JP5160351B2 - Billing system, billing method and billing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system, a charging method, and a charging program that charge for streaming distribution and download distribution to a terminal device.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a billing system that manages billing information related to purchased content by adding it to an account for managing the call charges of a cellular phone when purchasing content with a cellular phone (see Patent Document 1). Such a billing system requires flexible billing according to the user's situation, and an information processing device that can use the content at a discount price corresponding to the purchase history or use history of the content, or a trial listening There has been proposed a content reproduction billing apparatus that flexibly adapts to the user's listening conditions (see Patent Documents 2 and 3).

On the other hand, content is not charged for the download itself, but the number of times of listening is managed using a specific device, and the content is played according to the number of playbacks, and the user pays a fee corresponding to the number of multimedia playbacks. A billing system and a music playback apparatus that calculates and collects charges based on the playback time of music have also been proposed (see Patent Documents 4, 5, and 6).
JP 2002-27151 A JP 2001-22843 A JP 2003-331195 A JP 2005-25559 A JP 2006-178938 A JP-A-5-81554

  Thus, a flexible charging system according to the user's situation has been proposed. For example, in the systems described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, flexible charging based on discounts and tables based on history is performed. It is expensive for a user who only listens once or twice and does not listen to it. Further, in the systems described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 4, although charging is performed according to the number of times of reproduction, there is no upper limit on the charged amount, so that a user who listens to music frequently may be charged more than expected. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a charging system, a charging method, and a charging program capable of performing appropriate charging in the case of only performing a trial listening by streaming or in the case of downloading after a trial listening. The purpose is to provide.

  (1) In order to achieve the above object, a billing system of the present invention is a billing system that charges based on distribution of content to a terminal device, manages streaming history information that identifies a streaming history, and A streaming history information management unit that stores streaming history information, a history information database that stores the streaming history information, and the download according to a difference between a standard amount of a download fee and an amount based on the stored streaming history information And a billing management unit for determining a billing amount of the fee.

  As described above, the charging system of the present invention charges the streaming fee and determines the actual amount of the download fee based on the difference obtained by subtracting the total amount of the streaming fee corresponding to the history information from the standard amount of the download fee. Thereby, it is possible to charge for the trial listening according to the number of streaming, and for the download after the trial listening, the download fee can be discounted according to the number of the trial listening. As a result, it is possible to charge appropriately not only for a user who has performed a low frequency audition but also for a user who has performed a high frequency audition. Note that the standard amount of the download fee refers to a standardly determined amount such as a download fee in the case of buying out at one time without performing trial listening by streaming or the like.

  (2) In the charging system of the present invention, the history information database stores the streaming history information in association with the streamed content and the terminal device of the distribution destination, and the charging management unit A charge amount of the download fee is determined for the download to the terminal device.

  Accordingly, history information can be managed in association with the distribution destination terminal device and the streamed content, and the actual amount of the download fee can be determined according to the behavior of each user. As a result, it becomes possible to charge for streaming and downloading of content in response to various needs individually and flexibly.

  (3) Further, in the charging system of the present invention, the streaming history information management unit stores the number of streaming times as the streaming history information, and the charging management unit determines whether the stored streaming number and the streaming charge unit price are The charge amount of the download fee is determined with the product as an amount based on the stored streaming history information.

  Thus, in the charging system of the present invention, download charging can be discounted according to the product of the number of streaming times and the streaming charge unit price. This makes it possible to charge according to the frequency of streaming.

  (4) In the billing system of the present invention, the streaming history information management unit stores total amount information specifying a total amount of billing for the streaming as the streaming history information, and the billing management unit The charge amount of the download fee is determined with the total charge amount as an amount based on the stored streaming history information.

  As described above, in the billing system of the present invention, the download billing can be discounted according to the total amount of billing for streaming. This makes it possible to charge according to the frequency of streaming.

  (5) Further, in the charging system of the present invention, the streaming history information management unit stores the reproduction quality information specifying the level of the reproduction quality of the streaming as streaming history information, and the charging management unit stores the reproduction of the streaming A charge amount of the download fee is determined according to quality.

  Thus, for example, when the streaming playback quality is high, the streaming fee amount can be set high, and when the streaming playback quality is low, the streaming fee amount can be set low. As a result, the user can be charged flexibly according to the benefits received by the user.

(6) Further, in the charging system of the present invention, the charging management unit, for the streamed content, download charge charge amount PD (q), download charge standard amount PD, streaming charge unit price PS, When the coefficient indicating the streaming reproduction quality is Qs (x), the coefficient indicating the download reproduction quality is Qd, the arbitrary adjustment coefficient is s, and the number of streaming times is Ns (x), the download fee is calculated according to the following formula: The charge amount PD (q) is determined.

  In this way, by using a simple mathematical expression, content download charging can be performed fairly reflecting the reproduction quality of streaming. As a result, flexible charging can be easily performed.

  (7) The billing system of the present invention further includes a billing amount transmission unit that transmits the billing amount of the determined download fee to the distribution destination terminal device during streaming, and the billing amount transmission unit includes streaming playback In some cases, the terminal device of the distribution destination is caused to output a charge amount of the determined download fee.

  As a result, the user can know the amount of download in real time during streaming, and can easily select whether to continue listening or download in the future. As a result, the user's choices can be increased and the various needs of the user can be met.

  (8) The billing system of the present invention is further characterized by further comprising a billing amount transmission unit that transmits the billing amount of the determined download fee to a pre-registered mail address of the terminal device of the distribution destination. .

  Thus, the user can check the amount of download at any time by looking at the received mail, and can easily select whether to continue listening or download in the future. As a result, the user's choices can be increased and the various needs of the user can be met.

  (9) The billing method of the present invention is a billing method for billing content distribution to a terminal device, managing streaming history information for specifying a streaming history, and storing the streaming history information. And determining a charge amount of the download fee according to a difference between a standard amount of the download fee and an amount based on the stored streaming history information.

  Accordingly, it is possible to charge for the trial listening according to the number of streaming distributions, and for the download after the trial listening, the download distribution fee can be discounted according to the number of trial listenings. As a result, it is possible to charge appropriately not only for a user who has performed a low frequency audition but also for a user who has performed a high frequency audition.

  (10) A billing program according to the present invention is a billing program for billing content distribution to a terminal device, which manages streaming history information for specifying a streaming history and stores the streaming history information. The computer is caused to execute a process of determining a charge amount of the download fee according to a difference between a standard amount of the download fee and an amount based on the stored streaming history information.

  Accordingly, it is possible to charge for the trial listening according to the number of streaming distributions, and for the download after the trial listening, the download distribution fee can be discounted according to the number of trial listenings. As a result, it is possible to charge appropriately not only for a user who has performed a low frequency audition but also for a user who has performed a high frequency audition.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to charge for each of cases where only the trial listening by streaming is performed or when downloading after the trial listening.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components in the respective drawings, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a distribution system 100, a terminal device 200, and a payment system 300. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 200 can be connected to the distribution system 100 via a network NE. The distribution system 100 is a system possessed by a content distribution company, and performs streaming distribution or download distribution of music or video content in response to a request from the terminal device 200, for example. The distribution system 100 uses a billing system 110 described later. The terminal device 200 is, for example, a mobile phone, and can play back downloaded content and stream content. The terminal device 200 has a communication function capable of receiving streaming distribution and download distribution, and is given unique terminal identification information TID. The terminal device 200 may be a mobile terminal such as a PDA or a PC other than the mobile phone as described above.

  The distribution system 100 is connected to the payment system 300, and the billing system 110 can perform billing suitable for various needs of users. A system refers to a set of functional elements associated with a specific purpose. The system such as the distribution system 100 may be formed by a plurality of servers, or may be formed by a single server.

(Configuration of each part)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a distribution system 100 and a terminal device 200 using the charging system 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution system 100 includes a distribution control unit 101, a content database 102, a streaming distribution unit 105, a download execution unit 106, and a charging system 110.

  Upon receiving a streaming or download distribution request from the terminal device 200, the distribution control unit 101 controls each distribution. At the time of content distribution, content identification information, information on the download standard amount for each content, and information on the streaming distribution unit price for each content are simultaneously distributed.

  The content database 102 stores content that can be streamed or downloaded. The content is stored in association with the content identification information CID, the download standard amount PD for each content, and the streaming delivery unit price PS for each content. The content is, for example, music or video.

  The streaming distribution unit 105 is controlled by the distribution control unit 101, and distributes the content stored in the content database 102 to the terminal device 200 that has requested distribution. The download execution unit 106 is controlled by the distribution control unit 101 and downloads and distributes the content stored in the content database 102 to the terminal device 200 that has requested distribution.

  The charging system 110 is a system that charges according to the distribution of content to the terminal device 200, and includes a streaming history information management unit 111, a history information database 112, a charging management unit 115, and a charging amount transmission unit 116.

  The streaming history information management unit 111 manages streaming history information for specifying a streaming history, and stores the streaming history information in the history information database 112. The streaming history information management unit 111 may store, for example, the number of times of streaming as the streaming history information, or may store total amount information specifying the total amount charged for streaming. In addition, the streaming history information management unit 111 may store reproduction quality information that specifies the level of streaming reproduction quality as streaming history information. When the distribution control unit 101 receives a streaming playback request, the streaming history information management unit 111 associates the terminal identification information TID, the streamed content identification information CID, and the number of distributions N, and sends them to the history information database 112. To do. In addition, the streaming history information management unit 111 acquires quality information in streaming distribution, and stores it in the history information database 112 together with the number of reproductions Ns (x) corresponding to each quality, terminal identification information TID, and the like.

  The history information database 112 stores streaming history information. Streaming history information is stored in association with the streamed content and the distribution destination terminal device. The mobile phone identification information, the streaming-distributed content identification information, and the distribution frequency information for the user to receive streaming distribution are stored. When there is a streaming delivery request to the content server, the mobile phone identification information and the streaming delivery identification information are linked and stored in the database. The total amount charged at the time of streaming charging is classified for each mobile phone identification information and content identification information, and the total amount information is stored in the database. The history information database 112 processes information obtained from the content server and manages the terminal identification information TID, the content identification information CID, and the number of distributions N.

  The charge management unit 115 refers to the history information in the history information database 112 and determines the charge amount of the download fee according to the difference between the standard amount of the download fee and the amount based on the stored streaming history information. The charge management unit 115 determines the charge amount of the download fee for the download to the distribution destination terminal device 200. For example, the charge amount of the download fee is determined using the following equation (1). The product of the number of streaming times N and the streaming charge unit price PN is the amount based on the stored streaming history information, the charge amount of the newly set content download is NPD, the charge amount of the download amount is PD, and the charge amount of the download fee is calculate.

For example, the newly set content download amount NPD is calculated from the stored history information based on the equation (1). The charging management unit 115 sets NPD = 0 when NPD <0 according to the above formula. As a result, the total amount charged for streaming distribution in the past matches the content download amount. Note that when NPD <0, payback may be made for an amount exceeding the standard download amount.

  Further, the charge management unit 115 may determine the charge amount of the download fee according to the streaming reproduction quality. For the streamed content, the charge management unit 115 sets the charge amount of the download fee as PD (q), the standard amount of the download fee as PD, the streaming charge unit price as PS, the coefficient indicating the playback quality of streaming as Qs (x), When the coefficient indicating the download reproduction quality is Qd, the arbitrary adjustment coefficient is s, and the number of streaming times is Ns (x), the charge amount PD (q) of the download fee is determined by the following equation (2).

  The charge management unit 115 reads the terminal identification information TID, the content identification information CID, the number of distributions Ns (x) for each quality, etc. from the history information database 112, calculates the download amount and the streaming amount, and performs the charge. The charge amount PD (q) of the download fee can be calculated by the equation (2) or the like. Note that each time streaming playback is performed, the streaming amount can be calculated and charged, and payment can be made.

  For example, in the streaming distribution of music content, the charge management unit 115 weights the amount according to the sound quality (bit rate) Qd of content download and the streaming distribution quality Qs (x). Ns (x) is the number of times of streaming playback at each streaming distribution quality.

  Note that the charge management unit 115 may determine the charge amount of the download fee by using the total charge amount for streaming as the amount based on the stored streaming history information. The product of the number of times of streaming N and the streaming charge unit price PN is an example of the total charge for streaming. When a download request is made to the distribution system 100, the history information database 112 is referred to, and the content is downloaded from the difference between the total amount of charge associated with the content identification information of the requested content and the standard amount of the download fee. Determine the charge amount (the purchase amount of the content at that time).

When downloading is performed after performing streaming reproduction a plurality of times, download charging considering the past number of streaming reproduction is applied, so that the user can eliminate unfairness in charging. And it is possible to perform flexible billing according to the usage situation of the user. On the other hand, you can listen to the entire song for a low price even if you don't download it for trial listening only. As a result, the user can eliminate the unfair feeling of charging at the time of downloading regardless of whether the listening by streaming distribution is performed with a small number of times or a large number of times.

  The billing amount transmission unit 116 transmits the billing amount of the determined download fee to the distribution destination terminal device 200 during streaming. The billing amount transmission unit 116 outputs the billing amount of the download fee determined to the distribution destination terminal device during streaming playback. It is also possible to send the determined charge for the download fee to a pre-registered mail address of the terminal device of the distribution destination for notification.

  Next, the terminal device 200 will be briefly described. The terminal device 200 includes an input unit 201, a streaming playback unit 204, a terminal storage unit 205, an output unit 206, and a mail receiving unit 208. The input unit 201 receives an operation such as a distribution request by a user. By operating the input unit 201, the user can select download and streaming distribution. Further, a state in which the quality is automatically selected or a state in which a quality prepared in advance is selected may be set as an initial setting so that the user can select the quality.

  The streaming playback unit 204 temporarily accumulates the streamed content and sequentially plays back the content. Receive and play streaming distribution. The terminal storage unit 205 stores the downloaded content. The output unit 206 performs output by streaming reproduction and output of downloaded content through an earpiece, a mouthpiece, a speaker, a display screen, and the like. Also, display by email. The mail receiving unit 208 receives mail addressed to the terminal device 200.

(System operation)
Next, the operation of the billing system 110 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a characteristic operation of the charging system 110.

  First, the charging system 110 determines whether or not there is a streaming request from the terminal device 200 (step S1). If it is determined that there has been a request for streaming, the number of streaming distributions is acquired (step S2), and reproduction quality information is acquired (step S3). Then, the streaming history information is stored in the history information database 112 (step S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no streaming request, it is determined whether or not there is a download request (step S5). If it is determined that there is no download request, the process returns to step S1. When it is determined that there is a download request, the streaming history information is read from the history information database 112 (step S6). Next, a streaming fee is calculated using the read streaming history information (step S7). It is determined whether or not the calculated charge amount is equal to or less than the standard download amount (step S8).

  If it is determined that the calculated streaming fee is greater than the standard download amount, the operation is terminated without charging for the download of the content. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated streaming charge is equal to or less than the download standard charge, the difference between the download standard charge and streaming charge is charged for the download of the content. And exit.

1 is a schematic diagram of a distribution system, a terminal device, and a payment system using a charging system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the delivery system and terminal device using the charging system based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the characteristic operation | movement of the charging system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Distribution system 101 Distribution control part 102 Content database 105 Streaming delivery part 106 Download execution part 110 Billing system 111 Streaming history information management part 112 History information database 115 Charge management part 116 Charge amount transmission part 200 Terminal apparatus 201 Input part 204 Streaming reproduction part 205 Terminal storage unit 206 Output unit 208 Mail receiving unit 300 Payment system NE Network CID Content identification information TID Terminal identification information N Distribution count Ns Distribution count PD Download amount PD Charge amount Qs (1)... Qs (T) Content streaming Quality s Arbitrary adjustment factor Ns (x) Number of times of streaming playback at each streaming delivery quality Qd Content download quality PD Download fee Standard amount PD (q) the billing amount of download fee of delivery of the billing amount PS streaming unit price N delivery count NPD newly set download fee

Claims (9)

A billing system that charges based on distribution of content to a terminal device,
A streaming history information management unit for managing streaming history information for specifying a streaming history and storing the streaming history information;
A history information database for storing the streaming history information;
Depending on the difference between the amount based on the standard amount and the stored streaming history information of the download fee, Bei to give a, and a billing management unit to determine the billing amount of the download fee,
The streaming history information management unit stores, as the reproduction quality information for specifying the level of the reproduction quality of the streaming, information obtained by quantitatively evaluating the reproduction quality of the streaming with reference to the reproduction quality of the download for each streaming. Let
A charging system, wherein the charging management unit determines a charging amount for the download fee based on a standard amount of the download fee and a streaming fee determined according to the reproduction quality information . The history information database stores the streaming history information in association with the streamed content and the destination terminal device,
The billing system according to claim 1, wherein the billing management unit determines a billing amount of the download fee for the download to the terminal device of the distribution destination. The streaming history information management unit stores the number of streaming times as the streaming history information,
The charge management unit determines a charge amount of the download fee by using a product of the stored streaming count and a streaming charge unit price as an amount based on the stored streaming history information. The charging system according to claim 2. The streaming history information management unit stores, as the streaming history information, total amount information that specifies a total amount charged for the streaming,
The charging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the charging management unit determines the charging amount of the download fee by using a total amount of charging for the streaming as an amount based on the stored streaming history information. . For the streamed content, the charge management unit sets PD (q) as the charge amount of the download fee, PD as the standard amount of the download fee, PS as the streaming charge unit price, and Qs (x) as a coefficient indicating the playback quality of the streaming When the coefficient indicating the download reproduction quality is Qd, the arbitrary adjustment coefficient is s, and the streaming count is Ns (x), the charge amount PD (q) of the download fee is determined by the following equation: The charging system according to claim 1, wherein:

A charge amount transmitting unit that transmits the charge amount of the determined download fee to the distribution destination terminal device during streaming;
6. The charging system according to claim 1 , wherein the charging amount transmitting unit causes the terminal device of the distribution destination to output a charging amount of the determined download fee during streaming playback. . According to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a billing amount transmission unit for transmitting to the mail address previously registered the destination terminal device billing amount downloading fee the determined further Billing system. A charging method for charging content distribution to a terminal device,
Managing streaming history information for identifying a streaming history, and storing the streaming history information;
Depending on the difference between the amount based on the standard amount and the stored streaming history information of the download fee, only including the steps of: determining the charge amount of the download fee,
In the step of storing the streaming history information, information that quantitatively evaluates the reproduction quality of the streaming with reference to the reproduction quality of the download for each streaming as the reproduction quality information specifying the level of the reproduction quality of the streaming Remember
In the step of determining the charge amount, a charge amount of the download fee is determined based on a standard amount of download fee and a streaming fee determined according to the reproduction quality information . A billing program for charging content distribution to a terminal device,
Managing streaming history information for specifying a streaming history, and storing the streaming history information;
Causing the computer to execute a process of determining a charge amount of the download fee according to a difference between a standard amount of the download fee and an amount based on the stored streaming history information ,
In the process of storing the streaming history information, as the reproduction quality information for specifying the level of the reproduction quality of the streaming, information that quantitatively evaluates the reproduction quality of the streaming on the basis of the download reproduction quality for each streaming Remember
In the processing for determining the billing amount, a billing program for determining the billing amount for the download fee based on a standard amount of download fee and a streaming fee determined according to the reproduction quality information .

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