JP4883736B2 - Content sharing system and content sharing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention controls content distribution from a content distribution device to a user terminal for each group configured by a plurality of users, thereby managing sharing of each content within the group by the user The present invention relates to a system and a content sharing method.

  In a content distribution business that distributes content via a communication network, services targeting music and video have already become widespread, but in recent years, attention has been focused on services targeting electronic books. In addition, when the entry of existing publishers and the like increases and a large amount of excellent electronic books are provided together with or instead of printed materials, the electronic book market is expected to expand rapidly.

  A dedicated terminal device for browsing an electronic book or electronic book browsing software (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “electronic book viewer”) is currently available. A terminal device having a communication function in which an electronic book viewer is installed, for example, a user of a personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, or a smartphone, downloads an electronic book from a so-called electronic book site and enjoys it with the electronic book viewer. Can do.

  Electronic books that can be downloaded from an electronic book site include books such as comics and novels, and paper media such as photo books that are digitized. Note that in this specification, electronic books are not limited to these, and include electronic books of newspapers, magazines, product catalogs, free papers, and the like provided by newspaper companies and publishers. .

  By the way, the general form of the content sharing service in various conventional Web services determines whether or not the content sharing service belongs to a specific place (for example, a network space) or a sharing group. A user who joins a shared group passively accepts existing content in the group or group (other members who previously belonged to the group) to expand the content with respect to the shared content. In addition, users belonging to a shared group entrust the expansion and limitation of the sharing range to other group members in the form of joining new members or leaving existing members.

  On the other hand, a method of sharing content with other users in the same space on a network space where users gather is proposed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-337776 A

  According to the conventional content sharing service, users belonging to a certain sharing group cannot arbitrarily expand or limit the content sharing range of the users. For example, in the case of a book, an individual, for example, in the real world, reads a manga with friends, borrows a business book recommended by a boss at work, and plans a trip while watching a guidebook between lovers. By belonging to various groups in the form of, and the like, it is possible to expand the shared range of books from time to time, and to expand the content shared by yourself according to the individual's free will. On the other hand, the form of the content sharing service in the existing Web service has not realized the selection of the sharing range according to the individual free will and the active expansion of the shared content.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to realize expansion of shared content according to the user's free will through belonging to a plurality of groups. And providing a content sharing system and a content sharing method.

In order to achieve the above object, the content sharing system of the present invention controls the distribution of content from the content distribution device to the user terminal for each group constituted by a plurality of users, thereby enabling each content in the group to be controlled. A content sharing system for managing content sharing,
A content distribution unit that distributes content data to the user terminal in response to a download request from each user terminal connected to the content distribution device via a communication network;
The download history of content via the user terminal by each user is stored in association with the user identification information, and each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs is associated with the user identification information. Storing, storage unit,
A group determination unit for determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal belongs;
Whether other users belonging to the determined group already have primary downloaded content is determined based on the download history, and if there is already primary downloaded content for other users, the other users are primary A sharing control unit that permits secondary download of the downloaded content to the accessing user terminal;
It is characterized by having.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content sharing system comprises:
The primary download is a first download of content with cost payment by the user, and the secondary download is a content download without cost payment by the user;
The primary download and secondary download include transfer of a content file or stream data from the content distribution device to the user terminal by the content distribution unit.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content sharing system comprises:
The storage unit further stores sharing instruction information for instructing whether to share the content downloaded by the user with other users of the group,
The share control unit permits or disallows secondary download of the content already downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal based on share instruction information;
It is characterized by.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content sharing system comprises:
The storage unit further stores upper limit instruction information for instructing an upper limit number of times within a predetermined period with respect to the number of times that another user can secondary download content that has already been primary downloaded.
The download history further includes the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period associated with the user;
Based on the upper limit instruction information and the download history, further including a use upper limit determination unit that determines whether the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period is less than the upper limit number of times,
When the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period is less than the upper limit number, the sharing control unit permits secondary download to the accessing user terminal.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content sharing system comprises:
Display data in which the content distribution unit is composed of a first display unit indicating meta-information about the content that has been primary downloaded and / or a second display unit indicating meta-information about the content that can be secondary downloaded. Are generated and transmitted to the user terminal.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the content sharing system includes:
A specific content determination unit that determines whether a user belonging to a specific group (“group user”) has selected and downloaded the specific content;
In the case where the storage unit further permits a third user who does not belong to the specific group (“non-group user”) to secondarily download the specific content primarily downloaded by the group user via the user terminal. Storing information related to the first restriction release condition;
Upon receiving the primary download of specific content by the group user, the identification information of the group user is stored in association with the identification information of the non-group user,
The sharing control unit further determines whether or not the first restriction release condition is satisfied in response to an access by a user outside the group. If the condition is satisfied, the group user is currently accessing the specific content that has been primarily downloaded. It is characterized by permitting secondary download to user terminals of users outside the group.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the content sharing system includes:
A specific content determination unit that determines whether a third user who does not belong to the specific group (“non-group user”) has selected and downloaded the specific content;
Second limitation in the case where the storage unit further permits a user belonging to a specific group (“group user”) to secondarily download the specific content primarily downloaded by the non-group user via the user terminal. Stores information related to release conditions,
Upon receiving a primary download of specific content by a non-group user, the identification information of the non-group user is stored in association with the identification information of the group user,
The sharing control unit further determines whether or not the second restriction release condition is satisfied according to the access by the group user. If the condition is satisfied, the non-group user is currently accessing the specific content that has been primarily downloaded. The secondary download to the user terminal of the group user is permitted.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the content sharing system includes:
The storage unit further allows the user belonging to the specific group (“group user”) or the third user not belonging to the specific group (“non-group user”) to download the specific content primarily downloaded by the specific user to the user terminal. Storing information related to the third restriction release condition in the case of permitting secondary download via
The sharing control unit further determines whether or not a third restriction release condition is satisfied according to access by a group user or a non-group user, and if the condition is satisfied, The secondary download to the user terminal of the accessing group user or the non-group user is permitted.

  According to the present invention, a group to which a user being accessed via a user terminal belongs is determined, and whether other users belonging to the determined group already have primary downloaded content is determined based on the download history, When there is content that has already been downloaded by another user, the secondary download of the content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the user terminal being accessed is permitted. Therefore, for example, when the present invention is applied to an electronic book providing site, the user can purchase the electronic book data (contents) that each user can purchase and browse for other users who are members of a group to which the user belongs. The right to download the purchased electronic book data from the distribution server can be granted.

  Further, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the primary download involves payment of a cost (for example, a service usage fee, a content purchase unit price, a point interchangeable with the use fee or a purchase unit price, etc.) by the user. The first download of the content, and the secondary download may be a download of the content without a cost payment by the user. Therefore, for example, in the electronic book providing site to which the present invention is applied, the user can share the viewing right of the electronic book data purchased by the user free of charge with all the members of the plurality of groups to which the user belongs. It becomes possible to browse the purchased books of other users belonging to the respective groups in accordance with the above for free.

  Further, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit stores the sharing instruction information indicating whether or not the user himself / herself downloads the content downloaded primarily with other users of the group, and based on the sharing instruction information, Allow or disallow secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by another user to the user terminal that is being accessed. Therefore, the user himself / herself can realize the expansion of the shared content according to the user's free will.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a user can belong to a plurality of shared groups in a content distribution or subscription service such as an electronic book. According to such grouping, a user actively creates a new group, incorporates other users into the created group, or joins another group created by other users, and joins the other group. Moreover, it can comprise so that a new user can be taken in. Therefore, the user can not only expand the content shared in the group to which the user belongs, according to his / her intention, but also can select the range of the content to be shared with other users by himself / herself. Active expansion is possible.

  The above objects and advantages of the present invention and other objects and advantages will be more clearly understood through the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a content sharing system 1 to which the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the content sharing system 1 in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process which permits secondary download of the object file by the other member in the same group among operation | movement of the content sharing system 1 in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a new group creation / existing group joining process among operation | movement of the content sharing system 1 in one embodiment of this invention. It is a chart which shows an example of a response | compatibility with a user's usage fee course and the frequency | count of the secondary downloadable content. It is a correlation diagram which shows an example of the relationship between a group and the user to which a some user utilizes the content sharing service which the content sharing system in one embodiment of this invention provides. The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process which permits the user terminal in access to secondary-download the content by which the other user has downloaded primary among operation | movement of the content sharing system 1 in one embodiment of this invention. It is. It is a figure which shows the example of the TOP page screen of a sharing service at the time of applying this invention in an electronic book provision site. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu page screen of a sharing service at the time of applying this invention to an electronic book provision site. It is a figure which shows the example of the user page screen of a sharing service at the time of applying this invention to an electronic book provision site. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu page screen of the shared book shelf within a group in a sharing service at the time of applying this invention to an electronic book provision site. It is a figure which shows the example of the book list page screen of the shared book shelf within a group in a sharing service at the time of applying this invention to an electronic book provision site. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu page screen of the personal bookshelf in a sharing service at the time of applying this invention to an electronic book provision site. It is a figure which shows the example of the book list page screen of the personal bookshelf in a sharing service at the time of applying this invention to an electronic book provision site. It is a figure which shows the example of the book public / non-public setting change page screen of the personal bookshelf in a sharing service when this invention is applied to an electronic book provision site. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the content sharing system 2 in another embodiment of this invention. It is a chart which illustrates information concerning restriction release conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Content sharing system 11 Content distribution apparatus 12A, 12B, 12C User terminal 13 Communication network

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a user terminal that is a mobile phone or a smartphone in which an electronic book viewer is installed and a content distribution apparatus that includes a web server for providing electronic book data to the user terminal communicate with each other. An example in which the present invention is applied to a content distribution system connected via a network will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a content sharing system 1 to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the content sharing system 1 includes a content distribution device 11 configured from a Web server. The user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C are connected to the content distribution apparatus 11 via the communication network 13.

  The content distribution device 11 distributes content data to the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C in response to a download request from each of the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C connected to the content distribution device 11 via the communication network 13. To do.

  As described above, the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C are mobile phones or smartphones on which an electronic book viewer is installed, and provide a packet communication network and an Internet connection service of a mobile phone service provider (hereinafter referred to as “carrier”). It is connected to the Internet via a possible service center 14. In FIG. 1, only three user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C are shown for convenience of explanation, but in reality, four or more user terminals are connected to a communication network to use the shared service of the present invention. Note that they are connected. The type of user terminal, the type of electronic book viewer, and the format of the electronic book are not particularly limited as long as they do not depart from the nature of the present invention.

Each of the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C is equipped with a web browser capable of browsing web pages, and various web pages can be displayed on a display unit included in the user terminal by the function of the web browser. Web pages displayed by the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C are HTML (HyperText Markup Language), XML (eXtensible).
Markup Language), CompactHTML, DHTML (Dynamic HTML), WML (Wireless Markup Language), HDML (Handheld)
A file described in a markup language such as (Device Markup Language) or an extended language can be used, but the present invention is not limited to these. It should be noted that the various standards described above are merely examples, and the scope of application of the present invention naturally includes standards compliant with standards other than the above and standards that are expanded from the above standards in the present and future.

  The user operates the input unit of the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C to move the displayed book page back and forth or to display various menus by pressing various buttons on the electronic book viewer. Can be made. In addition, the user operates the input unit included in the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C, scrolls the Web page, presses various buttons, executes various requests and commands, and displays characters and symbols in various input boxes. , Numbers and other information can be entered.

  The content distribution apparatus 11 includes a database (DB), a router, and a line termination unit (DSU) in addition to the Web server. Among these, the Web server includes a storage device such as a CPU, a ROM or a hard disk, an I / F unit such as a RAM and a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a communication control unit, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display unit. Can do. The CPU included in the Web server reads out the program stored in the storage device, develops and executes the program in the work area of the RAM, and controls each unit of the I / F unit, the communication control unit, the input device, and the display unit. .

The communication network 13 already mentioned may include various communication lines such as a dedicated line, a public telephone line, a satellite communication line, and various servers (not shown), and the specific mode is not particularly limited. Further, between the content distribution apparatus 11 and the carrier service center 14 and the communication network 13, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or NSP (Network
(Service Provider) may be interposed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the content sharing system 1. The components of the content distribution apparatus 11 configured from the Web server illustrated in FIG. 1 are incorporated in the functional configuration of the content sharing system 1 illustrated in FIG. Therefore, in the following description, the content distribution apparatus 11 is not described separately.
As shown in FIG. 2, the content sharing system 1 includes a member determination unit 111, a group determination unit 112, a DL file determination unit 113, a file share determination unit 114, a DL number upper limit determination unit 115, a content distribution unit 116, a member DB 117, A group DB 118, a DL file DB 119, a file master DB 120, a content data storage unit 121, and a communication unit 122 are provided, and each unit is connected to each other by a bus (system bus, USB, etc.).

  The content sharing system 1 is one computer or a group of computers, and includes a CPU 211 and a storage device 212. The storage device 212, such as a hard disk (HDD) or memory (RAM), has an OS (Operating System) and a program that causes a computer to execute content distribution processing (hereinafter, also referred to as “distribution program”) and is specific to the present invention. Programs for causing the computer to execute the content sharing process (hereinafter, also referred to as “shared program”) are stored, and by executing these programs, from the member determination unit 111 to the content distribution unit 116 described above. The operations of each unit including the member DB 117 to the content data storage unit 121 and the communication unit 122 are controlled. The member DB 117 and the content data storage unit 121 may be independent DB servers or data stores connected to the content sharing system 1.

Next, each part shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
The member determination unit 111 performs member authentication of a user who has accessed the shared service via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C.

  The group determination unit 112 determines a group to which a user who is accessing via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C belongs. In addition, the group determination unit 112 accepts a new group creation application (to be described later) from the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C and accepts a process for approving it, and accepts an existing group subscription application to be described later from the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C , Process to approve it.

  The DL file determination unit 113 determines whether there is a file that is primarily downloaded by the user who is accessing the user terminal 12A, 12B, or 12C. Also, the DL file determination unit 113 determines whether there is content that has already been downloaded by another user who belongs to the same group as the user based on the download history stored in the DL file DB 119 described later.

  The file sharing determination unit 114 determines whether the target file is a shared file on the system (for example, whether the file is a content file prohibited to be shared on the system). Also, the DL file determination unit 113 determines whether there is content that has already been downloaded by another user who belongs to the same group as the user based on the download history stored in the DL file DB 119 described later.

  The DL number upper limit determination unit 115 determines whether the secondary download number within the predetermined period is less than the upper limit number based on upper limit instruction information described later and a download history described later.

The content distribution unit 116 transmits in response to access from each of the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C connected to the content distribution apparatus 11 via the communication network 13, and by a user operation at the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C. In response to the various commands to be generated, for example, data of various Web pages related to the content sharing service shown in a screen example of FIG.
Further, the content distribution unit 116 reads content data from the content data storage unit 121 in response to a download request from each user terminal 12A, 12B, 12C, and sends it to the user terminals 12A, 12B, 12C through the communication unit 122 described later. Deliver to. Distribution of such content data can be performed by transferring content files or stream data to the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C, but is not limited thereto.

  The member DB 117 stores identification information (UID) of users who are paid members of the content sharing service. In addition, the member DB 117 stores upper limit instruction information for instructing an upper limit number of times within a predetermined period (for example, every month) with respect to the number of times that another user can secondarily download content that has already been primary downloaded.

  The group DB 118 stores the identification information (GID) of each of one or more groups to which the user belongs in association with the user identification information (UID). In the present embodiment, the group DB 118 is configured so that identification information (UID) of a maximum of five users can be associated with identification information (GID) of one group. That is, the upper limit of the number of members that can belong to each group is five. It should be noted that the number of members can be limited to any number, and is not limited to five.

  The DL file DB 119 stores the download history of content via the user terminal by each user in association with the user identification information (UID). In addition, the DL file DB 119 stores sharing instruction information for instructing whether or not the content downloaded by the user himself is shared with other users of the group.

  In particular, the file master DB 120 corresponds to identification information indicating whether the content file is a shared file on the system (for example, whether the content file is prohibited from being shared on the system) with the content identification information. Store with attachments.

  The content data storage unit 121 stores content data (material data) provided in the content sharing service. The format of the content data includes various formats such as Adobe PDF, Adobe eBook, XMDF, Broad Band ebook, .book, ePub, AZW, TXT, and HTML, but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the various types described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention naturally includes the same types that are developed and improved in the present and future.

  The communication unit 122 transmits various information transmitted in response to access via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C, and various commands that are input by user operations on the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C (for example, download of content) Request) is received from the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C. In addition, the communication unit 122 transmits data of various web pages generated by the content distribution unit 116 to the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C.

Next, the operation of the content sharing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow for permitting secondary download of the target file by another member in the same group.

  With reference to FIG. 3, first, in step S101, the member determination unit 111 performs member authentication of a user who has accessed the shared service via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C. That is, identification information unique to the user (identification information unique to the user terminal, a carrier used by the user or an external site) received by the communication unit 122 in response to access via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C Whether or not the user is a paying member of the shared service is checked against the user's identification information (UID) stored in the member DB 117.

  Next, in step S102, the group determination unit 112 refers to the group DB 118 and determines whether there is a group to which a user who is a paying member already belongs. This is because at least one group to which the user belongs is necessary to share the content. If there is no group to which one belongs, the process proceeds to a new group creation / existing group joining process (see FIG. 4) in step S103, and the process returns to step S102. If there is a group to which the user belongs, the process proceeds to the next step S104.

In step S <b> 104, the DL file determination unit 113 refers to the DL file DB 119 and determines whether there is a content file primarily downloaded by the user himself / herself. In the present embodiment, primary download refers to the first download of content accompanied by payment of a user's cost (for example, service usage fee, content purchase unit price, points interchangeable with the use fee or purchase unit price, etc.). . The secondary download refers to download of content that has already been downloaded by another user belonging to the group without paying the cost by the user.
When there is no content file downloaded by the user himself / herself, the process proceeds to step S105 to request a process for primary download at a cost. When the primary download process is executed via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C, the content download history is stored in the DL file DB 119, and the process returns to step S104.
If there is a content file downloaded by the user, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S <b> 106, the file sharing determination unit 114 refers to the file master DB 120 and determines whether the target file is a shared file on the system for a file (target file) that has been primarily downloaded by the user. Specifically, identification information stored in the file master DB 120 indicating whether or not the content file is a shared file on the system (for example, whether or not the content file is prohibited from being shared on the system). If it is determined that the sharing of the target file is not prohibited on the system, the process proceeds to the next step S107. If it is determined that the sharing is prohibited, the process proceeds to step S109, and another user belonging to the same group. Disallow secondary download of the target file by (other members of the same group).

  In step S107, the file sharing determination unit 114 refers to the DL file DB 119, and for the file (target file) that has been downloaded by the user for the first time, whether the target file is a file designated as group sharing by the user. Determine for each group. Specifically, the target file is shared within the group based on the sharing instruction information stored in the DL file DB 119 and instructing whether to share the content downloaded by the user himself / herself with other users of the group. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to the next step S108, and secondary download of the target file by another user (other member in the same group) belonging to the same group is permitted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the file is not shared within the group, the process proceeds to step S109, and secondary download of the target file is not permitted.

  As described above, when it is determined whether the secondary download is permitted or not permitted for the file (target file) that the user has already downloaded, the secondary download is permitted to the user terminals of other users. The metadata of the target file that was deleted is displayed, but the metadata of the target file that was not allowed is not displayed.

  Next, an example of the flow of new group creation / existing group joining processing in step S103 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S201, it is determined whether to create a new group. When an instruction to create a new group is input by a user operation via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C, a new group registration process in step S202 is executed. This registration processing includes processing for associating new group identification information (GID) with user identification information (UID) and storing them in the group DB 118. This process ends when the new group registration process ends.

  In the next step S203, it is determined whether or not to apply for a group created by another user (member) instead of creating a new group. If an instruction to apply for subscription has not been given, the process proceeds to step S204, a service unavailable notification is sent to the user because there is no affiliated group, and the process ends. When an instruction to apply for subscription is input, the process proceeds to the next step S205.

  In step S205, it is determined whether the number of members belonging to the group applied for subscription is less than a predetermined number (less than the capacity). As described above, in the present embodiment, the group DB 118 is configured to be able to associate identification information (UID) of up to five users with identification information (GID) of one group. Therefore, this determination can be executed by referring to the group DB 118. If the number of membership members is a predetermined number, the user cannot join the group, and thus the process proceeds to step S206, a notification suggesting an application for joining another group is transmitted to the user, and the process ends. If the number of affiliated members is less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to the next step S207.

  In step S207, it is determined whether an application approval signal has been received from another user (group member) of the group that has been applied for subscription. In other words, in the present embodiment, application approval of a member belonging to a group is requested on the condition that the system allows permission to join an existing group. If the approval signal is not received within a certain period of time, for example, the process proceeds to step S208, where a notification of service unavailability due to subscription rejection is transmitted to the user, and the process ends. In the opposite case, the process proceeds to the next step S209, and the joining to the existing group is permitted. About the above process, the group determination part 112 may perform all of it, and you may make the other component part, for example, the member determination part 111 perform a part.

  FIG. 5 is a chart showing an example of the correspondence between the usage fee course of the user and the number of times the content can be secondary downloaded in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the number of secondary downloadable contents is set as shown in the figure for the paid member service in relation to the charge course used by the user. The member DB 117 obtains information on the latest usage fee course of the user, thereby updating the usage upper limit count (upper limit instruction information) per month corresponding to the secondary downloadable count in the right column and identifying the user identification information ( UID) and stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a group and a user to which the user belongs when a plurality of users use a content sharing service provided by the content sharing system according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 6, each of the users A to H belongs to one or two of the groups A01 to G01. According to the present invention, distribution of content from a content distribution device to a user terminal can be controlled for each group composed of a plurality of users, and sharing of each content within the group can be managed.

Next, an example of a flow of processing for permitting a user terminal being accessed to secondary download content that has already been downloaded by another user will be described with reference to FIG.
The member determination step in step S301, the group determination step in step S302, the new group creation / existing group joining processing step in step S303, and the determination step in step S304 are performed in steps S101 and S3 described with reference to FIGS. Since it is the same as the operation / processing in step S102, step S103, and step S104, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

In step S304, if there is a content file primarily downloaded by the user himself, the process proceeds to step S306, where re-downloading is permitted in response to a content download request by a user operation via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C. This is because the user himself / herself paid the cost and downloaded the content.
On the other hand, in step S305, a process for paying the cost and performing primary download is requested in the same manner as in step S105. If the primary download process is not executed via the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C, the process proceeds to the next step S307.

  In step S307, the DL file determination unit 113 refers to the DL file DB 119 to determine whether there is a shared file primarily downloaded by another user (other member) of the group to which the DL file determination unit 113 belongs. If there is no such file, the process proceeds to step S308 to send a service unavailable notification to the user because there is no available file, and the process ends. If there is such a file, the process proceeds to step S309.

In step S309, the DL number upper limit determination unit 115 refers to the member DB 117 and the DL file DB 119 to determine whether the user's secondary download count for this month is less than the usage limit count per month. If the number is less than the upper limit of use, the process proceeds to step S301, and another user belonging to the same group permits secondary download of the content that has already been primary downloaded. Conversely, if the user's secondary download count for this month has reached the maximum usage count, this suggests that the user increase the maximum usage count (for example, change to a course with a higher usage limit). When the notification is transmitted to the user and the user increases the usage upper limit count accordingly, the process proceeds to step S310 in order to satisfy the condition of being less than the usage upper limit count, and the secondary download is permitted. If the use upper limit number is not increased, the process is terminated.
Of course, when a user who is permitted to perform secondary download executes the secondary download, the record is stored in the DL file DB 119.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, various pages of the shared service when the present invention is applied to the electronic book providing site. A configuration example will be described. The display data of these page screens is generated by the content distribution unit 116 and transmitted to the user terminals 12A, 12B, and 12C through the communication unit 122.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a TOP page screen of a shared service when the present invention is applied to an electronic book providing site. The TOP page includes a page title 401, the current point value 402, a link 403 to the menu page shown in FIG. 9, a general menu 404, and meta information about secondary downloadable content (specifically, the title of the electronic book) 407, the purchaser 408), and a general information display unit 406.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu page screen when the user proceeds by clicking the link 403 illustrated in FIG. The menu page includes a page title 501, a current point value 502, a link 503 to the “MY bookshelf” page, and a link 504 to the “MY bookmate” page.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the user page screen of the shared service when the user proceeds by clicking the link 504 to the “MY bookmate” page shown in FIG. The user page includes a page title 601 followed by a description 602 indicating the current number of groups, a description 603 indicating the remaining upper limit of use, and a link 604 to the “group bookshelf” page shown in FIG. Further, the user page screen includes a display unit 605 that shows meta information (specifically, an e-book purchaser 606, a title 607, and a purchaser's review description 608) about the content that can be secondary downloaded, and the group information. It is comprised from the display part 609 comprised from the comment 610 of members.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the menu page of the in-group shared bookshelf when the user clicks the link 604 to the “group bookcase” page shown in FIG. The menu page includes a page title 701, a link 702 to the “MY bookshelf” page shown in FIG. 13, a description 703 indicating the remaining use upper limit count, and a link 704 to a list page by genre.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a book list page screen of a shared book shelf in the group when the “comics” list page link is clicked on among the links 704 to the genre list page 704 shown in FIG. is there. The book list page of the shared bookshelf displays a page title 801 and meta information (specifically, an electronic book title 803, an author 804, a publisher 805, and a purchaser 806) about secondary downloadable content. 802 and a display unit 807 that displays meta information (specifically, an electronic book title 808, an author 809, and a publisher 810) about the content that has been primary downloaded. Further, only the display unit 807 relating to the content that has already been downloaded includes a content re-download period display 811 and a link 812 to a purchaser's review entry page for the content.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the menu page screen of the personal bookshelf when the user proceeds by clicking the link 702 to the “MY bookshelf” page shown in FIG. The menu page includes a page title 901 and a link 902 to a list page by genre.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a book list page screen of the personal bookshelf when the link is advanced by clicking the link of the “comics” list page among the links 902 to the genre list page shown in FIG. The book list page of the personal bookshelf includes a page title 1001 and a display unit 1002 indicating meta information (specifically, an electronic book title 1003, an author 1004, and a publisher 1005) about the content that has been downloaded by itself. Has been. Furthermore, the display unit 1001 related to the content that has been downloaded primarily includes a link 1006 to the book publication / non-publication setting change page.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a book publish / non-public setting change page screen for a personal bookshelf when the link 1006 to the page for changing the content public / non-public setting shown in FIG. 14 is clicked. FIG. The book publication / non-public setting change page includes a page title 1101, a button 1102 for setting one of public / non-public, and a confirmation button 1103.
This public / private setting information is stored in the DL file DB 119 as sharing instruction information for instructing whether to share the content downloaded by the user with other users of the group. In step S107 in FIG. In the determination step, the file sharing determination unit 114 refers to it.

In the above embodiment, the member determination unit 111 makes the member determination. However, when the carrier or an external site can be referred, a part of the processing of the member determination unit 111 may be omitted.
Further, when the user belongs to a plurality of groups, it is possible to change the book publication / non-publication setting for each group. In this way, for example, a certain content can be shared only with the group A01, and another content can be shared only with the group A02.

  In the above embodiment, a user belonging to a group can share the content downloaded by the user himself / herself with other users belonging to the group. When a user belongs to a plurality of groups, it can be shared with other users belonging to each group. However, a user belonging to a specific group (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “group user”) shares certain specific content with a user who does not belong to the specific group (hereinafter also referred to as “non-group user”), or On the contrary, it is restricted in principle that a user outside the group shares a specific content with the group user. Furthermore, group users and non-group users are restricted from freely sharing content that the user has downloaded primarily with anyone beyond the group limit for a certain period of time, for example.

  Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention described below, a configuration for removing the restriction when a predetermined condition is satisfied is added to the content sharing system 2, so that a specific content is secondary A group user can grant the right to download or the right to secondary download any content that has already been downloaded to a non-group user or a non-group user to a group user. Yes.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the content sharing system 2 in another embodiment of the present invention. The main difference between the content sharing system 2 and the content sharing system 1 shown in FIG. 2 is that the content sharing system 2 further includes a restriction release condition storage unit 123 and a specific content determination unit 124.

  In this alternative embodiment, the restriction release condition storage unit 123 stores information related to the first to third restriction release conditions as illustrated in FIG. In this alternative embodiment, the restriction release condition includes the condition of the primary downloaded content, the condition of the primary downloaded user, the secondary download permitted user, and the secondary download permitted period.

  The first restriction release condition is that the specific content that has been primarily downloaded is a content with a secondary download right, the user who has primarily downloaded the group user who has primarily downloaded the specific content, and the secondary download authorized user is outside the group It is a user and the secondary download permission period is set to be relatively long (3 months). In addition, the second restriction release condition is that the specific content that has been primarily downloaded is a content with a secondary download right, and the user who has primarily downloaded is a non-group user who has primarily downloaded the specific content, and is a secondary download authorized user. Is a group user, and the secondary download permission period is set to be relatively long (3 months).

  Here, the content with the secondary download right specifically means that the specific content is selected and primarily downloaded by a group user (a user outside the group in the case of the second restriction release condition) via the user terminal. At or after that, a group user who shares the specific content by selecting a non-group user (a group user in the case of the second restriction release condition) to download the specific content by operating the user terminal. And specific content that can be associated with users outside the group. This association is made, for example, by a special cost that can be referred to as a “pass” or “ticket” as a general name, and a group that has primarily downloaded specific content (that is, downloaded with payment of the cost). The user (a user outside the group in the case of the second restriction release condition) has the right to secondary download the specific content to the selected out-of-group user (a group user in the case of the second restriction release condition). It means that it can be granted.

  For this purpose, the specific content determination unit 124 determines whether a group user (a user outside the group in the case of the second restriction release condition) has selected and primarily downloaded the specific content via the user terminal. Then, the specific content determination unit 124 receives the primary download of the specific content and stores the primary content download history of the specific content in the DL file DB 119 or after that, the group user identification information (UID) is outside the group. It is stored in the DL file DB 119 in association with the user identification information (UID).

  Then, the file sharing determination unit 114 determines that the access by the non-group user (the group user in the case of the second restriction release condition) is within the secondary download permission period (in this alternative embodiment, the month of the primary download). Within 3 months). Then, if it is within the secondary download permission period, the secondary download of the specific content by a user outside the group (a group user in the case of the second restriction release condition) is permitted.

  Next, the third restriction release condition is that the user who performed the primary download is a specific user whose primary download count within a predetermined period (for example, for one month or 15 days) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, five or more), The secondary download-permitted user is a group user or a non-group user, and the secondary download-permitted period is set to be an extremely short period (1 hour). Such a setting means that a user who uses the content by the primary download more frequently (regardless of whether the user is a group user or a non-group user) is called, for example, “Free Pass” or “Free Ticket”. This means that any user who does not restrict the group can be given the right to secondary download the primary downloaded content for a limited period of time at a special cost that can be . The primary downloaded user can invite any user to the secondary download permitted user by executing a so-called “friend invitation” action via the communication network 13.

  The file sharing determination unit 114 refers to the DL file DB 119 and determines whether or not the number of times the user has performed primary download within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. It is determined whether the access by any user is within the secondary download permission period (in this alternative embodiment, within one hour from the time of the primary download). If the user is within the period for which secondary download is permitted, the user permits secondary download by the arbitrary user for the content that has been subjected to primary download.

  According to another embodiment described above, the meta information about the specific content permitted for secondary download or any content permitted for secondary download (specifically, the electronic book purchaser, title, purchaser's The description of the review) is displayed on the user page screen of the shared service of the accessing user, for example, as in the example of the user page screen of the shared service shown in FIG.

  In the above-described another embodiment, the information related to the first to third restriction release conditions and the specific restriction release conditions set in the restriction release condition storage unit 123 are merely examples. However, it is not limited to these. In addition, a special cost that can be called “pass” or “ticket”, or another special cost that can be called “free pass” or “free ticket” includes a service usage fee, a content purchase unit price, It may be paid by the user as a premium such as points that are exchangeable with a fee or purchase unit price, or may be exchanged for points or coupons acquired by primary download of limited content.

  As described above, the embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  The present invention promotes the distribution and use of electronic books through electronic book sites and other content distribution sites, greatly contributes to the activation of the electronic book market, and has a great contribution to industrial development.

Claims (15)

A content sharing system that manages the sharing of each content within a group by controlling the distribution of content from a content distribution device to a user terminal for each group configured by a plurality of users.
A content distribution unit that distributes content data to the user terminal in response to a download request from each user terminal connected to the content distribution device via a communication network;
The download history of the content via the user terminal by each user is stored in association with the user identification information, and each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs is associated with the user identification information. Storing, storage unit,
A group determination unit for determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal belongs;
Based on the download history, it is determined whether there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with cost payment (“primary downloaded content”) by another user belonging to the determined group. Sharing that allows the user to secondary download the content that has been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost if the user has the content that has already been downloaded by the user. A control unit;
A specific content determination unit that determines whether a user belonging to a specific group (“group user”) has selected and primarily downloaded the specific content;
The storage unit allows a third user who does not belong to the specific group (“non-group user”) to permit secondary download of the specific content primarily downloaded by the group user via the user terminal. Storing information related to the restriction release condition of 1;
Upon receiving the primary download of specific content by the group user, the identification information of the group user is stored in association with the identification information of the non-group user,
The sharing control unit determines whether or not the first restriction release condition is satisfied in response to an access by a user outside the group. If the condition is satisfied, the group user is currently accessing the specific content that has been primarily downloaded. A content sharing system that permits secondary download to a user terminal of a non-group user . A content sharing system that manages the sharing of each content within a group by controlling the distribution of content from a content distribution device to a user terminal for each group configured by a plurality of users.
A content distribution unit that distributes content data to the user terminal in response to a download request from each user terminal connected to the content distribution device via a communication network;
The download history of the content via the user terminal by each user is stored in association with the user identification information, and each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs is associated with the user identification information. Storing, storage unit,
A group determination unit for determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal belongs;
Based on the download history, it is determined whether there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with cost payment (“primary downloaded content”) by another user belonging to the determined group. Sharing that allows the user to secondary download the content that has been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost if the user has the content that has already been downloaded by the user. A control unit;
A specific content determination unit that determines whether a third user who does not belong to the specific group (“non-group user”) has selected and downloaded the specific content;
The storage unit releases a second restriction when a user belonging to a specific group (“group user”) permits secondary download of specific content primarily downloaded by a user outside the group via a user terminal. Stores information related to conditions,
Upon receiving a primary download of specific content by a non-group user, the identification information of the non-group user is stored in association with the identification information of the group user,
The sharing control unit determines whether or not the second restriction release condition is satisfied according to the access by the group user, and when the condition is satisfied, the non-group user is accessing the specific content that has been primarily downloaded. Allow secondary downloads to user terminals of group users
Content sharing system characterized by A content sharing system that manages the sharing of each content within a group by controlling the distribution of content from a content distribution device to a user terminal for each group configured by a plurality of users.
A content distribution unit that distributes content data to the user terminal in response to a download request from each user terminal connected to the content distribution device via a communication network;
The download history of the content via the user terminal by each user is stored in association with the user identification information, and each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs is associated with the user identification information. Storing, storage unit,
A group determination unit for determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal belongs;
Based on the download history, it is determined whether there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with cost payment (“primary downloaded content”) by another user belonging to the determined group. Sharing that allows the user to secondary download the content that has been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost if the user has the content that has already been downloaded by the user. Including a control unit,
The storage unit stores content primarily downloaded by a specific user by a user belonging to a specific group (“group user”) or a third user not belonging to the specific group (“non-group user”) via a user terminal. Memorize the information related to the third restriction release condition when permitting secondary download,
The sharing control unit determines whether or not a third restriction release condition is satisfied according to access by a group user or a non-group user, and when the condition is satisfied, the specific user accesses the content that has been primarily downloaded. Allow secondary download to user terminals of inside or outside group users
Content sharing system characterized by The content sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The storage unit further stores sharing instruction information for instructing whether to share the content downloaded by the user with other users of the group,
Based on the sharing instruction information, the sharing control unit allows or disallows secondary download of the content that has been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost by the user. A content sharing system characterized by permission. The content sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The storage unit further stores upper limit instruction information for instructing an upper limit number of times within a predetermined period with respect to the number of times that another user can secondary download content that has already been primary downloaded.
The download history further includes the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period associated with the user;
Based on the upper limit instruction information and the download history, further including a use upper limit determination unit that determines whether the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period is less than the upper limit number of times,
When the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period is less than the upper limit number, the sharing control unit permits secondary download to the accessing user terminal. The content sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
Display data in which the content distribution unit is composed of a first display unit indicating meta-information about the content that has been primary downloaded and / or a second display unit indicating meta-information about the content that can be secondary downloaded. Is generated and transmitted to the user terminal. A content sharing method for managing sharing of content in a group by controlling distribution of content from a content distribution device to a user terminal for each group configured by a plurality of users,
Storing a download history of content via a user terminal by each user in association with user identification information;
Storing each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs in association with the identification information of the user;
Determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal connected to a content distribution device via a communication network belongs;
Determining, based on the download history, whether there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with a cost payment (“content that has been primary downloaded”) by another user belonging to the determined group;
Permits secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost by the user when there is content that has already been downloaded by the other user. And steps to
In response to a download request from the user terminal, delivering content data of the content permitted for the secondary download to the user terminal;
Determining whether a user belonging to a specific group (“group user”) has selected and downloaded primary content;
A first restriction release condition when a third user who does not belong to a specific group (“non-group user”) permits secondary download of specific content primarily downloaded by a group user via a user terminal Storing information relating to:
Receiving a primary download of specific content by a group user, and storing the identification information of the group user in association with the identification information of a non-group user;
It is determined whether or not the first restriction release condition is satisfied according to the access by the non-group user, and when the condition is satisfied, the user terminal of the non-group user who is accessing the specific content that has been downloaded by the group user for the first time And allowing the secondary download to the content sharing method. A content sharing method for managing sharing of content in a group by controlling distribution of content from a content distribution device to a user terminal for each group configured by a plurality of users,
Storing a download history of content via a user terminal by each user in association with user identification information;
Storing each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs in association with the identification information of the user;
Determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal connected to a content distribution device via a communication network belongs;
Determining, based on the download history, whether there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with a cost payment (“content that has been primary downloaded”) by another user belonging to the determined group;
Permits secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost by the user when there is content that has already been downloaded by the other user. And steps to
In response to a download request from the user terminal, delivering content data of the content permitted for the secondary download to the user terminal;
Determining whether a third user who does not belong to a specific group (“non-group user”) has selected and primarily downloaded specific content;
Information related to the second restriction release condition when a user belonging to a specific group ("group user") permits secondary download of specific content primarily downloaded by a user outside the group via the user terminal. Memorizing step;
Receiving primary download of specific content by a non-group user and storing the identification information of the non-group user in association with the identification information of the group user;
According to the access by the group user, it is determined whether or not the second restriction release condition is satisfied. Allow secondary downloads and
A content sharing method characterized by comprising: A content sharing method for managing sharing of content in a group by controlling distribution of content from a content distribution device to a user terminal for each group configured by a plurality of users,
Storing a download history of content via a user terminal by each user in association with user identification information;
Storing each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs in association with the identification information of the user;
Determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal connected to a content distribution device via a communication network belongs;
Determining, based on the download history, whether there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with a cost payment (“content that has been primary downloaded”) by another user belonging to the determined group;
Permits secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost by the user when there is content that has already been downloaded by the other user. And steps to
In response to a download request from the user terminal, delivering content data of the content permitted for the secondary download to the user terminal;
A user who belongs to a specific group (“group user”) or a third user who does not belong to a specific group (“non-group user”) downloads the content primarily downloaded by the specific user via the user terminal. Storing information related to a third restriction release condition when permitting
It is determined whether or not the third restriction release condition is satisfied according to the access by the group user or the non-group user, and when the condition is satisfied, the group user or group that is accessing the content that has been downloaded by the specific user for the first time Allowing secondary download to the user terminal of the outside user; and
A content sharing method characterized by comprising: The content sharing method according to any one of claims 7 to 9 ,
Storing sharing instruction information for instructing whether or not to share content downloaded by the user with other users of the group;
Permitting or disallowing secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost based on the sharing instruction information; and content sharing method which comprises further. The content sharing method according to any one of claims 7 to 10 ,
Storing upper limit instruction information for instructing an upper limit number of times within a predetermined period with respect to the number of times that another user can secondary-download the content that has been primary downloaded;
Storing a secondary download count within the predetermined period associated with the user in a download history; and
Determining whether the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period is less than the upper limit number based on the upper limit instruction information and the download history;
Permitting secondary download to the accessing user terminal when the number of secondary downloads within the predetermined period is less than the upper limit number. The content sharing method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 ,
Generating display data including a first display unit indicating meta-information about the content that has already been downloaded and / or a second display unit indicating meta-information about the content that can be secondarily downloaded; A content sharing method, further comprising: transmitting to a terminal. To cause a computer to execute a content sharing method for managing the sharing of each content within a group by controlling the distribution of content from the content distribution device to the user terminal for each group composed of a plurality of users A computer-readable storage medium storing the program of
A step of storing a download history of content via a user terminal by each user in association with user identification information;
Storing each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs in association with the identification information of the user;
Determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal connected to a content distribution device via a communication network belongs ;
Determining, based on the download history, whether or not there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with a cost payment (“primary downloaded content”) by another user belonging to the determined group;
Permits secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost by the user when there is content that has already been downloaded by the other user. Step to do ,
In response to a download request from the user terminal, delivering content data of the content permitted for the secondary download to the user terminal;
Determining whether a user belonging to a specific group (“group user”) has selected and downloaded primary content;
A first restriction release condition when a third user who does not belong to a specific group (“non-group user”) permits secondary download of specific content primarily downloaded by a group user via a user terminal Storing information relating to
Receiving a primary download of specific content by a group user and storing the identification information of the group user in association with the identification information of a non-group user; and
It is determined whether or not the first restriction release condition is satisfied according to the access by the non-group user, and when the condition is satisfied, the user terminal of the non-group user who is accessing the specific content that has been downloaded by the group user for the first time A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a step of permitting secondary download to the computer. To cause a computer to execute a content sharing method for managing the sharing of each content within a group by controlling the distribution of content from the content distribution device to the user terminal for each group composed of a plurality of users A computer-readable storage medium storing the program of
A step of storing a download history of content via a user terminal by each user in association with user identification information;
Storing each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs in association with the identification information of the user;
Determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal connected to a content distribution device via a communication network belongs;
Determining, based on the download history, whether or not there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with a cost payment (“primary downloaded content”) by another user belonging to the determined group;
Permits secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost by the user when there is content that has already been downloaded by the other user. Step to do,
In response to a download request from the user terminal, delivering content data of the content permitted for the secondary download to the user terminal;
Determining whether a third user who does not belong to a specific group (“user outside group”) has selected specific content and downloaded it first;
Information related to the second restriction release condition when a user belonging to a specific group ("group user") permits secondary download of specific content primarily downloaded by a user outside the group via the user terminal. Remembering step,
Receiving primary download of specific content by a non-group user and storing the identification information of the non-group user in association with the identification information of the group user; and
According to the access by the group user, it is determined whether or not the second restriction release condition is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the specific content that has been downloaded by the non-group user to the user terminal of the currently accessing group user To allow secondary download of
A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute. To cause a computer to execute a content sharing method for managing the sharing of each content within a group by controlling the distribution of content from the content distribution device to the user terminal for each group composed of a plurality of users A computer-readable storage medium storing the program of
A step of storing a download history of content via a user terminal by each user in association with user identification information;
Storing each identification information of one or more groups to which each user belongs in association with the identification information of the user;
Determining a group to which a user being accessed via the user terminal connected to a content distribution device via a communication network belongs;
Determining, based on the download history, whether or not there is content that has already been downloaded for the first time with a cost payment (“primary downloaded content”) by another user belonging to the determined group;
Permits secondary download of content that has already been downloaded by the other user to the accessing user terminal without paying the cost by the user when there is content that has already been downloaded by the other user. Step to do,
In response to a download request from the user terminal, delivering content data of the content permitted for the secondary download to the user terminal;
A user who belongs to a specific group (“group user”) or a third user who does not belong to a specific group (“non-group user”) downloads the content primarily downloaded by the specific user via the user terminal. Storing information relating to a third restriction release condition when permitting
It is determined whether or not the third restriction release condition is satisfied according to the access by the group user or the non-group user. Step of permitting secondary download to user terminal of outside user
A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute.

Images