JP2002230394A - Trial contents data distribution network system, trial contents data distribution system, contents trial terminal, method for trial contents data distribution and trial, trial contents dat distributing method, method for contents trail, trial contents data distribution and trial program, trial contents data distribution computer program, contents trial computer program, medium with trial contents data distribution and trial program recorded thereon, medium with trial contents data distribution program recorded thereon, and medium with contents trial program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a customer to use trial contents data of various contents that the customer desires by downloading them to a trial terminal through a network without preparing a trial version at a contents store. SOLUTION: A contents trial terminal 10 reads bar code data out of bar codes prepared for each content and sends them to a trial contents data server 202 of a trial contents data distribution system 20 having a specific address through an information network 30. The trial contents data distribution system takes trial digital data of the contents corresponding to the bar code data out of a trial contents database 201 and downloads them to the contents trial terminal as the request source. Then the contents trial terminal 10 once receiving the downloaded trial digital data reproduces them for customer's trial.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a trial content data distribution network system, a trial content data distribution system, a content trial terminal, a trial content data distribution / trial method, a trial content data distribution method,
Content trial method, trial content data distribution / trial computer program, trial content data distribution computer program, content trial computer program, medium recording trial content data distribution / trial program, medium recording trial content data distribution program, and content trial program Related to a medium on which is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, music and movies are recorded on CDs, VTRs and DVs.
In the case of recording and selling on media such as D, many and many types of media contents are displayed as packages on merchandise shelves of a store, but are installed in the store for customers who want to try it. A trial media content is loaded in advance into a CD player or a DVD player capable of continuous playing, and a customer is allowed to select and play the media content from the content for trial use. Also, if a customer wants to try unloaded content,
If a trial CD or DVD of the content is stocked, it is loaded into a player and reproduced for trial.

In the case of media content such as computer game software, a trial version with limited functions is produced in advance and is provided free of charge to customers who want to acquire it.

[0004]

However, when a trial device for reproducing a trial version is installed in a store and a customer tries it, the number of contents that can be trialed per trial device is limited. There was a problem that it was not possible to meet all of the diverse wishes of customers.

[0005] In addition, when a trial version is produced and provided free of charge, there is a problem that extra time is required for creating the trial version and the cost is increased. In addition, there is also a problem that it takes time from planning a trial version to reaching a customer's hand and penetrating a large number of customers.

[0006] Further, in general households, there is no means to try new media contents introduced in, for example, music magazines, movie magazines, game magazines, etc. immediately while watching the magazines, which is inconvenient. .

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional technical problem, and it is intended to use any of a wide variety of contents in a store for selling media contents without being limited in number. It is an object of the present invention to provide a trial content data distribution technology capable of performing the following.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a trial content data distribution technique that allows a newly published media content introduced in a magazine to be tried while staying at home.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trial content data distribution network system comprising: a content trial terminal; a trial content data distribution system;
The content trial terminal comprises: a barcode reader that reads barcode data for identifying the content from a barcode prepared for each content; and a barcode reader connected to the information network. A transmission device for transmitting the barcode data read by the reader to a specific address, and a reproduction device for reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system, wherein the trial content data distribution system Is a trial content database that stores trial digital data for each content, and has the specific address, receives barcode data from the transmitting device, and corresponds to the barcode data from the trial content database. Removed trial digital data of the content, and is characterized in that a sample content data server to download to the content trial terminal via the information network.

[0010] In the trial content data distribution network system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the content trial terminal reads the barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content. And transmitting the read barcode data to the trial content data server of the trial content data distribution system at a specific address via the information network.

In the trial content data distribution system, when the trial content data server receives the barcode data from the content trial terminal, the trial digital data of the content corresponding to the barcode data is extracted from the trial content database, and the content of the request source is retrieved. Download to trial terminal.

On the other hand, when receiving the trial digital data from the trial content data server, the content trial terminal reproduces the digital data and makes the customer try it.

Thus, even if the trial version of each of the various types of media contents is not loaded in the trial device,
The customer can try and select the trial content of each of the various types of media content with almost no restrictions. In addition, the cost of the store required for that purpose can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the content trial terminal is installed in the customer's home, various types of content can be trialled in each customer's home, and online shopping can select a favorite content from many types.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trial content data distribution system which stores a trial content database for storing trial digital data for each content, and a bar code data having a specific address and transmitted from an access source through an information network. Receiving a trial digital data of the content corresponding to the bar code data from the trial content database, and downloading the trial digital data to the access source through the information network.

In the trial content data distribution system according to the second aspect of the present invention, by registering trial digital data for each content in the trial content database, the trial content data server transmits the trial digital data to the bar transmitted from the access source through the information network. When the code data is received, the trial digital data of the content corresponding to the barcode data is extracted from the trial content database and downloaded to the access source.

[0016] Thus, in response to a request for downloading trial content from a number of content trial terminals via the information network, trial digital data of the corresponding content can be distributed.

The content trial terminal of the invention according to claim 3 is:
A barcode reader that reads barcode data that identifies the content from a barcode prepared for each content, and a barcode data reader that is connected to an information network and reads the barcode data read by the barcode reader. A transmission device for transmitting an address to a trial content data server, and a reproducing device for reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server.

In the content trial terminal according to the third aspect of the invention, the barcode reader reads barcode data from the barcode prepared for each content and transmits the barcode data to the trial content data server at a specific address registered in advance. . Then, when the trial digital data of the corresponding content is downloaded from the trial content data server, it is reproduced and made available to the customer for trial.

Thus, even if the trial version of each type of content is not loaded in the trial device at the store, it is possible to reproduce the trial content for various types of content at the request of the customer and to try it out. .

A trial content data distribution network system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a content trial terminal, a URL conversion server having a specific URL address, a trial content data distribution system, and an information network connecting these. The content trial terminal is a barcode reader that reads barcode data for identifying the content from a barcode prepared for each content, a barcode reader that reads barcode data of the barcode, the barcode reader and information. A transmission device connected to a network and transmitting the barcode data read by the barcode reader to the URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through the information network; and A reproduction device for reproducing the downloaded trial digital data of the content, wherein the URL conversion server refers to the barcode data and the URL comparison data stored in advance and is transmitted from the content trial terminal. The trial content data distribution system has a function of converting the barcode data into a URL corresponding to the barcode data and jumping to a destination connected to the URL.
A trial content database that assigns RLs and registers trial digital data for each content for each web page of each URL, and the content trial terminal that jumps by specifying the URL from the URL conversion server. And a trial content data server for downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the URL in the trial content database.

In the trial content data distribution network system according to the present invention, the content trial terminal reads the barcode data from the barcode prepared for each content and assigned with different barcode data for each content. The barcode data is transmitted to a URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through the information network.

In the URL conversion server, the barcode data sent from the content trial terminal is converted into the corresponding URL by referring to the barcode data and URL reference data stored in advance, and the URL of the content trial terminal is changed. The connection destination is jumped to the URL.

In the trial content data distribution system,
A different URL is assigned to each content, and each URL is
The trial digital data for each content is registered in the trial content database for each Web page, and the trial content data server jumps by specifying the URL from the URL conversion server. URL Web
Take out the trial digital data registered on the page and download it.

The content trial terminal reproduces the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server and causes the customer to try it.

Thus, even if the trial version of each of the various types of media contents is not loaded in the trial device,
The customer can try and select the trial content of each of the various types of media content with almost no restrictions. In addition, the cost of the store required for that purpose can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the content trial terminal is installed in the customer's home, various types of content can be trialled in each customer's home, and online shopping can select a favorite content from many types.

In addition, by using the barcode conversion server, the trial content is distributed to the trial content data distribution system of the company for the content handled by each content provider such as a maker, a production, and a content distributor. In advance, the barcode conversion server sends the barcode data-URL
If this barcode conversion server is provided, the barcode conversion server can unify the URL management of trial contents of various media contents, and each handling company has its own standards and regulations for the media contents handled by the company. The bar code data can be used in accordance with the above, and the degree of freedom in allocating the bar code data is increased.

A trial content data distribution system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a trial content database which assigns a different URL to each content, and registers trial digital data for each content on each Web page of each URL, and a content trial terminal. A trial content data server that downloads the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the trial content database in response to an access from a designated URL.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the trial content data distribution network system of the fourth aspect or the trial content data distribution system of the fifth aspect, the trial content data server is operated as a different site for each handling company. It is characterized by the following.

In the trial content data distribution system according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, a different URL is assigned to each content, and the URL of each URL is stored in the trial content database.
Different trial digital data is registered for each web page, and when the trial content data server accesses from the content trial terminal designating the URL, the trial digital data registered on the web page of the corresponding URL in the trial content database. Take out and download.

[0030] In this way, in response to requests for downloading trial content from a large number of content trial terminals via the information network, trial digital data of the corresponding content can be distributed.

In addition, each content handling company can operate a trial content data distribution site for the content handled by its own company, which facilitates registration management of the trial content database, and registers new products in the trial content database. There is an advantage that work can be done quickly.

[0032] The content trial terminal of the invention of claim 7 is:
A barcode reader that reads barcode data that identifies the content from a barcode prepared for each content, and is connected to the barcode reader and an information network, and reads the barcode data read by the barcode reader, It comprises a transmitting device for transmitting a URL registered in advance to the URL conversion server via a network, and a reproducing device for reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system.

In the content trial terminal of the present invention, the barcode data is read from the barcode to which the barcode data is attached for each content, and the read barcode data is stored in a URL registered in advance through the information network. Of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system to reproduce the trial digital data of the content and make the customer try it.

Thus, even if the trial version of each type of content is not loaded in the trial device of the store, it is possible to reproduce the trial content and to try the various types of content in response to the request of the customer. .

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trial content data distribution / trial method, wherein a content trial terminal reads bar code data from a bar code prepared for each content and assigned different bar code data for each content. Transmitting the read barcode data to a specific address via an information network in the content trial terminal; and receiving the barcode data sent from the content trial terminal in the trial content data distribution system. And extracting the trial digital data of the content corresponding to the received barcode data from the trial content database in the trial content data distribution system, and downloading the digital data to the content trial terminal. A step, in the content trial terminal, is made of a step of reproducing the trial digital data of the content that has been downloaded from the sample content data distribution system.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for distributing trial content data, comprising: registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database; receiving bar code data transmitted from an access source through an information network; Extracting the trial digital data of the content corresponding to the barcode data from the trial content database, and downloading the trial digital data to the access source through the information network.

In the content trial method according to the tenth aspect, a step of reading bar code data from a bar code prepared for each content and having different bar code data assigned to each content; To the trial content data server at a specific address registered in advance, and reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server.

[0038] According to a method for distributing and using trial content data of the invention, the content trial terminal reads the barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned with different barcode data for each content. And in the trial terminal, transmitting the read barcode data to a URL of a URL registered in advance through an information network.
Transmitting to the conversion server, and the URL conversion server
Referring to the URL control data, the barcode data sent from the content trial terminal is displayed in the corresponding U
Converting the content trial terminal to the URL of the content trial terminal and jumping to the URL.
L, and registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database for each Web page of each URL; and in the trial content data distribution system, the URL is designated from the URL conversion server to jump. Downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the corresponding URL of the trial content database to the trial content terminal, and downloading the trial digital data from the trial content data distribution system at the trial terminal. Reproducing the trial digital data of the content.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a trial content data distribution method assigns a different URL to each content,
And registering the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database for each web page of each URL, and in response to an access from the content trial terminal designating the URL, the trial Downloading the registered trial digital data.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content trial method, wherein bar code data is read from a bar code prepared for each content and having different bar code data for each content, using a bar code reader. The method comprises the steps of transmitting barcode data to a URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through an information network, and reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system. .

The computer program for trial content data distribution / trial according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a content trial terminal, wherein the bar code data is prepared from a bar code prepared for each content and different bar code data is allocated to each content. Reading, transmitting the read barcode data to a specific address via an information network in the content trial terminal, and receiving the barcode data sent from the content trial terminal in the trial content data distribution system. And extracting the trial digital data of the content corresponding to the received barcode data from the trial content database in the trial content data distribution system, and downloading to the content trial terminal. A process of over-de, in the content trial terminal, and executes the process of reproducing the trial digital data of the content that has been downloaded from the sample content data distribution system.

The medium on which the trial content data distribution / trial program according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention is recorded is read by a computer, so that the content trial terminal prepares the medium for each content, and stores different barcode data for each content. Reading the barcode data from the allocated barcode, transmitting the read barcode data to a specific address through an information network in the content trial terminal, and executing the content in the trial content data distribution system. A process of receiving the barcode data sent from the trial terminal; and, in the trial content data distribution system, a trial digital data of the content corresponding to the received barcode data from the trial content database. Removed data, a process of downloading the contents trial terminal, in the content trial terminal, and executes the process of reproducing the trial digital data of the content that has been downloaded from the sample content data distribution system.

According to the computer program storing the trial content data distribution / trial program of the fourteenth invention and the trial content data distribution / trial program of the fifteenth invention, this is incorporated into a computer system. It is possible to construct the trial content data distribution information network system of the present invention.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trial content data distribution computer program for registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database and receiving bar code data transmitted from an access source through an information network. Extracting the trial digital data of the content corresponding to the barcode data from the trial content database and downloading the digital data to the access source through the information network.

The medium storing the trial content data distribution program according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable medium for registering the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database, and for accessing from the access source through the information network. Receiving the transmitted barcode data, extracting trial digital data of the content corresponding to the barcode data from the trial content database, and downloading the trial digital data to the access source through the information network. .

In the medium for recording the trial content data distribution computer program according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention and the trial content data distribution program according to the seventeenth aspect, the trial content data distribution program according to the second aspect of the present invention is incorporated into a computer system. A data distribution system can be constructed.

The content trial computer program according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention provides a process for reading bar code data from a bar code prepared for each content and having different bar code data assigned to each content; A process of transmitting data to a trial content data server at a specific address registered in advance and a process of reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server are executed.

The medium on which the content trial program according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention has been recorded is read by a computer to prepare a barcode data which is prepared for each content and different barcode data is assigned to each content. Reading the code data; transmitting the read barcode data to a trial content data server at a specific address registered in advance; and trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server. And a process for reproducing the.

The content trial computer program according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention and the medium recording the content trial program according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention can be incorporated into a computer system to construct the content trial terminal according to the third aspect of the present invention. Can be.

A trial content data distribution / trial computer program according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is a content trial terminal, wherein the content trial terminal converts the barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and different barcode data is assigned to each content. A process of reading, and a process of transmitting the read barcode data to a URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through the information network in the trial terminal;
The L conversion server converts the bar code data sent from the content trial terminal into a corresponding URL by referring to the bar code data and URL reference data stored in advance, and connects the content trial terminal to the destination. Jumping to the URL, and assigning a different URL for each content in the trial content data distribution system, and registering the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database for each Web page of each URL; In the trial content data distribution system, for the content trial terminal that has jumped by specifying the URL from the URL conversion server, the trial digital data registered in the Web page of the URL in the trial content database is downloaded. A process of downloading, in the trial terminal, and executes the process of reproducing the trial digital data of the content that has been downloaded from the sample content data distribution system.

The medium on which the trial content data distribution / trial program according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention is recorded is read by a computer, so that the content trial terminal prepares the medium for each content, and stores different barcode data for each content. Reading the barcode data from the allocated barcode, and, in the trial terminal, transmitting the read barcode data to a UR registered in advance through an information network.
L to the URL conversion server, and the URL conversion server refers to the barcode data and URL comparison data stored in advance, and converts the barcode data sent from the content trial terminal to the corresponding URL. And a process of jumping the connection destination of the content trial terminal to the URL. In the trial content data distribution system, a different U
A process of allocating RLs and registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database for each Web page of each URL; and in the trial content data distribution system, specifying the URL from the URL conversion server and jumping. Downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the corresponding URL in the trial content database to the content trial terminal; and downloading the trial digital data from the trial content data distribution system in the trial terminal. And reproducing the trial digital data of the content.

The medium for recording the trial content data distribution / trial computer program according to the twentieth aspect and the trial content data distribution / trial program according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention can be incorporated into a computer system. , A trial content data distribution network system can be constructed.

The computer program for distributing trial content data according to the invention of claim 22 assigns a different URL to each content, and registers the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database for each Web page of each URL; In response to an access from a content trial terminal designating a URL, a process of downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the URL in the trial content database is executed.

The medium on which the trial content data distribution program according to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention is recorded can be read by a computer to provide a different URL for each content.
And registering the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database for each Web page of each URL;
In response to an access designating an RL, a process of downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the URL in the trial content database is executed.

In the medium storing the trial content data distribution computer program according to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention and the trial content data distribution program according to the twenty-third aspect, the trial content data distribution program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is incorporated into a computer system. A distribution system can be constructed.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content trial computer program for reading barcode data from a barcode provided for each content and having different barcode data for each content, using a barcode reader; Transmitting the bar code data to the URL conversion server of the URL registered in advance through the information network, and reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system. It is.

A medium recording the content trial program according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is prepared by reading the program by a computer, and is prepared from a bar code having different bar code data for each content. And reading the read barcode data with a URL of a URL registered in advance through an information network.
A process for transmitting to the conversion server and a process for reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system are executed.

The content trial computer program according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention and the medium recording the content trial content program according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention are incorporated in a computer system to construct the content trial terminal according to the seventh aspect of the present invention. Can be.

[0059]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show the configuration of a trial content data distribution network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This trial content data distribution network system includes a content trial terminal 10,
It comprises a trial content data distribution system 20 and an information network 30 connecting them.

The content trial terminal 10 is, for example, music,
When selling the contents stored in any portable storage media (eg, CD, DVD, video tape cassette, memory cassette) such as video and game software, the contents of the contents are transferred to the customer. It is used for trial listening, previewing, or trial use (referred to collectively as “trial” in this specification) as requested. The content trial terminal 10 includes, for example, a barcode sticker attached to the content media,
A barcode reader 102 that reads barcode data for identifying the content from a barcode 101 prepared for each content, such as a barcode printed with the content in a product list of the content, is connected.

The content trial terminal 10 is connected to the information network 30 and transmits the bar code data read by the bar code reader 102 to a specific address through the information network 30.
0, a transmission / reception processing unit 10A that receives trial content digital data downloaded through the Internet, a reproduction processing unit 10B that reproduces trial digital data of content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system 20, and a bar code data. A server address registration unit 10C for storing the address of the trial content data server 202 to be provided.

Note that the content trial terminal 10 has at least a speaker or headphone terminal 10D as a user interface when trying out music content, and is used for previewing video content. Similarly has at least a display 10E and a speaker or headphone terminal 10D. When the content trial terminal 10 is for trial of game software, it is assumed that the content trial terminal 10 includes a display and a speaker or a headphone terminal, and is further connected to a game joystick.

Trial content data distribution system 20
Is a trial content database 201 that stores trial digital data for each content, and a barcode data that has a specific address and is received from the content trial terminal 10 and that corresponds to the barcode data from the trial content database 201. The trial content data server 202 downloads the trial digital data and downloads it to the requesting content trial terminal 10 via the information network 30.

In the trial content database 201,
Trial content data for each of a large number of contents in advance, such as music data of only the first part in the case of music, trailer video data in the case of movies, and game data with limited functions in the case of game software Each is stored in a form corresponding to the barcode data.

The trial content data server 202 has a database management unit 202A for managing a trial content database, a transmission / reception processing unit 202B for transmitting / receiving data to / from the information network 30, and a trial content database 201 through the database management unit 202A. There is provided a trial content data distribution processing unit 202C for sending out the extracted trial content digital data to the information network 30 through the transmission / reception processing unit 202B.

The information network 30 is a LAN when the system of the present embodiment is installed in one store, and one or a plurality of content trial terminals 10 are installed in the store, and are remote from them. When the trial content data distribution system 20 is installed in a remote place, the network is a dedicated line or a public line, or a network composed of these dedicated lines or public lines and the Internet.

Next, a description will be given of a trial content data distribution / trial method by the trial content data distribution network system having the above configuration, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When entering the store and finding content to try out from various types of media content, the customer can use the barcode attached to the package or the barcode of the barcode 101 printed with a picture of the content in the product catalog. Bar code reader 10 for data
2 (step S05).

The content trial terminal 10 adds the address of the trial content data server 202 registered in advance to the barcode data read by the barcode reader 102, and
The information is transmitted (step S10).

Upon receiving the barcode data sent to the address of its own device (step S15), the trial content data server 202 retrieves the trial content data corresponding to the barcode data from the trial content database 201 and accesses the trial content data server 201. Download to the original content trial terminal 10 (steps S20 to S3
0).

In the content trial terminal 10 that has requested the trial content data, the trial content data server 20
2 receives the trial content data downloaded through the information network 30 from the reproduction processing unit 10.
B is reproduced (steps S35 and S40).

Thus, in the trial content data distribution network system according to the first embodiment, it is necessary to take out a large number of products from the package and load them into the trial device for trial use at a store handling various types of media contents. And the financial burden on the store can be reduced. In addition, since the trial content data distribution site can centrally manage trial content data and respond to trial content data distribution requests from many stores, a wide variety of trial content data can be prepared, Can also try out various types of content.

In the description of the above embodiment, the case where the content trial terminal is mainly installed in the store has been described. However, a barcode for identifying each content is printed together with each content in a catalog introducing various types of content. The bar code data read by the bar code reader 102 is registered in advance in the computer, and the computer owned by the customer is used as the content trial terminal 10 and the bar code reader 102 is connected to the computer. By transmitting the trial content to the trial content data server 202 at the address, requesting the trial of the content, and receiving the trial content downloaded from the server 202 and installing the application program to be reproduced on the computer, the customer can freely use the software at each home. Kind of Content will be able to try out.

In this case, along with the trial of various types of contents, if it is possible to make a purchase application online for the favorite contents, the customer can try various types of contents while staying at home, and Be able to shop online.

Next, a trial content data distribution network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The features of the second embodiment are that the content trial terminal 10, the content data distribution systems 20-1, 20-2,...
The barcode conversion server 40 is accessed from the content trial terminal 10 through the information network 30 together with the information network 30 including the N301 and the public line 302 such as the Internet.

A bar code reader 102 is connected to the content trial terminal 10 as in the first embodiment. Then, the content trial terminal 10 transmits and receives
0A, a speaker or headphone terminal 10D, or a reproduction processing unit 10B to which a display 10E is connected together, and a URL of a barcode conversion server 40 which is accessed first through the information network 30 when the barcode reader 102 reads the data. And a bar code conversion server URL registration unit 10F for registering the URL.

Trial content data distribution system 20-
Are set, for example, for each media content maker, each production, and each content distributor, and each distributes trial content data of different contents. Therefore, the trial content data distribution systems 20-1, 20-2,...
2,... And trial content data servers 202-1 and 20-20
2-2,...

Then, the trial content database 201
-1, 201-2,..., Trial content data of contents such as music, movies, game software, etc. are registered as Web pages of different URLs one by one. Then, when a new content is announced, it is registered as a new URL Web page.

The trial content data server 202-
, Perform data transmission / reception processing with the information network 30 and the database management unit 202A that manages any of the connected trial content databases 201-1, 201-2,. When the content trial terminal 10 jumps the access destination URL by the transmission / reception processing unit 202B and the barcode conversion server 40 described later, the trial content registered on the Web page of the corresponding URL is stored in the database management unit 2.
02A, which is extracted through the information network 30 and downloaded through the information network 30
It has 2D.

When the bar code conversion server 40 is first accessed from the access content trial terminal 10, the transmitted bar code data is converted into the URL of the web page in which the digital data of the corresponding trial content is registered. And a barcode-URL conversion processing unit 40A for jumping the access destination of the content trial terminal 10 and barcode data of a barcode prepared for each content and trial content data corresponding thereto are registered. It includes a bar code data-URL symmetric table 40B in which data indicating the correspondence with the URL of the Web page is registered, and a transmission / reception processing unit 40C for transmitting / receiving data to / from the information network 30.

The data of the barcode data-URL comparison table 40B is registered based on information provided by a content handling company such as a production, a maker, or a distributor of the content.

Next, a description will be given of a trial content data distribution / trial method by the trial content data distribution network system having the above configuration, with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the user enters the store and finds a content to be tried out from various types of media content, the customer can use the barcode attached to the package or the barcode 101 printed with a photograph of the content in a product catalog. Is read by the barcode reader 102 (step S50).

When the barcode data is input from the barcode reader 102, the content trial terminal 10 receives the URL of the barcode conversion server 40 registered in advance.
Is accessed through the information network 30 and the barcode data is transmitted (step S55).

When the barcode conversion server 40 receives the barcode data from the content trial terminal 10 (step S60), the barcode conversion server 40 stores the barcode data stored therein.
We refer to the URL reference data and register the trial content data of the content requested by the customer for trial.
The URL of page b is specified, and the access destination of trial terminal 10 is jumped to the URL (step S65). In the following, a description will be given assuming that the URL of the jump destination is managed by the trial content data server 202-1.

When the trial content data server 202-1 receives access from the content trial terminal 10 due to the URL jump, the trial content data server 202-1 deletes the trial content data registered on the Web page of the corresponding URL. The content is retrieved from the trial content database 201-1 (step S70) and downloaded to the accessing content trial terminal 10 (step S75).

In the content trial terminal 10 which has requested the trial content data, the trial content data server 20
The trial content data downloaded from 2-1 through the information network 30 is received and reproduced by the reproduction processing unit 10B (steps S80 and S85).

Thus, in the trial content data distribution network system according to the second embodiment, it is necessary to take out many products from the package for trial use and load them into the trial device at a store handling various types of media contents. And the financial burden on the store can be reduced. Also, a wide variety of trial content data can be prepared, so that the customer can also try various types of content, and can select a content that suits his / her taste from a wide variety of content.

In addition, for each manufacturer, for each production,
The trial content is distributed to its trial content data distribution system for the content handled by each company by each content distributor and the like, and the trial content is registered, and the barcode data-URL reference data described above is sent to the barcode conversion server 40. Is provided, the URL management of trial contents of various media contents can be centralized in the barcode conversion server 40,
Each handling company can use the barcode data according to its own standards and regulations for the media contents handled by the company, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in allocating the barcode data.

In the description of the above embodiment, the case where the content trial terminal is mainly installed in the store has been described. However, a barcode for identifying each content is printed together with each content in a catalog introducing various types of content. The bar code data read by the bar code reader 102 is registered in advance in the computer, and the computer owned by the customer is used as the content trial terminal 10 and the bar code reader 102 is connected to the computer. The content is transmitted to the URL of the barcode conversion server 40 to request a content trial, and the trial content downloaded from the corresponding trial content data server among the trial content data servers 202-1, 202-2,. Application Pro to play on computer By installing the ram, in each household customers will be able to try out free to many types of content.

In this case, if it is possible to apply for the purchase of the favorite content online together with the trial of the various types of content, the customer can try the various types of content while staying at home. Be able to shop online.

[0091]

As described above, the trial content data distribution network system according to the first aspect of the present invention and the eighth aspect of the present invention.
According to the trial content data distribution / trial method of the invention, even if the trial version of each type of media content is not loaded in the trial device, the trial content of each type of media content is almost unlimited. Can be tried by the customer and selected. In addition, the cost of the store required for that purpose can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the content trial terminal is installed in the customer's home, various types of content can be trialled in each customer's home, and online shopping can select a favorite content from many types.

According to the trial content data distribution system of the second aspect and the trial content data distribution method of the ninth aspect, each of the trial content download requests from a large number of content trial terminals via the information network is provided. Thus, trial digital data of the corresponding content can be distributed.

According to the content trial terminal of the third aspect and the content trial method of the tenth aspect, even if the trial version of each type of content is not loaded in the trial device of the store, various types of content can be obtained. It is possible to reproduce the trial content and to try the trial content in response to the request of the customer.

According to the trial content data distribution network system of the fourth aspect and the trial content data distribution / trial method of the eleventh aspect, the trial version of each of the various types of media content is loaded in the trial device. Even if there is no such limitation, it is possible for the customer to try and select the trial content of each of the various types of media content with almost no restrictions. In addition, the cost of the store required for that purpose can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the content trial terminal is installed in the customer's home, various types of content can be trialled in each customer's home, and online shopping can select a favorite content from many types.

In addition, by using the barcode conversion server, the content handled by each content handling company such as a maker, production, content distributor, etc. is distributed to its own trial content data distribution system and the trial content is registered. In advance, the barcode conversion server sends the barcode data-URL
If this barcode conversion server is provided, the barcode conversion server can unify the URL management of trial contents of various media contents, and each handling company has its own standards and regulations for the media contents handled by the company. The bar code data can be used in accordance with the above, and the degree of freedom in allocating the bar code data is increased.

According to the trial contents data distribution system of the invention of claims 5 and 6, and the trial contents data distribution method of the invention of claim 12, requests for downloading of trial contents from a large number of contents trial terminals via an information network are provided. , The trial digital data of the corresponding content can be distributed. In addition, each content handling company can operate a trial content data distribution site for the content that it handles, making it easy to register and manage the trial content database, and quickly register new products in the trial content database. There are advantages that can be done.

According to the content trial terminal of the seventh aspect and the content trial method of the thirteenth aspect, even if the trial version of each type of content is not loaded in the trial device of the store, various types of content can be obtained. It is possible to reproduce the trial content and to try the trial content in response to the request of the customer.

According to the computer program for distributing / testing trial content data of the invention of claim 14 and the medium recording the trial content data delivery / trial program of claim 15 of the present invention, the computer program can be incorporated into a computer system. It is possible to construct the trial content data distribution information network system of the present invention.

According to the computer program for distributing the trial content data of the invention of claim 16 and the medium on which the trial content data distribution program of the invention of claim 17 is recorded, this is incorporated into a computer system to enable the trial of the invention of claim 2 to be implemented. A content data distribution system can be constructed.

According to the content trial computer program of the eighteenth invention and the medium recording the content trial program of the nineteenth invention, the content trial terminal of the third invention is constructed by incorporating it in a computer system. can do.

According to the trial content data distribution / trial computer program of the twentieth aspect and the medium storing the trial content data distribution / trial program of the twenty-first aspect, the computer program is incorporated into a computer system. It is possible to construct the trial content data distribution network system of the present invention.

According to the computer program for distributing the trial content data of the invention of claim 22 and the medium on which the trial content data distribution program of the invention of claim 23 is recorded, this is incorporated into a computer system to enable the trial of claim 6 to be implemented. A content data distribution system can be constructed.

According to the content trial computer program of the twenty-fourth aspect and the medium recording the content trial program of the twenty-fifth aspect, the content trial terminal of the seventh aspect is constructed by incorporating this in a computer system. can do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a trial content data distribution network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of each component of the trial content data distribution network system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of trial content data distribution processing according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a trial content data distribution network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of each component of the trial content data distribution network system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of trial content data distribution processing according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 content trial terminal 10A transmission / reception processing unit 10B reproduction processing unit 10C server address registration unit 10D speaker or headphone terminal 10E display 10F barcode conversion server URL registration unit 20, 20-1, 20-2 trial content data distribution system 30 information network 40 Barcode conversion server 40A Barcode-URL conversion processing unit 40B Barcode-URL symmetric table 40C Transmission / reception processing unit 101 Barcode 102 Barcode reader 201, 201-1, 201-2 Trial content database 202, 202-1, 202- 2 Trial content data server 202A Database management unit 202B Transmission / reception processing unit 202C Trial content data distribution processing unit 202D Trial content extraction processing unit 301 LA N 302 Public line (Internet)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Mitsuo Takahashi 1-6 Ota Toshiba-cho, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka Intranet Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masao Isshiki 1-1-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo Shares (72) Inventor Yoko Suwabe 1-1-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo In-house Toshiba Corporation (54) [Title of Invention] Trial content data distribution network system, trial content data distribution system, Content trial terminal, trial content data distribution / trial method, trial content data distribution method, content trial method, trial content data distribution / trial computer program, trial content data distribution computer program, content Use computer program, trial content data distribution and trial program the recorded medium, trial content data distribution program the recorded media and content trial program the recorded media

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A content trial terminal, a trial content data distribution system, and an information network connecting them, wherein the content trial terminal identifies barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content. A bar code reader connected to the information network and transmitting the bar code data read by the bar code reader to a specific address; and a trial of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system. A reproduction device that reproduces digital data, the trial content data distribution system includes: a trial content database that stores trial digital data for each content; and a barcode data from the transmitting device that has the specific address. A trial content data server that retrieves trial digital data of the content corresponding to the barcode data from the trial content database, and downloads the trial digital data to the content trial terminal through the information network. Trial content data distribution network system. 2. A trial content database for storing trial digital data for each content, and a bar code data having a specific address and transmitted from an access source through an information network,
A trial content data distribution system, comprising: a trial content data server that retrieves trial digital data of content corresponding to the barcode data from the trial content database and downloads the trial digital data to the access source through the information network. 3. A bar code reader for reading bar code data for identifying the content from a bar code prepared for each content, and a bar code data connected to an information network and read by the bar code reader being registered in advance. A content trial terminal, comprising: a transmitting device for transmitting to the trial content data server at the specified specific address; and a reproducing device for reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server. 4. A content trial terminal, a URL conversion server having a specific URL address, a trial content data distribution system, and an information network connecting them, wherein the content trial terminal is prepared for each content. A barcode reader that reads barcode data that identifies the content from the barcode; a barcode reader that reads the barcode data of the barcode; and a barcode reader that is connected to the barcode reader and the information network, and is read by the barcode reader. A transmitting device for transmitting barcode data to the URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through the information network; and transmitting the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system. The URL conversion server converts the barcode data sent from the content trial terminal into a URL corresponding to the barcode data with reference to the barcode data and URL comparison data stored in advance. The trial content data distribution system assigns a different URL to each of the contents;
A trial content database for registering trial digital data for each content for each RL Web page; and a corresponding URL in the trial content database for the content trial terminal that has jumped from the URL conversion server by specifying the URL. A trial content data distribution network system comprising: a trial content data server that downloads the trial digital data registered on the Web page. 5. A trial content database for assigning a different URL to each content, and registering trial digital data for each content for each Web page of each URL, and an access from a content trial terminal that specifies a URL. URL of the trial content database
And a trial content data server that downloads the trial digital data registered on the Web page. 6. The trial content data distribution network system according to claim 4, wherein the trial content data server is operated as a different site for each service provider or the trial content data distribution according to claim 5. system. 7. A bar code reader for reading bar code data for identifying the content from a bar code prepared for each content, and a bar code connected to the bar code reader and the information network and read by the bar code reader. A transmitting device for transmitting data to the URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through the information network; and a reproducing device for reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system. Content trial terminal. 8. A step of reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content in the content trial terminal; and reading the read bar in the content trial terminal. Transmitting code data to a specific address through an information network; receiving, in the trial content data distribution system, bar code data transmitted from the content trial terminal; trial content in the trial content data distribution system; Extracting the trial digital data of the content corresponding to the received barcode data from a database, and downloading the digital digital data to the content trial terminal; Sample content data distribution or test method comprising a step of reproducing the trial digital data of the content that has been downloaded from the use content data delivery system. 9. A step of registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database, receiving barcode data sent from an access source through an information network, and responding to the barcode data from the trial content database. Extracting the trial digital data of the content to be downloaded and downloading it to the access source through the information network. 10. A step of reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content; and reading the read barcode data into a specific registered specific A content trial method comprising: transmitting an address to a trial content data server; and reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server. 11. A step of reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content in the content trial terminal; and reading the read barcode in the trial terminal. Transmitting the data to a URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through an information network; and transmitting the data from the content trial terminal by referring to the barcode data / URL comparison data stored in advance in the URL conversion server. Converting the obtained bar code data into a URL corresponding to the bar code data and jumping the connection destination of the content trial terminal to the URL; and assigning a different URL for each content in the trial content data distribution system; Web of each URL
Registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database for each page; and in the trial content data distribution system, for the content trial terminal that has jumped by specifying the URL from the URL conversion server, Downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the URL in the trial content database; and reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system in the trial terminal. A trial content data distribution / trial method comprising steps. 12. A step of allocating a different URL for each content, and registering the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database for each Web page of each URL; And the corresponding URL of the trial content database
Downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the trial content data. 13. A step of reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and having different barcode data for each content with a barcode reader; and reading the read barcode data through an information network in advance. A content trial method comprising: transmitting a registered URL to a URL conversion server; and reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system. 14. A process for reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and having different barcode data assigned to each content in the content trial terminal; and reading the read bar in the content trial terminal. A process of transmitting code data to a specific address through an information network; a process of receiving barcode data sent from the content trial terminal in the trial content data distribution system; and a process of trial content in the trial content data distribution system. A process of extracting trial digital data of content corresponding to the received barcode data from a database and downloading the trial digital data to the content trial terminal; Trial content data distribution and trial computer program that executes the process of reproducing the trial digital data of the content that has been downloaded from over data distribution system. 15. A process for reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content in the content trial terminal; and reading the read bar in the content trial terminal. A process of transmitting code data to a specific address through an information network; a process of receiving barcode data sent from the content trial terminal in the trial content data distribution system; and a process of trial content in the trial content data distribution system. A process of extracting trial digital data of content corresponding to the received barcode data from a database and downloading the trial digital data to the content trial terminal; Over data distribution system sample content data distribution and Trial Program computer-readable medium recording a that executes a process of reproducing the trial digital data of the content that has been downloaded from. 16. A process for registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database, receiving barcode data sent from an access source through an information network, and responding to the barcode data from the trial content database. And extracting the trial digital data of the content to be downloaded to the access source through the information network. 17. A process for registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database, receiving barcode data sent from an access source through an information network, and responding to the barcode data from the trial content database. A computer-readable medium recording a trial content data distribution program for executing a process of extracting trial digital data of content to be downloaded to the access source through the information network. 18. A process of reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content, and reading the read barcode data into a specific registered specific A content trial computer program for executing a process of transmitting an address to a trial content data server and a process of reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server. 19. A process of reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content, and reading the read barcode data into a specific registered specific A computer-readable medium storing a content trial program for executing a process of transmitting an address to a trial content data server and a process of reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data server. 20. A process for reading bar code data from a bar code prepared for each content and assigned with different bar code data for each content in the content trial terminal, and the read bar code in the trial terminal. A process of transmitting the data to a URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through the information network; Converting the obtained barcode data into a URL corresponding to the barcode data, jumping the connection destination of the content trial terminal to the URL, and assigning a different URL to each content in the trial content data distribution system. W eb
A process of registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database for each page; and in the trial content data distribution system, for the content trial terminal that has jumped by specifying the URL from the URL conversion server, A process of downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the URL of the trial content database; and reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system in the trial terminal. A trial content data distribution / trial computer program that performs processing. 21. A process for reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and assigned different barcode data for each content in the content trial terminal; and reading the read barcode in the trial terminal. A process of transmitting the data to a URL conversion server of a URL registered in advance through the information network; Converting the obtained barcode data into a URL corresponding to the barcode data, jumping the connection destination of the content trial terminal to the URL, and assigning a different URL to each content in the trial content data distribution system. W eb
A process of registering trial digital data for each content in a trial content database for each page; and in the trial content data distribution system, for the content trial terminal that has jumped by specifying the URL from the URL conversion server, A process of downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the URL of the trial content database; and reproducing the trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system in the trial terminal. A computer-readable medium on which a trial content data distribution / trial program for executing processing is recorded. 22. A process of allocating a different URL for each content and registering the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database for each Web page of each URL, and And the corresponding URL of the trial content database
And a process of downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the trial content data distribution computer program. 23. A process of assigning a different URL to each content and registering the trial digital data for each content in the trial content database for each Web page of each URL, and And the corresponding URL of the trial content database
And a process of downloading the trial digital data registered on the Web page of the computer-readable medium. 24. A bar code reader which reads bar code data from a bar code which is prepared for each content and has different bar code data for each content, and which reads the read bar code data through an information network in advance. A content trial computer program for executing a process of transmitting a registered URL to a URL conversion server and a process of reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system. 25. A process of reading barcode data from a barcode prepared for each content and having different barcode data for each content with a barcode reader, and reading the read barcode data through an information network in advance. Computer readable medium having recorded thereon a content trial program for executing a process of transmitting a registered URL to a URL conversion server and a process of reproducing trial digital data of the content downloaded from the trial content data distribution system .