CN1606275A

CN1606275A - Digital content distributing system, equipment, method and program or storage medium containing same program

Info

Publication number: CN1606275A
Application number: CN200310119602.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 饭野大助; 藤田健一; 町田和弘; 斋藤麻子
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2003-10-08
Filing date: 2003-10-08
Publication date: 2005-04-13

Abstract

This invention aims at selling digit contents to mobile users in electronic method. Every user receiving terminal includes monitoring the unit of communication state with a digit content distribution device run by the content provider, the receive end sends the ID data to the distribution device to assign a receive end. The distribution device includes: a download and storage management unit managing and describing the content down load and data storage of the contents stored in the receive end associated with the device ID and a download digit content determining unit determining digit content download to the receive end and downloading the digit content to the receiving end.

Description

Digital content distribution, device, method and program thereof or contain the storage medium of this program

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of digital content distribution and component devices thereof and equipment, making to provide the terminal use digital content that they want at any time.

Background technology

In past a lot of years, use the internet to provide the business of multiple digital content to enter actual use.

Use Fig. 1 to describe the digital content distribution of prior art.Being used for equipment 5001 that webpage sets up sets up and is configured for selling for example webpage of the online shopping of the website of e-book (e-book) and music content of digital content.Web server 5002 receives the webpage of online shopping from the equipment 5001 that is used for webpage and sets up, and makes webpage open on the internet, therefore plays the digital content storage.At this moment, the digital content that database server 5003 is stored and management is sold.User terminal 5004 comprises Web-browser software 5005, this software allows user capture Web server 5002 and obtains webpage according to the request by unshowned user input apparatus input, and the online shopping webpage that output receives is to unshowned display unit.

Use the example of selling e-book, the operation as the digital content distribution of above-mentioned configuration is described below.At first, the equipment 5001 that is used for webpage foundation is set up the online shopping webpage that is used to sell e-book, and the online shopping webpage that transmission is set up is to Web server 5002.These online shopping webpages with HTML and similarly language description comprise the title of e-book of the identifier of the digital content with the e-book that is used to discern sale, author, the tabulation of summary and price.

On the other hand, at user terminal 5004, the user uses Web-browser software 5005 to consult online shopping webpage.When the user selected the user to want from e-book that online shopping webpage is bought, Web-browser software 5005 obtained being used to the webpage of the program of buying and shows this page or leaf from Web server 5002.The user import essential information for example address name and credit number behind purchase program webpage, when the purchase program is finished, Web server 5002 retrieval has the digital content of the e-book identifier that the user selects from database server 3203, the digital content of concurrent censorship rope arrives Web-browser software 5005.By this method, the user can buy and download desirable e-book, and enjoys the enjoyment of reading.

Massaging device that can radio communication for example WLAN, bluetooth, IMT-2000 occurs recently, and it is very universal that the internet of radio communication connects business.For example, use the massaging device that the WLAN function is provided, the station building and the dining room that are connected to the internet the user provide the focus business, can enjoy the digital content distribution business in the above described manner.The last word of mobile phone provides the connection of internet as benchmark service.

Yet, in the digital content distribution of above-mentioned prior art, when the user prepares to buy digital content for example when e-book and music, allow to be connected to network for example the communication environment of internet be very necessary.For example, though the user have can radio communication massaging device, if do not close on the base station of user's current location, then the user can not use above-mentioned digital content distribution.The internet of radio communication connects the professional generally use that becomes as noted above, but purchase and utilize the digital content distribution of the digital content that they want whenever and wherever possible when not realizing that user wherein can work as them and wishes to obtain.In addition, the current business that provides by the internet is the business of effort type as far as possible.Be connected to the internet howsoever fast, after purchasing process is finished, also can use the time that will spend to depend on the offered load situation, can't guarantee to receive immediately digital content up to the digital content download.

Can to work as the business that to use when the user wants to obtain whenever and wherever possible in order finishing, as mentioned above, to have a lot of problems to need to solve.

Attach,, wish to popularize a plurality of uses of the massaging device of intercommunication mutually because the user will have a lot of massaging devices.In such use example, wherein when being connected to the internet, mobile phone with WLAN communication component uses for example USB interconnection of jockey with the personal computer with adsl communication parts, can imagine the WLAN communication component of selection mobile device or the adsl communication parts of personal computer, their allow to be connected to the internet under more favourable situation.The reason why such use can take place is that the user prefers being connected to the internet by one of these communication components that provide data communication with more speed naturally if can use a plurality of communication components to be connected to the internet.Yet in the prior art, the user must set in advance the communication component that is used for being connected to the internet, by between them or among exchanges data interconnection and consider that the massaging device of determining automatically of optimal communication parts does not exist.

Summary of the invention

The problems referred to above at relevant prior art systems realize the present invention, first purpose of the present invention provides digital content distribution, this system can provide the terminal use desirable digital content whenever and wherever possible, and does not rely on communication conditions between user side and the supplier's end.

Second purpose of the present invention provides digital content distribution, there are a plurality of data transmission between user side and the content provider's end and communication components that receive of can be used in if this system makes, just might select the communication component that allows the terminal use under more favourable situation, to communicate by letter automatically with the content provider.

In order to achieve the above object, in first aspect, the invention provides a kind of digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives that is used on communication channel, realizing.Above-mentioned digital content distribution comprises digital content distribution device and receiving terminal, wherein the digital content distribution device comprises: download and the stock management unit, this Single Component Management is described the content of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored to receiving terminal and is downloaded and the stock management data, and this receiving terminal is from digital content distribution device receiving digital contents; And the download digital content determining unit, this unit uses foregoing to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of receiving terminal, and download digital content is to receiving terminal.Each receiving terminal comprises: the device identifier data administrative unit, and this Single Component Management is used to discern the device identifier data of each receiving terminal; And business provides the unit, and this unit sends data to the digital content distribution device and receives data from it, and provides professional to the terminal use.The digital content distribution device, after one of receiving terminal receives device identifier data, use the device identifier data that receives, identification is used to have the content of the receiving terminal of device identifier downloads and the stock management data, therefore can provide business to the terminal use at receiving terminal.

Therefore, user's receiving terminal sends the digital content distribution device of the device identifier data of identification receiving terminal to content provider's end.The digital content distribution device can determine to download to the digital content of receiving terminal according to what and the type downloading and be stored in by the digital content in the receiving terminal of device identifier identification, and downloads definite thus digital content to receiving terminal.Therefore, supplier end can be downloaded the information terminal of the sale propaganda catalogue of the user's who for example is intended to be sold to receiving terminal e-book and e-book to the user, and it is stored in the terminal, and can provide a kind of like this business: allow the user to search them and want the e-book from the catalogue that receiving terminal is stored, read, if and find, then any when they want to buy certain this e-book, even with the distributor off line during, also can buy desirable like this e-book.

In second aspect, digital content distribution also comprises information terminal, this information terminal can be connected to receiving terminal, and have and be used to send data to the digital content distribution device and receive the channel of data from it, wherein the business of receiving terminal provides the unit to detect communication channel conditions, receiving terminal channel or information terminal channel by working at a relatively high speed thus, can the combine digital content to the transmission and the reception of digital content distribution device.

Therefore, if for example and by information terminal and the direct data transmission/reception of the channel between the digital content distribution device that the WLAN communication function is provided compare, by the receiving terminal that is connected to information terminal of wired lan communication function is provided, can send the fair speed data communication carry out the digital content distribution device by indirect data, information terminal can send/receive data and arrive by receiving terminal/from distributor.

In the third aspect, foregoing is downloaded and is stored data and comprises at least: be included in the free space in the storage medium in each receiving terminal and be stored in digital content tabulation on the storage medium.The download digital content determining unit of digital content distribution device, download and store data according to content, the delete instruction order of deletion digital content in the storage medium of generation from be included in each receiving terminal, and send consequent delete instruction order to each receiving terminal.The business of receiving terminal provides the delete instruction order of deletion digital content the digital content of unit reception on being retained in information terminal, and according to delete instruction order deletion digital content.

Therefore, when the digital content distribution device of content provider's end attempts to download new digital content to information terminal, and store content in addition in terminal, but in the storage medium of user's receiving terminal free space less than asked the time, the digital content of storing up to now by deletion, enough spaces are provided, and can store new content in addition.Therefore, supplier's end can carry out the content downloading control, so that as far as possible the up-to-date title of digital content is stored in user's receiving terminal, and can carry out effective sale and propaganda activity.

In fourth aspect, each receiving terminal comprises: display unit, this unit allows the user to specify the user interface screen of the content indication information of designation number content by providing, and accepts the purchase order of digital content from the user, and shows the digital content of indication thus; And the received content registration unit, if receiving terminal does not keep the digital content of content indication information indication, this unit register content indication information.The business of receiving terminal provides the communication conditions of unit according to the monitoring of communication conditions monitoring means, send content indication information to the digital content distribution device, so the digital content of content indication information indication can be registered and receive.

Therefore, when the user attempted to buy the specified content of the content indication information of instruction content, if content is not stored in the receiving terminal, then register content was so that use content indication information to receive this content from the digital content distribution device.Communicate by letter with the digital content distribution device even user's current location is forbidden user's receiving terminal, when the user moves, terminal becomes with the digital content distribution device when online, and the content of registration can automatically receive from the digital content distribution device.

Aspect the 5th, each receiving terminal also comprises: use the historical information generation unit, the user action of the purchase order of this at least one content of cell response produces user's use historical information of at least one content of purchase now; And use the historical information transmitting element, this unit transmission has the use historical information of device identifier data to the digital content distribution device.Digital content distribution device in the digital content distribution also comprises the subscriber information management unit, and this Single Component Management is about the user's of the receiving terminal relevant with device identifier user profile; Use the historical information receiving element, this unit receives from receiving terminal and uses historical information and device identifier data; And the record keeping unit, this unit is according to the device identifier data recognition user information that receives, and according to using historical information, the accounting of user that the user profile of such identification is discerned.

Therefore, user's receiving terminal produces the use historical information that relevant user sends at least one content of purchase order, when when online, sending this information with device identifier to the digital content distribution device with the digital content distribution device.Identification of digital content distribution device and the relevant user of device identifier data who receives from receiving terminal, and can be historical to this accounting of user according to using.Supplier end can sell the digital content that is stored in the receiving terminal in addition be arranged in the user of the environment that can not communicate by letter with supplier's digital content distribution device, when the user moves, terminal becomes with the digital content distribution device when online, receive to use historical information from user's receiving terminal, and the use history that can utilize reception is to this accounting of user.

Aspect the 6th, each receiving terminal comprises that also business allows/forbid judgement unit, whether this unit is checked in the user buys the scheduled time slot of at least one content and is used historical information to send to the digital content distribution device, do not take place if use historical information to be sent in the scheduled time slot, the business that then stops digital content distribution taking place up to using historical information to send at least.In addition, business allows/forbids judgement unit to have the function that the display reminding user sends the message of using historical information.

Therefore, also do not send to the digital content distribution device from user's receiving terminal in scheduled time slot if be used for the use historical information of at least one content of user's purchase, user's receiving terminal can compulsoryly be set to can not use up to the transmission of using historical information and take place.Therefore, can avoid the user to continue enjoy content and need not give this possible problem of supplier for contents paying.Send the message of using history by the display reminding user, the supplier can realize their lawful right to user's charge for the content that they provide.

Aspect the 7th, the download digital content determining unit of digital content distribution device, after one of receiving terminal receiving equipment identifier data and use historical information, according to device identifier data with use historical information, determine to download to the digital content of the receiving terminal of device identifier data identification.

Therefore, if capacity limit reason for the storage medium in the receiving terminal that is included in the user, can not store all the elements that the supplier can provide at user's information terminal, the use historical information of the content of buying according to relevant user in the past then can control content be downloaded the receiving terminal that content that the user that will have high likelihood may like preferentially is stored in the user.Therefore, even it is very little to be included in the capacity of storage medium of user's receiving terminal, the supplier can effectively finish and sell and propaganda activity.

In eight aspect, the business of information terminal provides data format information that the unit sends the data format that relevant receiving terminal can the contents processing data to the digital content distribution device, and the download digital content determining unit of digital content distribution device with the form download digital content that meets the data format information that receives from each receiving terminal to receiving terminal.

Therefore, the digital content distribution device of content provider end can with user's receiving terminal can the contents processing data the form download digital content to receiving terminal, the content that the user buys digital content is stored in receiving terminal, so that can be presented at the receiving terminal that the user has really.

Aspect the 9th, the invention provides the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception, this system comprises digital content distribution device and information terminal.Information terminal comprises that business provides the unit, when portable storage media is installed on the information terminal, this unit sends and is used to discern the medium identifier data of storage medium to the digital content distribution device, receive the digital content of downloading from the digital content distribution device, and storing digital content is to storage medium.The digital content distribution device comprises: download and the stock management unit, this Single Component Management is described the content of the digital content volume of the storage medium of downloading and be stored to each terminal use and is downloaded and the stock management data; And the download digital content determining unit, this unit uses content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of the information terminal that storage medium has been installed, and download digital content is to information terminal.The digital content distribution device after receiving the medium identifier data from information terminal, uses the medium identifier data that receive, and identification is used for the content of medium downloads and the stock management data, therefore can provide professional to the terminal use at information terminal.

Therefore, when storage medium be installed in can with information terminal that the digital content distribution device is communicated by letter on the time, information terminal automatically sends the medium identifier data of identification storage medium to the digital content distribution device.The digital content distribution device can be determined the more suitable digital content that stores storage medium into according to quantity and the type downloading and be stored in by the digital content in the storage medium of medium identifier identification, and downloads definite thus digital content to receiving terminal.Therefore, the supplier can carry out downloading control, for example, when user's storage medium is installed on the information terminal, supplier's download is intended to be sold to user's e-book and the sale propaganda catalogue of e-book arrives information terminal, and it is stored in each user's storage medium, like this, the supplier can provide the user of storage medium to allow the user to consult the business of the e-book of reading in the catalogue that he wants to store from storage medium, if find, buy this desirable e-book.

Aspect the tenth, foregoing is downloaded and is stored data and comprises the free space of storage medium at least and be stored in digital content tabulation on the storage medium.The download digital content determining unit of digital content distribution device, download and store data according to content, the delete instruction order of digital content is deleted in generation from storage medium, and sends consequent delete instruction order to the information terminal that storage medium has been installed.The business of information terminal provides the delete instruction order of deletion digital content the digital content of unit reception on being retained in storage medium, and deletes digital content according to the delete instruction order from storage medium.

Therefore, when the digital content distribution device of content provider's end attempts to download new digital content, and store content in addition at storage medium, by according to space available in the storage medium, the digital content that deletion is stored up to now, enough spaces are provided, can preserve new content in addition.Therefore, supplier end can use the content downloading control, so that nearest as far as possible digital content title is stored in the storage medium that each user has, and can carry out effective sale and propaganda activity.

The tenth on the one hand, for all different storage medium of each user being installed and can having reproduced the receiving terminal that is stored in the digital content on the storage medium, each receiving terminal comprises: display unit, this unit allows the user to specify the user interface screen of the content indication information of designation number content to accept the purchase order of digital content from the user by providing, from storage medium, read the digital content of indication thus, and show this content; And the received content registration unit, if storage medium does not keep the digital content of content indication information indication, this unit memory contents indication information is to storage medium.Information terminal also comprises the content indication information detecting unit, when storage medium has been installed, and the content indication information of this unit detection of stored on storage medium, and read content indication information.Information terminal business provide the unit to send content indication information to the digital content distribution device, so the digital content that content indication information is indicated can be registered and receive.

Therefore, when the user attempts to buy the content of content indication information appointment of instruction content, if content is not stored in the receiving terminal, then the content register information is stored on the storage medium to guarantee to have registered content, so that use content indication information from the digital content distribution device, to receive this content.When storage medium is installed on the information terminal, the content indication information of information terminal detection of stored on storage medium, and can access the content of this information indication.Therefore, for example, even user's current location is forbidden the user's receiving terminal with WLAN function and is communicated by letter with the digital content distribution device, be installed on the information terminal with wired lan function at turning, street for example in hypothesis by storage medium is installed, can from the digital content distribution device, have obtained the register content of desired reception easily.

Aspect the 12, for all different storage medium of each user being installed and can having been reproduced the receiving terminal that is stored in the digital content on the storage medium, each receiving terminal comprises use historical information generation unit, the user action of the purchase order of this at least one content of cell response, produce user's use historical information of at least one content of purchase now, and the use historical information that storage produces is to storage medium.Information terminal also comprises: use the historical information detecting unit, and when storage medium has been installed, the use historical information of this unit detection of stored on storage medium, and read the use historical information; And use the historical information transmitting element, this unit transmission has the use historical information of medium identifier data to the digital content distribution device.The digital content distribution device also comprises the subscriber information management unit, and this Single Component Management uses the historical information receiving element about the user's relevant with medium identifier user profile, and this unit receives from information terminal and uses historical information and medium identifier data; And the record keeping unit, this unit is according to the medium identifier data identification user profile that receives, according to using historical information, and the accounting of user that the user profile of such identification is discerned.

Therefore, user's receiving terminal produces the use historical information that relevant user sends at least one content of purchase order, and stores this information to storage medium.When storage medium is installed on the information terminal, the use historical information of information terminal detection of stored on storage medium, and transmission has this information of medium identifier to the digital content distribution device.Identification of digital content distribution device and the relevant user of medium identifier who receives from information terminal, and can be historical to this accounting of user according to using.Therefore, do not rely on and whether allow digital content distribution device that the supplier holds and the communication between user's receiving terminal, supplier end can be sold the digital content that is stored in each storage medium user to it, when the user when information terminal has been installed storage medium, receive the use historical information be stored on the storage medium by information terminal, and the historical information that can use reception is to this accounting of user.

Aspect the 13, each receiving terminal comprises that also business allows/forbid judgement unit, whether this unit is checked in the user buys the scheduled time slot of at least one content and is used historical information to send to the digital content distribution device, if and used historical information to be sent in not generation in the scheduled time slot, the business that then stops digital content distribution would taking place up to using historical information to send at least.In addition, business allows/forbids judgement unit the display reminding user to be sent the message of using historical information.

Therefore, if the use historical information that is stored on the storage medium does not also send to the digital content distribution device in scheduled time slot, force to make and can not take place to occur up to the transmission of using historical information from the storage medium sense data.Therefore, can avoid the user to continue enjoy content and need not be that contents paying gives supplier's possible problem.Send the message of using history by the display reminding user, the supplier can realize their lawful right to user's charge for the content that they provide.

Aspect the 14, the download digital content determining unit of digital content distribution device, after receiving the medium identifier data from information terminal and using historical information, according to medium identifier data and use historical information, determine to download to the digital content of the information terminal of the storage medium that the medium identifier data identification has been installed.

Therefore, if because the restriction of storage medium capacity, can not store all the elements that the supplier can provide at user's storage medium, the use historical information of the content of buying according to relevant user in the past can control content be downloaded and will be had the storage medium that content that the user of high likelihood very may like preferentially is stored in the user.Therefore, even the capacity of the storage medium that the user has is very little, the supplier can effectively finish and sell and propaganda activity.

Aspect the 15, each receiving terminal is stored the data format information of the data format that relevant receiving terminal can the contents processing data to storage medium.The business of information terminal provides the unit when storage medium has been installed, sense data format information from storage medium, and send data format information to the digital content distribution device.The download digital content determining unit of digital content distribution device with the form download digital content that meets data format information to information terminal.

Therefore, the data format information that sends the data format that relevant receiving terminal can the contents processing data when information terminal is during to the digital content distribution device of supplier's end, the form download digital content that the digital content distribution device can show at receiving terminal with content is to information terminal, and it is stored on the storage medium.Therefore, even wherein content can the data presented form be different from content wherein at the information terminal of downloading content and gives user's the receiving terminal can the data presented form should reproducing content, the receiving terminal that still can guarantee the user can show the content from storage medium.

In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, above-mentioned purpose of the present invention and advantage will be clearer by the detailed description of the following preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the structure chart of signal of the digital content distribution of prior art;

Fig. 2 is the structure chart of the signal of digital content distribution according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is the illustration of guide catalogue;

Fig. 4 is the illustration of the e-book title of mark on spine;

Fig. 5 is an illustration of reading screen;

Fig. 6 is the guide catalogue of the e-book that can use of receiving terminal and the illustration of the relation between the digital content;

Fig. 7 is the illustration that is used to explain digital content management information;

Fig. 8 is used for the illustration that data were downloaded and stored to explanatory content;

Fig. 9 is the illustration that is used for the device identifier data of explanation facilities identifier data administrative unit reservation;

Figure 10 is the illustration of automatic download request order;

Figure 11 is the illustration of catalogue update command;

Figure 12 is an illustration of storing designated command;

Figure 13 is the illustration of delete instruction order;

Figure 14 is the flow chart according to the process of the description receiving terminal receiving digital contents of embodiments of the invention 1;

Figure 15 is the flow chart according to the process of the operation of the description digital content distribution device of embodiments of the invention 1;

Figure 16 is the structure chart of the signal of 2 digital content distribution according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 is the illustration of the guide catalogue and the relation between the digital content of e-book;

Figure 18 is the illustration of the message box of demonstration when the content of desirable e-book is not stored in the information terminal;

Figure 19 is the illustration of the message box of demonstration receive the electronic book contents of being asked to register by the user from distributor after;

Figure 20 is the illustration that is used for the explanatory content indication information;

Figure 21 is the illustration of the content download request order of indication;

Figure 22 is the flow chart according to the process of the description receiving terminal registration of embodiments of the invention 2 and receiving digital contents;

Figure 23 is the flow chart according to the process of the operation of the description digital content distribution device of embodiments of the invention 2;

Figure 24 is the structure chart of the signal of 3 digital content distribution according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 25 is used to explain that the download content responds the illustration of the preferred function of user;

Figure 26 is the figure that is used to explain the management structure of digital content on the receiving terminal and other data;

Figure 27 is the illustration that is used to explain digital content management information;

Figure 28 is the illustration that is used to explain by the user profile of digital content distribution device management;

Figure 29 is the illustration that is used to explain by the use historical information of digital content distribution device management;

Figure 30 is used to explain the illustration of being downloaded and stored data by the content of digital content distribution device management;

Figure 31 is the illustration that sends to the automatic download request order of distributor from receiving terminal;

Figure 32 is the illustration that is used to explain by the use historical information of receiving terminal management;

Figure 33 is the illustration that sends to the transmission use history command of distributor from receiving terminal;

Figure 34 is the illustration of guide catalogue;

Figure 35 buys the illustration of confirming dialog box;

Figure 36 is the illustration of user's electronic books bookshelf;

Figure 37 is the illustration of the message box that shows when electronic book contents is not stored in receiving terminal;

Figure 38 is after receiving that from the digital content distribution device user makes the electronic book contents of buying registration, the illustration of the message box of demonstration;

Figure 39 is the illustration of professional disable message frame;

Figure 40 is the flow chart according to the process of the operation of the description digital content distribution device of embodiments of the invention 3;

Figure 41 is purchase of finishing on the description receiving terminal according to embodiments of the invention 3 and the flow chart of buying the process of registration;

Figure 42 is the flow chart that the process of historical information is used in the transmission finished on the description receiving terminal according to embodiments of the invention 3;

Figure 43 is the flow chart of finishing on the description receiving terminal according to embodiments of the invention 3 that business allowed/forbade the process differentiated that carries out;

Figure 44 is the structure chart of the signal of 4 digital content distribution according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 45 is the flow chart of the automatic reception process finished on the descriptor terminal according to embodiments of the invention 4;

Figure 46 is the registration finished on the descriptor terminal according to embodiments of the invention 4 and the flow chart of downloading process;

Figure 47 is the flow chart of the historical process of transmitting of use finished on the descriptor terminal according to embodiments of the invention 4;

Figure 48 is the structure chart of the signal of 5 digital content distribution according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 49 is the flow chart of the process of the selection communication component finished on the description receiving terminal according to embodiments of the invention 5;

Figure 50 is the flow chart according to the process of the operation of the descriptor terminal of embodiments of the invention 5.

Embodiment

Below by the preferred embodiments of the present invention and referring to the complete description the present invention of accompanying drawing.Be to be understood that the present invention is unlimited to these embodiment, and can specifically implement, and do not deviate from its spirit and essential characteristic with the form of other modification.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 2 shows the figure according to the example of structure of digital content distribution of the present invention.Among Fig. 2, label 100 expressions are used for the digital content distribution device of distribute digital content; 101 expressions receive the receiving terminal of the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 100, and wherein receiving terminal is one that can be connected in the receiving terminal of digital content distribution device; The digital content management unit of 102 expression managing digital content items; 103 expression download digital content determining units, these unit receiving digital contents distributor 100 unique device identifier data that are assigned to receiving terminal 101, according to the device identifier data that receives, determine to download to the digital content of receiving terminal, and download digital content is to receiving terminal; 104 expressions are downloaded and the stock management unit, and data are downloaded and stored to this Single Component Management about the content of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the storage medium that is included in the receiving terminal 101; 105 indication equipment identifier data administrative units, the aforesaid device identifier data of this Single Component Management; 106 expression communication conditions monitoring means, the communication conditions between this unit monitoring receiving terminal 101 and the digital content distribution device 100; 107 expression business provide the unit, and this unit sends device identifier data to digital content distribution device 100 when allowing to communicate by letter between digital content distribution device 100 and the receiving terminal 101, and receive the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 100; The digital content that 108 expression storages receive from digital content distribution device 100 and the memory of related data; And 109 expression show the display unit of the digital content that retrieves from memory 108.

The notable attribute of the digital content distribution of embodiment 1 is, when between digital content distribution device 100 and receiving terminal 101, allowing communication, receiving terminal 101 sends unique device identifier data that is assigned to it to digital content distribution device 100, and according to the device identifier data that receives from receiving terminal 101, digital content distribution device 100 identification receiving terminals and its description are downloaded and are stored in the content of the digital content volume of receiving terminal and download and store data, download and store data according to content identified thus, determine to download to the digital content of receiving terminal.

Below, the example of use e-book distribution service is described the operation of the digital content distribution of structure thus in detail.Be to be understood that digital content distribution of the present invention is applicable to, but be not limited only to e-book, also be applicable to music and other digital content distribution business.

Below in the digital content distribution with the embodiment 1 that describes, when allowing communicate by letter with receiving terminal 101, the guide catalogue of digital content distribution device 100 automatic download e-books and from the guide catalogue digital content of the e-book of reference to receiving terminal.In the storage medium that the guide catalogue of the e-book that receiving terminal store to receive and digital content comprise to receiving terminal 101.When the guide catalogue of user from be stored in receiving terminal 101 selected desirable e-book, the user can begin to read the e-book of selection.

Fig. 3 shows the display screen of the guide catalogue of the e-book that reproduces on the display unit 109 of receiving terminal 101.When the user started receiving terminal 101, this screen began to show.When starting terminal, display unit 109 is read the guide catalogue automatically from the memory of receiving terminal 101, and Display directory.

In Fig. 3, the display of label 200 expression receiving terminals 101; 201 expression guide catalogue viewing areas; 202 expressions show the e-book tabulation reproduction regions of the information of the e-book that relevant terminal can be used; That is, on the spine e-book title of mark it seems with will be in Fig. 4 example the same.When the user selected the user to want the e-book title of reading in the e-book tabulation of reproduction from tabulation reproduction regions 202 and pushes reading button 203, the user can begin to read the e-book of selection.

Fig. 4 is at the illustration of the example of the e-book title of mark on spine shown in the e-book tabulation reproduction regions 202.Spine has " e-book title " mark 301 and " author's name " mark.The spine that resembles the sort of available e-book shown in Fig. 4 is arranged in the tabulation reproduction regions 202 among Fig. 3, so that the user can select e-book, just looks like that the user checks a real bookshelf.

Fig. 5 shows the reading screen that reproduces by the reading button of clicking among Fig. 3 203.The user can enjoy the reading of the e-book of selection.When the user clicked exit button 402, the user can turn back to the guide catalogue display screen of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 shows the figure of the relation between the digital content of the guide catalogue that is stored on the storage medium that receiving terminal 101 comprises and available e-book.

In Fig. 6, label 500 expressions are stored in the guide catalogue of the e-book on the receiving terminal 101 and the digital content that 501 expressions are stored in the e-book in the receiving terminal 101.In guide catalogue 500, the information description of the relevant e-book of storing is, for example, and " the e-book title " of every e-book, " author's name ", " type (for example, novel, comedy and history) " and " summary ".Consult this information, the user can select to attract the e-book of user interest, and begins to read this e-book.In addition, describe the address information of every e-book in the guide catalogue, this address information is used for the digital content of retrieve electronic books the memory from receiving terminal 101.Use this address information, read the digital content of the e-book of selecting by the user, and reproduce and give the user.In the example of Fig. 6, the digital content of having described e-book A to E is stored in the receiving terminal 101, and their address is described in guide catalogue 500.

Fig. 7 shows the example of the digital content management information of the digital content management that is used for e-book.This digital content management information is by digital content management unit 102 management of digital content distribution device 100.

In Fig. 7, label 600 expression electronic book contents item number row, the digital content that this project is assigned to e-book is used for management; 601 expression " e-book title " row; 602 expression " author's name " row; 603 expression " type (for example, novel and comedy) " row; 604 expression " publication date " row; 605 expression " summary " row, the summary that is used for e-book is described, the size of data row of the digital content of 606 expression e-books; And the file of the digital content of 607 expression e-books ranks.According to the digital content management information of example among Fig. 7, create the guide catalogue of the digital content that is assigned to receiving terminal 101.Be used to retrieve the address of the digital content of e-book available on terminal, it is described in the guide catalogue, corresponding to the filename 607 of the digital content that is stored in the e-book in the receiving terminal 101.

The example of data is downloaded and stored to the content of the relevant digital content volume on Fig. 8 shows download and is stored in the storage medium that is included in the receiving terminal 101.Download and stock management unit 104 management of data by digital content distribution device 100 are downloaded and stored to this content.

In Fig. 8, label 700 indication equipment identifier column, wherein the device identifier setting of receiving terminal 101 is used for discerning special receiving terminal 101 and the download of its content storage and stores data.The download date row that label 701 expressions are nearest, this date is the dates of digital content distribution device 100 last downloaded digital contents to receiving terminal 101; 702 expressions are included in the capacity row of the storage medium in the receiving terminal 101; And 703 expression free space row, it is current available space in aforesaid storage medium.In the example of Fig. 8, be included in the capacity that the storage medium in the receiving terminal with device identifier MAC-1 has the 2G byte, and its current free space is the 5M byte.Label 704 expressions are stored in the e-book row in the receiving terminal 101 up to now; The e-book row that 705 expressions should be deleted from receiving terminal 101; And 706 expression should download and be stored in the e-book row of receiving terminal 101 again.These e-books are managed by describing their item numbers (600 among Fig. 7) in the row of mentioning.In this example, the receiving terminal 101 that next time has a device identifier MAC-1 becomes with digital content distribution device 100 when online, the e-book of item number 1 to 5 will be deleted from receiving terminal, and the e-book of item number 15 to 20 will be downloaded and store again.

Fig. 9 shows the example of structure of the device identifier data of device identifier data administrative unit 105 management.Device identifier data is unique is assigned to receiving terminal 101, and receiving terminal 101 can be by this device identifier data identification.

Figure 10 shows when receiving terminal 101 and becomes with digital content distribution device 100 when online, sends to the automatic download request order of digital content distribution device 100 from receiving terminal 101.In Figure 10, order " download request automatically " is specified in command name field 900, and the device identifier of receiving terminal is specified in device identifier field 901.When digital content distribution device 100 received this automatic download request order, according to device identifier 901, device identification receiving terminal and its were described the content of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the receiving terminal and are downloaded and store data (Fig. 8).Download and store data according to content identified thus, digital content distribution device 100 is determined the digital content (can the row 705 from Fig. 8 determine) of the e-books deleted and is downloaded and be stored in the digital content of the e-book in the receiving terminal (can the row 706 from Fig. 8 determine) again from receiving terminal.

Figure 11 shows the catalogue update command, when device when receiving terminal 101 receives automatic download request order shown in Figure 10, the catalogue update command is used to send the guide catalogue to receiving terminal 101 by digital content distribution device 100.Order " catalogue renewal " is specified in command name field 1000, and receiving terminal is used for the catalogue file name of administrative directory specifies in directory name field 1001, and guide catalogue file content is specified in data field 1002.When receiving terminal 101 receives this order, the filename of appointment in the file content of terminal storage appointment in data field 1002 and the directory name field 1001.If have and the data file of the identical filename of appointment in directory name field 1001 Already in the receiving terminal 101, receiving terminal 101 upgrades the data file that exists.For the realization that is easy to serve, should be always at directory name field 1001 middle finger phasings filename together, and the filename as the guide catalogue file should be registered on the display unit 109 in advance, so that display unit 109 can be recognized the guide catalogue file from the data file being stored in receiving terminal 101.

Figure 12 shows the storage designated command, when device when receiving terminal 101 receives automatic download request order shown in Figure 10, store designated command is used for sending e-book by digital content distribution device 100 digital content to receiving terminal 101 and with these content storages at receiving terminal 101.Order " is stored instruction " and is specified in command name field 1100, uses this order, and the number of the digital content of the e-book that download and store is provided with in content item field 1101.In data field 1102, the filename and the file content of the digital content that comprises the e-book that will download and store described successively.In the example of Figure 12, the receiving terminal 101 that receives this order will be stored in the digital content file below of e-book: file-15, file-16, file-17, file-18, file-19, and file-20.

Figure 13 shows the delete instruction order, and this order sends to receiving terminal 101 from digital content distribution device 100 the e-book digital content of appointment is deleted from receiving terminal 101.Order " delete instruction " is specified in command name field 1200, uses this order, and the number of the digital content of the e-book that delete is provided with in deletion content item field 1201.In data field 1202, the filename of digital content that comprises the e-book of deletion is specified in tabulation.

Figure 14 is a flow chart of having described the process of receiving terminal 101 receiving digital contents in digital content distribution of the present invention, explains in conjunction with Figure 10 to 13 according to this flow chart below to receive operation.

Step 0) process begins (1300 among Figure 14).

Communications status between step 1) communication conditions monitoring means 106 check receiving terminals 101 and the digital content distribution device 100.If allow communication, receiving terminal execution in step 2).If no, receiving terminal is waited for and is become permission (1301 among Figure 14) up to communication.

Step 2) business provides the device identifier data that unit 107 uses device identifier data administrative units 105 to keep, and produces the automatic download request order shown in Figure 10, and sends this and order digital content distribution device 100 (1302 among Figure 14).

Step 3) is according to the delete instruction order (Figure 13) that receives from digital content distribution device 100, and business provides and deletes the file (1303 among Figure 14) that is included in the digital content of the e-book of appointment in the field 1202 shown in Figure 13 in the e-book file of unit 107 from be stored in memory 108.

Step 4) is according to the storage designated command (Figure 12) that receives from digital content distribution device 100, and business provides unit 107 other storage package to be contained in the file of the digital content of the e-book of appointment in the field 1102 shown in Figure 12 to memory 108 (1304 among Figure 14).

Step 5) is according to the catalogue update command (Figure 11) that receives from digital content distribution device 100, and business provides unit 107 storage designated directory files to memory 108.Exist if having the catalogue file of same names, delete previously stored data file, store the designated directory file then.Process turns back to step 1) (1305 among Figure 14).

By said process, when the communication between permission receiving terminal 101 and the digital content distribution device 100, receiving terminal 101 uses the automatic download request order shown in Fig. 9, notifies digital content distribution device 100 its unique appointed equipment identifier.As a result, by the order of returning from digital content distribution device 100 that Figure 10 to 13 illustrates respectively, receiving terminal 101 can or be stored new content in addition from the terminal deletion digital content specified.

Figure 15 is the download digital content determining unit 103 of the digital content distribution device 100 in the description digital content distribution of the present invention is listed the process of the e-book (in the row 706 among Fig. 8) that should download and be stored in receiving terminal 101 and the e-book (row 705 among Fig. 8) that should delete from receiving terminal 101 a flow chart, explains this operation according to this flow chart in conjunction with Fig. 7 to 13 below.

When new e-book is published and their management information when being increased to digital content management information shown in Fig. 7, or periodically carry out following processes.

Step 0) process begins (1400 among Figure 15).

The item number of the e-book that step 1) is published after the content shown in Fig. 8 is downloaded and stored download date the last in the data 701 is provided for the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) that should download and store.In addition, the clauses and subclauses of the e-book that should delete (row 705 of Fig. 8) are " 0 " (empty clauses and subclauses) (1401 among Figure 15) clearly.In the example of Fig. 8, the last download date that is used to have the terminal of device identifier MAC-1 is " 2002-6-9 ", therefore, according to the digital content management information shown in Fig. 7, the item number 15 to 20 of e-book is provided for the clauses and subclauses of the e-book that should download and store.

Step 2) the total size of all volumes of e-book that is provided for the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) that should download and store is assigned to variable X.The total size of all volumes of e-book that is provided for the clauses and subclauses (=0) of the e-book (row 705 of Fig. 8) that should delete is assigned to variable Y (1402 among Figure 15).Under the situation of the example of Fig. 7, total size of the volume of the e-book of item number 15 to 20 is 45M, so the X=45M byte, Y=0.Download and store data according to the content shown in Fig. 8, the current available space (in the row 703 of Fig. 8) of the receiving terminal of device identifier MAC-1 identification is the 5M byte.Therefore, memory space inadequate is provided for all e-books of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) that should download and store with storage.Therefore, step 4) and subsequent step thereof should be carried out and delete some e-books that are stored in the receiving terminal, and provide enough spaces to store new e-book.

Step 3) checks whether free space (in the row 703 of Fig. 8)+Y is greater than X; Promptly, delete from receiving terminal if be provided for all e-books of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (row 705 of Fig. 8) that should delete, whether check can provide enough spaces to store to be provided for all e-books of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) that should download and store.If enough spaces can be provided, process proceeds to step 8); If no, process proceeds to step 4) (1403 among Figure 15).

When each this step of step 4) was carried out, in the e-book from be stored in receiving terminal 101, the item number of e-book was provided as the deletion candidate by the step of order with the order of from the old to the new publication date.In the example of the digital content management information shown in Fig. 7, the item number 1 to 14 of e-book should be by the candidate's that will delete order setting (1404 among Figure 15).

Step 5) is as the result of step 4), if there be (e-book of all storages has been set to delete the candidate) in the deletable e-book that no longer includes as the deletion candidate, process proceeds to step 7).If kept one or more e-book also not being set to delete the candidate, process proceeds to step 6) (1405 among Figure 15).

The e-book candidate that step 6) will be deleted is increased to (in the row 705 of Fig. 8) in the e-book that should delete.In addition, the e-book candidate's that delete volume size is increased to Y, and process turns back to step 3) (1406 among Figure 15).

Even step 7) all e-books in being stored in receiving terminal are deleted also can not provide enough spaces to store to be provided for all e-books of clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) that should download and store the time, carry out this step.Therefore, the decreased number of the e-book that should download and store (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) is the e-book volume within the memory capacity (row 702 among Fig. 8) of receiving terminal, wherein the e-book setting keeps with the order on the nearest date of publication, therefore has the e-book of new publication date and preferentially stores.Simultaneously, the e-book of storage (row 704 of Fig. 8) is set to the e-book (in the row 705 of Fig. 8) that should delete, so that current all e-books of receiving terminal that are stored in are with deleted (1407 among Figure 15).

Step 8) EP (end of program) (1408 among Figure 15).

By said process, listed the e-book (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) that to download and to be stored in receiving terminal and should be from the e-book (the row 705 of Fig. 8) of receiving terminal deletion.Design this process so that in the e-book of the digital content management unit 102 of digital content distribution device 100 management, receiving terminal 101 can preferentially be downloaded and be stored in to slower those of publication date.

When digital content distribution device 100 when receiving terminal 101 receives automatic download request order shown in Figure 10, device identifier (901 among Figure 10) according to appointment in the order, download digital content determining unit 103 from content download with store data obtain the e-book that should delete relevant (in the row 705 of Fig. 8) with receiving terminal, according to the e-book that should delete that obtains (705 among Fig. 8), produce the delete instruction order shown in Figure 13, send this and order receiving terminal 101, therefore the e-book of appointment can be deleted from receiving terminal 101.According to the e-book that should download and store relevant (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) with receiving terminal, download digital content determining unit 103 also produces the storage designated command shown in Figure 12, send this and order receiving terminal 101, and therefore the e-book of appointment can be downloaded and is stored in the receiving terminal 101.

Sending delete instruction order (Figure 13) behind receiving terminal 101, digital content distribution device 100 is from the e-book (the row 704 of Fig. 8) of the storage relevant with receiving terminal, deletion is provided for the item number of e-book of clauses and subclauses of the e-book that should delete (in the row 705 of Fig. 8) of receiving terminal, and the total size that increases the volume of deletion e-book is free space (in the row 703 of Fig. 8).Sending storage designated command (Figure 12) behind receiving terminal 101, digital content distribution device 100 increases and is provided for should downloading and the e-book item number of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book of storing (in the row 706 of Fig. 8) e-book (in the row 704 of Fig. 8) to the storage relevant with receiving terminal of receiving terminal, and deducts total size of volume of the e-book of increase from free space (row 703 of Fig. 8).Like this, digital content distribution device 100 can be managed e-book that is stored in the receiving terminal 101 and the free space that is included in the storage medium in the receiving terminal 101.

According to the digital content management information of Fig. 6, create the guide catalogue of the digital content of the e-book be used for being stored in receiving terminal 101; That is, according to the relevant actual e-book information that is stored in the receiving terminal 101.Specifically, order the information (title of e-book, author's name, type, summary and filename) of the e-book item number of the clauses and subclauses appointment that comprises the e-book (in the row 704 of Fig. 8) that is used to the storage that produces by aforesaid processing.

As mentioned above, in digital content distribution according to embodiment 1, become when allowing when the communication conditions monitoring means 106 of receiving terminal 101 detects communication between receiving terminal 101 and the digital content distribution device 100, receiving terminal automatically notify digital content distribution device 100 it be used to discern the device identifier data of receiving terminal 101.According to the device identifier data that receives from receiving terminal 101, the download digital content determining unit 103 of digital content distribution device 100 obtains the content download relevant with the receiving terminal with this device identifier and stores data from downloading with stock management unit 104, download and store data according to the content that obtains, determine to download to the digital content items of receiving terminal 101, and the digital content items that can use control to determine is thus downloaded and is stored in the receiving terminal 101.Use this system, for example, supplier's end can be downloaded and be intended to be sold to terminal use's e-book and be used to sell the catalogue of e-book to user's receiving terminal, they are stored in receiving terminal during opening communicating by letter with receiving terminal, and can provide the user such business: when wanting to buy, they can the catalogue from be stored in receiving terminal check and buy desirable e-book any, in addition no exception when with digital content distribution device communication disruption.

(second embodiment)

Figure 16 shows the figure according to another example of the structure of digital content distribution of the present invention.In Figure 16, label 1500 expressions are used for the digital content distribution device of distribute digital content; 1501 expressions receive the receiving terminal of the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 1500, and wherein receiving terminal is one that can be connected in the receiving terminal of digital content distribution device; The digital content management unit of 1502 expression managing digital content items; 1503 expression download digital content determining units, this unit receives the content indication information that relevant users want the digital content items downloaded from receiving terminal 1501, and downloads content indication information digital content specified item to receiving terminal 1501; 1504 expressions are downloaded and the stock management unit, and data are downloaded and stored to this Single Component Management about the content of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the storage medium that is included in the receiving terminal 1501; 1505 indication equipment identifier data administrative units, this unit retaining device identifier data; 1506 expression communication conditions monitoring means, the situation of the communication between this unit monitoring receiving terminal 1501 and the digital content distribution device 1500; 1507 expression business provide the unit, when between digital content distribution device 1500 and receiving terminal 1501, allowing communication, whether content indication information administrative unit 1511 keeps content indication information to this unit checks, if kept content indication information, use content indication information, the desirable digital content of request digital content distribution device 1500 download user, and received content; 1508 expression memories, digital content that this memory stores receives from digital content distribution device 1500 and relevant data; 1509 expression display units, this unit has been accepted to show the digital content request of content indicator and has been shown indicated digital content from the user; 1510 expression received content registration units, if the digital content of content indication information indication is not stored in the memory 1508, aforesaid content indication information is registered in this unit; And 1511 expression content indication information administrative units, this unit keeps the content indication information of received content registration unit 1510 registrations.

The notable feature of the digital content distribution of embodiment 2 is as described below.Received content registration unit and content indication information administrative unit 1511 are added in the structure of the receiving terminal of describing among the embodiment 1 101.When allowing with communicating by letter of digital content distribution device 1500, business provides unit 1507 to check whether content indication information administrative unit 1511 keeps content indication information, if kept content indication information, then use content indication information, the desirable digital content of request digital content distribution device 1500 download user, and from digital content distribution device 1500 received contents.

Figure 17 shows the figure that storage maybe can be stored in the guide catalogue and the relation between the digital content of the e-book in the storage medium that is included in the receiving terminal 1501.This figure is different from the figure of Fig. 6 of the digital content distribution of describing embodiment 1 in the following areas: relevant actual information (the e-book title that is stored in the electronic book contents of receiving terminal, the author's name, type, and address (filename)) in the guide catalogue 500 of Fig. 6, describe, however the guide catalogue 1600 among Figure 17 comprises the relevant information that is not stored in the electronic book contents in the receiving terminal.In the example of Figure 17, the digital content of the e-book A to E that describes in the guide catalogue is stored in the receiving terminal 1501, but the digital content of e-book F to G is not stored in the receiving terminal 1501.The information that this guide catalogue can provide all e-books of user can for the supplier of subscriber-related operation digital content distribution device 1500 is no matter whether e-book is stored in receiving terminal 1501.When the user selects to be stored in e-book (one of e-book A to E) in the receiving terminal 1501, e-book can reproduce to the user at once.When the user selects not to be stored in e-book (F or G) in the receiving terminal 1501, receiving terminal 1501 must receive e-book from digital content distribution device 1500.

Figure 18 shows the example of display message frame 1701, the e-book of selecting not to be stored in receiving terminal 1501 as the user on the guide catalogue display screen shown in Fig. 3 (for example, e-book F or G among Figure 17), and when managing to begin to read, show this message box.In the example of Figure 18, situation is not to be stored in the receiving terminal 1501 when electronic book contents " Harry Potter ", and the user selects this this book and clicks and read button 1700.In this example, " options is in short supply now for message.You should order goods? " show notifies user's electronic books " Harry Potter " not reproduce at once.When user's hit OK button 1702, in order from digital content distribution device 1500, to receive electronic book contents, use the electronic book contents indicator information, received content registration unit 1510 produces the information of the content that is used to register reception, and the information of registration is retained in the content indication information administrative unit 1511.When the user clicks cancel button 1703, do not produce the information that is used to register, show to turn back to the guide catalogue display screen shown in Fig. 3.

Figure 19 is when receiving terminal 1501 uses content indication information from digital content distribution device 1500 reception electronic book contents, the example that the display message frame notifies the process of user content registration and reception to finish.In the example in Figure 19, display message " e-book " Harry Potter " has been downloaded and can have been reproduced " is notified the user to receive electronic book contents " Harry Potter " from digital content distribution device 1500 and is finished, so the user can begin to read e-book " Harry Potter ".In this example, the e-book title (" Harry Potter ") of mark on spine that now is stored in addition in the receiving terminal 1501 is become grey, so that the user can find its (1801) easily.

Figure 20 shows the example of the content indication information of content indication information administrative unit 1511 reservations.The field 1900 of entry comprises the number of the electronic book contents item of registration reception, and it is corresponding to the item number of the content indication information of content indication information administrative unit 1511 reservations.In field 1901, the file name of electronic book contents is described as being used to indicating the content indication information of the electronic book contents of registration.As mentioned above, the filename of electronic book contents is described in the guide catalogue.

Figure 21 shows the content download request order of indication, when allowing communication between receiving terminal 1501 and the digital content distribution device 1500, this order produces according to the content indication information shown in Figure 20 and sends to digital content distribution device 1500 from receiving terminal 1501.In Figure 21, order " content download request of indication " is specified in command name field 2000 and the device identifier of receiving terminal 1501 is specified in device identifier field 2001.The number of the electronic book contents item of registration is provided with in entry field 2002, itself and middle be provided with identical of the entry field (1900) among Figure 20.In data field 2003, duplicate by field 1900 from Figure 20, set gradually the filename of the electronic book contents of registration.When digital content distribution device 1500 receives the content download request order of this indication, according to device identifier 2001, device identification receiving terminal and it are described the content of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored in receiving terminal and are downloaded and store data (Fig. 8).Download and store data according to content identified thus, device determines whether to be used for to store enough spaces of the electronic book contents in the file of field 2003 appointments can be with (can the row 703 from Fig. 8 in definite).If there are not enough spaces, the definite electronic book contents item of from receiving terminal, deleting of device, and definite deleted content item is deleted in transmission delete instruction order (Figure 13).In the memory of receiving terminal 1501, enough spaces are become thus available after, device sends the storage designated command (Figure 12) that produces according to the electronic book contents item of storing recently (in field 2003 in the file of appointment), thus the electronic book contents in the file of appointment in the field 2003 is stored in receiving terminal 1501.

Figure 22 is in digital content distribution of the present invention, describes the flow chart according to the process of content indication information receiving terminal 1501 receiving digital contents shown in Figure 20, explains this operation below in conjunction with Fig. 8,12,13 and 19 to 21 according to this flow chart.When the communication conditions monitoring means 1506 of the communication conditions between check receiving terminal 1501 and the digital content distribution device 1500 detects when allowing communication between receiving terminal 1501 and the digital content distribution device 1500, carry out this process.

Step 0) process begins (2100 among Figure 22).

The step 1) business provides unit 1507 to check whether content indication information administrative unit 1511 has kept content indication information.If content indication information exists, process proceeds to step 3); If no, process proceeds to step 7) (2101 among Figure 22).

Step 2) the content download request order of indicating among device identifier data generation Figure 21 that content indication information (Figure 20) that keeps according to content indication information administrative unit 1511 and device identifier data administrative unit 1505 keep, and send this and order digital content distribution device 1500 (2102 among Figure 22).

Step 3) is according to the delete instruction order (Figure 13) that receives from digital content distribution device 1500, and business provides the file (2103 among Figure 22) of the electronic book contents of appointment in the field 1202 of the order shown in deletion Figure 13 in the file of the electronic book contents of unit 1507 from be stored in memory 1508.If being used for storing enough spaces of file of e-book of the content download request order appointment of the indication shown in Figure 21 does not exist in the memory of receiving terminal 1501, send this delete instruction order from digital content distribution device 1500 electronic book contents of old publication date is deleted from memory, enough spaces are provided.

Step 4) is according to the storage designated command (Figure 12) that receives from digital content distribution device 1500, business provide unit 1507 in addition in the data field 1102 of the order shown in storage Figure 12 the file of digital content specified to memory 1508 (2104 among Figure 22).This data field of storing designated command comprises the file of the electronic book contents of appointment in the field 2003 of content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21.

Step 5) is used content indication information because receive finishing of the desirable electronic book contents of user, from the content indication information shown in content indication information administrative unit 1511 deletion Figure 20 (Figure 22 2105).

Step 6) shows that the download shown in Figure 19 finishes message (1800) and notify the user to receive the desirable electronic book contents of user to finish (2106 among Figure 22).

The step 7) process finishes (2107 among Figure 22).

Pass through said process, when between receiving terminal 1501 and digital content distribution device 1500, allowing communication, whether receiving terminal 1501 inspection content indication information administrative units 1511 keep content indication information, if kept content indication information, receiving terminal 1501 can use content indication information, request digital content distribution device 1500 download user desirable content, and from digital content distribution device 1500 received content.

Figure 23 is that the receiving terminal 1501 that is described in from digital content distribution of the present invention receives after the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21, the process that the download digital content determining unit 1503 of digital content distribution device 1500 produces delete instruction order (Figure 13) and stores designated command (Figure 12).Explain this operation below in conjunction with Fig. 8,12,13 and 21 according to this flow chart.

Step 0) process begins (2200 among Figure 23).

The designator of step 1) e-book file of appointment in the field (2003) of the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21 is set for the clauses and subclauses " e-book that should download and store " that data list was downloaded and stored to content.Simultaneously, clauses and subclauses " e-book that should delete " are " 0 " (empty clauses and subclauses) (2201 among Figure 23) clearly.

Step 2) the total size of all volumes that is provided for the e-book of clauses and subclauses " e-book that should download and store " is assigned to variable X.The total size (=0) of all volumes that is provided for the e-book of clauses and subclauses " e-book that should delete " is assigned to variable Y (2202 among Figure 23).

Step 3) checks whether free space (in the row 703 of Fig. 8)+Y is greater than X; That is, delete from receiving terminal if be provided for all e-books of the clauses and subclauses of " e-book that should delete ", whether check can provide enough spaces to store to be provided for all e-books of clauses and subclauses " e-book that should download and store ".If enough spaces can be provided, process proceeds to step 8); If no, process proceeds to step 4) (2203 among Figure 23).

When each this step of step 4) was carried out, in the e-book from be stored in receiving terminal 1501, the item number of e-book was set to the candidate that will delete with the order of from the old to the new publication date by the step of order.If all of the e-book of listing in the digital content management information shown in Fig. 7 are stored in the receiving terminal 1501, the item number 1 to 20 of e-book should set gradually the candidate (2204 among Figure 23) for deleting.

Step 5) is as the result of step 4), if there be (e-book of all storages has been set to delete the candidate) in the e-book deleted that no longer includes as the deletion candidate, process proceeds to step 7).If kept one or more e-book also not being set to delete the candidate, process proceeds to step 6) (2205 among Figure 23).

The e-book candidate that step 6) will be deleted is increased to " e-book that should delete ".In addition, the e-book candidate's that delete volume sum is increased to Y, and process turns back to step 3) (2206 among Figure 23).

Even step 7) all e-books in being stored in receiving terminal are deleted, in the time of also can not providing enough spaces to store to be provided for all e-books of clauses and subclauses " e-book that should download and store ", carry out this step.Therefore, the decreased number of the e-book that is provided with in clauses and subclauses " e-book that should download and store " drops within the memory span of receiving terminal for the e-book volume, wherein the e-book setting keeps with the order on the nearest date of publication, therefore has the e-book of new publication date and preferentially stores.Simultaneously, the e-book of storage (in the row 704 of Fig. 8) is provided for clauses and subclauses " e-book that should delete ", so that current all e-books of receiving terminal that are stored in are with deleted (2207 among Figure 23).

Step 8) EP (end of program) ((2208 among Figure 23).

Use produces the delete instruction order shown in Figure 13 and also sends it to receiving terminal 1501 by the setting of " e-book that should delete " of said process generation.Specifically, in the field 1202 of the order shown in Figure 13, set gradually with clauses and subclauses " e-book that should delete " in the relevant e-book filename (filename can obtain from the digital content management information shown in Fig. 7) of item number of e-book of appointment.Similarly, use the setting of " e-book that should download and store ", produce the storage designated command shown in Figure 12 and send it to receiving terminal 1501.Specifically, in the field 1102 of the order shown in Figure 12, set gradually e-book filename relevant and file (filename can obtain) from the digital content shown in Fig. 7 is tabulated with the item number of e-book of appointment in the clauses and subclauses " e-book that should download and store ".

Sending delete instruction order (Figure 13) behind receiving terminal 1501, digital content distribution device 1500 is deleted the item number of the e-book of the clauses and subclauses " e-book that should delete " that are provided for receiving terminal from the e-book (the row 704 of Fig. 8) of the storage relevant with receiving terminal, and adds total size of deleting the volume of e-book to free space (in the row 703 of Fig. 8).Sending storage designated command (Figure 12) behind receiving terminal 1501, digital content distribution device 1500 increases the e-book (in the row 704 of Fig. 8) of the item number of the e-book that the clauses and subclauses that are provided for receiving terminal " should download and the e-book of storing " to the storage relevant with receiving terminal, and deducts total size of volume of the e-book of increase from free space (row 703 of Fig. 8).Like this, digital content distribution device 1500 can be managed e-book that is stored in the receiving terminal 1501 and the free space that is included in the storage medium in the receiving terminal 1501.

As mentioned above, in digital content distribution according to embodiment 2, when detecting communication between receiving terminal 1501 and the digital content distribution device 1500, the communication conditions monitoring means 1506 of receiving terminal 1501 becomes when allowing, business provides unit 1507 inspection content indication information administrative units 1511 whether to keep content indication information, if kept content indication information, then use content indication information to produce the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21, and send this and order digital content distribution device 1500.On the other hand, when digital content distribution device 1500 when receiving terminal 1501 receives the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21, it from download and stock management unit 1504 obtain content download relevant and storage data with receiving terminal, and, whether there are enough memory spaces of the desirable digital content of storage user on the check receiving terminal 1501 according to content download that obtains and storage data.If enough memory spaces do not exist, digital content distribution device 1500 sends delete instruction orders (Figure 13), before has been stored in digital content volume in the receiving terminal 1501 with the order deletion of from the old to the new publication date thus.After enough memory space is provided in receiving terminal like this, digital content distribution device 1500 sends stores designated commands (Figure 12), and can therefore surely store digital content specified in the content download request order of the indication shown in the desirable Figure 21 of user.

(the 3rd embodiment)

Figure 24 shows the figure according to another example of the structure of digital content distribution of the present invention.In Figure 24, label 2300 expressions are used for the digital content distribution device of distribute digital content; The receiving terminal of the digital content that 2301 expression receiving digital contents distributors 2300 distribute, wherein receiving terminal is one that can be connected in the receiving terminal of digital content distribution device; 2302 expression digital content management unit, this Single Component Management digital content items; 2303 expression download digital content determining units, this unit receives unique device identifier data that is assigned to receiving terminal 2301 from receiving terminal 2301, according to the device identifier data that receives, determine to download to the digital content of receiving terminal, and download digital content is to receiving terminal; 2304 expressions are downloaded and the stock management unit, and data are downloaded and stored to this Single Component Management about the content of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the receiving terminal 2301; 2305 expression subscriber information management unit, this Single Component Management is about the user's of the receiving terminal relevant with device identifier 2301 user profile; The historical information administrative units are used in 2306 expressions, the use historical information of the relevant digital content of buying at receiving terminal 2301 of this Single Component Management; 2307 expression record keeping unit, the user is discerned according to aforesaid device identifier data that receives from receiving terminal 2301 and user profile in this unit, and according to aforesaid use historical information, to the accounting of user of identification thus; 2308 expression business provide the unit, and this unit allows when communication between digital content distribution device 2300 and receiving terminal 2301, and the transmitting apparatus identifier data is to the digital content distribution device, and receive the digital content of distribution from digital content distribution device 2300; 2309 expression communication conditions monitoring means, the communication conditions between this unit monitoring receiving terminal 2301 and the digital content distribution device 2300; The historical information transmitting element is used in 2310 expressions, and when allowing communication between digital content distribution device 2300 and the receiving terminal 2301, this unit sends aforesaid use historical information to digital content distribution device 2300; 2311 indication equipment identifier data administrative units, the aforesaid device identifier data of this Single Component Management; 2312 expressions are used for the memory block of data format information, are used for the information of storing relevant data form, and wherein receiving terminal 2301 can be with this form displaying contents; 2313 expression content indication information administrative units, when allowing communication between digital content distribution device 2300 and the receiving terminal 2301, this unit is preserved for receiving from digital content distribution device 2300 content indication information of the digital content of indication; 2314 expression received content registration units, aforesaid content indication information is registered to the content indication information administrative unit in this unit; 2315 expression memories, digital content and related data that this memory stores receives from digital content distribution device 2300; 2316 expression display units, this unit shows the digital content that retrieves from memory 2315; The historical information generation unit is used in 2317 expressions, and this unit produces aforesaid use historical information; 2318 expressions are used to use the memory block of historical information, are used to store aforesaid use historical information; And 2319 the expression business allow/forbid judgement unit, whether this unit checks that aforesaid use historical information has sent to digital content distribution device 2300 in the scheduled time slot after the user has submitted the purchase of digital content items to, if this information does not also send, stop the business of receiving terminal 2301.

Below, use the example that is intended in the e-book distribution service of selling e-book, specifically describe the operation of the digital content distribution of configuration thus.Should be appreciated that digital content distribution device of the present invention is not only applicable to e-book, also be applicable to music and other digital content distribution business.

At first narrate the systemic-function that digital content distribution of the present invention is carried out, describe the system operation that is used to realize these systemic-functions then.

1) automatic download function

When permission was communicated by letter with receiving terminal 2301, digital content distribution device 2300 was downloaded the guide catalogues of e-books automatically and is sold to the e-books of receiving terminal 2301.Digital content that receiving terminal 2301 storages receive and related data are to the storage medium that is included in the receiving terminal 2301.According to the free space in the storage medium of receiving terminal 2301, the e-book of publishing preferentially downloads to receiving terminal 2301 recently.

2) download content and respond the preferred function of user

When by aforementioned automatic download function 1) when downloading e-book, the use historical information of the digital content items of buying on their receiving terminal 2301 according to relevant user is estimated preferred those preferential downloads of suitable unique user.

3) buy function

By consulting the guide catalogue, the user can carry out the purchasing process of the e-book that the user likes.If desirable e-book has been stored in receiving terminal 2301, the user can buy at once and enjoy it, and tube terminal does not have not online with digital content distribution device 2300.

4) buy registration and download function

If the e-book that the user wants to buy is not stored in the receiving terminal 2301, can carries out and buy registration.In case the purchase of e-book registration is finished, when the communication between receiving terminal 2301 and the digital content distribution device 2300 becomes permission, receive desirable e-book of user and storage from digital content distribution device 2300, display message notifies the desirable e-book of user to download.The e-book of Jie Shouing can be by aforesaid purchase function 3 thus) buy.

5) send use historical information and accounting feature

When the user bought e-book, receiving terminal 2301 produced the use historical information of relevant e-book.When terminal and digital content distribution device 2300 were online, its sent the use historical information that produces to digital content distribution device 2300.According to the use historical information that receives from receiving terminal 2301,2300 pairs of these accounting of users of digital content distribution device.

6) business allows/forbids discrimination function

Whether receiving terminal 2301 checks that aforesaid use historical information has sent to digital content distribution device 2300 in the scheduled time slot after the user has submitted the purchase of e-book to.If this information does not also send in scheduled time slot, then limited subscriber operation receiving terminal 2301 and receiving terminal are set to and can not use.

In this case, may be more preferably: control display unit 2316 makes it not submit its purchase to by explicit user, but does not also send the e-book of its use history, and all functions with receiving terminal 2301 do not become and can not use.

Figure 25 is used to explain download the preferred function 2 that content responds the user) illustration.

To use Figure 25 to describe the download content in more detail below and respond the preferred function 2 of user).

In the example of Figure 25, situation is: digital content distribution device 2400 keeps and manages 2000 e-books and can distribute and sell these e-books.Yet because be included in the restriction of capacity of the storage medium of user's receiving terminal, the number of e-book that can be stored in user's receiving terminal is limited.Therefore, digital content distribution device 2400 provides preferential download to estimate to be fit to the preferred function of the new e-book of publication recently of unique user.For example, if user A 2402 often buys comedy, digital content distribution device 2400 is by the use historical information of check from the receiving terminal transmission of user A, the user A 2402 that infers receiving terminal 2401 likes comedy, and the e-book of therefore downloading comedy preferentially is stored in terminal to the receiving terminal 2401 of user A with the e-book of comedy.Similarly, if user B often buys novel, the e-book that distributor is downloaded novel preferentially is stored in terminal to the receiving terminal 2403 of user B with the e-book of novel.The guide catalogue that also downloads to the e-book of receiving terminal comprise by relevant all 2000 e-books of digital content distribution device 2400 management information.Therefore, the user can select not to be stored in the e-book of receiving terminal for can buy item.When the user wanted to buy the e-book that is not stored in the receiving terminal, the user can be by aforesaid purchase registration and download function 4) carry out and buy registration.

Use Figure 17, be used for guide catalogue available on the receiving terminal that the digital content distribution of embodiment 2 explains and the relation between the e-book, also set up, therefore, no longer repeat its explanation here for embodiment 3.

Figure 26 shows on receiving terminal 2301 figure of the managerial structure of the digital content of management and other data.

Referring to Figure 26, receiving terminal 2301 comprises storage medium 2500.System area 2501 is to be used for registering unique device identifier data 2504 that is assigned to receiving terminal 2301 when terminal is delivered market from factory.Protection is stored in the data in the system area 2501, so that the user can not change or erase this data.Supplier district 2502 is used to manage guide catalogue and the electronic book contents of downloading from digital content distribution device 2300, also protects this district so that the user can not change or erase the wherein data of storage.User area 2503 can be used freely by the user, and the data that are stored in this district can change according to user's purpose or erase.Supplier district 2502 comprise the use historical information 2505 of the e-book item that relevant user buys part, be used to manage the e-book of downloading from digital content distribution device 2300 the guide catalogue catalogue 2506 and be used to manage and downloading the electronic chart content of a book 2507 that the back users not have purchase from digital content distribution device 2300.Be used for managing do not have electronic chart content of a book 2507 management bought e-book by protections such as encryption units, so that the user can't read them before buying.User area 2503 comprises the part of content indication information 2508, and this part is used for realizing aforesaid purchase registration and download function 4) and be used for the electronic chart content of a book 2509 that leading subscriber is bought.When the user bought the e-book of selecting from the guide catalogue, the e-book under catalogue 2507 management was copied to catalogue 2509.The user can read the electronic book contents under catalogue 2509 management.

Figure 27 shows the example of the digital content management information that is used for managing electronic book content item, and this digital content management information is by digital content management unit 2302 management of digital content distribution device 2300.Digital content management information shown in Figure 27 comprises the identical clauses and subclauses of digital content management information of explaining the digital content distribution of embodiment 1 with being used for shown in Fig. 7, except the price column (2608) of each e-book is increased in the tabulation.Therefore, its detailed explanation no longer repeats.

Figure 28 shows the example of relevant user's user profile, and this user profile is by subscriber information management unit 2305 management of digital content distribution device 2300.

In Figure 28, label 2700 expression user identifier row 2700 are wherein registered the identifier that is assigned to the user and are used for user management; 2701 expression users rank; 2702 expression station address row; 2703 expressions need be listed as the credit number that unique user is kept accounts; And 2704 indication equipment identifier column, the receiving terminal that its identification unique user has.

Figure 29 shows the example of the use historical information of the e-book that relevant user buys on their receiving terminal 2301.This use historical information sends to digital content distribution device 2300 from receiving terminal 2301, and is managed by the use historical information receiving element 2306 of digital content distribution device 2300.

In Figure 29, label 2800 indication equipment identifier column, wherein the device identifier of the receiving terminal of purchase takes place in registration; 2801 expression files rank, wherein the filename of the electronic book contents of registered user's purchase; Days column are bought in 2802 expressions, buy the date and be the date that the user who has receiving terminal buys e-book; And the price column of the e-book of 2803 expression user purchases.According to device identifier 2800, use the user profile tabulation of subscriber information management unit 2305 management shown in historical information receiving element 2306 search Figure 28, and the user's that retrieval is relevant with device identifier from tabulation information.Record keeping unit 2307 uses the credit number of the user in the user profile that is included in retrieval to this accounting of user.In the example of Figure 29, tabulation comprises the purchase clauses and subclauses, and the user with receiving terminal of device identifier MAC-1 has bought the e-book of price  400 " file-9 ".Example according to the user profile of Figure 28, the user who knows the receiving terminal with device identifier MAC-1 is " user 1 " Taro Matsushita, and use his credit number 1111-2222-33, create the bill of Taro Matsushita being collected  400.

Figure 30 shows about the content download of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the storage medium that is included in the receiving terminal 2301 and stores the example of data.Download and stock management unit 2304 management of data by digital content distribution device 2300 are downloaded and stored to this content.The row (2900 to 2906) of data list are downloaded and stored to the content of Figure 30 corresponding to the row that the embodiment 1 that uses Fig. 8 explains, no longer repeats the explanation to them here.

In the example of Figure 30, the capacity with supplier district of the memory in the receiving terminal of device identifier MAC-1 is the 2G byte, and the space of 5M byte is available now.In other words, 1, guide catalogue and the e-book stored have been filled up in the space of 995M byte.And, the information below tabulation has provided.The receiving terminal 2301 that next time has a device identifier MAC-1 becomes with digital content distribution device 2300 when online,

item number

1,3,5,6 and 7 e-book will be deleted from receiving terminal, and the e-book of item number 15 to 20 will be downloaded and store again.

Figure 31 shows when receiving terminal 2301 and becomes with digital content distribution device 2300 when online, sends to the automatic download request order of digital content distribution device 2300 from receiving terminal 2301.In Figure 31, order " download request automatically " is specified in command name field 3000, the device identifier of receiving terminal is specified in device identifier data field 3001, and relevant receiving terminal can be specified in data format field 3002 in the information of the data format of displaying contents on the display unit 2316.In the example of Figure 31, the receiving terminal with device identifier MAC-1 can be with TEXT, HTML and JPG form displaying contents.When digital content distribution device 2300 received this automatic download request order, according to device identifier 3001, device started aforesaid automatic download function 1) determine to download to the digital content of receiving terminal.In addition, do not meet the data format of appointment in data format field 3002 if determine the digital content of downloading, device is converted to content the form that can accept to show on the terminal and downloads it.

Figure 32 shows the example of the use historical information of the digital content that relevant user buys, and this information is produced by the use historical information generation unit 2317 of receiving terminal 2301, and is retained in the memory block 2318 that is used for using historical information.

In Figure 32, the file of the electronic book contents that label 3100 expression users buy ranks; Days column is bought in 3101 expressions, and the user buys the electronic book contents that ranks the filename identification of appointment in 3100 at file on this date; And the price column of 3102 expression e-books.

Figure 33 shows when receiving terminal 2301 and becomes with digital content distribution device 2300 when online, and receiving terminal 2301 is used for sending the use historical information shown in Figure 32 is used history command to the transmission of digital content distribution device 2300 example.

In Figure 33, order " sends and uses history " and specifies in command name field 3200, the device identifier of receiving terminal is specified in device identifier field 3201, and the number of the electronic book contents item bought of user specifies in quantity purchase field 3202, and this number equals the number of the electronic book contents item managed in the use historical information tabulation shown in Figure 32.In data field 3203,, set gradually filename, purchase date and the price of the e-book of user's purchase according to the use historical information shown in Figure 32.

Figure 34 shows the display screen of the guide catalogue of the e-book on the display unit 2316 that is presented at receiving terminal 2301.This screen begins to show when the user starts receiving terminal 2301.When starting terminal, display unit 2316 is read catalogue file from the catalogue 2506 that is used for the administration guide catalogue automatically, as shown in figure 26, and shows this catalogue.

In Figure 34, the display of label 3300 expression receiving terminals 2301; 3301 expression guide catalogue viewing areas; And 3302 expression e-book tabulation reproduce the district, wherein show the title that is marked at the e-book on the spine that e-book available on the terminal arranges with toilet as among the embodiment 1 to the explanation of Fig. 3.Label 3303 expression user's electronic books bookshelf buttons.When this button is clicked, the display screen that the e-book that display change is bought for the user is tabulated.Label 3304 expression message button, when the message that will be shown to the user exists, this button flicker.When the user clicks this button, display message.Button is bought in label 3305 expressions, clicks this button and buys the e-book of selecting in the e-book of user's demonstration from zone 3302.

Figure 35 shows and buy to confirm dialog box, when the user clicks purchase button 3305 on the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34, if the e-book that the user selects is stored in the receiving terminal 2301, shows this dialog box.In this dialog box, show title 3401, author's name 3402, price 3403 and " summary " 3404 of the e-book of selecting purchase.When the user clicks purchase ACK button 3405, finish final purchasing process.Click cancel button 3406 cancellation purchasing processes, the user can turn back to the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34.

Figure 36 shows the screen of the e-book tabulation of explicit user purchase.The basic composition of this screen is identical with the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34.Difference is that the user finishes purchasing process and has been that the e-book of user's oneself thing is listed in the reproduction district 3501 of this screen.When selecting the user to want the e-book of reading among the e-book that the user lists from reproduction district 3501 and clicking reading button 3502, the user can begin to read the e-book of selection.By clicking category buttons 3503, the user can turn back to the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34.

Figure 37 shows and buys the registration dialog box, when the user clicks purchase button on the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34, if the e-book that the user selects is not stored in the receiving terminal 2301, shows this dialog box.The basic composition of this dialog box confirms that with the purchase shown in Figure 35 dialog box is identical, except the message 3600 of display reminding user register content to receive from digital content distribution device 2300, because e-book is not present in the receiving terminal 2301.By click buying register button 3601, when receiving terminal 2301 and digital content distribution device 2300 were online, the user can the desirable e-book of registered user, to receive from digital content distribution device 2301.Click the content that cancel button 3602 cancellation registrations will receive, the user can turn back to the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34.

Figure 38 shows to download and finishes message box, when receiving terminal 2301 uses the dialog box shown in Figure 37, receives when having carried out buying the e-book of registering to show this message box from digital content distribution device 2300, notifies the reception of user's electronic books.This message box 3700 is superimposed upon on the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34.When receiving terminal 2301 receives the user when having carried out buying the e-book of registration from digital content distribution device 2300, message button 3701 flickers.When the user clicks message button 3701, show to download and finish message box 3700.If the user wants to buy e-book and begin to read it, the user should click Yes button 3702, and the user can enter into the purchase affirmation dialog box shown in Figure 35 then at once.If no, the user should click No button 3703, so the user can make message 3700 disappear.

Figure 39 shows professional disable message frame, if after the scheduled time slot after the user has submitted the purchase e-book to, the use history that is retained in the memory block 2318 that is used for using historical information does not also send to digital content distribution device 2300, then shows this message box.In the example of Figure 39, this message box is superimposed upon on the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34.Yet, in case after the scheduled time slot after buy submitting to, professional disable message 3800 is just added on any one screen in the example shown in Figure 34 to 38 of demonstration at once.This message continues to occur sending to digital content distribution device 2300 up to having finished use history, and when this message showed, receiving terminal 2301 was not accepted the Any user operation.

Figure 40 describes in the digital content distribution of the present invention, the download digital content determining unit 2303 of digital content distribution device 2300 is listed the e-book (in the row 2906 of Figure 30) that should download and be stored in receiving terminal 2301 and should be explained this operation according to this flow chart in conjunction with Figure 24 to 33 below from the flow chart of the process of the e-book (row 2905 of Figure 30) of receiving terminal 2301 deletions.In the following description, as an example, carry out the e-book that this process is listed the e-book that should download and be stored to the receiving terminal 2301 with device identifier MAC-1 and Ying Congqi deletion.

When new e-book is published or periodically carry out following processes, and the management information of these new e-books is added in the digital content management information shown in Figure 27.

Step 0) process begins (3900 among Figure 40).

The item number of the e-book that step 1) is published after the last download date 2901 in Figure 30 is provided for the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 2906 of Figure 30) that should download and store.In addition, the clauses and subclauses of the e-book that should delete (row 2905 of Figure 30) are " 0 " (empty clauses and subclauses) (3901 among Figure 40) clearly.Download and store data according to the content shown in Figure 30, the last download date with terminal of device identifier MAC-1 is " 2002-6-9 ", therefore, according to the digital content management information shown in Figure 27, the item number 15 to 20 of e-book is provided for the clauses and subclauses of the e-book that should download and store.

Step 2) the total size of all volumes of e-book that is provided for the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 2906 of Figure 30) that should download and store is assigned to variable X.The total size of all volumes of e-book that is provided for the clauses and subclauses (=0) of the e-book (row 2905 of Figure 30) that should delete is assigned to variable Y (3902 among Figure 40).According to the digital content management information shown in Figure 27, total size of the volume of the e-book of item number 15 to 20 is 45M bytes, so the X=45M byte, Y=0.Download and the storage data according to the content shown in Figure 30, the current free space with receiving terminal of device identifier MAC-1 is the 5M byte.Therefore, memory space inadequate is provided for all e-books of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book that should download and store with storage.Therefore, should execution in step 4) and subsequent step delete some e-books that are stored in the receiving terminal, and provide enough spaces to store new e-book.

Among the e-book of step 3) from be stored in receiving terminal 2301, those of the oldest publication date are set to delete the candidate, and search deletion candidate's number of times is initialized as 0 (3903 among Figure 40).Clauses and subclauses 2904 by the e-book of storing among Figure 30 are managed the e-book that is stored in the receiving terminal 2301.In the example of Figure 30, the e-book of item number 1 to 14 is stored in the receiving terminal with device identifier MAC-1.The number of times of search is used for determining whether to use the download content to respond user's preferred function 2).If the number of times of search is 0, for the e-book that the e-book of identical " author's name " or " type " is often bought as the user, in the e-book that control should be deleted (2905 among Figure 30) do not comprise as user's purchase intention the e-book of special " author's name " or " type " of feature.If the number of times of search is 1, do not carry out such control.When the number of times of search greater than 1 the time, even deletion is stored in all e-books that all e-books in the receiving terminal also can not be stored the clauses and subclauses (2906 among Figure 30) that are provided for the e-book that should download and store.

Step 4) checks whether free space+Y is greater than X; Promptly, delete from receiving terminal if be provided for all e-books of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (row 2905 of Figure 30) that should delete, whether check can provide enough spaces to store to be provided for all e-books of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 2906 of Figure 30) that should download and store.If enough spaces can be provided, process proceeds to step 13) (3904 among Figure 40).

The number of times whether the step 5) check searches for is greater than 1.If number of times is greater than 1, process proceeds to step 12) (3905 among Figure 40).

The number of times whether the step 6) check searches for is 0.If number of times is 0, carry out the download content and respond the preferred of user, and process proceeds to step 7).If number of times is not 0, do not carry out the download content and respond the preferred of user, and process proceeds to step 10).(3906 among Figure 40).

Whether step 7) check is set to delete candidate's " author's name " and " type " of e-book with to pass by in three months " author's name " of the e-book of user's purchase identical with " type ".If find equally, process proceeds to step 8); If do not find equally, process proceeds to step 10 (3907 among Figure 40).

If step 8) has been finished the check of step 7) to being stored in e-books all in the receiving terminal, process proceeds to step 11); If no, step proceeds to step 9) (3908 among Figure 40).

Step 9) does not also have execution in step 7 in being stored in the e-book of receiving terminal) those of check be set to delete the candidate, and process turns back to step 4) (3909 among Figure 40).By this step, the e-book that is stored in the receiving terminal is set to delete the candidate by the step of order with the order of from the old to the new publication date.In the example of the digital content management information shown in Figure 27, the item number 1 to 14 of e-book should set gradually and be the deletion candidate.

The item number that step 10) is set to delete candidate's e-book increases (3910 among Figure 40) in the e-book that should delete (Figure 30 2905).According to the use historical information shown in Figure 29, the user with terminal of device identifier MAC-1 has bought " file-9 " e-book on January 30th, 2002, and according to the digital content management information shown in Figure 27, the type of this this e-book is " comedy ".Therefore,

item number

1,3,5,6 and 7 e-book are provided for the clauses and subclauses (Figure 30 2905) of the e-book that should delete, and by these e-books of deletion, can provide the space of 40M byte.Therefore because current free space (2903 among Figure 30) is the 5M byte, become all e-books (45M byte) of the item number 15 to 20 that to store the clauses and subclauses (2906 among Figure 30) that are provided for the e-book downloading and store.

The step 11) searching times adds 1, and process turns back to step 3) (2911 among Figure 40).

Even step 12) all e-books in being stored in receiving terminal are deleted also can not provide enough spaces to store to be provided for all e-books of clauses and subclauses of the e-book (in the row 2906 of Figure 30) that should download and store the time, carry out this step.Therefore, the decreased number of the e-book that should download and store (Figure 30 2906) drops within the capacity (Figure 30 2902) of the memory of receiving terminal for the e-book volume, wherein e-book is set to the order maintenance with the nearest date of publishing, and therefore has the e-book of new publication date and preferentially stores.Simultaneously, the e-book of storage (Figure 30 2904) is set to the e-book that should delete, so that current all e-books of receiving terminal that are stored in are with deleted (3912 among Figure 40).

The step 13) process finishes (3913 among Figure 40).

By said process, listed the e-book that to download and to be stored in receiving terminal (Figure 30 2906) and should be from the e-book of receiving terminal deletion (Figure 30 2905).Design this process so that in the e-book of the digital content management unit 2302 of digital content distribution device 2300 management, receiving terminal 2301 can preferentially be downloaded and be stored in to slower those of publication date.Also designing this process makes following control to realize: if there are not enough memory spaces on receiving terminal, then, allow simultaneously to estimate that the preferred e-book that is fit to unique user is stored on the terminal from the receiving terminal deletion e-book of older publication date.After enough memory space is provided thus, guarantee to store the e-book of the clauses and subclauses that are provided for to download and to store (Figure 30 2906).

When digital content distribution device 2300 when receiving terminal 2301 receives automatic download request order shown in Figure 31, device identifier 3001 according to appointment in the order, download digital content determining unit 2303 from content download with store data obtain the e-book that should delete relevant (row 2905 of Figure 30) with receiving terminal, according to the e-book that should delete that obtains (2905 among Figure 30), produce the delete instruction order shown in Figure 13, send this and order receiving terminal 2301, therefore the e-book of appointment can be deleted from receiving terminal 2301.According to the e-book that should download and store relevant (Figure 30 2906) with receiving terminal, download digital content determining unit 2303 also produces the storage designated command shown in Figure 12, send this and order receiving terminal 2301, and therefore the e-book of appointment can be downloaded and is stored in the receiving terminal 2301.Sending delete instruction order (Figure 13) behind receiving terminal 2301, digital content distribution device 2300 is deleted the item number of e-book of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book that should delete that is provided for receiving terminal (Figure 30 2905) from the e-book of the storage relevant with receiving terminal (Figure 30 2904).Send to store designated command (Figure 12) behind receiving terminal 2301, digital content distribution device 2300 increase be provided for receiving terminal should download with the item number of the e-book of the clauses and subclauses of the e-book of storing (Figure 30 2906) to the e-book of the storage relevant (Figure 30 2904) with receiving terminal.Like this, digital content distribution device 2300 can be managed the e-book that is stored in the receiving terminal 2301.

Figure 41 describes the flow chart of buying and buying enrollment process, and this process is carried out on the receiving terminal 2301 of digital content distribution of the present invention, explains this operation according to this flow chart in conjunction with Figure 24 to 39 below.When the user selected the user to want the e-book of buying on the guide catalogue display screen shown in Figure 34 and clicks purchase button 3305, this process began.

Step 0) process begins (4000 among Figure 41).

Step 1) display unit 2316 is checked electronic book contents that user whether selects and is present in being used to shown in Figure 26 and manages the electronic chart content of a book 2507 that not have purchase, and this catalogue is managed on memory 2315.If e-book is present in this catalogue, process proceeds to step 2); If e-book is not present in this catalogue, process proceeds to step 5) (4001 among Figure 41).

Step 2) display unit 2316 shows the purchase affirmation dialog box (4002 among Figure 41) shown in Figure 35.

When step 3) was clicked the affirmation button 3405 of the purchase affirmation dialog box shown in Figure 35 as the user, process proceeded to step 4).When clicking cancel button 3406, process proceeds to step 8) (4003 among Figure 41).

Step 4) uses historical information generation unit 2317 to produce the relevant use history that the user sends the e-book of purchase order that is used for.The use history that produces is retained in the memory block 2318 that is used for using historical information.In addition, the e-book of purchase order copies to and is used for management and buys electronic chart content of a book 2509, (4004 among Figure 41) as shown in figure 26 from being used for managing the electronic chart content of a book 2507 that does not have to buy.

Step 5) display unit 2316 shows the purchase registration dialog box (4005 among Figure 41) shown in Figure 37.

When step 6) was clicked purchase register button 3601 in the purchase registration dialog box shown in Figure 37 as the user, process proceeded to step 7).When clicking cancel button 3602, process proceeds to step 8) (4006 among Figure 41).

Step 7) is in order to receive electronic book contents from digital content distribution device 2300, the content indication information of the electronic book contents that 2314 registrations of received content registration unit are used for indicating the user to send purchase order is to content indication information administrative unit 2313 (Figure 41 4007).

The step 8) process finishes (4008 among Figure 41).

Pass through said process, if the user sends the e-book of purchase order and is stored in the receiving terminal 2301, the user can buy e-book at once and begin to read it, no matter whether receiving terminal and digital content distribution device 2300 online or off lines, if the user sends the e-book of purchase order and is not stored in the receiving terminal 2301, when receiving terminal becomes with digital content distribution device 2300 when online, carry out business, so that the e-book of purchase order downloads to receiving terminal 2301 from digital content distribution device 2300.

Use content indication information, receive the detailed process of the business of electronic book contents between receiving terminal 2301 and the digital content distribution device 2300 from digital content distribution device 2300, with explain among the embodiment 2 identical, therefore no longer repeat its detailed explanation here.

Figure 42 describes the flow chart that sends the process of using historical information, and this process is carried out on the receiving terminal 2301 of digital content distribution of the present invention.Explain this operation below by this flow chart in conjunction with Figure 24 and 33.

Step 0) process begins (4100 among Figure 42)

The professional communications status that provides unit 2308 to communicate by letter of step 1) communication conditions monitoring means 2309 checks with digital content distribution device 2300.If allow communication, process proceeds to step 2).In the off line process, terminal wait is up to becoming and distributor online (4101 among Figure 42).

Step 2) uses historical information transmitting element 2310 to check whether to use historical information to be present in the memory block 2318 that is used for using historical information.If this information exists, process proceeds to step 3).If this information does not exist, process proceeds to step 1) (4102 among Figure 42).

Step 3) uses historical information transmitting element 2310 according to using historical information, produces the transmission shown in Figure 33 and uses history command, and send this and order digital content distribution device 2300 (4103 among Figure 42).

Step 4) uses historical information transmitting element 2310 from being used for using the memory block 2318 of historical information to delete the use history that sends to digital content distribution device 2300, and process turns back to step 1) (4104 among Figure 42).

Pass through said process, when receiving terminal and digital content distribution device 2300 are online, using historical information transmitting element 2310 to check is used to use the memory block 2318 of historical information whether to keep the use historical information, if this information has kept, according to using historical information, produce the transmission shown in Figure 33 and use history command, and automatically send this and order digital content distribution device 2300.On the other hand, according to sending the device identifier 3201 that uses appointment in the history command, user profile tabulation shown in digital content distribution device 2300 search Figure 28, therefore this tabulation obtains the user profile relevant with device identifier by 2305 management of subscriber information management unit.Use is included in the credit number in the resulting user profile, and bill from the price of the e-book that is used for user's purchase to the user that collect is created in record keeping unit 2307.

Figure 43 describes to carry out the flow chart that business allowed/forbade the process differentiated, and this process is carried out on the receiving terminal 2301 of digital content distribution of the present invention.Explain this operation below by this flow chart in conjunction with Figure 32 and 39.Comprise step 0 below) to 5) process periodically repeat.

Step 0) process begins (4200 among Figure 43).

Whether the step 1) business allows/forbids judgement unit 2319 to check to be used to use the memory block of historical information to keep the use historical information.If kept this information, process proceeds to step 2); If no, process proceeds to step 5) (4201 among Figure 43).

Step 2) spent a week after the purchase date (3101 among Figure 32) whether check is described now in using history.If a week has crossed, process proceeds to step 3); If no, process proceeds to step 5) (4202 among Figure 43).

The step 3) business allows/forbids judgement unit 2319 to produce the professional disable message 3800 shown in Figure 39, and display unit 2316 shows this message (4203 among Figure 43).

The step 4) business allows/forbids judgement unit 2319 direction display unit 2316 not accept user's operation.Display unit 2316 is forbidden user's operation, and process proceeds to step 8) (4204 among Figure 43).

The step 5) business allows/forbids judging unit 2319 to check whether display unit 2316 is just showing the professional disable message 3800 shown in Figure 39.If display unit is just showing this message, process proceeds to step 6); If no, process proceeds to step 8) (4205 among Figure 43).

The step 6) business allows/forbids judgement unit 2319 direction display unit 2316 to stop to show the professional disable message 3800 shown in Figure 39, and display unit 2316 stops to show this message (4206 among Figure 43).

The step 7) business allows/forbids judging unit 2319 direction display unit 2316 to accept user's operation.Display unit 2316 allows user's operation (4207 among Figure 43).

The step 8) process finishes (4208 among Figure 43).

Pass through said process, if after the scheduled time slot after buying, the use historical information of the e-book that relevant user buys does not send to digital content distribution device 2300, therefore the record keeping to the user can not be carried out in the record keeping unit 2307 of digital content distribution device 2300, and receiving terminal 2301 can be set as unavailablely to be finished up to using history to send to digital content distribution device 2300.Process comprises the professional disable message shown in demonstration Figure 39 to the user, and this message can be pointed out the user to send and use history.This process can be avoided possible problem, and promptly the user continues to appreciate e-book and do not pay to the supplier who manages digital content distribution device 2300 for e-book.Send the message of using history by the display reminding user, the supplier can realize their lawful right to user's charge for the content that they provide.

As mentioned above, according to digital content distribution of the present invention, aforesaid automatic download function 1) allows following situation: when the receiving terminal 2301 and the distributor of user side are online, distributor download automatically sale content item the guide catalogue and the part content item to receiving terminal, they are stored in the receiving terminal 2301 then; According to the free space on the storage medium that is included in the receiving terminal 2301, can control download slower content item preferentially is stored in the receiving terminal.Aforesaid download content responds user's preferred function 2) allow following situation: estimate that the preferred content item that is fit to unique user preferentially is stored in user's the receiving terminal.Aforesaid purchase function 3) allow following situation: the content item of sale, in case be stored in the receiving terminal 2301, can be sold to the user at any time, tube terminal and digital content distribution device 2300 are not online or off line.Aforesaid purchase registration and download function 4) allow following situation: if sending the sale content item of purchase order, the user is not present in receiving terminal 2301, when receiving terminal 2301 becomes with digital content distribution device 2300 when online, the content item that can register purchase order comes automatic reception.Send to use historical information and accounting feature 5) finish following situation: when receiving terminal 2301 and digital content distribution device 2300 are online, the use historical information of the content item that relevant user buys automatically sends to digital content distribution device 2300 from receiving terminal 2301, and, on digital content distribution device 2300, create user's bill according to the use history of distributor from user's terminal reception.Aforesaid business allows/forbids discrimination function 6) can avoid possible problem, promptly the user continues to appreciate e-book and does not pay to the supplier who manages digital content distribution device 2300 for e-book.It is historical to send use by display message prompting user, and the supplier can realize their lawful right to user's charge for the content that they provide.

(the 4th embodiment)

Figure 44 shows the figure according to another example of the structure of digital content distribution of the present invention.In Figure 44, label 4300 expressions are used for the digital content distribution device of distribute digital content; Digital content that 4301 expression information terminals, this information terminal receive to distribute from distributor and storing digital content be to portable storage media 4302, and wherein information terminal is one that can be connected in the information terminal of digital content distribution device; 4302 expression portable storage medias, it should be installed on information terminal 4301 or the receiving terminal 4303, is used for keeping the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 4300; 4303 expression receiving terminals, the digital content that its receiving digital contents distributor 4300 distributes, storing digital content is to storage medium 4302, and uses from the digital content of storage medium 4302 retrievals, and wherein receiving terminal is one that can be connected in the receiving terminal of digital content distribution device; The digital content management unit of 4304 expression managing digital content items; 4305 expression download digital content determining units, this unit receives unique medium identifier data that are assigned to the storage medium 4302 that is installed in now on the information terminal from information terminal 4301, according to the medium identifier data that receive, determine to download to the digital content of information terminal, and download digital content is to information terminal; 4306 expressions are downloaded and the stock management unit, relevant content download and the storage data of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the single storage medium 4302 on the different terminal of this Single Component Management; 4307 expression subscriber information management unit, this Single Component Management is about the user profile of the unique user of the use single storage medium 4302 relevant with medium identifier; The historical information administrative unit is used in 4308 expressions, the use historical information of the relevant digital content of on receiving terminal 4303, buying of this Single Component Management, and this information is retrieved from single storage medium 4302; 4309 expression record keeping unit, the user is discerned according to aforementioned medium identifier data and user profile from information terminal 4301 or receiving terminal 4303 receptions in this unit, and according to aforesaid use historical information, to the user's of identification record keeping thus; 4310 expression business provide the unit, when storage medium 4302 suitably is arranged on the information terminal 4301, this unit sends the medium identifier data of storage medium 4302 to digital content distribution device 4300, receive the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 4300, and storing digital content is to storage medium 4302; 4311 expression content indication information detecting units, this unit is checked the content indication information that whether is used for from digital content distribution device 4300 receives instruction content and has been stored on the storage medium 4302, and reads content indication information; 4312 expression linkage units, storage medium 4302 should be installed in above it; The historical information detecting units are used in 4313 expressions, and whether this unit checks that the use historical information of the digital content that relevant user buys has been stored on the storage medium 4302, and reads the use historical information; The historical information transmitting element is used in 4314 expressions, and this unit sends the use historical information of 4313 detections of use historical information detecting unit and retrieval to digital content distribution device 4300; 4315 expression medium identifier Data Management Unit, this unit keeps unique medium identifier data that are assigned to storage medium 4302; 4316 expressions are used for the memory block of data format information, are used to store the information of the data format that relevant receiving terminal 4303 can displaying contents; 4317 expression content indication information administrative units, the aforesaid contents management information of this Single Component Management; 4318 expression memories are used for digital content and relevant data that stored information terminal 4301 or receiving terminal 4303 receive from digital content distribution device 4300; 4319 expressions are used to use the memory block of historical information, are used to store aforesaid use historical information; 4320 expression linkage units, storage medium 4302 should be installed in above it; 4321 expression business provide the unit, when allowing communication between digital content distribution device 4300 and the receiving terminal 4303, this unit transmitting medium identifier data is to digital content distribution device 4300, and receives the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 4300; 4322 expression communication conditions monitoring means, the situation of communication between this unit monitoring receiving terminal 4303 and the digital content distribution device 4300; 4323 expression received content registration units, this unit storage is used for receiving the content indication information of instruction content to storage medium 4302 from digital content distribution device 4300; 4324 expression display units, this unit shows from the digital content of storage medium 4302 retrievals; The historical information generation unit is used in 4325 expressions, and this unit produces aforesaid use historical information, and stores this information to storage medium 4302; The historical information transmitting elements are used in 4326 expressions, and when allowing communication between digital content distribution device 4300 and the receiving terminal 4303, this unit sends aforementioned use historical information from storage medium 4302 retrievals to digital content distribution device 4300; And 4327 the expression business allow/forbid judgement unit, whether this unit is checked and has been sent to digital content distribution device 4300 in the scheduled time slot of aforesaid use historical information after the user submits the purchase of digital content items to, if information does not also send, stop the business of receiving terminal 4303.

In order to explain feature, different on the digital content distribution structure compared with the 3rd embodiment are described at first according to the digital content distribution device of the 4th preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The first, the memory block that is used for data format information 2312, content indication information administrative unit 2313, the memory 2315 of the receiving terminal of describing in embodiment 3 (2301 among Figure 24) and being used to uses the memory block of the memory block 2318 of historical information to be implemented in portable storage media 4302 under the situation of embodiment 4.

The second, do not use among the embodiment 3 device identifier data of describing that is used for each single receiving terminal 2301, replacement be in embodiment 4, to use unique medium identifier data that are assigned to each single storage medium 4302.The medium identifier data are by medium identifier Data Management Unit 4315 management that comprise on the storage medium 4302.

The 3rd, the digital content distribution apparatus structure of embodiment 4 comprises information terminal 4301 in addition, on this terminal storage medium 4302 should be installed, and represents receiving terminal 4303 from digital content distribution device receiving digital contents.

The content that is used for realizing by making of device identifier data in the digital content distribution of describing in embodiment 3 is downloaded and management can realize in identical mode by utilizing the medium identifier data.The managerial structure of the digital content shown in Figure 26 and other data can be based upon on the storage medium 4302.In the digital content distribution of embodiment 4, digital content distribution device 2300 is identical with the structure of receiving terminal 2301 in the structure of digital content distribution device 4300 and receiving terminal 4303 and the digital content distribution of embodiment 3.Therefore, the function 1 that realizes by the digital content distribution of embodiment 3) downloads automatically, 2) download content and respond the preferred of user, 3) buy, 4) buy registration and download, 5) send to use historical information and record keeping and 6) business allows/forbids to differentiate, can be finished in an identical manner by the digital content distribution of embodiment 4.Therefore, professional detailed description no longer repeats between digital content distribution device 4300 and the receiving terminal 4303.Below, description can be by information terminal 4301 in the digital content distribution of embodiment 4 function of finishing and the processing and the operating process that are used to finish function.In the following description, when suitable, will be referring to Fig. 2 to 43 of the digital content distribution use of describing embodiment 1 to 3.

At first, the systemic-function that is realized by information terminal 4301 is described below.

1) automatic reception function

When the user installs storage medium 4302 on information terminal 4301, information terminal 4301 is read medium identifier data and data format information from medium, produce the automatic download request order shown in Figure 31, and send this and order digital content distribution device 4300 (in this embodiment, in the device id field of as shown in figure 31 this order, medium identifier is set, replaces device identifier).By storage designated command shown in the catalogue update command shown in the Figure 11 that sends it back from the digital content distribution device, Figure 12 and the delete instruction order shown in Figure 13, digital content and related data are stored in storage medium 2702 or from wherein deleting digital content and related data.

Digital content distribution device 4300 is to carry out automatic download as the digital content distribution device 2300 identical modes of describing among the embodiment 3.Unique digital content distribution device 4300 that is not both utilizes medium identifier data rather than device identifier data to manage the information of several types.That therefore, describes among the process of being finished by digital content distribution device 4300 and the embodiment 3 is identical; Yet the medium identifier data should replace device identifier data in the aforementioned description of this process.

2) registration and download function

When the user installs storage medium 4302 on information terminal 4301, information terminal 4301 is checked above content indication information has been stored in, if stored this information, then according to content indication information, produce the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21, and send this and order digital content distribution device 4300.Information terminal receives the digital content of downloading by the storage designated command shown in Figure 12 from digital content distribution device 4300, and storing digital content is to storage medium 4302.

3) use historical sending function

When the user installed storage medium 4302 on information terminal 4301, whether information terminal 4301 was checked and is used above historical information has been stored in, if stored this information, sends this information to digital content distribution device 4300.

And digital content distribution device 4300 is with the identical mode exec accounting of the digital content distribution device described as embodiment 3 2300.Unique digital content distribution device 4300 that is not both utilizes medium identifier data rather than device identifier data to manage the information of several types.Therefore, carry out by digital content distribution device 4300 with keep accounts relevant process and embodiment 3 in description identical; Yet the medium identifier data should replace device identifier data in the aforementioned description of this process.

Figure 45 describes the flow chart that is used for realizing the process of automatic reception function on the information terminal 4301 of digital content distribution of the present invention.This operation is described below.

Step 0) process begins (4400 among Figure 45).

Step 1) is when linkage unit 4312 detects when on it storage medium 4302 being installed, and process proceeds to step 2), when linkage unit did not detect medium, information terminal was kept idle up to storage medium (4401 among Figure 45) has been installed.

Step 2) business provides the medium identifier data that keep in the unit 4310 working medium identifier data administrative units 4315, produce the automatic download request order shown in Figure 31, and send this and order digital content distribution device 4300 (in this embodiment, in the device id field of as shown in figure 31 this order, medium identifier is set, rather than device identifier) (4402 among Figure 45).

Step 3) is according to the delete instruction order (Figure 13) that receives from digital content distribution device 4300, and business provides the file (4403 among Figure 45) of the electronic book contents of appointment in the field 1202 of deletion this order as shown in figure 13 in the file of the electronic book contents of unit 4310 from be stored in memory 4318.

Step 4) is according to the storage designated command (Figure 12) that receives from digital content distribution device 4300, business provide unit 4310 in addition in the field 1102 of storage these orders as shown in figure 12 the file of the electronic book contents of appointment to memory 4318 (4404 among Figure 45).

Step 5) is according to the catalogue update command (Figure 11) that receives from digital content distribution device 4300, and business provides unit 4310 storage designated directory files to memory 4318.Exist if having the catalogue file of same names, delete previously stored catalogue file, preserve designated directory file (4405 among Figure 45) then.

The step 6) process finishes (4406 among Figure 45).

Pass through said process, when the user installs storage medium 4302 on information terminal 4301, information terminal 4301 from unique medium identifier data that are assigned to storage medium 4302 and relevant user's receiving terminal 4303 can displaying contents the data format information of data format, produce the automatic download request order shown in Figure 31, and send this and order digital content distribution device 4300.As a result, by the order of returning from digital content distribution device 4300 that Figure 10 to 13 illustrates respectively, information terminal 4301 can be deleted digital content specified the storage medium 4302 above being installed in it, or stores new content in addition on medium.

Digital content distribution device 4300 download digital contents are with the process of the automatic download request order that from information terminal 4301 receive of response shown in Figure 31, and identical with the process of the Figure 40 that describes among the embodiment 3, therefore, its detailed explanation no longer repeats.

Figure 46 describes according to the content indication information shown in Figure 20, the flow chart of the process of the receiving digital contents of carrying out on the information terminal 4302 in digital content distribution of the present invention is explained this operation according to this flow chart in conjunction with Fig. 8,12,13 and 9 to 21 below.

Step 0) process begins (4500 among Figure 46).

When step 1) detected the storage medium 4302 that is mounted thereon when linkage unit 4312, process proceeded to step 2), when linkage unit did not detect medium, information terminal was kept idle up to storage medium (4501 among Figure 46) has been installed.

Step 2) content indication information detecting unit 4311 inspection content indication information administrative units 4317 check whether kept content indication information.If kept content indication information, process proceeds to step 3); If no, process proceeds to step 8) (4502 among Figure 46).

The content indication information of step 3) on being retained in content indication information administrative unit 4317 and being retained in the medium identifier data on the medium identifier Data Management Unit 4315, produce the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21, and send this and order digital content distribution device 4300 (in this embodiment, in the device id field of as shown in figure 21 this order, medium identifier is set, rather than device identifier) (4503 among Figure 46).

Step 4) is according to the delete instruction order (Figure 13) that receives from digital content distribution device 4300, and business provides the file (4504 among Figure 46) of the electronic book contents of appointment in the field 1202 of deletion this order as shown in figure 13 in the file of the electronic book contents of unit 4310 from be stored in memory 4318.If there are not enough spaces of the file of store electrons book content on the storage medium 4302, wherein electronic book contents is specified in the field 2003 of the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21, for by the electronic book contents of old publication date is deleted the space that provides enough, send this delete instruction order from digital content distribution device 4300.

Step 5) is according to the storage designated command (Figure 12) that receives from digital content distribution device 4300, business provide unit 4310 in addition in the field 1102 of storage these orders as shown in figure 12 the file of the electronic book contents of appointment to memory 4318 (4505 among Figure 46).The file of the electronic book contents of appointment is provided with in the data field of this store command in the field 2003 of the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21.

Therefore step 6) deletes content indication information (4506 among Figure 46) owing to use content indication information to finish the reception of the desirable electronic book contents of user from content indication information administrative unit 4317.

The step 7) process finishes (4508 among Figure 46).

Pass through said process, when the user installs storage medium 4302 on information terminal 4301, information terminal 4301 checks whether content indication information administrative unit 4317 has kept content indication information, if kept content indication information, then use the desirable content of these content indication information request digital content distribution device 4300 download user, and can be from digital content distribution device 4300 received contents.

Digital content distribution device 4300 download digital contents are with the process of the content download request order of the indication that from information terminal 4301 receive of response shown in Figure 21, and are identical with the process of the Figure 23 that describes among the embodiment 2, therefore, no longer repeat the detailed explanation to it.

Figure 47 describes the process that historical information is used in the transmission of carrying out in the digital content distribution of the present invention on information terminal 4301, explain this operation according to this flow chart in conjunction with Figure 33 and 44 below.

Step 0) process begins (4600 among Figure 47).

When step 1) detected the storage medium that is installed in above it when linkage unit 4312, process proceeded to step 2), when linkage unit did not detect storage medium, information terminal was kept idle up to storage medium (4601 among Figure 47) has been installed.

Step 2) uses 4313 checks of historical information detecting unit whether to use historical information to be present in to be used to use the memory block 4319 of historical information.If this information exists, process proceeds to step 3); If this information does not exist, process proceeds to step 5) (4602 among Figure 47).

Step 3) uses historical information transmitting element 4314 to use history command according to using historical information to produce the transmission shown in Figure 33, and send this and order digital content distribution device 4300 (in this embodiment, in the device id field of as shown in figure 33 this order, medium identifier is set, rather than device identifier) (4603 among Figure 47).

Step 4) uses historical information transmitting element 4314 from being used for using the present use historical information (4604 among Figure 47) that has sent to digital content distribution device 4300 of memory block 4319 deletions of historical information.

The step 5) process finishes (4605 among Figure 47).

By said process, when information terminal and digital content distribution device 4300 are online, use 4314 checks of historical information transmitting element to use historical informations to be present in the memory block 4319 that is used to use historical information.If this information exists, use history command according to using historical information to produce the transmission shown in Figure 33, and automatically send this and order digital content distribution device 4300 (in this embodiment, in the device id field of as shown in figure 33 this order, medium identifier is set, rather than device identifier).On the other hand, digital content distribution device 4300 is according to sending the medium identifier that uses appointment in the history command, search is by the user profile tabulation of subscriber information management unit 4307 management, thereby obtain the user profile relevant with medium identifier, use is included in the credit number in the user profile that obtains, and bill from the price of the e-book that the user buys to the user that collect is created in record keeping unit 4309.

As mentioned above, digital content distribution according to present embodiment of the present invention, by suitably being installed in the use of the storage medium 4302 on receiving terminal 4303 or the information terminal 4301, the function that the digital content distribution of describing except embodiment 1 is realized, aforesaid function: 1) automatic reception, 2) use historical transmission, 3) registration and download, also can realize on information terminal 4301.In this embodiment, suppose following situation: for example, the user has the receiving terminal 4303 of communicating by letter with digital content distribution device 4300 by radio communication, be in now receiving terminal 4303 can not with the zone of digital content distribution device 4300 direct communications in, and find hypothesis to be installed in the information terminal 4301 at station building or turning, street.In this case, the user can communicate by letter with digital content distribution device 4300 indirectly by the use of information terminal 4301, and can continue to obtain the e-book distribution service of description among the embodiment 3.

(the 5th embodiment)

Figure 48 shows the figure according to another example of the structure of digital content distribution of the present invention.In Figure 48, label 4700 expressions are used for the digital content distribution device of distribute digital content; 4701 expression information terminals, this information terminal receives the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 4700, and wherein information terminal is one that can be connected in the information terminal of digital content distribution device; 4702 expression receiving terminals, this receiving terminal can by with the direct communication mode of digital content distribution device 4700 or indirect communication mode by information terminal 4701 in provide the sort of mode of more speed channel from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents; The digital content management unit of 4703 expression managing digital content items; 4704 expression download digital content determining units, this unit from information terminal 4701 or receiving terminal 4702 receive unique be assigned to receiving terminal 4702 device identifier data, according to the device identifier data that receives, determine to download to the digital content of information terminal, and download digital content is to terminal; 4705 expressions are downloaded and the stock management unit, and data are downloaded and stored to this Single Component Management about the content of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the single receiving terminal 4702; 4706 expression subscriber information management unit, this Single Component Management is about the user profile of the unique user of the use single receiving terminal 4702 relevant with device identifier; The historical information administrative unit is used in 4707 expressions, the use historical information of the relevant digital content of buying on receiving terminal 4702 of this Single Component Management; 4708 expression record keeping unit, the user is discerned according to aforementioned device identifier data and the user profile that receives from receiving terminal 4702 in this unit, and according to the accounting of user of aforesaid use historical information to discerning thus; 4709 expression business provide the unit, and this unit represents receiving terminal 4702 from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents; 4710 expression communication conditions monitoring means, the situation of communication between this unit monitoring information terminal 4701 and the digital content distribution device 4700; The historical information transmitting element is used in 4711 expressions, and on behalf of receiving terminal 4702, this unit send the use historical information of the relevant digital content of buying on receiving terminal 4702; 4712 expression communication control units, this unit requests are carried out data transmission/reception and from the inquiry of the relevant communication conditions of receiving terminal 4702; 4713 expression business provide the unit, when allowing communication between digital content distribution device 4700 and the receiving terminal 4702, this unit transmitting apparatus identifier data is to digital content distribution device 4700, and receives the digital content of distributing from digital content distribution device 4700; 4714 expression communication conditions monitoring means, the situation of communication between this unit monitoring receiving terminal 4702 and the digital content distribution device 4700; The historical information transmitting element is used in 4715 expressions, and when allowing communication between digital content distribution device 4700 and the receiving terminal 4702, this unit sends aforesaid use historical information to digital content distribution device 4700; 4716 indication equipment identifier data administrative units, this unit keeps aforesaid device identifier data; 4717 expressions are used for the memory block of data format information, are used to store the information of the data format that relevant receiving terminal 4702 can displaying contents; 4718 expression content indication information administrative units, when allowing communication between digital content distribution device 4700 and the receiving terminal 4702, this Single Component Management is used for from the contents management information of the data of digital content distribution device 4700 reception indications; 4719 expression received content registration units, aforesaid content indication information is registered in this unit; 4720 expression memories are used to store digital content and the related data that receives from digital content distribution device 4700; 4721 expression display units, this unit shows the digital content that retrieves from memory 4720; The historical information generation unit is used in 4722 expressions, and this unit produces aforesaid use historical information; 4723 expressions are used to use the memory block of historical information, are used to store aforesaid use historical information; 4724 expression business allow/forbid judgement unit, whether this unit is checked and has been sent to digital content distribution device 4700 in the scheduled time slot of aforesaid use historical information after the user submits the purchase of digital content items to, if this information does not also send, stop the business of receiving terminal 4702; And 4725 the expression communication control unit, the control procedure of data transmission/reception is carried out in this unit, this process comprises: inquire information terminal 4701 by what send the communication conditions between the terminal 4701 and digital content distribution device 4700 for information about, obtain such situation, the communication conditions between above-mentioned condition and receiving terminal 4702 and the digital content distribution device 4700 is compared; And the sort of mode that the more speed channel is provided in the direct communication mode of selection and digital content distribution device 4700 or the indirect communication mode by information terminal 4701 is from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents.

In order to explain according to a preferred embodiment of the invention the feature of 5 digital content distribution, different on the digital content distribution structure compared with the 3rd embodiment are described at first.

The first, the receiving terminal 4702 in the digital content distribution of embodiment 5 is constructed by increasing the receiving terminal of describing in the communication control unit 4725 to embodiment 3 (2301 among Figure 24).

The second, in embodiment 5, on behalf of receiving terminal 4702, information terminal 4702 is increased in the structure of digital content distribution carry out data to the transmission of digital content distribution device 4700 and from digital content distribution device 4700 reception data.

The structure of receiving terminal 4702 is identical with receiving terminal 2301 in the digital content distribution of embodiment 3 basically in the digital content distribution of embodiment 5, except having increased communication control unit 4725.Digital content distribution device 4700 operations in the digital content distribution of embodiment 5 are identical with the related device among other embodiment, except the device download digital content not only arrives receiving terminal 4702, and to information terminal 4701.Therefore, be used to describe the function of the digital content distribution of embodiment 3: 1) download automatically, 2) download content and respond the preferred of user, 3) buy, 4) buy registration and download, 5) send to use historical information and record keeping, and 6) business allows/forbids to differentiate, can be finished by digital content distribution device 4700 in the digital content distribution of embodiment 5 and receiving terminal 4702 too.Therefore, be used to realize the aforementioned functional 1 that realizes by digital content distribution device 4700 and receiving terminal 4702) to 5) the detailed description of process no longer repeat.Below, other function and processing and operating process in the digital content distribution of description embodiment 5.

The remarkable function that is increased to the digital content distribution of embodiment 5 is a controlled function, is used for allowing receiving terminal 4702 to select to provide the sort of mode of more speed channel to carry out data transmission/reception with the direct communication mode of digital content distribution device 4700 or the indirect communication mode by information terminal 4701.By the realization of this function, when a plurality of apparatus interconnection, can be by the equipment of communication component from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents with maximum speed.

Figure 49 is a flow chart of describing the process be used to select communication component, carries out on the receiving terminal 4702 of this process in digital content distribution of the present invention.Explain this operation below by this flow chart.When the communication conditions monitoring means 4714 of receiving terminal 4702 detects it and is connected to information terminal 4701, the beginning following processes.

Step 0) process begins (4800 among Figure 49).

Step 1) communication control unit 4725 sends the inquiry (4801 among Figure 49) of communication conditions between the terminal 4701 and digital content distribution device 4700 for information about to information terminal 4701.Answer this inquiry, the communication conditions that the communication conditions monitoring means 4710 of the communication control unit 4712 return information terminals 4701 of information terminal 4701 detects is to receiving terminal 4702.

Step 2) communication control unit 4725 compares with the communication conditions between communication conditions monitoring means 4714 detected receiving terminals 4702 and the digital content distribution device 4700 with from the information terminal 4701 of information terminal 4701 receptions and the communication conditions between the digital content distribution device 4700.If the speed of the latter's that information terminal 4701 uses communication channel is higher, process proceeds to step 3).If the speed of the former communication channel that receiving terminal 4702 uses is higher, process proceeds to step 4) (4802 among Figure 49).

Step 3) communication control unit 4725 produces the automatic download request order shown in Figure 31, this order is used for from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents, if and content indication information administrative unit 4718 has kept content indication information, then produce the content download request order of the indication shown in Figure 21, and send these and order information terminal 4701.Process proceeds to step 5) (4803 among Figure 49).

Step 4) communication control unit 4725 allows receiving terminal 4702 to continue conventional business.Conventional business relates to the business with distributor, and this business is finished by the receiving terminal in the digital content distribution of embodiment 3 2301.Because business procedure does not change, no longer repeat its detailed description (4804 among Figure 49) here.

The step 5) process finishes (4805 among Figure 49).

By said process, carry out control in case receiving terminal 4702 with the direct communication mode of digital content distribution device 4700 or indirect communication mode by information terminal 4701 in provide the sort of mode of more speed channel from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents.

Figure 50 is a flow chart of describing the operating process of information terminal 4901 in the digital content distribution of the present invention.Explain this operation below by this flow chart.When the communication control unit 4712 of information terminal 4701 when the communication control unit 4725 of receiving terminal 4702 receives data, the beginning following processes.

Step 0) process begins (4900 among Figure 50).

It is inquiries of relevant communication conditions that step 1) communication control unit 4712 is checked the data that whether receive from receiving terminal 4702.If data are inquiries of relevant communication conditions, process proceeds to step 2), if not, step proceeds to step 3) (4901 among Figure 50).

Step 2) communication control unit 4712 returns communication conditions that communication conditions monitoring means 4710 detects to receiving terminal 4702, and process proceeds to step 5) (4902 among Figure 50).

It is content download request orders of the indication shown in the automatic download request order shown in Figure 31 or Figure 21 that step 3) communication control unit 4712 is checked the data that whether receive from receiving terminal 4702, with from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents.If data are order datas, process proceeds to step 4); If not, process proceeds to step 5) (4903 among Figure 50).

The step 4) information terminal sends the content download request order of automatic download request order shown in Figure 31 or the indication shown in Figure 21 to digital content distribution device 4700, and transmits the digital content downloaded from digital content distribution device 4700 and data to receiving terminal 4702 (4904 Figure 50).From digital content distribution device 4700 data downloaded specifically is the delete instruction order shown in the storage designated command shown in the catalogue update command shown in Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13.

The step 5) process finishes (4905 among Figure 50).

Pass through said process, when receiving terminal 4701 is selected by indirect communication mode information terminal 4701 and digital content distribution device 4700, information terminal 4701 can use the order that receives from receiving terminal 4701, represents receiving terminal 4702 from digital content distribution device 4700 receiving digital contents.

As mentioned above, according to the digital content distribution of present embodiment of the present invention, can carry out control allow receiving terminal 4702 select with the direct communication mode of digital content distribution device 4700 or indirect communication mode by information terminal 4701 in provide the sort of mode of the channel of more speed to carry out data to send and receive.

Although described the present invention, according to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing wherein, for those those skilled in the art in the invention, clearly invention can change at an easy rate, revise and change according to foregoing description.The invention is intended to comprise all the such changes in the spirit and scope that fall into claims, revise and change.

Claims

1. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, and described digital content distribution comprises digital content distribution device and receiving terminal,

Described digital content distribution device comprises:

Download and the stock management unit, this Single Component Management is described the content of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored to receiving terminal and is downloaded and the stock management data, and this receiving terminal is receiving digital contents from described digital content distribution device; And

Download digital content determining unit, this unit use described content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of described receiving terminal, and download digital content is to described receiving terminal;

Each described receiving terminal comprises:

The device identifier data administrative unit, this Single Component Management is used to discern the device identifier data of each described receiving terminal; And

Business provides the unit, and this unit sends data to described digital content distribution device or receives data from it, and provides professional to the terminal use;

Wherein said digital content distribution device, after one of described receiving terminal receives described device identifier data, use the described device identifier data that receives, identification is used to have the described content of the receiving terminal of described device identifier data downloads and the stock management data, and therefore the terminal use of business to described receiving terminal place can be provided.

2. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 1, the described device identifier data that it is characterized in that each described receiving terminal is stored in the portable storage media, and can provide business to the terminal use after portable storage media is added on each described receiving terminal that the terminal use uses.

3. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that also comprising information terminal, this information terminal can be connected to described receiving terminal, and have and be used to send data to described digital content distribution device or receive the channel of data from it, the business of wherein said receiving terminal provides the unit to detect communication channel conditions, can come transmission and the reception of combine digital content to described digital content distribution device by the described receiving terminal channel or the described information terminal channel of working at a relatively high speed thus.

4. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, and described digital content distribution comprises receiving terminal, and each receiving terminal comprises:

The device identifier data administrative unit, this Single Component Management is used to discern the device identifier data of each described receiving terminal;

The communication conditions monitoring means is used to monitor the situation of communicating by letter with the digital content distribution device that distributes described digital content; And

Business provides the unit, and this unit sends data to described digital content distribution device or receives data from it according to described communication conditions, and provides professional to the terminal use.

5. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, and described digital content distribution comprises the digital content distribution device, and this device comprises:

Download and the stock management unit, this Single Component Management is described the content of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored in receiving terminal and is downloaded and the storage data, and wherein said receiving terminal is from described digital content distribution device receiving digital contents; And

Download digital content determining unit, this unit use described content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of described receiving terminal, and download digital content is to described receiving terminal.

6. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that described content is downloaded and the stock management data comprise at least: be included in the free space of the storage medium in each described receiving terminal, and be stored in the digital content tabulation on the described storage medium.

7. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 4, the described business that it is characterized in that described receiving terminal provides the delete instruction order of deleting digital content the digital content of unit reception on being retained in described receiving terminal, and according to described delete instruction order deletion digital content.

8. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 5, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device, download and store data according to described content, the delete instruction order of the storage medium deletion digital content of generation from be included in each described receiving terminal, and send consequent delete instruction order to each described receiving terminal.

9. as claimed in claim 4 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that each described receiving terminal also comprises:

Display unit, this unit allows the user to specify the user interface screen of the content indication information of designation number content by providing, and accepts the purchase order of digital content from the user, and shows the digital content of indication thus; And

The received content registration unit, if described receiving terminal does not keep the digital content of described content indication information indication, described content indication information is registered in this unit,

The described business of wherein said receiving terminal provides the communication conditions of unit according to described communication conditions monitoring means monitoring, send described content indication information to described digital content distribution device, the digital content of therefore described content indication information indication can be registered and receive.

10. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 5, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device, after receiving the content indication information of designation number content from one of described receiving terminal, the digital content that sends described content indication information indication is to described receiving terminal.

11. as claimed in claim 1 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that

Each described receiving terminal also comprises:

Use the historical information generation unit, the user action of the purchase order of this at least one content of cell response produces user's use historical information of at least one content of purchase now; And

Use the historical information transmitting element, this unit sends the described use historical information with described device identifier data and arrives described digital content distribution device,

Described digital content distribution device in the described digital content distribution also comprises:

The subscriber information management unit, this Single Component Management is about the user's of the described receiving terminal relevant with described device identifier data user profile;

Use the historical information receiving element, this unit receives described use historical information and described device identifier data from each described receiving terminal; And

Record keeping unit, this unit be according to the described device identifier data recognition user information that receives, according to described use historical information, and the accounting of user that the user profile of such identification is discerned.

12. as claimed in claim 4 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that:

Each described receiving terminal also comprises:

Use the historical information transmitting element, this unit sends the described use historical information with described device identifier data and arrives described digital content distribution device.

13. as claimed in claim 12 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that

Each described receiving terminal also comprises:

Business allows/forbids judgement unit, whether this unit checks that described use historical information has sent to described digital content distribution device in the scheduled time slot after the user buys at least one content, do not take place if described use historical information is sent in the scheduled time slot, the business that then stops digital content distribution taking place up to the transmission of described use historical information at least.

14. as claimed in claim 13 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that the described business of described receiving terminal allows/forbid judgement unit display reminding user to send the message of using historical information.

15. as claimed in claim 5 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that the described digital content distribution device in the described digital content distribution also comprises:

Use the historical information receiving element, this unit receives described use historical information and described device identifier data; And

Record keeping unit, this unit be according to the described device identifier data recognition user information that receives, and according to described use historical information, the accounting of user that the user profile of such identification is discerned.

16. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 15, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device, receive described device identifier data and described use historical information from one of described receiving terminal after, according to described device identifier data and described use historical information, determine to download to the digital content of the receiving terminal of described device identifier data identification.

17. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 1, the business that it is characterized in that described receiving terminal provides data format information that the unit sends the data format that relevant described receiving terminal can the contents processing data to described digital content distribution device, and the described download digital content determining unit of described digital content distribution device with the form download digital content that meets the described data format information that receives from each described receiving terminal to described receiving terminal.

18. the digital content distribution of realizing that digital content sends and receives of being used on communication channel as claimed in claim 4, the described business that it is characterized in that described receiving terminal provide data format information that the unit sends the data format that relevant described receiving terminal can the contents processing data to described digital content distribution device.

19. the digital content distribution of realizing that digital content sends and receives of being used on communication channel as claimed in claim 5, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device with the form download digital content that meets the described data format information that receives from each described receiving terminal to described receiving terminal.

20. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, described digital content distribution comprises the information terminal of digital content distribution device and receiving digital contents, and described information terminal comprises:

Business provides the unit, when portable storage media is installed to described information terminal, this unit sends and is used to discern the described digital content distribution device of the medium identifier data of described storage medium to described digital content distribution, receive the digital content of downloading from described digital content distribution device, and storing digital content is to described storage medium

Described digital content distribution device comprises:

Download and the stock management unit, this Single Component Management is described the content of the digital content volume of the described storage medium of downloading and be stored to each terminal use and is downloaded and the stock management data; And

Download digital content determining unit, this unit use described content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of the described information terminal that described storage medium has been installed, and download digital content arrives described information terminal,

Wherein said digital content distribution device, after receiving described medium identifier data from described information terminal, use the described medium identifier data that receive, identification is used for the described content of described medium downloads and the stock management data, therefore can provide professional to the terminal use at described information terminal.

21. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, described digital content distribution comprises the information terminal of receiving digital contents, and described information terminal comprises:

Business provides the unit, when portable storage media is installed to described information terminal, this unit sends and is used for discerning the digital content distribution device of the medium identifier data of described storage medium to described digital content distribution, receive the digital content of downloading from described digital content distribution device, and storing digital content is to described storage medium.

22. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, described digital content distribution comprises the digital content distribution device, and this device comprises:

Download and the stock management unit, this Single Component Management is described the content of downloading and be stored in the digital content volume in the storage medium and is downloaded and the stock management data, and wherein said storage medium should be mounted to obtain business on the information terminal of receiving digital contents; And

Download digital content determining unit, this unit use described content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of the described information terminal that one of described storage medium has been installed, and download digital content arrives described information terminal.

23. the digital content distribution of realizing that digital content sends and receives of being used on communication channel as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that described content downloads and store data and comprise the free space in the described storage medium at least and be stored in digital content tabulation on the described storage medium.

24. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 21, the described business that it is characterized in that described information terminal provides the delete instruction order of deleting digital content the digital content of unit reception on being stored in described storage medium, and deletes digital content according to described delete instruction order from described storage medium.

25. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 22, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device, download and store data according to described content, generation is deleted the delete instruction order of digital content from described storage medium, and sends consequent delete instruction order to the information terminal that described storage medium is installed.

26. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 20, it is characterized in that described content allocation system also comprises receiving terminal, each described storage medium should be installed on this receiving terminal and can reproduce the digital content that is stored on the described storage medium, each described receiving terminal comprises:

Display unit, this unit allows the user interface screen of content indication information that the user specifies the designation number content from the purchase order that the user accepts digital content by providing, and reads the digital content of indication thus from described storage medium, and shows this content; And

The received content registration unit, if described storage medium does not keep the digital content of described content indication information indication, described content indication information is stored to described storage medium in this unit,

Described information terminal also comprises:

The content indication information detecting unit, when described storage medium has been installed, the described content indication information of this unit detection of stored on described storage medium, and read described content indication information,

The described business of wherein said information terminal provides the unit to send described content indication information to described digital content distribution device, and the digital content of therefore described content indication information indication can be registered and receive.

27. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 21, it is characterized in that described content allocation system also comprises receiving terminal, described storage medium should be installed on this receiving terminal and can reproduce the digital content that is stored on the described storage medium, each described receiving terminal comprises:

The received content registration unit, if described storage medium does not keep the digital content of described content indication information indication, described content indication information is stored to described storage medium in this unit.

28. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 21, it is characterized in that described information terminal also comprises the content indication information detecting unit, when described storage medium has been installed, the described content indication information of this unit detection of stored on described storage medium, and read described content indication information, and

29. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 22, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device, after described information terminal receives the content indication information of designation number content, the digital content that sends the described content indication information indication that receives is to described information terminal.

30. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 20, it is characterized in that described content allocation system also comprises receiving terminal, each described storage medium should be installed on this receiving terminal and can reproduce the digital content that is stored on the described storage medium, each described receiving terminal comprises:

Use the historical information generation unit, the user action of the purchase order of this at least one content of cell response produces the use historical information of at least one content that the user buys now, and the use historical information of storing described generation is to described storage medium,

Described information terminal also comprises:

Use the historical information detecting unit, when described storage medium has been installed, the use historical information of this unit detection of stored on described storage medium, and read the use historical information; And

Use the historical information transmitting element, this unit sends the described use historical information with described medium identifier data and arrives described digital content distribution device, and described digital content distribution device also comprises:

The subscriber information management unit, this Single Component Management is about the user's relevant with described medium identifier data user profile;

Use the historical information receiving element, this unit receives described use historical information and described medium identifier data from described information terminal; And

Record keeping unit, this unit be according to the described medium identifier data identification user profile that receives, and according to described use historical information, the accounting of user that the user profile of such identification is discerned.

31. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 27, it is characterized in that each receiving terminal that each described storage medium should be installed on it and can reproduce the digital content that is stored on the described storage medium also comprises use historical information generation unit, the user action of the purchase order of this at least one content of cell response, produce the use historical information of at least one content that the user buys now, and the use historical information of storing described generation is to described storage medium.

32. as claimed in claim 31 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that each described receiving terminal also comprises:

Business allows/forbids judgement unit, whether this unit is checked the described use historical information in scheduled time slot of buying at least one content the user and has been sent to described digital content distribution device, do not take place if described use historical information is sent in the scheduled time slot, the business that then stops digital content distribution sending up to described use historical information at least and takes place.

33. as claimed in claim 32 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that the described business of described receiving terminal allows/forbid judgement unit the display reminding user to be sent the message of described use historical information.

34. as claimed in claim 32 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that described information terminal also comprises:

Use the historical information detecting unit, when described storage medium has been installed, the use historical information of on described receiving terminal one of having bought at least one content of this unit detection of stored on described storage medium, and read the use historical information; And

Use the historical information transmitting element, this unit sends the described use historical information with described medium identifier data and arrives described digital content distribution device.

35. as claimed in claim 22 being used for realized the digital content distribution that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that the described digital content distribution device in the described digital content distribution also comprises:

36. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 35, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device, receive described medium identifier data and described use historical information from described information terminal after, according to described medium identifier data and described use historical information, determine to download to the digital content of the information terminal of the storage medium that described medium identifier data identification has been installed.

37. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 20, the data format information that it is characterized in that the data format that the relevant described receiving terminal of each described receiving terminal storage can the contents processing data is to described storage medium, when described storage medium has been installed, the described business of described information terminal provides the unit to read described data format information from described storage medium, and send described data format information to described digital content distribution device, and the described download digital content determining unit of described digital content distribution device, to meet from the form of the described data format information of described information terminal reception, download digital content is to the described information terminal that described storage medium has been installed.

38. the digital content distribution of realizing that digital content sends and receives of being used on communication channel as claimed in claim 27, the data format information that it is characterized in that the data format that the relevant described receiving terminal of each described receiving terminal storage can the contents processing data is to described storage medium.

39. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 21, it is characterized in that when described storage medium has been installed, the described business of described information terminal provides the unit to read described data format information from described storage medium, and sends described data format information to described digital content distribution device.

40. the digital content distribution that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception as claimed in claim 22, the described download digital content determining unit that it is characterized in that described digital content distribution device, to meet from the form of the described data format information of described information terminal reception, download digital content is to the described information terminal that described storage medium has been installed.

41. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution method that digital content sends and receives on communication channel the step of carrying out below described digital content distribution method comprises on the digital content distribution device:

(a) the content download of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored in receiving terminal and the step of stock management data are described in management, and wherein said receiving terminal is from described digital content distribution device receiving digital contents;

(b) use described content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of described receiving terminal, and download digital content is to the step of described receiving terminal;

The step of on described receiving terminal, carrying out below described digital content distribution method also comprises:

(c) management is used to discern the step of the device identifier data of each described receiving terminal; And

(d) send data to described digital content distribution device or receive data, and professional step to the terminal use is provided from it.

42. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution method that digital content sends and receives on communication channel the step of carrying out below described digital content distribution method comprises on receiving terminal:

(a) management is used to discern the step of the device identifier data of each described receiving terminal;

(b) step of monitoring and the digital content distribution device situation of communicating by letter of the described digital content of distribution; And

(c), send data to described digital content distribution device or receive data, and professional step to the terminal use is provided from it according to described communication conditions.

43. one kind is used for realizing the digital content distribution method that digital content sends and receives on communication channel the step of carrying out below described digital content distribution method comprises on the digital content distribution device:

(a) the content download of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored in receiving terminal and the step of storage data are described in management, and described receiving terminal is from described digital content distribution device receiving digital contents; And

(b) use described content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of described receiving terminal, and download digital content is to the step of described receiving terminal.

44. as claimed in claim 42 being used for realized the digital content distribution method that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that described digital content distribution method also comprises the following step of carrying out on receiving terminal:

(a), produce the step of the use historical information of at least one content that the user buys now in response to the user action of the purchase order of at least one content; And

(b) send the step that the described use historical information with described device identifier data arrives described digital content distribution device.

45. as claimed in claim 43 being used for realized the digital content distribution method that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that described digital content distribution method also comprises the following step of carrying out on the digital content distribution device:

(a) management is about the step of the user's of the described receiving terminal relevant with described device identifier data user profile;

(b) receive the step of described use historical information and described device identifier data from each described receiving terminal; And

(c) according to the described device identifier data recognition user information that receives, and the accounting of user of the user profile of such identification being discerned according to described use historical information.

46. one kind comprises and be used for realizing that digital content sends and the computer-readable recording medium of the digital content distribution program of reception on communication channel, the step of carrying out below wherein said digital content distribution program comprises on the digital content distribution device:

(a) the content download of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored in receiving terminal and the step of stock management data are described in management, and described receiving terminal is from described digital content distribution device receiving digital contents;

The step of on described receiving terminal, carrying out below described digital content distribution program also comprises:

47. one kind comprises and be used for realizing that digital content sends and the computer-readable recording medium of the digital content distribution program of reception on communication channel, the step of carrying out below wherein said digital content distribution program comprises on receiving terminal:

48. one kind comprises and be used for realizing that digital content sends and the computer-readable recording medium of the digital content distribution program of reception on communication channel, the step of carrying out below wherein said digital content distribution program comprises on the digital content distribution device:

49. be used for realizing that digital content sends and the computer-readable recording medium of the digital content distribution program of reception as claimed in claim 47 comprising on communication channel, it is characterized in that described digital content distribution program also comprises the following step of carrying out on receiving terminal:

50. be used for realizing that digital content sends and the computer-readable recording medium of the digital content distribution program of reception as claimed in claim 48 comprising on communication channel, it is characterized in that described digital content distribution program also comprises the following step of carrying out on the digital content distribution device:

But 51. a computer combine digital content distribution program that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception, the step of on the digital content distribution device, carrying out below wherein said digital content distribution program comprises:

But 52. a computer combine digital content distribution program that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception, the step of on receiving terminal, carrying out below wherein said digital content distribution program comprises:

But 53. a computer combine digital content distribution program that is used on communication channel, realizing digital content transmission and reception, the step of on the digital content distribution device, carrying out below wherein said digital content distribution program comprises:

54. but as claimed in claim 52 being used for realized the computer combine digital content distribution program that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that described digital content distribution program also comprises the following step of carrying out on receiving terminal:

(b) send described use historical information together with the step of described device identifier data to described digital content distribution device.

55. but as claimed in claim 53 being used for realized the computer combine digital content distribution program that digital content sends and receives on communication channel, it is characterized in that described digital content distribution program also comprises the following step of carrying out on the digital content distribution device:

56. a content distribution device, it comprises:

Download and the stock management unit, this Single Component Management is described the content of the digital content volume of downloading and be stored in content reception apparatus and is downloaded and the stock management data, and described content reception apparatus is from described digital content distribution device receiving digital contents; And

Download digital content determining unit, this unit use described content to download and the stock management data, determine to download to the digital content of described content reception apparatus, and download digital content is to described content reception apparatus;

Wherein said digital content distribution device, after one of described content reception apparatus receives device identifier data, use the described device identifier data that receives, identification is used to have the described content of the content reception apparatus of device identifier downloads and the stock management data, therefore can provide business to the terminal use on described content reception apparatus.

57. a digital content receiving system, it comprises:

The device identifier data administrative unit, this Single Component Management is used to discern the device identifier data of described content reception apparatus; And

Business provides the unit, and this unit sends data to described digital content distribution device or receives data from it according to described communication conditions, and provides professional to the terminal use,

Wherein when the needs content, described content reception apparatus sends the device identifier data of described content reception apparatus to described digital content distribution device.