JP4783438B2 - Content management device, content distribution device, content update management method, content distribution method, content update management program, content distribution program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content management apparatus, a content distribution apparatus, a content update management method, a content distribution method, a content update management program, a content distribution program, and a content management apparatus that update a valid period for viewing or listening set for a copy of content with a time limit The present invention relates to a recording medium. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described content management device, content distribution device, content update management method, content distribution method, content update management program, content distribution program, and recording medium.

  In recent years, a subscription that allows any user to download a predetermined group of songs and play them in a replayable manner by the user's playback terminal, etc., only during the contract period, by paying a predetermined contract fee. Services called service services are spreading. This subscription service may be, for example, a streaming method in which no music data remains on the user's playback terminal, and the user can listen to a relatively large amount of music even with a low contract fee. it can.

  In addition, the use of information limited to a predetermined period has been limited to a period corresponding to the period during which the user maintains a contract to connect to a specific network provider. There has been a proposal that enables execution of a program (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  Specifically, the proposal described in Patent Document 1 below sets a license key that can be cut in a short period of time for software distributed to a user's information terminal, and updates the software license by connecting to a network provider. It is configured to do.

JP 2001-265584 A

  However, in the above-described technology, for example, when a copy of a downloaded song is transferred to another device and the user wants to audition or listen to the song in the transferred device, when the expiration date of the copy reaches the deadline, An example is the problem of having to transfer a copy of a song with an updated validity period. Further, for example, even if each device can update the valid period, there is an example of a problem that it is impossible to manage which valid period of the music stored in which device is updated.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the content management apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention distributes content that can be viewed or listened to in a predetermined effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). In a content management apparatus that acquires content with a time limit from a distribution device and transfers a copy of the content with a time limit (hereinafter referred to as “duplicate content”) to another device managed by the own device. An accepting unit that accepts an update request for an effective period of the duplicate content; an acquisition unit that obtains an effective period of the duplicate content for which an update request has been received by the accepting unit; and an effective period of the duplicate content acquired by the obtaining unit; Compare the validity period of the time-limited content from which the content is copied The expiration date of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as an “expiration date”) of the content with the time limit of the copy source of the copy content based on the comparison result determined by the valid time determination unit and the valid time determination unit Copy content update control means for controlling update of the validity period of the copy content within a time limit not exceeding.

  In addition, the content distribution apparatus according to the invention of claim 8 distributes content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”), and a copy of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “the time-limited content”). A content distribution device that accepts an update request for the valid period of the duplicate content from a content reproduction device that stores the duplicate content), and when the update request for the valid period of the duplicate content is accepted, Obtaining means for acquiring the valid period of the content with the time-limited content of the copy source from the content management apparatus storing the original content with the time-limited content, valid period of the copied content having received the update request, and obtaining by the obtaining means Validity to compare with the validity period of the content with the specified time limit Based on the comparison result determined by the interval determination means and the validity period determination means, the content reproduction apparatus is provided with information on the validity period within a range not exceeding the validity period of the time-limited content that is the copy source of the duplicate content. And a distribution means for distributing.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content update management method for acquiring content with a time limit from a content distribution device that distributes content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). In the content update management method in the content management device that transfers the copy of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “copy content”) to the other device managed by the own device, the valid period of the copy content from the other device Receiving the update request, an acquisition step of acquiring the valid period of the duplicate content received the update request in the reception step, the valid period of the duplicate content acquired in the acquisition step, and the duplicate Compare and judge the validity period of the time-limited content from which content is copied Based on the comparison result determined in the validity period determination step and the validity period determination step, the expiration date of the expiration date of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “expiration date”) of the duplicate content source A duplicate content update control step for controlling the update of the valid period of the duplicate content within a limited period.

  In addition, the content distribution method according to the invention of claim 11 distributes content that can be viewed or listened to during a predetermined effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”), and also reproduces the content (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). Content delivery method that accepts an update request for the validity period of the duplicate content from a content playback device that stores the duplicate content), and when the update request for the validity period of the duplicate content is accepted, An acquisition step of acquiring a validity period of the time-limited content of the copy source from a content management apparatus storing the time-limited content of the copy source of the copy content; a validity period of the copy content that has received the update request; Validity of time-limited content acquired in the acquisition process A valid period determining step for comparing and determining the period of time, and based on the comparison result determined in the valid period determining step, the content playback device is instructed to exceed the valid period of the time-limited content that is the copy source of the duplicate content. A distribution step of distributing information on a valid period of no range.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a content update management program causes a computer to execute the content update management method according to the tenth aspect.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a content distribution program causes a computer to execute the content distribution method according to the eleventh aspect.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which the program according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect is recorded in a computer-readable state.

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a content management apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content update management processing procedure of a content management apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the content reproduction apparatus concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the content delivery apparatus concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a content update processing procedure of the content reproduction apparatus according to the second embodiment; 10 is a flowchart illustrating a content distribution processing procedure of the content distribution apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the music distribution system concerning a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the subscription service server concerning Example 1, and PC. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a navigation device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a playback terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of PC702. It is explanatory drawing shown about an example of the update process of the effective period of a child content. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example of the update process of the effective period of a child content. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example of the update process of the effective period of a child content. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example of the update process of the effective period of a child content. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of a navigation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of a subscription service server. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example of the update process of the effective period of a child content. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example of the update process of the effective period of a child content. It is explanatory drawing shown about another example of the update process of the effective period of a child content.

  Exemplary embodiments of a content management device, a content distribution device, a content update management method, a content distribution method, a content update management program, a content distribution program, and a recording medium according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. explain.

(Embodiment 1)
(Functional configuration of content management device)
First, the functional configuration of the content management apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the content management apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a content management apparatus 100 includes a reception unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, an input unit 103, a validity period determination unit 104, an update determination unit 105, a notification unit 106, a request unit 107, and a time limit. A content update control unit 108 and a duplicate content update control unit 109 are provided. The content management apparatus 100 acquires time-limited content from a content distribution apparatus that distributes content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”), and copies the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). "Replicated content") is transferred to another device managed by the own device.

  In the first embodiment, the content distribution device may be a content distribution device 400 (see FIG. 4) described later. Further, the other device managed by the own device may be a content reproduction device 300 (see FIG. 3) described later. Furthermore, the content management device 100 and the content reproduction device 300 may be specified by contract information regarding a contract between the user and the content distribution device 400. The contract information includes, for example, billing information, specific information regarding the device and content, and information regarding the validity period of the content.

  Further, the specific information regarding the content may be, for example, metadata such as a title name or author name of the content, a music ID (IDentifier) such as a copyright number, or an identification number in the subscription service. Good. Further, it may be information including a feature amount of the content or a part of the content. By including the feature amount and part of the content, it is possible to easily identify the same content when there is a difference in version such as a recording environment.

  The content management apparatus 100 is capable of storing, managing, playing back, and duplicating temporarily viewable content downloaded by a subscription service, for example, on a PC that is in a home and has a communication environment. Also good. Subscription service is a service that allows users to download and play songs in a given group of music, for example, by the user's playback terminal only during the contract period, by paying a predetermined contract fee. is there.

  In general, subscription services include streaming playback services, but in this specification, the user pays a predetermined contract fee and downloads or downloads content of a predetermined content group during the contract period. A mechanism for realizing a service that permits the reproduction of the content is described. In particular, in this specification, when a user renews a contract period by continuously paying a predetermined contract fee, a copy of content downloaded from a predetermined content group during the contract period is valid. A mechanism for realizing a service that updates the period will be described. The content of the content group may be video data, music data, or other various information data. Further, the music may be distributed using download by a communication function, or may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed by mail or the like.

  The accepting unit 101 accepts an update request for the valid period of the duplicate content from another device. Specifically, for example, an update request may be received by connecting another device to the communication I / F or the like. The connection may be wired or wireless, for example. Further, the valid period is a period during which the content set in the copied content according to the contract information by the user can be viewed or listened to. Furthermore, the update request is information for requesting an update of the valid period of the content, and includes specific information for specifying the device that has transmitted the update request and information regarding the valid period of each copy content stored in the specified device. It is out.

  The acquisition unit 102 acquires the valid period of the duplicate content for which the update request has been received by the reception unit 101. Specifically, for example, information on the validity period included in the update request is acquired. Further, the acquisition unit 102 may acquire the update history information of the validity period of each device stored in the device itself for the device specified by the specific information included in the update request.

  The input unit 103 accepts input of the date / time for watching or listening to the copied content. Specifically, for example, an input may be received by connecting another device that stores the copied content, or an input device provided by the user's own device is operated by a user or the like. It may be accepted. Specifically, the scheduled date and time for viewing or listening to the duplicate content is, for example, a scheduled date for driving, and a date and time when the duplicate content may be viewed or listened to by a navigation device or the like.

  The validity period determination unit 104 compares and determines the validity period of the duplicate content acquired by the acquisition unit 102 and the validity period of the time-limited content from which the duplicate content is copied. In addition, the validity period determination unit 104 determines whether or not the expiration date of the validity period of the duplicate content acquired by the acquisition unit 102 (hereinafter referred to as “expiration date”) is the same as the expiration date of the content with a limitation of the duplication source of the duplicate content. Determine whether. Specifically, for example, when the expiration date of the copied content is different from the expiration date of the time-limited content, it is determined that the update date of the copied content has not been updated. Specifically, the expiration date is “month × day × day × month × day” to “month × day”, which is the expiration date of the validity period of the period.

  Further, the validity period determination unit 104 determines whether or not the expiration date of the copied content acquired by the acquisition unit 102 is before a predetermined date and time. Further, the validity period determination unit 104 determines whether there is a duplicate content whose expiration date is before the scheduled viewing or listening date and time input by the input unit 103. Further, the validity period determination unit 104 compares and determines the validity period of the duplicate content acquired by the acquisition unit 102 and the validity period of the time-limited content updated by the time-limited content update control unit 108 described later.

  The update determination unit 105 receives the copy content validity period update request received by the accepting unit 101 and the copy content valid period acquired by the acquisition unit 102 and the valid period of the copy-content-limited content Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the valid period of the time-limited content has been updated. Here, for example, when the valid period of the duplicate content is set in a range not exceeding the valid period of the time-limited content, when it is determined that the valid period of the duplicate content and the valid period of the time-limited content are the same , It is determined that there is a possibility that the time-limited content has not been updated within the validity period according to the latest contract information.

  The notification unit 106 notifies when the update determination unit 105 determines that the validity period of the time-limited content has not been updated. Specifically, by notifying that the validity period of the time-limited content has not been updated, for example, the user is prompted to request the content distribution device to update the validity period of the time-limited content.

  When the update determination unit 105 determines that the valid period of the time-limited content has not been updated, the request unit 107 requests the content distribution apparatus to update the valid period of the time-limited content.

  The time-limited content update control unit 108 controls the update of the valid period of the time-limited content according to at least information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution apparatus in response to the request unit 107. When the expiration date of the time-limited content is different from the information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution device, the effective period of the time-limited content is updated. Here, for updating the expiration date, for example, information related to the effective period included in the content may be updated, or information related to the effective period included in the rights file associated with the content may be updated. The rights file is downloaded and copied with the content, for example. The rights file includes information related to the validity period, specific information for specifying the device and content, and the like. In this case, there is no restriction on viewing or listening in the content itself, and an application or the like that reproduces the content acquires the right file information and determines the valid period of the content.

  The duplicate content update control unit 109 controls updating of the valid period of the duplicate content based on the comparison result determined by the valid period determination unit 104. When the validity period determining unit 104 determines that the expiration date is different, the duplicate content update control unit 109 controls the updating of the expiration date of the duplicate content and updates the expiration date of the duplicate content. Further, when the valid period determination unit 104 determines that the copy content update control unit 109 is before the predetermined date and time, the copy content update control unit 109 controls the update of the copy content expiration date and does not update the copy content expiration date. Further, when the valid period determining unit 104 determines that there is a duplicate content whose expiration date is before the scheduled viewing or listening date and time, the duplicate content update control unit 109 sets the expiration date of the duplicate content to the validity of the content with the expiration date. Renew it to an expiration date that includes the scheduled date and time for viewing or listening.

  The duplicate content update control unit 109 also sets the expiration date of the duplicate content to exceed the expiration date of the time-limited content if the expiration date of the preset duplicate content is a predetermined date and time before the expiration date of the time-limited content. Update to no expiration date. In this case, for example, the expiration date may be updated and extended only for a predetermined date and time from when a copy content update request is received. Here, for updating the expiration date, for example, information related to the effective period included in the content may be updated, or information related to the effective period included in the rights file associated with the content may be updated.

(Content update management processing procedure of content management device)
Next, a content update management processing procedure of the content management apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a content update management processing procedure of the content management apparatus. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, the process waits until the receiving unit 101 receives a copy content update request (step S201: No loop). When a request for updating the duplicate content is received (step S201: Yes), the acquisition unit 102 acquires the valid period of the duplicate content (step S202).

  Next, the update determining unit 105 determines whether or not the valid period of the time-limited content recorded in the own device has been updated (step S203). If the validity period of the time-limited content is not updated in step S203 (step S203: No), the request unit 107 requests the content distribution apparatus to update the validity period of the time-limited content (step S204). Then, the time-limited content update control unit 108 controls the update of the valid period of the time-limited content according to at least information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution apparatus in response to the request in step S204 (step S205).

  Next, the validity period determination unit 104 compares the validity period of the duplicate content acquired in step S202 with the validity period of the time-limited content controlled in step S205 (step S206). Based on the comparison result determined in step S206, the copy content update control unit 109 controls the update of the valid period of the copy content (step S207), and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, if the valid period of the time-limited content is updated in step S203 (step S203: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206 as it is, and the valid period of the duplicate content acquired in step S202 by the valid period determination unit 104; The effective periods of the time-limited contents determined to have been updated in step S203 are compared. Then, based on the comparison result determined in step S206, the copy content update control unit 109 controls the update of the valid period of the copy content, and the series of processes ends.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 2, it is determined in step S203 whether or not the valid period of the time-limited content has been updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, without determining whether or not the effective period of the time-limited content has been updated, the process may proceed to step S206 to compare the effective period of the copied content and the effective period of the time-limited content.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the update of the validity period of the time-limited content is controlled in step S205. For example, when the validity period is not updated by at least information relating to the time period distributed from the content distribution device, the user Information that prompts the user to charge may be notified.

  As described above, according to the content management apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the valid period of the duplicate content for which the update request has been accepted by the accepting unit 101 is obtained by the obtaining unit 102, and the valid term determination unit 104 obtains the copy content. The effective period is compared with the effective period of the time-limited content from which the copied content is copied. Then, based on the comparison result determined by the effective period determination unit 104, the update of the effective period of the copied content is controlled. Therefore, the content management apparatus 100 can update the valid period of the duplicate content stored in the content reproduction apparatus. As a result, the user can update, for example, the valid period of the copied content in a device that does not have a communication environment or a device that cannot communicate. Therefore, a copy of the content downloaded from the subscription service server can be viewed or listened during the valid period.

  Further, according to the content management apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, when the expiration date of the duplicate content acquired by the acquisition unit 102 is different from the expiration date of the content with the expiration date of the copy source of the duplicate content by the expiration date determination unit 104 If it is determined, the copy content update control unit 109 can control the update of the expiration date of the copy content and update it. Therefore, when it is determined that the valid period of the copied content has not been updated, the valid period of the time-limited content can be updated. As a result, the user can update the valid period of the duplicate content in a device that does not have a communication environment or a device incapable of communication to the same valid period as that of a device that has a communication environment.

  In addition, according to the content management apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, when the validity period determination unit 104 determines that it is before the predetermined date and time, the copy content update control unit 109 controls the update of the expiration date of the copy content. Can not update. Therefore, since the number of times the valid period of the copied content is updated is increased and authentication is performed each time, it is possible to eliminate fraud such as a breach of contract. Thus, the user can enjoy the content in accordance with his / her contract without any fraud by others.

  Also, according to the content management apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the input unit 103 accepts the input of the scheduled viewing / listening date / time of the copied content, and the validity period determination unit 104 determines that the date / time before the scheduled viewing / listening date / time is valid. When it is determined that there is a copy content with a time limit, the copy content update control unit 109 updates the copy content expiration date to a time limit that does not exceed the expiration date of the content with a time limit and includes a scheduled viewing / listening date and time. Can do. Therefore, if the expiration date does not exceed the expiration date of the time-limited content, the expiration date of the copied content can be updated to an expiration date after the scheduled viewing / listening date and time. This allows the user to view or listen to content even during a scheduled drive by updating the content copy expiration date to a date later than the scheduled date, such as when a drive is scheduled. Can do.

  Also, according to the content management apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, when the expiration date of the duplicate content set in advance is a predetermined date and time before the expiration date of the time-limited content, the duplicate content update control unit 109 performs the duplicate content. The expiration date of is updated to an expiration date that does not exceed the expiration date of the content with a time limit. Therefore, for example, by updating the valid period of duplicate content within a range that is less than the valid period of time-limited content, the number of updates is increased and authentication is performed each time, so fraud such as contract violations can be eliminated. . As a result, users can decide the number of days to update the valid period of the duplicated content according to the usage within the range that does not exceed the valid period of the time-limited content. You can enjoy listening.

  Further, according to the content management apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, when the update determination unit 105 determines that the valid period of the time-limited content has not been updated, the notification unit 106 can notify it. Therefore, when the valid period of the content with a time limit is not updated when the valid period of the copied content is updated, the user can be notified. Thereby, the user can be notified, for example, when the user has forgotten to pay for the subscription service.

  Further, according to the content management apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, when the update determining unit 105 determines that the validity period of the time-limited content has not been updated, the request unit 107 sends the time-limited content to the content distribution apparatus. It is possible to request an update of the effective period, and to control the update of the effective period of the content with a time limit according to at least information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution apparatus in response to the request. In addition, it is possible to update the validity period of the copied content based on the validity period in which the time limit of the time-limited content is updated. Accordingly, the user can update the validity period based on the latest validity period included in the contract information with the subscription service.

(Embodiment 2)
(Functional configuration of content playback device)
Next, a functional configuration of the content reproduction device 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the content reproduction apparatus 300 includes an input unit 301, an extraction unit 302, a validity period determination unit 303, a notification unit 304, a request unit 305, and an update control unit 306. The content reproduction device 300 reproduces a content with a time limit (hereinafter referred to as “duplicate content”) acquired from a content distribution device that distributes content that can be viewed or listened to during a predetermined effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). ) Is received from the device that manages the device. In the second embodiment, the content distribution device may be a content distribution device 400 (see FIG. 4) described later. Further, the device that manages the device itself may be, for example, the content management device 100 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the content management device and the content reproduction device 300 may be specified by contract information regarding a contract between the user and the content distribution device.

  For example, the content reproduction device 300 may be mounted on a mobile body and may be able to store and reproduce a copy of content that is temporarily viewable downloaded to the content management device 100 by a subscription service. Further, the content reproduction device 300 may be able to store and reproduce a copy of the content stored in another content reproduction device 300. Although not shown in the drawing, a configuration for reproducing and outputting such as a reading unit for reading content is also provided.

  The input unit 301 receives an input of a reproduction instruction for duplicate content. Specifically, for example, an instruction to start viewing or listening to the copied content is received. Furthermore, specifically, an input of an operation such as an input device by a user may be received. Further, an input may be received by inserting a CD or the like on which duplicate content is recorded.

  The extraction unit 302 extracts the valid period of the duplicate content. Specifically, for example, information related to the validity period included in each duplicate content is extracted from the duplicate content recorded in a recording unit (not shown) included in the content reproduction device 300. Furthermore, you may extract from the rights file linked | related with the content. In addition, when the input unit 301 receives an input of a reproduction instruction for duplicate content, the extraction unit 302 extracts an effective period of the duplicate content for which the input of the reproduction instruction has been received. Further, the extraction unit 302 may extract the validity period of a plurality of duplicate contents.

  The validity period determination unit 303 determines the expiration date of the validity period of the duplicate content extracted by the extraction unit 302 (hereinafter referred to as “expiration date”). Further, the validity period determination unit 303 determines whether or not the expiration date of the copied content extracted by the extraction unit 302 is within a predetermined date and time. Further, the validity period determination unit 303 compares and determines the expiration dates of a plurality of duplicate contents extracted by the extraction unit 302.

  The notification unit 304 notifies the expiration date of the copied content. Specifically, the notification unit 304 performs notification using video information and audio information by using, for example, a display or a speaker. Further, the notification unit 304 may notify the list of expiration dates based on the comparison result determined by the validity period determination unit 303.

  The request unit 305 requests the content distribution device to update the expiration date based on the determination result determined by the validity period determination unit 303. The request unit 305 requests the content distribution apparatus to update the expiration date when the expiration date determination unit 303 determines that the expiration date of the copied content is within a predetermined date and time.

  The update control unit 306 controls the update of the expiration date of the copied content according to at least information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution apparatus in response to the request unit 305. In addition, the update control unit 306 controls the update of the expiration date of the duplicate content according to at least information related to the expiration date distributed from the content distribution apparatus in response to the request unit 305 to update the expiration date of the duplicate content. Here, for updating the expiration date, for example, information related to the effective period included in the content may be updated, or information related to the effective period included in the rights file associated with the content may be updated.

(Functional configuration of content distribution device)
Next, a functional configuration of the content distribution apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the content distribution apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, the content distribution device 400 includes a reception unit 401, an identification unit 402, an acquisition unit 403, a validity period determination unit 404, and a distribution unit 405. The content distribution device 400 distributes content that can be viewed or listened to in a predetermined effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). For example, the content with a time limit may be distributed to the content management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. In this case, the content reproduction device 300 transfers a copy of the content with a time limit distributed to the content management device 100 (hereinafter referred to as “copy content”). The content distribution device 400 is, for example, a server group that performs a subscription service.

  The accepting unit 401 accepts an update request for the validity period of time-limited content or duplicate content from a communicable device. The communicable device is a device that can communicate with the content distribution device 400 via a network, for example. Specifically, for example, the content management apparatus 100 and the content reproduction apparatus 300 are used.

  The identification unit 402 identifies a communicable device (hereinafter referred to as “update target device”) that has transmitted the valid period update request received by the reception unit 401. For example, the identifying unit 402 identifies whether the update target device is a device included in a contract with a user.

  The acquisition unit 403 acquires the contract information of the update target device identified by the identification unit 402. In addition, when the acquisition unit 403 receives a valid period update request from the communicable content reproduction apparatus 300 that stores the copied content, the acquisition unit 403 stores the time-limited content that is the copy source of the copied content. Information on the validity period is acquired from the management apparatus 100.

  Based on the contract information acquired by the acquisition unit 403, the validity period determination unit 404 determines whether the validity period of the time-limited content or the duplicate content stored in the update target device has been updated. Further, the validity period determination unit 404 obtains information regarding the validity period of the copied content stored in the content reproduction apparatus and information regarding the validity period of the time-limited content that is the copy source stored in the content management apparatus. Make a comparison.

  When the effective period determination unit 404 determines that the effective period has not been updated, the distribution unit 405 distributes information related to the effective period to the update target device. Distribution of the information regarding the effective period is, for example, distributing information that causes the update target device to update the effective period, or a rights file with an updated effective period. Further, the distribution unit 405 stores information on the valid period within a range not exceeding the valid period of the time-limited content of the copy source of the copy content based on the comparison result determined by the valid period determination unit 404. To deliver. Further, when the validity period is updated in any one of the content reproduction apparatus 300 and the content management apparatus 100, the distribution unit 405 distributes information related to the validity period of the time-limited content or the duplicated content to other apparatuses. May be.

(Content update processing procedure of content reproduction device 300)
Next, a content update processing procedure of the content reproduction device 300 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a content update process performed by the content reproduction apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, first, the process waits until an input of a reproduction instruction for duplicate content is received by the input unit 301 (step S501: No loop). When an input of a reproduction instruction for duplicate content is received (step S501: Yes), the extraction unit 302 extracts the valid period of the duplicate content received in step S501 (step S502).

  Next, the expiration date of the effective period of the copied content extracted in step S502 (hereinafter referred to as “expiration date”) is determined (step S503). Next, based on the determination result determined in step S503, the request unit 305 requests the content distribution apparatus 400 to update the expiration date (step S504). Then, the update control unit 306 controls the update of the expiration date of the duplicate content in accordance with at least information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution device 400 in response to the request in step S504 (step S505), and ends the series of processing. To do.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the content update process is started when an input of a reproduction instruction for a duplicate content is accepted in step S501: Yes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content update process may be started by receiving an input of an operation such as an input device by the user.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the expiration date is requested to be updated in step S504, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, when the expiration date has not been reached, the expiration date of the copied content may not be updated, and the copied content may be played according to the playback instruction received in step S501.

  As described above, according to the content reproduction device 300 of the second embodiment, the request unit 305 requests the content distribution device 400 to update the expiration date based on the determination result determined by the validity period determination unit 303. In response to this request, it is possible to control the update of the expiration date of the copied content in accordance with at least information relating to the time limit distributed from the content distribution device 400. Therefore, for example, when communication is possible even if the content reproduction apparatus 300 does not have a communication environment, the validity period can be updated without using the content management apparatus 100. Thereby, when the user cannot connect to the content management apparatus 100, for example, while traveling, even if the expiration date of the effective period of the copied content is reached, the user can update the effective period by himself / herself. You can watch or listen to the duplicate content.

  Also, according to the content reproduction device 300 of the second embodiment, the request unit 305 causes the content distribution device 400 to send an expiration date if the expiration date determination unit 303 determines that the expiration date of the copied content is within a predetermined date and time. The update control unit 306 updates the expiration date of the duplicate content by controlling the update of the expiration date of the duplicate content in accordance with at least information relating to the term delivered from the content distribution device 400 in response to the request. can do. Therefore, the valid period of the content can be updated before the expiration date is reached. As a result, the user can be prevented from having a bad communication environment on the deadline date and being unable to view or listen without being able to update the content.

  Furthermore, according to the content reproduction apparatus 300 of the second embodiment, when the input unit 301 receives an input of reproduction content reproduction instructions, the extraction unit 302 can extract the valid period of the reproduction content. Therefore, the valid period can be confirmed every time reproduction is performed, and can be updated if the deadline is likely to be reached. As a result, the user can omit the operation of starting the update process.

  Further, according to the content reproduction apparatus 300 of the second embodiment, the extraction unit 302 extracts the validity periods of the plurality of duplicate contents, and the validity periods of the plurality of duplicate contents acquired by the extraction unit 302 are determined as the validity period determination unit 303. The notification section 304 can notify the list of expiration dates based on the determined comparison result. Therefore, when the effective period varies depending on the content, it is possible to display the list in the order in which each content is likely to reach the effective period. As a result, the user can easily check the contract information associated with each content.

(Content distribution processing procedure of content distribution apparatus)
Next, a content distribution processing procedure of the content distribution apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a content distribution processing procedure of the content distribution apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the reception unit 401 first waits until an update request for the validity period of time-limited content or duplicate content is received from a communicable device (step S601: No loop).

  In step S601, when a valid period update request is received (step S601: Yes), the identification unit 402 transmits a valid period update request accepted in step S601 (hereinafter, “update target apparatus”). Is identified (step S602). Then, the acquisition unit 403 acquires the contract information of the update target device identified in step S602 (step S603).

  Next, the validity period determination unit 404 determines whether or not the validity period of the time-limited content or the copied content stored in the update target device has been updated based on the contract information acquired in step S603 ( Step S604). If it is determined in step S604 that the valid period has been updated (step S604: Yes), the series of processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S604 that the validity period has not been updated (step S604: No), the distribution unit 405 distributes information related to the validity period to the update target device (step S605), and a series of processes Exit.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 6, if the contract information is updated by the user's billing in step S601 without accepting the validity period update request, the content management apparatus or all registered apparatuses are updated. Information about the validity period can be distributed.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the update target device is identified in step S602, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, a user or content may be identified instead of the device. In this case, the apparatus may not be registered in the contract information.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the valid period is updated in step S604: Yes, the series of processes is terminated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, even when the valid period is updated, the process may proceed to step S605 to distribute information regarding the valid period.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, it is assumed that information regarding the valid period is distributed in step S605, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, a rights file may be distributed, or the validity period of content recorded directly on another device may be rewritten.

  As described above, according to the content distribution device 400 of the second embodiment, the update target device that has transmitted the update request for the validity period accepted by the accepting unit 401 is identified by the identifying unit 402, and the identified update target device is identified. The acquisition unit 403 acquires the contract information. Based on the contract information, the validity period determination unit 404 determines whether the validity period of the time-limited content or the copied content stored in the update target device has been updated, and the validity period has not been updated. If it is determined, information regarding the validity period can be distributed to the update target device. Therefore, the valid period can be updated as long as it is recorded in a communicable device regardless of whether the content is limited or copied.

  In addition, according to the content distribution apparatus 400 of the second embodiment, the validity period determination unit 404 includes information regarding the validity period of the duplicate content stored in the content reproduction apparatus and the duplicate content stored in the content management apparatus. The distribution unit 405 makes a comparison with the information regarding the valid period of the content with the copy source time limit, and the distribution unit 405 determines whether the copy source of the copy content has a time limit based on the comparison result determined by the valid time determination unit 404. It is possible to distribute information on a valid period that does not exceed the valid period of the content. Therefore, the valid period of the duplicate content can be updated based on the valid period of the time-limited content. As a result, the user can centrally manage the effective period of each content.

  Further, according to the content distribution device 400 of the second embodiment, when the validity period is updated in any one of the content reproduction device and the content management device, the distribution unit 405 causes the content of the time-limited content or the duplicate content to be updated. Information about the validity period can be distributed to other devices. Accordingly, it is possible to update contents recorded in a plurality of registered devices at once. Thus, the valid period is automatically updated if communication is possible, so that it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to update.

  Example 1 of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, for example, the content distribution apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a subscription service server that provides a subscription service, and the content management apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a PC having a communication environment. An example in which the content reproduction apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a navigation apparatus mounted on a moving body such as a wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle or a reproduction terminal that can be carried by a user will be described.

(System overview)
First, an outline of a music distribution system that distributes music as an example of content distribution according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the music distribution system according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the music distribution system 700 includes a subscription service server 701, a PC 702, a navigation device 703, and a playback terminal 704. The subscription service server 701, the PC 702, the navigation device 703, and the playback terminal 704 are connected via the Internet 710, and the PC 702, the navigation device 703, and the playback terminal 704 are the same user. It is assumed that 705 is owned.

  In the description of FIG. 7, the PC 702, the navigation device 703, and the playback terminal 704 are owned by the same user 705, but may be different from each other. It is good also as possession which can be grasped | ascertained by the user 705.

  The subscription service server 701 distributes music to the PC 702 and navigation device 703 owned by the user 705 based on a contract for distribution of predetermined music with the user 705. The music distribution may be performed not only on the PC 702 and the navigation device 703 but also on a terminal registered in accordance with a contract with the user 705.

  In addition, the distributed music may be provided with information that permits copying or information that limits the number of copies. The PC 702 or the navigation device 703 that has received the music distribution may generate a copy within the permitted number of copies and transmit the copy to another terminal. At this time, for example, in a contracted terminal, a terminal that receives distribution of music (parent device) and a terminal that copies and transmits music distributed to the parent device (child device) may be distinguished. By distinguishing in this way, the music (parent content 720) that is the origin of the copy (child content 721) is always recorded in the parent device, and music management becomes easy.

  In addition, the master unit identifies whether the other connected terminal is a slave unit of the same contract as the master unit by connecting another terminal. You can send a copy to the slave unit. Moreover, it is good also as acquiring a valid period of a music and being able to transmit a replication to a subunit | mobile_unit, when there exists a remaining date in the valid period of a music. Furthermore, each time another terminal is connected, the parent device acquires authentication information from the subscription service server 701, and whether or not the other terminal connected according to the acquired authentication information is a child device of the own device. May be judged. Further, for example, the child device may be able to transmit a copy (grandchild content) of the child content 721 to another child device.

  In addition, when the other terminal is connected, the parent device may acquire authentication information from the other connected terminal, and may determine whether or not it is a child device of the own device based on the acquired authentication information. When a slave unit is connected to the master unit, the music stored in the master unit is compared with the copy stored in the slave unit. If there is a copy that is not stored, the copy of the music may be automatically transferred to the slave unit. In addition, for example, in a communication child device such as the navigation device 702, when receiving a copy from the parent device, authentication may be performed directly from the subscription service server 701 via the Internet 710.

  For example, if the same validity period as that of the original music is set for the copy, the slave unit that has received the copy is based on a contract regarding the distribution of the predetermined music with the user 705. Playback can be limited to a period. Further, by shortening the validity period set for duplication shorter than that of the original music piece, it is possible to frequently authenticate the slave unit, to eliminate fraud due to a violation of the contract, and to execute a contract relating to distribution of a predetermined music piece.

  In the present invention, a PC 702 that is a terminal with a well-equipped communication environment is described as a parent device, and other terminals (navigation device 703, playback terminal 704, etc.) are described as child devices. The navigation device 703 will be described as a terminal that does not have a communication environment but can communicate, and the playback terminal 704 is a terminal that cannot communicate.

  Specifically, for example, the subscription service server 701 allows the user 705 to use the registered terminals such as the PC 702 and the navigation device 703 to prepare music pieces that the subscription service server 701 prepares according to the contracted period. You can download or play as many songs as you like from a group of songs and listen to them.

  More specifically, for example, the subscription service server 701 is a content server that stores and manages music data, terminal authentication of the user 705, an authentication server that sets and manages the validity period of music, and a user 705. It may be composed of a server group including a billing server that manages contract information and billing information. For example, the number of server groups is not limited to three, and may be any server that includes any one or more of a content server, an authentication server, and a billing server, and can realize all functions.

  Here, an outline of music distribution by the subscription service server 701 will be described. When the subscription service server 701 receives a music download request from a predetermined terminal such as the PC 702 registered in accordance with the contract with the user 705, the subscription service server 701 has a valid contract by the function of the authentication server. Whether or not the user is the user 705 is authenticated.

  Furthermore, the subscription service server 701 sets music to be distributed from the music group stored and managed by the function of the content server according to the contract information of the user 705 managed by the function of the accounting server. Specifically, for example, the music to be distributed is set for a music requested from the PC 702 or the like, and the effective period corresponding to the contract information or billing information is set and distributed.

  Here, the valid period may be updated according to the payment status of the user 705, for example, and may be information that includes not only the end date of distribution but also the start date and end date. Also, instead of the delivery date, a valid period for reproduction may be set, or information regarding whether or not reproduction is possible. In addition, the validity period may be changed as appropriate by the provider providing the subscription service.

  In this embodiment, the validity period is set by the subscription service server 701 for the music to be distributed, but it may be configured by each terminal. Specifically, for example, the terminal may acquire contract information and billing information, and may reproduce music according to the contract information and billing information. Furthermore, contract information and billing information acquired by the parent device may be transmitted to the child device.

  The navigation device 703 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and in addition to guiding the route of the vehicle, the navigation device 703 reproduces content recorded on a recording medium and content acquired from the PC 702 or the reproduction terminal 704. The playback terminal 704 is portable by the user and plays back content recorded on a recording medium or content acquired from the PC 702 or the navigation device 703. The copy may be automatically transmitted to all terminals owned by the user 705 or a terminal designated in advance. When there is a limit on the number of copies, the copy is made to a plurality of terminals owned by the user 705. It is also possible to set the priority order for transmitting the.

  Specifically, for example, it is possible to listen to a copy of a music piece distributed to the PC 702 by the subscription service server 701 and further transmitted by the PC 702. The delivered music has, for example, a valid period for listening, and the set music is delivered by a download method.

  More specifically, for example, the navigation device 703, the playback terminal 704, and the like are owned by a user 705 who has made a contract for distribution of a predetermined music, and can be used by a display unit, an audio output unit, or the like (not shown). It has a function to refer to a list of music and information. Then, the selection of a music piece that the user 705 wants to listen to can be received by an operation unit (not shown) and the music piece can be reproduced.

  For example, the PC 702 may download one or more songs from the subscription service server 701. The downloaded music may be a music that can be listened to only for a valid period according to the contract.

  When the PC 702, the navigation device 703, the playback terminal 704, etc., when playing a song, before receiving a play instruction for each song, the valid period set for each song is always acquired, and there is a song that is not within the valid period The user 705 may be notified that the period is not valid. In addition to the notification to the user 705, a billing instruction may be issued to an Internet bank or the like.

  In addition, the PC 702, the navigation device 703, the playback terminal 704, and the like may not manage the valid period set for each song, but may manage the valid period using a music playback program associated with each song. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a music outside the valid period is not reproduced by a music reproduction program accompanying the music.

  The listening of music by the PC 702, the navigation device 703, the playback terminal 704, etc. is not limited to the valid period of listening when the playback instruction from the user 705 is received, and the time when the playback instruction is subsequently received is valid. When it is determined that it is not within the period, the reproduction of the music may be stopped within a period in which trial listening is generally accepted, for example, within 40 seconds.

  For listening to music by the PC 702, the navigation device 703, the playback terminal 704, etc., when a playback instruction is received, the past playback history recorded in the navigation device 703 is searched, and if the previous playback is within the valid period, Playing the music immediately, and then, if it is determined that the point in time when the playback instruction is received is not within the valid period, the playback of the music is generally stopped within a time period during which the audition is permitted, for example, within 40 seconds. Also good. Also, if the previous playback is outside the valid period, the music is not played immediately, the valid period of the music for which the playback instruction has been accepted is acquired, and whether or not the music is played according to the acquired valid period You may judge.

(Subscription service server and PC hardware configuration)
Here, the hardware configuration of the subscription service server 701 and the PC 702 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the subscription service server and the PC according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, a subscription service server 701 and a PC 702 are respectively a CPU 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a magnetic disk drive 804, a magnetic disk 805, an optical disk drive 806, an optical disk 807, and an audio I / F (interface). 808, a speaker 809, an input device 810, a video I / F 811, a display 812, and a communication I / F 813. In addition, the respective components 801 to 813 are connected by a bus 820, respectively.

  First, the CPU 801 governs overall control of the subscription service server 701 or the PC 702. The ROM 802 stores various programs such as a boot program, a communication program, a data management program, and an effective period setting program. Further, the PC 702 may store a copy generation program. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the CPU 801. Also, a copy of the content may be generated and transferred to the navigation device 703 or the playback terminal 704.

  The magnetic disk drive 804 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 805 according to control of CPU801. The magnetic disk 805 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 804. As the magnetic disk 805, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 806 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 807 according to control of CPU801. The optical disk 807 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 806. As the optical disc 807, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 807, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 808 is connected to a microphone 809 for audio input and a speaker 810 for audio output. Sound is output from the speaker 809.

  Examples of the input device 810 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 811 is connected to the display 812. Specifically, the video I / F 811 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 813, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 812 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 812 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 812, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 813 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the subscription service server 701 or the PC 702 and the CPU 801. The communication I / F 813 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 801.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 813 is configured by, for example, an FM tuner.

  The content management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a reception unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, an input unit 103, a validity period determination unit 104, an update determination unit 105, a notification unit 106, a request unit 107, a time-limited content update control unit 108, The duplicate content update control unit 109 uses the program or data recorded in the ROM 802, RAM 803, magnetic disk 805, optical disk 807, etc. in the PC 702 shown in FIG. The function is realized by controlling each unit in the area 701.

  That is, the PC 702 according to the first embodiment executes the content update management program recorded in the ROM 802 serving as a recording medium in the PC 702, so that the functions provided in the content management apparatus shown in FIG. It can be executed in the update management processing procedure.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 703)
Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation device 703 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, a navigation device 703 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and includes a CPU 901, ROM 902, RAM 903, magnetic disk drive 904, magnetic disk 905, optical disk drive 906, optical disk 907, and audio. I / F (interface) 908, microphone 909, speaker 910, input device 911, video I / F 912, display 913, communication I / F 914, GPS unit 915, various sensors 916, and camera 917 And. Each component 901 to 917 is connected by a bus 920.

  First, the CPU 901 governs overall control of the navigation device 703. The ROM 902 records various programs such as a boot program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a communication program, a content reproduction program, and an effective period setting program. The RAM 903 is used as a work area for the CPU 901. The content reproduction program and the communication program reproduce the copied content transferred from the PC 702.

  The route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point using map information recorded on a magnetic disk 905 or an optical disk 907 described later. Here, the optimum route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination point or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user.

  The route guidance program is read from the guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, the current location information of the vehicle calculated by executing the current location calculation program, and a magnetic disk 905 and an optical disc 907 described later. Real-time route guidance information is generated based on the map information. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 908 and the video I / F 912 via the CPU 901.

  The magnetic disk drive 904 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 905 according to control of CPU901. The magnetic disk 905 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 904. As the magnetic disk 905, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 906 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 907 according to control of CPU901. The optical disc 907 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 906. As the optical disc 907, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 907, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 908 is connected to a microphone 909 for audio input and a speaker 910 for audio output. The sound received by the microphone 909 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 908. Sound is output from the speaker 910.

  Examples of the input device 911 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 912 is connected to the display 913. Specifically, the video I / F 912 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 913, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 913 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 913 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 913, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 914 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 703 and the CPU 901. The communication I / F 914 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 901.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 914 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) / beacon receiver, a radio navigation device, and other navigation devices. Get road traffic information such as regulations. VICS is a registered trademark. The communication I / F 914 may be configured to acquire schedule information and profile information from, for example, a server (not shown).

  The GPS unit 915 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current location of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 915 is used when the current position of the vehicle is calculated by the CPU 901 together with output values of various sensors 916 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map information such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 916 include a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and the like, and output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle. The output values of the various sensors 916 are used by the CPU 901 to calculate the current location of the vehicle and to measure the amount of change in speed and direction.

  The camera 917 captures images inside or outside the vehicle. The video may be either a still image or a moving image. In addition, the video imaged by the camera 917 is output to a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 905 or the optical disk 907 via the video I / F 912.

(Hardware configuration of playback terminal 704)
Next, the hardware configuration of the playback terminal 704 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the playback terminal according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 10, a playback terminal 704 includes a CPU 1001, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1003, a magnetic disk drive 1004, a magnetic disk 1005, an optical disk drive 1006, an optical disk 1007, an audio I / F (interface) 1008, and a microphone 1009. A speaker 1010, an input device 1011, a video I / F 1012, a display 1013, and a communication I / F 1014. In addition, each of the components 1001 to 1014 is connected by a bus 1020.

  First, the CPU 1001 governs overall control of the playback terminal 704. The ROM 1002 records various programs such as a boot program, a communication program, and a content recording program. The RAM 1003 is used as a work area for the CPU 1001.

  The magnetic disk drive 1004 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the magnetic disk 1005 according to the control of the CPU 1001. The magnetic disk 1005 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 1004. As the magnetic disk 1005, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disc drive 1006 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disc 1007 according to the control of the CPU 1001. The optical disc 1007 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 1006. As the optical disc 1007, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disc 1007, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The voice I / F 1008 is connected to a microphone 1009 for voice input and a speaker 1010 for voice output. The sound received by the microphone 1009 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 1008. Sound is output from the speaker 1010.

  Examples of the input device 1011 include a remote controller including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 1012 is connected to the display 1013. Specifically, the video I / F 1012 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 1013, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 1013 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 1013 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 1013, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 1014 is connected to the PC 702 or the navigation device 703 by wire and functions as an interface between the playback terminal 704 and the CPU 1001.

  The content management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a reception unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, an input unit 103, a validity period determination unit 104, an update determination unit 105, a notification unit 106, a request unit 107, a time-limited content update control unit 108, The copy content update control unit 109 uses the programs and data recorded in the ROM 802, RAM 803, magnetic disk 805, optical disk 807, etc. of the PC 702 shown in FIG. The function is realized by controlling.

  That is, the PC 702 according to the first embodiment executes the content distribution program recorded in the ROM 802 serving as a recording medium in the PC 702, so that the function provided in the content management apparatus illustrated in FIG. It can be executed in the management process procedure.

(PC processing details)
Next, the contents of processing of the PC 702 (master unit) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the PC 702. In the flowchart of FIG. 11, first, it waits until a child device (navigation device 703 or playback terminal 704 or the like) is connected (step S1101; No loop), and when a child device is connected (step S1101: Yes). The communication I / F 814 waits until a request for updating the copy of the music (child content 721) recorded in the child device is received (step S1102: No loop).

  When an update request for the child content 721 is accepted in step S1102 (step S1102: Yes), the effective period of the child content 721 is acquired (step S1103). Next, it is determined whether or not the validity period of the music (parent content 720) recorded on the magnetic disk 805 or the optical disk 807 remains (step S1104). When it is determined in step S1104 that the effective period of the parent content 720 remains (step S1104: Yes), the effective period of the child content 721 acquired in step S1103 and the effective period of the parent content 720 determined in step S1104. The periods are compared (step S1105).

  It is determined whether the valid period of the child content 721 and the parent content 720 is the same based on the comparison result compared in step S1105 (step S1106). If it is determined in step S1106 that the validity period is different (step S1106: No), the validity period of the child content 721 is updated (step S1107), and the series of processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1104 that the effective period of the parent content 720 does not remain (step S1104: No), or if the effective period is determined to be the same in step S1106 (step S1106: Yes), the subscription service server An update of the valid period is requested to 701 (step S1108). Here, in the first embodiment, the expiration date of the child content 721 is set within a range not exceeding the expiration date of the parent content 720. Therefore, if the effective period of the parent content 720 and the child content 721 is the same in step S1106, the effective period of the parent content 720 may not be updated, and thus the process proceeds to step S1108 and the effective period is added to the subscription service server 701. Request an update.

  Then, the effective period of the parent content 720 is updated according to the information about at least the time limit distributed from the subscription service server 701 in response to the request in step S1108 (step S1109). In step S1107, the effective period of the child content 721 is updated based on the effective period of the parent content 720 updated in step S1109, and the series of processes ends.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 11, the server is requested to update the valid period in step S1108, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the server may be configured to check whether the validity period is the latest. Further, for example, before making a request for updating the validity period, the user may be notified and it may be determined whether or not the request is made according to an operation input from the user.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 11, the effective period of the child content 721 is updated in step S1107. The method of the effective period will be described in detail in FIGS.

(An example of child content validity period update processing)
Next, the valid period update process of the child content 721 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the update process of the valid period of the child content. In FIG. 12, when the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 that is the child device is copied from the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702 that is the parent device, the same valid period as the parent content 720 is set. Suppose that Specifically, for example, the effective period whose deadline is November 30 is set for the parent content 720 and the child content 721.

  Here, the PC 702 receives an update request for the effective period of the child content 721 from the navigation device 703 on November 25. Further, the validity period of the parent content 720 recorded on the PC 702 has been updated before November 25, and the deadline has been changed to December 31. Therefore, the PC 702 controls the validity period of the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 and changes the validity period to December 31 as the validity period. Thereby, in the navigation apparatus 703, the child content 721 can be listened to until December 31. For example, an updatable period may be set. The updatable period is a period during which an update of the valid period of the child content 721 is accepted. The updatable period is determined, for example, in association with the due date of payment, and may be determined as a period during which the update process can be surely performed if normal payment is made. Specifically, for example, when the updateable period is set to 3 days before the expiration date, and the update request for the effective period of the child content 721 is received from the navigation device 703 on November 25, the PC 702 displays the navigation device 703. The valid period of the child content 721 recorded in the file may not be updated. In this case, when a request for updating the effective period of the child content 721 is received from the navigation device 703 after November 28, the PC 702 controls the effective period of the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703, and Change to a new validity period. Furthermore, the updatable period may be determined by the navigation device 703. For example, the navigation device 703 may be configured to make a request for updating the effective period of the child content 721 only in the updatable period. This updatable period is from the predetermined date before the expiration date to the expiration date, and as described above, the update is not accepted before the predetermined date.

(Another example of child content validity period update processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, description will be given of a process of updating the effective period of the child content when the effective period set for the child content 721 is shorter than the effective period of the parent content 720. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the valid period update process for the child content 721. In FIG. 13, the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 that is a child device is set with a shorter validity period than the parent content 720 when copied from the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702 that is the parent device. Suppose that Specifically, for example, the effective period of the parent content 720 is set as a deadline of November 30, while the effective period of the child content 721 is set as a deadline of November 10. Therefore, by making the effective period of the child content 721 shorter than the effective period of the parent content 720, the number of times the child device is connected to the parent device in order to update the effective period of the child content 721 is increased. As a result, the number of authentications for the slave unit can be increased, fraud due to breach of contract, etc. can be eliminated, and the subscription service can be executed safely.

  Here, the PC 702 receives an update request for the effective period of the child content 721 from the navigation device 703 on November 10th. The effective period of the parent content 720 is set to November 30 as a deadline. Therefore, for example, when a valid period of 10 days has been set after a request for renewal of a valid period is made by a slave unit according to a predetermined contract, the valid period is updated within a range not exceeding the valid period of the parent content 720. Set a valid period of 10 days from the time of request. Specifically, for example, since the PC 702 receives an update request from the navigation device 703 on November 10, the PC 702 controls the validity period of the child content 721 and changes the validity period to November 20 as the deadline. . Thereby, in the navigation device 703, the child content 721 can be listened to until November 20.

(Another example of child content validity period update processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, description will be given of a process for updating the effective period of the child content when the scheduled date for viewing or listening to the child content 721 is received. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the valid period update process for the child content 721. In FIG. 14, similarly to the description of FIG. 13, the child content 721 recorded on the navigation device 703 that is the child device is copied from the parent content 720 recorded on the PC 702 that is the parent device. It is assumed that an effective period shorter than 720 is set. Specifically, for example, the effective period of the parent content 720 is set as a deadline of November 30 and the effective period of the child content 721 is set as a deadline of November 10.

  Here, the PC 702 receives an update request for the effective period of the child content 721 and information on the scheduled viewing or listening date of the child content 721 from the navigation device 703 on November 10th. In FIG. 14, the scheduled date for viewing or listening to the child content 721 is November 22nd. Therefore, for example, according to a predetermined contract, an effective period of 3 days from the scheduled date is set so that the scheduled date of viewing or listening to the child content 721 transmitted by the child device does not exceed the effective period of the parent device. Specifically, for example, the PC 702 has received information from the navigation device 703 that the scheduled date for viewing or listening to the child content 721 is November 22, so the effective period of the child content 721 is controlled to Change the validity period to 25 days. As a result, the navigation device 703 can listen to the child content 721 as of November 22, which is the scheduled viewing or listening date.

(Another example of child content validity period update processing)
Next, a process for updating the effective period of the child content 721 when the effective period of the child content 721 and the parent content 720 are the same when an update request by the child device is received will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the child content validity period update processing. In FIG. 15, the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 that is the child device is set with the same effective period as the parent content 720 when copied from the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702 that is the parent device. Suppose that Specifically, for example, the effective period whose deadline is November 30 is set for the parent content 720 and the child content 721.

  Here, the PC 702 receives an update request for the effective period of the child content 721 from the navigation device 703 on November 25. Further, the effective period of the parent content 720 recorded on the PC 702 is set to November 30 as a deadline. However, the subscription service server 701 performs billing processing on November 20 by the user 705. Therefore, the valid period is set to December 31 as the deadline.

  When the PC 702 receives an update request from the navigation device 703, the valid period of the parent content 720 recorded on the magnetic disk 805 or the optical disc 807 of the PC 702 and the child content 721 recorded on the magnetic disc 905 or the optical disc 907 of the navigation device 703. Compare the validity period of. When the effective period of the parent content 720 and the effective period of the child content 721 are the same, an update request for the parent content 720 is transmitted to the subscription service server 701.

  Next, when the subscription service server 701 determines that the PC 702 is a parent device contracted with the subscription service, the subscription service server 701 compares the validity period of the parent content 720 with the latest validity period according to the billing information, and the parent content 720. If it is determined that the valid period of the current period has not been updated to the latest valid period, the latest valid period information is transmitted to the PC 702. The PC 702 receives the latest valid period information and updates the valid period of the parent content 720. Specifically, for example, the effective period of the parent content 720 is set to 31 December. Next, the PC 702 controls the validity period of the child content 721 of the navigation device 703 that has received the update request, and changes the validity period to December 31 as the validity period. Thereby, in the navigation apparatus 703, the child content 721 can be listened to until December 31.

  As described above, according to the PC 702 of the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 102 acquires the valid period of the duplicate content for which the update request has been received by the reception unit 101, and the valid period determination unit 104 determines the valid period of the duplicate content; A comparison is made with the validity period of the time-limited content of the copy source of the copy content. Then, based on the comparison result determined by the effective period determination unit 104, the update of the effective period of the copied content is controlled. Therefore, the content management apparatus 100 can update the valid period of the duplicate content stored in the content reproduction apparatus. As a result, the user can update, for example, the valid period of the copied content in a device that does not have a communication environment or a device that cannot communicate. Therefore, a copy of the content downloaded from the subscription service server can be viewed or listened during the valid period.

  Further, according to the PC 702 of the first embodiment, when the expiration date of the duplicate content acquired by the acquisition unit 102 is determined to be different from the expiration date of the content with the expiration date of the copy source of the duplicate content by the expiration date determination unit 104 The duplicate content update control unit 109 can control and update the expiration date of the duplicate content. Therefore, when it is determined that the valid period of the copied content has not been updated, the valid period of the time-limited content can be updated. As a result, the user can update the valid period of the duplicate content in a device that does not have a communication environment or a device incapable of communication to the same valid period as that of a device that has a communication environment.

  In addition, according to the PC 702 of the first embodiment, when the validity period determination unit 104 determines that it is before the predetermined date and time, the copy content update control unit 109 controls the update of the expiration date of the copy content and does not update it. Can do. Therefore, since the number of times the valid period of the copied content is updated is increased and authentication is performed each time, it is possible to eliminate fraud such as a breach of contract. Thus, the user can enjoy the content in accordance with his / her contract without any fraud by others.

  Further, according to the PC 702 of the first embodiment, the input unit 103 accepts the input of the scheduled viewing / listening date / time of the copied content, and the valid date judging unit 104 copies the date / time before the scheduled viewing / listening scheduled date / time. If it is determined that there is, the duplicate content update control unit 109 can update the expiration date of the duplicate content to an expiration date including the scheduled viewing / listening date and time within a time limit that does not exceed the expiration date of the time-limited content. Therefore, if the expiration date does not exceed the expiration date of the time-limited content, the expiration date of the copied content can be updated to an expiration date after the scheduled viewing / listening date and time. This allows the user to view or listen to content even during a scheduled drive by updating the content copy expiration date to a date later than the scheduled date, such as when a drive is scheduled. Can do.

  Further, according to the PC 702 of the first embodiment, when the expiration date of the copy content set in advance is a predetermined date and time before the expiration date of the content with a time limit, the copy content update control unit 109 sets the expiration date of the copy content. , Update the expiration date to the expiration date that does not exceed the expiration date of the time-limited content. Therefore, for example, by updating the valid period of duplicate content within a range that is less than the valid period of time-limited content, the number of updates is increased and authentication is performed each time, so fraud such as contract violations can be eliminated. . As a result, users can decide the number of days to update the valid period of the duplicated content according to the usage within the range that does not exceed the valid period of the time-limited content. You can enjoy listening.

  Further, according to the PC 702 of the first embodiment, when the update determination unit 105 determines that the valid period of the time-limited content has not been updated, the notification unit 106 can notify it. Therefore, when the valid period of the content with a time limit is not updated when the valid period of the copied content is updated, the user can be notified. Thereby, the user can be notified, for example, when the user has forgotten to pay for the subscription service.

  Further, according to the PC 702 of the first embodiment, when the update determination unit 105 determines that the validity period of the time-limited content is not updated, the request unit 107 updates the validity period of the time-limited content to the content distribution apparatus. And the update of the valid period of the content with a time limit can be controlled in accordance with at least information regarding the time limit distributed from the content distribution apparatus in response to the request. In addition, it is possible to update the validity period of the copied content based on the validity period in which the time limit of the time-limited content is updated. Accordingly, the user can update the validity period based on the latest validity period included in the contract information with the subscription service.

  As described above, according to the content management device, content update management method, content update management program, and recording medium of the present invention, the valid period of the copy transferred to the navigation device 703 and the playback terminal 704 is updated in the PC 702. be able to. In addition, when the effective period of the content recorded on itself is not updated, the effective period of copying can be updated after updating the content recorded on itself. As a result, the user can centrally manage the validity period for content copying.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, for example, the content distribution apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a subscription service server that provides a subscription service, and the content management apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a PC having a communication environment. An example will be described in which the content reproduction device of the present invention is implemented by a navigation device that is mounted on a mobile body such as a wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle and has a communication environment that is not prepared. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the child device directly requests the subscription service server to update the child content 721 recorded in the child device without using the parent device. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  An input unit 301, an extraction unit 302, a validity period determination unit 303, a notification unit 304, a request unit 305, and an update control unit 306 included in the content reproduction device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 are the ROM 902 in the navigation device 703 illustrated in FIG. The CPU 901 executes a predetermined program using programs and data recorded in the RAM 903, the magnetic disk 905, the optical disk 907, and the like, and realizes the function by controlling each unit in the navigation device 703.

  That is, the navigation apparatus 703 according to the second embodiment executes the content update program recorded in the ROM 902 as a recording medium in the navigation apparatus 703, thereby providing the functions of the content reproduction apparatus shown in FIG. The content update processing procedure shown can be executed.

  Also, the reception unit 401, the identification unit 402, the acquisition unit 403, the validity period determination unit 404, and the distribution unit 405 included in the content distribution apparatus 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 are the ROM 802 and the RAM 803 in the subscription service server 701 illustrated in FIG. The CPU 801 executes a predetermined program using programs and data recorded on the magnetic disk 805, the optical disk 807, etc., and controls each part in the subscription service server 701 to realize the function.

  That is, the subscription service server 701 according to the second embodiment executes the content distribution program recorded in the ROM 802 serving as a recording medium in the PC 702, so that the functions provided in the content distribution apparatus 400 illustrated in FIG. It can be executed by the content distribution processing procedure shown in FIG.

(Contents of navigation device processing)
Next, the contents of processing of the navigation device 703 (child device) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the navigation device. In the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, the input device 911 waits until an input of a reproduction instruction for the child content 721 recorded on the magnetic disk 905 or the optical disk 907 is received (step S1601: No loop). In step S1601, when the input of the reproduction instruction for the child content 721 is accepted (step S1601: Yes), the effective period of the child content 721 is extracted (step S1602).

  Next, based on the current date and time obtained by a timer (not shown) or the like, it is determined whether or not the validity period (validity period) of the child content 721 extracted in step S1602 is an updatable period (step S1603). . If it is determined in step S1603 that the period is updatable (step S1603: Yes), it is determined whether communication with the subscription service server 701 can be performed (step S1604). When it is determined that communication with the subscription service server 701 cannot be performed (step S1604: No), the user 705 is notified that communication cannot be performed (step S1605), and the process returns to step S1604. In step S1605, notification may be made every predetermined time until it is determined that communication with the subscription service server 701 can be performed.

  If it is determined in step S1604 that communication with the subscription service server 701 is possible (step S1604: Yes), the subscription service server 701 is requested to update the expiration date (step S1606). Next, the expiration date of the child content 721 is updated in accordance with the information about at least the term distributed from the subscription service server 701 in response to the request in step S1606 (step S1607). Then, the child content 721 is reproduced in accordance with the reproduction instruction whose input has been accepted in step S1601 (step S1608), and the series of processes is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1603 that the period is not updatable (step S1603: No), the process directly proceeds to step S1608, and the child content 721 is reproduced in accordance with the reproduction instruction accepted in step S1601, and a series of processes is performed. Exit.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 16, the process waits until an input of a child content reproduction instruction is accepted in step S1601, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an update processing start instruction may be received.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 16, it is determined in step S1603 whether or not it is an updatable period, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined whether or not the expiration date has already passed, and if the expiration date has passed, the process may proceed to step S1604.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 16, if it is an updatable period in step S1603: Yes, the process proceeds to step S1604 to determine whether communication with the server can be performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of an updatable period, the user may be prompted to determine whether or not to request an update, and when an input of an operation requesting an update by the user is accepted, the process may advance to step S1604. .

  In the flowchart of FIG. 16, the user 705 is informed that communication cannot be performed in step S1605, and the process returns to step S1604, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the user is prompted to determine whether or not to continue the update request and receives an operation input indicating that the user does not continue the update request, the series of processing may be terminated as it is.

  As described above, according to the navigation device 703 of the second embodiment, the request unit 305 requests the content distribution device 400 to update the expiration date based on the determination result determined by the validity period determination unit 303, and this request Accordingly, it is possible to control the update of the expiration date of the copied content according to at least information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution apparatus 400. Therefore, for example, when communication is possible even if the content reproduction apparatus 300 does not have a communication environment, the validity period can be updated without using the content management apparatus 100. Thereby, when the user cannot connect to the content management apparatus 100, for example, while traveling, even if the expiration date of the effective period of the copied content is reached, the user can update the effective period by himself / herself. You can watch or listen to the duplicate content.

  Further, according to the navigation device 703 of the second embodiment, the request unit 305 causes the validity period determination unit 303 to determine that the current date / time is within the updateable period of the validity period of the copied content, that is, the validity period from a predetermined date / time. If it is determined, the content distribution device 400 is requested to update the expiration date, and the update of the expiration date of the duplicate content is controlled in accordance with at least information related to the expiration date distributed from the content distribution device 400 in response to the request. The control unit 306 can update the expiration date of the copied content. Therefore, the valid period of the content can be updated before the expiration date is reached. As a result, the user can be prevented from having a bad communication environment on the deadline date and being unable to view or listen without being able to update the content.

  Further, according to the navigation device 703 of the second embodiment, when the input unit 301 receives an input of a reproduction instruction for the duplicate content, the extraction unit 302 can extract the valid period of the duplicate content. Therefore, the valid period can be confirmed every time reproduction is performed, and can be updated if the deadline is likely to be reached. As a result, the user can omit the operation of starting the update process.

  Further, according to the navigation device 703 of the second embodiment, the validating period of a plurality of duplicate contents is extracted by the extracting unit 302, and the valid term of the plurality of duplicate contents acquired by the extracting unit 302 is compared by the valid term determining unit 303. Based on the determined comparison result, the notification unit 304 can notify the list of expiration dates. Therefore, when the effective period varies depending on the content, it is possible to display the list in the order in which each content is likely to reach the effective period. As a result, the user can easily check the contract information associated with each content.

  As described above, according to the content playback device, content update method, content update program, and recording medium of the present invention, the navigation device 703 directly subscribes the valid period of the copy transferred from the PC 702 or the playback terminal 704. Update by the service server 701. As a result, the user can comfortably view or listen to the content because it can be updated without being connected to the PC 702 when the valid period is reached during a period when it is difficult to connect to the PC 702, such as during travel. Can do.

(Contents of subscription service server processing)
Next, the contents of processing of the subscription service server 701 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the subscription service server. In the flowchart of FIG. 17, first, the process waits until a valid period update request is received from a communicable device (parent device or child device) (step S1701: No loop). When a valid period update request is received (step S1701: Yes), a communicable apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “update target apparatus”) that has transmitted the valid period update request in step S1701 is identified (step S1702). .

  Further, the effective period of the content recorded in the update target device included in the update request received in step S1701 is extracted (step S1703). Next, contract information of the update target device identified in step S1702 is acquired from a billing server or the like (step S1704). Then, it is determined whether or not the effective period of the parent content 720 recorded in the parent device is the latest (step S1705). Specifically, for example, when the update target device is a parent device, the effective period of the parent content 720 extracted in step S1703 and the effective period corresponding to the latest billing information acquired in step S1704 are compared. Thus, it is determined whether or not the valid period of the parent content 720 is the latest. Also, for example, when the update target device is a slave unit, information on the valid period of the parent content 720 is acquired from the master unit by communication, or information on the valid period of the parent content 720 is obtained from the update history of the valid period of the master unit. It is determined whether or not the effective period of the parent content 720 is the latest by comparing with the effective period corresponding to the latest billing information acquired in step S1704. If it is determined in step S1705 that the effective period of the parent content 720 is not the latest (step S1705: No), information related to the effective period is distributed to the parent device (step S1706), and the effective period of the child content 721 is updated. It is determined whether or not there is (step S1707).

  If it is determined in step S1705 that the effective period of the parent content 720 is the latest (step S1705: Yes), the process directly proceeds to step S1707. In step S1707, specifically, for example, when the update target device is a child device, information on the effective period of the parent content 720 is acquired from the parent device through communication, or the parent device is updated from the update history of the effective period of the parent device. Information on the effective period of the content 720 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the effective period of the child content 721 has been updated by comparing the effective period with the effective period of the child content 721 extracted in step S1703. . Also, for example, when the update target device is a parent device, information on the validity period of the child content 721 is acquired from the child device by communication, or information on the validity period of the child content 721 is obtained from the update history of the child device validity period. By acquiring and comparing this effective period with the effective period of the parent content 720 extracted in step S1703, it is determined whether or not the effective period of the child content 721 has been updated.

  If it is determined in step S1707 that the valid period of the child content 721 has been updated (step S1707: Yes), the series of processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1707 that the effective period of the child content 721 has not been updated (step S1707: No), information related to the effective period is distributed to the child device (step S1708), and the series of processing ends. To do.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 17, the process waits until a valid period update request is received in step S1701, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, if the user has charged the subscription service server 701 without accepting a valid period update request, the content distribution process is started, and all registered in the contract information The valid period of the content recorded in the device may be updated.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the effective period of the parent content 720 is the latest in step S1705, and further, it is determined whether or not the effective period of the child content 721 has been updated in step S1707. However, it is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, the process of either step S1705 or step S1707 may be omitted.

(Another example of child content validity period update processing)
Next, the updating process of the effective period of the child content 721 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Further, in the second embodiment, as described in FIGS. 12 to 15 of the first embodiment, a request for updating the validity period of the child content 721 from the child device is transmitted directly to the subscription service server 701 instead of the parent device. This is different from the updating process of the effective period of the child content 721.

  First, FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the updating process of the valid period of the child content. In FIG. 18, the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 that is the child device is set with the same valid period as the parent content 720 when copied from the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702 that is the parent device. Suppose that Specifically, for example, the effective period whose deadline is November 30 is set for the parent content 720 and the child content 721.

  Here, the subscription service server 701 directly accepts an update request for the effective period of the child content 721 from the navigation device 703 on November 25 without using the PC 702. Further, the validity period of the parent content 720 recorded on the PC 702 has been updated before November 25, and the deadline has been changed to December 31. Therefore, when the subscription service server 701 receives an update request for the effective period of the child content 721, the subscription service server 701 first acquires the effective period of the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702, and the range not exceeding the effective period of the parent content 720. Thus, the effective period of the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 is controlled and changed to an effective period with December 31 as the deadline. Thereby, in the navigation apparatus 703, the child content 721 can be listened to until December 31.

(Another example of child content validity period update processing)
Next, the update process of the effective period of the child content 721 when the effective period set for the child content 721 is shorter than the effective period of the parent content 720 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the child content validity period update processing. In FIG. 19, the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 that is the child device has a shorter valid period than the parent content 720 when copied from the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702 that is the parent device. Suppose that Specifically, for example, the effective period of the parent content 720 is set as a deadline of November 30, whereas the effective period of the child content 721 is set as a deadline of November 25. Therefore, by making the effective period of the child content 721 shorter than the effective period of the parent content 720, the number of times the child device is connected to the parent device in order to update the effective period of the child content 721 is increased. As a result, the number of authentications for the slave unit can be increased, fraud due to breach of contract, etc. can be eliminated, and the subscription service can be executed safely.

  Here, the subscription service server 701 directly accepts an update request for the effective period of the child content 721 from the navigation device 703 on November 25 without using the PC 702. Further, the effective period of the parent content 720 recorded on the PC 702 is set with November 30 as the deadline. Therefore, for example, when the subscription service server 701 sets a valid period of 25 days to the child content 721 after a valid period update request is made by the slave unit according to a predetermined contract, the validity of the parent content 720 is set. A valid period update request is made within a range not exceeding the period, and a valid period of 25 days from the time point is set in the child content 721.

  Specifically, for example, when the subscription service server 701 receives an update request from the navigation device 703 on November 25, the subscription service server 701 first acquires the validity period of the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702, and the parent content 720. The effective period of the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 is controlled within a range that does not exceed the effective period, and the effective period is changed to November 30. Therefore, in the contract information, the subscription service server 701 can set the effective period of the parent content 720 as a deadline of December 31, but the effective period of the parent content 720 has not been updated. The effective period to be set is set in a range not exceeding the effective period of the parent content 720. Thereby, in the navigation device 703, the child content 721 can be listened to until November 30th.

(Another example of child content validity period update processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the update process of the effective period of the child content 721 from the subscription service server 701 will be described. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the child content validity period update processing. In FIG. 20, the child content 721 recorded in the navigation device 703 that is the child device is set with the same effective period as the parent content 720 when copied from the parent content 720 recorded in the PC 702 that is the parent device. Suppose that Specifically, for example, the effective period whose deadline is November 30 is set for the parent content 720 and the child content 721.

  Here, when the charging process is performed on November 20 by the user 705, the subscription service server 701 updates the contract information. Specifically, for example, in accordance with a contract with the user 705, the effective period for the content is set as December 31. Furthermore, the subscription service server 701 distributes information related to the update of the validity period to a communicable terminal among terminals (parent device and child device) according to a contract with the user 705. In FIG. 20, information relating to the expiration date with December 31 as the expiration date is distributed to the PC 702 and the navigation device 703. As a result, the PC 702 and the navigation device 703 can listen to the content until December 31.

  As described above, according to the subscription service server 701 of the second embodiment, the update target device that has transmitted the update request for the validity period accepted by the accepting unit 401 is identified by the identifying unit 402, and the identified update target device is identified. The acquisition unit 403 acquires the contract information. Based on the contract information, the validity period determination unit 404 determines whether the validity period of the time-limited content or the copied content stored in the update target device has been updated, and the validity period has not been updated. If it is determined, information regarding the validity period can be distributed to the update target device. Therefore, the valid period can be updated as long as it is recorded in a communicable device regardless of whether the content is limited or copied.

  In addition, according to the subscription service server 701 of the second embodiment, the validity period determination unit 404 includes information regarding the validity period of the duplicate content stored in the content reproduction apparatus and the duplicate content stored in the content management apparatus. The distribution unit 405 makes a comparison with the information regarding the valid period of the content with the copy source time limit, and the distribution unit 405 determines whether the copy source of the copy content has a time limit based on the comparison result determined by the valid time determination unit 404. It is possible to distribute information on a valid period that does not exceed the valid period of the content. Therefore, the valid period of the duplicate content can be updated based on the valid period of the time-limited content. As a result, the user can centrally manage the effective period of each content.

  Further, according to the subscription service server 701 of the second embodiment, when the validity period is updated in any one of the content reproduction device and the content management device, the distribution unit 405 causes the content of the time-limited content or the duplicate content to be updated. Information about the validity period can be distributed to other devices. Accordingly, it is possible to update contents recorded in a plurality of registered devices at once. Thus, the valid period is automatically updated if communication is possible, so that it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to update.

  As described above, according to the content distribution device, the content distribution method, the content distribution program, and the recording medium of the present invention, the subscription service server 701 requested the update of the valid period by the PC 702 or the navigation device 703. In this case, it can be updated according to the contract information. Thus, the user can always view or listen on the PC 702 or the navigation device 704 during the effective period according to the latest contract information.

  The content update management method and content distribution method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Content management apparatus 101 Reception part 102 Acquisition part 103 Input part 104 Effective period judgment part 105 Update judgment part 106 Notification part 107 Request part 108 Content update control part with a time limit 109 Duplicate content update control part 300 Content reproduction apparatus 301 Input part 302 Extraction Unit 303 validity period determination unit 304 notification unit 305 request unit 306 update control unit 400 content distribution apparatus 401 reception unit 402 identification unit 403 acquisition unit 404 validity period determination unit 405 distribution unit

Claims (14)

The time-limited content is acquired from a content distribution apparatus that distributes content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined validity period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”), and a copy of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “replicated content”). ) Is transferred to another device managed by the device itself,
Accepting means for accepting an update request for the validity period of the duplicate content from the other device;
Obtaining means for obtaining an effective period of the duplicate content for which an update request has been accepted by the accepting means;
Effective period determination means for comparing and determining the effective period of the copied content acquired by the acquiring means and the effective period of the time-limited content that is the copy source of the copied content;
Based on the comparison result determined by the effective period determination means, the copy content is copied at a time limit that does not exceed the time limit of the effective period of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “expiration date”) of the copy content. Duplicate content update control means for controlling the update of the validity period;
A content management apparatus comprising: The validity period determining means determines whether or not the expiration date of the copied content acquired by the acquiring means is the same as the expiration date of the time-limited content of the copied content,
The duplicate content update control means controls the update of the validity period of the duplicate content and updates the validity period of the duplicate content when the validity period is judged to be different by the validity period judgment means. The content management apparatus according to claim 1. The validity period determining means determines whether an expiration date of the duplicate content acquired by the acquiring means is before a predetermined date and time,
The duplicate content update control means controls the update of the expiration date of the duplicate content and does not update the expiration date of the duplicate content when the validity period judgment means judges that it is before a predetermined date and time. The content management apparatus according to claim 1. Input means for accepting input of the date and time of viewing or listening to the duplicate content;
The validity period determining means determines whether there is the duplicate content whose expiration date is before the scheduled viewing or listening date and time input by the input means,
The duplicate content update control means, when the validity period judging means judges that there is the duplicate content whose expiration date is before the scheduled viewing or listening date and time, sets the expiration date of the duplicate content of the time-limited content. The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content management apparatus updates the expiration date including a scheduled viewing / listening date and time with a time limit that does not exceed the expiration date.   The duplicate content update control means, when the expiration date of the duplicate content set in advance is a predetermined date and time before the expiration date of the time-limited content, sets the expiration date of the duplicate content as the expiration date of the time-limited content. The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content management apparatus is updated to an expiration date that does not exceed the expiration date. When the reception unit receives an update request for the valid period of the duplicate content, the valid period of the duplicate content acquired by the acquisition unit and the valid period of the time-limited content that is the copy source of the duplicate content Update determination means for determining whether or not the validity period of the time-limited content has been updated,
An informing means for informing when the update determining means determines that the validity period of the time-limited content is not updated;
The content management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Request means for requesting the content distribution device to update the effective period of the time-limited content when the update determining means determines that the effective period of the time-limited content has not been updated;
A time-limited content update control means for controlling update of the valid period of the time-limited content according to at least information related to the time limit distributed from the content distribution device according to the request means,
The validity period determination means compares and determines the validity period of the duplicate content acquired by the acquisition means and the validity period of the time-limited content updated by the time-limited content update control means,
The content management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the duplicate content update control unit controls the valid period of the duplicate content based on the comparison result determined by the valid period determination unit. From a content playback apparatus that distributes content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined period of validity (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”) and that stores a copy of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “replicated content”), A content distribution apparatus that accepts an update request for a valid period of duplicate content,
An acquisition means for acquiring a valid period of the time-limited content of the copy source from a content management device storing the time-limited content of the copy source of the copy content when receiving a request for updating the valid period of the copy content; ,
Valid period determination means for comparing and determining the valid period of the copy content that has received the update request and the valid period of the time-limited content acquired by the acquisition means;
A distribution unit that distributes, to the content reproduction apparatus, information on an effective period within a range not exceeding an effective period of the time-limited content that is a copy source of the copied content, based on the comparison result determined by the effective period determining unit; ,
A content distribution apparatus comprising:   The distribution unit distributes information related to the validity period of the time-limited content or the duplicated content to another device when the validity period is updated in any one of the content reproduction device and the content management device. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 8. The time-limited content is acquired from a content distribution apparatus that distributes content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined validity period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”), and a copy of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “replicated content”). ) In the content update management method in the content management device that transfers to another device managed by the device itself,
An accepting step of accepting an update request for the validity period of the duplicate content from the other device;
An acquisition step of acquiring an effective period of the duplicate content that has received an update request in the reception step;
An effective period determination step of comparing and determining the effective period of the duplicate content acquired in the acquisition step and the effective period of the time-limited content of the copy source of the copied content;
Based on the comparison result determined in the effective period determination step, the copied content is expired within the expiration date of the effective period of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “expiration date”). A copy content update control process for controlling the update of the validity period of
A content update management method comprising: From a content playback apparatus that distributes content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined period of validity (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”) and that stores a copy of the time-limited content (hereinafter referred to as “replicated content”), A content distribution method in a content distribution apparatus that accepts an update request for a valid period of duplicate content,
An acquisition step of acquiring a valid period of the time-limited content of the copy source from a content management device that stores the time-limited content of the copy source of the copy content when receiving a request for updating the valid period of the copy content; ,
An effective period determination step of comparing and determining the effective period of the duplicate content that has received the update request and the effective period of the time-limited content acquired in the acquisition step;
A distribution step of distributing, to the content reproduction apparatus, information on the effective period within a range not exceeding the effective period of the time-limited content that is the copy source of the copied content, based on the comparison result determined in the effective period determining step. When,
A content distribution method comprising:   A content update management program for causing a computer to execute the content update management method according to claim 10.   A content distribution program for causing a computer to execute the content distribution method according to claim 11.   14. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 12 or 13 is recorded.

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