JP2003044365A - Contents distribution system, terminal and method for using contents in terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contents distribution system capable of facilitating use restriction of contents and efficiently suppressing unauthorized use. SOLUTION: The contents distribution system is provided with a server 4 to store incomplete contents 1 which can not be independently used and a terminal 5 on which a frame 2 for contents cooperative with the incomplete contents is mounted. A terminal connected with a network accesses the server, downloads the incomplete contents and fetches them into the terminal. Thus, executable contents are constituted by cooperation between the downloaded and incorporated incomplete contents and the frame for contents in the terminal and the executable contents are made to be usable. The use restriction of the executable contents is changed even when the same incomplete contents are downloaded by varying functions of the frame for contents.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a terminal and a method of using content in the terminal.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For example, various contents are registered in a server, and a user who wants to use the contents can access the server from various terminals and download the desired contents to the terminal to download the contents. A system that enables use has been put into practical use.

There are various types of terminals such as mobile phones and other portable terminals, laptops, desktops and other computers. As a medium for accessing, various wired or wireless networks (Internet, LAN, public line, etc.) are used.

By the way, it is possible to adopt a case where the person who can use the content is not restricted and the downloading is permitted to all the persons (terminals) who have accessed, or a case where a predetermined restriction is given. In the latter case, whether or not the user can use the content is determined by the suitability of the content for the terminal device and whether or not a proper procedure (input of ID, password, etc.) for content usage has been performed. Then, the legitimate user who has taken the proper procedure can use the content registered in the server. At this time, the server provides the same content to a plurality of users (terminals) permitted to access the same content. Therefore, the user who receives the offer can use the same content.

That is, according to the conventional content providing system, it is natural that the content distributed to the authorized user exhibits a uniform function in the terminal where the content is used.

On the other hand, there is a case where it is necessary to hierarchically use the functions for the same content, and specifically, it is desired to differentiate the functions by the user group for the same content. As an example, for the employee information database of the company, there is a demand for department personnel related to personnel, department personnel related to accounting, general employees, etc. to distinguish the contents that can be used according to job types. is there. There is also a demand to change the accessible contents according to the position, grade, etc.

[0007] Further, for a certain data, only a person who belongs to a certain group is allowed to see, and a person who belongs to another group is given not only the right to see the data but also the authority to correct the data. As is often the case, there is also a demand for different processing powers.

[0008] As an example of more general differentiation, rather than a specific organization such as a company, for example, in a content provider, the types of content that can be used by distinguishing members from non-members and ranking among members There is also a demand for different functions.

In order to meet the above-mentioned various requirements in the conventional system, the following various problems occur. That is, for example, by producing the content for each target layer, it is possible to realize the differentiation in the function allowed between the terminal groups, but it is expected that it will be difficult in terms of production cost and operation cost.

Further, in the case of differentiating usable processes such as "display only" and "correctable" with respect to the same data, contents are created for each target layer as described above. We cannot deal with it.

On the other hand, in order to identify whether or not the user is an authorized user, usually, personal identification information such as a password and ID is input (transmitted), and it is determined whether or not the password and ID obtained on the server side are correct. As a result, the user is authorized. However, if the password or the like is leaked, there is a risk of causing illegal use of the content. As a countermeasure against such a case, it is necessary to invalidate the password or the like earlier than the illegal use. However, it may not be possible to quickly disable the process, such as when it is delayed to know the leaked information or when the system administrator is absent.

Further, it is difficult to manage illegal use of contents even when the data downloaded to the terminal of the authorized user is secondarily leaked to another unauthorized terminal for some reason.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a content distribution system, a terminal, and a method of using content in a terminal, which can facilitate restriction of content usage and efficiently suppress illegal use.

[0014]

A content distribution system according to the present invention comprises a server storing incomplete content that cannot be used alone, and a terminal equipped with a content frame that can cooperate with the incomplete content. It is a content distribution system. Then, the terminal accesses the server and downloads the incomplete content, and the incomplete content and the content frame incorporated by the download cooperate to form an executable content. Made executable content available.

The content utilization frame is
A plurality of types may be prepared, and the function of the executable content may be different depending on the type. In this case, the content usage frame actually installed in the terminal is
At least one of a plurality of types may be used.

On the other hand, the terminal according to the present invention is a terminal in which a content frame is mounted, and when the content frame incorporates incomplete content that cannot be used by itself, the incomplete content is incorporated. And the executable content is configured in cooperation with and the executable content is made available to the terminal.

The incomplete content to be incorporated in the terminal can be acquired by registering it in the server so that the terminal can access the server and download it, or can be acquired from another terminal. In short, if the incomplete content is finally incorporated, the acquisition route is arbitrary.

Further, the content use method in the terminal according to the present invention is a method in a terminal in which an incomplete content that cannot be used alone and a content frame that can cooperate with the incomplete content are mounted. Then, the incorporated incomplete content and the content frame cooperate to form an executable content,
When the executable content is used, the incomplete content and the content frame communicate with each other,
The function that can be used in the executable content is specified by the communication, and only the specified function is made available.

In the present invention, since the incomplete content cannot be used only, it cannot be used even if the incomplete content is illegally incorporated into a terminal other than the authorized user who does not have the content frame. Therefore, security is ensured.

Furthermore, by changing the function of the content frame (which can cooperate with the same incomplete content), the function of the executable content generated in cooperation with the incomplete content can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to easily create and maintain the content (incomplete content).

The components described above of the present invention can be combined as much as possible. Each means constituting the content distribution system and the terminal according to the present invention can be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit or can be realized by a programmed computer. The content use method according to the present invention can be realized by software (program) for operating a computer or by a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the present invention. As shown in the figure, an incomplete content 1 that cannot be used as it is and a content use frame (profile) 2 that cooperates with the incomplete content 1
Thus, the executable content 3 is configured. When the executable content 3 is installed in a terminal in the state of the executable content 3, the content (executable content) becomes available for the first time in the terminal.

Here, the content use frame 2 is a content control program and / or data, and the incomplete content 1 is a controlled API (applicati).
It is the content created by using the onprogram interface). The content usage frame 2 and the incomplete content 1 have a function of communicating with each other and transmitting / receiving desired data, and by performing such communication, they cooperate with each other.

Here, when the content use frame 2 is composed of data, for example, a password or an ID is used.
Other data is used to determine the framework of how it will affect incomplete content, and this data and the framework will be combined to form a frame, which will cooperate with the content. Thus, the number of times of use can be easily controlled by setting such data as the upper limit value of the number of times of use of software.

In actual operation, as shown in FIG. 2, the content utilization frame 2 is first mounted on each terminal 5. The content use frame 2 may be originally incorporated in the terminal 5, or may be stored in the server 4 and downloaded from there, and mounted in the terminal 5.

Then, for example, the terminal 5 incorporating the above-described content utilization frame 2 accesses the server 4 and downloads the incomplete content 1 to its own terminal 5. Then, since the incomplete content 1 and the content use frame 2 exist on the same terminal 5, the executable content 3 is formed by their cooperation. Therefore, the executable content 3 can be used for the terminal 5. With such a configuration, the content distribution system according to the present invention is constructed.

Here, the incomplete content 1 and the content use frame 2 operate while communicating with each other as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 to realize a predetermined function. In this example, “function 1” (for example, display of image data) is executed.

As shown in the figure, first, the incomplete content 1 outputs and displays the activation screen toward the display screen of the terminal 5 (ST1). When the user operates the input device (numeric keypad, operation button, etc.) of the terminal 5 to select "function 1", the incomplete content 1 detects the selection of "function 1" (ST2), and the content utilization frame is detected. A collation request is made toward No. 2 (ST3). This collation request is an inquiry as to whether or not there is a use (use) authority for "function 1".

Upon receiving this collation request (ST11), the content utilization frame 2 collates the keys and confirms whether or not there is a utilization authority for "function 1" (ST1).
2). This collation actually stores and holds information (code information, etc.) that specifies the function to which the use authority is given, as will be described later, so it is determined whether or not the stored and retained authority is applicable. . Then, the result of the matching (fal
(se / true) is transmitted to the incomplete content 1 (ST13 to ST15).

Upon receiving the collation result (ST4), the incomplete content 1 judges whether the result is true (ST5). When false is received (branch judgment is No), a predetermined error process is executed (ST6). In the error processing, for example, a notification that there is no usage right for “function 1”, or an error sound (beep sound, error message) or the like can be output. In the case of true (branch judgment is Yes),
Start "Function 1" and execute a predetermined operation (ST
7).

Although the above-mentioned flowchart is for "function 1", the same processing as described above is executed for each function, and each terminal 5 uses the content using frame 2 incorporated therein. The authorized function can be executed. In the example of the flowchart, the input from the user is waited for and the collation request is issued for the selected function. However, the information on the available authority is acquired by the initial operation, and the start screen displayed in step 1 Show only available permissions,
By changing the display mode depending on whether or not it can be used (inverted display of unusable ones, etc.), the user can check what can be used at a glance and prevent useless selection processing.

By collating the above-mentioned available functions, for example, the functions of the content use frame 2 incorporated in the two terminals 5 can be operated in cooperation with the incomplete content 1, but actually. The content of the executable content 3 that is finally created and made available by making the incomplete content 1 downloaded to each terminal 5 the same by making the function (type of function to which the usage authority is given) different Can be different. That is, differentiation can be achieved.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the executable content 3 generated by incorporating the content use frame A in the terminal 5 of the user A becomes the content for the user A. Similarly, the executable content 3 generated by incorporating the content usage frame B in the terminal 5 of the user B becomes the content for the user B.

For this user A content, the setting level of the content usage frame 2 becomes 1 as shown in FIG. 4, and "function 1 (for example image display)" and "function 2 (for example image correction)" are set. It is assumed that the user has been given the usage right. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the incomplete content 1 executes the flow (the usage right confirmation flow of “function 1” shown in FIG. 3), the terminal level reference (verification request) is made, and the collation result (true) is obtained. Will be returned, so you can execute "Function 1" as it is. Similarly, when the flow (the usage authority confirmation flow of "function 2") is executed, the verification result (true) is returned with the terminal level reference (verification request), so that "function 2" can be executed as it is.

On the other hand, for the content for the user B, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the setting level of the content use frame 2 is 2, and the use authority is given to "function 1 (eg image display)". . Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the incomplete content 1 executes the flow (the usage right confirmation flow of “function 1” shown in FIG. 3), the terminal level reference (verification request) is made, and the collation result (tru
Since e) is returned, "Function 1" can be executed as it is. However, when the flow (the usage right confirmation flow of "function 2") is executed, the verification result (false) is returned with the terminal level reference (verification request), and thus "function 2" cannot be executed.

Although the terminal 5 shows a mobile phone in each of the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a laptop, desktop or other computer as well as various mobile terminals. It doesn't matter. That is, for example, it suffices that the incomplete content 1 can be downloaded by accessing the server 4. Furthermore, incomplete content 1 downloaded by another device
May be taken in. In short, it suffices that the incomplete content 1 can be finally acquired.

As a more specific example, as shown in FIG. 6, the incomplete content 1 processes image data, and its functions are "1. image data acquisition function" and "2. "Image display function", "3. Image editing function",
5 of "4. Situation approval function" and "5. Image transmission function"
Prepare types of functions. In response to this, the content frame 2 has a setting level of High in the work group, and the use authority is given to the above-described functions 1 to 5, and the setting level of the work group becomes medium and the above-mentioned function 1 , 2, 4, 5 are used, and the terminals belonging to the work group have the lowest setting level Low, and the functions 1 and 2 are given the use authority.

Then, for example, on the display screens of the terminals of each group, by executing step 1 of FIG. 3, the startup screens as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C are displayed. The user selects each area R of “display”, “edit”, “authorization”, and “send” in the start-up screen displayed on the display screen G, and step 2 in FIG.
The function selection process of is executed.

The selection process is performed, for example, on the display screen G
When the touch panel is formed on the touch panel, this can be done by pressing the area R. Further, normally, the ten keys and other operation keys are operated to specify one of the regions R.

According to the flow chart of FIG. 3, the incomplete content 1 makes a collation request to the content utilization frame 2, and when the collation result received is "true", the screen is switched to the image selection screen shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the collation result is "false", the screen is not switched and remains the startup screen.

In each figure of the startup screen, the function marked with "x" in the margin of the display screen G is a function that cannot be used for the group. Therefore, although it is displayed, the relevant area (for example, "Edit" of the group)
Even if you select, the screen does not change. In other words, "x"
By selecting the unmarked area R, the image selection screen is displayed. Then, the processing after the display of this image selection screen is performed in step 7 in the flowchart of FIG.
Corresponding to.

On this image selection screen, a list of images that can be processed is listed, and another image list is also displayed by a scroll function or the like. Then, when an image to be processed (file “010530AF” in the example in the figure) is selected, a processing screen for that screen is displayed as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. That is, when "display" is selected in the previous process on the startup screen, the process shown in FIG.
The display screen shown in (a) is output. Similarly, when "Edit" is selected in the previous process, the display screen shown in FIG. 9B is output, and when "Authorization" is selected in the previous process,
The authorization screen shown in FIG. 10A is output, and when “Send” is selected in the previous step, the transmission screen shown in FIG. 10B is output. Then, a predetermined process is performed there. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, different groups can perform each process.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the relationship between the incomplete content 1 and the content use frame 2 and a more specific structure. In other words, it is a content control model in which the content usage frame 2 is realized as a control program, the incomplete content 1 is created using the controlled API, and cooperation is performed by communication between the two. Then, when the request receiving unit 2a receives a collation request from the incomplete content 1 side (whether there is a use authority for the function X, etc.), the content use frame 2 passes the collation request to the collation unit 2b. The collation unit 2b accesses the setting storage unit 2c and determines whether or not the function for which the collation request is issued has the usage right. Then, the judgment result is given to the result transmitting unit 2d, and the result transmitting unit 2d transmits "true" or "false" toward the incomplete content 1.

The setting storage unit 2c stores, for example, code information for specifying a function for which usage is authorized, and the collating unit 2b stores the code information for specifying the requested function in the setting storage unit 2c. The above judgment can be made by checking whether or not it is stored.

Further, for example, when limiting the number of times of use, etc., a counter storage unit 2e is provided and the number of times of use up to that time is obtained. This can be dealt with, for example, by incrementing the counter value each time the request receiving unit 2a receives a matching request. When the counter value exceeds a certain level, it cannot be used any more. That is, it is possible to set so that the usage authority is lost.

Furthermore, when the collation result is received, the incomplete content 1 side can store the collation result and prevent the inquiry about the same function again.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the executable content 3 is formed by the cooperation of the incomplete content 1 and the content use frame 2, the incomplete content 1 is temporarily accessed by illegally accessing the server 4. Even if downloaded, it cannot be used as it is. Therefore, it becomes stronger in security.

In order to prevent the downloaded data from leaking from the authorized terminal 5, for example, when the content use frame 2 is copied or moved, it cannot be used, or the frame is automatically erased. It is good to have a function as described above.

Since the presence of the incomplete content 1 and the content use frame 2 corresponding to the incomplete content 1 is indispensable in this way, for example, even if the content use frames for different incomplete contents are provided, the different incomplete contents Content is not available.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, a plurality of incomplete contents A, B, C are stored in the server 4 and the incomplete contents usable in the content use frame 2 mounted on the terminal 5 are specified. . In the illustrated case, the incomplete content (A) cooperates with the content frames of the terminals belonging to the groups 0 and 2, and the incomplete content (B) cooperates with the content frames of the terminals belonging to the group 1 to create the incomplete content. The content (C) cooperates with the content frames of the terminals belonging to group 2.

In this way, the terminals belonging to group 0 can use only the incomplete content (A), and the terminals belonging to group 1 can use only the incomplete content (B). The terminals belonging to the group 2 can use the incomplete contents (A) and (c). Therefore, group the terminals,
The usable content can be differentiated.

By thus grouping, as shown in FIG. 13, terminals belonging to group A can access the database for group A but cannot access the database for group B. You can also The database for group B can be accessed from the terminals belonging to group B, but the database for A can be made inaccessible.

Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments,
In either case, the incomplete content is a server (database) 4
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to transmit data between terminals as shown in FIG. 14, for example. Can be able to In this case, access is possible only between terminals belonging to the same group.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, as a method of enabling communication only between the same groups, for example, as a collating function of the content frame 2, whether the communication partners are in the same group or not. This can be handled by adding a function for authenticating.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, an incomplete content and a content use frame are formed separately, and both are mounted on one terminal, so that they cooperate to form an executable content. Since it is configured, by changing the content usage frame, the usage authority (actually usable processing function) in the executable content can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to easily restrict the use of the content. Furthermore, since the incomplete content cannot be used alone, illegal use can be efficiently suppressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a content distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating functions of an incomplete content and a content usage frame.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one of specific application examples of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an internal structure of executable content (particularly, content usage frame).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one of specific application examples of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one of specific application examples of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing one of specific application examples of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Incomplete content 2 Content usage frame 2a Request receiver 2b collating unit 2c Setting storage section 2d result transmitter 2e counter storage unit 3 Executable contents 4 servers 5 terminals

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Koichi Mitsuo             4-1, Egasaki-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Tokyo Electric Power Company Systems Research Laboratory F term (reference) 5B017 AA06 BB09 BB10 CA15 CA16                 5B085 AE15 BE03 BG01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A content distribution system comprising: a server that stores incomplete content that cannot be used alone; and a terminal that mounts a content frame that can cooperate with the incomplete content, wherein the terminal is the While accessing the server, downloading the incomplete content, the incomplete content incorporated by the download and the content frame cooperate to form executable content, and enable the executable content. A content distribution system characterized by the following. 2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of the content use frame are prepared, and the function of the executable content is different depending on the type. 3. A terminal in which a content frame is mounted, the content frame executing in cooperation with the incomplete content when the incomplete content that cannot be used alone is incorporated in the terminal. A terminal which constitutes executable content and makes the executable content usable at the terminal. 4. The terminal according to claim 3, further comprising a function of accessing a server and downloading the incomplete content stored in the server. 5. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a function of acquiring the incomplete content from another terminal.
The terminal described in. 6. A method of using an incomplete content that cannot be used alone and a content frame capable of cooperating with the incomplete content, wherein the incomplete content and the content frame are incorporated. When the executable content is used in cooperation with each other and the executable content is used, the incomplete content and the content frame communicate with each other, and the function usable in the executable content by the communication. A method of using contents in a terminal, characterized in that only the specified function is enabled.