JP2002041457A - Contents-reproducing device, and server device for realizing the contents-reproducing device, relay server device and program recording medium for contents reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contents reproducing device capable of realizing a device configuration that is inexpensive and small-sized. SOLUTION: Encapsulated information, needed for reproducing and controlling contents data, is received and stored. When the stored encapsulated information is designated and a reproduction request is issued, the reproduction request is authenticated by using the designated encapsulated information; and contents data defined with the encapsulated information designated by the authenticated reproduction request are obtained and reproduced in a stream format. Since the contents data can be reproduced simply by storing a small data quantity of encapsulated information, without having to store the substance of the contents data in accordance with this configuration, the contents-reproducing device that is inexpensive and small-sized can be realized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content reproducing apparatus realizing an inexpensive and compact apparatus configuration, a server apparatus and a relay server apparatus used for realizing the content reproducing apparatus, and realizing the content reproducing apparatus. The present invention relates to a program recording medium for a content reproduction device used for a program.

[0002] There is a content reproducing apparatus for reproducing content data such as a music source using a wireless technology. Since such a content reproduction device is portable,
It is necessary to reduce the size and cost.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional content reproducing apparatus uses a method in which content data is stored in a storage in the apparatus and reproduced using software for reproduction.

[0004] In recent years, online content data distribution systems have also been developed, but even in such a case, the content data is downloaded to a storage in the apparatus via a network, and the downloaded content data is reproduced using playback software. We use the method of playing back.

[0005]

However, according to such prior art, there is a problem that the content reproducing apparatus cannot be made inexpensive and small.

That is, according to the conventional content reproducing apparatus, a storage for storing the content data is required, and therefore, an inexpensive and compact apparatus configuration cannot be realized.

[0007] This problem of the prior art becomes particularly serious when handling contents such as moving images that require a large-capacity storage, or when implementing a portable content reproducing apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a new content reproducing apparatus realizing an inexpensive and small apparatus configuration, and a new server used for realizing the content reproducing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a relay server apparatus, and to provide a new program recording medium for a content reproducing apparatus used for realizing the content reproducing apparatus.

[0009]

In order to achieve this object, a content reproducing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a receiving means for receiving and holding encapsulated information necessary for controlling reproduction of content data; Means for authenticating a playback request using the specified encapsulation information when a playback request is issued by specifying the encryption information, and content specified by the encapsulation information specified by the authenticated playback request And a reproducing means for obtaining data and reproducing the data in a stream format.

Here, the functions of the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention are specifically realized by a program, and the program is stored in an appropriate recording medium such as a computer-readable semiconductor memory. Can be.

[0011] In the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, when the user designates one of the encapsulation information received by the receiving means and issues a reproduction request, the authentication means Authenticates the playback request using the specified encapsulation information. Then, when the reproducing request is authenticated by the authenticating means, the reproducing means obtains the content data specified by the encapsulation information specified by the reproducing request from a relay server device described later or the like, and converts it into a stream format. Reproduce.

As described above, the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention does not store the entity of the content data, but stores only the encapsulated information necessary for controlling the reproduction of the content data. Since the content data of the playback request is determined and authenticated using the encapsulation information, and the content data is obtained and processed to be played back in a stream format, there is no need to prepare storage. Thus, an inexpensive and compact device configuration can be realized.

[0013] In order to realize the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention, a server apparatus of the present invention serving as a transmission source of content data is provided between the server apparatus of the present invention and the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention. A relay server device of the present invention connected to a server device of the present invention via a network is prepared.

[0014] The server device of the present invention is provided to the content reproducing device of the present invention via the relay server device of the present invention.
First to transmit a list of content data to be distributed
Transmission means, generation means for generating encapsulated information required for content data reproduction control, and content data requested for distribution and encapsulation information required for reproduction control thereof. And a second transmitting means for transmitting to the relay server device of the present invention.

On the other hand, the relay server device of the present invention receives, from the server device of the present invention, content data and encapsulated information necessary for controlling reproduction of the content data transmitted in association with the content data. Executing means for separating received content data and encapsulation information, storing the separated content data in a storage device, and transmitting the separated encapsulation information to the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention. And transmitting means for reading out the requested content data from the storage device used for storing the content data and transmitting the read content data to the content reproducing device of the present invention when there is a request for reproducing the content data from the content reproducing device of the present invention. It comprises so that it may be provided.

Here, the functions of the server device and the relay server device of the present invention are specifically realized by a program, and the program is stored in an appropriate recording medium such as a computer-readable semiconductor memory. Can be stored.

In response to the server device and the relay server device of the present invention configured as described above, the content reproduction device of the present invention obtains a list of content data to be distributed from the server device of the present invention, In response to the instruction from the server, by selecting content data desired to be distributed from the request, a content data distribution request is issued to the server device of the present invention.

In response to this, the server device of the present invention transmits the content data requested to be distributed and the encapsulation information necessary for its reproduction control to the relay server device of the present invention while associating them. .

In response, the relay server apparatus of the present invention receives and separates the transmitted content data and the encapsulated information, stores the separated content data in the storage device, and The encapsulated information is transmitted to the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

[0020] In response to this, the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention stores the transmitted encapsulation information. Then, in response to an instruction from the user, a reproduction request for content data is issued using the encapsulation information.

[0021] In response, the relay server device of the present invention reads the content data requested to be reproduced from the storage device and transmits it to the content reproducing device of the present invention.

In response, the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention reproduces the transmitted content data in a stream format.

As described above, according to the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the content data can be reproduced only by holding the encapsulated information having a small data amount without storing the substance of the content data. As a result, an inexpensive and small content reproducing apparatus can be realized.

Further, according to the content reproducing apparatus of the present invention, it is not necessary to go to the server apparatus connected via the network to retrieve the content data every time this is realized. It can be minimized.

When employing this configuration, the server apparatus of the present invention employs a configuration in which the encapsulated information is embedded in the content data by using a digital watermark or the like, and the generated encapsulated information and the encapsulated information are embedded. The content data may be transmitted to the relay server device of the present invention while taking the correspondence into account.

With this configuration, when the content data is illegally used, the unauthorized use can be detected according to the encapsulation information embedded in the content data. Can be prevented.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a content distribution system having the present invention, and reference numeral 2 denotes a content reproducing system having the present invention.

The content distribution system 1 includes a content server 10 for managing content data such as music, and data necessary for reproduction control embedded in the content data using a technique such as an electronic watermark. A watermark encoder 11 for performing processing such as encrypting content data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a content capsule) or embedded content data, a charging server 12 for performing charging processing for content data, And a distribution server 13 for performing a process of transmitting to the content reproduction system 2.

On the other hand, the content reproduction system 2 develops content data reproduction software and performs a content data reproduction process on a client 20 such as a mobile phone, and the content data transmitted from the content distribution system 1. And a local server 21 configured by a home server, a telephone company server, or the like that performs a process of receiving the request and providing it to the client 20.

Here, the functions of the content distribution system 1, the functions of the local server 21, and the functions of the client 20 are realized by programs, and these programs are computer-readable semiconductor memories. And the like can be stored in a suitable recording medium.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the data structure of the content capsule.

The content capsule is generated in association with the content data and records data necessary for controlling the reproduction of the content data to be paired. For example, as shown in FIG. Information (content specifying information) such as a URL indicating a location;
Information related to content data such as titles (content information), information related to the delivery date of the content data, distribution route, distribution destination client, etc. (distribution information), and information related to content data authentication and charging (authentication information ) And information on usage (such as purchase, rental, or audition), the number of uses, and the validity period (usage information). And information (security information) related to security information such as copy information.

Here, the encryption key for decrypting the encrypted content data may be managed by a content capsule. However, in order to enhance security, the content distribution system 1 uses the content reproduction system. A configuration may be adopted in which negotiation is performed with the system 2 (client 20) and the negotiation is performed with the client 20.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a processing flow executed by the content distribution system 1 to realize the present invention.
4 and 5 show an embodiment of a processing flow executed by the local server 21 to realize the present invention, and FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a processing flow executed by the client 20 to realize the present invention. The example of a form is illustrated.

Next, the present invention will be described in detail according to these processing flows. First, the processing executed by the content distribution system 1 will be described according to the processing flow of FIG.

When the content distribution system 1 issues a content data distribution request from the client 20 via the local server 21, the content distribution system 1 first determines the distribution target in step 1 as shown in the processing flow of FIG. Then, in step 2, a response to the transmission of the content data list is received.

That is, as described later, when the client 20 obtains the list of content data, the client 20 selects (or may select a plurality of) content data desired to be distributed and issues a distribution request. Then, it receives the identifier information of the content data desired to be distributed.

Subsequently, in step 3, the client 20
According to the response received from the server, the content data (there may be a plurality) of the distribution request is specified.

Subsequently, in step 4, a content capsule having the data structure as described above is generated in association with the specified content data. At this time, information such as how to use (whether to purchase, rent, or audition the content data) is processed so as to be obtained from the client 20 as necessary.

Then, in step 5, using the watermark encoder 11, the digital watermarking technique is used.
The generated content capsule is embedded in the paired content data. Since the content capsule embedded in the content data is embedded by a digital watermark technique or the like, it has a property that it is not falsified.

When the content capsule is embedded in this manner, when reproducing the content data, the content capsule embedded in the content data is used to determine whether or not the reproduction request has valid authority. Can be checked, thereby preventing illegal use of the content data.

Subsequently, in step 6, the content data in which the content capsule is embedded is encrypted, and the content capsule itself is encrypted. Subsequently, in step 7, the client that issued the distribution request while associating the encrypted content data (in which the content capsule is embedded) with the encrypted content capsule using the distribution server 13 20
To the local server 21 to which this belongs.

Subsequently, in step 8, a response to the transmission of the content data is received from the local server 21 of the transmission destination. That is, as described later, when the local server 21 receives the pair data of the content data and the content capsule from the content distribution system 1, the local server 21 replies that the reception was successful, and thus receives this reply. .

Subsequently, at step 9, the local server 2
When 1 receives the content data successfully, it instructs the charging server 12 to perform a charging process on the transmitted content data. In response to this instruction, the accounting server 12 performs accounting by generating accounting data for the user who issued the content data distribution request and transmitting the generated accounting data to the computer of the financial institution.

Subsequently, at step 10, the accounting server 12
Is transmitted to the local server 21 to which the content data is to be transmitted. In the subsequent step 11, if the accounting process by the accounting server 12 is successful, the transmitted content capsule (encryption) is transmitted. Is saved, and the process is terminated.

As described above, when the content data distribution request is issued from the client 20, the content distribution system 1 generates a content capsule having the above-described data structure in association with the content data of the distribution request. Then, after embedding it in the content data, the content data in which the content capsule is embedded and the content capsule are encrypted and transmitted to the local server 21 to which the client 20 belongs while taking the two correspondences. Process it.

When adopting this configuration, as described above,
Since the configuration is such that the charging process for the content data is performed on the condition that the reception of the content data is successful, a proper charging process can be realized.

Although not described in the processing flow of FIG. 3,
The content distribution system 1 uses the content capsule (the content capsule transmitted to the local server 21) stored in step 11 of the processing flow of FIG. 3 to check whether or not the client 20 has illegally used the content data. I do.

As described above, the use authority information of the content data is recorded in the content capsule. From now on, the content distribution system 1
By collecting the usage information of No. 0 and comparing it with the data of the content capsule storing the usage information, it is possible to check whether or not the client 20 has illegally used the content data. From now on, the content distribution system 1 performs this check processing when connected to the content reproduction system 2, for example.

Next, the processing executed by the local server 21 will be described with reference to the processing flows of FIGS. Here, the processing flow of FIG. 4 is a processing flow executed when data is sent from the content distribution system 1, and the processing flow of FIG. 5 is executed when data is sent from the client 20. It is a processing flow.

When data is sent from the content distribution system 1, the local server 21 first checks in step 1 whether the received data is a list of content data, as shown in the processing flow of FIG. When it is determined whether or not the content data is a list of content data, the process proceeds to step 2 where the transmitted content data list is transmitted to the client 20 under its control.
The process ends.

That is, the content distribution system 1
As described above, when a distribution request for content data is issued from the client 20, a list of content data to be distributed is transmitted first. When the list of content data is received, the 20 so as to be transmitted.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 1 that the received data is not a list of content data, the process proceeds to step 3 to determine whether the received data is paired data of content data and content capsule. , When determining that the paired data has been received,
Proceeding to step 4, the content distribution system 1 is notified that the corresponding data has been received, and the process ends.

That is, the content distribution system 1
As described above, in response to the content data distribution request from the client 20, the encrypted content data and the encrypted content capsule are transmitted while corresponding to each other, so that the pair data is received. At times, they respond.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 3 that the received data is not the paired data of the content data and the content capsule, the flow advances to step 5 to determine whether the received data is a notification of the accounting processing result. .

When it is determined that the received data is a billing processing result notification by this determination processing, step 6
If it is a billing success notification, the content data and the content capsule received in step 4 are separated (the content capsule is separated from the paired data of the content data and the content capsule), and the separated content The data (in which the content capsule is embedded) is stored in a storage device (not shown), and the separated content capsule is transmitted to the client 20. On the other hand, if it is a charge failure notification, the content received in step 4 Erasing the data and the content capsule, and notifying the client 20 that the delivery of the content data is impossible,
The process ends.

That is, the content distribution system 1
As described above, the charging process is performed on the transmitted content data, and the success / failure of the charging process is notified. Therefore, the process according to the content of the notification is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5 that the received data is not the notification of the billing process result, the process proceeds to step 7, where a process corresponding to the received data is executed, and the process ends.

As described above, the local server 21
Upon receiving the paired data of the encrypted content data and the content capsule from the content distribution system 1, the received content data and the content capsule are separated on the condition that the charging process for the content data is performed. Then, the separated content data is stored, and the separated content capsule is processed to be transmitted to the client 20.

On the other hand, when data is sent from the client 20, the local server 21 first receives the content data as a content data distribution request in step 1 as shown in the processing flow of FIG. When it is determined whether or not the request is a content data distribution request, the process proceeds to step 2, where the content data distribution request is transmitted to the content distribution system 1.

In response to the content data distribution request, as described above, the content distribution system 1 transmits a list of content data to be distributed, and in response, the local server 21 transmits the list of the content data. Processing is performed so that the list is transmitted to the client 20.

As will be described later, the client 20 receives the list of content data, selects content data desired to be distributed, and issues a distribution request in response to an instruction from the user.

If it is determined in step 1 that the received data is not a content data distribution request, the process proceeds to step 3 where the received data is transmitted in response to a distribution request content notification instruction returned in response to the content data list. When it is determined whether there is a distribution request content notification instruction or not, the process proceeds to step 4 and in response to the notification, identifier information of the content data of the distribution request is transmitted to the content distribution system 1. Send.

In response to the transmission processing of the content data identifier information of the distribution request, as described above, the content distribution system 1 transmits the paired data of the content data and the content capsule, and receives The processing unit 21 separates the transmitted content data and the content capsule, stores the separated content data, and transmits the separated content capsule to the client 20.

As will be described later, the client 20 receives the transmission of the content capsule, determines the content data to be reproduced by interacting with the user using the content capsule, and determines the content data to be associated with the content data. A content data reproduction request is issued by designating the content specifying information managed by the capsule.

When it is determined in step 3 that the received data is not a distribution request content notification instruction returned in response to the content data list, the process proceeds to step 5 where the received data is a content data reproduction request. When it is determined whether or not there is a request to reproduce the content data, the process proceeds to step 6 where the content data requested to be reproduced is read out of the stored content data,
And ends the processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 5 that the received data is not a request for reproducing the content data,
Proceeding to step 7, execute processing according to the received data, and end the processing.

As described above, the local server 21
When a request for reproducing content data is issued from the client 20 using the content capsule, the content data requested to be reproduced is read out of the stored content data and processed so as to be transmitted to the client 20. is there.

Next, the processing executed by the client 20 will be described with reference to the processing flows of FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, the processing flow of FIG.
7 is a processing flow executed when data is sent from the user, and the processing flow of FIG. 7 is a processing flow executed when a processing request is issued from the user.

The client 20 is connected to the local server 21
As shown in the processing flow of FIG. 6, first, at step 1, it is determined whether or not the received data is a list of the content data, and the data is sent to the content data list. When judging that there is,
Proceeding to step 2, present the list of transmitted content data to the user, and in step 3, interact with the user to select the content data of the distribution request from the list of content data. Is notified to the local server 21 and the process is terminated.

In response to the notification, as described above, the local server 21 transmits the identifier information of the content data of the distribution request to the content distribution system 1 so that the content data of the distribution request and the content capsule are transmitted. Processing is performed so as to receive the paired data and transmit the content capsule therein to the client 20.

From now on, when it is determined in step 1 that the received data is not a list of content data,
Proceeding to step 4, it is determined whether or not the received data is a content capsule. When it is determined that the received data is a content capsule, the process proceeds to step 5, where the sent content capsule is held and the processing is performed. finish.

As will be described later, when there is a content data reproduction request from the user, the client 20 selects the content data requested to be reproduced by using the held content capsule, and selects the selected content data. Issues a content server playback request to the local server 21 in accordance with the content capsule data associated with the content capsule.

In response to the content data reproduction request, the local server 21 reads out the content data requested to be reproduced from the stored content data and transmits the content data to the client 20, as described above. To process.

When it is determined in step 4 that the received data is not a content capsule, the process proceeds to step 6, where it is determined whether the received data is content data, and it is determined that the received data is content data. In some cases, the process proceeds to step 7, where the transmitted content data is reproduced in a stream format, and the process ends.

As described above, the encryption key (encryption key required for decrypting the encrypted content data) required for the reproduction processing is recorded in the content capsule or the content distribution system 1. Get by negotiating between.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 6 that the received data is not content data, the process proceeds to step 8
Then, the process according to the received data is executed, and the process is terminated.

In this way, when content data is sent from the local server 21 in response to a content data playback request, the client 20 plays back the content data in a stream format without using storage. Processing is performed to reproduce the content data.

On the other hand, when a processing request is issued from a user, the client 20 first receives a content data distribution request in step 1 as shown in the processing flow of FIG. If it is determined that the request is a content data distribution request, the process proceeds to step 2, where the content data distribution request is transmitted to the local server 21.

According to the content data distribution request, as described above, the client 20 receives the list of content data to be distributed, selects the content data of the distribution request from the list, and requests the distribution. As a result, the content capsule of the content data of the distribution request is obtained, and the content capsule is processed so as to be held.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1 that the processing request from the user is not a content data distribution request, the process proceeds to step 3 to determine whether the processing request from the user is a content data reproduction request. When it is determined that the content data is to be reproduced, the process proceeds to step 4, where the content of the content capsule thus held is presented to the user, and the content data to be reproduced is displayed. decide.

That is, as described above, since information about content data such as a title is recorded in the content capsule, the content data to be reproduced is determined by presenting the content.

Subsequently, in step 5, the reproduction request from the user is authenticated by using the content capsule data of the determined content data.

That is, in the content capsule, FIG.
The data as shown in the table below is used to determine whether it is a legitimate distribution destination, whether it is a legitimate user, whether it is a legitimate usage method, The reproduction request from the user is authenticated by checking whether the number of times of use has been reached or not, and whether or not the time has entered the regular use period.

At this time, data that needs to be updated, such as the number of uses recorded in the content capsule, is processed so as to be updated in response to a reproduction request. In addition, by deleting content capsules of content data that has become unusable because the number of uses exceeds the upper limit, etc.,
Processing is performed so that the content data is not reproduced.

Further, by instructing the local server 21 when performing this content capsule erasing process,
In some cases, processing is performed such that the unusable content data stored in the local server 21 is deleted or concealed. If the content data is concealed without being erased, there is an advantage that the content data can be reproduced by acquiring only the content capsule from the content distribution system 1 thereafter.

Subsequently, in step 6, it is determined whether or not the reproduction request having the right authority has been authenticated in accordance with the authentication processing, and if it is determined that the reproduction request has the right authority, the process proceeds to step 7 And issues a content data transmission request for a reproduction request to the local server 21 using the data of the content capsule,
The process ends.

That is, since the information for specifying the content data is recorded in the content capsule, the content capsule is designated and a transmission request of the content data of the reproduction request is issued to the local server 21. .

In accordance with the content data transmission request, as described above, the local server 21 transmits the content data of the reproduction request.
In the case of No. 0, the received content data of the reproduction request is received and processed so as to be reproduced in a stream format.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 6 that the request is not a reproduction request having a valid authority, the process proceeds to step 8 and outputs a message indicating that reproduction is impossible to the user, and ends the processing. If it is determined in step 3 that the request from the user is not a request for reproducing the content data, the process proceeds to step 9, where a process corresponding to the request from the user is executed, and the process ends.

As described above, the client 20 executes the processing flow of FIG. 7 so that when the reproduction request from the user has a valid authority, the local server 21
The content data to be reproduced is determined using the content capsule obtained from
1 is processed so as to issue a transmission request for the content data.

Then, the client 20 receives the content data of the reproduction request transmitted in response to the transmission request of the content data according to the process of step 7 of the processing flow of FIG. 6, and reproduces the content data in the stream format. Is processed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, content data A to N are stored in the local server 21 in response to a content data distribution request from the user, and correspondingly, the content capsule A is stored in the client 20. ~ N
When the user issues a request to reproduce the content data K pointed to by the content capsule K, the client 20 obtains the content data K from the local server 21 using the data of the content capsule K. , So that it is reproduced in a stream format.

According to this configuration, the client 20
Content data can be played back simply by holding a content capsule with a small amount of data that functions as an index without storing the entity of the content data, and a content distribution system that is connected via a network each time First, it is not necessary to go to get content data.

Since the data of the content capsule is embedded in the content data using a technique such as digital watermarking, only the content data is obtained.
Even if an attempt is made to use it illegally (for example, to copy it illegally), it is possible to detect the illegal use according to the data of the embedded content capsule, thereby preventing the illegal use. Becomes possible.

Next, an example of processing up to reproduction of content data according to the processing procedures a to u shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The user issues a content data browsing request from the client 20 to the local server 21 (procedure a), whereby the content data browsing request is sent from the local server 21 via the distribution server 13 (processing procedure a). Procedure b) is sent to the content server 10 (processing procedure c).

Upon receiving the browsing request, the content server 10 returns a list of content data to the distribution server 13 (procedure d), whereby the list of content data is transmitted from the distribution server 13 to the local server 21. (Procedure e) and the client 2
0 is returned (procedure f).

Upon receiving this list, the user selects content data (there may be a plurality) of the distribution request from the list, and performs an action (such as handling purchase, rental, and trial listening) on the content data. In response to this, the client 20 transmits the selected content data and the information of the action to the local server 2.
1 (processing procedure g), and is transmitted to the distribution server 13 as a distribution request request (processing procedure h).

Upon receiving this request, the distribution server 13 analyzes the request received from the client 20, requests the specified content data from the content server 10 (procedure i), and transmits the data of the content capsule to the water. It is sent to the mark encoder 11 (processing procedure j).

Upon receiving this request, the watermark encoder 11 receives the content data from the content server 10 (procedure k), and sends it to the distribution server 1.
In addition to combining and encrypting the data of the content capsule received from 3 and encrypting the data of the content capsule separately, the data is transmitted to the distribution server 13 (processing procedure 1).

Upon receiving the encrypted content data and the content capsule, the distribution server 13 sends them to the local server 21 (procedure m), and the local server 21 receives the encrypted content data and the content capsule. Upon completion, a reception completion notification is returned to the distribution server 13 (processing procedure n).

Upon receiving the receipt completion notification, distribution server 13 sends the billing information to billing server 12 and requests billing processing (procedure o). The accounting process is performed based on the accounting information received from the server 13, and when the accounting process is completed, the completion of the accounting is notified to the distribution server 13 (processing procedure p).

Upon receiving the accounting completion notification, distribution server 13 issues a distribution request for the content data transmitted in processing procedure m to local server 21 (processing procedure q). At this time, in order to make it possible to check for unauthorized use of the content data, the distribution server 13 stores a content capsule associated with the content data requested to be distributed.

Upon receiving the distribution request, the local server 21 separates the content data received from the distribution server 13 from the content capsule, stores the separated content data in a storage device (not shown), and The content capsule is sent to the client 20 (procedure r).

[0108] In response to this, the client 20 holds the content capsule sent from the local server 21. When the content capsule to be reproduced is determined by interacting with the user using the content capsule as an index, the local server 21 is requested to supply the content data in accordance with the content capsule data (processing procedure t). I do.

Upon receiving this request, the local server 2
1 reads out the content data requested to be reproduced from the stored content data and sends it to the client 20 (procedure u).

In response to this, the client 20 reproduces the content data requested by the user by reproducing the transmitted content data in a stream format.

Thus, the client 20 can reproduce the content data requested by the user without using the storage.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
In the embodiment, the method of generating a content capsule when there is a distribution request of content data is used. However, it is also possible to use a method of generating a content capsule in advance before a distribution request of content data. is there.

[0113]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The content data can be reproduced only by holding a small amount of index information without storing the entity of the content data. As a result, an inexpensive and small content reproducing apparatus can be realized.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, in realizing this, it is not necessary to go to the server device connected via the network each time to obtain the content data, so that the communication processing is minimized. Will be able to do it.

According to the present invention, in realizing this, by embedding information necessary for reproduction control of the content data into the content data using a digital watermark or the like, it is possible to prevent illegal use of the content data. Become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of an embodiment of a data structure of a content capsule.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a processing flow executed by the content distribution system.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a local server.

FIG. 5 is an example of a processing flow executed by a local server.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a processing flow executed by a client.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a processing flow executed by a client;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a content data reproducing process according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Content distribution system 2 Content reproduction system 10 Content server 11 Watermark encoder 12 Billing server 13 Distribution server 20 Client 21 Local server

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving and holding encapsulated information necessary for content data reproduction control, and when a reproduction request is issued by designating the encapsulated information, An authentication unit for authenticating the reproduction request using the encapsulation information; and a reproduction unit for obtaining content data specified by the encapsulation information specified by the authenticated reproduction request and reproducing the content data in a stream format. And a content reproducing apparatus characterized by comprising: 2. The content reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said encapsulation information required for reproduction control is embedded in content data. 3. A first transmission unit for transmitting a list of content data to be distributed to a distribution request source, and a generation unit for generating encapsulated information necessary for controlling reproduction of the content data. And a second transmission unit that transmits the content data for which distribution is requested and the above-mentioned encapsulation information required for reproduction control thereof to a distribution request source while associating them. 4. The server device according to claim 3, further comprising: an embedding unit that embeds the encapsulation information necessary for reproduction control of the content data requested to be distributed, and wherein the second transmitting unit includes: A server device, characterized in that encapsulation information and content data in which the information is embedded are transmitted to a distribution request source while taking correspondence therebetween. 5. Receiving means for receiving content data and encapsulated information required for controlling reproduction of the content data transmitted in association with the content data, the received content data and the encapsulated information Executing means for storing the separated content data in the storage device and transmitting the separated encapsulated information to the content reproduction device; and when there is a content data reproduction request from the content reproduction device. Transmission means for reading content data requested to be reproduced from the storage device and transmitting the data to the content reproduction device. 6. The relay server device according to claim 5, wherein the encapsulation information required for reproduction control of the content data is embedded in the content data. 7. A process for receiving and holding encapsulated information necessary for content data playback control, and when a playback request is issued by designating the encapsulated information, A computer that performs a process of authenticating the reproduction request using the encapsulation information, and a process of obtaining content data specified by the encapsulation information specified by the authenticated reproduction request and reproducing the content data in a stream format A program recording medium for a content reproduction device, characterized by recording a program to be executed by a computer.