for reading the server ID and the service ID from the distribution request IC card mounted on the distribution request IC card mounting means;
Password accepting means for accepting password input from the user;
Authentication request means for transmitting the user ID read by the user ID reading means and the password received by the password receiving means to an authentication server constituting the content distribution system and requesting user authentication of the self-information terminal; ,
When the user authentication of the information terminal by the authentication server is established, the server ID and the service ID read by the service ID reading unit are transmitted to the authentication server, and a distribution request is transmitted to request distribution of digital contents. Means,
Content output means that constitutes the content distribution system and receives and outputs digital content provided by a distribution service corresponding to the service ID from a content distribution server corresponding to the server ID.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital content distribution technique capable of restricting users of digital content to authenticated users.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in the figure, the network system according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting a digital content distribution system 1 and a user system 4 to an IP network 6 such as an NGN (Next Generation Network).

  In the network system of the present embodiment, digital content such as video data and music data is distributed from the digital content distribution system 1 to the user system 4 using the authentication IC card 51 and the distribution request IC card 52.

  The digital content distribution system 1 includes an infrastructure provider system 2 that is an infrastructure provider system that provides an infrastructure of the digital content distribution system 1, and a service provider system 3 that is a service provider system that provides a digital content distribution service. Have. In FIG. 1, a plurality of service provider systems 3 are shown, but at least one service provider system 3 is sufficient.

  Here, the infrastructure provider issues an authentication IC card 51 to the user in accordance with an application from the user of the user system 4. The authentication IC card 51 stores a user ID for identifying the user and an address of the infrastructure provider system 2 operated by the infrastructure provider (URL of the authentication server 21). The infrastructure provider secretly notifies the user of the password paired with the user ID by mail or the like.

  The infrastructure provider issues a distribution request IC card 52 to the service provider in accordance with the application from the service provider. The distribution request IC card 52 stores a provider ID for identifying the service provider and a service ID for identifying the distribution service of the digital content.

  On the other hand, the service provider distributes digital contents that can be received by the user of the user system 4 using the distribution request IC card 52 to the service ID stored in the distribution request IC card 52 obtained from the infrastructure provider. Associate service contents of services. Then, the distribution request IC card 52 is sold to the user of the user system 4 through a store or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the infrastructure provider system 2 includes an authentication server 21 and a guidance server 22 connected to a network 24 such as a LAN, a gateway (GW) 23 for connecting the network 24 to the IP network 6, Have

  The authentication server 21 performs user authentication processing necessary for the user system 4 to use the digital content distribution system 1. The guidance server 22 performs an operation guidance process of the digital content distribution system 1 for the user system 4 permitted to use the digital content distribution system 1.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the authentication server 21.

  As illustrated, the authentication server 21 includes a network IF unit 210, a user information storage unit 211, a service provider information storage unit 212, an authentication processing unit 213, and a distribution request unit 214.

  The network IF unit 210 is an interface for connecting the self-authentication server 21 to the network 24.

  In the user information storage unit 211, user information, which is information necessary for the user to use the digital content distribution system 1, is registered for each authentication IC card 51. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the registration contents of the user information storage unit 211.

  As shown in the figure, the user information storage unit 211 stores a record 2110 for each authentication IC card 51. The record 2110 includes a field 2111 for registering a user ID stored in the target authentication IC card 51, a field 2112 for registering a password paired with the user ID, and a user to whom the authentication IC card 51 is issued. Field 2113 for registering the genres of digital contents (ALL (all genres), education, news, sports, movies, music, children, etc.) that can be viewed by the user, and the user to whom the authentication IC card 51 is issued A field 2114 for registering the name, a field 2115 for registering the contact information of the user to whom the authentication IC card 51 is issued, and a user used by the user to whom the authentication IC card 51 is issued And a field 2116 for registering the address of the system 4.

  The service provider information storage unit 212 stores service provider information for specifying the service provider system 3 operated by the target service provider for each service provider. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the registered contents of the service provider information storage unit 212.

  As shown in the figure, the service provider information storage unit 212 stores a record 2120 for each service provider. The record 2120 includes a field 2121 for registering a provider ID for identifying a target service provider, a field 2122 for registering the address (URL) of the service provider system 3 operated by the service provider, and the service provider system 3 It has a field 2123 for registering the operating state (operation, stop), a field 2124 for registering the company name of this service provider, and a field 2125 for registering the contact information of this service provider.

  The authentication processing unit 213 performs user authentication by comparing the user ID and password received from the user system 4 with user information registered in the user information storage unit 211.

  When the user authentication of the user system 4 is established, the distribution request unit 214 sends the service ID received from the user system 4 together with the provider ID to the service provider system 3 of the service provider having the provider ID received from the user system 4. A content distribution request for providing the user system 4 with a digital content distribution service specified by the above is transmitted.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the guidance server 22.

  As illustrated, the guidance server 22 includes a network IF unit 220, a guidance screen data storage unit 221, an advertisement data storage unit 222, and a guidance processing unit 223.

  The network IF unit 220 is an interface for connecting the self-guidance server 22 to the network 24.

  The guide screen data storage unit 221 stores screen data such as guide screen data for guiding operations necessary for receiving a digital content distribution service. The advertisement data storage unit 222 stores advertisement data.

  The guidance processing unit 223 displays the guidance screen data stored in the guidance screen data storage unit 221 on the display screen of the user system 4 and is necessary for receiving a digital content distribution service from the user of the user system 4. Guide the operation. In addition, the guidance processing unit 223 displays the advertisement data stored in the advertisement data storage unit 222 on the display screen of the user system 4 together with the guidance screen data.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the infrastructure provider system 2.

  In the authentication server 21, when the authentication processing unit 213 receives a user ID from the user system 4 via the network IF unit 210 (YES in S 101), the record 2110 is searched from the user information storage unit 211 using this user ID as a key. (S102).

  If the record 2110 whose user ID is registered in the field 2111 cannot be retrieved from the user information storage unit 211 (NO in S103), the authentication processing unit 213 displays an error message indicating that the user is not registered as a network IF. A predetermined error process such as transmission to the user system 4 is performed via the unit 210 (S110), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the record 2110 whose user ID is registered in the field 2111 can be searched from the user information storage unit 211 (YES in S103), the authentication processing unit 213 receives the user system 4 via the network IF unit 210. Password (PW) acceptance screen data is transmitted to the user system 4 to accept the password (S104).

  Next, the authentication processing unit 213 determines whether or not the password received in S104 matches the password registered in the field 2112 of the record 2110 searched in S102 (S105).

  If they do not match (NO in S105), the authentication processing unit 213 determines that user authentication has not been established, and transmits an error message indicating that the passwords do not match to the user system 4 via the network IF unit 210. The error process is performed (S110), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if they match (YES in S105), the authentication processing unit 213 determines that the user authentication has been established, updates the registered content of the field 2116 of the record 2110 searched in S102 with the address of the user system 4, and The address of the user system 4 is notified to the guidance server 22 via the unit 210, and operation guidance for viewing content is instructed (S106).

  In the guidance server 22, when the guidance processing unit 223 receives an instruction for operation guidance for content viewing from the authentication server 21 via the network IF unit 220, the guidance processing unit 223 is identified by the address received from the authentication server 21 together with this instruction. The menu screen data read from the guidance screen data storage unit 221 is transmitted to the user system 4 to be received, and an instruction is accepted (S201). Here, a display frame of advertisement data is provided on the menu screen, and arbitrary advertisement data stored in the advertisement data storage unit 222 is displayed in the display frame.

  Next, when the guidance processing unit 223 receives a content viewing instruction from the user system 4 via the network IF unit 220, the distribution requesting IC to the information terminal (information terminal 41 described later) in the user system 4 is used. The guide screen data for prompting the user to install the card 52 is read from the guide screen data storage unit 221 and transmitted to the user system 4 (S202). If the provider ID and the service ID are received from the user system 4 (YES in S203), these IDs are transmitted to the authentication server 21 together with the address of the user system 4 (S204).

  In the authentication server 21, when the distribution request unit 214 receives the provider ID and the service ID together with the address of the user system 4 from the guidance server 22 (S107), the service provider information storage unit 212 uses the provider ID as a key. The record 2120 is searched. Then, it is determined whether or not the operation state registered in the field 2123 of the searched record 2120 is “operation” (S108).

  When the operation state is not “operation”, that is, “stop” (NO in S108), the distribution request unit 214 determines the user system 4 specified by the address received from the guidance server 22 together with the provider ID and the service ID. Then, predetermined error processing such as sending an error message indicating that the content distribution source server cannot be used is performed via the network IF unit 210 (S110), and the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the operation state is “operation”, the distribution request unit 214 searches the user information storage unit 211 for the record 2110 using the address of the user system 4 received from the guidance server 22 together with the provider ID and the service ID as a key. To do. Then, a content distribution request including the genre registered in the field 2113 of the searched record 2110, the service ID received from the guidance server 22, and the address of the user system 4 is created. Then, the distribution request unit 214 transmits the created content distribution request to the service provider system 3 specified by the provider ID in the field 2122 of the record 2120 searched in S108 (S109).

  Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. As shown in FIG. 1, the service provider system 3 includes a content distribution server 31 connected to a network 33 such as a LAN, and a gateway (GW) 32 for connecting the network 33 to the IP network 6.

  The content distribution server 31 performs digital content distribution processing.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the content distribution server 31.

  As illustrated, the content distribution server 31 includes a network IF unit 310, a digital content storage unit 311, an advertisement data storage unit 312, a service information storage unit 313, a compliance determination unit 314, a distribution unit 315, A usage record update unit 316.

  The network IF unit 310 is an interface for connecting the own content distribution server 31 to the network 33.

  The digital content storage unit 311 stores digital content. The advertisement data storage unit 312 stores advertisement data.

  The service information storage unit 313 receives a desired digital content distribution service for each distribution request IC card 52 issued by the infrastructure provider of the infrastructure provider system 2 to the service provider of the own service provider system 3. Service information that is necessary information is registered. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the registration contents of the service information storage unit 313.

  As illustrated, the service information storage unit 313 stores a record 3130 for each distribution request IC card 52 issued by the infrastructure provider of the infrastructure provider system 2 to the service provider of the own service provider system 3. . The record 3130 includes a field 3131 for registering the service ID stored in the target distribution request IC card 52, a field 3132 for registering the genre of digital content distributed by the distribution service to which the service ID is assigned, A field 3133 for registering the title of the digital content, a field 3134 for registering the storage location of the digital content (path to the digital content storage unit 311), and a use limit (number of times, time limit, etc.) of the distribution service are registered. It has a field 3135 and a field 3136 for registering the use result (number of times) of this distribution service.

  The acceptance / rejection determination unit 314 uses the service ID and genre included in the content distribution request received from the infrastructure provider system 2 and the service information registered in the service information storage unit 313 from the infrastructure provider system 2. Judgment of response to the received content distribution request is made.

  When accepting the content distribution request, the distribution unit 315 identifies the digital content specified by the service ID included in the content distribution request by the user system 4 specified by the address included in the content distribution request. Send to.

  The usage record update unit 316 transmits the digital content specified by the service ID included in the content distribution request to the user system 4 specified by the address included in the content distribution request by the distribution unit 315. In this case, the service information storage unit 313 updates the usage record of the distribution service corresponding to this service ID.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the content distribution server 31.

  In the content distribution server 31, when the response determination unit 314 receives a content distribution request from the infrastructure provider system 2 via the network IF unit 310 (YES in S301), the service ID included in the content distribution request is keyed. The record 3130 is retrieved from the service information storage unit 313 (S302).

  Next, the response determination unit 314 checks whether or not the genre registered in the field 3132 of the searched record 3130 includes the genre included in the content distribution request (S303). If it is included (YES in S303), the response determination unit 314 further checks whether or not the current usage is within the usage limit registered in the field 3135 of the retrieved record 3130 (S304). . Specifically, when the usage limit registered in the field 3135 of the record 3130 searched is the number of times, a value obtained by incrementing the usage record (number of times) registered in the field 3136 of the record 3130 is It is determined whether or not the usage limit is within the number of times indicated. If the usage limit registered in the field 3135 of the retrieved record 3130 is a deadline, it is determined whether or not the current date is within the deadline indicated by the usage limit.

  When it is determined that the current usage is within the usage limit registered in the field 3135 of the searched record 3130 (YES in S304), the response determination unit 314 is registered in the field 3134 of the searched record 3130. The distribution unit 315 is notified of the storage location of the digital content and the address of the user system 4 included in the content distribution request. In response to this, the distribution unit 315 reads the digital content specified by the storage location notified from the response determination unit 314 from the digital content storage unit 311 and is specified by the address notified from the response determination unit 314. To the user system 4 via the network ID unit 310. At this time, arbitrary advertisement data is read out from the advertisement data storage unit 312 and transmitted together with the digital content as banner advertisement data or pop-up advertisement data to be displayed on the display screen of the user system 4 (S305). In addition, the acceptance / rejection determination unit 314 notifies the service record update unit 316 of the service ID included in the content distribution request. In response to this, the usage record update unit 316 searches the record 3130 from the service information storage unit 313 using this service ID as a key, and increments the usage record registered in the field 3136 of the searched record 3130 by one. (S306).

  The response determination unit 314 determines that the genre registered in the field 3132 of the searched record 3130 does not include the genre included in the content distribution request (NO in S303), or If it is determined that the current usage is outside the usage limit registered in the field 3135 of the retrieved record 3130 (NO in S304), the digital content distribution service cannot be used via the network IF unit 310. The error message is transmitted to the user system 4 specified by the address included in the content distribution request, and predetermined error processing is performed (S307).

  Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. As shown in FIG. 1, the user system 4 includes an information terminal 41 connected to a network 43 such as a LAN, and a gateway (GW) 42 for connecting the network 43 to the IP network 6.

  The information terminal 41 obtains digital content from the digital content distribution system 1 and outputs it.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the information terminal 41.

  As illustrated, the information terminal 41 includes a network IF unit 410, a man-machine interface (MMIF) unit 411, an authentication IC card mounting unit 412, a distribution request IC card mounting unit 413, and an authentication IC card reading. A distribution request IC card reading unit 415, an authentication request unit 416, a distribution request unit 417, and a content reception unit 418.

  The network IF unit 410 is an interface for connecting the own information terminal 41 to the network 43.

  The MMIF unit 411 is a man-machine interface including a display unit such as an LCD, an audio output unit such as a speaker, and an input unit such as an operation panel.

  The authentication IC card mounting unit 412 is an interface for physically holding and electrically connecting the authentication IC card 51.

  The distribution request IC card mounting unit 413 is an interface for physically holding and electrically connecting the distribution request IC card 52.

  The authentication IC card reading unit 414 reads the user ID and the address of the infrastructure provider system 2 (URL of the authentication server 21) from the authentication IC card 51 mounted on the authentication IC card mounting unit 412.

  The distribution request IC card reading unit 415 reads the provider ID and the service ID from the distribution request IC card 52 mounted on the distribution request IC card mounting unit 413.

  The authentication request unit 416 authenticates by the authentication IC card reading unit 414 using the user ID read from the authentication IC card 51 by the authentication IC card reading unit 414 and the password received from the user through the MMIF unit 411. User authentication is requested to the authentication server 21 specified by the URL read from the IC card 51.

  The distribution request unit 417 uses the provider ID and service ID read from the distribution request IC card 52 by the distribution request IC card reading unit 415 to identify the authentication server specified by the URL read from the authentication IC card 51. 21 is requested to distribute digital contents.

  The content receiving unit 418 receives digital content from the digital content distribution system 1 and outputs it from the MMIF unit 411 (display unit and audio output unit).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the user system 4.

  In the information terminal 41, when the authentication IC card 51 is attached to the authentication IC card attachment unit 412 (YES in S401), the authentication IC card reading unit 414 receives the user ID and the access destination from the authentication IC card 51. Is sent to the authentication request unit 416. In response to this, the authentication request unit 416 transmits this user ID to the digital content distribution system 1 (authentication server 21 of the infrastructure provider system 2) specified by this URL via the network IF unit 410 (S402). ).

  Then, if the authentication requesting unit 416 receives the password reception screen data from the digital content distribution system 1 (YES in S403), the authentication requesting unit 416 displays the password reception screen represented by the password reception screen data on the MMIF unit 411, and from the user Accept password input. Then, the accepted password is transmitted to the digital content distribution system 1 via the network IF unit 410 (S405). However, if an error message indicating that the user is not registered is received from the digital content distribution system 1 (YES in S404), this error message is displayed on the MMIF unit 411 (S414), and this flow is terminated. .

  Next, if the authentication request unit 416 receives the menu screen data from the digital content distribution system 1 (YES in S406), the authentication request unit 416 displays the menu screen data on the MMIF unit 411 and issues a digital content distribution instruction from the user. Accept. Then, the received instruction is transmitted to the digital content distribution system 1 via the network IF unit 410 (S408). However, if an error message indicating that the passwords do not match is received from the digital content distribution system 1 (YES in S407), this error message is displayed on the MMIF unit 411 (S414), and this flow ends.

  Then, the authentication request unit 416 receives guide screen data for explaining an operation for receiving a content distribution service from the digital content distribution system 1, and displays it on the MMIF unit 411 (S409). Also, the authentication request unit 416 notifies the distribution request unit 417 of the URL of the digital content distribution system 1 that is the guide screen data transmission source and requests transmission of a digital content distribution request. In response to this, the distribution request unit 417 waits for the provider ID and the service ID sent from the distribution request IC card reading unit 415.

  When the distribution request IC card reading unit 415 detects that the distribution request IC card 52 is mounted in the distribution request IC card mounting unit 413, the distribution request IC card 52 receives the provider ID and the service ID from the distribution request IC card 52. The read distribution request unit 417 is notified. In response to this, the distribution request unit 417 transmits the provider ID and service ID to the digital content distribution system 1 via the network IF unit 410 (S410).

  Then, when receiving the digital content from the digital content distribution system 1 (YES in S411), the content receiving unit 418 outputs the digital content from the display unit and / or the audio output unit of the MMIF unit 411 (S413). At this time, if the advertisement data is received together with the digital content, the advertisement data is displayed on the display unit of the MMIF unit 411 by a banner advertisement, a pop-up advertisement or the like. However, when an error message indicating that the digital content distribution service cannot be used is received from the digital content distribution system 1 (YES in S412), this error message is displayed on the MMIF unit 411 (S414), and this flow is executed. finish.

  Next, an operation example of the network system shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation example of the network system shown in FIG. FIGS. 13A to 13F are diagrams showing examples of display screens of the information terminal 41.

  In the user system 4, when the authentication IC card 51 is mounted (S501), the information terminal 41 reads the user ID and URL from the authentication IC card 51 (S502), and digital content distribution specified by this URL This user ID is transmitted to the system 1 (the authentication server 21 of the infrastructure provider system 2) (S503).

  In the infrastructure provider system 2, when receiving the user ID from the user system 4, the authentication server 21 confirms that user information having this user ID is stored in the user information storage unit 211. Then, password acceptance screen data for causing the information terminal 41 to display a password acceptance screen requesting the user to input a password as shown in FIG. 13A is transmitted to the user system 4 (S504).

  In the user system 4, when the information terminal 41 receives the password reception screen data from the digital content distribution system 1, the information terminal 41 displays the password reception screen according to this data and waits for the user to input the password. If a password is input by the user (S505), the password is transmitted to the digital content distribution system 1 (S506).

  In the infrastructure provider system 2, when receiving the password from the user system 4, the authentication server 21 searches the user information storage unit 211 for user information having the user ID received from the user system 4. Then, user authentication is performed by checking whether or not the password received from the user system 4 matches the password included in the user information (S507). If user authentication is established, the guidance server 22 is notified of the address of the user system 4 to instruct operation guidance (S508). In response to this, the guidance server 22 transmits the menu screen data for causing the user system 4 to display the menu screen as shown in FIG. 13B on the information terminal 41, together with the advertisement data, to the user system 4. (S509). In FIG. 13B, reference numeral 501 denotes a display frame for displaying advertisement data. In this display frame 501, the advertisement data transmitted to the user system 4 is displayed together with the menu screen data.

  In the user system 4, when the information terminal 41 receives the menu screen data from the digital content distribution system 1, the information terminal 41 displays the menu screen according to this data and waits for an instruction from the user. If a digital content distribution instruction is input from the user (S510), the distribution instruction is transmitted to the digital content distribution system 1 (S511).

  In the infrastructure provider system 2, when the guidance server 22 receives a digital content delivery instruction from the user system 4, guidance for explaining an operation for receiving a digital content delivery service as shown in FIG. 13C. The screen data is transmitted to the user system 4 (S512).

  In the user system 4, when the information terminal 41 receives the guidance screen data from the digital content distribution system 1, the information terminal 41 displays a guidance screen according to the operation guidance data and waits for the distribution request IC card 52 to be mounted. When the user is prompted by the operation guidance on the guidance screen and attaches the distribution request IC card 52 (S513), the provider ID and the service ID are read from the distribution request IC card 52 (S514), and the digital content distribution is performed. This provider ID and service ID are transmitted to the system 1 (S515).

  In the infrastructure provider system 2, when receiving the provider ID and the service ID from the user system 4, the guidance server 22 notifies the authentication server 21 of these (S516). The authentication server 21 searches the service provider information storage unit 212 for service provider information having this provider ID. Then, it is confirmed that the operating state included in the service provider information is “operating” (S517), and the user is notified to the service provider system 3 specified by the address included in the service provider information. A content distribution request including the address of the system 4, the genre included in the user information having the user ID of the user system 4 and the service ID is transmitted (S518). When the operation state included in the service provider information is “stopped”, the authentication server 21 displays screen data for explaining that the service provider is stopped as shown in FIG. The information is transmitted to the user system 4 and displayed on the information terminal 41 of the user system 4.

  In the service provider system 3, when receiving the content distribution request from the authentication server 21, the content distribution server 31 searches the service information storage unit 313 for service information having a service ID included in the content distribution request. Then, it is checked whether or not the genre included in the service information includes the genre included in the content distribution request, and the use of the distribution service this time is included in the usage limit included in the service information. In response to the content distribution request, it is determined whether or not the content distribution request is received (S519). If it is determined that the request is accepted, the digital content is read from the storage location included in the service information and transmitted to the user system 4 specified by the address included in the service information together with the advertisement data ( S520). If it is determined to be rejected, the content distribution server 31 transmits screen data for explaining the reason for refusal as shown in FIG. 13 (E) to the user system 4 and causes the information terminal 41 of the user system 4 to display the screen data. .

  In the user system 4, when the information terminal 41 receives the digital content from the digital content distribution system 1 together with the advertisement data, the information terminal 41 displays these data on a display screen as shown in FIG. In FIG. 13F, reference numeral 502 denotes a display frame for digital content, and reference numeral 503 denotes a display frame for advertisement data.

  In the above, one embodiment of this invention was described.

  In the present embodiment, an authentication IC card 51 storing a user ID for user authentication and a distribution request IC card 52 storing a service ID for receiving a desired digital content distribution service are used. Thus, the digital content is distributed from the digital content distribution system 1 to the user system 4.

  In the user system 4, the information terminal 41 transmits the user ID read from the authentication IC card 51 and the password received from the user to the authentication server 21 of the infrastructure provider system 2 of the digital content distribution system 1 to request user authentication. To do. If the authentication is established, the service ID read from the distribution request IC card 52 is transmitted to the authentication server 21 and the digital content is received from the content distribution server 31 of the service provider system 3 of the digital content distribution system 1. Output.

  On the other hand, in the digital content distribution system 1, the authentication server 21 of the infrastructure provider system 2 performs user authentication using the user ID and password received from the user system 4. If the service ID is received from the user system 4 that has been authenticated, the service provider system uses the service ID, the genre of digital content that can be used by the user of the user system 4, and the address of the user system 4. 3 and request distribution of digital contents. In response to this, the content distribution server 31 of the service provider system 3 compares the genre of digital content corresponding to the service ID with the genre of digital content available to the user of the user system 4, and this digital content. The acceptance / rejection of the content distribution is determined, and when it is determined to comply, the digital content is distributed to the user system 4.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a digital content distribution technique capable of restricting users of digital content to authenticated users. Accordingly, for example, when a distribution request IC card 52 for receiving a predetermined movie distribution service is purchased by a family, an authentication IC card 51 that allows viewing of all genres is issued to the parent, By issuing an authentication IC card 51 that allows viewing only the genre for children, it is possible to restrict the parent so that only the parent can use the distribution request IC card 52.

  Also, in the present embodiment, information on the usage limit of the distribution service is included in the service information, and this usage of the distribution service exceeds this usage limit included in the service information of the distribution service. The delivery service is refused. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly set the range of digital content distribution services.

  In this embodiment, the service provider operation state is included in the service provider information, and if the service provider is stopped, this is notified to the user without sending a content distribution request to the service provider system 3. To let you know. For this reason, the communication traffic which generate | occur | produces when information is transmitted to the service provider system 3 in the stop can be reduced.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, Many deformation | transformation are possible within the range of the summary. For example, the configuration of each of the authentication server 21, the guidance server 22, and the content distribution server 31 includes a PC (Personal Computer) including an auxiliary storage device such as a CPU, memory, HDD, DVD-ROM, and NIC (Network Interface Card). In a general-purpose computer such as the above, the CPU may be realized by loading a predetermined program from the auxiliary storage device onto the memory and executing it. In the information terminal 41, in a general-purpose computer such as a PC having an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse and a display device such as an LCD with the above configuration, the CPU loads a predetermined program from the auxiliary storage device onto the memory. It may be realized by executing as above.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the authentication server 21. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the registration contents of the user information storage unit 211. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the registered contents of the service provider information storage unit 212. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the guidance server 22. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the infrastructure provider system 2. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the content distribution server 31. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the registration contents of the service information storage unit 313. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the content distribution server 31 in the service provider system 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the information terminal 41. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the user system 4. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation example of the network system shown in FIG. FIGS. 13A to 13F are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens of the information terminal 41.

Explanation of symbols

  1: digital content distribution system, 2: infrastructure provider system, 3: service provider system, 4: user system, 6: IP network, 21: authentication server, 22: guidance server, 23: gateway, 24: LAN, 31: content Distribution server, 32: Gateway, 33: Network, 41: Information terminal, 42: Gateway, 43: Network, 51: IC card for authentication, 52: IC card for distribution request, 210: Network IF unit, 211: User information storage 212: Service provider information storage unit, 213: Authentication processing unit, 214: Distribution request unit, 220: Network IF unit, 221: Guide screen data storage unit, 222: Advertisement data storage unit, 223: Guide processing unit, 310 : Network IF section, 311: Digital content Storage unit, 312: Advertisement data storage unit, 313: Service information storage unit, 314: Acceptance / rejection determination unit, 315: Distribution unit, 316: Usage record update unit, 410: Network IF unit, 411: MMIF unit, 412: Authentication IC card mounting unit 413: IC card mounting unit for distribution request 414: IC card reading unit for authentication 415: IC card reading unit for distribution request 416: Authentication request unit 417: Distribution request unit 418: Content Receiver

Claims (5)

A content distribution system for distributing digital content to information terminals,
An authentication server connected to the information terminal via a network and at least one content distribution server;
The authentication server is
User information storage means for storing user information including the user ID, password, and genre of available digital content for each user,
Distribution server information storage means for storing distribution server information including a server ID and an address of the target content distribution server for each content distribution server;
User information including the user ID received from the information terminal is retrieved from the user information storage means, and the information terminal is used by using the password included in the retrieved user information and the password received from the information terminal. An authentication means for performing user authentication of
The distribution server information including the server ID received from the information terminal authenticated by the authentication unit is retrieved from the distribution server information storage unit, and the content distribution server having the address included in the retrieved distribution server information is stored. On the other hand, a distribution request means for transmitting a content distribution request including the service ID received from the information terminal together with the server ID, the genre included in the searched user information, and the address of the information terminal is provided. And
The content distribution server is
Service information storage means for storing service information including a service ID of a target distribution service, a genre of digital content to be distributed, and a storage location of the digital content for each distribution service
Service information including a service ID included in the content distribution request received from the authentication server is retrieved from the service information storage unit, and the genre included in the retrieved service information and the content distribution request are included. The acceptance / rejection determination means for determining the acceptance / rejection to the content distribution request using
For the information terminal specified by the address included in the content distribution request determined to be accepted by the acceptance / rejection determination unit, the digital content is read from the storage location included in the searched service information. A content distribution system comprising: a distribution means for transmitting. The content distribution system according to claim 1,
The service information is
It further includes the usage limit of the digital content to be distributed and the usage record of the user,
The acceptance / rejection determination means includes:
In addition to the genre included in the searched service information and the genre included in the content distribution request, the content is determined by using the digital content usage limit and the user usage record included in the service information. Determine the response to the delivery request,
The content distribution server is
From the storage location included in the retrieved service information, the distribution means is directed to the information terminal specified by the address included in the content distribution request determined to be accepted by the acceptance / rejection determination means. A content distribution system further comprising a usage record update means for updating a usage record of a user of the information terminal included in the service information when the digital content is read and transmitted. The content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2,
The distribution server information is:
Further including an operating state of the target content distribution server,
The delivery request means includes
Transmitting the content distribution request to the content distribution server having the address included in the distribution server information when the operation state included in the retrieved distribution server information is in operation; A featured content distribution system. An information terminal that receives and outputs digital content from the content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An authentication IC card mounting means for mounting an authentication IC card in which a user ID is stored;
A distribution request IC card mounting means for mounting a distribution request IC card in which a server ID and a service ID are stored;
User ID reading means for reading the user ID from the authentication IC card mounted on the authentication IC card mounting means;
Service ID reading means for reading the server ID and the service ID from the distribution request IC card mounted on the distribution request IC card mounting means;
Password accepting means for accepting password input from the user;
Authentication request means for transmitting the user ID read by the user ID reading means and the password received by the password receiving means to an authentication server constituting the content distribution system and requesting user authentication of the self-information terminal; ,
When the user authentication of the information terminal by the authentication server is established, the server ID and the service ID read by the service ID reading unit are transmitted to the authentication server, and a distribution request is transmitted to request distribution of digital contents. Means,
Content output means for configuring the content distribution system and receiving and outputting digital content provided by a distribution service corresponding to the service ID from a content distribution server corresponding to the server ID. Information terminal. A content distribution method for distributing digital content to an information terminal using an authentication server and at least one content distribution server connected to the information terminal via a network,
The information terminal
The user ID is read from the authentication IC card attached to the own information terminal, the password input is received from the user of the own information terminal, the user ID and the password are transmitted to the authentication server, and the user of the own information terminal Require authentication,
When user authentication of the self-information terminal by the authentication server is established, the server ID and the service ID are read from the distribution request IC card attached to the self-information terminal, and the server ID and the service ID are transmitted to the authentication server. Request delivery of digital content,
Receiving and outputting digital content from the content distribution server;
The authentication server is
For each user, the user information including the user ID received from the information terminal is retrieved from the user information storage unit storing the user information including the user ID, password, and available digital content genre of the target user. Then, using the password included in the searched user information and the password received from the information terminal, user authentication of the information terminal is performed,
For each content distribution server, distribution server information including the server ID received from the information terminal that has been user-authenticated from distribution server information storage means storing distribution server information including the server ID and address of the target server. The service ID received from the information terminal together with the server ID and the genre included in the searched user information for the content distribution server that has been searched and has the address included in the searched distribution server information , And a content distribution request including the address of the information terminal,
The content distribution server is
A content distribution request received from the authentication server from service information storage means for storing service information including the service ID of the target distribution service, the genre of the digital content to be distributed, and the storage location of the digital content for each distribution service The service information including the service ID included in the service information is searched, and the response to the content distribution request is made using the genre included in the searched service information and the genre included in the content distribution request. Judging
The digital content is read from the storage location included in the retrieved service information and transmitted to the information terminal specified by the address included in the content distribution request determined to be accepted. Content delivery method.

Images