JP2013192116A - Content utilization system, content utilization device, television receiver, content utilization method and program, and storage media - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem in the prior art that the information about how to make available a content, that is not available currently, cannot be grasped immediately.SOLUTION: The content utilization system includes a content holding section for holding a content ID associated with use conditions, a search section for searching a content from the content holding section, a search result acquisition section for acquiring the search results, a satisfaction condition acquisition section for acquiring the conditions that are satisfied in a content utilization device using the content, and a supplementary information acquisition section for acquiring the supplementary information indicating availability and/or the conditions to be satisfied additionally for utilization.

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for using content in a content use device.

  In recent years, various contents have been provided via a network. Many contents on the network can be used only when specific conditions are satisfied. Under such circumstances, there is a device that determines whether or not desired content is available in the terminal device according to a request from the terminal device, and notifies the terminal device of the determination result. Yes. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a content usage right distribution request is received from a terminal device, content is distributed according to conditions such as whether the number of distributions of the usage right does not exceed the limit, whether the distribution time limit or the time limit is valid. There is disclosed a content usage right management device that determines whether or not a usage right can be lent and returns a response to whether or not a content usage right is requested to the terminal device.

JP2008-171338

  However, in the prior art, it is possible to recognize whether or not the desired content can be used in the terminal device, but when there is a reply that the content cannot be used, how can the content be used? There was a problem that it was not possible to immediately grasp the information that was supposed to be.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a content holding unit that holds a content ID associated with a use condition, a search unit that searches for content from the content holding unit, a search result acquisition unit that acquires search results, and content that uses content A satisfaction condition acquisition unit that acquires a condition that is satisfied by the use device, and additionally, in order to use or not use the use condition and the satisfaction condition for each content indicated in the search result A content use system having a supplement information acquisition unit that acquires supplement information indicating a condition to be satisfied is proposed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to immediately obtain not only information on whether content can be used but also information on how content can be used in a situation where the content cannot be used.

The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the content utilization system of Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the table data which show the relevance of use conditions and content ID The figure which shows an example of GUI of a search request part The figure which shows an example of the information of the authority satisfy | filled with the content utilization apparatus The figure which shows an example of the contract process performed between a content utilization apparatus and a content server apparatus, and a contract content change process The figure which shows an example of the information of the terminal performance condition of a content utilization apparatus The figure which shows an example of the process which notifies the mutual information of one content utilization apparatus A and the other content utilization apparatus B The figure which shows an example of GUI of a display output part The figure which shows an example of GUI of the display output part which outputs together the supplementary information regarding another content utilization apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific hardware configuration of a content server apparatus that configures the content use system according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of the content utilization system of Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the other example of the flow of a process of the content utilization system of Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the content utilization system of Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process at the time of registering the information of the terminal performance of a content utilization apparatus with a content server apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the content utilization system which concerns on the combination of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of the content utilization system of Embodiment 2. The figure which shows the other example of the flow of a process of the content utilization system of Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the content utilization system of Embodiment 3. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process at the time of registering the contract content and terminal performance information of a content utilization apparatus with a management server apparatus The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the content utilization system which concerns on the combination of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the other example of the functional block of the content utilization system of Embodiment 3. FIG. The figure which shows an example of GUI of the display output part which combines and outputs the shop information and inventory information which are transmitted from a rental company server apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of the content utilization system of Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the other example of the flow of a process of the content utilization system of Embodiment 3.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The mutual relationship between the embodiment and the claims is as follows. The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1, 4 to 10, the second embodiment will mainly describe claims 2, 4 to 10, and the third embodiment will mainly describe claims 3, 4 to 10. . In addition, this invention is not limited to these embodiments at all, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

<< Embodiment 1 >>

<Overview>
The content usage system according to the present embodiment uses information on the conditions for using the content and the conditions satisfied by the content usage device for each content indicated in the content search result, and determines whether the content can be used and the content. It is characterized by acquiring supplementary information indicating a condition to be additionally satisfied for use.

<Configuration: Content usage system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the content use system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content usage system” 0100 includes a “content server device” 0110 and a “content usage device” 0120. The “content server device” 0110 includes a “content holding unit” 0111 and a “search unit” 0112. The “content use device” 0120 includes a “search result acquisition unit” 0121, a “satisfaction condition acquisition unit” 0122, and a “supplemental information acquisition unit” 0123. Note that the configuration of the content usage system is not limited to the example in this figure. For example, the configuration in which the content usage device further includes a “content holding unit” and a “search unit”, or the content server device provides “search result acquisition”. A configuration including a “part”, a “satisfaction condition acquisition unit”, and a “supplemental information acquisition unit” is also possible (described in another embodiment).

  The “content utilization system” may be configured by a combination of a plurality of devices as illustrated in FIG. 1 or may be configured by a single device. For example, it may be configured by a combination of a content use device and a content server device, or may be configured by a combination including a management server device. The number of content server devices and management server devices may be singular or plural. Further, it is considered that there are mainly a plurality of content use devices connected to the content server device or the like, but a single content use device may be used. Examples of the content utilization device include a personal computer, a television receiver, a portable terminal device, a game device, and a music player. In addition, various contents such as video contents, music contents, game contents, and character information contents are included as contents used in the content use device.

  The “content holding unit” has a function of holding a content ID associated with a use condition. Here, the usage conditions refer to the authority and terminal performance that the content usage device should have in order to execute the content. The usage conditions can be associated with each content ID, and even if the content is provided by the same service provider, the authority and terminal performance conditions to be provided for executing the content are different. For example, among the contents provided by a certain service provider X, the authority to use contents of ☆☆☆ (three-star mark) is different from the authority to use contents of ☆☆ (two-star). Can be mentioned. In addition, the authority to view Western-style content and soccer matches over a period of time, the authority to download or play a specific game online, additional elements of a specific game (additional scenarios, Authority for using item usage rights, etc., authority for receiving specific communication services (optical line communication, ADSL communication, flat-rate communication, etc.), and the like. These authorities are generally provided by a contract concluded between the owner of the content using apparatus and the service provider.

  The terminal performance conditions of the content utilization device include: CPU processing capacity, RAM capacity, free hard disk capacity, input means / output means type, imaging means / sensor means type, communication means communication speed, OS type, etc. Version, video / music player, text / electronic book viewer, application type and version such as Web browser, hardware decoder / software decoder compatible encoding format (codec), and content connection External device And the encryption processing function at the time of output to, and the corresponding encryption format. In particular, in the case of moving image playback on a Web browser, it is conceivable that a specific plug-in is installed in addition to the type and version of the Web browser. Specific terminal performance conditions include specific input means such as a touch panel, microphone, handle, stick, fitness board, gun controller, RAM of 1 MB or more, and remaining hard disk capacity of 2 GB or more. It is conceivable that the content encoded in the H264 format can be played back, and that the transmission method for outputting the content to the display conforms to the HDMI standard and has an HDCP encryption processing function.

  The association between the usage conditions and the content ID can be realized by, for example, table data indicating the relevance. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the table data. In the example of this figure, the content usage conditions include the type of player that plays the content, the performance corresponding to the copyright protection method, the 3D compatibility performance, the video processing / audio processing performance, the caption performance, the contract conditions, and the purchase conditions. Associated with the content ID. In the column of contract conditions, the description of “basic contract | unlimited new contract” indicates that it is sufficient to satisfy either of the contract conditions separated by “|”. In addition, the description of “Premium Contract & SF Pack” indicates that it is necessary to satisfy both the right and left conditions separated by “&”. In addition, in the amount column, “200,500, −” can be purchased for 200 yen if the contract condition on the left of the contract condition column is satisfied, and the contract on the right side of the contract condition column. If the condition is satisfied, the purchase can be made for 500 yen, and if neither of the contract conditions is satisfied, it indicates that the purchase cannot be made. In addition, in the amount column, the description of “0, 100, 300” can be used as it is when the contract condition on the left side of the contract condition column is satisfied, and the contract condition on the right side of the contract condition column can be used. If it is satisfied, it can be purchased for 100 yen, and if none of the contract conditions is satisfied, it indicates that it can be purchased for 300 yen. Further, the column of the purchase page indicates the address of a web page to be accessed when purchase is necessary. The viewing page column indicates the address of a web page accessed to view the content. In the example of FIG. 2, the content ID is associated with the content attribute. The content attributes include information such as content genre, outline, performer, creator, creation date / time, provision date / time, user evaluation index, sales index, and the like. These pieces of information are used for search processing of the search unit described below.

  The “search unit” has a function of searching for content from the content holding unit. The search unit notifies the search result acquisition unit of the search result. Here, for example, a search request may be received by providing a “search request unit” in the content using device and receiving the search request from the user of the content using device. The content of the search request received by the search request unit is transmitted to the search unit via a communication line or a system bus. The search request includes, for example, a search request for content including a specific keyword as attribute information, a search request for content created / provided at a specific time, a search request for content with a high user evaluation or sales index, a user's past A search request for content that suits the user's preference from the usage status of the user. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI of the search request unit. In the example of this figure, a search box for inputting a free word, a button for confirming input contents, a button for selecting a genre, a check box for limiting content providers, and the like are provided as a GUI configuration. . In the example shown in the figure, request contents for searching for content including the keyword “rally” in the content attribute by designating all genres and all content providers are input.

  The content search is not limited to a search performed in response to a search request from the content using device, but includes a search performed according to a predetermined rule. For example, it is conceivable that user preference information and the like are registered, and content that matches the preference information is periodically searched from the content holding unit.

  The “search result acquisition unit” has a function of acquiring a search result from the search unit. As shown in FIG. 1, when the search unit and the search result acquisition unit are realized as functions of different devices, the search result is received from the search unit via the LAN and the communication line and acquired. If the search unit and the search result acquisition unit are realized as functions of the same device, the search unit and the search result acquisition unit are acquired by referring to the address of the memory in which the search result is stored (described in the second and third embodiments). The search results may include content attribute information associated with the content ID in addition to the content ID corresponding to the search condition. Examples of the content attribute information include information such as a content title, a genre, and a web page URL where the content can be purchased.

  The “satisfaction condition acquisition unit” has a function of acquiring a condition that is satisfied by the content use device that uses the content. The condition that is satisfied by the content use device corresponds to the content use condition, and refers to the authority and terminal performance that the content use device has to execute the content. In the case where the satisfaction condition acquisition unit is realized as a function of the content use apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to acquire the satisfaction condition by reading the information from the storage area where the satisfaction condition is stored. Further, when the satisfaction condition acquisition unit is realized as a function other than the content use device such as the content server device, it can be received from the content use device via a communication line and acquired (the second and third embodiments). To explain).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of authority information satisfied in the content use device. From the information shown in this figure, the service provider identified by the service provider ID “0X0001234” has no contract, and the service provider and platform provider ID “af53988” identified by the service provider ID “af53988”. With the platform operator specified by “n0011”, the contract of “Basic Plan”, “Soccer Pack”, and “Western Film Pack” is made until the expiration date “2015.01.01”. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of contract processing and contract content change processing performed between the content using device and the content server device. First, in step S0501, the content using apparatus accepts input of an ID and password related to a contract and contract details. Next, in step S0502, the content utilization device transmits the input ID, password, and contract details to the content server device. Next, in step S0503, the content server apparatus receives the ID, password, and contract details transmitted from the content using apparatus. Next, the content server device registers the received contract content in the database. Next, the content server device transmits the registered contract details to the content using device. Next, the content using device receives the registered contract details from the content server device. Next, the content using device stores the registered contract details in the storage device. Note that the same processing as described above is performed for changing the contract contents.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of terminal performance condition information of the content use device. From the information shown in this figure, the content use device has players X and Y installed, supports copyright protection methods A and B, has a 3D function, and supports THX as a video / audio function. Therefore, it can be determined that the remaining capacity of the long-term storage device such as an HDD is 15 hours 33 minutes 19 seconds in terms of a predetermined bit rate. In the content use device, the player Z is not installed, does not support the copyright protection method C, subtitles cannot be set, and parental lock is applied to the R-18 content. Can be judged. Since the installation status of the player, the remaining capacity of the long-term storage device, and the like change with the passage of time, it is conceivable that self-diagnosis processing is performed in the content utilization device and information on the terminal performance condition of the content is updated periodically. .

  Note that the content use apparatus may hold not only the contract condition and terminal performance condition information of the terminal itself but also the contract condition and terminal performance condition information of other terminals. For example, it may be information on another content utilization device owned by the owner of the content utilization device, or information on another content utilization device owned by an acquaintance of the owner of the content utilization device. Moreover, although the structure which acquires the information of another content utilization apparatus unilaterally is also possible, the structure which notifies the information of an own terminal according to another content utilization apparatus is also possible. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process of notifying each other of information of one content use device A and another content use device B. First, in step S0701, the content utilization device A transmits a contact request to the content utilization device B, the terminal performance of the terminal itself, and contract information. Next, in step S0702, the content utilization device B receives the contact request from the content utilization device A, the terminal performance of the content utilization device A, and the contract information. Next, in step S0703, the content use device B stores the terminal performance and contract information of the content use device A in the storage device. Next, in step S0704, the content use device B transmits a contact response, the terminal performance of the terminal itself, and contract information to the content use device A. Next, in step S0705, the content utilization device A receives a contact response, the terminal performance of the content utilization device B, and contract information from the content utilization device B. Next, in step S0706, the content use device A stores the terminal performance and contract information of the content use device B in the storage device.

  The “Supplementary Information Acquisition Unit” acquires supplementary information indicating whether or not it can be used and / or additional conditions that must be satisfied for use by using the usage conditions and satisfaction conditions for each content indicated in the search results. Has the function of Specifically, for each content, it is determined whether there is a difference between the use condition and the satisfaction condition, and if there is a difference, the difference is extracted. For example, when the use conditions of the content A are the condition X, the condition Y, and the condition Z, and the satisfaction condition is only the condition X and the condition Y, the condition that should be additionally satisfied for use is the condition Z. Further, when the satisfaction conditions are the condition X, the condition Y, and the condition Z, since all the conditions are satisfied, there is no condition that should be additionally satisfied for use. Here, when there is a condition to be additionally satisfied for use, it is impossible to immediately use it, but when there is no condition to be additionally satisfied, it is possible to use immediately. The supplementary information indicates whether or not the information can be used as described above and conditions that should be additionally satisfied in order to use the content. By using the information, the content can be used more smoothly. The supplementary information does not necessarily need to be acquired for all the contents included in the search results at once, and may be acquired separately for each search page, each content provider, and each genre.

As specific data of supplementary information, it is conceivable to use a bit string display flag for each content. For example, the following 7-bit string display flags are listed. The supplementary information acquisition unit compares the use condition and the satisfaction condition to determine the value of each bit and outputs it as supplementary information.
[1 bit] Player (0: Not supported, 1: Supported)
[2 bits] 3D function (0: not supported, 1: supported)
[3-bit] video processing (0: normal, 1: THX)
[4 bits] Audio processing (0: normal, 1: THX)
[5-bit] Subtitle function (0: none, 1: available)
[6 bits] Age limit (0: no, 1: yes)
[7 bits] Contract conditions (0: compliant, 1: non-compliant)

  The content utilization apparatus notifies the acquired supplementary information to the display output unit and displays it on the display. The display output unit can perform a desired display by interpreting the display flag data as described above. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI of the display output unit. In the example of this figure, the GUI of the display output unit is the same as the GUI of the search request unit shown in FIG. 3, and the search results and supplementary information are displayed in the lower area of the screen. Specifically, six search results for content including the keyword “rally” in the content attribute are displayed, and two content that can be viewed immediately are displayed together with a link button for starting viewing. The four contents that cannot be viewed immediately because the usage conditions are not satisfied are displayed together with a link button for clearing the conditions that need to be additionally satisfied for viewing. When the link button for clearing the condition is clicked, it moves to the web page of the contracting business operator or moves to the web page where the player can be installed. It should be noted that content that cannot be viewed immediately can be displayed lightly, or can be displayed in order of increasing number of additional conditions and fees. A configuration in which a user ID of a content use device is received in advance and information on the content is not displayed when a condition to be additionally satisfied relates to a user attribute (for example, viewing age restriction). It is also possible. In the above example, search results and supplementary information are displayed only by characters, but if there is an image associated with the content, it is also possible to display the image together. As described above, the supplementary information is displayed and output by the content use device, so that it is possible to grasp a condition to be additionally satisfied in order to use the content. It is also conceivable to send supplemental information to the user's mobile terminal device by e-mail or to output data to a storage device.

  In addition, when the content using device acquires the terminal performance condition and contract condition information of the other content using device together, the search result is displayed in the other content using device using the information of the other content using device. It is also possible to determine whether or not the indicated content can be used, or to acquire supplementary information indicating a condition that should be additionally satisfied in order to use the predetermined content in another content using device . As described above, it is conceivable that supplemental information acquired regarding other content using apparatuses is also output to a display output unit or the like. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI of a display output unit that outputs supplemental information related to other content using apparatuses together. In the example of this figure, content that cannot be used immediately at its own terminal can be notified to other terminals if it can be used immediately at the registered other terminal. . Specifically, the content “Larry Hatter” cannot be viewed unless a new contract is made with the B operator, but since it can be viewed immediately on another terminal, the content “Rally Hatter” can be viewed on the other terminal. A link button for notifying the “hatter” information is displayed. In addition, the content “yacht rally” cannot be viewed unless a new player is installed, but can be viewed immediately on another terminal, so the information on the content “yacht rally” is notified to the other terminal. A link button for displaying.

<Specific configuration of content server device>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific hardware configuration of the content server device configuring the content usage system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content server device” 1000 includes a “CPU” 1001, a “memory (RAM, ROM, etc.)” 1002, a “long-term storage device” 1003, a “communication unit” 1004, and an “operation input”. Part ”1005,“ display part ”1006, and the like. Each part is connected to each other via a“ system bus ”1007 and can exchange signals. The “long-term storage device” 1003 includes table information in which content usage conditions are associated with content IDs, a search program for extracting content IDs that satisfy search conditions from table information using content attribute information as search keys, and the like. Is stored.

<Specific configuration of content use device>
As in the content server apparatus shown in FIG. 10, the “content utilization apparatus” is “CPU”, “memory (RAM, ROM, etc.)”, “long-term storage device”, “communication unit”, and “operation”. The “input unit”, the “display unit”, and the like are configured, and each unit can exchange signals via the “system bus”. In addition, for the “long-term storage device”, it is possible to use the content indicated in the search result by using the information on the satisfaction condition that is satisfied to use the content and the usage condition and the satisfaction condition. A condition extraction program that extracts additional conditions to be used in order to use the content, and a display output program that displays and outputs supplementary information that is information on whether the content can be used and additionally satisfied Etc. are stored.

<Processing flow of content usage system>
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of the content use system according to the present embodiment. First, in step S1101, the content utilization apparatus accepts input of search conditions for searching for content. Next, in step S1102, the content using device includes the input search condition in the search command and transmits the search command to the content server device. Next, in step S1103, the content server device receives the search command transmitted from the content using device. In step S1104, the content server apparatus searches for a content ID having a content attribute that satisfies the search condition included in the received search command. Next, in step S1105, the content server apparatus acquires usage conditions for each content associated with each content ID included in the search result from the table information. Next, in step S1106, the content server device transmits each content ID as a search result and information on the usage conditions of each acquired content to the content utilization device. In step S1107, the content use apparatus receives the search result and use condition information transmitted from the content server apparatus. Next, in step S1108, the content usage device compares the usage conditions of each content with the conditions satisfied by the content usage device to determine whether or not the usage conditions are satisfied. Extracts what additional conditions should be met. Next, in step S1109, the content utilization apparatus displays and outputs whether or not each content ID as a search result can be used immediately, and if it is not usable, what is the condition to be additionally satisfied.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the content use system of this embodiment. 11 is basically the same as the processing flow described in FIG. 11, but in step S <b> 1209, the conditions satisfied by the other content use devices are compared with the use conditions of each content, and the other content use devices It is determined whether or not the usage conditions are satisfied. In another content utilization device, when the utilization condition is not satisfied, a process of additionally extracting a condition to be satisfied may be further performed. In step S1210, information of other content using devices that can use the content is also displayed and output. Here, only content that cannot be used by the terminal itself may be displayed and output together with information of other content using devices.

<Effect>
The content usage system according to the present embodiment makes it possible to immediately obtain not only information about whether content can be used, but also information about how content can be used in a situation where content cannot be used. Become.

<< Embodiment 2 >>

<Overview>
The content use system of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the content server device acquires the condition that is satisfied by the content use device, and for each content indicated by the content search result, And supplementary information indicating whether or not the content can be used and additional conditions to be satisfied in order to use the content are acquired using information on the conditions for using the content and the conditions satisfied by the content using device To do.

<Content usage system configuration>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the content use system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content use system” 1300 includes a “content server device” 1310 and a “content use device” 1320, and the “content server device” 1310 includes a “content holding unit” 1311 and “ A search unit 1312, a search result acquisition unit 1313, a satisfaction condition acquisition unit 1314, and a supplementary information acquisition unit 1315. Since the configuration of each part is the same as that described in the first embodiment, differences will be described below.

  The “content server device” acquires the condition satisfied by the content using device via the “satisfaction information acquisition unit”. Here, the conditions satisfied by the content use device can be acquired in advance from the content use device and stored in a storage medium, or can be received together with a search command from the content use device. is there. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow when registering terminal performance information of a content using device in a content server device. First, in step S1401, the content using apparatus acquires information on the terminal performance of the terminal itself. Next, in step S1402, the content using apparatus transmits the ID, password, and terminal performance of the terminal itself to the content server apparatus. Next, in step S1403, the content server apparatus receives the ID and password transmitted from the content utilization apparatus and the terminal performance of the content utilization apparatus. Next, in step S1404, the content server device registers the terminal performance of the content using device. In step S1405, the content server device transmits a registration completion notification to the content using device. Next, in step S1406, the content using device receives a registration completion notification from the content server device.

  A combination of the configuration of the present embodiment and the configuration described in the first embodiment is also conceivable. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the content use system according to the combination with the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content server device” 1510 includes a “content holding unit” 1511, a “search unit” 1512, a “first search result acquisition unit” 1513, and a “first satisfaction condition acquisition unit”. 1514, a “first supplemental information acquisition unit” 1515, a “content utilization device” 1520, a “second search result acquisition unit” 1521, a “second satisfaction condition acquisition unit” 1522, and a “second Supplementary information acquisition unit ”1523. The first satisfaction condition acquisition unit and the second satisfaction condition acquisition unit share and acquire the conditions that the content utilization device satisfies, and the first supplementary information acquisition and the second supplemental information acquisition unit are the first satisfaction condition acquisition unit. The supplementary information is shared and acquired using the satisfaction conditions acquired by the second satisfaction condition acquisition unit. With this configuration, it is possible to distribute the processing load between the content server device and the content using device.

  For example, in the content server device, the terminal performance condition satisfied by the content use device is acquired via the first satisfaction condition acquisition unit, and for each content indicated in the search result via the first supplemental information acquisition unit, Using the terminal performance condition for using the content and the terminal performance condition satisfied by the content using apparatus, the supplementary information A indicating whether or not the content can be used and / or a condition that should be additionally satisfied for use is acquired. In the content use device, the contract condition satisfied by the content use device is acquired by the second satisfaction condition acquisition unit, and the content is used for each content indicated in the search result via the second supplemental information acquisition unit. The supplementary information B indicating whether or not it can be used and / or a condition that should be additionally satisfied in order to use is acquired using the contract conditions of the content use apparatus and the contract conditions satisfied by the content use apparatus. Further, in the content use device, the search result is displayed using the supplementary information A and the supplementary information B. Specifically, in order to use a predetermined content, a contract condition and a terminal performance condition to be additionally satisfied are displayed. In the above description, the terminal performance condition is determined in the content server apparatus and the contract condition is determined in the content use apparatus, but the opposite may be possible.

<Processing flow of content usage system>
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of the content use system according to the present embodiment. First, in step S1601, the content utilization apparatus accepts input of search conditions for searching for content. Next, in step S1602, the content utilization device includes the input search condition in the search command, and transmits it to the content server device together with the condition satisfied by the content utilization device. Next, in step S1603, the content server apparatus receives the search command transmitted from the content utilization apparatus. In step S1604, the content server apparatus searches for a content ID having a content attribute that satisfies the search condition included in the received search command. Next, in step S1605, in the content server apparatus, the usage conditions for each content associated with each content ID included in the search result are extracted from the table information. Next, in step S1606, the content server device compares the usage conditions of each content with the conditions satisfied by the content usage device to determine whether or not the usage conditions are satisfied. Extracts what additional conditions should be met. Next, in step S1607, in the content server apparatus, each content ID as a search result, whether each content can be used immediately, and what is the condition to be additionally satisfied when the content cannot be used are supplementary. Information is transmitted to the content using device. In step S1608, the content use apparatus receives the search result and supplementary information transmitted from the content server apparatus. In step S1609, the content use apparatus displays and outputs the search result and supplementary information.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the content use system of this embodiment. First, in step S1701, the content utilization apparatus accepts input of search conditions for searching for content. Next, in step S1702, in the content use device, the input search condition is included in the search command and transmitted to the content server device together with the terminal ID of the content use device. Next, in step S1703, the content server device receives the search command transmitted from the content use device and the terminal ID of the content use device. In step S1704, the content server apparatus searches for a content ID having a content attribute that satisfies the search condition included in the received search command. Next, in step S1705, the content server device reads and acquires the usage conditions (contract conditions, terminal performance conditions) of each content associated with each content ID included in the search result from the long-term storage device. Next, in step S1706, the terminal performance condition associated with the terminal ID received from the content using device is read from the long-term storage device and acquired in the content server device. Next, in step S1707, in the content server device, the terminal performance condition for using each content is compared with the terminal performance condition satisfied in the content utilization device, and it is determined whether or not the terminal performance condition is satisfied. Judgment is made, and if not satisfied, the terminal performance condition to be additionally satisfied is extracted. Next, in step S1708, in the content server device, information on each content as a search result, supplementary information A indicating what terminal performance conditions should be additionally satisfied in order to use each content, and content usage The contract conditions to be satisfied by the device are transmitted to the content using device. In step S1709, the content utilization apparatus receives the search result, supplementary information A, and contract conditions transmitted from the content server apparatus. Next, in step S1710, the content use device reads the contract conditions of the content use device from the long-term storage device, and compares the contract conditions for using each content with the contract conditions satisfied by the content use device. Then, it is determined whether or not the contract condition is satisfied. If the contract condition is not satisfied, the supplementary information B indicating what the contract condition should be additionally satisfied is acquired. Next, in step S1711, the search result, supplementary information A, and supplementary information B are displayed on the content utilization device. In the above, the content server device determines whether or not the terminal performance condition is satisfied, and the content using device determines whether the contract condition is satisfied. However, the content using device determines whether or not the terminal performance condition is satisfied. The determination of whether or not the contract condition is satisfactory may be performed by the content server device. In this case, in the content server device, the contract condition satisfied by the terminal ID and the content using device may be stored in the long-term storage device, or may be obtained from another server device that stores the information. It is done.

<Effect>
The content usage system according to the present embodiment makes it possible to immediately obtain not only information about whether content can be used, but also information about how content can be used in a situation where content cannot be used. Become. In addition, since the main processing is performed in the content server device, it is possible to reduce the load on the content use device.

<< Embodiment 3 >>

<Overview>
The content use system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first and second embodiments, but the management server device that mediates between the content use device and the content server device acquires the conditions satisfied by the content use device. For each content indicated in the content search result, information on the conditions for using the content and the conditions satisfied by the content use device is used to additionally satisfy whether the content can be used or not. Supplemental information indicating a power condition is acquired.

<Content usage system configuration>
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the content use system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “content use system” 1800 includes a “content server device” 1810, a “content use device” 1820, and a “management server device” 1830. The “content server device” 1810 includes a “content holding unit” 1811 and a “search unit” 1812. The “management server device” 1830 includes a “search result acquisition unit” 1831, a “satisfaction condition acquisition unit” 1832, a “supplemental information acquisition unit” 1833, and a “search management unit” 1834. Since the configuration of each part is basically the same as that described in the first and second embodiments, differences will be described below.

  The “management server device” can receive a search command including a search condition from each content use device and transmit the received search command to the content server device. In addition, the “search management unit” can receive a search request from a content using device, and select and transmit a content server device to which a search command should be sent according to the content of the search request. For example, when a search command related to video content is received, the search command is transmitted to a content server device that stores video content. When a search command related to music content is received, the search command is sent to the content server device that stores music content. Send. Further, when a search command related to video content or music content provided only by a specific content server is received, it may be possible to transmit the search command only to the content server.

  The “management server device” acquires a condition that is satisfied by the content use device that uses the content via the “satisfaction condition acquisition unit”. The management server device can communicate with a plurality of content use devices, acquire the satisfaction condition from each content use device, and hold it in association with the terminal ID of each content use device. Here, the timing for acquiring the satisfaction condition from the content use device is not particularly limited, and may be received in advance before receiving the search command from the content use device, or may be received together with the search command. May be. In addition, when a search command is received, a satisfaction condition may be requested from the management server device to the content utilization device and received.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing when registering the contract contents and terminal performance information of the content use device in the management server device. First, in step S1901, the content utilization apparatus accepts input of an ID and password related to a contract, and contract details or change details. Next, in step S1902, the content using device transmits the input ID and password, contract details, or changed content to the content server device. Next, in step S1903, the content server device receives the ID and password, contract details, or change details transmitted from the content using device. Next, in step S1904, the content server apparatus registers the received contract content or change content in the database. Next, in step S1905, the content server device transmits the registered contract content or the changed content to the content using device. Next, in step S1906, the content using device receives the registered contract content or the changed content from the content server device. Next, in step S1907, the content using device stores the registered contract details or changed content in the storage device. Next, in step S1908, the content using apparatus acquires the contract details and the terminal performance information of the terminal itself. Next, in step S1909, the content using apparatus transmits the ID and password, the contract details, and the terminal performance of the terminal itself to the management server apparatus. Next, in step S1910, the management server device receives the ID and password transmitted from the content use device, the contract details of the content use device, and the terminal performance. Next, in step S1911, the management server device registers the contract details and terminal performance of the content using device. Next, in step S1912, the management server device transmits a registration completion notification to the content use device. Next, in step S1913, the content using device receives a registration completion notification from the management server device.

  A combination of the configuration of the present embodiment and the configuration described in the first embodiment is also conceivable. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the content use system according to the combination with the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “management server device” 2030 includes a “first search result acquisition unit” 2031, a “first satisfaction condition acquisition unit” 2032, and a “first supplemental information acquisition unit” 2033. The “content use device” 2020 includes a “second search result acquisition unit” 2021, a “second satisfaction condition acquisition unit” 2022, and a “second supplementary information acquisition unit” 2023. The first satisfaction condition acquisition unit and the second satisfaction condition acquisition unit share and acquire the conditions that the content utilization device satisfies, and the first supplementary information acquisition and the second supplemental information acquisition unit are the first satisfaction condition acquisition unit. The supplementary information is shared and acquired using the satisfaction conditions acquired by the second satisfaction condition acquisition unit. With this configuration, it is possible to distribute the processing load between the management server device and the content server device. For example, in the management server device, the terminal performance condition satisfied by the content use device is acquired via the first satisfaction condition acquisition unit, and for each content indicated in the search result via the first supplemental information acquisition unit, Using the terminal performance condition for using the content and the terminal performance condition satisfied by the content using apparatus, supplemental information indicating the terminal performance condition to be additionally satisfied is acquired. Then, in the content use device, the contract conditions satisfied by the content use device are acquired via the second satisfaction condition acquisition unit, and for each content indicated in the search result via the second supplemental information acquisition unit, the content The supplementary information indicating the contract conditions to be additionally satisfied is acquired using the contract conditions for using the content and the contract conditions satisfied by the content using apparatus.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating another example of functional blocks of the content use system according to the present embodiment. In the example of this figure, the management server device has a configuration for exchanging information with a “rental company server device” 2140 such as a CD, DVD, or video. Specifically, the management server device transmits the acquired search result to the rental company server device. Then, the rental company server device searches the database based on the content ID included in the received search result, and stores the information on the store where the corresponding content is in stock and the stock information indicating how much is in stock. Send to. The management server device includes store information and inventory information received from the rental company server device in the supplementary information and transmits the supplement information to the content utilization device. It is also possible to hold information such as the address of the owner of the content utilization device in the management server device, and send the address information together to the rental company server device. In this case, it is conceivable that the rental company server device uses the information such as the address of the owner of the content using device to transmit information on the store close to the address to the management server device. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI of a display output unit that outputs store information and inventory information transmitted from the rental company server device together. In the example of this figure, content that cannot be used immediately on its own terminal is displayed together with a link button indicating the store information if it can be rented at a nearby store.

<Specific configuration of management server device>
As with the content server apparatus shown in FIG. 10, the “management server apparatus” and “rental company server apparatus” are “CPU”, “memory (RAM, ROM, etc.)”, “long-term storage device”, “ A communication unit, an operation input unit, a display unit, and the like, and each unit can exchange signals via a system bus. In addition, for the “long-term storage device” of the management server device, the content indicated in the search results using the information on the satisfaction conditions that are satisfied to use the content and the usage conditions and the satisfaction conditions are used. A condition extraction program or the like is stored for determining whether or not it is possible and extracting a condition to be additionally satisfied in order to use the content. Further, in the “long-term storage device” of the rental company server device, store information associated with address information such as a zip code, inventory information for each store associated with a content ID or keyword, received content ID, Stored with a store inventory extraction program for extracting store information and inventory information based on keywords and the like.

<Processing flow of content usage system>
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of the content use system according to the present embodiment. First, in step S2301, the content utilization device accepts input of search conditions for searching for content. Next, in step S2302, the content using device transmits a search command including the input search condition and the terminal ID of the content using device to the management server device. Next, in step S2303, the management server device receives the search command transmitted from the content using device and the terminal ID of the content using device. In step S2304, the management server device transmits a search command to one or more content server devices. In step S2305, the content server apparatus receives a search command transmitted from the management server apparatus. Next, in step S2306, the content server apparatus searches for a content ID having a content attribute that satisfies the search condition included in the received search command. In step S2307, the content server apparatus transmits each content ID as a search result to the management server apparatus. Next, in step S2308, the management server device receives a content ID that is a search result transmitted from the content server device. Next, in step S2309, the management server apparatus acquires the usage conditions for each content associated with each content ID included in the search result. Next, in step S2310, the management server device compares the usage conditions of each content with the conditions satisfied by the content usage device to determine whether or not the usage conditions are satisfied. Extracts what additional conditions should be met. Next, in step S2311, in the management server device, supplementary information indicating whether or not each content included in the search result can be used immediately, and what condition should be additionally satisfied when it cannot be used, is displayed as the search result. At the same time, it is transmitted to the content use device. Next, in step S2312, the content utilization device receives the search result and supplementary information transmitted from the management server device. Next, in step S2313, the content utilization device displays and outputs the search result and supplementary information transmitted from the management server device.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow of the content use system of this embodiment. First, in step S2401, the content utilization device accepts input of search conditions for searching for content. Next, in step S2402, the content using device transmits a search command including the input search condition and the terminal ID of the content using device to the management server device. In step S2403, the management server device receives the search command transmitted from the content use device and the terminal ID of the content use device. In step S2404, the management server device transmits a search command to one or more content server devices. In step S2405, the content server device receives a search command transmitted from the management server device. In step S2406, the content server apparatus searches for a content ID having a content attribute that satisfies the search conditions included in the received search command. In step S2407, the content server device transmits each content ID as a search result to the management server device. Next, in step S2408, the management server device receives a content ID that is a search result transmitted from one or more content server devices. In step S2409, the management server device transmits each content ID as a search result to the content using device. Next, in step S2410, each content ID that is a search result transmitted from the management server device is received in the content using device. Next, in step S2411, the content usage apparatus acquires usage conditions for each content associated with each content ID included in the search result. Next, in step S2412, in the content use device, the use condition of each content is compared with the condition satisfied by the content use device, and it is determined whether the use condition is satisfied or not. Extracts what additional conditions should be met (acquisition of supplementary information). Next, in step S2413, the content utilization apparatus displays and outputs the search result and supplementary information.

<Effect>
The content usage system according to the present embodiment makes it possible to immediately obtain not only information about whether content can be used, but also information about how content can be used in a situation where content cannot be used. Become. In addition, since the main processing is performed in the management server device, it is possible to reduce the load on the content use device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 0100 ... Content utilization system, 0110 ... Content server apparatus, 0111 ... Content holding part, 0112 ... Search part, 0120 ... Content utilization apparatus, 0121 ... Search result acquisition part, 0122 ... Satisfaction condition acquisition part, 0123 ... Supplementary information acquisition part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1001 ... CPU, 1002 ... Memory, 1003 ... Long term storage device, 1004 ... Communication unit, 1005 ... Operation input unit, 1006 ... Display unit, 1007 ... System bus, 1313 ... Search result acquisition unit, 1314 ... Satisfaction condition acquisition unit, 1315 ... supplementary information acquisition unit, 1513 ... first search result acquisition unit, 1514 ... first satisfaction condition acquisition unit, 1515 ... first supplemental information acquisition unit, 1521 ... second search result acquisition unit, 1522 ... second satisfaction condition acquisition unit , 1523 ... second supplemental information acquisition unit, 1830 ... management server device, 1831 ... retrieval result collection Part 1832 ... satisfaction condition acquisition part 1833 ... supplementary information acquisition part 1834 ... search management part 2031 ... first search result acquisition part 2032 ... first satisfaction condition acquisition part 2033 ... first supplementary information acquisition part 2021 2nd search result acquisition unit 2022 2nd satisfaction condition acquisition unit 2023 2nd supplementary information acquisition unit 2140 Rental company server device

Claims (10)

A content holding unit that holds a content ID associated with the use condition;
A search unit for searching for content from the content holding unit;
A search result acquisition unit for acquiring search results;
A satisfaction condition acquisition unit that acquires conditions satisfied by the content use device that uses the content;
For each content indicated in the search results, a supplementary information acquisition unit that acquires supplementary information indicating whether to use or / and a condition that should be additionally satisfied in order to use the usage condition and the satisfaction condition;
A content use system comprising:   The content use system according to claim 1, wherein the content holding unit includes contract condition holding means for holding a contract condition for using content as one of use conditions in association with a content ID.   The content use system according to claim 1, wherein the content holding unit includes a terminal performance condition holding unit that holds the terminal performance condition of the content use device in association with the content ID as one of the use conditions.   A content utilization apparatus comprising: the search result acquisition unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a satisfaction condition acquisition unit, and a supplementary information acquisition unit.   The content use apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: the content holding unit according to claim 1; and a search unit.   A television receiver, which is the content utilization device according to claim 4 or 5. A content server device comprising the content holding unit and the search unit;
The content use system according to claim 1, further comprising: a management server device including the search result acquisition unit, the satisfaction condition acquisition unit, and the supplementary information acquisition unit. A search step of searching for content from a content holding unit that holds a content ID associated with a use condition;
A search result acquisition step for acquiring search results;
A satisfaction condition acquisition step of acquiring a condition satisfied by a content use device that uses the content;
For each content indicated in the search result, using the use condition and the satisfaction condition, the supplement information acquisition step for acquiring supplement information indicating whether to use or / and the condition to be additionally satisfied for use;
A method for using content. A search result acquisition step for acquiring content search results;
A satisfaction condition acquisition step of acquiring a condition satisfied by a content use device that uses the content;
For each content indicated in the search result, using the use condition and the satisfaction condition, the supplement information acquisition step for acquiring supplement information indicating whether to use or / and the condition to be additionally satisfied for use;
For causing the content using device or the content server device to execute the program.   A storage medium storing the program according to claim 9.

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