JP2002229905A - System and method for free distributing of contents, and program and recording medium for free distributing of contents - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and method, which freely distributes the contents on a network and totalizes the evaluations of the contents freely distributed, and also enables common investors to invest their money in the contents by discussing the operation of fund with investing partners on the basis of the totalized evaluations for the freely distributed contents. SOLUTION: The contents that are uploaded to a server 2 from a terminal 4 by a content creator are registered in a DB 11 and opened to a network 1, and a user who down loads the contents returns his or her evaluation. The evaluations are registered in the DB 11 and opened to the network 1. Common investors who invest their money in the contents upload their investment data for the contents from an investor's terminal 3 to the server 2 on the basis of the opened evaluations. If the invested fund and the evaluation exceed a specified amount, an investor's meeting is held on the server 2 and the investor's meeting to decide how to operate the fund is held among the investors via the network 1. The method for the fund operation is decided by voting and a profit is returned to the investors, content creators, and the server 2. The content creators can appreciate a service of the fund operation even though they do not belong to any organization.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content free distribution apparatus and method for distributing content on a network free of charge and for holding an investor meeting for investing in the distributed content on the network. And a content free distribution program and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many websites are open to the public on the Internet. We have traditionally been able to distribute and download content for free and / or for free
Site b was present. Contents distributed and downloaded on the Internet include, for example, music data for reproducing music, still image data, moving image data,
Text data, program data, and so on.

[0003] In a Web site where contents are distributed or downloaded for a fee, for example, the contents with usage restrictions and time limit can be downloaded free of charge, and the user who downloads the contents is charged a predetermined amount. Restrictions and deadlines are lifted. In addition, there is also a Web site that aggregates evaluations of downloaded and distributed contents and publishes them. In addition, there have been organizations that find content creators and invest funds in the creators. Such organizations include, for example, music companies and publishers.

[0004]

By the way, it is very difficult to link free distribution of contents without any use restrictions to billing later.
On the other hand, if charging is not possible for the content in which the copyright exists, a situation arises in which the copyright holder having the copyright to the content cannot obtain a price. Also,
In recent years, a system for distributing content on the Internet free of charge has been developed and has become a problem.
These are inconsistencies arising from the idea of charging for all content that is distributed or downloaded on the Internet. for that reason,
There has been a demand for a system that can distribute contents on a network without such inconsistency.

Further, conventionally, the creator of the content
In order to receive and operate investment in the production of content, etc., it is necessary to belong to or contract with a company or organization such as the above-mentioned music company or publisher. For this reason, there has been a problem that the content creator has to remain anonymous unless recognized by such a company or organization. Furthermore, there has been a problem in the past that there is no opportunity, place, or organization for ordinary people to find and invest in such a content creator and return the funds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to distribute contents on a network free of charge, collect evaluations of the contents distributed free of charge, allow a general investor to invest based on the collected evaluations, and manage funds. A content free distribution apparatus and method, a content free distribution program, and a recording medium which can be jointly conducted with an investor.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a contents free distribution apparatus for distributing contents uploaded by a user to a server over a network free of charge. Content registration means for registering the content, content distribution means for distributing the content registered by the content registration means on the network free of charge, evaluation obtaining means for receiving an evaluation of the content distributed by the content distribution means via the network, An evaluation information publishing unit that publishes the evaluation information based on the evaluation received by the evaluation acquisition unit to the network, and an investor who invests in the content registered in the registration unit and the creator of the content, via the network. Investor recruiting means to recruit Which is a content free distribution device which is characterized in that.

Further, the present invention provides a content free distribution method for distributing a content uploaded by a user to a server over a network free of charge, wherein a content registration step of registering the content provided by the user and a content registration step A content distribution step of distributing the content registered on the network free of charge, an evaluation acquisition step of receiving, via the network, an evaluation of the content distributed by the content distribution step, and an evaluation acquisition step. Recruitment of investors through the network for the step of publishing the evaluation information based on the evaluation to the network, and for investing in the content and the creator of the content registered in the registration step Which is a content free delivery method characterized by a step.

Further, the present invention provides a content free distribution program for causing a computer device to execute a content free distribution method of distributing a content uploaded to a server by a user over a network free of charge.
A content registration step of registering the content provided by the user, a content distribution step of distributing the registered content in the content registration step on a network free of charge, and an evaluation of the content distributed in the content distribution step. A step of obtaining evaluation received via the network, a step of publishing evaluation information based on the evaluation received in the step of obtaining evaluation to the network,
Causing the computer device to execute a content free distribution method having a step of recruiting an investor who invests in the content and the creator of the content registered in the registering step through a network. Free content distribution program.

Further, the present invention provides a recording medium on which a content free distribution program for causing a computer to execute a content free distribution method for distributing a content uploaded by a user to a server over a network free of charge is provided by the user. A content registration step of registering the registered content, a content distribution step of distributing the content registered in the content registration step on the network free of charge, and an evaluation of the content distributed in the content distribution step via the network. Receiving the evaluation, receiving the evaluation, receiving the evaluation information based on the evaluation received in the evaluation obtaining step, and releasing the evaluation information to the network. A content free distribution program for causing a computer device to execute a content free distribution method having an investor recruitment step of recruiting an investor who invests in a content author via a network. It is a recording medium.

As described above, according to the present invention, an evaluation of content registered and provided by a user, which is distributed free of charge to a network, is received via the network, and evaluation information based on the received evaluation is sent to the network. The content creator will be recruited through the network and invested in the registered content and content creator.
Even if you do not belong to an organization that has a large capital, you can receive investment according to the content evaluation.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. According to the present invention, a work (content) is provided by a content creator to a network, for example, an Internet server provided on the Internet. At this time, the copyright of the content is transferred from the content creator to the Internet server operation side, and a predetermined contract described later is signed between the content creator and the Internet server operation side. Based on the copyright transfer and the contract, the Internet server operation side can distribute the provided contents to the network free of charge.

The provided content is stored in a content management server (content server) in the Internet server.
Is stored in On a content server in the Internet server, a predetermined Web site is opened to the network, and a user who accesses the Internet server via the network can freely download contents stored in the Internet server. . Users who download the content,
Return the evaluation of the content to the Internet server. This evaluation is totaled for each content, and the evaluation of each content is obtained. The obtained evaluation is visually expressed in a predetermined diagram, table, or the like, and is disclosed to a network by a Web site.

On the other hand, an investor who wants to invest in the content stored in the content server in the Internet server via the network accesses the Internet server via the network. Investors may evaluate the content displayed on the above-mentioned website or evaluate their own content,
You can invest in the creator of the content.
The investment funds are entrusted to the Internet server operation side.

[0015] For a certain content, for example, when the investment fund thus invested reaches a certain value, the investment fund is managed on the Internet server operation side for the creator of the content. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and investment funds can be managed when the evaluation of a certain content becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. In managing the funds at this time, if there are a plurality of investors who have invested in the content, a meeting is held via a network, and the investor decides an investment method jointly. Based on the decision made at this meeting, the funds are managed on the Internet server operation side. The profits obtained based on the management of the funds are distributed to the investor, the Internet server operation side, and the creator of the content in a predetermined manner.

The contents that can be registered in the content server in the Internet server include music data, still image data, moving image data, text data,
Data generated based on creation by an individual or an organization, such as program data, can be considered. Also, for example, an actor or a model can register a personal profile itself as content. In this case, the registered actor or model person can be regarded as a content creator.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the configuration of such a content distribution and investment system. For example, an Internet server 2 is connected to a network 1 composed of the Internet. Also, the user connects to the network 1 and connects to the network 1 to connect to the Internet server 2.
, And terminal devices 4, 4,... As these terminal devices 3, 3,... And terminal devices 4, 4,..., General computer devices can be used, and therefore detailed description is omitted.

The Internet server 2 is a server device 1
0 and a database 11. The server device 10
For example, it comprises a plurality of servers such as a web server, a mail server, a content server, and an authentication server. In the server device 10, an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
col), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMTP (Sim
ple Mail Transfer Protocol), SSL (Secure Sockets
Layer) or the like, data exchange using data files such as content data and mail, and authentication are performed. Although FIG. 1 shows that a plurality of server functions are realized on one server device 10,
In practice, it is preferable that each of these server functions is constituted by individual hardware, connected to each other via a network, and used as a server group.

The Web server is an Internet server 2
Performs a process related to a Web site and a Web page to be disclosed to the network 1 from.

The Web site is a window where information is disclosed to the Internet (network 1), and is composed of one or a plurality of Web pages. Web
The location of the page on the network 1 is determined by the URL (Uniform
Resource Locator), and by embedding the URL of another Web page in the Web page,
Another web page can be accessed from page b. Note that embedding location information of another Web page in a Web page so that the Web page can be accessed is referred to as "linking".

Various thread programs are executed on the Web server.
When the user accesses the server b, the Web server publishes a Web page in response to a request. Further, the update of a website or a web page published on the web server is performed by the web server. Further, the Web server processes various requests and information made according to the access.

The mail server controls the exchange of electronic mail via the network 1. On the mail server, various thread programs are executed. For example, of the terminal devices connected to the network 1,
It is possible to automatically and periodically and / or irregularly distribute e-mails and contents to terminal devices registered in the mail server in a predetermined manner.

Further, the Internet server 2 shares information between terminal devices connected to the network 1 and registered in the Internet server 2 in a predetermined manner.

The server device 10 also has a gateway function for restricting access to the Internet server 2 itself via the network 1. It should be noted that the server device 10 constituting the Internet server 2 can be realized with the same configuration as a general computer device, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

The database 11 is configured on a large-capacity storage medium, stores contents supplied from the CP terminals 4, 4,... To the Internet server 2 via the network 1, and registers the contents in the management information of the database. Is done. At this time, information of the creator of the content is stored and registered in the database 11 together with the content. In the database 11, the evaluation of the content stored in the database 11 is stored in a database and stored and registered. In the database 11, the content data and the content evaluation information
The search is performed in response to a request from the web server. The searched content data and content evaluation information are returned to the Web server. In this embodiment, the database 11 can be considered to be substantially under the control of the content server.

, And 4, 4,... Connected to the network 1, the terminal devices 4, 4,.
Is a CP (Content's Provider) terminal used to access the Internet server 2 via the Internet. The content creator transmits the produced content to the CP terminal 4,
4, and can be transmitted to the Internet server 2 via the network 1 and uploaded to the Internet server 2. The uploaded content is stored and registered in the database 11 together with the information of the creator of the content, as described above.

The terminal devices 3, 3,... Are investor terminal devices for investors who invest in the creator of the content based on the evaluation of the content stored in the Internet server 2. The investor uses the investor terminal devices 3, 3,.
And invests in the content creator based on the content evaluation information stored in the database 11. Also, an investor conference is held between the investors using the investor terminal devices 3, 3,..., And the management of the investment funds is determined.
The information of the investor is stored in the database 11 of the Internet server 2, for example.

Although omitted in FIG. 1, the network 1 is used by a user who downloads contents stored in the Internet server 2 or receives distribution of contents in exchange for evaluation of the contents. A terminal device (hereinafter, referred to as a client) is connected. Such users are also referred to below as potential investors, as they may become investors in this system in the future.

[0029] Investor terminals 3, 3, ..., CP terminals 4,
,... And the client can use a general computer device, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the network 1 is an open network such as the Internet, all users who can access the network 1 may become investors. Similarly, all users who can access the network 1 can be content creators. Therefore, all the computer devices and information devices connected to the network 1 are connected to the investor terminals 3, 3,.
It can be treated as terminals 4, 4,... And clients. Further, in FIG. 1, the investor terminals 3, 3,.
,..., CP terminals 4, 4,... And clients are distinguished for the purpose of explanation, but these do not need to be treated particularly distinctively.

The content distribution and investment system according to the embodiment is realized by a program executed on the Internet server 2. Also, as necessary, the investor terminal devices 3, 3,... And the CP terminal device 4,
,..., The client is also supplied with a predetermined program, and is executed on each terminal device 3, 3,.

The program is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compa
ct Disk-Read Only Memory) and is supplied to the Internet server 2. In the Internet server 2, necessary program data is read from the recording medium and stored in a predetermined storage medium such as a hard disk drive. This program data is read into a memory or the like, and the CPU (Central
Processing Unit) interprets and executes. The same applies to the case of being executed on each of the terminal devices 3, 3,..., 4, 4,.

The program supply method is as described above.
The method is not limited to a method via a recording medium. For example, the program may be supplied from another server device (not shown) connected to the network 1 to the Internet server 2 via a transmission medium such as the network 1.

Next, processing by the content distribution and investment system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 2 shows an example of processing when uploading content from the CP terminal devices 4, 4,... To the Internet server 2.

In performing the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 2, a Web page relating to uploading of a content is made public on the Internet server 2. The publication of the Web page is actually performed by the Web server in the Internet server 2. The Web page that is made public regarding the upload of content includes, for example, three screens such as the following (1), (2), (3) and (4). Each of the screens (1) to (4) can be freely configured as long as necessary information is appropriately displayed.

(1) A content creator information registration screen for a user (content creator) who wants to register content in the Internet server 2 to perform predetermined registration in advance. (2) A content information registration screen for a user to input information on content to be registered. (3) Data (content) is transferred to the Internet server 2
And an upload screen for transmitting the content to the content server in the Internet server 2 and uploading the content to the content server in the Internet server 2. (4) An authentication screen for confirming the content creator after registration.

These Web pages are published to the network 1 on the Web server of the Internet server 2. The Web page is stored in a computer device (each terminal device 3, 3,...) Connected to the network 1.
., 4, 4,...) Can be displayed by application software called a browser installed in the browser. Further, the Web page can have an input unit that allows the user to input data. Web
Data input for the page is transmitted to the Web server via the network 1.

Prior to the processing of the flowchart of FIG.
A user who wants to register content in the Internet server 2 (content creator) needs to register his / her user information in the Internet server 2. The registration of the user information is performed, for example, by accessing the Web server of the Internet server 2 via the network 1 using the CP terminal device 4, displaying the content creator information registration screen of (1), and following the instructions displayed on the screen. Is input and transmitted to the Web server. As a result, information of the user, that is, the content creator is registered in the database 11 of the content server in the Internet server 2, and the user can use this system.

For example, when a user (content creator) registers user information in the Internet server 2 by a predetermined procedure, the user name and password are given from the Internet server 2. Users (content creators)
By accessing the Internet server 2 using this user name and password, the registered user is authenticated, and this system can be used. The details of the registration process and the authentication process based on the registered information will be described later.

In the CP terminal device 4, the above (2)
Is displayed. By inputting predetermined information according to the display of the content information registration screen, a content upload request is transmitted from the CP terminal 4 to the content server in the Internet server 2 (SEQ100). This upload request is received by the content server in the Internet server 2, and the detailed information included in the upload request is analyzed (step S10). Internet server 2
In the content server in the next step S11
Then, the database 11 is searched based on the analyzed detailed information, and it is determined whether the registration information from the CP terminal 4 is correct.

The above-described S
If it is confirmed that the upload request by the EQ 100 is valid, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the content server in the Internet server 2 prepares to accept the content to be uploaded. When the content server in the Internet server 2 prepares to accept the content, the Internet server 2 notifies the CP terminal 4 to that effect (SEQ101).

When the CP terminal device 4 receives the notification from the Internet server 2 by SEQ101,
The above-mentioned upload screen (3) is displayed. By inputting a content upload instruction in accordance with the display of the upload screen, the upload of the content to the content server in the Internet server 2 is started (SEQ102), and the content is transmitted to the content server in the Internet server 2. The transmitted content is received by the Internet server 2, and stored and registered in the database 11.

When the upload of the content from the CP terminal 4 to the content server in the Internet server 2 is completed (SEQ103), the Internet server 2
Upload information is passed to the Web server in the content server inside. Based on this information, the Web server updates the registration information of the content registered in the database 11 and updates the display contents of the Web page (step S14).

The series of processes from step S10 to step S14 by the Internet server 2 are automatically executed by the Internet server 2.

In the above description, the content is transmitted to the Internet server 2 via the network 1,
This is not limited to this example. For example, the content may be recorded on a predetermined removable recording medium, and this recording medium may be supplied to the operation side of the Internet server 2 by means such as mailing. The operation side of the Internet server 2 reads the content from this recording medium,
Store and register in the database 11. In this case, the above-described registration of various information on the (1) content creator information registration screen and (2) the upload screen is performed in advance or afterwards.

When uploading the content, the copyright of the content is transferred from the content creator to the Internet server 2 operation side. At the same time, a predetermined contract is made between the content creator and the Internet server 2 operation side (described later). As a result, the Internet server 2 can distribute the content to the network 1 free of charge. This processing is performed, for example, based on the upload request according to SEQ100 described above.

FIG. 3 shows an example of processing for downloading content stored in the Internet server 2 from a client connected to the network 1. Here, the client refers to a user who gives an evaluation to the content registered in the Internet server 2, that is, the terminal device by the potential investor described above. Investor terminal 3 by the investor,
3,... May be included.

In performing the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 3, a web page relating to the download of content is made public on the Internet server 2. The publication of the Web page is actually performed by the Web server in the Internet server 2. For example, the web pages disclosed for downloading the content include the following (5) sites, and (6) and (7)
It consists of three screens as in (8) and (9). The site (5) and each of the screens (6) to (9) can be freely configured as long as necessary information is appropriately disclosed and displayed.

(5) A Web site (portal site) open to the public on the network 1 so that the Web server of the Internet server 2 can be easily accessed. (6) A download screen accessed by following a link from the portal site and allowing the content registered in the database 11 to be downloaded. (7) A user information registration screen for registering information of a user who wants to download content. (8) A download screen for a user to download content registered in the Internet server 2. (9) An authentication screen for performing user authentication using the user name and password registered on the user information registration screen.

Prior to the processing of the flowchart of FIG.
User information is database 1 of Internet server 2
1 is registered. For example, as described above, the client accesses the user information registration screen of (7) from the portal site of (5) and inputs information of the user who wants to download the content according to the instructions on the screen. This user information is transmitted to the Internet server 2 via the network 1 and registered in the database 11.
When the user information is registered in the database 11, a user name and a password are issued to the user.

The user name and password obtained by the above-described user information registration are input by the user in accordance with the instructions on the authentication screen of (9). Although the details will be described later, the input user name and password are transmitted to the Internet server 2, and the Internet server 2
It is authenticated and confirmed that the accessing user is a pre-registered user. When downloading the content, the user authentication process is always performed.
In operation, the download screen (8) can be accessed even before authentication, but it is necessary to perform authentication before actually downloading the content.

First, the Web server of the Internet server 2 is accessed by the client, and the above-mentioned download screen (6) is displayed. On the download screen, for example, a list of contents that can be downloaded from the Internet server 2 is displayed. The user
According to this download screen, the content to be downloaded is selected, and a request for the content is transmitted from the client to the Internet server 2 (SEQ20).
0). The content request includes the client and / or user information.

In accessing a Web server by a browser application or the like, a cookie (Cookie), which is access information stored on the client side and passed to the Web server at the time of access, can be used. The cookie can be used to transmit the client and / or user information when requesting content. The information by the cookie is retained during one session of access, but is discarded after the session.

When a content request is transmitted in SEQ 200, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the requested content is retrieved from the database 11 in the Internet server 2, and transmitted to the client via the network 1 (SEQ201).

In the above description, the link is directly provided from the portal site to the download site. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, download pages corresponding to the genres of contents may be prepared, and these download pages may be linked from the portal site in a predetermined manner. A desired genre is linked by the user who has accessed the portal site, and the linked download site is accessed to download the content.

A series of processes from step S20 to step S23 by the Internet server 2 are automatically executed in the Internet server 2.

According to the flowchart of FIG. 3 described above, the user who has downloaded the content from the Internet server 2 to the client has an obligation to return the evaluation of the downloaded content to the Internet server 2.
FIG. 4 shows an example of upload processing of content evaluation information to the Internet server 2 by a user.

In performing the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, a Web page relating to uploading of evaluation information is made public on the Internet server 2. The publication of the Web page is actually performed by the Web server in the Internet server 2. The Web page disclosed for uploading the evaluation information includes the following four screens (10), (11), (12), and (13). Each of the screens (10) to (13) can be freely configured as long as necessary information is appropriately disclosed and displayed.

(10) A content evaluation prompt screen for urging the user to return an evaluation when the user has not returned an evaluation to the downloaded content. (11) An evaluation information transmission screen for the user to input a content evaluation and to transmit the input content evaluation information from the client to the Internet server 2. (12) An evaluation upload screen displaying that the transmitted evaluation is uploaded to the database 11 in the Internet server 2. (13) An evaluation display screen for displaying intuitively the evaluation made on the content.

First, the Internet server 2 is accessed by a user using a client, and the above-mentioned (1) is accessed.
The evaluation information transmission screen of 1) is displayed on the client.
In step S30, the user creates evaluation information for the downloaded content according to the evaluation information transmission screen displayed on the client. The evaluation of the content is represented by a score for one or more items, for example. Note that the created evaluation information also includes information of the user who performs the evaluation. And SEQ300
Then, a request to upload the created evaluation information to the Internet server 2 is transmitted from the client to the Internet server 2 via the network 1.

On the other hand, the Internet server 2 initially waits for a client to transmit an evaluation information upload request (step S31). When the client evaluation information upload request is transmitted according to the above-described SEQ 300, the process proceeds to step S32 in Internet server 2. Step S
At 32, the upload of the evaluation information from the client is accepted, and the database 11 is instructed to prepare for the upload.

The Internet server 2 notifies the client that the preparation for uploading the evaluation information is ready (SEQ301). When the client receives this notification, the evaluation information created in step S30 is transmitted to the Internet server 2, and the evaluation information is uploaded to the Internet server 2 (S
EQ302). On the client screen, (1)
The evaluation upload screen of 2) is displayed.

When the evaluation information is received by the Internet server 2, the database 11 is accessed in step S34, and the information of the user (evaluator) who transmitted the evaluation information is updated.

Further, in the next step S35, the database 11 is accessed, and the evaluation information of the content is updated. In addition, the updated evaluation information of the content is analyzed, the evaluation information is digitized, and data is created so that the user can express the evaluation information in a format such as a chart that is easy for the user to intuitively grasp. The created data is registered in the database 11 in step S36. Further, in step S37, based on the created data, W
The web page on the evaluation display screen of (12) described above is updated by the web server.

Each process by the Internet server 2 in FIG. 4 is automatically executed in the Internet server 2. Accordingly, the user accesses the Web page on the evaluation display screen of (12), and obtains the evaluation information for the content that changes in real time.
Always available.

When the evaluation information is not uploaded from the user who has downloaded the content from the Internet server 2, the Internet server 2 presents the above-described content evaluation prompting screen (10) to the client at the time of authentication such as login. You. This is because, for example, when the evaluation information for the content is not returned from the user even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the downloading of the content by a certain user, the mail server uses the U.S.M.
The present invention can also be realized by automatically sending an electronic mail in which the RL is embedded to the user. The content evaluation prompting screen may be displayed if the authenticated user does not return evaluation information for the downloaded content, for example, at the time of user authentication performed before downloading the content. it can.

Note that the evaluation information is not necessarily limited to be sent electronically using the network 1 or the like.

In order to properly evaluate contents, it is necessary to restrict users who can upload evaluation information for contents. For example, at the time of the above-described authentication, the user is checked, and the user is restricted. When the user is checked using the above-described cookie, the validity period of the cookie is one session. User authentication is basically performed based on the user name and password determined at the time of user registration.

Note that steps S31 and S32 and steps S34 to S
A series of processes up to 37 is automatically executed in the Internet server 2.

The investor refers to the Web page of the evaluation display screen (10) created according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, and registers in the Internet server 2 based on the evaluation information for the content displayed on the next evaluation table screen. Investment can be made for the content. FIG.
Shows an example of investment processing by the investor for the content registered in the Internet server 2 and the content creator.

In performing the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 5, a Web page relating to investment in content is made public on the Internet server 2. The publication of the Web page is actually performed by the Web server in the Internet server 2. The Web page released for downloading the content includes the following two screens (14) and (15). Each of the screens (14) and (15) can be freely configured as long as necessary information is appropriately disclosed and displayed.

(14) An investment acceptance screen for accepting an investment from the investor for any content registered in the Internet server 2. (15) An investment information display screen for displaying investment information for each investor.

Here, on the investment acceptance screen of (14), contents registered in the Internet server 2 are listed or selectively displayed, and information on each content is displayed. The information regarding the content may be displayed on another screen. As information on the content, for example, information on the content, the evaluation up to that point, the number of investors and the amount of investment for the content, and detailed information on these,
The opinions of investors and other users regarding the content are displayed. Also, the content and the content creator may be displayed with a return on the investment made so far. Preferably, the investment information display screen of (15) is displayed after obtaining the consent of the investor.

First, the Internet server 2 is accessed by the client, and the above-mentioned investment receiving screen (14) is displayed. In step S40, the content and the content creator are selected by the user based on the investment reception screen displayed on the client, and investment information for the selected content and the content creator is created. Note that the investment information also includes information of a user (investor) who makes an investment. And in SEQ400,
A request to upload the created investment information to the Internet server 2 is transmitted from the investor terminal device 3 to the Internet server 2 via the network 1.

On the other hand, the Internet server 2 initially waits for an investment information upload request to be transmitted from the investor terminal device 3 (step S41). When the investment information is transmitted from the investor terminal device 3 according to the above-described SEQ 400, the Internet server 2
The process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the upload of the investment information is accepted, and the database 11 is instructed to prepare for the upload.

The Internet server 2 notifies the investor terminal device 3 that the investment information is ready for uploading (SEQ401). Upon receiving this notification, the investor terminal device 3 transmits the investment information created in step S40 to the Internet server 2, and uploads the investment information to the Internet server 2 (SEQ402).

When the investment information is received by the Internet server 2 (step S44), the database 11 is accessed in step S45, and the information of the user (investor) who transmitted the investment information is updated.

Further, in the next step S46, the database 11 is accessed, and the investment information of the content is updated. Further, the updated investment information of the content is analyzed, and data is created so that the data can be expressed in a format such as a chart that is easy for the user to intuitively grasp. The created data is registered in the database 11, and in step S47, based on the created data, W
The web page on the investment information display screen of (15) described above is updated by the web server.

Each process by the Internet server 2 in FIG. 5 is automatically executed in the Internet server 2. Thereby, the user can access investment information for the content that changes in real time by accessing the Web page on the evaluation display screen of (15).
Always available.

Further, the investor can make an actual investment in the content and the content creator from the investment reception screen of (14). For example, an input unit for inputting a bank account number of an investor or a card number such as a credit card is provided on the investment reception screen. The account number and card number input from the investment reception screen by the investor are transmitted to the Internet server 2 together with the investor's personal information. At this time, the account number, the card number, and the personal information are transmitted in a communication form in which security is sufficiently considered. On the operation side of the Internet server 2, based on the transmitted account number or card number and the personal information, it is possible to make an investment pool, invest in the content, and the content creator.

Note that the above-described steps S41 and S42 and steps S44 to S44 by the Internet server 2 are performed.
A series of processes up to 47 are automatically executed in the Internet server 2.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible for investors who have invested in a certain content to decide how to manage the investment funds through a remote conference.
Next, the investor teleconference will be described.

In the Internet server 2, an environment for conducting an investor teleconference is prepared, for example, a Web page or a separately prepared program. The Web page for holding the investor conference is hereinafter referred to as an investor conference page. On the investor conference page, information on the content to be conferenced and investment information on the content are displayed, similar to the investment reception screen of (14) described above. Further, on the investor conference page, for example, a screen is displayed in which investors participating in the investor conference can mutually communicate by writing text data with each other.

Further, the investor conference page includes a currently discussed agenda item, a determined agenda item, a result of voting, a state of waiting for voting, and a record (log) of the contents of past discussions.
It is configured so that information about the conference can be easily referred to. For example, information on these conferences is stored in a database in the database 11 or the like, and the investor conference page is configured to be accessible to application software for searching the database 11.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the processing of an investor conference held via a network. The meeting starts based on the evaluation of the content and the investment funds. For example, based on the numerical evaluation information (evaluation value) obtained according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 described above, if the evaluation value for a certain content exceeds a predetermined threshold, an investor meeting for the content is Shall be held. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the investment fund resulting from the investment made in a certain content in accordance with the above-described flowchart of FIG.

Although FIG. 6 shows the processing by one investor terminal device 4, this process is actually performed in parallel on a plurality of investor terminal devices 4, 4,. Progressed. In the following, a plurality of investor terminal devices 4,
4 will be described as a representative.

In the Internet server 2, an instruction is issued to the database 11 to check the evaluation value of a certain content or the investment fund (SEQ50).
0). Based on this instruction, in step S50, the evaluation value and the investment fund of the content are searched in the database 11. The search result is returned to the Internet server 2 (SEQ501). In the Internet server 2, the search result is compared with a preset threshold value,
It is determined whether to hold an investor meeting based on the comparison result. If it is determined that the search result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the process returns to the beginning, and the database 11 is again instructed to check the evaluation value and the investment fund.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the search result of the database 11 satisfies the predetermined condition, the fact is notified. The notification is made, for example, on a predetermined Web page. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the mail server of the Internet server 2 may be used to control the CP terminal device 4 of the content creator of the content and the investor terminals 3, 3 of the investor investing in the content.
.. May be automatically transmitted to the user. If necessary, a predetermined contract is made between the Internet server 2 operation side and the content creator of the content.

Then, the processing shifts to step S52,
Investor meeting will be held. The investor conference is held, for example, by activating an investor conference program on the Internet server 2. The Investor Meeting program
This is a program for making the above-mentioned investor conference page open to the network 1 from the Web server. By accessing the Web server from the investor terminal devices 3, 3,..., The investor conference page can be displayed on the investor terminal devices 3, 3,.

The investor conference is open to the network 1 on the Web server of the Internet server 2.
However, the right to speak and the right to vote at the investor meeting is given only to investors. The voting right may be granted more, for example, earlier to the content or to an investor who made a larger investment.

Note that the disclosure / non-disclosure of the meeting can be separately determined by the investor meeting. Investors who do not participate in the investor meeting shall automatically follow the highest decision in response to the decision of the investor meeting.

Further, in holding the investor meeting, it is necessary to prevent the personal information of the investor from leaking outside. In addition, it is necessary to prevent impropriety in voting when voting at the investor meeting. These can be dealt with by constructing a security system in the Internet server 2 that is sufficiently considered in terms of software and protocol.

At the beginning of the holding of the investor conference, for example, as shown in step S53, if the basic agenda is set on the operation side of the Internet server 2, the subsequent conference can proceed smoothly. ,preferable. Step S53 can be omitted, for example, at the request of the investor.

When the investor conference is held, the Internet server 2 notifies users registered as investors that the investor conference has been held (SEQ).
502). The notification of the holding of the meeting is automatically sent to a user registered as an investor from an e-mail server or the like in the Internet server 2 by an investor meeting program, for example, by an e-mail indicating that the investor meeting has been held. You can also send it. By doing so, it is preferable that each investor be notified that the meeting will be held.

When the investor terminal 4 receives the notice of holding the investor conference by SEQ502, the process of step S54 is executed in the investor terminal 4. Step S5
In 4, a meeting is held according to, for example, one of the following three contents according to the situation of the investor meeting. (A) Decision of agenda (B) Discussion (C) Determination of voting items

The conference in step S54 is performed, for example, at each of the plurality of investor terminal devices 4, 4,.
Writing (speaking) of text data can be performed via the network 1 and the conference system can refer to the written text data.
A discussion can be held by further writing a response to the referenced statement. Further, in this conference system, for example, comments written in the past at a conference currently being held can be referred to. Thereby, even if all the investors who participate in the investor conference cannot share time, it is possible to carry out the conference in which all the investors participate. It is also conceivable to distribute the minutes by e-mail.

A program for implementing this conference system is prepared on the operation side of the Internet server 2 and is executed on, for example, a Web server of the Internet server 2. The investor can participate in the investor conference by accessing the Web server using the investor terminal 4. For each investor terminal device 4, 4,.
Necessary software may be provided from the Internet server 2.

[0097] Information on the conference held in step S54 is transmitted from the investor terminal device 4 to the database 11 (S54).
EQ503). The transmission according to SEQ 503 may be performed to the Web server, and the transmission may be appropriately polled by the database 11. In step S55, the conference information registered in the database 11 is
It is updated with the conference information sent in Q503. When the conference information is updated in the database 11, the database 11 notifies the Internet server 2 of the updated information of the conference information (SEQ504). In the Internet server 2, related information is updated based on the notified update information (step S56). For example, in a Web server, the corresponding information of the Web site is updated based on the notified update information. The update information is returned to the investor terminal devices 4, 4,... (SEQ505).

In the investor terminal devices 4, 4,..., Based on the update information notified from the Internet server 2 by SEQ505, it is determined whether to vote at the meeting and make a decision. If it is determined not to vote, the process returns to step S54, and the investor terminal devices 4, 4,...
Either (a) discussions or (c) voting items are decided.

As described above, the above-described steps S54 to S5
7 and the processing of SEQ503 to SEQ505 are repeated until a vote is determined among the investor terminal devices 4, 4,.

For example, at an investor meeting, an agenda item relating to fund management for the content is determined based on each investor's free remark. According to the decided agenda,
A statement is made by the investor, and the fund management for the content and an opinion for the creator of the content are described. Then, when a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the meeting or when there are more than a predetermined number of supporters among the investors participating in the meeting, it is determined to vote on the agenda. Note that the voting is not necessarily limited to be sent via the network 1.

If it is determined in step S57 that voting is performed, the process proceeds to step S58, and voting is performed by the investors participating in the investor conference from the investor terminal devices 4, 4,... . The voting is performed by the investor having the voting right in accordance with the content determined in “(c) Determination of voting item” in step S54 described above.

Voting information indicating the voting result is transmitted from the investor terminal device 4 to the database 11 (SEQ50).
6). The voting information is stored in the database 1 in step S59.
1 stored and managed. Further, the voting information is notified from the database 11 to the Internet server 2 (SEQ 507).

By notifying the Internet server 2 of the voting information indicating the voting result in this way, the operation of the investment fund for the content is determined. Based on this decision, the investment funds are managed by the Internet server 2 operation side. The profits obtained from the operated funds are returned to the investor, the content creator, and the Internet server 2 operation side.

In the process of the flowchart of FIG. 6 described above, the Internet server 2 (Web server) and the database 11 are always linked, and information updated as the investor meeting progresses is reflected in real time. Update of a Web page or the like is performed. In this way, necessary information is always transmitted not only to investors but also potential investors and content creators.

The above-described user registration and user authentication processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8. It should be noted that the user registration and the authentication processing are common to both the content creator and the potential investor. Called.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for user registration. This user registration process is performed in an authentication server in the Internet server 2. For example, in the content creator information registration screen and the user information registration screen described above, the user
The user name at the time of access to is selected, and necessary information is input. The client issues a user information registration request based on the input information. A request for registration of user information is transmitted from the client to the Internet server 2 (SEQ600).

In the Internet server 2, this registration request is accepted in step S60, and in the next step S61, for example, the database 11 is searched to check whether the user name selected by the user is already used. . In addition, it is checked whether or not the user's personal information transmitted with the registration request is illegal or missing. If it is determined that the user name selected by the user is already in use or that the user's personal information is fraudulent, the process proceeds to step S62, where the Internet server 2 sends the information to the client. You will be prompted to re-enter.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that the selected user name is not used and that the personal information of the user is not illegal, the process proceeds to step S63, and the information of the user is determined. It is registered in the Internet server 2. Then, in the Internet server 2,
A unique user name and password are issued to the user. The user name and the password are transmitted from the Internet server 2 to the client.

The user, when accessing the Internet server 2, inputs a user name and a password at the time of login if a predetermined action to the Internet server 2 such as downloading contents is required. In a case where the user accesses the Internet server 2 only by browsing without the above-described action, it is preferable that the user is not required to input a user name and a password.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for user authentication. The authentication of the user who accesses the Internet server 2 using the user name and the password issued by the above-described process is performed by this process.
This is performed in the authentication server in the Internet server 2. A user name and a password are input at the time of login on a predetermined screen of the client, and an authentication request is issued at the client based on the input information. An authentication request is transmitted from the client to the Internet server 2 (SEQ 700).

At step S70, the transmitted authentication request is accepted by the Internet server 2, and the user name and password are extracted. Then, the next step S7
In step 1, for example, the database 11 is searched, and it is determined whether the received user name and password are valid (Valid). If the received user name and password are not valid, the process proceeds to step S
The process proceeds to 72, and the client is notified to urge registration of the user information. Or, in step S72,
The client is prompted to re-enter the user name and password.

If it is determined in step S71 that the received user name and password are valid, the process proceeds to step S73. In step S73, a session between the client and the Internet server 2 is started, and the client is notified that login is completed (SEQ701).

The user authentication by this authentication processing is made valid during one session of the connection between the client and the Internet server 2. For example, one session is defined in units such as when a browser is terminated in a client or a predetermined time elapses after login.

In the above description, the user registration and authentication processing has been described as being applied to the content creator and the potential investor. Of course, the registration and authentication processing is applied to the investor. You may make it. That is, when the investor uploads the investment information to the Internet server, the user information of the investor can be registered in the Internet server 2 in advance. In addition, when an investor invests in a content creator, participates in an investor conference, and performs a vote in the investor conference, the user authentication for the investor can be performed.

In this embodiment, in the Internet server 2, the database 11
1 is open to a content creator who registers the content in a predetermined range. For example, the storage capacity allocated to the content creator is gradually increased in accordance with the evaluation of the content. Is allocated without any particular time limit. The criterion for allocating the storage capacity may be the investment amount. The content creator can freely use the open database 11 and make his / her own appeal. Regarding the appeal of the content creator, software may be provided from the Internet server 2 operation side.

Further, contents different from those distributed to non-investors may be preferentially distributed to investors. A preferential treatment such as allocating a predetermined storage capacity on a Web server to an investor may be adopted.

Further, in the above description, an example is described in which an investment is made for one content creator, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, an investment can be made by combining a plurality of content creators having different genres of content. For example, it is conceivable to make an investment by combining a model or an actor registered as content with a photographer as a content creator to produce a photo book of the model or the actor.

On the other hand, when the content creator registers the content in the Internet server 2, it is conceivable that the content creator makes a contract with the Internet server 2 operation side. This contract is, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, in which a predetermined period A (for example, one year) after the content is registered in the Internet server 2 is an initial contract period. During this period A, the content creator cannot cancel the contract without paying a penalty, for example, to the Internet server 2 operation side.

Here, as an example, within the period A from the registration,
It is assumed that the operation of the investment fund for the content is started when the period x has elapsed. For a predetermined period y (for example, one year) from the start of operation, as described above, the content creator cannot cancel without paying a penalty, for example, to the Internet server 2 operation side. Therefore, the contract period of the content creator is (period x) +
(Period y). By setting the contract period in this way, it is possible to prevent a so-called "free-ride" of the Internet server by the content creator.

The software group for constructing the system according to the present invention described above is an object, which always operates on the Internet server 2 and exists on the network 1, and manages the database 11 which is the basis of the system. Potential investors, content creators, and investors, actors who act on the system, accomplish their actions by accessing those objects. Investor meetings, which are organized around content produced by the content creator, influence the subsequent operation of the content creator. In other words, each investor has a virtual company on the network 1, and the investor himself is responsible for making decisions and making decisions regarding the subsequent operation of the content creator.

These processes can be easily executed by an instance or a thread configured as an object. Therefore, built on software,
It can be said that such a system cannot be realized except for the mode of operation on the network 1. Actor, Web
By accessing the page, it is possible to get all the information about the system. On the other hand, on the Web page, the evaluation of the content changes every moment, and new content is actively distributed free of charge using the evaluation as a price. That is, according to the system of the present invention, the virtual world can operate the real world.

[0122]

As described above, according to the system of the present invention, the evaluation by the user who downloads the content registered in the Internet server is uploaded to the Internet server, and the investor makes the content based on the evaluation information. Investment is made for
Made between multiple investors who have invested in the content,
Investment funds are managed based on the results of the investor meeting on the network. In addition, the evaluation of the contents and the state of the investor meeting are made public on the network.

Therefore, by using the system of the present invention, a content creator can respond to an evaluation of his or her produced content without belonging to a large-scale organization having assets of a certain size or more. There is an effect that it becomes possible to obtain funds.

In addition, from the viewpoint of society, there is an effect that it is possible to find a content creator who is out of the reputation of the above-mentioned large-scale organization and ends without entering the world.

Further, by constructing the system of the present invention, there is an effect that the Internet server side can work with emphasis on system management and fund management.

Further, there is an effect that the investor can reflect his or her own intention on his or her investment object by accessing the Internet server via the network. Also, there is an effect that the investment amount can be dealt with from a small amount.

Further, in the system according to the present invention, since the process of investing in the content and the content creator is disclosed on the network, even users who have no interest, confidence, or knowledge in the investment can make an investment based on their own sensibility. Can be performed, and the content creator selected by himself can be brought up.

As a result, it is possible to cultivate a user group who has never been interested in investment and the like, and it is possible to produce a remarkable economic effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration of an example of a content distribution and investment system.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed when a content is uploaded from a CP terminal device to a content server in an Internet server.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed when a content stored in a content server in an Internet server is downloaded from a client connected to a network.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of upload processing of content evaluation information by a user to a content server in an Internet server.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of investment processing by an investor for content registered in an Internet server.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of an investor meeting held via a network.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a user registration process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of user authentication.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a contract period of a content creator.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network, 2 ... Internet server, 3 ... Investor terminal device, 4 ... CP terminal device,
10: server device, 11: database

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/173 640 H04N 7/173 640Z

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A content free delivery device for delivering a content uploaded by a user to a server over a network free of charge, comprising: a content registration unit for registering a content provided by a user; and a content registration unit registered by the content registration unit. Content distribution means for distributing content on a network free of charge, evaluation acquisition means for receiving, via the network, an evaluation of the content distributed by the content distribution means, based on the evaluation received by the evaluation acquisition means An evaluation information disclosing means for disclosing evaluation information to the network; and an investor recruitment for recruiting, via the network, an investor who invests in the content and the creator of the content registered in the registration means. With means Content free delivery device according to claim. 2. The content free distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a conference on the management of the investment fund made by the investor recruited by the investor recruiting means to the content and the creator of the content is held. A content free distribution apparatus, further comprising a remote conference unit configured to perform on the network using a terminal device capable of accessing the network by each of the plurality of investors. 3. The free content distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the investment information acquisition means receives information on the investment made by the investor recruited by the investor recruitment means via the network, and A content free distribution device, further comprising investment information disclosure means for releasing the investment information acquired by the information acquisition means to the network. 4. The content free distribution apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the remote conferencing unit is configured to execute, when the investment fund for the content becomes larger than a predetermined amount based on the investment information acquired by the investment information acquiring unit. A content free distribution apparatus, wherein the conference is held at the same time. 5. The content free distribution apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the remote conferencing means has an evaluation value indicating an evaluation of the content larger than a predetermined value based on the evaluation information obtained by the evaluation obtaining means. A content free distribution apparatus characterized in that the conference is held when the content is distributed. 6. The content free distribution device according to claim 1, wherein said evaluation information publishing means, when said evaluation is received by said evaluation acquisition means, said evaluation information to be published based on said received evaluation. Content distribution apparatus characterized in that the content is automatically updated. 7. The content free distribution apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the investment information publishing means, when the investment information is received by the investment information acquisition means, performs the disclosure based on the received information of the investment. Free content distribution apparatus, wherein said investment information is automatically updated. 8. The content free distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a storage capacity of a server is automatically set according to the evaluation for the creator of the content having received the evaluation received by the evaluation obtaining means. A content free distribution device, characterized in that the content is allocated to the content. 9. A contents free distribution method for distributing contents uploaded by a user to a server over a network free of charge, wherein: a contents registration step of registering contents provided by the user; A content distribution step of distributing the content on a network free of charge, an evaluation acquisition step of receiving, via the network, an evaluation of the content distributed by the content distribution step, and an evaluation acquisition step of receiving the evaluation. A step of publishing evaluation information based on the obtained evaluation to the network, and an investor investing in the content and the creator of the content registered in the registration step. Content free delivery method characterized by having an investment recruitment of steps to recruit through the over clause. 10. A content free distribution program for causing a computer device to execute a content free distribution method of distributing a content uploaded by a user to a server over a network free of charge, wherein a content registration step of registering the content provided by the user. And a content distribution step of distributing the content registered in the content registration step on a network free of charge; and an evaluation acquisition for receiving an evaluation of the content distributed in the content distribution step through the network. A step of publishing evaluation information based on the evaluation received in the step of obtaining the evaluation to the network, and a step of publishing the evaluation information based on the evaluation received in the step of obtaining the evaluation. The investors to invest in the fine the content creator, content free distribution program for causing a computer to execute device content free distribution method and a investment recruitment steps to recruit through the network. 11. A recording medium on which a content free distribution program for causing a computer device to execute a content free distribution method of distributing a content uploaded by a user to a server over a network free of charge is provided. A step of registering the content to be registered, a step of distributing the content registered in the step of registering the content on a network free of charge, and an evaluation of the content distributed in the step of distributing the content in the network. Receiving the evaluation information received through the above-mentioned step, publishing the evaluation information based on the evaluation received in the above-mentioned evaluation step to the network, and publishing the evaluation information to the network; And a step of recruiting an investor who invests in the content and a creator of the content through the network. Recording medium characterized by the above-mentioned.