JP3904085B2 - Content distribution system and distributed computer constituting the system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a distribution system for distributing and using a score, text, various drawings, music data, a program, and the like from a distribution computer to a distribution target computer, a distribution target computer constituting the system, and the system And a method applied to the computer, and a computer program applied to the computer.

  Conventionally, it has been well known that various contents such as music scores, sentences, various drawings, music data, programs, etc. are obtained from a distribution computer (server) via a communication line such as the Internet or a dedicated line using a personal computer. ing. In this case, there are a case where various contents can be obtained free of charge from a distribution computer and a case where they are obtained for a fee.

  However, even when the above-mentioned various contents are charged, once the user has downloaded them to a personal computer, the downloaded contents can be used freely. Copying becomes possible. Therefore, the distribution computer side is hesitant to distribute all the contents, which has been an obstacle to the free distribution of various contents.

  The present invention has been made to address the above-described problems, and its purpose is to limit the use of distributed content in a simple manner and to configure the content distribution system and system capable of releasing the limitation Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer to be delivered, a system and a method applied to the computer, and a computer program applied to the computer.

In order to achieve the above object, a structural feature of the present invention is that a distribution computer comprising a distribution computer and a distribution target computer connected via a communication line and capable of communicating with each other includes the distribution computer, A database in which a plurality of contents are stored, a content transmission means for transmitting the contents in the database to the delivery target computer in response to a request from the delivery target computer, and a delivery target in response to a request from the delivery target computer Key file transmission that contains unique identification data that represents a value that changes randomly with the passage of time and is generated from the computer for the purpose of generation, and that generates a key file for controlling the use of the content and transmits it to the computer for delivery Means in the distribution target computer. Content request means for requesting content from a distribution computer, and a key file request for requesting a key file from the distribution computer and generating unique identification data when the key file is requested and transmitting it to the distribution computer means and the content and the key file sent from the distribution computer, key files and data memory for storing the specific identification data generated by the request means, printable printing means the content stored in the de Tamemori And the unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer, and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file request means, If both identification data match, the printing means Generates a print restriction release file that releases the restriction on content printing, deletes the key file in the data memory, and deletes the print restriction release file at the end of the program for providing the user with the content according to the user's instructions in the provision of the content usage control means for.

Also, if grasped from another point of view, it features of the present invention is a content requesting unit described above, the key file request means, data memory, to be delivered for computers with printing means and the content usage control means.

In these cases , a display unit capable of displaying the content stored in the data memory is further provided in the computer to be distributed, and the content use control unit releases the restriction on printing of the content by the printing unit by the print restriction release file. Under conditions that are not performed, the display resolution of the content by the display means may be coarsened, or the display of the content by the display means may be reduced .

  As a result, the presence of this key file restricts the free use of the content by the computer to be distributed even if the user of the computer to be distributed obtains only the content. It can be freely supplied to computers for delivery. Also, by providing a key file that is independent of the content, it is possible to easily add restrictions on usage such as copying of the content. Further, the unique identification data can easily ensure the safety against the use restriction of the content. Further, if this key file is encrypted, the safety against the release of the restriction on the use of musical score data can be kept high.

  Further, the above-described features of the present invention relating to the content distribution system and the computer to be distributed are also applied to the system, a control method realized by the computer, and a computer program executed by the system and the computer.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the embodiment, the content distribution system according to the present invention is applied to a score distribution system that distributes a score for use by a user. As shown in FIG. 1, the score distribution system includes a distribution computer (referred to as a server in this specification) 10, a communication line (network) 20 such as the Internet, a public telephone line, a dedicated line, and a LAN, and a terminal device. And a plurality of computers to be distributed (referred to as clients in this specification) 30. However, only one client 30 is shown in the figure.

  The server 10 includes a WEB server 11, a key issuing server 12, a database 13, and a communication unit 14.

  In this case, the WEB server 11 and the key issuing server 12 are actually programs stored in a program memory in the server 10. In response to a signal from the client 30, the WEB server 11 transmits a content file stored in the database 13, various data including a key file issued by the key issuing server 12, a program, and the like to a predetermined communication protocol. According to (for example, HTTP), the data is supplied to the client 30 via the communication unit 14 and the communication line 20. Further, the WEB server 11 takes in various data and programs from the client 30 via the communication line 20 and the communication unit 14. The content file includes content identification data CID corresponding to the content data and the content data.

  The key issuing server 12 creates an encrypted key file based on the content identification data CID that designates each content corresponding to each content and the runtime identification data RID supplied from the client 30. . The runtime identification data RID is specific data issued according to the purchase instruction timing when the content file is purchased in the client 30 and is used for confirmation of purchase.

  The database 13 is a large-capacity memory device such as a hard disk or MD that encrypts and stores a large number of content files each representing a large number of musical scores. The content in this case is a score, and the content file is composed of content data, content identification data CID, and the like. The content data is score data for printing a score composed of a large number of data representing a series of notes, music symbols, and the like. The content identification data CID is unique data that represents the content data (music score data) and identifies the content data. The musical score data may be constituted by image data in which the musical score is regarded as a simple figure. The communication unit 14 transmits / receives various data and programs to / from the communication line 20 according to a predetermined communication protocol (for example, HTTP).

  The client 30 includes a WEB browser 31, a viewer 32, a runtime ID generation unit 33, a data memory 34, and a communication unit 35.

  In this case, the WEB browser 31, the viewer 32, and the runtime ID generation unit 33 are actually programs stored in the program memory in the client 30. The WEB browser 31 reads various data and programs such as content files and key files in accordance with the supplied instructions and stores them in the data memory 34, gives instructions to the viewer 32, and sends various data via the communication unit 35. Data and programs are supplied to the server 10.

  The viewer 32 functions as a helper application for the WEB browser 31, reads content files, key files, and the like stored in the data memory 34 and uses the content files for the user according to user instructions. The viewer 32 includes a content file decrypting unit 32a and a key file decrypting unit 32b. The content file decrypting unit 32a decrypts the content file stored in the data memory 34, and decrypts the content identification data CID corresponding to the content data and the content data. The key file decrypting unit 32b decrypts the encryption of the key file stored in the data memory 34, and restores the content identification data CID and the runtime identification data RID. The viewer main body 32c exchanges data with the server 10 in cooperation with the WEB browser 31, and cooperates with the content file decryption unit 32a and the key file decryption unit 32b to use the content file for the user. Is.

  The runtime ID generation unit 33 generates runtime identification data RID specific to the instruction timing in response to a user instruction. For example, the runtime ID generation unit 33 includes a random number generation unit that generates a random number of bits according to the passage of time, and generates the random number as runtime identification data RID in synchronization with a user instruction timing.

  The data memory 34 is a relatively large-capacity memory device such as a hard disk or MD that stores content files, key files, and the like. The communication unit 35 corresponds to the communication unit 14 of the server 10 and transmits / receives various data and programs to / from the communication line 20 according to a predetermined communication protocol (for example, HTTP).

  The client 30 also includes an input key 36, a display 37, a printer 38, and a driver 39. The input key 36 includes a key corresponding to characters and numbers, a mouse, and the like, and supplies an instruction signal, input data, and the like according to a user's key operation to the WEB browser 31, the viewer body 32c, and the runtime ID generator 33. To do. The display 37 visually displays characters, graphics, and the like, and displays various items including a score in accordance with instructions from the WEB browser 31 and the viewer main body 32c. The printer 38 prints characters, figures, and the like, and prints various things including musical scores according to instructions from the WEB browser 31 and the viewer main body 32c. The driver 39 is controlled by the WEB browser 31, the viewer main body 32c, and other programs (not shown), reads data and programs from an external recording medium such as a CD, MD, and flexible disk, and data and programs to the recording medium. Write.

  Next, the operation of the content distribution system configured as described above will be described. Before that, the construction of the distribution system will be described. On the server 10 side, a general program for realizing the WEB server 11 and a dedicated program for realizing the key issuing server 12 are stored in a program memory of a relatively large computer. When these programs are stored in the program memory, the programs created in advance and stored in the CD, MD, etc. may be stored in the program memory of the server 10 using a driver (not shown). In addition, a large number of content files each composed of content data representing a score and content identification data CID corresponding to the content data are created, and the created content files are stored in the database 13. In this content file, in addition to the song name and composer, the genre of the song, the difficulty of the performance, the price at the time of sale, etc. are also included in the content file so that it is convenient for searching each score (song). Include it. Further, the content file in the database 13 can be added and updated at any time.

  On the other hand, on the client 30 side, a general program for realizing the WEB browser 31 and a dedicated program for realizing the viewer 32 and the runtime ID generator 33 are stored in the program memory of a normal personal computer. . In this case, these programs may be downloaded from the server 10 or another computer by a program (not shown). Further, a CD, MD or the like on which the program is recorded may be delivered to the user at the request of the user, and the user may install the driver 39 using a program (not shown).

  Next, the operation of the content distribution system configured as described above will be described along the procedure shown in FIG. First, the user activates the WEB browser 31 of the client 30 and requests a content file from the WEB server 11 using the input key 36 (S100). In this case, the user accesses the server 10 to display menu data and the like supplied from the server 10 on the display 37 and searches for the score of a desired song using the input keys 36 to request the score. (S102).

  In response to this, the WEB server 11 of the server 10 reads the requested content file from the database 13 (S104), and transmits a part of the content file to the WEB browser 31 of the client 30 (S106). However, a part of the content file also includes content identification data CID corresponding to the content itself. The WEB browser 31 stores a part of the transmitted content file in the data memory 34 (S108) and activates the viewer 32 (S110). In the viewer 32, the content file decrypting unit 32a reads out and decrypts a part of the content file stored in the data memory 34 to decrypt a part of the file. The viewer main body 32c displays a score corresponding to a part of the decrypted content file on the display 37 (S112). In this case, the score displayed on the display 37 is only a part of the score corresponding to a part of the content file. In addition, it is impossible to print the score, and the displayed score is smaller or coarser than usual in order to avoid hard copying.

  In this embodiment, in this state, only a part of the requested content file is supplied from the server 10 to the client 30, but all the requested content file is supplied from the server 10 to the client 30. You may be made to do. However, also in this case, printing based on the supplied content file is prohibited, and a part of the score corresponding to a part of the file is displayed small. However, in order to avoid the hard copy as described above, since the display score is small or the display resolution is rough, all the score may be displayed. When all the content files are supplied as described above, it is not necessary to transmit all the content files in step S166 described later.

  When the user instructs to select whether or not to purchase the displayed score using the input key 36, the viewer 32 issues a selection request to the WEB browser 31 (S114), and the WEB browser 31 sends the selection request to the server 10. Transmit (S116). In this case, the viewer 32 causes a tone generator circuit (not shown) built in the client 30 to generate a series of musical sounds corresponding to the file based on the content data (score data) or other data included in the content file. The user can conveniently select the score.

  On the other hand, when the WEB server 11 receives the selection request, the server 10 creates a list of musical scores (songs) selected by the user (S118), and transmits the created list to the client 30 (S120). In the client 30, the WEB browser 31 receives the selection list and displays the contents of the selection list on the display 37 (S122). This selection list includes content identification data CID indicating the content itself, but what is displayed is a song name, a composer, and the like. At the same time, the display 37 also displays an instruction waiting for adding a new content file, canceling the already selected content file, or ending the content file selection operation.

  When the user uses the input key 36 to instruct addition, cancellation, or selection end of the content file, the viewer 32 notifies the WEB browser 31 of the instruction (S124, S126). When the addition or cancellation is notified, the WEB browser 31 notifies the server 10 to that effect (S128). In the case of addition, the WEB browser 31 starts the content file request (S100) described above again. Accordingly, the content files requested by the user are sequentially added to the selection list according to the procedures of S100 to S122. In the case of cancellation, the WEB server 11 deletes the canceled content file from the created selection list, transmits the selection list to the client 30 again (S120), and the WEB browser 31 selects the client 30. The list is updated (S122).

  On the other hand, when the end of selection is instructed from the viewer 32 to the WEB browser 31 (S126), the WEB browser 31 notifies the server 10 of the end of the selection (S130). In the server 10, the WEB server 11 creates a purchase list in which the purchase amount is included in the contents of the created selection list (S132), and transmits the purchase list and purchase confirmation to the client 30 (S134).

  In the client 30, the WEB browser 31 notifies the purchase list and purchase confirmation to the viewer 32 (S136), and the viewer 32 displays the purchase list and purchase confirmation on the display 37 (S138). In this case, the display 37 displays the name of the song selected by the user, the composer, the purchase amount, etc., and an inquiry about a payment method (for example, a credit card number CNO) as a confirmation of purchase. When the user requests purchase using the input key 36 and inputs a payment method, the viewer 32 notifies the WEB browser 31 of the purchase request, payment method (credit card number CNO), etc. (S140), and WEB The browser 31 transmits the purchase request, payment method (credit card number CNO), etc. to the server 10 (S142).

  In the server 10, the WEB server 11 charges the user according to the transmitted payment method in response to the purchase request (S144), and thereafter, the charged amount is collected from the user. After this billing, the WEB server 11 creates a receipt corresponding to the purchase list (S146), and transmits the receipt file to the client 10 (S148). This receipt file includes a song name corresponding to the content (music score) purchased by the user, data relating to the song such as the composer, their respective amounts and total purchase amount, and content identification data CID corresponding to the content itself. Yes.

  In the client 30, the WEB browser 31 notifies the viewer 32 of the receipt file (S150). The viewer 32 stores the receipt file in the data memory 34 (S152), and the display 37 displays the receipt file. In response to this, the name of the purchased content (score), composer, etc., their respective amounts and the total purchase amount are displayed, and confirmation of receipt of the receipt file is displayed (S154).

  When the user confirms receipt using the input key 36, in response to the confirmation operation by the input key 36, the runtime ID generation unit 33 is activated and synchronized with the timing of the confirmation operation. Random number). The runtime identification data RID is stored in the data memory 34 by the viewer 32 in association with the purchase file (S156). At the same time, the viewer 32 notifies the receipt confirmation and runtime identification data RID to the WEB browser 31 (S158), and the WEB browser 31 transmits the receipt confirmation and runtime identification data RID to the server 10 (S160).

  In the server 10, the WEB server 11 stores the received receipt confirmation and runtime identification data RID in the database 13 (S162). Then, the WEB server 11 reads all content files related to each designated content (music score) from the database 13 based on the receipt file (the same applies to the selection list and the purchase list) (S164). The file is transmitted to the client 30 (S166). In the client 30, the WEB browser 31 receives all the transmitted content files and stores them in the data memory 34 (S168), and transmits a reception completion to the server 10 (S170).

  In the server 10, the WEB server 11 activates the key issuing server 12 in response to the reception completion, and receives the content identification data CID corresponding to all the transmitted contents (musical scores) and the client 10. The runtime identification data RID is notified to the key issuing server 12 (S172). The key issuing server 12 creates a key file including the content identification data CID and the runtime identification data RID, encrypts the key file, and passes it to the WEB server 11 (S174). The WEB server 11 transmits the encrypted key file to the client 30 (S176). At this time, the key file is also stored in the database 13.

  In the client 30, the WEB browser 31 stores the transmitted key file in the data memory 34 (S178). As a result, all the content files purchased by the user and the key file representing the purchase are stored in the data memory 34 of the client 30, and the runtime identification data RID in step S156 indicates the content itself. Will be remembered.

  Next, a case where content (music score) is printed will be described. In this embodiment, with the viewer 32 activated, the user operates the input key 36 to read the content file and key file from the data memory 34, and content (musical score) on condition that an appropriate key file exists. Is printed (S200 in FIG. 2).

  This operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the key input processing program in the viewer 32 is started at step 200 in FIG. 3 (S110 in FIG. 2), and then repeatedly executed until steps 202 to 206 are instructed to end. ing. In step 202, it is determined whether or not the input key 36 has been operated. If the key 36 has not been operated, the processing in step 202 continues to be executed. When the input key 36 is operated, “YES” is determined in step 202, and it is determined in step 204 whether or not the operation of the input key 36 is an end instruction. If the operation of the input key 36 is not an end instruction, “NO” is determined in step 204, and processing corresponding to the input key 36 operated in step 206 is executed.

  In this case, only processing related to printing of content (musical score) related to the present invention will be described. When the input key 36 instructs to open the designated file, the file processing routine of FIG. This file processing routine is started in step 220 in FIG. 4, and in step 222, a specified file (in this case, either a content file or a key file) is read from the data memory 34, and the read file is encrypted. Decrypt the file. Next, in step 224, it is determined whether or not the decrypted file is a key file.

  If the decrypted file is a key file, “YES” is determined in step 224, and it is determined in step 226 whether the decrypted key file is valid. In this determination, the content identification data CID and runtime identification data RID included in the key file, the content identification data CID included in the receipt file stored in the data memory 34 by the procedure S152, and the procedure The runtime identification data RID stored in the data memory 34 in S156 is compared with each other. If each content identification data CID and the runtime identification data RID match, it is determined that the key file is valid.

  If the key file is valid, “YES” is determined in step 226, and the print restriction is released. Specifically, print restriction release is indicated for one or a plurality of content identification data CIDs (content identification data CID corresponding to one or a plurality of content files purchased by the user) included in the decrypted key file. A print restriction release flag is added, and the content identification data CID to which the print release flag is added is temporarily stored as a print restriction release file. Note that the temporary storage of the print restriction release file means that the print restriction release file is stored in the RAM of the client 30, and the print restriction release file is deleted when the operation of the viewer 32 ends. Next, in step 230, the key file is deleted from the data memory 34. Therefore, it becomes impossible to read the key file again.

  On the other hand, if the file decrypted in step 222 is a content file, “NO” is determined in step 224, and the content file (music score file) is displayed on the display 37 in step 232. Also in this case, in order to avoid hard copy, the score displayed on the display 37 is sufficiently small and the display resolution is rough. However, in this case, all the pages of the designated content file (score of the designated song) are displayed by operating the input key 36. After step 230 or step 232, the file processing routine is temporarily terminated at step 234.

  When the content file (music score) as described above is displayed on the display 37 and the input key 36 is instructed to print the file, the print processing routine of FIG. Executed. This print processing routine is started in step 240 of FIG. 5, and it is determined in step 242 whether or not the restriction on printing of the content (musical score) being displayed on the display 37 has been released. In this determination, it is determined by referring to the print restriction release file whether the currently displayed content (musical score) can be printed. That is, it is determined whether or not the print restriction release flag is added to the content identification data CID that matches the content identification data CID corresponding to the content (music score) being displayed and is stored in the print restriction release file.

  If the printing restriction of the content (musical score) being displayed has been lifted, “YES” is determined in step 242, and the user confirms printing on the display 37 in step 244 (for example, “print” Is displayed). In this case, it is preferable that the size of the printing paper, the printing characters, the size of the printing score, the printing page, and the like can be designated. If the user instructs printing using the input key 36, “YES” is determined in step 244, the printer 38 is controlled in step 246, and the displayed content (score) is printed.

  Then, as described above, the content (score) is displayed on the display 37, and if the same content (score) is printed by the printing process, a plurality of contents (score) stored in the data memory 34 are sequentially printed. can do. In the confirmation of printing, if the user gives an instruction not to print using the input key 36, “NO” is determined in step 244, and the print processing routine is temporarily executed in step 254. Is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 242 that the print restriction is released, that is, “NO”, that is, it is determined that the print restriction of the displayed content (musical score) has not been released, the process proceeds to step 248. In step 248, an inquiry about whether to purchase the content (music score) being displayed is displayed to the user on the display 37, and in step 250, a user instruction is awaited. When the user wishes to purchase the content (music score) using the input key 36, “YES” is determined in step 250, and in step 252 the purchase processing procedure, that is, before step S114 in FIG. The process of advancing the program to the stage is executed. If it is not desired to purchase the content (music score), “NO” is determined in step 250, and execution of this print processing routine is temporarily ended in step 254.

  Further, in the key input processing program of FIG. 3, when the user instructs to end using the input key 36, “YES” is determined in step 204, and execution of this key input processing program is ended in step 208. Is done. Note that the end of the execution of the key input processing program also means the end of the operation of the viewer 32, and the viewer 32 does not start the operation unless it is activated again.

  As can be understood from the above description, according to the above embodiment, a content file representing a musical score is supplied from the server 10 side to the client 30 side through the communication via the communication line 20 between the client 30 and the server 10. Can print the musical score represented by the supplied content file, so that the user can easily obtain various musical scores. In this case, only when the client 30 makes an intention to purchase, the key file is sent from the server 10 side to the client 30 side, and this key file releases the restriction on printing of the content (musical score). (Score) is not printed indefinitely. In addition, the user can check a part of the content (music score) desired to be printed on the display 37 and can view a part of music corresponding to the score, which is convenient for the user.

  Also, in creating the key file, the runtime identification data RID is sent from the client 30 side to the server 10 side according to the user's desired purchase timing, and the server 10 sends the runtime identification data RID and the content file desired by the user. A key file including the content identification data CID corresponding to is created. The key file is sent to the client 30 and is compared with the runtime identification data RID stored when the client 30 sends the key file to the server 10 side. (Score) printing restrictions are removed. In this case, the generation of the runtime identification data RID is generated at random according to the timing of purchase by the user, and the same value is rarely given as the runtime identification data RID. Therefore, the restriction on printing can be easily and accurately canceled.

  In the above embodiment, as long as the viewer 32 is activated, the print restriction release file once created is stored in the RAM, so that the user can play the content (score) whose print restriction has been released any number of times. Can print. Therefore, in this case, even if the printing of the content (music score) fails once, the content (music score) can be printed again, which is convenient for the user. However, if the operation of the viewer 32 is terminated, the print restriction release file is erased from the RAM, and the key file is also erased after the creation of the print restriction release file, so that the score cannot be printed.

  Further, as long as the operation of the viewer 32 is continued, unlimited printing of contents (musical scores) by the user is allowed, so the number of times of printing may be limited. In this case, during the printing process in step 246 of FIG. 5, the number of times of printing is counted and stored for each printed content (score), and in step 242, the print restriction release flag is set. In addition, it is only necessary to determine whether to cancel the print restriction on the condition that the count number does not exceed a predetermined number for each content (music score). According to this, the number of times the content (music score) is printed is limited to a predetermined number or less by one activation of the viewer 32.

  Further, when limiting the number of times of printing, the print restriction release file and the count number are stored in the data memory 34 without deleting the print restriction release file at the end of the operation of the viewer 32. However, it may be stored even when the operation of the viewer 32 ends. According to this, even when the operation of the viewer 32 is once ended and the viewer 32 is restarted, the content (musical score) can be printed up to a predetermined number of times.

  Furthermore, the number of times that printing is permitted may be encrypted and stored in a key file so that the number of times that printing can be performed can be arbitrarily designated. For example, when purchasing a content file, the number of times may be specified, or the number of times may be variously determined according to the type of content.

  Further, instead of limiting the number of times of printing of the content (musical score), an elapse time from the time when the user issues a purchase request (the time when the runtime identification data RID is transmitted from the client 30 to the server 10) or a predetermined time limit after the same time. Up to the content (musical score) printing restriction may be lifted. In this case, a predetermined time point obtained by adding a predetermined time to the time point or a predetermined time point after the time point is stored in the client 30, and the print restriction release flag is set in step 242 of FIG. In addition to this, it is only necessary to use a clock circuit (timer circuit) built in the client 30 to determine whether to cancel the print restriction on the condition that it is before the stored predetermined time point. .

  Also in this case, if the print restriction release file and the predetermined time point are stored in the RAM and deleted at the end of the operation of the viewer 32, the repeated printing of contents (musical scores) is restricted during the operation of the viewer 32. Is done. Further, if the print restriction release file and the predetermined time point are stored in the data memory 34 and saved at the end of the operation of the viewer 32, the content (musical score) can be obtained even when the viewer 32 is restarted. Can be printed until the predetermined time point.

  In addition, the server 10 may manage the predetermined number of times, the predetermined time, and the predetermined time limit. In this case, the print restriction release file, the number of times of printing by the client 30, a predetermined time and a predetermined time limit are stored in the database 13, and content (musical score) is stored in response to a request from the client 30 side to the server 10 side. Printing may be permitted according to the conditions. In this case, the server 10 may transmit data permitting printing of content (music score) to the client 30 each time, or may transmit a key file to the client 30.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the server 10 transmits the requested content files one by one to the client 30 via the communication line 20 in response to the request of the client 30, and the runtime identification data RID from the client 30. In response to the transmission of the key file, the key file is transmitted to the client 30 via the communication line 20. However, with respect to the content file, all content files or a large number of content files stored in the database 13 are transmitted to the client 30 via the communication line 20, and the all or a large number of content files are transmitted on the client 30 side. You may make it memorize | store in the data memory 34. FIG. In addition, a recording medium such as a CD or MD containing a large number of content files may be distributed to the user by mail, courier service, or other methods. In this case, the user activates the viewer 32, reads out the content file stored in the data memory 34 or a recording medium such as a CD or MD, displays it on the display 37, and issues a request for selecting a desired content file to the server. 10 may be transmitted. That is, the user may purchase the content file according to the procedure after S114 in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the server 10 transmits the key file to the client 30 only once in response to a request from the client 30. However, the server 10 does not exceed the predetermined number of times or within the predetermined time by the client 30. The key file may be reissued upon request. In this case, in the server 10, the key issuing server 12 counts the number of times the key file is transmitted or measures the time since the first key file is issued. The key file may be reissued in response to a request from the client 30 only when the key file is within a predetermined time. According to this, even when the client 30 is lost before using the key file due to a failure of the client 30 or an operation error, the client 30 releases the restriction on the use of the content (score) purchased once. It is possible to be able to.

  In the above embodiment, the user selects a plurality of content files one by one and then purchases the plurality of content files at the same time. Instead, the user selects the same content file every time the user selects one content file. You may make it purchase a content file. In this case, one key file is supplied from the server 10 to the client 30 for each content file.

  Further, in the above embodiment, after instructing the purchase of the content file using the input key 36, the server 10 performs the billing process and the receipt file transmission process, and then confirms receipt of the receipt file. At this time, the runtime identification data RID generated by the runtime ID generation unit 33 is transmitted to the server 10 (S140 to S160). However, in order to simplify this, the runtime identification data RID corresponding to the purchase request timing may be transmitted to the server 10 simultaneously with the content file purchase instruction without waiting for receipt of the receipt file. In this case, after the purchase instruction, a receipt file, all content files, a key file, and the like are simultaneously transmitted from the server 10 to the client 30.

  In the above-described embodiment, all communication with the server 10 for purchasing the content file is performed using the personal computer as the client 30. However, a part of the communication with the server 30 is performed by other communication means. For example, a telephone, a mobile phone, a mail, a courier service, etc. can be used. For example, when a purchase request is made to the viewer 32 on the client 30 side (S140 in FIG. 2), the runtime identification data RID generated by the runtime ID generating unit 33 is displayed on the display 37. Then, data corresponding to the contents of the separately displayed content (may be content identification data CID) and the displayed data RID are sent to the server 10 side using the other communication means. The server 10 side captures both of the sent data into the key issuing server 11 by a manual operation or the like, forms a key file in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and transfers the formed key file to the other It is sent to the user by means of communication. The user captures the key file into the viewer 32 of the client 30 using the input key 36 or the like. As a result, the client 30 can print the content (music score). This method is particularly effective when all or many of the content files stored in the database 13 are supplied in advance to the client 30 side via the communication line 20, CD, MD, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the communication between the server 10 and the client 30 is performed via the communication line (network) 20 such as the Internet, a public telephone line, a dedicated line, and a LAN. Not limited to wired communication, a wireless communication line such as a satellite communication line, a portable wireless telephone line, or a Bluetooth (Blue Tooth) may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the example using a personal computer (general purpose computer) was demonstrated as the client 30 which is a terminal device. However, this terminal device operates as described above with a microprocessor function unit such as a CPU and an interface unit for receiving data such as content data and key files via the communication line 20 in a broad sense. A storage unit that stores the program and the received data, a device that uses the content (a printer in the above embodiment), a driver that drives the device, and an interface that enables connection to the device by wire or wirelessly A personal computer (PDA), a mobile phone, a home game machine (including a portable game machine), a copier, a facsimile machine, an electronic musical instrument, etc. Various devices that can communicate with other devices can be used.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a distribution system that supplies a musical score as a content from the server 10 to the client 30 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to text, various diagrams (maps, paintings, photographs, etc.) ), And other contents such as music and programs can also be distributed. In the case of texts and various figures, restrictions such as printing and display of clear images may be released using the key file formed as in the above embodiment. In the case of music, data such as MIDI data may be adopted as data, and the restriction on the range of music viewing may be released using the key file. For example, in a state where there is no key file, data of only a part of a measure and a part of a song can be reproduced, and in a state where a key file is obtained, all data can be reproduced. In the case of a program, the restriction on the execution of the program may be canceled using the key file. In this case, if there is no key file, it is only necessary to introduce the outline of the program and make the program executable with the key file obtained.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole content distribution system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional diagram which shows the work flow by the distribution system of FIG. It is a flowchart of the key input processing program which shows utilization of the content by a client. It is a detailed flowchart of the file processing routine of FIG. FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the print processing routine of FIG. 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Server (distribution computer), 11 ... WEB server, 12 ... Key issuing server, 13 ... Database, 20 ... Communication line (network), 30 ... Client (delivery computer), 31 ... WEB browser, 32 ... Viewer 33 ... Runtime ID generator 34 ... Data memory 36 ... Input key 37 ... Display 38 ... Printer

Claims (9)

In a content distribution system consisting of a distribution computer and a distribution target computer connected via a communication line and capable of communicating with each other,
In the distribution computer,
A database that stores multiple contents;
Content transmitting means for transmitting content in the database to the computer for delivery in response to a request from the computer for delivery;
In response to a request from the computer to be distributed, a key file is generated that includes unique identification data that is transmitted from the computer to be distributed and represents a value that changes randomly with the passage of time and that controls the use of content. And providing a key file transmission means for transmitting to the computer for delivery,
In the delivered computer,
Content requesting means for requesting content from the distribution computer;
A key file request for requesting the key file to the distribution computer and generating unique identification data representing a value that changes randomly with the passage of time when the key file is requested and transmitting it to the distribution computer Means,
A data memory for storing the content and the key file sent from the distribution computer, and the unique identification data generated by said key file request means,
A printing unit capable of printing content stored before Symbol data memory,
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer; and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means; If the two identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the restriction on printing of the content by the printing unit is generated, the key file in the data memory is erased, and the content is in accordance with a user instruction. A content distribution system comprising: content usage control means for erasing the print restriction release file at the end of a program for use by the user . In the content distribution system according to claim 1,
In the computer for delivery, provided is a display means capable of displaying the content stored in the data memory,
The content usage control means includes:
A content distribution system that roughens the display resolution of content by the display unit under a condition in which the restriction on printing of content by the printing unit is not released by the print restriction release file . In the content distribution system according to claim 1,
In the computer for delivery, provided is a display means capable of displaying the content stored in the data memory,
The content usage control means includes:
A content distribution system that reduces the display of content by the display unit under a condition in which the restriction on printing of content by the printing unit is not released by the print restriction release file . In a distributed computer capable of communicating with a distribution computer having a database storing a plurality of contents,
Content requesting means for requesting content from the distribution computer;
A key file for controlling the use of content by the user is requested from the distribution computer, and unique identification data representing a value that randomly changes with the passage of time is generated when the key file is requested. A key file requesting means for sending to a distribution computer;
Stores contents transmitted from the distribution computer, a key file transmitted from the distribution computer and including the specific identification data, and the specific identification data generated by the key file requesting means Data memory to be
Printing means capable of printing the content stored in the data memory;
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer; and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means; If the two identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the restriction on printing of the content by the printing unit is generated, the key file in the data memory is erased, and the content is in accordance with a user instruction. Content use control means for erasing the print restriction release file at the end of the program for providing the user with
A computer for delivery, comprising: The computer for delivery according to claim 4, further comprising:
Providing a display means capable of displaying the content stored in the data memory;
The content usage control means includes:
A computer to be distributed that roughens the display resolution of content by the display unit under a condition in which the restriction on printing of the content by the printing unit is not released by the print restriction release file . The computer for delivery according to claim 4, further comprising:
Providing a display means capable of displaying the content stored in the data memory;
The content usage control means includes:
A delivery target computer that reduces the display of content by the display unit under a condition in which the restriction on printing of content by the printing unit is not released by the print restriction release file . In a content distribution method using a distribution computer and a distribution target computer connected via a communication line and capable of communicating with each other,
The delivery computer is
Transmitting contents in a database storing a plurality of contents in response to a request from the delivery target computer to the delivery target computer; and
In response to a request from the computer to be distributed, a key file is generated that includes unique identification data that is transmitted from the computer to be distributed and represents a value that changes randomly with the passage of time and that controls the use of content. And send it to the delivery computer,
The delivered computer is
Request content from the distribution computer;
Requesting the key file to the distribution computer, generating unique identification data representing a value that changes randomly with the passage of time when the key file is requested, and transmitting the identification data to the distribution computer,
Storing the content and key file transmitted from the distribution computer and the specific identification data generated by the distribution target computer in a data memory; and
  The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer; and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means; If the two identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the print restriction of the content by the printing means is generated, the key file in the data memory is erased, and the content is deleted according to the user's instruction. A content distribution method, wherein the print restriction release file is erased when a program for use by a user ends. In a content use control method applied to a distribution target computer capable of communicating with a distribution computer having a database storing a plurality of contents,
Request content from the distribution computer;
A key file for controlling the use of content by the user is requested from the distribution computer, and unique identification data representing a value that randomly changes with the passage of time is generated when the key file is requested. Send it to a distribution computer,
Content transmitted from the distribution computer, key file transmitted from the distribution computer and including the specific identification data, and the specific identification data generated by the distribution target computer Stored in data memory, and
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer; and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means; If the two identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the print restriction of the content by the printing means is generated, the key file in the data memory is erased, and the content is deleted according to the user's instruction. A content usage control method, wherein the print restriction release file is erased at the end of a program for use by a user. In a computer program applied to a distributed computer capable of communicating with a distribution computer having a database storing a plurality of contents,
A content request procedure for requesting content from the distribution computer;
A key file for controlling the use of content by the user is requested from the distribution computer, and unique identification data representing a value that randomly changes with the passage of time is generated when the key file is requested. A key file request procedure to be sent to the distribution computer;
Content transmitted from the distribution computer, key file transmitted from the distribution computer and including the specific identification data, and the specific identification data generated by the distribution target computer A storage procedure for storing in the data memory;
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer; and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means; If the two identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the print restriction of the content by the printing means is generated, the key file in the data memory is erased, and the content is deleted according to the user's instruction. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a content use control procedure for erasing the print restriction release file at the end of a program for use by a user.

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