JP2001344435A - Contents distributing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system with which a desired image can be printed out with high resolution anywhere, in an easy-to-view state by using a portable telephone. SOLUTION: An automatic vending machine 30 is installed, which can download and print out contents from a network, and a content distribution system 10 is provided which distributes the contents to an automatic vending machine 30 together with the telephone number of the portable telephone, when the automatic vending machine 30 is selected and the contents to be outputted are selected through the portable telephone 5. This content distribution service system 8 uses the portable telephone 5 as an interface and can output the contents with high quality, which cannot be outputted satisfactorily by portable telephones, by using the hardware of the vending machine 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution service and a content output device capable of easily obtaining various contents.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various contents are distributed according to the spread of personal computers and the Internet. The distributed content is output on a display or printed on paper from a printing device such as a printer. Furthermore, in recent years, mobile information terminals and even mobile information terminals have become widespread, and PDAs and mobile phones have become one of the main means for receiving content distribution.

[0003]

When viewing contents with these information terminals, it is needless to say that it is desirable to easily view the contents. Text-based content can be viewed on a small screen of a mobile phone without much noticeability. However, a content mainly composed of an image such as a map cannot be displayed in detail on a small screen of a mobile phone, and cannot be displayed in a state where a wide area can be viewed even if the amount of information is reduced. Not only mobile phones, but also services for distributing contents, since the number of user groups will not increase unless services are provided to various clients, it is necessary to provide services that are conscious of low-resolution clients. Therefore, it is necessary to make the content such that it can be displayed even in a limited display range, and it is difficult to distribute a content having a high image quality and a large amount of information as the content.

[0004] On the other hand, a service source system for creating and distributing contents has a high performance and an improved processing speed, so that even high-resolution data can be distributed without any problem. it can. If high-resolution image data can be distributed, high-quality services can be developed. However, as described above, in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone in which the number of user groups is increasing dramatically, the displayable size is limited, and processing speed is reduced when trying to display high-resolution data. Therefore, it is difficult to develop a service that utilizes the performance of the server at the distribution source.

Therefore, in the present invention, although the display function and the processing function are limited, a user using a portable terminal which can be easily carried and used anytime and anywhere can be used at a place desired by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content distribution method capable of obtaining a high-resolution image output. A distribution method and a content capable of distributing the content in a state in which the data amount is large, the resolution is high, and a wide range can be seen, together with the content displayed on the display screen instead of or on the display screen of the mobile phone. It is intended to provide an output device.

In addition to images, not only images but also music or other contents, hardware or the like enjoys the contents in a portable terminal device such as a cellular phone depending on conditions such as data amount, storage medium capacity, and reproduction quality. There are many things that are not in a suitable state. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to distribute content that is difficult to enjoy with sufficient quality with such a mobile phone at a place desired by the user when desired, and to easily enjoy various contents. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content distribution method and an output device capable of performing the following.

[0007]

Therefore, in the present invention, contents distributed directly or indirectly from a computer network are recorded on a recording medium, and the recorded contents are output by the recording medium or a different medium. Place multiple possible output devices like conventional vending machines on street corners, convenience stores, stations, department stores, parks, exhibition halls, etc., and directly or indirectly connect these output devices to the computer network The distribution server is accessed by the portable terminal, and the content can be output from the output device selected by the user. That is, the content distribution method according to the present invention includes a step of accessing a content distribution server connected to the output device and a computer network by a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, and selecting a content and an output device that outputs the content. Distributing the selected content to the selected output device together with the identification information capable of identifying the user of the mobile terminal, and obtaining the selected content by designating the identification information from the selected output device And

[0008] By arranging an output device having sufficient performance for outputting contents at a street corner or the like, a user who uses a portable terminal such as a mobile phone whose hardware configuration is not enough to enjoy the contents is provided. Even
A desired content can be viewed and heard in a state suitable for expressing the content. For example,
If the content is a high-resolution image, a high-resolution printout in which the content selected by the mobile phone is output from an output device having a function as a printer can be obtained. Further, in the content distribution method of the present invention, a terminal suitable for personal use, such as a mobile phone, can be used as an interface for selecting content, and content can be enjoyed easily. That is, in the present invention, output devices having a hardware function capable of outputting content are arranged at an appropriate density like a vending machine, so that anyone can use those output devices via a mobile phone. By doing so, individual users can always obtain desired content at a desired place and with sufficient quality without buying expensive and high-performance hardware or carrying it. And by using a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone as the interface, there is no need to create a line to select content in front of the output device or waste time,
The desired content can be efficiently output using the output device.

Further, when the content is distributed to the output device, the identification information of the user is added, and the content is obtained by specifying the identification information. Therefore, the ordered content is selected from the content downloaded to the output device. It is easy to do this, and there is no mistake in outputting. Further, in the content distribution method of the present invention, since the content is ordered using the mobile terminal, it is possible to use information for identifying the mobile terminal as information for identifying the user, for example, a telephone number of a mobile phone, an identification ID, and the like. If it is a mobile phone number, the content distribution server can automatically acquire the identification information and add it to the content for distribution. Also, on the content output device side, if the user carries a mobile phone, it is possible to automatically acquire the mobile phone number by communicating, and the user is a user without being conscious. And automatically output the content.

By arranging a content output device like a vending machine, it is possible to develop a service for outputting content for a fee. For example, in the acquiring step, if the selected content can be acquired after the selected output device confirms the payment, the output cost can be collected by each output device. Also, when the content selected in the acquiring step is output, the output information is returned to the content distribution server or the billing server, so that the output cost can be collected together with the telephone charge and the like so as to be collected. is there.

Therefore, a content distribution server directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of output devices according to the present invention via a computer network provides an environment in which a portable terminal can select an output device and contents output by the output device. It is characterized by having means for providing by a homepage or the like, and means for distributing the selected content to the selected output device together with identification information capable of identifying the user of the portable terminal. Further, the content distribution method in the content distribution server includes a step of selecting an output device by the mobile terminal and a content to be output by the output device, and a step of outputting the selected content together with the identification information capable of identifying the user of the mobile terminal. And delivering to the device. The content distribution server may be provided with a means or a step for charging for the content distributed or output via the output device.

Further, the content output apparatus of the present invention is a means for recording a content directly or indirectly distributed from a computer network on a recording medium, and outputting the recorded content on a recorded recording medium or a different medium. And an interface capable of selecting content output from the output means based on the user identification information distributed together with the content. A content output method according to the present invention includes a step of recording a content directly or indirectly distributed from a computer network on a recording medium, a step of outputting the recorded content by a recorded recording medium or a different medium, And selecting the content to be output in the outputting step based on the user identification information distributed together with the content.

The content output device and the content output method of the present invention can be realized as a content output program having instructions capable of executing these steps, and can be provided by being recorded on a suitable computer-readable recording medium. Then, a content output program is installed in a computer system equipped with a printer or other hardware or peripheral device capable of outputting appropriate content, and the content output program is recorded on an appropriate recording medium of a disk, thereby constructing the content output device. Can be. This function as a content output device may be realized as a stand-alone system having a built-in output function such as a printer, and connected by a suitable computer network such as the Internet or an intranet by a method such as PHS, mobile phone or IP broadcasting. It should just be done.

If the content to be distributed is an image, by providing the content output device with a function as a printer, the selected content can be output as a high-resolution, high-quality printout. For music, CD
It can be provided in a state of being recorded on a recording medium such as. In addition, for content that is limited in terms of time or cost for downloading directly from the network with a mobile phone due to reasons such as an excessive amount of data, the content is downloaded to the content output device once and transmitted over a short distance. It is also possible to transfer to a mobile phone or other terminal by a high-speed wired or wireless medium.

In the case of outputting an image, a recording medium such as a magnetic disk capable of recording and reproduction is used as a recording means or step, and a recording sheet is used as a recording medium using a printer as an output means or step. Content can be recorded and output. Further, it is also possible to use a printer as a recording means or process and record the content in advance as a printout using a recording sheet as a recording medium. In such an output device, printout can be selected and discharged as an output unit or process.

Content recorded on the output device or information indicating the content, for selection by the interface;
For example, by providing a means or a step of displaying a thumbnail or a title together with identification information, the user can select the content to be output from the content output device without mistake. Further, a means or a step for displaying the content or information indicating the content recorded on the output device and a means or a step for inputting the identification information are provided for selection by the interface, and the content or the content matches the recorded content. It is desirable that the content is output when the identification information is input. Since the content output device is general-purpose, it is preferable that the identification information can be collated without displaying the identification information that may indicate the user, in terms of protection of user privacy and security. In addition, by automatically obtaining an identification number by communicating with a mobile phone carried by the user, or by obtaining the position of the mobile phone of the user, the user of the content to be output is automatically recognized. Is also possible.

Further, a means or a step for confirming payment of the consideration is provided, and after the payment corresponding to the recorded content is confirmed, the recorded content is output to directly collect the price. be able to. Further, by providing a means or a step of transmitting information indicating the content output by the output means to the distribution source or the billing server, it is possible to collect the price indirectly. Furthermore, when a certain period of time has elapsed after the content is recorded on the output device, a means or a step for transmitting the information to the distribution source or the billing server is provided, so that the fee is collected for the content left unoutputted. be able to.

The content output apparatus of the present invention can also be equipped with a mechanism for automatically selling products such as drinks. In such an apparatus, the content output apparatus communicates with a system for managing the automatic selling mechanism. Means or steps are provided, and it is necessary to provide means or steps for discriminating communication with the managed system and distribution of contents. Further, by providing the managing system with a means or a step for transmitting management information relating to recording or output of the content, for example, media consumption, sales, etc., the content output mechanism and other information are also centrally managed. be able to.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of a distribution service system 8 using a content distribution method according to the present invention.
In this example, the Internet 1 spread all over the world as a computer network is used as a core means or media for distributing contents. The Internet 1 has a server 7 for providing various contents and a distribution service system 8 for distributing contents from these servers or contents owned by the server 7.
Is connected to the content distribution system 10, which is the core of the system. A public telephone network 3 is connected to the Internet 1 via a gateway 2, and a mobile phone 5 or a PHS terminal (hereinafter, PHS) can be connected via a base station 4. Therefore, the user 90 can access the content distribution system 10 via the mobile phone 5, the PHS, or a mobile terminal equipped with these functions.

Further, the content distribution service system 8 of the present embodiment includes an automatic vending device (hereinafter, a vending machine) 30 capable of accessing the Internet 1 via a PHS. The vending machine 30 that constructs the service system 8 of the present example has a function of selling a printout on which an image is printed as a product, and the user 90
Can select a content to be printed out by the vending machine 30 using the mobile phone 5 or the like, and the vending machine 30 can download and output image data of the content from the content distribution system 10. Like the conventional vending machine, it is desirable that the vending machine 30 be installed in a place where general users can freely use, such as a street corner, a station, a department store, and a convenience store, with a density that can be found without searching.

The vending machine 30 includes a PHS unit 31 serving as a means for accessing the network, an article sample display section 32 for displaying or exhibiting products such as juice, which is included in a function as a conventional vending machine, and an article outlet 3.
6, a bill insertion slot 33 for performing money processing, a coin insertion slot 34, and a change takeout port 35. In addition to this, the vending machine 30 of the present example has an LCD 37 for guiding print data, a selection switch 38, a speaker 39 for voice guidance, and an outlet for taking out the printout as an interface for selling the printout as a product. 40. Therefore, when the user 90 selects the content to be output from the vending machine 30 by the mobile phone 5 at an appropriate place, the user 90 selects the vending machine 3
0, the content has been downloaded, and the user 90 can obtain a printout 6 of the content by operating the interface of the vending machine 30.

The content distribution service system 8 of the present embodiment
The portable terminal that can access the Internet to use the Internet is not limited to the mobile phone 5, but may be a PHS terminal, P
A portable terminal such as an HS or a PDA having a portable telephone function may be used. Therefore, hereinafter, the mobile phone will be described as a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal, but the mobile type terminal that can be used in the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone. Further, in the content distribution service system 8 of this example, the current location of the portable terminal can be used as information in order to identify a user who outputs the selected content at the vending machine 30. In order to support such a system, if the mobile phone has a system that can perform satellite positioning by receiving radio waves from GPS satellites, the mobile phone of the transmission source can be extremely accurately determined from the latitude and longitude information obtained by the satellite positioning. The current position of the telephone is known, and if the terminal is a PHS terminal, the current position can be accurately determined from the CSID indicating the base station. Further, even with a mobile phone, a rough area can be determined from base station information. The accuracy of a CDMA mobile phone is very high. In either case, the mobile phone 5 will be described below. However, as described above, a mobile terminal equipped with a GPS function and capable of displaying its current location may be used.

The portable telephone 5 is compact and excellent for carrying around for its purpose. In recent years, the portable telephone 5 is provided with a function of accessing a homepage and the like, and the performance thereof has been improved. However, the size of the display screen 5a is limited because it is premised that the display is compact, and when a content centering on an image, for example, a map, is displayed, the image becomes small, coarse, and difficult to see. can not help it. On the other hand, if the content distribution service system 8 of the present example is used, the content selected by the mobile phone 5, for example, a map can be recorded on a print sheet by specifying the nearest or nearby vending machine 30, and can be output. . When output to paper, there is no restriction on the display screen, and since the vending machine 30 is of an installation type, there is almost no restriction on size or weight, so that a high-resolution printer can be built in. Therefore, by using the content distribution service system 8 of the present example, it is possible to view the selected content in a state where it is printed in full color at a high resolution. In particular, when a map is output, the range that can be overlooked is wide, so that the contents displayed on the printout are very easy to grasp. further,
Compared to the screen of a terminal such as a notebook-type personal computer, the printed map information is easy to see,
The amount of information can be increased. And the information on the printed paper is
When not needed, it can be folded and easily stored in your pocket. In addition, it is possible to fold only a desired portion to be viewed, and it becomes information that can be handled very flexibly.

The Internet 1 is connected to a vending machine management system 9 in addition to the above-described elements constituting the content distribution service system 8. This management system 9 is connected to a vending machine 30 via the Internet 1.
Is periodically accessed, and the consumption and sales of the product are automatically stored in the product DB 9a. Then, the terminal 9b checks the consumption state, and when the product is about to be short-circuited, processing such as replenishment, collection of sales, replenishment of change, and the like are performed. In this example, in addition to the consumption of goods such as juice, the consumption state of consumables such as paper or ink when the content is printed out is also stored in the management system 9 so as to supply the goods. Vending machine 30 along with maintenance
In this system, the consumables of the printer built in are supplied.

Hereinafter, the content distribution service system 8 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a content distribution system 10 that functions as a content distribution server. The content distribution system 10 includes a WWW server 11 that can be accessed by a user via the Internet 1. When a content distribution service section 11a is selected from a homepage provided by the server 11, an application as described below is executed by CGI or JAVA. (Registered trademark) or the like, and can receive a content distribution service.

The distribution system 10 includes an authentication and charging server 12, so that only users registered in advance with predetermined user information can receive the content distribution service. As data used for authentication,
Of course, there is a combination of an identification number and a password registered in advance by the user. However, in the content distribution service 8 of this example, it is assumed that the user accesses the mobile phone 5 through the mobile phone 5. But it is valuable enough to identify the user. Also, if it is a mobile phone number, the authentication server 12 automatically obtains the mobile phone number without inputting it one by one, transmits it as identification information to the vending machine 30 as control information, and authenticates the user with the vending machine 30. It can be used as information for Further, when the number of the mobile phone is known, it is possible to charge the usage fee for the cost of using the service system 8 of the present example, and the collection of the service fee becomes easy. For a user who is set to collect the fee for receiving the distribution service on the server side, the charging server 1 is set at an appropriate stage.
2 operates and collects usage fees along with telephone charges.

Further, when the map is cut out as a content, the distribution system 10 prepares a map database 13 as a source of the map and a content owned by the server 10 or a content such as a server connected to the Internet 1 or another database. Is provided with a content database 15 from which the content is extracted or cut out. In the content database 15, in addition to the content itself, the type or name of the content provided by the other WWW server 7 and the link destination or address (URL) of the content are registered.
These contents can be referred to, and the contents can be provided by listing addresses.

Further, the distribution system 10 includes a vending machine DB 14 in which information on each vending machine 30 to which contents are output is stored. In the vending machine DB 14, for example, a place where each printer is installed,
The telephone number or IP address of the vending machine 30, the type of printer mounted on the vending machine 30, and its environmental data are stored.

The content distribution server 16, which is the core of the distribution system 10, stores applications for performing the content distribution service of the present example on a recording medium such as a disk, and is realized by the functions of those applications. . First, vending machine selection engine 1
7 is based on information from the mobile phone 5 of the user 90,
The vending machine 30 that outputs the content is specified. Vending machine 3
There are several methods for specifying 0. One is a method in which the user 90 inputs the telephone number or identification information of the vending machine 30 to which the content is to be output. Vending machine 30
The identification information such as the telephone number can be prepared so as to be understood by looking at the vending machine 30. As another method, the selection engine 17 can display the installation location of the nearby vending machine 30 on a simple map or the like, and the user can select a convenient vending machine from them. Alternatively, if the current location of the mobile phone 5 is known, the nearest vending machine 30 is automatically set by the selection engine 17 and the position of the selected vending machine 30 is indicated to the user's mobile phone 5 by a simple map or the like. You may do it.

One of the applications constituting the server 16 is a content selection engine 18 and the vending machine 3
A function to select or specify the content to be output with 0 is provided. The content selection engine 18 may be a search engine that searches for a homepage or the like that is open on the Internet, or may be a map DB 13
Such as an engine with a function to cut out a desired area from the map stored in
Various functions can be provided according to the content to be distributed.

The content selected by the content selection engine 18 is sent to the print information creation / delivery engine 19
Thus, the data is converted or generated into a data format suitable for printing out at the output vending machine 30, and the data is distributed to the vending machine 30. At this time, information for identifying the user, in this example, the telephone number of the mobile phone is also delivered together with the print data of the content to be delivered. Further, if necessary, setting information and the like of a printer necessary for printing the content are also distributed as control information. In addition, information such as a title and a reduced thumbnail of an image to be printed out can be simultaneously delivered so that the delivered content can be identified. In particular, at the stage of distributing print data, the vending machine 30 to be output is specified. Therefore, the vending machine 30
The manufacturer or model of the printer incorporated therein is also known, and the print information creation / distribution engine 19 can convert the image information into a specific code system most suitable for the printer and transmit the image information. The designated vending machine 30 can distribute print data that can be output with high quality most effectively.

Further, the content distribution server 16 of the present embodiment
Has a content list distribution engine 20.
This content list distribution engine 20
Means for distributing the content list to the vending machine 30
When there is an index indicating the existence of more detailed content in the content output from the e.g. map, for example, a content list associated with the index is created and sent to the mobile phone 5 by e-mail.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic function of each vending machine 30, and FIG. 4 shows a schematic hardware configuration of the vending machine. The vending machine 30 of this example includes a PHS system 41 as a means for accessing the Internet 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
1, a PHS antenna 41a, and a serial interface 41b for interfacing data transmitted and received by the PHS module 31 with the internal bus 52. The vending machine 30 of this example includes a case where the vending machine 30 communicates with the content distribution system 10 to receive data for printing, and a case where the vending machine 30 communicates with the management system 9 to perform product management.
Accordingly, a determination unit 43 is provided for separating the processing of the received data by the party that exchanges the data, and specifically, the CPU 51 that controls the vending machine 30 performs its function. Of course, it is also possible to prepare a dedicated processor.

Print data and the like sent from the content distribution system 10 via the PHS system 41 are temporarily stored in a memory 44 functioning as a content recording unit 44.
stored in a. The memory 44a can use a RAM, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. Further, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM is prepared as an area for storing a program operated by the CPU 51. In the vending machine 30 of this example, a printer function 53 is prepared as the output unit 46, and is connected to the internal bus 52 via an interface 53a. Therefore, when the user selects desired print data from the print data temporarily stored in the memory 44a, it is sent to the printer function 53 and output as a printout.

The printer records print data on a recording sheet as a medium.
It is also possible to use as. In this case, since the printouts of the content are stored, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for selecting and discharging a desired printout from the stored printouts. For example, multiple stackers or bins that can store and remove printouts and control the opening and closing of parts are provided, and printed only by opening only those stackers that contain printouts of content ordered by users authenticated by identification information. A desired printout can be provided from among the printouts.

Management system 9 by PHS system 41
When communicating with the product, the product management unit 45 performs the control.
Specifically, the CPU 51 operates according to the management program and performs its function. In the vending machine 30 of this example, the product management unit 45 manages the consumables of the printer 53, which is a content output unit, in addition to the management of products such as juice sold by the function 47 of the conventional vending machine. For example, the management unit 45 also manages consumables such as recording paper and ink, and manages troubles such as paper jams in the printer 53. Therefore, these are transmitted to the management system 9 collectively,
The management staff in charge manages the vending machine 30 by contact from the management system 9.

As the vending mechanism 47, a money processing unit 55 for performing money processing is prepared, and controls the above-described bill insertion unit 33, coin insertion unit 34, change take-out unit 35, and the like. Further, a sensor unit 56 that bundles a sensor group 56a that detects conditions such as consumption status of a product such as juice and storage temperature as the vending mechanism 47 is prepared.
For example, by including a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of recording paper of the printer 53 in a sensor managed by the sensor unit 56, the printer 53 can be simultaneously managed by the management unit 45.

Further, the vending machine 30 has an interface 42 for selecting a content to be printed out from the recorded contents. As described above, the vending machine 30 of the present example includes, as the interface 42, the LCD 37 that displays the content recorded in the recording unit 44 as a title or a thumbnail, a selection switch 38, and a speaker 39 for audio guidance. In order to enable these, an LCD controller 37a and a VRAM 37b and a button control unit 38a
And an amplifier 39a.

Of course, the configuration of the interface 42 is not limited to this example. For example, an interface for infrared or short-range communication capable of communicating with a mobile phone over a short distance is provided, and the mobile phone 5 is used as an interface. Is also possible. Also, in order to identify a user operating the vending machine 30 to output the content, a function of communicating with the mobile phone 5 and automatically acquiring a mobile phone number, and a function of obtaining the current location of the mobile phone owned by the user It is of course possible to provide a function for identifying the user operating the vending machine 30 or the like.

Further, the interface 42 of the present example has a function of supplying the information to the content distribution system 10 via the PHS 41 when the desired content is printed out from the content output unit 46. The content distribution system 10 transmits the information to the charging server 12 in the case where charging is required based on the output information. For content that has been stored for a long time without being printed out, storage fees may be charged,
After a predetermined accumulation period has elapsed, processing such as deletion can be performed.

The content distribution method of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to flowcharts showing the schematic processing of the content distribution service 8 shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a schematic process of the content distribution system 10. First, in step 61, the user 90 connects to the content distribution system 10 by the mobile phone 5. If the content distribution system 10 connects to an access point provided as a provider via a public telephone network, a dial-up connection is established. It is also possible to connect via the Internet 1. In any case, the user is authenticated in step 62 together with the connection, and only a pre-registered user can access. As the information for authenticating or identifying the user, the telephone number of the mobile phone 5 can be used. In this example, it is assumed that the telephone number of the mobile phone is adopted as the identification information.

When the user is authenticated, the function of the mobile phone 5 as a browser is activated. In step 63, a home page provided by the WWW server 11 is output, and the content distribution service section 11a can be selected from the home page. If the map service section 11a is not selected, another service is selected in step 64.

At step 63, the U of the distribution service unit 11a
When the RL is selected, each application (engine) of the content distribution server 16 operates via a CGI or the like, and starts a content distribution service for the user. When the distribution service unit 11a is selected, whether or not the user is registered may be authenticated again by information such as a password. Similarly to the above, it is also possible to perform user authentication using the calling number (telephone number) of the mobile phone 5.

When the content distribution service starts,
First, in step 65, the content selection engine 18 selects the content to be output from the vending machine 30. For example, a selection screen 101 as shown in FIG. 8A is transmitted to the mobile phone 5 and displayed on the display unit 5a. In the following, an example will be described in which a vending machine 30 is used to receive a map service. In this map service, when a destination is input, a guide map to the destination is printed out from the vending machine 30. In addition, the printout not only shows the way to the destination, but also stores that are likely to be of interest to the user along the route by an index, and a content list of those stores is separately provided. It is distributed to the mobile phone 5.

For this reason, an input field 102 for inputting a destination is prepared on the selection screen 101, and in this example, the content is selected by inputting the destination. Of course, in addition to the map service, a service for outputting a map similar to a constellation or a mountain range may be used, or a service for outputting an image such as a photograph or a painting may be used.

Next, in step 66, output conditions are set. For example, the menu 10 shown in FIG.
1 includes a column 103 for performing print settings, in which color or monochrome and the size of print paper to be output can be set.

Further, in step 67, the vending machine selection engine 17 selects a vending machine to be output.
In the input screen 105 shown in FIG. 8B, a field 106 for inputting the telephone number of the vending machine 30 is provided. The processing method of step 67 is considered several as described above, and is not limited to the telephone number, but is specified by inputting a number that can identify the vending machine 30 that the user wants to output or other information such as the name of the vending machine. can do. Also, as described above, the vending machine 30 that is close to the current location of the mobile phone 5 can be specified as a vending machine that automatically outputs the vending machine 30. If the vending machine 30 to be output can be specified, it is confirmed whether or not the printer mounted on the vending machine 30, the content specified in step 65 and the output specification specified in step 66 can perform printout. . As a result, for example, when the specified vending machine 30 cannot perform color output even though color output is specified, a message 107 as shown in FIG. 8C is displayed on the mobile phone 5. Therefore, the user can perform processing such as changing the output specifications and changing the vending machine to output.

When the content to be output and the vending machine 30 to be output are selected in this manner, in step 68, the print information creation / distribution engine 19 outputs the content in data or format suitable for the printer function mounted on the vending machine 30. Create print data suitable for printing. In step 69, the data is distributed to the vending machine 30. As a method of distribution, transmission may be performed with a connection established, or transmission may be performed as mail or an attached file of mail. At this time, not only print data but also control information including user identification information, printer control information, and the like are distributed together. Then, when the distribution is completed, a distribution end notification 108 as shown in FIG.

In the map service of the present example, the contents displayed as an index on the map output from the vending machine 30, for example, a contents list listing the homepage addresses of the restaurants are stored in step 70.
And delivers it to the mobile phone 5 as an e-mail. Therefore, the user looks at the map output from the vending machine 30, and if there is a restaurant of interest on the way, the latest information such as the business hours of the restaurant and the recommended menu of the day is displayed from the content list on the homepage on the web. You can get by following.

Further, the content distribution system 1 of the present embodiment
0 is provided with a step of following the content transmitted to the vending machine 30. In step 71, it is confirmed whether or not the content has been output from the vending machine 30. If the output has been confirmed, a charging process is performed in step 72. If the vending machine 30 has been paid, no billing is performed.

In step 73, the elapsed time from the transmission to the vending machine 30 is monitored, and if a predetermined time has elapsed, a process is performed in step 74 if the elapsed time has been exceeded. There are several possible processes, but one is to issue a warning to the user's mobile phone 5 by e-mail or the like. It is also effective to delete the content downloaded to the vending machine 30 after a predetermined period has elapsed. It is also possible to charge the user's telephone number for additional costs over time.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing in the vending machine 30. When the communication addressed to the vending machine 30 is received from the PHS in Step 75, it is determined that the communication is a content distribution from the content distribution system 10 or a management request from the vending machine management system 9, and the selection is made in Step 78. If so, the corresponding processing is performed in step 82. On the other hand, if it is not a PHS reception but a printout request in step 76, a process of printing out a desired content from the downloaded contents is performed in step 77. This is described further below. If the request is not a printout request but a sales request for another product, the processing is performed in step 83.

At step 78, the discriminating section 43 of the vending machine 30
Determines that the communication is from the content distribution server 16, in step 79, the environment of the output printer of the vending machine 30 or other conditions are confirmed. At this time, the type of the printer, the remaining amount of the printing paper, the afterimage amount of the ink, and the like are confirmed, and the environment information of the specified printer is acquired on the distribution system 10 side, and the output of the content or the specification of the user is performed. If there is any inconvenience, it is delivered to the mobile phone 5 as described above.

When the state of the vending machine 30 is confirmed, the print data is received in step 80, and the control information including the telephone number of the user and the control conditions of the printer is received in step 81, and these are stored in the recording unit 44. I do. At this time, as described above, it is also possible to print out with a printer according to the control information.

FIG. 7 shows the contents stored in the vending machine 3
An outline of the process of printing out at 0 is shown in a flowchart. First, in step 85, the title or thumbnail of the content stored in the recording unit 44 is displayed on the LCD 37 of the interface 42, and the user can select one of them. Next, in step 86, identification information, in this example, the telephone number of the mobile phone is input. Then, the identification information of the control information downloaded together with the content in step 87 and step 86
If the input identification information matches, the process proceeds to the next step. If they do not match, the process is repeated from selection of content. Of course, at the stage where they do not match, processing such as canceling the job may be performed.

Next, at step 88, it is determined whether or not to pay for printing out the content in cash.
This processing may be performed using the interface 42, or may be set in advance by the user in the content distribution system 10. In the case where the vending machine 30 pays the price in cash (although it may be a card or the like), in step 89, the money processing is performed using the function of the money processing unit 55 of the vending mechanism.

If the money processing is completed or if it is set to automatically charge the telephone number or the like, step 9
A process of outputting the content at 0 is performed. In this example,
The print data recorded in the memory of the recording unit 44 or the magnetic disk is printed out by the printer 53 and output from the outlet 36 of the vending machine 30. When the printer operates as the recording unit 44, the user can take out the printed recording paper from the printed recording paper by an appropriate discharge mechanism.

When the contents are output, step 91 is executed.
Content distribution system 10
Sent to. If an appropriate charging server is prepared on the network instead of or at the same time as the content distribution system 10, the fact that output has been completed may be transmitted to the charging server. Further, it is also effective to transmit the fact that the output has been completed to the management system 9 of the vending machine 30. It is also possible to manage the billing by the management system 9, and it is also possible to count the sales of each vending machine. Further, the output consumes consumables such as recording paper and ink, and is thus useful as information for maintenance. Also, if you settle in cash,
Although it is necessary to collect cash, confirm change, and the like, management of such money processing can be performed in the same manner as management of the self-sale function of another product such as juice. Furthermore, by centrally managing with other products such as juice, high-quality maintenance service can be realized at low cost, and a high-quality content distribution service can be provided to the user.

FIG. 9 shows a map 110 printed out from the vending machine 30 by the map service of this example. This map 110 includes a destination 11
Two paths 113 are shown, and furthermore, paths 11
Along the line 3, restaurants that are likely to be of interest to the user are displayed by the index 114. The additional information displayed together with the route 113 may be specified at the same time when the user requests the route guidance, or may be based on information registered or stored in advance in a database inside the content distribution system 10 as user information. It may be something. These user services have several methods. Of course, the additional information is not limited to the restaurant, but may be a tourist attraction or the like, and may indicate a plurality of categories of information.

The map 110 printed out on paper is:
Mobile phone display 5a such as A4 or A3 version
It is considerably larger in size than the above, and the output content is also high resolution, and color display is possible. Therefore, detailed information can be read without difficulty, and the route from the Yokohama Station to the destination can be easily understood, since the view can be made. Since the accompanying information can be added, it is possible to sufficiently include information that the user may be interested in.

FIG. 10 is an example of a content list distributed to the mobile phone 5 by the map service. A simple map 120 corresponding to the map printed out and a content (restaurant name) index-displayed on the map 110 are shown. A list 121 is included. The list 121 includes, for each item, an address such as a URL on the network on which details of the item are shown. Therefore, if there is a restaurant of interest, the user can access the homepage 122 of the restaurant by designating the restaurant, and can obtain the latest information such as business hours and recommended dishes from the network.

Of course, the content that can be provided to the user by the content distribution system 10 and the service 8 according to the present invention is not limited to the above. If it is related to the map, the vending machine 30 outputs information on street corners of restaurants, shops, restrooms, etc., and information on service stations installed in the street corners of convenience stores and convenience stores, etc.
By distributing the content list to the mobile phone 5, it is possible to easily walk around the town visited. Also,
If it is an event venue, a map describing the event on the day of the visit will be displayed at the vending machine 30 in the information center.
The user can take a stroll around the venue while enjoying a favorite event with the printout 6 and the mobile phone 5. Further, in the present embodiment, the case of printing out as a vending machine for a fee is described as an example, but an output device for printing out free of charge may be used. It is fully possible to establish a business by mounting appropriate advertisements. In addition, if it is an event venue, it can be performed as a part of the service of the event.

Then, the content distribution system 1 of the present embodiment
In the service 0 and the service 8, these services can be received simply by carrying a portable device that can be connected to the system 10 via the Internet 1. Therefore, PD
A mobile phone such as A can receive the service of this example, but the most popular terminal is a mobile phone,
By accessing the Internet via a public telephone network or a packet communication service, if the vending machine 30 connected to the content distribution system 10 by the Internet or the like is installed,
A printout of the desired content can be obtained anytime and anywhere. In addition, the content distribution system 10
Can be distributed on the Internet, and if the connection is automatically switched to the server that is most suitable for receiving the service from the server to which the user 90 is registered, the user can A content distribution service can be received in a seamless state.

As described above, in the content distribution service system 8 of the present example, the content selected by the user can be printed out from the vending machine (including a free output device) selected by the user. Therefore, if the user has an information terminal that can be easily carried around, such as a mobile phone, and connected to the Internet, a high-resolution, wide-area, easy-to-view printout can be obtained anytime, anywhere. You can enjoy. The system that performs the process of distributing the content list described above is mainly constructed inside the content distribution server 16 of the content distribution system 10 and includes an instruction capable of executing each of the steps outlined in the above flowchart. The program can be provided by being recorded on an appropriate recording medium readable by a computer (server) such as a magnetic disk and a CD-ROM. Further, in the server system 10, it can be stored in a storage device together with other programs and the like, and can be downloaded to an appropriate machine and executed.

In the above description, the present invention has been described based on the service of distributing content using a printer as output means or recording means, but the means for outputting or recording content is not limited to a printer.
For example, if the content is music or a movie, a CD-ROM, a DVD-R, a memory stick, or the like can be recorded and output instead of a recording sheet as a recording medium. Further, if there is a problem in terms of time or memory in directly downloading a large amount of data from the network to the mobile phone, the data is downloaded to the vending machine 30 in advance, and the downloaded data is transmitted to an appropriate short-range communication. It is also possible to provide a service of downloading to a mobile phone or another recording medium.

[0066]

As described above, according to the content distribution method of the present invention, a content such as a vending machine connected to a network is recorded on a recording medium, and an output device capable of outputting the content is selected. Thus, the content can be output from the output device using a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. Therefore, a content, for example, an image that cannot provide a satisfactory output result on a mobile information terminal such as a mobile phone can be obtained in a state of being printed on paper, and the advantage as paper information can be obtained. In other words, it is easy to see high resolution and easy to see over a wide range.Furthermore, when storing, contents that can be folded and easily put in pockets etc. Available at the location. Since a portable terminal such as a mobile phone can be used as a user interface for distributing contents, services can be received anytime and anywhere with a uniform user interface, and it is easy to use. It is also possible to combine with an additional service such as distributing a content list related to the content printed out on the mobile phone.

As described above, the content distribution service system of the present invention can output contents in the best condition, but automatically sells a mechanism that is less portable or economical in terms of moving or introduction costs. Machine or other portable fixed output device,
On the other hand, by combining a mobile terminal that can easily obtain the latest content but cannot output the content in an optimal state due to the portable hardware such as the screen, the content that takes advantage of both and complements the disadvantages Delivery service can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a content distribution service system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content distribution system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic function of a vending machine for printing out contents.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vending machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing in the content distribution system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing in a vending machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of printout in a vending machine.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a menu for selecting a content and a vending machine.

FIG. 9 is an example of a printout, showing a map.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content list distributed to a mobile phone together with the printout of FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Internet 3 Public telephone network 5 Mobile phone 6 Printed map 7 WWW server 8 Content distribution service system 9 Vending machine management system 10 Content distribution system 12 Authentication and billing server 13 Map database 14 Vending machine database 15 Content database 16 Content distribution server 17 Vending machine selection Engine 18 Content selection engine 19 Print information creation and distribution engine 20 Content list distribution engine 30 Vending machine (vending machine, vending machine) 31 PHS unit 32 Article sample display section 33 Bill insertion slot 34 Coin insertion port 35 Change take-out port 36 Article take-out port 37 guidance display (LCD) 38 selection switch 39 speaker 40 print data outlet 41 PHS system 42 interface 43 discriminator 44 Content recording unit 45 Product management unit 46 Content output unit 47 Vending machine

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 506 G06F 17/60 506 13/00 547 13/00 547V 17/30 110 17/30 110F 360 360Z H04M 11/08 H04M 11/08

Claims (43)

[Claims] Claims 1. A content recorded directly or indirectly from a computer network is recorded on a recording medium,
A portable terminal accesses a content distribution server connected directly or indirectly by a computer network to a plurality of output devices capable of outputting the recorded content by the recording medium or different media,
Selecting the content and the output device that outputs the content, and the content distribution server distributing the selected content to the selected output device together with identification information that can identify a user of the mobile terminal. And a step of specifying the identification information from the selected output device to obtain the selected content. 2. The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is information for identifying the mobile terminal. 3. The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein in the obtaining step, the selected content can be obtained after the selected output device confirms payment. 4. The content distribution method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of returning output information to the content distribution server when the selected content is output in the obtaining step. 5. The content distribution method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of charging based on the output information. 6. Recording a content directly or indirectly distributed from a computer network on a recording medium,
A content distribution server connected directly or indirectly by a computer network to a plurality of output devices capable of outputting the recorded content by the recording medium or different media, wherein the mobile device outputs the output device and the output device. A content distribution server comprising: means for selecting content to be output; and means for distributing the selected content to the selected output device together with identification information capable of identifying a user of the mobile terminal. 7. The content distribution server according to claim 6, wherein the identification information is information for identifying the mobile terminal. 8. The content distribution server according to claim 6, further comprising means for charging when receiving the information that the selected content is output from the output device. 9. Recording a content directly or indirectly distributed from a computer network on a recording medium,
A method of directly or indirectly distributing the content by a computer network to a plurality of output devices capable of outputting the recorded content by the recording medium or different media, wherein the mobile device outputs the content and the output device. A content distribution method, comprising: selecting content to be output; and distributing the selected content to the selected output device together with identification information capable of identifying a user of the mobile terminal. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the identification information is:
A content distribution method, which is information for identifying the mobile terminal. 11. The content distribution method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of charging when receiving information indicating that the selected content is output from the output device. 12. A means for recording a content directly or indirectly distributed from a computer network on a recording medium, a means for outputting the recorded content on a recorded recording medium or a different medium, and a distribution with the content. A content output device having an interface capable of selecting content output from the output unit based on the identified user identification information. 13. The content output device according to claim 12, wherein the identification information is information for identifying the mobile terminal. 14. The content output device according to claim 12, wherein the recording unit is a unit capable of recording and reproducing, and the output unit is a printer. 15. The content output device according to claim 12, wherein the recording unit is a printer, and the output unit is a unit for discharging a printout. 16. The content output apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the interface includes a means for displaying the content recorded in the recording means or information indicating the content together with the identification information. 17. The recorded content according to claim 12, wherein the interface displays content recorded in the recording unit or information indicating the content, inputting the identification information, and the recorded content. And a means for outputting the content by the output means when the identification information matching the input is input. 18. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: means for confirming payment of the value; and after the payment corresponding to the recorded content is confirmed, the recorded content can be output by the output means. And a means for performing the content output. 19. The content output device according to claim 12, further comprising means for transmitting information indicating the content output by said output means to a distribution source or a billing server. 20. The content output device according to claim 12, further comprising means for transmitting the information to a distribution source or a billing server when a predetermined period has elapsed after being recorded by the recording means. 21. A system according to claim 12, wherein a mechanism for automatically selling the merchandise, a means for communicating with a system for managing the mechanism for automatically selling the goods, a means for communicating with the system for managing the goods and distributing the content. A content output device comprising: 22. The content output device according to claim 21, further comprising means for transmitting management information of said recording means or said output means to said managing system. 23. Recording a content directly or indirectly distributed from a computer network on a recording medium, outputting the recorded content on a recorded recording medium or a different medium, and distributing the content together with the content. Selecting the content to be output in the outputting step based on the identified user identification information. 24. The content output method according to claim 23, wherein the identification information is information for identifying the portable terminal. 25. The content output method according to claim 23, wherein in the recording step, the content can be recorded and reproduced, and in the outputting step, the selected content is printed out. 26. The content output method according to claim 23, wherein in the recording step, the content is printed out, and in the outputting step, the printout of the selected content is discharged. 27. The content output method according to claim 23, wherein the selecting step includes a step of displaying the content recorded in the recording step or information indicating the content together with the identification information. 28. The method according to claim 23, wherein the selecting step includes a step of displaying content recorded in the recording step or information indicating the content, and a step of inputting the identification information. In the outputting step, when the identification information matching the recorded content is input, the content is output. 29. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of confirming payment of the consideration, and in the outputting step, after the payment corresponding to the recorded content is confirmed, the recorded content is deleted. Content output method to output. 30. The content output method according to claim 23, further comprising transmitting information indicating the content output in the output step to a distribution source or a billing server. 31. The content output method according to claim 23, further comprising a step of transmitting the information to a distribution source or a billing server when a predetermined period has elapsed after the recording in the recording step. 32. The content output method according to claim 23, further comprising: communicating with a system that manages a mechanism for automatically selling products; and communicating with the system that manages the product and determining distribution of the content. 33. The content output method according to claim 23, further comprising a step of transmitting management information of a mechanism or a consumable used in the recording step or the outputting step to the managing system. 34. recording a content directly or indirectly distributed from a computer network on a recording medium, outputting the recorded content on a recorded recording medium or a different medium, and distributing the content together with the content. And a step of selecting a content to be output in the step of outputting based on the identification information of the user. 35. The content output program according to claim 34, wherein in the recording step, the content is recorded / reproduced, and in the output step, the content output program further having an instruction to print out the selected content is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 36. The content output program according to claim 34, wherein in the recording step, the content is printed out, and in the output step, the content output program further having an instruction to discharge the printout of the selected content is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium. 37. The content output according to claim 34, further comprising an instruction capable of executing a step of displaying the content recorded in the recording step or information indicating the content together with the identification information in the selecting step. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded. 38. The command according to claim 34, wherein in the selecting step, the step of displaying the content recorded in the recording step or information indicating the content, and the step of inputting the identification information are executed. In the outputting step, when the identification information matching the recorded content is input, the content output program further having an instruction to output the content is recorded. Characteristic computer-readable recording medium. 39. The method according to claim 34, further comprising an instruction capable of executing a step of confirming payment of the consideration, further comprising: in the outputting step, after confirming payment corresponding to the recorded content, A computer-readable recording medium on which the content output program further having an instruction to output the recorded content is recorded. 40. The content output program according to claim 34, further comprising an instruction capable of executing a step of transmitting information indicating the content output in the outputting step to a distribution source or a billing server. A computer-readable recording medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 41. The content output program according to claim 34, further comprising an instruction capable of executing a step of transmitting the information to a distribution source or a charging server when a predetermined period has elapsed after being recorded in the recording step. A computer-readable recording medium characterized by being recorded. 42. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of: communicating with a system that manages a mechanism for automatically selling products; and executing instructions for communicating with the system that manages the product and determining whether to distribute the content. A computer-readable recording medium further recording the content output program. 43. The apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising an instruction capable of executing, to the managing system, a step of transmitting management information of a mechanism or a consumable used in the recording step or the outputting step. A computer-readable recording medium on which a content output program is recorded.