JP2002108351A - Device and method for music data distribution and computer-readable recording medium stored with music data distributing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically distribute music data matching the taste and behavior of a user. SOLUTION: This device is equipped with a distribution history database which stores as music data distribution history information the genre of music data distributed in the past, the reception places of the music data, and a user's evaluation value to the music data, a music database which stores pieces of music data by genres, a means which obtains current position information on the user, a means which selects music data to be distributed from the music database according to the current position information on the user and the distribution history information, and a means which sends the selected music data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a music data distribution apparatus for distributing music data using an electronic network,
Regarding a music data distribution method and a computer-readable recording medium storing a music data distribution program,
In particular, by automatically determining the music data to be distributed to the user with reference to the current position information of the user, the genre of music data distributed in the past, the receiving location, and the user's evaluation value for the music data, The present invention relates to a technology that enables automatic distribution of music data that matches user's actions and preferences.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the rapid progress of network communication technology in recent years, there have been provided many music data distribution services in which a music data distribution server storing a large number of digital music data distributes music data to users. It became so.

In such a music data distribution service, a user connects to a music data distribution server using, for example, a personal computer or the like, and selects desired music data from music data stored in the music data distribution server. Select to request a download. Upon receiving a music data download request from the user, the music data distribution server searches for the music data requested to be downloaded, and transfers the music data to the user using the electronic network. When the music data is transferred, the user saves the music data on, for example, a hard disk such as a personal computer, and enjoys the music data by playing the music data by a predetermined playing means.

[0004]

However, such a conventional music data distribution service has the following problems to be solved.

[0005] That is, the music data delivery service up to now has been performed based on the user's own active action. Since the music data must be downloaded every time by the user himself, the music data delivery processing is performed. User's labor and time required for the operation are very large.

[0006] Even when connected to a music data distribution server, there is not always a favorite song that matches the user's own preference, and work such as viewing is required to search for the favorite song. Therefore, the load on the user required to download a song that meets the user's preference is very large.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide music data capable of distributing music data that is optimal for the current user and that matches the user's preferences and actions. A distribution device, a music data distribution method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a music data distribution program.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, the inventor refers to the current position of the user, the genre and reception location of music data distributed in the past, and the user's evaluation value for the music data. By automatically selecting music data to be distributed to each user individually, it became possible to automatically distribute music data that matches the user's tastes and actions.As a result of extensive research, A technical idea having the following features has been reached.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a music data distribution apparatus according to the present invention distributes a genre of music data distributed in the past, a place where the music data is received, and a user evaluation value for the music data to a music data distribution. Distribution history storage means for storing a distribution history database for storing as history information; music storage means for storing a music database for storing a plurality of music data by genre; acquisition means for acquiring current position information of a user; Selecting means for selecting music data to be distributed based on the current position information of the user obtained by the means and the distribution history information stored in the distribution history storage means from a music database stored in the music storage means; Transmission means for transmitting the music data selected by the selection means.

According to this music data distribution device, the current position of the user, the genre of music data distributed in the past,
The music data to be distributed is automatically selected for each user with reference to the receiving location and the user's evaluation value for the music data.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a music data distribution method according to the present invention distributes a genre of music data distributed in the past, a place where the music data is received, and a user evaluation value for the music data. A first step of storing as history information, a second step of acquiring current position information of the user, and a third step of selecting music data to be distributed based on the current position information of the user and the distribution history information. And transmitting the music data.

According to this music data distribution method, the current position of the user, the genre of music data distributed in the past,
The music data to be distributed is automatically selected for each user with reference to the receiving location and the user's evaluation value for the music data.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a computer-readable recording medium storing a music data distribution program according to the present invention includes: a genre of music data distributed in the past; A storage function of storing the user's evaluation value as music data distribution history information, an acquisition function of acquiring the user's current position information, and selecting music data to be distributed based on the user's current position information and the distribution history information. A computer has a selection function and a transmission function of transmitting the selected music data.

According to this storage medium, music data to be distributed is individually assigned to each user with reference to the current position of the user, the genre and reception place of music data distributed in the past, and the user's evaluation value for the music data. Select automatically.

The music data may be distributed with reference to information on the distribution date and time of music data distributed in the past. According to such a configuration, it is possible for the user to select and distribute the most suitable music data, and it is possible to realize the most suitable music data distribution processing suited to the user's preference and behavior.

It is desirable that the current position information of the user is obtained using GPS. According to such a configuration, the current position of the user can be accurately grasped regardless of the position of the user, so that it is possible to perform music data distribution processing in consideration of the current position of the user. .

Further, it is desirable that the music data is distributed in a streaming format. According to such a configuration,
The user can play and enjoy music data in real time.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present invention is applied to, for example, a music data distribution system as shown in FIG.

In this music data distribution system, a plurality of portable information communication terminals (portable terminals 11) 11a to 11d
(Hereinafter, simply referred to as “portable terminal 11” when collectively referred to), a music data distribution server (= music data distribution device) 13, and the portable terminal 11 and the music data distribution server 13 are electrically connected via the electronic network 12. It is configured to be able to connect to each other and transmit and receive information.

Here, the electronic network 12 means a general communication network using a telecommunication technology, for example, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP.
(Internet Protocol) based Internet system, WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Loca)
l Use of various transmission media such as area network), cable communication, satellite communication, optical fiber communication, and the like can be considered.

The music data distribution server 13 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Has a configuration as shown in, the current position information of the user is detected and obtained, and the current position information and the genre of music data distributed in the past, the receiving location and the user's evaluation value for the music data are referred to, It has a function of distributing music data that is optimal to the user's preferences and current behavior to the portable terminal 11 in a stream format. By distributing music data in a streaming format, a user can play and enjoy music data in real time.

Also, the music data distribution server 13 is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the member file database 14a, the distribution history database 14b, and the music database 14c
It is configured to be electrically connected to and to refer to and update data in each database.

Here, the member file database 14a
As shown in FIG. 3A, the name of the member receiving the music data distribution service (a nickname is also acceptable), a mobile phone for obtaining the current position of the member, a location detection address such as GPS, etc. (location information acquisition destination) , Music data distribution destination,
Each member's personal data, such as the member's home address, an ID and password for authenticating the member, is stored for each member.

The distribution history database 14b is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), it is configured in association with the member name of the personal data, and the member name, the title of the music data previously distributed to the member, the distribution date and time, and the distribution time (the music playing time) , Where the member received the music data (home,
Car, train, park, etc.), information about the music genre of the distributed music data, and the member's evaluation of the distributed music data are stored for each member.

The music database 14c stores digital music data for each music genre. Here, the music genre refers to the type of music data such as classical music, jazz music, pop music, and folk music, 50's,
A classification that includes the age of music data such as the 60s, 90s, and 2000s, the mood (atmosphere) of music data such as soft, ordinary, and hard, and the tempo of music data such as slow, ordinary, and fast. All music data stored in 14c is stored based on this classification. Music database 1
The music data stored in 4c is MPEG (Movin
g Picture Experts Group) Audio system, ATRA
C (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) method, Tw
It is stored in a predetermined compression / decoding method such as the inVQ method. This makes it possible to store music data of a plurality of genres in one database.

As shown in FIG. 2, the music data distribution server 13 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit).
nit) 21, RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, storage device 23, display unit 24, communication control unit 25, input unit 26
Is provided.

The server CPU 21 performs various controls in accordance with a program stored in the storage device 23. Specifically, the server CPU 21 stores the storage device 2
3 to start the music data distribution server and store the music data distribution program and data necessary for the music data distribution process in the RAM 22 or the storage device 2.
3 and execute it.

The RAM 22 secures a work area for temporarily storing programs and data relating to various processes.

The storage device 23 previously stores various programs such as a boot program and a music data distribution program and data necessary for various processes. The storage device 23 is a magnetic or optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like. And a recording medium 23a readable by the server CPU 21. The recording medium includes a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) and a fixed medium such as a hard disk. Further, the program, data, and the like stored in the recording medium 23a may be configured such that a part or the whole thereof is received from a communication control unit via a transmission medium such as a network line from a server or a client. The recording medium 23a may be a recording medium of a server constructed on a network. Further, the program may be transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line and installed in these devices.

The display unit 24 outputs various data related to the music data distribution process. For example, the display unit 24 outputs a CRT (Cathode Ray).
Tube), a screen is displayed on a liquid crystal display device or the like based on display data input from the server CPU 21.

The communication control unit 25 includes a modem (MOdulator / DE
Modulator; MODEM), Terminal Adapter (Termi)
nal Adapter; TA) or a router, etc.
Mobile terminal 11 connected via electronic network 12
Communication control for performing communication with the device is performed. Further, the communication control unit 25 can perform satellite communication by including a satellite antenna and a decoder.

Since the music data distribution server 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention distributes the music data stored in the music database 14c to the portable terminal 11 in a stream format, the communication control unit 25 performs buffering. It is desirable to have a function. According to this buffering function, the music data distribution process can be started after a certain amount of music data is accumulated, so that the music data distribution process can be performed stably.

When the Internet is used as the electronic network 12, the communication control unit 25 controls the UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which is one of the protocols serving as the basis of the Internet standard protocol TCP / IP.
ol), it is desirable to perform the operation based on this, so that the transfer efficiency of music data can be greatly increased. Further, the communication control unit 25 is not limited to the UDP, and may be, for example, an RTP (Retransmission) having a data arrival time fluctuation correction function.
al-time Transport Protocol) may be used. Further, the communication control unit 25 performs RTP and RTCP (Real-Time
Control Protocol) may be used as a set.
According to TCP, a change in bandwidth on a line, a transmission delay, and the like can be notified to a higher-level application.

The input unit 26 has a function of outputting various data and control information relating to music data distribution processing to the server CPU 21.
An input device such as a light pen or a numeric keypad corresponds to this.

Next, the configuration of the portable terminal 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the portable terminal 11 includes a battery 34 and a display unit 3 in addition to a well-known microcomputer including a terminal CPU 31, a RAM 32, and a storage device 33.
5. Communication control unit 36, GPS (Global Positioning Sys
tem) processing section 37 and an input section 38. Here, the battery 3 differs from the configuration of the music data distribution server 13.
4, display unit 35, communication control unit 35, GPS processing unit 37,
The functions of the input unit 38 and the output unit 39 will be described, and descriptions of the same components as those of the music data distribution server 13 will be omitted.

The storage device 33 stores in advance various programs and data necessary for various processes. The storage device 33 is a magnetic or optical recording medium or a recording such as a semiconductor memory that can be read by the server CPU 31. The configuration includes the medium 33a. The recording medium includes a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) and a fixed medium such as a hard disk. Further, the program, data, and the like stored in the recording medium 33a may be configured such that a part or the whole thereof is received from a communication control unit via a transmission medium such as a network line from a server or a client. The recording medium 33a may be a recording medium of a server constructed on a network. Further, the program may be transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line and installed in these devices.

The battery 34 is a chargeable / dischargeable power supply such as a lithium ion battery.
Power is supplied to each component within.

The display unit 35 outputs various information notified from the music data distribution server, and displays a screen on, for example, a liquid crystal display device based on the display data input from the terminal CPU 31.

The communication control unit 36 controls the electronic network 12
Communication control with the music data distribution server connected via the. It should be noted that the music data distribution server 13 uses UDP or R
When performing the music data distribution process based on the TP, the mobile terminal 11 similarly performs an operation based on the UDP or the RTP. Further, it is desirable to have a buffering function as in the music data distribution server 13.

The GPS processing unit 37, as shown in FIG.
Position measurement radio waves from the GPS satellites 41 are received, the current position where the mobile terminal 11 is located is calculated and stored in the storage device 33, and the stored current position information is stored in accordance with the movement of the mobile terminal 11. Update regularly. GPS satellite 7
Numeral 5 converts precise time information and the position information of the satellite itself into a signal and transmits the signal. According to the GPS processing unit 37, signals are received from four or more GPS satellites 41, and the positions of the respective satellites and the distances from the mobile terminal 11 to the respective satellites are calculated. You can know the geographical coordinates.

The input section 38 has a function of outputting various data and control information relating to music data distribution processing to the terminal CPU 31, and corresponds to an input device such as a number key or a jog dial.

The output unit 39 is connected to the music data distribution server 13
Decompresses and outputs stream-format music information distributed from.

Hereinafter, the operation of the schedule notification system will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

The music data distribution program for realizing each function shown in the flow charts shown in FIGS.
Storage medium 23 of recording device 23 in the form of a program code readable by server CPU 21 and terminal CPU 31
a. The music data distribution program can be transmitted in the form of a program code via a transmission medium such as a network line.

In the music data distribution system, when the portable terminal 11 connects to the reception site of the music data distribution server 13 via the electronic network 12 so as to start the music data distribution processing (step S11), the music data distribution server 13 Starts operation as follows according to the music data distribution program stored in the storage device 23.

First, the server CPU 21 transmits display data indicating an initial screen for inputting an ID and a password for identifying the connected member's portable terminal 11 to the member's portable terminal 11 connected via the electronic network 12. The communication control unit 25 is controlled to transmit (Step S2)
1). Upon receiving the information on the initial screen from the music data distribution server 13, the mobile terminal 11 displays the initial screen on the display unit 35 (Step S12). Note that the mobile terminal 11 that uses the music data distribution server 13 for the first time registers the membership in advance using the electronic network 12 or a means such as ordinary mail, and acquires identification information such as an ID and a password. . This facilitates music distribution processing, and also allows other processing such as billing processing to be performed efficiently based on the identification information.

When the initial screen is displayed on the display unit 35,
The terminal CPU 31 inputs the ID and the password by operating the input unit 38 by the user (step S
13) In response to the completion of the input of the ID and the password, the communication control unit 36 is controlled to transmit the ID and the password input by the member to the music data distribution server 13.

Upon receiving the information about the ID and the password from the portable terminal 11, the server CPU 21 collates and authenticates the ID and the puff word sent from the portable terminal 11 with the ID and the password stored in the member file database 14a. (Step S22) If authenticated, the member file of the authenticated member is searched and read (Step S23). The server CPU 21
If the user authentication fails, the message "Authentication failed. Please contact the service center"
The portable terminal 11 is notified of a message indicating that the authentication has failed.

When the member file corresponding to the connected member is read from the member file database 14a, the server CPU 21 sends the information to the location information acquisition destination registered in the member file (step S25). In response to this, the terminal CPU 31 transmits the current position information to the music data distribution server 13 in response to the call from the music data distribution server 13 (step S14). Thereby, the music data distribution server 13 can acquire information on the current position of the member (step S2).
6).

When the information regarding the current position of the member is acquired, the server CPU 21 sets the distribution history database 14b.
, A distribution history file corresponding to the current position, the current time zone, and the day of the week is read, and the read distribution history files are arranged in the evaluation order assigned by the member (step S2).
7).

Next, the server CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a distribution history file matching the current position, the current time zone and the day of the week in the distribution history database 14b (step S28). If there is no distribution history file matching the current position, the current time zone, and the day of the week in the distribution history database 14b, the server CPU 21 randomly stores music data from the music database 14c by a predetermined number of songs (in this case, Read out and storage device 23
(Step S33), and the process proceeds to Step S35.

On the other hand, when there is a distribution history file matching the current position, the current time zone and the day of the week in the distribution history database 14b, the server CPU 21 randomly reads out music data from the music database 14c (step S29). ), The genre of the read music data is compared with the genre of the music data in the distribution history file arranged in the evaluation order (step S30), and the genre in which the randomly read music data has a lower evaluation value than the music data in the evaluation order. Is determined (step S31).

Then, as a result of the determination, if the music data read from the music database 14c is music of a genre with a low evaluation, the server CPU 21 returns to the processing step of step S29 again. On the other hand, if the music data read from the music database 14c is music data of a genre having a high evaluation, the server C
The PU 21 stores the music data in the storage device 23, and selects the music data from the music database 14c until the music data stored in the storage device 23 has a predetermined number of songs (in this case, 10 songs). Is repeated (step S32). Then, the server CPU 21
When the number of music data stored in the storage device 23 reaches a predetermined number, the music data is rearranged in order of the genre having the highest evaluation (step S34), and the process proceeds to the next processing step.

Next, the server CPU 21 controls the communication control unit 25 so that the music data is distributed to the portable terminal 11 in a streaming format in the order of the genre having the highest evaluation (step S35).

The portable terminal 11 is a music data distribution server 1
When the music data is received from No. 3, the music data is expanded and output via the output unit 39 (step S15). In the present embodiment, the music data distribution server 13
Decided to distribute music data in units of 10 songs,
The number of songs may be one or a plurality of songs. At the start of the distribution of the music data, the user designates the number of music data and the reception time of the music data to be distributed, and the music data distribution server 1
For example, only the music data corresponding to the number 3 may be transmitted.

When the streaming distribution of the music data is completed, the server CPU 21 adds the title of the transmitted music data, the distribution date and time, the receiving place and the genre of the music to the distribution history file, and updates the distribution history file (step S37). . Then, the server CPU 21 sets the mobile terminal 1
Then, display data indicating an evaluation input screen for inputting an evaluation value of each music data distributed to No. 1 is transmitted (step S38).

The portable terminal 11 displays the evaluation input screen on the display unit 35 in response to receiving the display data indicating the evaluation input screen. The terminal CPU 31 displays the evaluation input screen on the display unit 35.
Is displayed, the evaluation value of each song is input by operating the input unit 38 (step S16), and the input evaluation value is transmitted to the music data distribution server 13 (step S17).

When receiving the evaluation value of the music data from the portable terminal 11, the music data distribution server 13 adds the evaluation value to the distribution history file and updates the distribution history file (step S39). As a result, the music data distributed is evaluated by the member, and the subsequent music data distribution processing is executed by referring to the updated distribution history file, thereby reflecting the past music data distribution processing. Thus, music data distribution processing optimal for the member can be performed. The evaluation value is, for example, A:
Very good, B: good, C: normal, D: bad, E: very bad.

According to such a music data distribution system, the genre of music data distributed in the past, the receiving location,
The distribution date and time and the user's evaluation value for the music data are learned, and when there is a music distribution request from the member, the current location and time zone of the user are detected and music data of the optimal genre is determined based on the learning result. Delivery
It is possible to perform music data distribution processing optimal for the user.

In this music data distribution system, if the music data distributed from the music data distribution server 13 to the portable terminal 11 is not liked by the member, the user can proceed to the next music even if the music is in progress. It is desirable to be able to specify a data distribution request. In this case, the music data distribution server lowers the user's evaluation value for the skipped music data.

In the music data distribution system,
Even if the user stops streaming distribution of music data by himself, the music data distribution server 13 records the song name, distribution date and time, distribution time, reception location and music genre of the transmitted music data in the distribution history database 14b. To do.

Further, it is desirable that the charging process in the music data distribution process be performed in accordance with the accumulated time of the distributed music data, the type of music data, the number of songs, and the like. Payment processing using a prepaid card or settlement processing using a prepaid card is desirable.

Further, the genre of the music data distributed from the music data distribution server 13 is specified in advance by the user, and the music data distribution server 13 distributes the optimum music from the specified genre. Is also good.

As described above, it is to be fully understood that the present invention includes various embodiments and the like not described herein. Therefore, the present invention must be limited only by the matters specifying the invention according to the claims that are reasonable from this disclosure.

[0067]

According to the music data distribution apparatus, the music data distribution method, and the computer-readable recording medium storing the music data distribution program of the present invention, it is possible to automatically distribute music data suited to a user's preference and behavior. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a music data distribution system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a music data distribution server to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a member file database and a distribution history database.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a music data distribution system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a server CPU and a terminal CPU when music data is distributed in a music data distribution system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a server CPU and a terminal CPU when music data is distributed in a music data distribution system to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 portable information communication terminal 12 electronic network 13 music data distribution server 14a member file database 14b distribution history database 14c music database 21 server CPU 22, 32 RAM 23, 33 storage device 23a, 33a recording medium 24, 35 display unit 25, 36 Communication control unit 26, 38 Input unit 31 Terminal CPU 34 Battery 37 GPS (Global Positioning System) processing unit 41 GPS satellite

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A genre of music data distributed in the past,
A distribution history storage unit that stores a distribution history database that stores the music data reception location and a user evaluation value for the music data as music data distribution history information, and a music database that stores a plurality of music data by genre. Music storage means; acquisition means for acquiring the current position information of the user; music data to be distributed based on the current position information of the user acquired by the acquisition means and the distribution history information stored in the distribution history storage means. A music data distribution apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selects from a music database stored in a music storage unit; and a transmission unit that transmits the music data selected by the selection unit. 2. The distribution history storage means stores information on the date and time at which music data was distributed as distribution history information, and the selection means based on the current position information and the current date and time of the user and the distribution history information. The music data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein music data to be distributed is selected from a database. 3. The music data distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the current position information of the user by using GPS. 4. The music data distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said transmission means distributes the music data in a streaming format. 5. The genre of music data distributed in the past,
A first step of storing, as music data distribution history information, a reception location of the music data and a user evaluation value for the music data; a second step of obtaining current position information of the user; current position information of the user and the distribution A music data distribution method, comprising: a third step of selecting music data to be distributed based on history information; and a fourth step of transmitting the selected music data. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein information relating to the date and time at which the music data was distributed in said first step is stored as said distribution history information, and said music distributed in said third step based on the current position information and the current date and time of said user and said distribution history information. 6. The music data distribution method according to claim 5, wherein data is selected. 7. The music data distribution method according to claim 5, wherein in the second step, the current position information of the user is obtained by using GPS. 8. The music data distribution method according to claim 5, wherein in the fourth step, the music data is distributed in a streaming format. 9. The genre of music data distributed in the past,
A storage function for storing the music data receiving location and the user's evaluation value for the music data as music data distribution history information; an acquisition function for acquiring the user's current position information; a user's current position information and the distribution history information A computer-readable recording medium storing a music data distribution program, wherein a computer has a selection function of selecting music data to be distributed based on a program and a transmission function of transmitting the selected music data. 10. The distribution history information includes information on the date and time at which music data was distributed, and the computer executes a function of selecting music data to be distributed based on the current position information and the current date and time of the user and the distribution history information. A computer-readable recording medium storing the music data distribution program according to claim 9. 11. A computer-readable recording medium storing the music data distribution program according to claim 9, wherein the current position information of the user is obtained by using GPS. 12. The computer-readable recording medium storing the music data distribution program according to claim 9, wherein the music data is distributed in a streaming format.