JP2002278565A - Method and system for sample listening of music contents via network, and method for selling music contents - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for sample listening of music contents enabling efficient music audition, and a method for selling the music contents utilizing such an auditioning method or system. SOLUTION: A client is made to select audition method/conditions, such as audition time, the compression level of sound data, the size of the sound data and the format of the sound data. Audition contents for selected desired music contents are transmitted via a communication network to the client to be auditioned, according to the selected audition conditions. A storage medium housing the music contents selected to be purchased by the client is delivered to a place specified by the client.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a system for listening to music content sold as a storage medium via the Internet, and to a method for selling music content using such a listening method or system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method of selling music contents, a storage medium (music CD, etc.) storing music contents is used.
2. Description of the Related Art A method of delivering an actual product by face-to-face sales at a store has been conventionally known, and recently, sales on the Internet have been known. As a method of selling on the Internet, a method of accepting a purchase request for music content in the form of a storage medium such as a CD or a cassette tape via the Internet and then delivering the music, and a method of delivering and selling the music content itself via the Internet There is. In some cases, a mechanism for listening to music via the Internet is provided, but in any case, the listening method or condition is fixed.

[0003]

When music content is to be listened to by a purchaser via the Internet, the waiting time fluctuates significantly depending on the communication line speed of the purchaser, the environment of information terminals, and the congestion of the network. However, unexpected waiting times often occur, greatly reducing the value of the listening service itself. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a method and system for listening to music content that enables efficient music listening, and also utilizes such a listening method or system. It is intended to provide a method for selling music content.

[0004]

In the communication terminal of the client according to the present invention, a desired listening condition is selected by referring to a list of selectable listening conditions, and information indicating the selected listening condition is transmitted via a communication network. And transmitting the preview content for the desired music content selected by the client from the server to the communication terminal of the client via the communication network in accordance with the preview condition selected by the client. And a step of reproducing and listening to the preview content received from the server via the communication network in the client communication terminal, and receiving a purchase order for desired music content from the client communication terminal in the server via the communication network. With steps.

[0005] In a music content selling method according to the present invention, a desired listening condition is selected in a communication terminal of a client by referring to a list of selectable listening conditions, and information indicating the selected listening condition is transmitted to a communication network. Transmitting to a server via a communication network, and transmitting a preview content for a desired music content selected by the client from the server to a communication terminal of the client via the communication network in accordance with the preview condition selected by the client. And delivering the storage medium storing the music content selected and purchased by the client to a location designated by the client.

[0006] In the trial listening of music content via the Internet, when the music content itself is distributed and sold over the Internet, the music content is previewed at the sound quality level at the time of the sale, so that the volume of the music data becomes extremely large. The result is that the applicant has to wait a long time. On the other hand, when selling the hardware of the storage medium storing the music content, it is not always necessary to listen to the sound at the sound quality level at the time of sale, that is, at the time of delivery of the product. In other words, in consideration of the environment of the purchaser who is different from each other, it is possible to flexibly select the sample listening method and conditions without uniformly fixing them. Specifically, the above problem can be solved by allowing the purchaser to select a listening method and conditions such as a listening time, a compression level of audio data, a size of audio data, and a format of audio data. When a purchaser listens to music content via the Internet, the download time greatly fluctuates depending on the speed of the communication line of the purchaser, information terminals, network congestion, and other conditions. Therefore, this problem can be significantly improved by allowing the purchaser to select the listening method and conditions as much as possible.

[0007]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram showing the concept of a music content Internet preview system according to the present invention. In FIG.
0 is a server, a route control device such as a router, ISDN
Alternatively, it is connected to the Internet via a communication line such as a dedicated line. As the server, a so-called general-purpose computer, UNIX (registered trademark) computer, Linux
Computers, workstations, personal computers, and the like are possible, and specific processing capabilities and scales are appropriately selected depending on the number of terminals, the scale of a network, and the like. Reference numeral 101,
Reference numerals 102,... Denote wired fixed personal computers and various types of wireless portable terminals, which are connected to the Internet by telephone lines or ISDN. Here, the terminals 101, 1
.. Have input units such as a keyboard and a mouse together with a display unit such as a CRT and an LCD (liquid crystal).

Next, a detailed configuration of the music preview server 10 of FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the music preview server 10. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes C
This is control means composed of a PU or the like, and controls various parts, transfers data, performs various calculations, stores data, and the like. Reference numeral 12 denotes input control means for controlling various kinds of request data input from a terminal connected via the Internet. Reference numeral 13 denotes output control means for appropriately controlling data output to the terminal. Reference numerals 14 to 18 denote storage means, in which files such as the following programs and data are stored and stored.

First, the storage means 14 stores various processing programs including a main program. These programs are used in the control means 11 such as a CPU, and for example, a program for displaying various guidance screens on a display unit of the terminal, a program for displaying each listening condition, and a list of CD numbers and music titles. The program includes a program, a program for searching for and outputting the program under the selected condition, a member registration management program, and the like. The storage means 15 stores various music data files. The music file group in the present embodiment includes a storage medium for sale (CD, DVD, cassette, etc.)
There are music files for each unit and music files for various listening conditions. The music format is MP3, AS
F, MediaPlayerAudio, RealAu
io or the like can be prepared according to the environment of the user. The storage means 16 stores image information such as stores and music jackets, the storage information 17 stores information on each listening condition setting file and display files, and the storage means 18 stores information such as customer registration and management. I have.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a music content Internet listening system according to the present invention. Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Here, the terminals 101, 102,... Are connected to the server 10 to perform communication. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will be made on the assumption that the terminal 101 is connected to the server 10. When the terminal 101 is connected to the server 10, the input control means 1
2, the control means 11 detects this connection, communicates with the terminal 101 according to a processing program such as a main program, and controls the communication.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the listening conditions and music selection according to the present embodiment. First, FIG.
In step Sa1 shown in (1), the control means 11 causes the display unit of the terminal 101 to display a main menu (top page) screen as shown in FIG. The user is prompted to select a desired process from the processes. On the main menu screen, a mouse cursor is displayed, and various operations can be performed by clicking a predetermined place. Here, the purchaser places the mouse cursor in the display area of the "listening corner" as shown in FIG.
Perform the click operation and select the process of the "listening corner". In step Sa2 in FIG. 20, the control means 11 having detected this causes the procedure to proceed to step Sa3, and the corresponding file in the listening condition file in FIG.
1 is controlled to be transmitted. The terminal 101 receiving this displays a "condition / environment selection" screen as shown in FIG.

Next, the control means 11, which detects in step Sa4 in FIG. 20 that the purchaser has clicked on "digital sampling frequency" in the listening conditions in FIG. Select “digital sampling frequency selection list” from file in terminal 10
1 is controlled to be transmitted. The purchaser selects one of the options (16 kbps in this embodiment) from the options as shown in FIG. 8 on the screen displaying this list.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the control means 11, which has detected in step Sa5 that the "digital sampling bit" on the preview condition selection screen has been clicked, determines in the preview condition file in FIG. Is transmitted to the terminal 101 from the “selection list of digital sampling bits”. On the screen on which this list is displayed, the purchase applicant selects one of the options as shown in FIG.
(In this embodiment, 16 bits).

[0014] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the fact that “listening time” is clicked on the screen of the terminal 101 indicates that the step S
The control means 11, which has been detected at step a6, transmits the "listening time selection list" from the listening condition file in FIG.
Is controlled to be transmitted to The purchaser selects one of the options (20 seconds in this embodiment) from the options on the screen on which this list is displayed, as shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, when the control unit 11 detects in step Sa7 that "music format" has been clicked on the screen of the terminal 101, the control means 11 reads "music format" from the preview condition file in FIG. Is transmitted to the terminal 101. In the screen where this list is displayed,
One of the choices as in 4 (MP3 in this embodiment)
Select

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the control means 11, which has detected in step Sa8 that "use environment" has been clicked on the screen of the terminal 101, sets the "click" in the "listening condition file" in FIG. The terminal 101 is controlled to transmit the “use environment selection list” to the terminal 101. The purchaser selects one of the options on the screen on which this list is displayed, as shown in FIG. (In this embodiment,
"Terminal" = Mobile / PHS, "Transmission" = Wireless, "Line" =
64 kbps was selected. In step Sa9, the control means 10 confirming that the various conditions for the preview have been selected controls and displays the "CD number / list of music" from the music file of FIG. Let it. The purchaser selects one of the options on the screen on which this list is displayed, as shown in FIG. (In this embodiment, CD # 2,
Track 6 is selected. )

In step Sa10, "CD number
Control means 10 that has detected that the "tune list" has been selected.
Displays a <selection confirmation> screen on the terminal 101 as shown in FIG. 18 in step Sa11 in order to allow the purchase applicant to confirm the selected “conditions for trial listening and CD number / tune”.

When the purchaser confirms this on the display screen of the terminal 101 and clicks the "start listening" button as shown in FIG. 19, the control means 10, which has detected this signal from the terminal 101 in step Sa12, Sa13
At step Sa14, music data that satisfies various conditions is searched for from the music files stored and stored in advance in FIG. 2 at the music number in the selected CD number. Output to At this time, on the terminal 101 side, HT, which is a tag language for display, is used.
Appropriate processing software such as JavaScript or Java applet is applied as a processing program for incorporating music data into the ML, and sound is output in step Sa15.

On the other hand, it may be troublesome for the purchaser to select each of the various listening methods and conditions.
In this case, the “standard” listening method and conditions are stored and stored in advance.
By storing, the labor is saved. FIG. 25 shows the flowchart. FIG. 21 is a screen showing that "standard" has been selected as the listening condition.
Indicates that CD No. 2 / tune 6 has been selected as the CD number / tune. FIG. 23 shows the selected C
It is a confirmation screen of D number / tune and various conditions. In this embodiment, as the “standard” conditions, digital sampling frequency = 32 kbps, digital sampling bits =
16 bits, listening time = 20 seconds, music format = M
P3, use environment = PC (fixed type), wired, 64 kbp
s is stored and stored in advance. FIG. 24 shows a screen on which a purchaser clicks a "start listening" button in order to listen under these conditions.

[0020]

As described above, according to the present invention, when music content is to be previewed by the purchaser via the Internet, the conventional method uniformly listens to the music content even though the purchaser's environment differs individually. Although the method and conditions are fixed, an unexpectedly large waiting time often occurs, and there is a disadvantage that the value of the preview service itself is greatly reduced. Depending on the information terminal, the degree of network connection, etc., the purchaser can be asked to select the listening method and conditions such as the listening time, audio data compression level, audio data size, audio data format, etc. As a result, the waiting time of the purchaser can be significantly reduced, and the satisfaction of the purchaser can be increased, which can be expected to contribute to sales promotion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a connection configuration of an Internet preview system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing a configuration of a server of the preview system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a function group in the audition system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary display screen showing a top page example of the trial listening system in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary display screen showing a selection example of a “listening corner” on the top page of the listening system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows the “conditions / conditions” of the audition system in the embodiment.
Screen diagram showing an example of “environment selection”.

FIG. 7 shows the “conditions / conditions” of the audition system in the embodiment.
"Digital sampling frequency" in the "Select environment" screen
The display screen figure which shows the example in which the item was selected.

FIG. 8 shows the “conditions / conditions” of the audition system in the embodiment.
"Digital sampling frequency" in the "Select environment" screen
FIG. 9 is a display screen diagram showing an example in which 16 kbps is selected in an item.

FIG. 9 shows the “conditions / conditions” of the audition system in the embodiment.
The display screen figure which shows the example in which the "digital sampling bit" item in the "environment selection" screen was selected.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary display screen showing an example in which 16 bits are selected in a “digital sampling bit” item in a “condition / environment selection” screen of the audition system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary display screen showing an example in which a “listening time” item in a “condition / environment selection” screen of the listening system in the embodiment is selected.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary display screen diagram showing an example in which 20 seconds has been selected in the “listening time” item in the “condition / environment selection” screen of the listening system in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary display screen showing an example in which a “music format” item is selected on a “condition / environment selection” screen of the audition system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the MP format in the “music format” item on the “condition / environment selection” screen of the preview system according to the embodiment.
The display screen figure which shows the example in which 3 was selected.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary display screen showing an example in which the “use environment” item in the “condition / environment selection” screen of the audition system according to the embodiment is selected.

FIG. 16 shows “Mobile / Mobile” in the “Use environment” item on the “Condition / environment selection” screen of the audition system in the embodiment.
The display screen figure which shows the example when "PHS / wireless / 64kbps" was selected.

FIG. 17 shows the “CD” of the audition system in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a display screen diagram showing an example in which “CD No. 2 / tune 6” is selected on the “number / tune” screen.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary view showing an example of a “listening condition / tune selection confirmation” screen of the listening system in the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a display screen diagram showing an example in which a click operation of “start of trial listening” is performed on a “trial listening condition / tune selection confirmation” screen of the trial listening system in the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a sequence of selecting “listening conditions / methods” and “tunes” of the listening system in the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary display screen showing an example in which a “standard” item in a “condition / environment selection” screen of the audition system according to the embodiment is selected.

FIG. 22 shows “CD” of the audition system in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a display screen diagram showing an example in which “CD No. 2 / tune 6” is selected on the “number / tune” screen.

FIG. 23 is an exemplary view showing an example of a “listening condition / tune selection confirmation” screen of the listening system in the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a display screen diagram showing an example in which a click operation of “start listening” is performed on a “listening condition / tune selection confirmation” screen of the listening system in the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a sequence of selecting a “listening / condition” and a “tune” of the listening system in the embodiment (when the listening method / condition is “standard”);

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Server 11 Control means 12 Input means 13 Output means 14-18 Storage means 101, 102, 103 Terminal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 324 G06F 17/60 324 334 334 334 506 506

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A step of selecting a desired listening condition by referring to a list of selectable listening conditions in a communication terminal of a client, and transmitting information indicating the selected listening condition to a server via a communication network; Transmitting a preview content for the desired music content selected by the client from the server to the client's communication terminal via the communication network in accordance with the preview condition selected by the client; Playing and listening to the preview content received from the server via the communication network; and accepting a purchase order for the desired music content from the communication terminal of the client at the server via the communication network. Audition method. 2. A step of selecting a desired listening condition by referring to a list of selectable listening conditions in a communication terminal of the client, and transmitting information indicating the selected listening condition to a server via a communication network; Transmitting a preview content for the desired music content selected by the client from the server to the communication terminal of the client via the communication network in accordance with the preview condition selected by the client; Delivering the stored storage medium storing the music content to a location designated by the client. 3. The method further comprises transmitting a list of selectable listening conditions from a server to a communication terminal of a client via a communication network so that a desired listening condition can be selected by referring to the transmitted list. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the list of listening conditions includes at least one of a list of available sampling frequencies and a sampling bit number for the listening content. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the list of listening conditions includes a list of available listening time lengths for the listening content. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the list of listening conditions includes a list of available data format types for the listening content. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of applying a predetermined standard listening condition and transmitting a listening content from the server when a desired listening condition is not selected by the client. The method described in Crab. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal of the client is a fixed / wired information terminal device such as a personal computer. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal of the client is a portable / wireless information terminal device such as a mobile phone or a handheld. 10. An approximate time required to download selected trial listening content from a server to a client communication terminal based on notification of environment information such as a communication line speed in the client communication terminal to the server. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the step of notifying the user. 11. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 1. 12. Receiving a selection of a desired music content and a listening condition by a client via a communication network at a server, and listening to the listening content according to the selected desired listening condition for the selected desired music content. Transmitting from the server to the client's communication terminal via the communication network, the client's communication terminal so that the client can receive the preview content according to the desired listening condition from the server via the communication network. A program for causing a computer to execute the above method. 13. A storage medium storing a program according to claim 11 or 12.