JPWO2008012901A1 - Content purchase system, content purchase method, content purchase program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A content reproduction apparatus (100) capable of reproducing predetermined content so as to be able to view or listen is configured by a selection unit (101), a generation unit (102), and an output unit (103), and the selection unit (101). Accepts selection of purchase target content to be purchased from among the content that can be viewed or listened to during the effective period. The generation unit (102) generates specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected by the selection unit (101). The output unit (103) outputs the specific information generated by the generation unit (102) to a device capable of recording a plurality of contents.

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction apparatus, a content recording apparatus, a content reproduction method, a content recording method, a content reproduction program, a content recording program, and a computer-readable recording medium for reproducing and recording predetermined content. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described content reproduction device, content recording device, content reproduction method, content recording method, content reproduction program, content recording program, and computer-readable recording medium.

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

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

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

JP 2001-265584 A

  However, in the above-described technique, since the user can only listen to the music during the contract period, there is a problem that the user cannot listen to the music after the contract period elapses. In particular, since the music cannot be duplicated even during the contract period, the user may be burdened with a re-contract to listen to the music.

  On the other hand, when purchasing a music piece without considering the contract period, a problem that the user must bear a high cost compared to listening during the contract period is an example. In addition, there is a method of listening to a limited part of the music, selecting and purchasing the music, but since the viewing is still limited to the limited part, the user purchases the music that they do not like An example is the problem that it may be

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the content reproduction apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a content reproduction apparatus capable of reproducing predetermined content so that the predetermined content can be viewed or listened, and can be viewed or listened in a valid period. Selection means for receiving selection of purchase target content to be purchased out of content (hereinafter referred to as “content with a time limit”), generation means for generating specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected by the selection means, And output means for outputting the specific information generated by the generating means to a device capable of recording a plurality of contents.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content recording apparatus comprising: a request unit that makes a purchase request for a purchase target content to be purchased to a content management server that manages a plurality of contents; As a result, receiving means for receiving the purchase target content from the content management server and recording means for recording the purchase target content received by the receiving means on a recording medium are provided.

  The content playback method according to the invention of claim 10 is a content playback method that enables playback of a predetermined content so that the content can be viewed or listened to. Content that can be viewed or listened to in a valid period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”) ), A selection step for receiving selection of purchase target content to be purchased, a generation step for generating specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected by the selection step, and the specific information generated by the generation step Is output to a device capable of recording a plurality of contents.

  The content recording method according to the invention of claim 11 is a request step for making a purchase request for the purchase target content to be purchased to a content management server that manages a plurality of contents, and the purchase request is made by the request step. As a result, a receiving step for receiving the purchase target content from the content management server and a recording step for recording the purchase target content received in the receiving step onto a recording medium are included.

  A content reproduction program according to a twelfth aspect of the invention causes a computer to execute the content reproduction method according to the tenth aspect.

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

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records the program according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the content reproduction apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of the music purchase system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the subscription service server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the PC according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process contents of the PC according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process contents of the PC according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Content reproduction apparatus 101 Selection part 102 Generation part 103 Output part 200 Content recording apparatus 201 Request part 202 Reception part 203 Recording part 204 Acquisition part

  Exemplary embodiments of a content reproduction apparatus, a content recording apparatus, a content reproduction method, a content recording method, a content reproduction program, a content recording program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Will be described in detail.

(Embodiment)
(Functional configuration of content playback device)
A functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a content reproduction apparatus 100 capable of reproducing predetermined content so that it can be viewed or listened to includes a selection unit 101, a generation unit 102, and an output unit 103. The content reproduction apparatus 100 is configured to reproduce the content so that the content can be viewed or listened to. That is, although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, a configuration for reproducing and outputting content is provided.

  The content playback apparatus 100 may be capable of playing back content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined validity period (hereinafter referred to as time-limited content) using a subscription service, for example. . The subscription service is, for example, a service that allows a user to pay a predetermined contract fee so that the user can download and play the content of a predetermined content group by the user's playback terminal only during the contract period. is there.

  In this specification, the description is given on the assumption that the content of the predetermined content group is downloaded or played using the subscription service, but video data or music may be used instead of the content of the content group. Other various information data may be used.

  The selection unit 101 accepts selection of purchase target content to be purchased from time-limited content. The time-limited content is, for example, content that can be viewed or listened to only within a predetermined validity period provided by the above-described subscription service. Here, the configuration is such that viewing or listening is possible only during a predetermined effective period, but it may be configured such that the period during which downloading is possible or the number of times that viewing (or listening) can be performed, that is, the number of times that playback can be performed is limited.

  The purchase target content may be content that the user desires to purchase, for example, and content that is not limited by the validity period described above.

  The generation unit 102 generates specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected by the selection unit 101. The specific information may be, for example, metadata such as the title name and author name of the content, a content ID (IDentifier) such as a copyright number, an identification number in the subscription service, and the like. Further, it may be information including a feature amount of the content or a part of the content. By including the feature amount and part of the content, it is possible to easily identify the same content when there is a difference in version such as a recording environment.

  The output unit 103 outputs the specific information generated by the generation unit 102 to a device capable of recording a plurality of contents. The device capable of recording a plurality of contents may be, for example, a personal computer of a user who owns the content reproduction apparatus 100, or a device that records and manages a plurality of contents using a predetermined recording medium. Further, the device capable of recording a plurality of contents may be the content reproduction apparatus 100 itself or a predetermined external server (not shown) as long as a plurality of contents can be recorded. In this specification, a device capable of recording a plurality of contents (hereinafter referred to as a content recording device) is positioned as a device that can mainly purchase contents.

(Functional configuration of content recording device)
Next, the functional configuration of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the content recording apparatus 200 includes a request unit 201, a reception unit 202, a recording unit 203, and an acquisition unit 204.

  For example, the content recording apparatus 200 may be in a house or the like, download content purchased using a content purchase service, and enable storage, management, reproduction, and copying of the purchased content. For example, the content purchase service downloads the selected content by paying a predetermined fee by selecting the content to be purchased from the content of the predetermined content group by the user's playback terminal, etc. It is a service that can be stored in a storage, etc., and can be played back without any time limit thereafter. In general, the purchased content is permitted to be copied under a predetermined rule.

  The request unit 201 makes a purchase request for purchase target content to be purchased to a content management server that manages a plurality of contents. For example, the content management server may be the same server as the server that performs the subscription service, or may be a server that is different from the subscription service. In other words, the server that implements the subscription service manages, for example, content that can be viewed or listened within a predetermined validity period, and the content management server is a server that implements the content purchase service, It is good also as a structure which manages the content used as object.

  In addition, for example, the content to be purchased in the content purchase service and the content with a time limit in the subscription service use common content, which are managed by a common content management server, and which is accessed from the playback terminal. Depending on whether the access is for the service, the right server may give the content a right for expiration or purchase each time and then transmit the content to the playback terminal.

  Further, the request unit 201 makes a purchase request for the purchase target content specified by the specific information from among a plurality of contents managed by the content management server, using the specific information acquired by the acquisition unit 204 described later. It is good.

  The receiving unit 202 receives the purchase target content from the content management server as a result of the purchase request made by the request unit 201. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 202 manages the charging information related to the payment of the purchase target content when the purchase unit content is paid as a result of the purchase request made by the request unit 201. The purchase target content may be received from the server.

  That is, the content management server transmits the purchase target content to the receiving unit 202 when the payment has been paid for the purchase target content for which the purchase request has been made. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  The recording unit 203 records the purchase target content received by the receiving unit 202 on a recording medium (not shown). For example, a plurality of purchase target contents may be recorded. This allows the user to centrally manage the purchase target contents.

  The acquisition unit 204 acquires specific information for specifying the purchase target content. The specific information may be, for example, metadata such as the title name and author name of the content, a content ID (IDentifier) such as a copyright number, an identification number in the subscription service, and the like. Further, it may be information including a feature amount of the content or a part of the content. By including the feature amount and part of the content, it is possible to easily identify the same content when there is a difference in version such as a recording environment.

  Moreover, acquisition of specific information is good also as receiving from an external apparatus, and good also as receiving the input from a user, for example.

(Contents of content playback device processing)
Next, the contents of processing of the content reproduction apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the content reproduction apparatus according to this embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, first, the selection unit 101 determines whether or not selection of purchase target content has been accepted (step S301). For example, the selection of the purchase target content may be performed by the user operating an operation unit (not shown).

  In step S301, after receiving the selection of the purchase target content and receiving it (step S301: Yes), the generation unit 102 generates specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected in step S301 ( Step S302). The generated specific information is stored in the content reproduction apparatus 100 until a plurality of contents are output to a device capable of recording, and the user can refer to the purchase target content for which the specific information is generated in a list display, Further, specific information to be output to a device capable of recording content may be selected later.

  And the specific information produced | generated in step S302 is output with respect to the apparatus which can record a some content by the output part 103 (step S303), and a series of processes are complete | finished.

(Contents of content recording device processing)
Next, the contents of processing of the content recording apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, first, the request unit 201 makes a purchase request for the purchase target content to be purchased based on the specific information from the content reproduction device 100 to the content management server that manages a plurality of content (steps). S401).

  Next, as a result of the purchase request made in step S401 by the receiving unit 202, the purchase target content is received from the content management server (step S402).

  Then, the recording unit 203 records the purchase target content received in step S402 (step S403), and the series of processing ends. For example, a plurality of purchase target contents may be recorded on a predetermined recording medium.

  As described above, according to the content reproduction apparatus, content recording apparatus, content reproduction method, content recording method, content reproduction program, content recording program, and computer-readable recording medium according to the present embodiment, the predetermined effective Since the purchase target content can be selected from the time-limited content that can be viewed or listened during the period, the user can purchase the content after sufficiently confirming the content.

  Further, when the time-limited content provided by the subscription service is purchased, a plurality of contents are recorded on a predetermined recording medium that can be recorded, so that the user can centrally manage the purchased content. That is, by recording the purchase target content on a content recording device different from the content playback device mounted on the mobile body, the user can improve the convenience of reproducing or copying the purchased content.

  In addition, the content recording device receives the purchase target content without receiving the purchase target content by the content reproduction device mounted on the mobile body. Therefore, the purchase target content can be acquired without the communication environment becoming unstable.

  Example 1 of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, for example, the content reproduction device of the present invention is implemented by a navigation device mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle), and is installed at a location different from the navigation device. An example in which the content recording apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a PC (personal computer) will be described.

(System overview)
First, an outline of a music purchase system for purchasing music as an example of content purchase according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of the music purchase system according to the first embodiment.

  5, the music purchase system 500 includes a subscription service server 501, a navigation device 502, a PC 503, and a playback terminal 504. The subscription service server 501, the navigation device 502, and the PC 503 are connected to each other via the Internet 510, and the navigation device 502, the PC 503, and the playback terminal 504 are owned by the same user 550. Suppose that

  In the description of FIG. 5, the navigation device 502, the PC 503, and the playback terminal 504 are owned by the same user 550, but may be different from each other. It is good also as possession which can be grasped | ascertained by the user 550.

  The subscription service server 501 distributes music to the navigation device 502 and the PC 503 owned by the user 550 based on a contract for distribution of predetermined music with the user 550. The music distribution may be performed not only on the navigation device 502 and the PC 503 but also on a terminal registered in accordance with a contract with the user 550.

  Specifically, for example, the subscription service server 501 allows the user 550 to use a registered terminal such as the navigation device 502 or the PC 503 to prepare music pieces that the subscription service server 501 prepares according to the contracted period. You can download or play as many songs as you like from a group of songs and listen to them.

  More specifically, for example, the subscription service server 501 includes a content server that stores and manages music data, a terminal authentication of the user 550, an authentication server that sets and manages the validity period of the music, and a user 550. It may be composed of a server group including a billing server that manages contract information and billing information. For example, the number of server groups is not limited to three, and may be any server that includes any one or more of a content server, an authentication server, and a billing server, and can realize all functions.

  Here, an outline of music distribution by the subscription service server 501 will be described. When the subscription service server 501 receives a music download request from a predetermined terminal such as the navigation device 502 or the PC 503 registered according to the contract with the user 550, the subscription service server 501 is enabled by the function of the authentication server. It is authenticated whether or not the user 550 is contracted.

  Furthermore, the subscription service server 501 sets the music to be distributed from the music group stored and managed by the function of the content server according to the contract information of the user 550 managed by the function of the accounting server. Specifically, for example, the music to be distributed is distributed by setting an effective period according to the contract information or billing information for the music requested from the navigation device 502 or the PC 503. Further, instead of or in addition to the effective period, the permitted number of reproductions may be set and distributed.

  Here, the valid period may be updated according to the payment status of the user 550, for example, and may be information that includes not only the delivery end date but also the start date and end date. Further, instead of the delivery date, a reproducible date may be set, or information regarding availability may be used.

  In the first embodiment, the validity period is set by the subscription service server 501 for the music to be distributed, but may be configured by each terminal. Specifically, for example, the terminal may acquire contract information and billing information, and may reproduce music according to the contract information and billing information.

  The navigation device 502 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and in addition to guiding the route of the vehicle, the navigation device 502 reproduces content recorded on a recording medium and content acquired by a communication function.

  Specifically, for example, music distributed by the subscription service server 501 can be listened to. Distribution of music may be performed using a communication function, or may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed by mail. In addition, the distributed music has a valid listening period set, and may be a streaming method or a download method. In the first embodiment, the download method will be described.

  More specifically, for example, the navigation device 502 is owned by a user 550 who has contracted for distribution of a predetermined music, and a list or information of music that can be used by a display unit, an audio output unit, or the like (not shown). It has a function to refer to. Then, a selection of a music piece that the user 550 wants to listen to can be received from an operation unit (not shown), and the music piece can be downloaded and the downloaded music piece can be reproduced. It may be possible to play back simultaneously while downloading.

  For example, one or a plurality of songs may be downloaded from the subscription service server 501. The downloaded music may be a music that can be listened to only for a valid period according to the contract.

  Here, in the first embodiment, when the user 550 desires to purchase a music that is being listened to only for a predetermined effective period, the music can be purchased. Specifically, for example, when the user 550 selects a piece of music that the user wants to purchase, the navigation device 502 generates and registers specific information for specifying the piece of music. Then, the navigation device 502 can purchase the music on condition that the registered specific information is transferred to the PC 503 described later and the PC 503 pays for the music to be purchased.

  The PC 503 purchases the music specified by the specific information transferred from the navigation device 502 from a server that can sell the music. The server that can be sold may be, for example, a server different from the subscription service server 501 described above or the same server as the subscription service server 501.

  Specifically, for example, when a server that can sell a purchase request including purchase information including charging information indicating that the user 550 has paid for the music to be purchased and specific information for specifying the music to be purchased is acquired. In this configuration, the purchased music is transmitted to the PC 503.

  Then, by transferring a copy of the purchased music to the navigation device 502 or the playback terminal 504 using the PC 503, the user 550 cares about the validity period of the purchased music using the navigation device 502 or the playback terminal 504. You can listen without

  Note that the copy permitted number of copies of the purchased music may be set. For example, the copy allowable number is limited to three times (for three terminals) for the music recorded on the PC 503. Also good.

  The server that can sell music may be the same as or different from the subscription service server 501, but may be configured to purchase music that is temporarily listened to by the subscription service. Specifically, for example, the user 550 may apply a predetermined discount to the purchased music when paying a predetermined usage fee according to a subscription service contract.

  In this case, the specific information may include contract information regarding the subscription service. And the server which can be sold is good also as referring to the contract information contained in specific information, and discounting the charge of a music.

  For example, when the server that can sell music is different from the subscription service server 501, the server that can sell the contract information may inquire the subscription service server 501. Further, a server that can sell music may be configured to share the functions of an authentication server and a billing server with the subscription service server 501, for example.

  Further, if the server that can be sold is configured to acquire the specific information, the date and time when the specific information was acquired, and the information of the registered terminal of the user 550, the date and time when the specific information was acquired is within the contract period of the subscription service. After confirming that, even if it is outside the contract period of the current subscription service, it may be possible to purchase if specific information is acquired during the contract period.

  For example, the specific information is generated according to the music distributed from the subscription service server 501. If the subscription service server 501 and the server capable of selling the music are different, the specific information is specified even if the server can be sold. It is necessary to be able to identify music by information. That is, the subscription service server 501 and the server that can be sold can share the data of the specific information when specifying the music, or the music lists of both servers can be associated with each other so that they can be read each other.

  Further, the specific information may be information that can specify a music piece by a server that can be sold, for example, but information that can be purchased for a predetermined number of music pieces may be added according to the use of the subscription service. Information regarding the usage status and usage points of the subscription service may be added. In this way, if the subscription service and purchase are closely related, the user 550 is motivated to purchase by using listening to music, and can increase the use of the subscription service and promote sales of music. it can.

(Hardware configuration of the subscription service server 501)
Here, the hardware configuration of the subscription service server 501 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the subscription service server according to the first embodiment. In the following first embodiment, the subscription service server 501 and the server capable of selling music will be described as the same server.

  In FIG. 6, the subscription service server 501 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a magnetic disk drive 604, a magnetic disk 605, an optical disk drive 606, an optical disk 607, an audio I / F (interface) 608, A speaker 609, an input device 610, a video I / F 611, a display 612, and a communication I / F 613 are provided. The constituent units 601 to 613 are connected to each other by a bus 620.

  First, the CPU 601 governs overall control of the subscription service server 501. The ROM 602 records various programs such as a boot program, a communication program, and a data management program. The RAM 603 is used as a work area for the CPU 601.

  The magnetic disk drive 604 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 605 according to control of CPU601. The magnetic disk 605 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 604. As the magnetic disk 605, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 606 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 607 according to control of CPU601. The optical disk 607 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 606. As the optical disk 607, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 607, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 608 is connected to an audio output speaker 609, and audio is output from the speaker 609.

  Examples of the input device 610 include a remote controller including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 611 is connected to the display 612. Specifically, the video I / F 611 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 612, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 612 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 612 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 612, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 613 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the subscription service server 501 and the CPU 601. The communication I / F 613 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet 510 via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 601.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 613 is configured by, for example, an FM tuner.

  Although details will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the subscription service server 501 is configured to provide content by communicating with the navigation device 502 and the PC 503 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Here, the content may be, for example, the music shown in FIG.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 502)
Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus 502 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, a navigation device 502 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and includes a CPU 701, a ROM 702, a RAM 703, a magnetic disk drive 704, a magnetic disk 705, an optical disk drive 706, an optical disk 707, and audio. An I / F (interface) 708, a speaker 709, an input device 710, a video I / F 711, a display 712, a communication I / F 713, a GPS unit 714, and various sensors 715 are provided. Each component 701 to 715 is connected by a bus 720.

  First, the CPU 701 governs overall control of the navigation device 502. The ROM 702 stores various programs such as a boot program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a communication program, and a content reproduction program. The RAM 703 is used as a work area for the CPU 701.

  Although details will be described with reference to FIG. 9, the content reproduction program and the communication program cause the content provided from the subscription service server 501 to be reproduced. In addition, a copy of purchased content may be received and played back.

  The route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point using map information recorded on a magnetic disk 705 and an optical disk 707 described later. Here, the optimum route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination point or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user.

  The route guidance program is read from the guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, the current location information of the vehicle calculated by executing the current location calculation program, and a magnetic disk 705 and an optical disc 707 described later. Real-time route guidance information is generated based on the map information. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 708 and the video I / F 711 via the CPU 701.

  The magnetic disk drive 704 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 705 according to control of CPU701. The magnetic disk 705 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 704. As the magnetic disk 705, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 706 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 707 according to control of CPU701. The optical disc 707 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 706. As the optical disk 707, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 707, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 708 is connected to an audio output speaker 709, and audio is output from the speaker 709.

  Examples of the input device 710 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 711 is connected to the display 712. Specifically, the video I / F 711 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 712, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 712 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 712 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 712, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 713 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 502 and the CPU 701. The communication I / F 713 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet 510 via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 701.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 713 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) / beacon receiver, a radio navigation device, and other navigation devices. Get road traffic information such as regulations. VICS is a registered trademark. The communication I / F 713 may be configured to acquire schedule information and profile information from, for example, a server (not shown).

  The GPS unit 714 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current location of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 714 is used when the CPU 701 calculates the current location of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 715 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map information such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 715 include a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and the like, and output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle. The output values of the various sensors 715 are used by the CPU 701 for calculation of the current position of the vehicle, measurement of changes in speed and direction, and the like.

  Of the functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the selection unit 101 is recorded on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 705 and the optical disk 707 by the input device 710 and the communication I / F 713. When the CPU 701 executes various programs, the output unit 103 realizes its functions through the communication I / F 713.

(Hardware configuration of PC503)
Next, the hardware configuration of the PC 503 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the PC according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, a PC 503 includes a CPU 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a magnetic disk drive 804, a magnetic disk 805, an optical disk drive 806, an optical disk 807, an audio I / F (interface) 808, a speaker 809, An input device 810, a video I / F 811, a display 812, and a communication I / F 813 are provided. In addition, the respective components 801 to 813 are connected by a bus 820, respectively.

  First, the CPU 801 governs overall control of the PC 503. The ROM 802 records various programs such as a boot program, a communication program, and a content recording program. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the CPU 801.

  Details will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The communication program and the content recording program communicate with the subscription service server 501, the navigation device 502, and the like to purchase, record, and manage content. Also, a copy of the purchased content may be generated and transferred to the navigation device 502 or the playback terminal 504.

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

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

  The audio I / F 808 is connected to an audio output speaker 809, and audio is output from the speaker 809.

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

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

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

  The communication I / F 813 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the PC 503 and the CPU 801. The communication I / F 813 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet 510 via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 801.

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

  Of the functional configuration of the content recording apparatus 200 according to the embodiment, the request unit 201, the reception unit 202, and the acquisition unit 204 are configured by the communication I / F 813, and the recording unit 203 is configured by the magnetic disk drive 804 and the optical disk drive 806. Each implements its function.

(Contents of processing of navigation device 502)
Next, the contents of processing of the navigation device 502 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, first, the navigation apparatus 502 determines whether or not the user 550 has executed a subscription service contract (step S901).

  The subscription service uses, for example, the subscription service server 501 based on a contract for distribution of predetermined content (for example, the music shown in FIG. 5) with the user 550. Distribute content to your terminal. The distribution of content by the subscription service server 501 is not limited to the navigation device 502 and the PC 503, and may be performed on a terminal registered according to a contract with the user 550.

  For example, when the CPU 701 makes a contract with a business operator who manages the subscription service server 501 by the CPU 701, the determination as to whether or not the subscription service has been made is performed on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 705 or the optical disk 707. The contract information recorded may be referred to.

  In step S901, after waiting for execution of the subscription service contract (step S901: Yes), the time-limited content is downloaded from the subscription service server 501 by the communication I / F 713 (step S902). ), Recording on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 705 or an optical disk 707.

  The term-limited content is, for example, content that can be viewed or listened only during the valid period set by the subscription service server 501, and may be a period that can be changed according to the subscription service contract.

  In the description of FIG. 9, when viewing or listening to time-limited content, the content is downloaded and recorded on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 705 or the optical disk 707. However, the time-limited content is viewed using a streaming method. Or the structure which listens may be sufficient.

  Next, it is determined by the input device 710 whether or not the content that the user 550 wants to purchase is selected from the time-limited content downloaded in step S902 (step S903). The content to be purchased may be selected, for example, by selecting a plurality of time-limited contents at once, or selecting from the list of time-limited contents downloaded in step S902. The content to be purchased may be selectable after viewing or listening to the content with a time limit, for example, so that the user 550 can carefully select the content after viewing or listening to the content to be purchased. can do.

  When the content to be purchased is selected in step S903 (step S903: Yes), the CPU 701 generates specific information for specifying the content selected in step S903 (step S905). The specific information may be, for example, metadata such as a content title name or author name, a content ID such as a copyright number, or an identification number in a subscription service. Further, it may be information including a feature amount of the content or a part of the content. By including the feature amount and part of the content, it is possible to easily identify the same content when there is a difference in version such as a recording environment.

  In step S903, the content to be purchased is selected by operating the switch or the like when the favorite music is viewed or listened to even if it is not decided to purchase at that time. Based on this, the specific information may be generated and stored in step S905, and the music to be purchased may be selected from the specific information stored later. At this time, the specific information generated when the music is selected in step S903 is simple. When the music to be purchased later is selected, the specific information includes information that matches the purpose of the purchase request for the selected music again. May be generated again.

  Next, the specific information generated in step S905 is transmitted to the PC 503 by the communication I / F 713 (step S906). Moreover, it is good also as selecting only the specific information of the music which the user 550 decided to purchase among the produced | generated specific information, and transmitting. Note that processing related to reception of specific information and purchase of content by the PC 503 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, as a result of transmitting the specific information in step S906, a copy of the content transferred from the PC 503 is received by the communication I / F 713 (step S907), and the series of processing ends. For example, by copying the purchased content by the PC 503 and receiving the copied content, the navigation device 502 can acquire the content that can be viewed or listened without worrying about the validity period. it can.

  Here, the transmission of the specific information in step S906 is performed to the PC 503, but any other device that has a predetermined recording medium for recording content that is owned or managed by the user 550. Good. Further, if it is not determined at that time from which device the user 550 owns or manages the content, specific information may be transmitted to a plurality of possible devices. Furthermore, it is good also as recording on the recording medium of the navigation apparatus 502, In that case, the content which wants to purchase is acquired by making a purchase request with respect to the subscription service server 501 based on specific information. The purchase request will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, returning to step S903, if the content to be purchased is not selected (step S903: No), the CPU 701 determines whether or not the contract period implemented in step S901 is continuing (step S904).

  The determination of whether or not the contract period is ongoing may be made by comparing the contract information with the current date and time, or may be made by obtaining the availability information on the subscription service.

  In step S904, when the contract period is continuing (step S904: Yes), the process returns to step S902 and the process is repeated. In the description of FIG. 9, the process is repeated after returning to step S <b> 902, but viewing or listening to content that has already been downloaded may be continued.

  In step S904, when the contract period is not continuing (step S904: No), the process returns to step S901 and the process is repeated. That is, when the contract period has elapsed, the user 550 can receive the subscription service by re-contracting, and if the contract period is not continuing in step S904 (step S904: No), A step for prompting a contract may be provided.

(Contents of processing of PC 503)
Next, the contents of the processing of the PC 503 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process contents of the PC according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether or not the specific information is received from the navigation device 502 by the communication I / F 813 (step S1001). The specific information is information for specifying content that the user 550 wants to purchase, for example.

  In step S1001, it waits for the reception of the specific information, and if it is received (step S1001: Yes), the communication I / F 813 makes a purchase request for the content specified by the specific information received in step S1001 (step S1001). S1002).

  At this time, a step of confirming purchase intention with the user 550 may be added. At this time, for example, the purchase amount when the purchase is performed using the received specific information is acquired from a server that can be sold, and the user 550 wants to purchase again from the received specific information while referring to it. A step of determining content may be added. In addition, the PC 503, the subscription service server 501 or the navigation device 502 searches for the content already purchased by the user 550, and the specific information received by the PC 503 or the purchase request for the content received by the subscription service server 501 has already been received. If there is content corresponding to the purchased content, a step of notifying the user 550 of the content and excluding the content from the content purchase request automatically or according to an instruction from the user 550 may be added.

  The content purchase request is made, for example, to a server that can sell the content on condition that the user 550 pays for the content to be purchased. The server that can be sold in the first embodiment is a subscription service server 501.

  Next, it is determined by the communication I / F 813 whether or not the content requested for purchase in step S1002 has been received (step S1003). For example, a plurality of contents may be received at once, and the content is received from the subscription service server 501.

  In step S1003, waiting for the content to be received (step S1003: Yes), if it is received by a drive such as the magnetic disk drive 804 or optical disk drive 806, the recording medium such as the magnetic disk 805 or optical disk 807 is recorded in step S1003. The received content is recorded (step S1004).

  The CPU 801 controls drives such as the magnetic disk drive 804 and the optical disk drive 806 to generate a copy of the content recorded in step S1004 (step S1005). For example, a copy may be generated a predetermined number of times for purchased content, or an instruction may be input by the user 550 operating the input device 810.

  Then, the communication I / F 813 transmits a copy of the content generated in step S1005 to the navigation device 502 (step S1006), and the series of processing ends. The copy is transmitted so that the terminal can be viewed or listened to without regard to the validity period, for example, at a terminal owned by the user 550 such as the navigation device 502 or the reproduction terminal 504.

  In addition, the copy may be automatically transmitted to the terminal that has generated and transmitted the specific information, for example. For this purpose, a mechanism for associating information for identifying the terminal that has transmitted the received specific information with the content purchase request and the purchased content may be provided.

  The copy may be automatically transmitted to all terminals owned by the user 550 or predetermined terminals, and when there is a limit on the number of copies, a plurality of terminals owned by the user 550 On the other hand, it may be possible to set a priority order for transmitting a copy.

  As described above, according to the navigation device of the first embodiment, it is possible to select the content to be purchased after viewing or listening to the content that can be viewed or listened to during the effective period provided by the subscription service server. Therefore, the user can prevent useless shopping.

  In addition, according to the navigation device of the first embodiment, the user can purchase content that can be viewed or listened to during the effective period, record the content on the PC, and then receive a copy. The content can be viewed or listened to without regard to the validity period.

  Further, according to the PC according to the first embodiment, since the content to be purchased is recorded on a predetermined recording medium capable of recording a plurality of contents, the user can centrally manage the purchased content. In other words, by recording the purchased content on a PC different from the navigation device mounted on the vehicle, the user can enhance the convenience of reproducing or copying the purchased content.

  Furthermore, since the purchased content is received by the PC in the stable communication environment without receiving the purchased content by the navigation device mounted on the vehicle in which the communication environment is unstable, the content does not cause a problem. Content data can be recorded.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a case where specific information generated by the navigation device 502 is transmitted to the subscription service server 501 will be described. Note that the hardware configurations of the subscription service server 501, the navigation device 502, and the PC 503 according to the second embodiment are substantially the same as those in FIGS. Further, the contents of the processing of the navigation device 502 are omitted because the destination of the specific information in step S906 shown in FIG. 9 is the subscription service server 501 instead of the PC 503, and the other steps are almost the same. .

(System overview)
Here, an outline of a music purchase system for purchasing music will be described as an example of content purchase according to the second embodiment. Since the outline of the music purchase system is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the music purchase system 500 according to the second embodiment includes a subscription service server 501, a navigation device 502, a PC 503, and a playback terminal 504.

  In the music purchase system 500, the navigation device 502 can view the music distributed by the subscription service server 501, and when the user 550 desires to purchase the music being viewed, You can purchase the song.

  Specifically, for example, when the user 550 selects a song that the user wants to purchase, the navigation device 502 generates specific information for specifying the song. Then, the navigation device 502 registers the specific information in the subscription service server 501 by transmitting the generated specific information to the subscription service server 501.

  This specifying information may include, for example, identification information for identifying the user 550 in addition to the information for specifying the music shown in the first embodiment.

  When the user 550 registers the music to be purchased in the subscription service server 501 with the navigation device 502, the user 550 connects to the subscription service server 501 with the PC 503 and searches for the music to purchase, thereby requesting the purchase of the music. To do.

  The search for the music to be purchased may be performed, for example, by transmitting a purchase request including the identification information of the user 550 to the subscription service server 501, and the subscription service server 501 receives the price of the music from the user 550. When payment is made, the music is transmitted to the PC 503.

(Contents of processing of PC 503)
Here, the contents of the processing of the PC 503 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process contents of the PC according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 11, first, the PC 503 determines whether there is content that the user 550 wants to purchase (step S1101).

  The determination regarding the presence / absence of the content to be purchased may be made based on, for example, whether or not the user 550 has input the content to be purchased using the input device 810. That is, the user 550 may determine that there is content to be purchased by accessing the subscription service server 501 with the input device 810 to purchase the content. Alternatively, when the subscription service server 501 receives specific information from the navigation device 502, the subscription service server 501 may notify the PC 503 that there is content to be purchased. In addition, when the PC 503 receives information that the specific information is registered in the subscription service server 501 from the navigation device 502, it may be determined that there is content to be purchased.

  If it is determined in step S1101 that there is content to be purchased, and there is content to be purchased (step S1101: Yes), the content to be purchased is searched from the subscription service server 501 by the communication I / F 813. (Step S1102). You may include the step of browsing the identification information searched with PC503 and selecting the music to purchase anew. At this time, a mechanism may be provided that allows the user to listen to the music or to view the subscription service using the retrieved identification information.

  Specifically, the search for the content to be purchased is, for example, the identification information of the user 550, the identification information of other users, the information for specifying the content, the registration terminal of the identification information, the registration date or registration point of the identification information, etc. This information may be transmitted by transmitting the information to the subscription service server 501. At this time, the subscription service server 501 may search for corresponding registration identification information and notify the PC 503 of the result.

  In this way, by transmitting a combination of these pieces of information, for example, identification information about a specific artist can be acquired from information registered by the user or a specific friend, and purchase can be examined from that. . It is also possible to search for a song to be purchased based on the memory that the song to be purchased is registered at a specific drive.

  Then, the CPU 801 determines whether or not the accounting process, which is the payment for the content to be purchased, determined in step S1101 is completed (step S1103). The determination regarding the charging process may be made, for example, by inquiring about the charging server function of the subscription service server 501 through the communication I / F 813 or input by the user 550 may be accepted.

  In the description of FIG. 11, it is determined by the PC 503 whether or not the billing process is completed, but instead of the determination by the PC 503, the subscription service server 501 may determine.

  In step S1103, it waits for the completion of the billing process, and if it is completed (step S1103: Yes), it makes a content purchase request determined in step S1101 (step S1104). In the flowchart of FIG. 11, in step S1103 and step S1104, the purchase request is made after waiting for the completion of the charge process. However, the charge process is completed after making the purchase request in the reverse order. It is good also as a structure which waits for.

  The content purchase request is made, for example, to a server that can sell the content. The server that can be sold in the second embodiment is a subscription service server 501.

  In the description of FIG. 11, it is configured to wait for the charging process to be completed in step S <b> 1103. However, when the charging process is not completed (step S <b> 1103: No), the user 550 is prompted to charge. It may be.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the content requested for purchase in step S1104 has been received by the communication I / F 813 (step S1105). For example, a plurality of contents may be received at once, and the content is received from the subscription service server 501.

  In step S1105, after waiting for the content to be received (step S1105: Yes), the recording medium such as the magnetic disk 805 or the optical disk 807 is recorded on the recording medium such as the magnetic disk 805 or the optical disk drive 806 by the drive such as the magnetic disk drive 804 or the optical disk drive 806. The received content is recorded (step S1106).

  Then, the CPU 801 controls drives such as the magnetic disk drive 804 and the optical disk drive 806 to generate a copy of the content recorded in step S1106 (step S1107). For example, a copy may be generated a predetermined number of times for purchased content, or an instruction may be input by the user 550 operating the input device 810.

  Then, the communication I / F 813 transmits a copy of the content generated in step S1107 to the navigation device 502 (step S1108), and the series of processing ends. The copy is transmitted so that the terminal can be viewed or listened to without regard to the validity period, for example, at a terminal owned by the user 550 such as the navigation device 502 or the reproduction terminal 504.

  As described above, according to the navigation device and the PC according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and even if communication between the navigation device and the PC cannot be performed, the user can be obtained. Can operate the PC to acquire the content to be purchased. That is, a terminal that purchases content may not be able to communicate with the navigation device, and can be purchased if it is a terminal owned by the same user.

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

  The present invention relates to a content purchase system, a content purchase method, a content purchase program, and a computer-readable recording medium. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described content purchase system, content purchase method, content purchase program, and computer-readable recording medium.

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

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

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

JP 2001-265584 A

  However, in the above-described technique, since the user can only listen to the music during the contract period, there is a problem that the user cannot listen to the music after the contract period elapses. In particular, since the music cannot be duplicated even during the contract period, the user may be burdened with a re-contract to listen to the music.

  On the other hand, when purchasing a music piece without considering the contract period, a problem that the user must bear a high cost compared to listening during the contract period is an example. In addition, there is a method of listening to a limited part of the music, selecting and purchasing the music, but since the viewing is still limited to the limited part, the user purchases the music that they do not like An example is the problem that it may be

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the content purchase system according to the invention of claim 1 manages a content that can be viewed or listened to in a valid period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). Is connected to a content playback device that can acquire and play back time-limited content from the content management server, and a content sales server that manages sellable content, and acquires and records content from the content sales server A content recording system comprising: a content purchase system comprising: a selection unit configured to receive selection of purchase target content to be purchased from time-limited content acquired from the content management server; The selected purchase target The content recording apparatus includes: generation means for generating specific information for specifying the purchase target content used for purchasing the content; and transfer means for transferring the generated specific information to the content recording apparatus. A transmission means for transmitting a purchase request including specific information acquired from the content reproduction apparatus and billing information indicating that the consideration for purchase has been paid to the content sales server, and a result of the purchase request being transmitted. And receiving means for receiving the purchase target content from the content sales server, and recording means for recording the received purchase target content.

  The content purchase method according to the invention of claim 5 is connected to a content management server that manages content that can be viewed or listened to during the effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”). Content comprising a content playback device that can acquire and play back content, and a content recording device that is connected to a content sales server that manages content that can be sold and that can acquire and record content from the content sales server A content purchase method executed by a purchase system, wherein the content reproduction device receives a selection of purchase target content to be purchased from time-limited content acquired from the content management server, and the selected purchase Purchase target content Including a generation step of generating specific information for specifying the purchase target content used for performing, and a transfer step of transferring the generated specific information to the content recording device. A transmission step of transmitting a purchase request including specific information acquired from the playback device and billing information indicating payment for purchase to the content sales server; and as a result of the purchase request being transmitted, the content The method includes a receiving step of receiving the purchase target content from a sales server, and a recording step of recording the received purchase target content.

  A content reproduction program according to a sixth aspect of the invention causes a computer to execute the content purchase method according to the fifth aspect.

  A computer-readable recording medium according to a seventh aspect of the present invention records the content purchase program according to the sixth aspect.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the content reproduction apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the content recording device concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the content reproduction apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the content recording device concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the music purchase system concerning the present Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a subscription service server according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus concerning the present Example 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a PC according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the navigation apparatus concerning the present Example 1. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of a PC according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of a PC according to the second embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of a content purchase system, a content purchase method, a content purchase program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
(Functional configuration of content playback device)
A functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a content reproduction apparatus 100 capable of reproducing predetermined content so that it can be viewed or listened to includes a selection unit 101, a generation unit 102, and an output unit 103. The content reproduction apparatus 100 is configured to reproduce the content so that the content can be viewed or listened to. That is, although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, a configuration for reproducing and outputting content is provided.

  The content playback apparatus 100 may be capable of playing back content that can be viewed or listened to within a predetermined validity period (hereinafter referred to as time-limited content) using a subscription service, for example. . The subscription service is, for example, a service that allows a user to pay a predetermined contract fee so that the user can download and play the content of a predetermined content group by the user's playback terminal only during the contract period. is there.

  In this specification, the description is given on the assumption that the content of the predetermined content group is downloaded or played using the subscription service, but video data or music may be used instead of the content of the content group. Other various information data may be used.

  The selection unit 101 accepts selection of purchase target content to be purchased from time-limited content. The time-limited content is, for example, content that can be viewed or listened to only within a predetermined validity period provided by the above-described subscription service. Here, the configuration is such that viewing or listening is possible only during a predetermined effective period, but it may be configured such that the period during which downloading is possible or the number of times that viewing (or listening) can be performed, that is, the number of times that playback can be performed is limited.

  The purchase target content may be content that the user desires to purchase, for example, and content that is not limited by the validity period described above.

  The generation unit 102 generates specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected by the selection unit 101. The specific information may be, for example, metadata such as the title name and author name of the content, a content ID (IDentifier) such as a copyright number, an identification number in the subscription service, and the like. Further, it may be information including a feature amount of the content or a part of the content. By including the feature amount and part of the content, it is possible to easily identify the same content when there is a difference in version such as a recording environment.

  The output unit 103 outputs the specific information generated by the generation unit 102 to a device capable of recording a plurality of contents. The device capable of recording a plurality of contents may be, for example, a personal computer of a user who owns the content reproduction apparatus 100, or a device that records and manages a plurality of contents using a predetermined recording medium. Further, the device capable of recording a plurality of contents may be the content reproduction apparatus 100 itself or a predetermined external server (not shown) as long as a plurality of contents can be recorded. In this specification, a device capable of recording a plurality of contents (hereinafter referred to as a content recording device) is positioned as a device that can mainly purchase contents.

(Functional configuration of content recording device)
Next, the functional configuration of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the content recording apparatus 200 includes a request unit 201, a reception unit 202, a recording unit 203, and an acquisition unit 204.

  For example, the content recording apparatus 200 may be in a house or the like, download content purchased using a content purchase service, and enable storage, management, reproduction, and copying of the purchased content. For example, the content purchase service downloads the selected content by paying a predetermined fee by selecting the content to be purchased from the content of the predetermined content group by the user's playback terminal, etc. It is a service that can be stored in a storage, etc., and can be played back without any time limit thereafter. In general, the purchased content is permitted to be copied under a predetermined rule.

  The request unit 201 makes a purchase request for purchase target content to be purchased to a content management server that manages a plurality of contents. For example, the content management server may be the same server as the server that performs the subscription service, or may be a server that is different from the subscription service. In other words, the server that implements the subscription service manages, for example, content that can be viewed or listened within a predetermined validity period, and the content management server is a server that implements the content purchase service, It is good also as a structure which manages the content used as object.

  In addition, for example, the content to be purchased in the content purchase service and the content with a time limit in the subscription service use common content, which are managed by a common content management server, and which is accessed from the playback terminal. Depending on whether the access is for the service, the right server may give the content a right for expiration or purchase each time and then transmit the content to the playback terminal.

  Further, the request unit 201 makes a purchase request for the purchase target content specified by the specific information from among a plurality of contents managed by the content management server, using the specific information acquired by the acquisition unit 204 described later. It is good.

  The receiving unit 202 receives the purchase target content from the content management server as a result of the purchase request made by the request unit 201. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 202 manages the charging information related to the payment of the purchase target content when the purchase unit content is paid as a result of the purchase request made by the request unit 201. The purchase target content may be received from the server.

  That is, the content management server transmits the purchase target content to the receiving unit 202 when the payment has been paid for the purchase target content for which the purchase request has been made. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  The recording unit 203 records the purchase target content received by the receiving unit 202 on a recording medium (not shown). For example, a plurality of purchase target contents may be recorded. This allows the user to centrally manage the purchase target contents.

  The acquisition unit 204 acquires specific information for specifying the purchase target content. The specific information may be, for example, metadata such as the title name and author name of the content, a content ID (IDentifier) such as a copyright number, an identification number in the subscription service, and the like. Further, it may be information including a feature amount of the content or a part of the content. By including the feature amount and part of the content, it is possible to easily identify the same content when there is a difference in version such as a recording environment.

  Moreover, acquisition of specific information is good also as receiving from an external apparatus, and good also as receiving the input from a user, for example.

(Contents of content playback device processing)
Next, the contents of processing of the content reproduction apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the content reproduction apparatus according to this embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, first, the selection unit 101 determines whether or not selection of purchase target content has been accepted (step S301). For example, the selection of the purchase target content may be performed by the user operating an operation unit (not shown).

  In step S301, after receiving the selection of the purchase target content and receiving it (step S301: Yes), the generation unit 102 generates specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected in step S301 ( Step S302). The generated specific information is stored in the content reproduction apparatus 100 until a plurality of contents are output to a device capable of recording, and the user can refer to the purchase target content for which the specific information is generated in a list display, Further, specific information to be output to a device capable of recording content may be selected later.

  And the specific information produced | generated in step S302 is output with respect to the apparatus which can record a some content by the output part 103 (step S303), and a series of processes are complete | finished.

(Contents of content recording device processing)
Next, the contents of processing of the content recording apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of the content recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, first, the request unit 201 makes a purchase request for the purchase target content to be purchased based on the specific information from the content reproduction device 100 to the content management server that manages a plurality of content (steps). S401).

  Next, as a result of the purchase request made in step S401 by the receiving unit 202, the purchase target content is received from the content management server (step S402).

  Then, the recording unit 203 records the purchase target content received in step S402 (step S403), and the series of processing ends. For example, a plurality of purchase target contents may be recorded on a predetermined recording medium.

  As described above, according to the content reproduction apparatus, content recording apparatus, content reproduction method, content recording method, content reproduction program, content recording program, and computer-readable recording medium according to the present embodiment, the predetermined effective Since the purchase target content can be selected from the time-limited content that can be viewed or listened during the period, the user can purchase the content after sufficiently confirming the content.

  Further, when the time-limited content provided by the subscription service is purchased, a plurality of contents are recorded on a predetermined recording medium that can be recorded, so that the user can centrally manage the purchased content. That is, by recording the purchase target content on a content recording device different from the content playback device mounted on the mobile body, the user can improve the convenience of reproducing or copying the purchased content.

  In addition, the content recording device receives the purchase target content without receiving the purchase target content by the content reproduction device mounted on the mobile body. Therefore, the purchase target content can be acquired without the communication environment becoming unstable.

  Example 1 of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, for example, the content reproduction device of the present invention is implemented by a navigation device mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle), and is installed at a location different from the navigation device. An example in which the content recording apparatus of the present invention is implemented by a PC (personal computer) will be described.

(System overview)
First, an outline of a music purchase system for purchasing music as an example of content purchase according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of the music purchase system according to the first embodiment.

  5, the music purchase system 500 includes a subscription service server 501, a navigation device 502, a PC 503, and a playback terminal 504. The subscription service server 501, the navigation device 502, and the PC 503 are connected to each other via the Internet 510, and the navigation device 502, the PC 503, and the playback terminal 504 are owned by the same user 550. Suppose that

  In the description of FIG. 5, the navigation device 502, the PC 503, and the playback terminal 504 are owned by the same user 550, but may be different from each other. It is good also as possession which can be grasped | ascertained by the user 550.

  The subscription service server 501 distributes music to the navigation device 502 and the PC 503 owned by the user 550 based on a contract for distribution of predetermined music with the user 550. The music distribution may be performed not only on the navigation device 502 and the PC 503 but also on a terminal registered in accordance with a contract with the user 550.

  Specifically, for example, the subscription service server 501 allows the user 550 to use a registered terminal such as the navigation device 502 or the PC 503 to prepare music pieces that the subscription service server 501 prepares according to the contracted period. You can download or play as many songs as you like from a group of songs and listen to them.

  More specifically, for example, the subscription service server 501 includes a content server that stores and manages music data, a terminal authentication of the user 550, an authentication server that sets and manages the validity period of the music, and a user 550. It may be composed of a server group including a billing server that manages contract information and billing information. For example, the number of server groups is not limited to three, and may be any server that includes any one or more of a content server, an authentication server, and a billing server, and can realize all functions.

  Here, an outline of music distribution by the subscription service server 501 will be described. When the subscription service server 501 receives a music download request from a predetermined terminal such as the navigation device 502 or the PC 503 registered according to the contract with the user 550, the subscription service server 501 is enabled by the function of the authentication server. It is authenticated whether or not the user 550 is contracted.

  Furthermore, the subscription service server 501 sets the music to be distributed from the music group stored and managed by the function of the content server according to the contract information of the user 550 managed by the function of the accounting server. Specifically, for example, the music to be distributed is distributed by setting an effective period according to the contract information or billing information for the music requested from the navigation device 502 or the PC 503. Further, instead of or in addition to the effective period, the permitted number of reproductions may be set and distributed.

  Here, the valid period may be updated according to the payment status of the user 550, for example, and may be information that includes not only the delivery end date but also the start date and end date. Further, instead of the delivery date, a reproducible date may be set, or information regarding availability may be used.

  In the first embodiment, the validity period is set by the subscription service server 501 for the music to be distributed, but may be configured by each terminal. Specifically, for example, the terminal may acquire contract information and billing information, and may reproduce music according to the contract information and billing information.

  The navigation device 502 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and in addition to guiding the route of the vehicle, the navigation device 502 reproduces content recorded on a recording medium and content acquired by a communication function.

  Specifically, for example, music distributed by the subscription service server 501 can be listened to. Distribution of music may be performed using a communication function, or may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed by mail. In addition, the distributed music has a valid listening period set, and may be a streaming method or a download method. In the first embodiment, the download method will be described.

  More specifically, for example, the navigation device 502 is owned by a user 550 who has contracted for distribution of a predetermined music, and a list or information of music that can be used by a display unit, an audio output unit, or the like (not shown). It has a function to refer to. Then, a selection of a music piece that the user 550 wants to listen to can be received from an operation unit (not shown), and the music piece can be downloaded and the downloaded music piece can be reproduced. It may be possible to play back simultaneously while downloading.

  For example, one or a plurality of songs may be downloaded from the subscription service server 501. The downloaded music may be a music that can be listened to only for a valid period according to the contract.

  Here, in the first embodiment, when the user 550 desires to purchase a music that is being listened to only for a predetermined effective period, the music can be purchased. Specifically, for example, when the user 550 selects a piece of music that the user wants to purchase, the navigation device 502 generates and registers specific information for specifying the piece of music. Then, the navigation device 502 can purchase the music on condition that the registered specific information is transferred to the PC 503 described later and the PC 503 pays for the music to be purchased.

  The PC 503 purchases the music specified by the specific information transferred from the navigation device 502 from a server that can sell the music. The server that can be sold may be, for example, a server different from the subscription service server 501 described above or the same server as the subscription service server 501.

  Specifically, for example, when a server that can sell a purchase request including purchase information including charging information indicating that the user 550 has paid for the music to be purchased and specific information for specifying the music to be purchased is acquired. In this configuration, the purchased music is transmitted to the PC 503.

  Then, by transferring a copy of the purchased music to the navigation device 502 or the playback terminal 504 using the PC 503, the user 550 cares about the validity period of the purchased music using the navigation device 502 or the playback terminal 504. You can listen without

  Note that the copy permitted number of copies of the purchased music may be set. For example, the copy allowable number is limited to three times (for three terminals) for the music recorded on the PC 503. Also good.

  The server that can sell music may be the same as or different from the subscription service server 501, but may be configured to purchase music that is temporarily listened to by the subscription service. Specifically, for example, the user 550 may apply a predetermined discount to the purchased music when paying a predetermined usage fee according to a subscription service contract.

  In this case, the specific information may include contract information regarding the subscription service. And the server which can be sold is good also as referring to the contract information contained in specific information, and discounting the charge of a music.

  For example, when the server that can sell music is different from the subscription service server 501, the server that can sell the contract information may inquire the subscription service server 501. Further, a server that can sell music may be configured to share the functions of an authentication server and a billing server with the subscription service server 501, for example.

  Further, if the server that can be sold is configured to acquire the specific information, the date and time when the specific information was acquired, and the information of the registered terminal of the user 550, the date and time when the specific information was acquired is within the contract period of the subscription service. After confirming that, even if it is outside the contract period of the current subscription service, it may be possible to purchase if specific information is acquired during the contract period.

  For example, the specific information is generated according to the music distributed from the subscription service server 501. If the subscription service server 501 and the server capable of selling the music are different, the specific information is specified even if the server can be sold. It is necessary to be able to identify music by information. That is, the subscription service server 501 and the server that can be sold can share the data of the specific information when specifying the music, or the music lists of both servers can be associated with each other so that they can be read each other.

  Further, the specific information may be information that can specify a music piece by a server that can be sold, for example, but information that can be purchased for a predetermined number of music pieces may be added according to the use of the subscription service. Information regarding the usage status and usage points of the subscription service may be added. In this way, if the subscription service and purchase are closely related, the user 550 is motivated to purchase by using listening to music, and can increase the use of the subscription service and promote sales of music. it can.

(Hardware configuration of the subscription service server 501)
Here, the hardware configuration of the subscription service server 501 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the subscription service server according to the first embodiment. In the following first embodiment, the subscription service server 501 and the server capable of selling music will be described as the same server.

  In FIG. 6, the subscription service server 501 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a magnetic disk drive 604, a magnetic disk 605, an optical disk drive 606, an optical disk 607, an audio I / F (interface) 608, A speaker 609, an input device 610, a video I / F 611, a display 612, and a communication I / F 613 are provided. The constituent units 601 to 613 are connected to each other by a bus 620.

  First, the CPU 601 governs overall control of the subscription service server 501. The ROM 602 records various programs such as a boot program, a communication program, and a data management program. The RAM 603 is used as a work area for the CPU 601.

  The magnetic disk drive 604 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 605 according to control of CPU601. The magnetic disk 605 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 604. As the magnetic disk 605, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 606 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 607 according to control of CPU601. The optical disk 607 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 606. As the optical disk 607, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 607, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 608 is connected to an audio output speaker 609, and audio is output from the speaker 609.

  Examples of the input device 610 include a remote controller including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 611 is connected to the display 612. Specifically, the video I / F 611 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 612, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 612 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 612 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 612, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 613 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the subscription service server 501 and the CPU 601. The communication I / F 613 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet 510 via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 601.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 613 is configured by, for example, an FM tuner.

  Although details will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the subscription service server 501 is configured to provide content by communicating with the navigation device 502 and the PC 503 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Here, the content may be, for example, the music shown in FIG.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device 502)
Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus 502 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation device according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, a navigation device 502 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and includes a CPU 701, a ROM 702, a RAM 703, a magnetic disk drive 704, a magnetic disk 705, an optical disk drive 706, an optical disk 707, and audio. An I / F (interface) 708, a speaker 709, an input device 710, a video I / F 711, a display 712, a communication I / F 713, a GPS unit 714, and various sensors 715 are provided. Each component 701 to 715 is connected by a bus 720.

  First, the CPU 701 governs overall control of the navigation device 502. The ROM 702 stores various programs such as a boot program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a communication program, and a content reproduction program. The RAM 703 is used as a work area for the CPU 701.

  Although details will be described with reference to FIG. 9, the content reproduction program and the communication program cause the content provided from the subscription service server 501 to be reproduced. In addition, a copy of purchased content may be received and played back.

  The route search program searches for an optimum route from the departure point to the destination point using map information recorded on a magnetic disk 705 and an optical disk 707 described later. Here, the optimum route is the shortest (or fastest) route to the destination point or the route that best meets the conditions specified by the user.

  The route guidance program is read from the guidance route information searched by executing the route search program, the current location information of the vehicle calculated by executing the current location calculation program, and a magnetic disk 705 and an optical disc 707 described later. Real-time route guidance information is generated based on the map information. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 708 and the video I / F 711 via the CPU 701.

  The magnetic disk drive 704 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 705 according to control of CPU701. The magnetic disk 705 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 704. As the magnetic disk 705, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 706 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the optical disk 707 according to control of CPU701. The optical disc 707 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 706. As the optical disk 707, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 707, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 708 is connected to an audio output speaker 709, and audio is output from the speaker 709.

  Examples of the input device 710 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, and various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 711 is connected to the display 712. Specifically, the video I / F 711 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 712, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 712 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 712 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 712, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The communication I / F 713 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 502 and the CPU 701. The communication I / F 713 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet 510 via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 701.

  Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks and mobile phone networks. Specifically, the communication I / F 713 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) / beacon receiver, a radio navigation device, and other navigation devices. Get road traffic information such as regulations. VICS is a registered trademark. The communication I / F 713 may be configured to acquire schedule information and profile information from, for example, a server (not shown).

  The GPS unit 714 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current location of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 714 is used when the CPU 701 calculates the current location of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 715 described later. The information indicating the current location is information for specifying one point on the map information such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

  The various sensors 715 include a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and the like, and output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle. The output values of the various sensors 715 are used by the CPU 701 for calculation of the current position of the vehicle, measurement of changes in speed and direction, and the like.

  Of the functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the selection unit 101 is recorded on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 705 and the optical disk 707 by the input device 710 and the communication I / F 713. When the CPU 701 executes various programs, the output unit 103 realizes its functions through the communication I / F 713.

(Hardware configuration of PC503)
Next, the hardware configuration of the PC 503 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the PC according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, a PC 503 includes a CPU 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a magnetic disk drive 804, a magnetic disk 805, an optical disk drive 806, an optical disk 807, an audio I / F (interface) 808, a speaker 809, An input device 810, a video I / F 811, a display 812, and a communication I / F 813 are provided. In addition, the respective components 801 to 813 are connected by a bus 820, respectively.

  First, the CPU 801 governs overall control of the PC 503. The ROM 802 records various programs such as a boot program, a communication program, and a content recording program. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the CPU 801.

  Details will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The communication program and the content recording program communicate with the subscription service server 501, the navigation device 502, and the like to purchase, record, and manage content. Also, a copy of the purchased content may be generated and transferred to the navigation device 502 or the playback terminal 504.

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

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

  The audio I / F 808 is connected to an audio output speaker 809, and audio is output from the speaker 809.

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

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

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

  The communication I / F 813 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the PC 503 and the CPU 801. The communication I / F 813 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet 510 via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 801.

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

  Of the functional configuration of the content recording apparatus 200 according to the embodiment, the request unit 201, the reception unit 202, and the acquisition unit 204 are configured by the communication I / F 813, and the recording unit 203 is configured by the magnetic disk drive 804 and the optical disk drive 806. Each implements its function.

(Contents of processing of navigation device 502)
Next, the contents of processing of the navigation device 502 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process performed by the navigation device according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, first, the navigation apparatus 502 determines whether or not the user 550 has executed a subscription service contract (step S901).

  The subscription service uses, for example, the subscription service server 501 based on a contract for distribution of predetermined content (for example, the music shown in FIG. 5) with the user 550. Distribute content to your terminal. The distribution of content by the subscription service server 501 is not limited to the navigation device 502 and the PC 503, and may be performed on a terminal registered according to a contract with the user 550.

  For example, when the CPU 701 makes a contract with a business operator who manages the subscription service server 501 by the CPU 701, the determination as to whether or not the subscription service has been made is performed on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 705 or the optical disk 707. The contract information recorded may be referred to.

  In step S901, after waiting for execution of the subscription service contract (step S901: Yes), the time-limited content is downloaded from the subscription service server 501 by the communication I / F 713 (step S902). ), Recording on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 705 or an optical disk 707.

  The term-limited content is, for example, content that can be viewed or listened only during the valid period set by the subscription service server 501, and may be a period that can be changed according to the subscription service contract.

  In the description of FIG. 9, when viewing or listening to time-limited content, the content is downloaded and recorded on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 705 or the optical disk 707. However, the time-limited content is viewed using a streaming method. Or the structure which listens may be sufficient.

  Next, it is determined by the input device 710 whether or not the content that the user 550 wants to purchase is selected from the time-limited content downloaded in step S902 (step S903). The content to be purchased may be selected, for example, by selecting a plurality of time-limited contents at once, or selecting from the list of time-limited contents downloaded in step S902. The content to be purchased may be selectable after viewing or listening to the content with a time limit, for example, so that the user 550 can carefully select the content after viewing or listening to the content to be purchased. can do.

  When the content to be purchased is selected in step S903 (step S903: Yes), the CPU 701 generates specific information for specifying the content selected in step S903 (step S905). The specific information may be, for example, metadata such as a content title name or author name, a content ID such as a copyright number, or an identification number in a subscription service. Further, it may be information including a feature amount of the content or a part of the content. By including the feature amount and part of the content, it is possible to easily identify the same content when there is a difference in version such as a recording environment.

  In step S903, the content to be purchased is selected by operating the switch or the like when the favorite music is viewed or listened to even if it is not decided to purchase at that time. Based on this, the specific information may be generated and stored in step S905, and the music to be purchased may be selected from the specific information stored later. At this time, the specific information generated when the music is selected in step S903 is simple. When the music to be purchased later is selected, the specific information includes information that matches the purpose of the purchase request for the selected music again. May be generated again.

  Next, the specific information generated in step S905 is transmitted to the PC 503 by the communication I / F 713 (step S906). Moreover, it is good also as selecting only the specific information of the music which the user 550 decided to purchase among the produced | generated specific information, and transmitting. Note that processing related to reception of specific information and purchase of content by the PC 503 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, as a result of transmitting the specific information in step S906, a copy of the content transferred from the PC 503 is received by the communication I / F 713 (step S907), and the series of processing ends. For example, by copying the purchased content by the PC 503 and receiving the copied content, the navigation device 502 can acquire the content that can be viewed or listened without worrying about the validity period. it can.

  Here, the transmission of the specific information in step S906 is performed to the PC 503, but any other device that has a predetermined recording medium for recording content that is owned or managed by the user 550. Good. Further, if it is not determined at that time from which device the user 550 owns or manages the content, specific information may be transmitted to a plurality of possible devices. Furthermore, it is good also as recording on the recording medium of the navigation apparatus 502, In that case, the content which wants to purchase is acquired by making a purchase request with respect to the subscription service server 501 based on specific information. The purchase request will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, returning to step S903, if the content to be purchased is not selected (step S903: No), the CPU 701 determines whether or not the contract period implemented in step S901 is continuing (step S904).

  The determination of whether or not the contract period is ongoing may be made by comparing the contract information with the current date and time, or may be made by obtaining the availability information on the subscription service.

  In step S904, when the contract period is continuing (step S904: Yes), the process returns to step S902 and the process is repeated. In the description of FIG. 9, the process is repeated after returning to step S <b> 902, but viewing or listening to content that has already been downloaded may be continued.

  In step S904, when the contract period is not continuing (step S904: No), the process returns to step S901 and the process is repeated. That is, when the contract period has elapsed, the user 550 can receive the subscription service by re-contracting, and if the contract period is not continuing in step S904 (step S904: No), A step for prompting a contract may be provided.

(Contents of processing of PC 503)
Next, the contents of the processing of the PC 503 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process contents of the PC according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether or not the specific information is received from the navigation device 502 by the communication I / F 813 (step S1001). The specific information is information for specifying content that the user 550 wants to purchase, for example.

  In step S1001, it waits for the reception of the specific information, and if it is received (step S1001: Yes), the communication I / F 813 makes a purchase request for the content specified by the specific information received in step S1001 (step S1001). S1002).

  At this time, a step of confirming purchase intention with the user 550 may be added. At this time, for example, the purchase amount when the purchase is performed using the received specific information is acquired from a server that can be sold, and the user 550 wants to purchase again from the received specific information while referring to it. A step of determining content may be added. In addition, the PC 503, the subscription service server 501 or the navigation device 502 searches for the content already purchased by the user 550, and the specific information received by the PC 503 or the purchase request for the content received by the subscription service server 501 has already been received. If there is content corresponding to the purchased content, a step of notifying the user 550 of the content and excluding the content from the content purchase request automatically or according to an instruction from the user 550 may be added.

  The content purchase request is made, for example, to a server that can sell the content on condition that the user 550 pays for the content to be purchased. The server that can be sold in the first embodiment is a subscription service server 501.

  Next, it is determined by the communication I / F 813 whether or not the content requested for purchase in step S1002 has been received (step S1003). For example, a plurality of contents may be received at once, and the content is received from the subscription service server 501.

  In step S1003, waiting for the content to be received (step S1003: Yes), if it is received by a drive such as the magnetic disk drive 804 or optical disk drive 806, the recording medium such as the magnetic disk 805 or optical disk 807 is recorded in step S1003. The received content is recorded (step S1004).

  The CPU 801 controls drives such as the magnetic disk drive 804 and the optical disk drive 806 to generate a copy of the content recorded in step S1004 (step S1005). For example, a copy may be generated a predetermined number of times for purchased content, or an instruction may be input by the user 550 operating the input device 810.

  Then, the communication I / F 813 transmits a copy of the content generated in step S1005 to the navigation device 502 (step S1006), and the series of processing ends. The copy is transmitted so that the terminal can be viewed or listened to without regard to the validity period, for example, at a terminal owned by the user 550 such as the navigation device 502 or the reproduction terminal 504.

  In addition, the copy may be automatically transmitted to the terminal that has generated and transmitted the specific information, for example. For this purpose, a mechanism for associating information for identifying the terminal that has transmitted the received specific information with the content purchase request and the purchased content may be provided.

  The copy may be automatically transmitted to all terminals owned by the user 550 or predetermined terminals, and when there is a limit on the number of copies, a plurality of terminals owned by the user 550 On the other hand, it may be possible to set a priority order for transmitting a copy.

  As described above, according to the navigation device of the first embodiment, it is possible to select the content to be purchased after viewing or listening to the content that can be viewed or listened to during the effective period provided by the subscription service server. Therefore, the user can prevent useless shopping.

  In addition, according to the navigation device of the first embodiment, the user can purchase content that can be viewed or listened to during the effective period, record the content on the PC, and then receive a copy. The content can be viewed or listened to without regard to the validity period.

  Further, according to the PC according to the first embodiment, since the content to be purchased is recorded on a predetermined recording medium capable of recording a plurality of contents, the user can centrally manage the purchased content. In other words, by recording the purchased content on a PC different from the navigation device mounted on the vehicle, the user can enhance the convenience of reproducing or copying the purchased content.

  Furthermore, since the purchased content is received by the PC in the stable communication environment without receiving the purchased content by the navigation device mounted on the vehicle in which the communication environment is unstable, the content does not cause a problem. Content data can be recorded.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a case where specific information generated by the navigation device 502 is transmitted to the subscription service server 501 will be described. Note that the hardware configurations of the subscription service server 501, the navigation device 502, and the PC 503 according to the second embodiment are substantially the same as those in FIGS. Further, the contents of the processing of the navigation device 502 are omitted because the destination of the specific information in step S906 shown in FIG. 9 is the subscription service server 501 instead of the PC 503, and the other steps are almost the same. .

(System overview)
Here, an outline of a music purchase system for purchasing music will be described as an example of content purchase according to the second embodiment. Since the outline of the music purchase system is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the music purchase system 500 according to the second embodiment includes a subscription service server 501, a navigation device 502, a PC 503, and a playback terminal 504.

  In the music purchase system 500, the navigation device 502 can view the music distributed by the subscription service server 501, and when the user 550 desires to purchase the music being viewed, You can purchase the song.

  Specifically, for example, when the user 550 selects a song that the user wants to purchase, the navigation device 502 generates specific information for specifying the song. Then, the navigation device 502 registers the specific information in the subscription service server 501 by transmitting the generated specific information to the subscription service server 501.

  This specifying information may include, for example, identification information for identifying the user 550 in addition to the information for specifying the music shown in the first embodiment.

  When the user 550 registers the music to be purchased in the subscription service server 501 with the navigation device 502, the user 550 connects to the subscription service server 501 with the PC 503 and searches for the music to purchase, thereby requesting the purchase of the music. To do.

  The search for the music to be purchased may be performed, for example, by transmitting a purchase request including the identification information of the user 550 to the subscription service server 501, and the subscription service server 501 receives the price of the music from the user 550. When payment is made, the music is transmitted to the PC 503.

(Contents of processing of PC 503)
Here, the contents of the processing of the PC 503 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process contents of the PC according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 11, first, the PC 503 determines whether there is content that the user 550 wants to purchase (step S1101).

  The determination regarding the presence / absence of the content to be purchased may be made based on, for example, whether or not the user 550 has input the content to be purchased using the input device 810. That is, the user 550 may determine that there is content to be purchased by accessing the subscription service server 501 with the input device 810 to purchase the content. Alternatively, when the subscription service server 501 receives specific information from the navigation device 502, the subscription service server 501 may notify the PC 503 that there is content to be purchased. In addition, when the PC 503 receives information that the specific information is registered in the subscription service server 501 from the navigation device 502, it may be determined that there is content to be purchased.

  If it is determined in step S1101 that there is content to be purchased, and there is content to be purchased (step S1101: Yes), the content to be purchased is searched from the subscription service server 501 by the communication I / F 813. (Step S1102). You may include the step of browsing the identification information searched with PC503 and selecting the music to purchase anew. At this time, a mechanism may be provided that allows the user to listen to the music or to view the subscription service using the retrieved identification information.

  Specifically, the search for the content to be purchased is, for example, the identification information of the user 550, the identification information of other users, the information for specifying the content, the registration terminal of the identification information, the registration date or registration point of the identification information, etc. This information may be transmitted by transmitting the information to the subscription service server 501. At this time, the subscription service server 501 may search for corresponding registration identification information and notify the PC 503 of the result.

  In this way, by transmitting a combination of these pieces of information, for example, identification information about a specific artist can be acquired from information registered by the user or a specific friend, and purchase can be examined from that. . It is also possible to search for a song to be purchased based on the memory that the song to be purchased is registered at a specific drive.

  Then, the CPU 801 determines whether or not the accounting process, which is the payment for the content to be purchased, determined in step S1101 is completed (step S1103). The determination regarding the charging process may be made, for example, by inquiring about the charging server function of the subscription service server 501 through the communication I / F 813 or input by the user 550 may be accepted.

  In the description of FIG. 11, it is determined by the PC 503 whether or not the billing process is completed, but instead of the determination by the PC 503, the subscription service server 501 may determine.

  In step S1103, it waits for the completion of the billing process, and if it is completed (step S1103: Yes), it makes a content purchase request determined in step S1101 (step S1104). In the flowchart of FIG. 11, in step S1103 and step S1104, the purchase request is made after waiting for the completion of the charge process. However, the charge process is completed after making the purchase request in the reverse order. It is good also as a structure which waits for.

  The content purchase request is made, for example, to a server that can sell the content. The server that can be sold in the second embodiment is a subscription service server 501.

  In the description of FIG. 11, it is configured to wait for the charging process to be completed in step S <b> 1103. However, when the charging process is not completed (step S <b> 1103: No), the user 550 is prompted to charge. It may be.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the content requested for purchase in step S1104 has been received by the communication I / F 813 (step S1105). For example, a plurality of contents may be received at once, and the content is received from the subscription service server 501.

  In step S1105, after waiting for the content to be received (step S1105: Yes), the recording medium such as the magnetic disk 805 or the optical disk 807 is recorded on the recording medium such as the magnetic disk 805 or the optical disk drive 806 by the drive such as the magnetic disk drive 804 or the optical disk drive 806. The received content is recorded (step S1106).

  Then, the CPU 801 controls drives such as the magnetic disk drive 804 and the optical disk drive 806 to generate a copy of the content recorded in step S1106 (step S1107). For example, a copy may be generated a predetermined number of times for purchased content, or an instruction may be input by the user 550 operating the input device 810.

  Then, the communication I / F 813 transmits a copy of the content generated in step S1107 to the navigation device 502 (step S1108), and the series of processing ends. The copy is transmitted so that the terminal can be viewed or listened to without regard to the validity period, for example, at a terminal owned by the user 550 such as the navigation device 502 or the reproduction terminal 504.

  As described above, according to the navigation device and the PC according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and even if communication between the navigation device and the PC cannot be performed, the user can be obtained. Can operate the PC to acquire the content to be purchased. That is, a terminal that purchases content may not be able to communicate with the navigation device, and can be purchased if it is a terminal owned by the same user.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Content reproduction apparatus 101 Selection part 102 Generation part 103 Output part 200 Content recording apparatus 201 Request part 202 Reception part 203 Recording part 204 Acquisition part

Claims (14)

In a content reproduction apparatus capable of reproducing predetermined content so that it can be viewed or listened to,
A selection means for accepting selection of purchase target content to be purchased out of content that can be viewed or listened to during the effective period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”);
Generating means for generating specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected by the selection means;
Output means for outputting the specific information generated by the generating means to a device capable of recording a plurality of contents;
A content playback apparatus comprising: The content playback device
Connected to a content management server that manages the time-limited content, or obtains content from the content management server that manages the time-limited content using a subscription service, and the content with the time limit is obtained. The content playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein playback is possible.   The content reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of temporarily storing the specific information until the specific information can be output to a device capable of recording the plurality of contents.   2. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of selecting specific information to be output to a device capable of recording the plurality of contents from the temporarily stored specific information. Request means for making a purchase request for a purchase target content to a content management server that manages a plurality of contents,
Receiving means for receiving the purchase target content from the content management server as a result of the purchase request being made by the request means;
Recording means for recording the purchase target content received by the receiving means on a recording medium;
A content recording apparatus comprising: The content recording device includes:
The content purchase service is used to acquire the data of the purchased content from a content management server that manages the purchase target content, and the purchase target content can be recorded, managed, reproduced, and duplicated. Item 6. The content recording device according to Item 5. An acquisition unit for acquiring specific information for specifying the purchase target content;
The request means includes
The purchase request for the purchase target content specified by the specific information is made from a plurality of contents managed by the content management server using the specific information acquired by the acquisition means. 5. The content recording device according to 5.   The duplicated data of the purchased content data is generated using the specific information, and the duplicated data is transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus or the designated device that has generated and output the specific information. 5. The content recording device according to 5. The receiving means is
As a result of the purchase request made by the request unit, when the consideration for the purchase target content is paid, the purchase target content is received from the content management server that manages billing information related to the payment of the purchase target content. The content recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: In a content playback method that enables playback of a predetermined content in a viewable or audible manner,
A selection step of accepting selection of purchase target content to be purchased out of content that can be viewed or listened to in a valid period (hereinafter referred to as “time-limited content”);
A generation step of generating specific information for specifying the purchase target content selected by the selection step;
An output step of outputting the specific information generated by the generation step to a device capable of recording a plurality of contents;
A content reproduction method comprising: A request process for making a purchase request for purchase target content to a content management server that manages a plurality of contents;
As a result of the purchase request being made by the requesting step, a receiving step of receiving the purchase target content from the content management server;
A recording step of recording the purchase target content received in the reception step on a recording medium;
A content recording method comprising:   A content reproduction program for causing a computer to execute the content reproduction method according to claim 10.   A content recording program for causing a computer to execute the content recording method according to claim 11.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 12 or 13 is recorded.

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