JP2010212909A - Content distribution server, communication terminal, browsing request processing server, content distribution system, content distribution method, and content distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content distribution technique for urging a user to continuously view a plurality of contents by recognizing the user's trend in detail and efficiently identifying the user who continuously views the plurality of the contents by a simple method. <P>SOLUTION: A computer connected to a communication network N includes: a content storing part 102; a distribution request receiving part 101; a distributing part 113; a playback information acquisition part 105 for acquiring playback information including playback of a playback player, pause, stop, skip, fast forward, and rewinding; a lottery rule storing part 110; a lottery status storing part 107 for storing a lottery status being results to be given to a lottery; a selecting part 109 for selecting a lottery status on the basis of the playback information; a lottery executing part 111 for executing a lottery on the basis of the lottery status; and a lottery result adding part 112 for adding the lottery results to the contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution server that distributes content via a communication network, a content distribution method, a content distribution program, a communication terminal that receives content distribution, a browsing request processing server, a content distribution server, and a communication terminal or a browsing request processing server. It is related with the content delivery system which consists of.

  In recent years, with the spread of broadband high-speed communication services such as ADSL and optical fiber, it has become possible to distribute large amounts of information at high speed. For this reason, the number of service providers that distribute contents such as video and audio via a communication network has increased, and the number of users of such services has also increased.

  Under such circumstances, it is important that each distribution service provider differentiates from other providers so that the user can continue to view their content. For this purpose, it is necessary to provide not only a fee-based device but also additional information that will motivate continued viewing.

  In such a distribution service, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed as a technique for adding motivational information. In order to determine additional information (lottery lottery result or lottery number) to be added to content distributed to individual users, the following information is used as information for identifying a request from the user.

(1) User attribute information indicating the attribute of the owner of the user terminal
(2) Device identification information that identifies the model and serial number of the user terminal
(3) Date and time information indicating the date and time when the content distribution request was sent
(4) Location information indicating the location of the user terminal at the time of sending the content distribution request

  According to these request identification information, for example, there is a distribution request for the content “M2.3g2” on March 1, 2006, and the position of the user terminal exists within the range of “N35 °: E139 °: ± 100 m”. If the user attribute is male and the terminal type is “XYZ”, the group ID “1” is selected, and the additional information of the group ID “1” is selected as a candidate, and according to the winning probability, “ Additional information such as “first prize: http://abc.jp/?ID=123” is selected. This additional information is added to the content and distributed.

JP 2008-9840 A JP 2007-281736 A JP 2003-284008 A JP 2002-125164 A JP 2007-289390 A

  By the way, on the content distribution side, there is a desire to continuously view only the content distributed by itself for reasons such as advertisements. However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, it is not related to the viewing situation of the user, and is fixed information such as the attributes of the user and the user terminal, or information determined by chance such as the date and place when the user terminal requested the distribution. Based on this, the additional information has been determined. For this reason, it did not necessarily lead to continuous viewing of content.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, the user does not only deliver a single content, but as shown in FIG. 9, when performing organized delivery that delivers content according to a pre-organized schedule, Continues to watch content from multiple packages. For this reason, users who continue to view are preferred users for content distributors, and it is effective for such users to encourage, encourage, and guide viewing. However, there is a possibility that such a preferred user may be missed only by determining additional information based on fixed information or information determined by chance as in the above-described conventional technology.

  In order to cope with this, in Patent Document 2, “viewing flag” indicating the viewing state of the most recent program by the user, “continuous viewing number” indicating the number of continuous viewing times of the program by the user, and the total number of trial listening times of the program by the user A technique for grasping the user's tendency based on the “total number of times of viewing” indicating “” is proposed. Patent Document 3 also proposes a technique for totaling the real-time viewing status and providing it to the user. In these conventional technologies, it is possible to give a profit such as a lottery according to the viewing situation of the user.

  Such a conventional technique has an effect of prompting the next viewing if a user obtains a profit as a result of viewing a content. However, in a general-purpose device such as a television, the user can view a variety of contents, and it is troublesome for the user to determine which of which contents can be viewed and how much profit can be obtained by lottery or the like. . As a result, if the user happens to be able to obtain the profit of the lottery, he / she only thinks that it is good, and it is difficult for the user to actively view the content desired by the distribution side continuously.

  Further, Patent Document 4 proposes a technique for asking a user a question according to a program schedule and waiting for an answer to the user to grasp the viewing situation. However, the exchange of the question and the answer is complicated, and is troublesome for the user.

  Furthermore, there are also ball game machines such as a pachinko machine as a technique for causing a user to make a lottery triggered by a specific factor or to change the possibility of winning or the lottery result (see Patent Document 5). . For example, if the game ball passes the symbol start port and the detection switch detects the passage of the game ball, the winning state is entered, the display symbol is fluctuated for a predetermined time, and it is a big hit on the condition that it is stopped in a predetermined mode. And so on.

  However, this conventional technique is merely a technique for continuing a single game called pachinko, and does not select users who continuously view a plurality of contents. Rather, it is determined by a fixed attribute, that is, a user who has an excellent skill for the game, and an accidental attribute, that is, a user who has succeeded in successfully playing the game. It does not necessarily connect with the continuing user.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to identify a user who continues to view content desired by the content distribution side by a simple method and promote continuous viewing. A content distribution server, a communication terminal, a browsing request processing server, a content distribution system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program are provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to content storage means for storing content that can be played back over time by a computer connected to a communication network, and distribution of content via the communication network. In a content distribution server comprising: a distribution request receiving unit that receives a request; and a distribution unit that distributes content corresponding to the distribution request received by the distribution request receiving unit via a communication network. The reproduction information acquisition means for acquiring reproduction information including at least information relating to activation, and the lottery rule storage for storing the lottery rules, for reproduction players dedicated to reproduction of the content distributed by and displaying information relating to the lottery upon activation Information on the means and the effect on the lottery A lottery status storage means storing a selection status, a selection rule storage means storing a lottery status rule to be selected corresponding to the reproduction information, the reproduction information acquired by the reproduction information acquisition means, and the selection rule storage A lottery execution for executing a lottery according to a selection means for selecting a lottery status based on a selection rule stored in the means, a lottery status selected by the selection means, and a lottery rule stored in the lottery rule storage means And a lottery result adding means for adding the lottery result executed by the lottery executing means to the content distributed by the distributing means.

  The invention of claim 7 is a content distribution method that captures the invention of claim 1 from the viewpoint of a method, and the invention of claim 8 is a content distribution program that captures the invention of claim 1 from the viewpoint of a computer program. .

  In the inventions of claims 1, 7, and 8 as described above, the playback player to be used is dedicated to playback of the content to be distributed. Therefore, if the player is activated, the content is likely to be played back. Since information related to the lottery is displayed upon activation, the user can be invited to play the content. Therefore, by acquiring information related to the activation of the playback player and notifying information related to the lottery, a user who continues to view the content provided by the content distribution side is identified to determine the lottery conditions. By performing the lottery and transmitting the lottery result, it is possible to promote continuous viewing of the content.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution server of the first aspect, the reproduction information includes information related to at least one of reproduction, pause, stop, skip, fast forward, and rewind of the content.

  In the invention of claim 2 as described above, the tendency of the user can be grasped in more detail based on the information when the content is actually reproduced by the reproduction player.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution server according to the first aspect, the lottery status indicates that there is no lottery right, the lottery right does not affect the winning probability, the lottery right increases the winning probability at a predetermined rate, and the lottery right It is characterized in that the winning probability is reduced at a predetermined rate when there is.

  According to the invention of claim 3 as described above, it is possible to provide optimal information for each user in order to promote continuous viewing by changing the presence / absence of a lottery right and the winning probability according to the user's tendency. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a communication terminal connected to a communication network, a distribution request unit that outputs a distribution request for content that can be reproduced over time, a content acquisition unit that acquires received content, and a communication A playback player that receives distribution via a network or is input from an external recording medium and becomes usable, and displays information related to execution of the content-specific playback and lottery, and playback information related to activation of the playback player. Reproduction information extraction means for extracting, reproduction information storage means for storing the reproduction information, and transmission means for transmitting reproduction information stored in the reproduction information storage means via a communication network, To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a browsing request processing server connected to a communication network, a distribution request unit that outputs a distribution request for content that can be played back over time, and a content acquisition unit that acquires received content A playback player that receives a distribution over a communication network or is input from an external recording medium and is ready to use, and performs playback dedicated to the content and displays information related to lottery, and playback related to activation of the playback player Reproduction information extraction means for extracting information, reproduction information storage means for storing the reproduction information, transmission means for transmitting reproduction information stored in the reproduction information storage means via a communication network, and communication network A browsing request receiving means for receiving a browsing request and a container played back by the playback player. The tool, and having a viewing data generating unit that generates a browsing data, and a viewing data output unit for outputting the viewing data.

  A content distribution system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes the communication terminal according to the first and fourth aspects or the browsing request processing server according to the fifth aspect.

  In the inventions of claims 4, 5, and 6 as described above, a user can easily receive content distribution by using a playback player that can be obtained from a communication network or an external recording medium. It is possible to easily grasp the user's tendency through the playback player.

  According to the present invention as described above, a content distribution server, a communication terminal, and a browsing request process capable of identifying a user who continuously views content desired by the content distribution side with a simple method and prompting continuous viewing. A server, a content distribution system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program can be provided.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the communication terminal in embodiment of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the content delivery server in embodiment of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of reproduction | regeneration information in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a selection rule, and a lottery status. It is explanatory drawing which shows delivery of a client application type. It is explanatory drawing which shows delivery of a browser application type. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a reproduction | regeneration player. It is explanatory drawing which shows the delivery service of a single content. It is explanatory drawing which shows the delivery service of an organization type content.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the content distribution server, communication terminal, web server, and the like in the present embodiment can be realized by controlling a computer with a program. Various implementations of the hardware and program in this case can be changed. The present invention can also be understood as a program as described above and a computer-readable storage medium storing such a program. Therefore, in the following description, a virtual circuit block illustrating a block that realizes each function of the present invention and this embodiment by the function of the program is used.

[1. Configuration of Embodiment]
[1-1. overall structure]
As shown in FIG. 1, the present embodiment includes communication terminals P and T connected to a content distribution server X and a web server S via a communication network N. These devices are illustrated one by one, and the number thereof is arbitrary. The content distribution server X, the web server S, and the communication terminals P and T include an input unit for information input, an output unit for information output, and the like. Examples of the input means include a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. Examples of the output means include a display, a printer, and the like. Each storage unit, storage unit, and the like described below is configured by a general storage device or storage medium such as a computer memory or a hard disk. “Storage” and “memory” in the claims and the present embodiment are synonymous, and even if they are replaced with each other, the substantial meaning does not change.

  As the communication network N, it is assumed that the Internet is used. However, the communication network N in the present invention broadly means a network to which a large number of people can connect, and what kind of LAN or WAN, including a line for access, etc., whether wired or wireless is used. It doesn't matter. In addition, when the communication terminals P and T are mobile phones, PHS, etc., the access to the communication network N is premised on communication with the base station, and in the case of wireless LAN, communication with the access point is premised. Since it is a well-known technique, description is abbreviate | omitted.

[1-2. Content distribution server X]
The content distribution server X is a server that distributes content in response to a distribution request from the communication terminal P and the web server S received via the communication network N. The content distribution server X includes a distribution request receiving unit 101, a content storage unit 102, a content extraction rule storage unit 103, a content extraction unit 104, a reproduction information acquisition unit 105, a reproduction information storage unit 106, a lottery status storage unit 107, a selection rule. A storage unit 108, a selection unit 109, a lottery rule storage unit 110, a lottery execution unit 111, a lottery result addition unit 112, a distribution unit 113, a software storage unit 114, a communication control unit 115, and the like are included.

  The distribution request receiving unit 101 is a means for receiving a distribution request from the communication terminal P or the web server S or a dedicated reproduction player for reproducing the content. The distribution request includes, for example, information for specifying the content or the playback player, information for identifying the user, information for identifying the communication terminal P and the web server S, and the like. It is free to use. In addition, user authentication and the like are realized by collation means that collates authentication information registered in advance in the storage means of the content distribution server X with authentication information included in the distribution request, but is a well-known technique. Description is omitted. In some cases, reproduction information to be described later is added to the distribution request.

  The content storage unit 102 is a means for storing content to be distributed in advance. As this content, a single package content and a plurality of prepackaged package contents are assumed. However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, it is particularly effective in continuous distribution of contents of a plurality of packages. A plurality of packages may correspond to the same channel or may correspond to a plurality of channels, and even if the playback order is determined in advance by the user or by default, the packages are randomly played (shuffle). It may be a thing.

  The content extraction rule storage unit 103 is means for storing a content extraction rule for extracting content based on a distribution request. This content extraction rule is a simple example of a table in which information for identifying content and content are associated with each other. The content extraction unit 104 is means for extracting content to be distributed based on the distribution request and the content extraction rule.

  The reproduction information acquisition unit 105 is means for acquiring reproduction information. The reproduction information storage unit 106 is means for storing the acquired reproduction information. Here, the reproduction information is information (which may be referred to as reproduction player information or reproduction player attributes) regarding the reproduction players 240 and 340 of the communication terminal P and the web server S described later. For example, the following information is considered. It is done.

(1) Information of playback player Information that can be used to infer the tendency of users who use the playback players 240 and 340.
・ Start of playback player start (display) ・ End of playback player ・ Setting history of playback player (Distinction between automatic playback start or manual playback start, etc.)
・ Play player usage location (cell phone, PHS location information (by base station, GPS, etc.))
・ Acquisition date and time of playback player, start date and time of use, etc.
(2) Information based on operation with respect to playback player This is information with which a tendency based on the viewing status of the content of the user can be inferred through the action of the user operating the playback player 240, 340.
・ Content playback start / pause / play end ・ Content playback rewind / fast forward ・ Content skip ・ Volume (changed, minimum position or mute etc.)
・ Channel selection history ・ Channel setting history (playback method, playback order, target content, etc.)
・ Selection time for each channel ・ Selection frequency for each channel

  In addition, the playback information may include the following information.

(3) Information on Website These are information with which the tendency of users (administrators, owners, etc.) of the web server S on which the playback player 340 is posted can be inferred.
・ Start of playback player start (display) ・ End of playback player, access log, etc. ・ Setting history of playback player (such as distinction of automatic playback start or manual playback start)
-Playback player display location (URL, IP address, etc.)

The lottery status storage unit 107 is a means for storing the lottery status. Here, the lottery status is information that determines the effect (existence of lottery, conditions to be considered in the lottery, bias value, etc.) given to the lottery. For example, as shown below, it may be considered to be information including presence / absence of a lottery right and a condition for changing the winning probability.
・ No lottery right ・ With lottery right has no effect on winning probability ・ With lottery right, winning probability increases by a predetermined rate ・ With lottery right, winning probability decreases by a predetermined rate

  The selection rule storage unit 108 is a means for storing a selection rule that is information on the lottery status to be selected corresponding to the reproduction information. The selection rule is information on the lottery status according to the reproduction information. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the lottery status to be selected is associated with the specific reproduction information. Information necessary for this selection rule can be input from the inside of the computer or by input means. For example, information regarding the current date and time can be acquired from a timer, or information regarding a specific campaign period or the like can be set in advance. Such information can be included in the reproduction information.

  It should be noted that whether a piece of reproduction information is preferable for the content distributor is determined by the content distributor freely and set in advance. However, the playback players 240 and 340 in this embodiment are dedicated players that are associated with the content distributed by the content distribution server X by the identification information added to each, and can reproduce only the content. Accordingly, it is highly possible that the player can view the content only by activating (displaying) the playback players 240 and 340, and this can be evaluated as preferable.

  In addition, for example, if the skip frequency is high, it cannot be said that the content is viewed continuously, and there are many missing content. If the frequency of the pause is high, it is certain that the user is operating while looking at the screen. Therefore, there is a high possibility that at least the screen at that time is being viewed. If the volume knob is changed frequently, the possibility of watching is high. However, if the volume knob is at the lowest end or muted for a long time, it is considered that at least the audio is not being heard.

  The selection unit 109 is means for selecting a lottery status based on reproduction information and a selection rule. The lottery rule storage unit 110 is means for storing a lottery rule that is a rule for executing a lottery. The lottery rule is, for example, a simple example in which a random number generation program that wins a specific prize with a predetermined probability and a winning number are set, but is not limited thereto. Note that the lottery rule also includes information for managing the winning stock. For example, it is conceivable that the number of stocks is decremented each time a winning winner comes out.

  The lottery execution unit 111 is means for executing a lottery based on the lottery status and the lottery rule. The probability of the lottery rule is changed according to the selected lottery status. If the lottery status is “no lottery”, the lottery is not executed. The lottery result adding unit 112 is a means for adding the lottery result by the lottery executing unit 111 to the content extracted by the content extracting unit 104.

  The distribution unit 113 distributes the content corresponding to the distribution request received by the distribution request receiving unit 101 to the communication terminal P or the web server S that requested the distribution through the communication network N together with the lottery result (the distribution destination). A transmission preparation process such as identification and compression). The distribution destination can be specified by the above identification information or the like, but the description is omitted.

  The software storage unit 114 is means for storing the playback players 240 and 340 for distribution to the communication terminal P and the web server S. The reproduction players 240 and 340 are distributed by the distribution unit 113 in response to the distribution request received by the distribution request receiving unit 101. As described above, the playback players 240 and 340 are dedicated to the content distributed by the content distribution server X and cannot reproduce other content.

  Further, the playback players 240 and 340 are set to access the content distribution server X and transmit playback information when activated (displayed). This transmission may be performed periodically at a preset time interval, or may be performed together with a content distribution request or the like. Furthermore, as will be described later, the interfaces of the playback players 240 and 340 are set to display information prompting viewing (such as that there is a lottery) when activated.

  The communication control unit 115 is means for controlling connection between the content distribution server X and the communication network N and transmission / reception of information. For example, although software and hardware for communication control such as a network interface card, a driver, and a router are widely included, since it is a general technique, description thereof is omitted. The distribution means in the claims is a broad concept including the functions of the distribution unit 113 and the communication control unit 115.

[1-3. Communication terminal P]
The communication terminal P is a terminal that acquires the content received via the communication network N in response to the distribution request and reproduces it on the reproduction player 240 (see FIG. 5). As the communication terminal P, it is conceivable to use a computer that can execute an application program, such as a personal computer or a mobile phone.

  The communication terminal P includes a distribution request unit 210, a content acquisition unit 220, a content storage unit 230, a playback player 240, a software acquisition unit 341, an installation unit 342, an extraction condition storage unit 250, a playback information extraction unit 260, and a playback information storage unit 270. , An adding unit 280, a communication control unit 290, and the like.

  The distribution request unit 210 is a unit that outputs a desired content or a distribution request of the playback player 240 in response to an input from the user by the input unit. This distribution request can be made, for example, by selecting a title displayed on the display, inputting text, or the like by an input means. Note that it is also possible to set so that a distribution request is automatically made by starting the playback player 240 or selecting a playback button.

  The content acquisition unit 220 is means for acquiring the received content. The content storage unit 230 is means for storing the content acquired by the content acquisition unit 220. A memory, a disk, or the like that stores a part of the content data as in the case of streaming and the entire content as in the case of downloading fulfills this function. As the content storage unit 230, for example, a known independent storage device is used, such as a device in which a recording medium is fixed inside, such as a hard disk recorder, or a device that uses a removable storage medium, such as a Blu-ray disc recorder. You can also

  As described above, the playback player 240 is means for playing back the received content exclusively. The playback player 240 can receive distribution from the content distribution server X as an application program. As the playback player, in addition to the functions described above, for example, regarding playback of content, “play”, “stop”, “pause”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, “channel switch”, “ A program that has a function such as “volume adjustment” and can be operated by clicking an operation button corresponding to the function or sliding an operation knob is conceivable.

  In addition, a playback player 240 is also conceivable in which the user can select various operations and settings as exemplified in the above playback information via the input means. For example, the playback player 240 may acquire the date and time of each operation from a timer, measure the playback time, the number of operations, etc., and store it in a memory or the like. Note that the playback player may be a relatively large application program having an advanced playback function, or may be a small player such as a widget or gadget.

  The software acquisition unit 241 is means for acquiring the program of the playback player 240 received from the content distribution server X via the communication network N. Specifically, the program is decompressed and stored in a hard disk or the like by an operation by a user input means or automatically. The installation unit 242 is means for making the communication terminal P usable by installing the playback player 240. This installation work can also be performed by an operation by a user input means or automatically.

  The extraction condition storage unit 250 is a means for storing conditions for extracting information reproduced by the reproduction player 240. In addition, as extraction conditions, you may set so that any one information illustrated by said reproduction | regeneration information may be extracted, and you may set so that the combination of several information may be extracted.

  The reproduction information extraction unit 260 is a means for extracting reproduction information based on the extraction conditions stored in the extraction condition storage unit 250. The reproduction information storage unit 270 is means for storing the extracted reproduction information. This extraction process and storage process will be described in detail in the operation described later. The adding unit 280 is means for adding the reproduction information stored in the reproduction information storage unit 270 to the distribution request by the distribution request unit 210. The communication control unit 290 is means for controlling connection with the communication network N (including transmission means).

[1-4. Web server S]
The web server S is a server that acquires the content received via the communication network N in response to the distribution request and reproduces it on the reproduction player 340. However, the web server S has a function as a browsing request processing server that enables browsing of the content being played back by the playback player 240 using a browser of the communication terminal T described later (see FIG. 6).

  Therefore, for example, a user (administrator, owner, etc.) of the web server S can use the playback player 340 installed in the computer to view content on the communication terminal T using only the browser. It is also possible to play a role.

  The web server S includes a distribution request unit 310, a content acquisition unit 320, a content storage unit 330, a reproduction player 340, an extraction condition storage unit 350, a reproduction information extraction unit 360, a reproduction information storage unit 370, an addition unit 380, and a communication control unit. 390 etc. Since these are the same as each component in the communication terminal P described above, description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the web server S includes a browsing request receiving unit 343 that receives a browsing request from the communication terminal T, a page data generating unit 344 that generates page data corresponding to content to be played back by the playback player 340 in response to the browsing request. And a page data distribution unit 345 for distributing the generated page data. Generation of page data can be realized, for example, by operating the playback player 340 by CGI in response to a request from the browser.

[1-5. Communication terminal T]
The communication terminal T includes a communication control unit 410 and a browsing unit 420. The communication control unit 410 is means for transmitting a browsing request from the browsing unit 420 and receiving page data from the communication network N. The browsing unit 420 is a unit that outputs a browsing request in response to an input from the user via the input unit, and generates and displays a web page based on the received page data. The browsing unit 420 can use a general web browser. For example, the plug-in outputs a request and generates a web page based on the returned data, thereby enabling browsing of the content.

[2. Operation of the embodiment]
The processing procedure according to the present embodiment as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[2-1. Reproduction of content by reproduction player 240 in communication terminal P]
First, a case where the user receives content distribution from the content distribution server X using the communication terminal P will be described. The user activates the communication terminal P (step 01). If the playback player 240 has not been acquired (step 02), the user inputs a distribution request for the playback player 240 using the input means. Thereby, the distribution request unit 210 outputs a distribution request for the playback player to the content distribution server X.

  The communication control unit 390 transmits a distribution request to the content distribution server X (step 03). In response to this, the content distribution server X transmits the playback player 240 to the communication terminal P as will be described later. Note that the storage means of the content distribution server X stores the identification information of the playback player 240 and the identification information (IP address, etc.) of the communication terminal P to authenticate and grasp the user. Since there is, explanation is omitted. The communication control unit 290 receives the playback player 240, which is acquired by the software acquisition unit 241, and is decompressed and stored (step 04).

  The installation unit 242 installs the playback player 240 in the communication terminal P to make it usable by the user (step 05). At this time, the reproduction information extraction unit 260 extracts information related to acquisition of the reproduction player 240 (for example, acquisition date, use start date, etc.) from the timer or the like of the communication terminal P and stores it in the reproduction information storage unit 270 ( Step 06).

  Next, when an operation for starting the playback player 240 is performed by an operation by the user's input means (such as clicking an icon) (step 07), the installed playback player 240 is started (step 08). At this time, the reproduction information extraction unit 260 extracts information related to activation of the reproduction player 240 and stores it in the reproduction information storage unit 270, and the communication control unit 290 transmits information related to activation to the content distribution server X. (Step 09). In addition, the reproduction information extraction unit 260 extracts the number of activations of the reproduction player 240, the activation date and time, the activation location, and the like from the timer of the communication terminal P and position information (in the case of a mobile phone, PHS, etc.) and stores the reproduction information Stored in the unit 270. These pieces of information may also be transmitted to the content distribution server X, similarly to the information related to activation.

  For transmission of information related to this activation (displaying the playback player 240) and other information, the communication terminal P periodically accesses the content distribution server X according to the settings of the playback player 240, and various information (setting information) , Content information, update information) and the like. Note that the grasp of the user corresponding to each playback player 240 can be realized by the identification information.

  Then, a content distribution request is made by an operation by a user input means (step 10). At this time, if the reproduction information exists (step 11), the adding unit 280 adds the reproduction information to the distribution request generated by the distribution request unit 213 (step 12). Then, the communication control unit 290 transmits the distribution request with the reproduction information added to the content distribution server X (step 13).

  In response to this, the content distribution server X distributes the content to the communication terminal P as described later. The communication control unit 290 receives the content, which is acquired by the content acquisition unit 220 and stored in the content storage unit 230 (step 14). This storage method differs depending on whether it is download or streaming.

  Then, the reproduction of the content starts in response to the operation of the reproduction player 240 by the user input means or by the default automatic reproduction start setting (step 15). At this time, information related to the start of content playback (for example, the start operation has been performed, the number of start operations, the date and time of the start operation, etc.) is extracted by the playback information extraction unit 260 and stored in the playback information storage unit 270. The

  In addition to the stop operation of the playback player 240 by the user input means (step 17), when any operation is performed (step 20), the playback player performs processing corresponding to the operation (step 21). The reproduction information extraction unit 260 extracts the operation information (for example, the operation has been performed, the number of operations, and the operation date / time), and stores the extracted operation information in the reproduction information storage unit 270 (step 22). For example, when “pause”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, “skip”, “volume adjustment”, “channel change”, or the like of the playback player 240 has been performed, the playback player 240 temporarily pauses the content. Stop, fast forward, rewind, skip, volume change, channel change, etc. are performed, and the information is stored in the reproduction information storage unit 270.

  If there is no end operation of the playback player 240 by the user input means (step 23), and the stop operation of the playback player 240 is performed (step 17), the playback player 240 stops playback (step 18). ). At this time, information related to content playback stop (for example, stop operation, number of stop operations, date and time of stop operation, etc.) is extracted by the playback information extraction unit 260 and stored in the playback information storage unit 270. (Step 19).

  When the end operation of the playback player 240 is performed by the user input means (step 23), the playback player 240 ends (step 24). At this time, information relating to the end of the playback player 240 (for example, the end of the playback player 240, the number of times of termination, the date and time of termination, etc.) is extracted by the playback information extraction unit 260 and stored in the playback information storage unit 270. (Step 225). Furthermore, when the user ends the communication terminal P, the process is ended (step 26).

[2-2. Content distribution on content distribution server X]
Next, content distribution processing by the content distribution server X will be described. First, the distribution control unit 115 receives a distribution request of the playback player 240 from the communication terminal P as described above, and the distribution request reception unit 101 acquires it (step 31). When the distribution request reception unit 101 determines that the distribution request is for the reproduction player 240, the distribution unit 113 compresses and outputs the reproduction player 240 stored in the software storage unit 114, and the communication control unit 115 outputs the request. The playback player 240 is transmitted to the communication terminal P (step 32). As described above, the storage unit of the content distribution server X stores the identification information of the playback player 240 and the identification information of the communication terminal P, and performs user authentication and grasping.

  As described above, after the delivery of the playback player 240, when the communication control unit 115 receives playback information including information related to activation of the playback player 240 from the communication terminal P (step 33), the playback information acquisition unit 105 This is stored in the reproduction information storage unit 106 (step 34).

  When the communication control unit 115 receives the content distribution request (step 35), the distribution request receiving unit 101 determines that the content distribution request is received, and the content extraction unit 104 stores the content in the content storage unit 102. The extracted content is extracted (step 36).

  At this time, when the reproduction information exists (step 37), the reproduction information acquisition unit 105 acquires it and stores it in the reproduction information storage unit 370 (step 38). Then, the selection unit 109 selects a lottery status corresponding to the reproduction information from the lottery status storage unit 107 in accordance with the selection rule stored in the selection rule storage unit 108 (step 39).

  When the lottery execution unit 111 determines that there is a lottery based on the selected lottery status (step 40), the lottery execution unit 111 executes the lottery based on the lottery rules stored in the lottery rule storage unit 110 (step 41). ). The lottery result adding unit 112 adds the lottery result to the content extracted by the content extracting unit 104 (step 42).

  Further, the extracted content is transmitted together with the lottery result by the distribution unit 113 and the communication control unit 115 (step 43). The content distribution ends in response to a stop operation or the like from the communication terminal P (step 44).

[2-3. Browsing playback content of web server S by communication terminal T]
In the web server S, the content received from the content distribution server X can be reproduced in the same way as the communication terminal P described above. However, in the web server S, the browsing request receiving unit 343 receives a browsing request from the browsing unit 420 in the communication terminal T, and the page data generating unit 344 generates a web page corresponding to the content to be played back by the playback player 340. Then, the page data distribution unit 345 outputs.

  By transmitting this to the communication terminal P by the communication control unit 390, the browsing unit 420 can browse the content. Note that the browsing request from the browsing unit 420 includes a request to operate the playback player 340, which may be, for example, by clicking a player operation button that is displayed in a pseudo manner on the browsing unit 420 or by operating a control knob. This can be done by sliding or the like.

  Even in such a case, when the playback player 340 is activated (displayed on the browser), the web server S periodically accesses the content distribution server X to display various information (display) as with the communication terminal P described above. File, setting information, content information, update information). On the content distribution server X side, the identification information of the playback player 240 and the identification information (IP address, URL, etc.) of the web server S are stored, and the server providing the blog is authenticated and grasped.

[2-4. Display examples of playback players 240 and 340]
With reference to FIG. 7, an example of content to be played back and a lottery result in the playback players 240 and 340 will be described. This is an example in which a plurality of music pieces with moving images are continuously distributed.

  First, the playback players 240 and 340 are displayed. The reproduction players 240 and 340 are players that continuously reproduce a plurality of registered songs. In the playback players 240 and 340, a playback button 21, a playback gauge 22, a volume knob 23, a skip button 24, a channel selection button 25, and the like are set. The reproduction gauge 22 and the reproduction players 240 and 340 display information related to the lottery, “collecting 9 points for fun lottery!

  When the user clicks the playback button 21, the memory of the playback gauge 22 moves to the right according to the playback time of one song. Each time the regeneration gauge 22 increases, lottery points accumulate. For example, 1 point is set when listening to the first half of the song being played, and 2 points are set when listening to the last song being played. Therefore, if you keep listening to music without skipping, you can easily collect points.

  When nine lottery points are arranged, the playback players 240 and 340 change to display of the lottery mode. If the lottery result is “Win”, the winning is notified. When the lottery result is “out of”, the process returns to the reproduction of the music. The lottery mode is generated any number of times when nine lottery points are accumulated. For this reason, users who listen to a lot of music have many opportunities.

[3. Effects of the embodiment]
According to the present embodiment as described above, since the playback players 240 and 340 to be used are dedicated to playback of the content to be distributed, if the player is activated, the content is likely to be reproduced. Is displayed, it is possible to induce the user to play the content. Accordingly, the user who continuously views the content provided by the content distribution side is identified by a simple method of acquiring information related to the activation of the playback players 240 and 340 and notifying the information related to the lottery. It is possible to prompt the user to continue viewing the content by performing determination, execution of lottery, and transmission of lottery results.

  For example, when the playback player 240 distributed as a desktop gadget is resident on the desktop of a personal computer, it may be advantageous in the lottery that the user is in contact with the environment for viewing the content every day or for a long time. Is possible. Also, when the playback player 340 distributed as a blog part is pasted on a popular blog and published without being peeled off from the pasted blog for a long time, it is advantageous in the lottery. It is also possible to guide.

  A specific example of whether or not the playback players 240 and 340 are activated before the content is viewed is a desktop gadget for playing back content that introduces an item on sale at a mail order site. As this content, it can be assumed that new items are introduced one after another by video, audio, photos, characters, etc. as time passes.

  The content or desktop gadget displays a link for accessing a mail-order site, and the user can access the mail-order site and purchase the introduced item by selecting the link by clicking or the like.

  This desktop gadget is always displayed on the desktop of a personal computer or the like, but does not always capture the user's line of sight. However, if the content is displayed, the user occasionally checks with the line of sight. For this reason, it is meaningful to positively evaluate a user who always displays such a desktop gadget in the presence / absence of a lottery, a lottery result, etc. (grant lottery points, increase lottery points, etc.).

  As an item to be introduced, a standard prize may be used, but it is an interesting product packed with ideas other than delicious seasonal ingredients with a seasonal feeling (a limited feeling like now) and rarely available goods. For example, something that attracts people's eyes and wants them to be shown in front of them.

  Such an item is more likely to be purchased for the first time if it is shown in front of the user than the user can find and find it. Or, even if it does not directly lead to purchase, it can be recognized as a product and expected as a source of word of mouth. Therefore, it can be said that the necessity of highly evaluating a user who always displays a desktop gadget is extremely high.

  Furthermore, this embodiment is also effective in an organized distribution service that distributes a plurality of contents in accordance with a schedule that is organized in advance, from the viewpoint of the presence or absence of actual viewing. That is, a user who receives such an organized distribution service, for example, continues to view content such as video and audio by designating various channels. Can satisfy the demands.

・ I want users to watch commercials and important content without skipping.
・ I want as many users as possible (especially business target audiences) to watch for a long time and frequently.
・ I want the users who are watching to keep watching for as long as possible.
・ I want users to watch at the timing they want to watch, especially during the campaign period.

  In addition, users who understand the tendencies of each user in more detail from the playback information and give a behavior that is favorable for the content distributor are given a lottery right or an increase in the winning probability. By changing the presence / absence of the lottery right and the winning probability, such as removing the lottery right or reducing the winning probability, it is possible to provide optimal information for each user and promote continuous viewing.

  In the present embodiment, the user can easily receive the content via the communication network N, and the user's tendency can be easily grasped through the operation of the playback players 240 and 340.

  In particular, the present embodiment supports both a client application type that uses the playback player 240 as an application on the user's communication terminal P and a browser application type that uses the playback player 340 via a website, a blog, or the like. is doing.

The content distributor has the following demands on the user of the client application type playback player 240.
・ I want as many people as possible (especially business target groups) to acquire and use the playback player 240.
・ I want the playback player 240 to be acquired and used at a specific timing, such as during the campaign period.
・ I want to keep using the acquired playback player 240 for as long as possible.

In addition, the content distributor has the following demands on the user of the browser application type playback player 340.
・ I want them to be posted on as many websites and blogs as possible (especially on business targets).
・ I want it to be formed on a website or blog at the timing when I want to watch it, especially during the campaign period.
・ I want them to be posted on websites and blogs viewed by as many people as possible (especially business target audiences).
・ I want you to keep posting on the websites and blogs for as long as possible.

  The present embodiment can meet the above-mentioned demands. The user's behavior viewed through the playback player 240, the user's behavior to acquire the playback player 240, the website or blog forming the playback player 340, etc. The behavior of the owner can be grasped, and a lottery function can be added to encourage, evoke, and guide the behavior in a favorable direction.

Further, even in comparison with the prior art, it is apparent that the user's behavior can be grasped in more detail in the present embodiment based on the following reproduction information.
・ Operations on playback players 240 and 340 that play back content such as “playback start, pause, skip, playback end, volume adjustment” ・ Distribution of a plurality of organized content such as “channel selection and playback order setting” Information for using the playback players 240 and 340, such as setting of the playback players 240 and 340 to be received, acquiring the playback players 240 and 340 such as “download and installation”, and “starting” and “ending” , Etc., such as the display location of the playback player 340 on a website or blog, “start display”, “end display”, and the like when the playback player 340 is used by the browser

  As a more specific example, a user can skip content (including commercials) that he is not interested in and proceed to the next distribution. I want you to see the commercial). In order to cope with this, if the system is changed to a system in which “commercials alone cannot be skipped”, there is a risk that the user may buy a negative feeling and reduce the number of users who use the service.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to set so that the lottery right is generated only when the user does not press the skip button on the playback players 240 and 340 when the commercial is distributed. For this reason, it is possible to give the user a sense of expectation that “If you watch without skipping the commercial, you may win”, and you can watch the commercial without skipping it without buying dissenting from the user Can be expanded.

  In the present embodiment, the playback player 240 can be used as a mechanism for distributing desktop gadgets (or widgets) that play music or the like. For example, consider a case in which a playback player 240 is distributed as a desktop gadget that is resident on the desktop of a personal computer, thereby receiving an online radio channel service that continues to play music content that can be listened to for free.

  In such a case, in the present embodiment, it is possible to implement a campaign plan in which 50 presents per day are given to a user who listens to an online radio channel through a desktop gadget. Furthermore, a user who downloads a desktop gadget during the period and starts using it can be provided with a motivation for acquiring a new user by making a double campaign such that the winning probability is doubled. Thereby, a desktop gadget can be distributed to many users.

  In addition, the present embodiment can be used as a mechanism for distributing the playback player 340 as a blog part that plays video or the like. For example, consider a case in which a playback player 340 is distributed as a blog part to be posted on a website or blog, thereby providing an online video channel service that keeps video content that can be viewed for free.

  In such a case, in the present embodiment, it is possible to implement a campaign plan in which 1000 presents are won during the period for users who view online video channels through blog parts. At that time, for websites and blogs that have achieved a certain number of content distributions to blog parts, by setting the winning appearance rate to 3 times, leading websites with many viewers Provide motivation for blog owners to actively post blog parts. This allows blog parts to be posted on leading websites and blogs.

  As described above, the playback players 240 and 340 according to the present embodiment have a “blog part” that is desired to be pasted on a blog, a “desktop gadget” that is desired to be resident on the desktop, and an “SNS (social network service)” that is desired to be displayed on the profile. Application (social application) "and" mobile application "that you want to download. The content distribution server X of the present embodiment can function as a “content distribution site” that is desired to be accessed through the playback players 240 and 340.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the communication terminal may be a computer having a connection function with a communication network and capable of installing an application, a browser, and the like, and may be any type such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PHS, and other mobile terminals. Any method available at present and in the future can be applied to how data compressed on a communication network is compressed, fragmented, packetized, encrypted, and the like.

  In the system of the present invention, it is free to configure each unit in the above embodiment as a content distribution server, a communication terminal, or a web server. For example, a selection rule storage unit, a selection unit, and a lottery status storage unit may be provided on the communication terminal or web server side, and the lottery status may be determined on the communication terminal or web server side.

  About reproduction information, lottery status, and a lottery rule, it is not limited to what was illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiment. The interface and layout for operation are also free. As a method for distributing the playback player, it is convenient to distribute it using a communication network. However, a method of distributing a recording medium on which a reproduction player is recorded such as a CD-ROM and installing it on the communication terminal or the web server side is also conceivable.

  The content that can be played back by the playback player is not particularly limited as long as it can be played back over time. Music, movies, videos, etc. are common, but widely include sound and images. Accordingly, the sound may be a moving image or a still image, or only the sound or only the moving image. The image includes an image that continuously displays still images, such as a slide show.

  Further, for example, content provided as a broadcast wave, such as analog or digital terrestrial, one-segment, or IPTV content, may be live broadcast content. It should be noted that, for distribution of contents and playback players, the charge method is free or free, and the charge method when paying is also free.

  As information for identifying a user, for example, in addition to ID, password, IP address, e-mail address, etc., attribute information such as address, name, gender, age, occupation, etc. can be used, and according to these attribute information, Content, lottery status, lottery rules, etc. can be changed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Play button 22 ... Play gauge 23 ... Volume knob 24 ... Skip button 25 ... Channel selection button 101 ... Distribution request reception part 102 ... Content storage part 103 ... Content extraction rule storage part 104 ... Content extraction part 105 ... Playback information acquisition part 106 ... Reproduction information storage unit 107 ... Lottery status storage unit 108 ... Selection rule storage unit 109 ... Selection unit 110 ... Lottery rule storage unit 111 ... Lottery execution unit 112 ... Lottery result addition unit 113 ... Distribution unit 114 ... Software storage unit 115, 290, 390, 410 ... communication control unit 210 ... distribution request unit 220 ... content acquisition unit 230 ... content storage unit 240, 340 ... playback player 241, 341 ... software acquisition unit 242, 342 ... installation unit 250, 350 ... extraction condition storage Unit 260, 360 ... reproduction information Out section 270, 370 ... Played information storage unit 280,380 ... adding section 343 ... View request receiving unit 344 ... page data generating unit 345 ... page data distribution unit 420 ... View section

Claims (8)

Content storage means for storing content that can be played back over time by a computer connected to a communication network, distribution request reception means for receiving a content distribution request via the communication network, and the distribution request reception means In a content distribution server having distribution means for distributing content corresponding to the received distribution request via a communication network,
The computer
Reproduction information acquisition means for acquiring reproduction information including at least information related to activation for a reproduction player dedicated to reproduction of content distributed by the distribution means and displaying information related to lottery upon activation;
Lottery rule storage means for storing lottery rules;
A lottery status storage means for storing a lottery status which is information on the effect on the lottery;
A selection rule storage means for storing a lottery status rule to be selected corresponding to the reproduction information;
Selection means for selecting a lottery status based on the reproduction information acquired by the reproduction information acquisition means and a selection rule stored in the selection rule storage means;
The distribution means distributes the lottery execution means for executing the lottery according to the lottery status selected by the selection means and the lottery rules stored in the lottery rule storage means, and the lottery results executed by the lottery execution means. Lottery result adding means for adding to the content to be played,
A content distribution server comprising:   2. The content distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction information includes information related to at least one of content reproduction, pause, stop, skip, fast forward, and rewind.   The lottery status includes no lottery right, lottery right has no effect on winning probability, lottery right has an increase in winning probability at a predetermined rate, and lottery right has decreased winning probability at a predetermined rate. The content distribution server according to claim 1 or 2. In a communication terminal connected to a communication network,
Distribution request means for outputting a distribution request for content that can be played back over time;
Content acquisition means for acquiring received content;
A playback player that receives distribution via a communication network or is input from an external recording medium and is ready to use, and performs playback dedicated to the content and displays information related to a lottery;
Reproduction information extraction means for extracting reproduction information related to the activation of the reproduction player;
Reproduction information storage means for storing the reproduction information;
Transmission means for transmitting reproduction information stored in the reproduction information storage means via a communication network;
A communication terminal comprising: In the browsing request processing server connected to the communication network,
Distribution request means for outputting a distribution request for content that can be played back over time;
Content acquisition means for acquiring received content;
A playback player that receives distribution via a communication network or is input from an external recording medium and is ready to use, and performs playback dedicated to the content and displays information related to a lottery;
Reproduction information extraction means for extracting reproduction information related to the activation of the reproduction player;
Reproduction information storage means for storing the reproduction information;
Transmission means for transmitting reproduction information stored in the reproduction information storage means via a communication network;
A browsing request receiving means for receiving a browsing request via a communication network;
A browsing data generation unit for generating content played back by the playback player as browsing data;
A browsing data output unit for outputting the browsing data;
A browsing request processing server characterized by comprising:   A content distribution system comprising the content distribution server according to claim 1 and the communication terminal according to claim 4 or the browsing request processing server according to claim 5. A computer connected to the communication network has content storage means, distribution request reception means, and distribution means. The content storage means stores content that can be played back over time, and distribution request reception. A distribution request receiving process for receiving a content distribution request via a communication network; and a distribution process for distributing a content corresponding to the distribution request received by the distribution means via the communication network via a communication network. In the content distribution method for executing
The computer includes reproduction information acquisition means, lottery rule storage means, lottery status storage means, selection rule storage means, selection means, lottery execution means, and lottery result addition means,
The reproduction information acquisition means acquires reproduction information including at least information relating to activation via a communication network for a reproduction player reproduction player dedicated to reproduction of the content distributed by the distribution means and displaying information relating to the lottery upon activation. Playback information acquisition processing,
A lottery rule storing means for storing a lottery rule;
A lottery status storage means for storing a lottery status that is information relating to the effect on the lottery;
A selection rule storage process in which the selection rule storage means stores a lottery status rule to be selected corresponding to the reproduction information;
A selection process in which the selection unit selects a lottery status based on the reproduction information acquired in the reproduction information acquisition process and the selection rule stored in the selection rule storage process;
A lottery execution means for executing a lottery according to the lottery status selected in the selection process and the lottery rules stored in the lottery rule storage process;
A lottery result adding means for adding the lottery result executed in the lottery execution process to the content to be distributed in the distribution process;
The content delivery method characterized by performing. Content storage processing for storing content that can be played back over time in a computer connected to a communication network, distribution request reception processing for receiving a content distribution request via the communication network, and the distribution request reception processing In a content distribution program for executing a distribution process for distributing content corresponding to the distribution request received through the communication network,
In the computer,
A reproduction information acquisition process for acquiring, via a communication network, reproduction information including at least information relating to activation for a reproduction player dedicated to reproduction of the content to be distributed and displaying information relating to lottery upon activation;
A lottery rule storing process for storing a lottery rule;
A lottery status storage process for storing a lottery status which is information relating to the effect on the lottery;
A selection rule storage process for storing a lottery status rule to be selected corresponding to the reproduction information;
A selection process for selecting a lottery status based on the reproduction information acquired in the reproduction information acquisition process and the selection rule stored in the selection rule storage process;
A lottery execution process for executing a lottery according to the lottery status selected in the selection process and the lottery rules stored in the lottery rule storage process;
A lottery result addition process for adding the lottery result executed in the lottery execution process to the content distributed in the distribution process;
A content distribution program characterized by causing