JP2003143049A - Content information delivery system, delivery center server, delivery terminal, computer program, storage medium, delivery method for content information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content information delivery system capable of carrying out bidirectional transmission/reception via a satellite circuit. SOLUTION: The content information delivery system comprises a delivery center server (102) for managing and holding the content information (304), and delivering the content information to a plurality of delivery terminals, and delivery terminals (106) for receiving the content information delivered from the delivery center server, the terminals (106) capable of outputting at least the content information to a user's storage medium. The transmission/ reception of the information, associated with the content information output from the delivery terminals to the user's storage medium, is carried out via the satellite circuit.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer network system capable of obtaining desired content information according to a user's intention, and particularly to a content information distribution system, a distribution center server, a distribution terminal, a computer program. The present invention relates to a storage medium and a delivery method for delivering content information.

In the present specification, the "content information distribution system" is composed of a distribution center server and a plurality of distribution terminals, and the content information desired by the user is obtained through the distribution terminals for a fee or free of charge. It is a general term for all the content information distribution systems capable of performing the above.

Further, in the present specification, "content information" is various information digitized as a distribution target of the content information distribution system, and has a distribution value regardless of whether it is paid or not, depending on a distribution entity or a user. It includes all digital information that is recognized as being. More specifically, the "content information" is for entering / entering music information, video information (including both still image information and video information), text information, game information about TV games, and amusement parks. Ticket information, coupon information with a privilege such as a discount when purchasing a product, or a combination thereof.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, along with the development of information technology, digitization of content information such as music, video, and books has been rapidly progressing. In addition, with the spread of network environments such as the Internet, digitized content information has come to be distributed via networks such as the Internet.

However, the currently used network environment is unsuitable for delivering a huge amount of information in a short time. Therefore, when delivering digital content information such as music via a network, The original content information is compressed to reduce the weight.

This compression technique will be described by taking music as an example.
The following information amount is obtained by sampling at the channel system sampling frequency of 48 kHz and quantizing at 16 bits. 2 × 48 (KHz) × 16 (bit) = 1.536 (Mbit / sec) ··· (1)

The numerical value obtained by the equation (1) is set to 1 by the MPEG1 Layer 2 which is a standard compression method.
When compressed to / 6, it becomes 256 (Kbit / sec).
For example, in the case of 5 minutes of music, the compressed and filed data size is obtained as follows. 256 (Kbit / sec) x 60 (sec) x 5 (min) / 8 (bit) = 9.6 (MB) ··· (2)

From the numerical value obtained by the equation (2), for example, about 128 songs (about 97 minutes) can be recorded on a 128-megabyte memory stick.

As described above, due to the progress of the compression technology, what has been distributed in the package media such as CD (Compact Disk) until now is the Internet or C.
ATV (Community Antenna T)
It has become possible to obtain it more easily by distributing it electronically through a network such as V).

In recent years, as one of the infrastructures for electronically distributing such content information, a distribution server that manages and holds the content information and distributes the content information, and a network such as a ground line and a satellite line are used. ，
There is provided a content information distribution system including a distribution terminal (kiosk type terminal device) that receives distribution of content information from a distribution server and outputs the content information to a storage medium.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the conventional content information distribution system, one distribution center server 1602 and a plurality of distribution terminals 1604 (1604a, 1604a,
1604b, ... 1604n) are connected. In the illustrated example, the network 1606 is a satellite line and the network 1608 is a terrestrial line such as a public line.

The distribution center server 1602 is an information processing apparatus including at least an arithmetic processing unit, a storage unit, a control unit, an input unit, and an output unit for managing and holding digital content information, and is generally a computer unit. Is. The distribution center server 1602 is a distributor of digital content information and plays a role of managing the entire conventional content information distribution system.

Distribution terminal 1604 (1604a, 1604)
b, ..., 1604n) is the distribution center server 160
2 is an information processing device capable of delivering content information from a user storage medium and outputting the content information to a user storage medium, and a kiosk terminal device including at least an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, a control device, an input device, and an output device. Also referred to as an information processing device. The distribution terminal (kiosk type terminal device) 1604 is used for a concourse at a railway station, a record store,
It is located in a convenient location such as a convenience store.

As shown in FIG. 21, the distribution center server 1
Reference numeral 602 denotes an organization recording device 1704 that processes, edits, manages and holds content information and selection screen display data;
02, a business management device 1710 that manages related information such as price, sales, and sales information for the content information, and a product inquiry device 1708 that queries the business management device 1710 for related information for the content information inquired from the distribution terminal 1604. And a network 1 which is a land line
A transmission / reception device 1706 that mutually transmits / receives data to / from the distribution terminal 1604 via the 608 is mainly configured.

The selection screen display data is a GUI (Graphi) for selecting and outputting the content information at the distribution terminal 1604 when the user uses the content information.
Cal User Interface) and the like, which is data that constitutes application software.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the distribution terminal 160
A receiving device 1712 receives the content information and the selection screen display data distributed from the distribution center server 1602 via the network 1606 which is a satellite line.
And a result processing device 1718 for storing content information
A screen display device 1716 for storing selection screen display data and displaying a selection information screen, a transmission / reception device 1714 for communicating with a distribution center server via a ground line of the network 1608, and a user memory for storing and holding content information. Medium 1728, cash 1726, cash processing device 1722 for recognizing cash 1726 and calculating the amount of money, input device 1724 for selecting content information, instruction for screen display and instruction for outputting content information to user storage medium 1728. It is mainly configured by a control device 1720 that controls the processing such as.

Next, a typical operation example in the conventional content information distribution system will be described.

First, the same content information and selection screen display data are simultaneously distributed from one distribution center server 1602 to a plurality of distribution terminals 1604 via the satellite line 1606. Since the satellite line 1606 is easily affected by the weather condition, the content information may not be normally delivered at the time of delivery. In such a case, the content information is re-delivered by the ground line instead of the satellite line.

When the content information is stored in the distribution terminal, the user can purchase the content information.
When purchasing, input device 1724 of distribution terminal 1604
Select the content information you want to purchase.

When the content information is selected, the distribution terminal 1604 sends the product inquiry device 170 of the distribution center server 1602 through the ground line of the network 1608.
8 inquires of the business management device 1710 about the price of content information, sales, etc. When the inquiry information is displayed on the screen of the distribution terminal 1604b through the ground line and confirmed by the user, the content purchase price is displayed to be paid in cash. The control unit 17 calculates that the amount of money is calculated by the cash processing apparatus 1722 and the payment is completed.
When 20 confirms, the content information is recorded on the user recording medium 1
It is possible to output to 728.

[0021]

In the conventional content information distribution system as described above, from one distribution center server to a plurality of distribution terminals installed at various places,
Since it is necessary to deliver content information of almost the same content, it is advantageous to use a satellite line as a transmission medium in terms of securing a high bandwidth and transmitting costs.

However, in the conventional content information providing system, when the user purchases the content information, authentication of the user recording medium such as a memory stick, confirmation of the price and sale availability of the content information, purchase history It was necessary to communicate related information such as the collection of information in real time between the distribution terminal and the distribution server, and the ground line such as the public line was used at the same time in addition to the satellite line.

Therefore, it is necessary for the business operator side that distributes the content information to bear the ground line cost in addition to the satellite line cost. Also, since the distribution terminal needs to communicate with two lines, a satellite line and a terrestrial line,
It was necessary to provide satellite line communication equipment and ground line communication equipment at the same time.

Further, in the conventional content information distribution system, since payment by cash is the mainstream as a payment means for the user to purchase the content information, it is necessary to always prepare change at the distribution terminal. The operator had to collect the charges as appropriate, and the burden of operating expenses was large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is efficient to exchange information between a distribution server and a distribution terminal bidirectionally through a satellite line. It is to provide a new and improved content information distribution system capable of providing various content information distribution systems.

[0026]

In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a distribution center server that manages and holds content information and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals. And a distribution terminal capable of receiving the distribution of the content information from the distribution center server and outputting at least the content information to the user storage medium. This content information distribution system is characterized in that transmission / reception of relevant information related to output of the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium is performed via a satellite line.

According to the present invention, the distribution terminal receives and stores the content information previously distributed from the distribution center server via the satellite line. The transmission / reception of the related information related to the output of the content information from the delivery terminal to the user storage medium is also performed via the satellite line. With such a configuration, the content can be distributed only by using the satellite line, so that the line use cost can be reduced.

The related information related to the output of the content information includes sales information of the content information, information about a medium capable of storing the content information, and credit information. According to this configuration, since the information is centrally managed from the distribution center server side, it is easy to change the price, and since the information on credit related to charging or settlement is also included, means other than cash is used as means for settlement. You can purchase content information at.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem, the content information is managed and held,
A distribution center server that distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals is provided. The related information relating to the output of the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium is transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line.

According to the present invention, the distribution center server manages and holds the content information and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals. Further, related information related to the output of the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium is transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. With such a configuration, transmission / reception can be performed between the distribution center server and the distribution terminal only via the satellite line.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a distribution center server is provided which manages and holds content information by a computer and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals. To be done. A computer program that functions as a distribution center server that transmits and receives related information related to the output of content information from the distribution terminal to a user storage medium between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. Will be provided.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a distribution center server is provided which manages and holds content information by a computer and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals. To be done. A computer program that functions as a distribution center server that transmits and receives related information related to the output of content information from the distribution terminal to a user storage medium between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. A computer-readable storage medium in which is recorded is provided.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, the distribution terminal capable of receiving the distribution of the content information from the distribution center server and outputting at least the content information to the user storage medium. Provided.
The related information related to the output of the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium is transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line.

According to the present invention, the transmission / reception of the related information related to the output of the content information from the delivery terminal to the user storage medium is performed via the satellite line. With such a configuration, the content can be distributed only by using the satellite line, so that the line use cost can be reduced.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a computer can be used to receive the distribution of content information from a distribution center server and output at least the content information to a user storage medium. The delivery terminal is provided. A computer program that causes a related terminal related to the output of content information from a distribution terminal to a user storage medium to be transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. Provided.

The distribution terminal capable of receiving the distribution of the content information from the distribution center server by the computer and outputting at least the content information to the user storage medium is provided. A computer program that causes a related terminal related to the output of content information from a distribution terminal to a user storage medium to be transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. A recorded computer readable storage medium is provided.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a distribution center server that manages and holds content information and related information and distributes at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals, A content information distribution system is provided, which comprises distribution of the content information from the distribution center server and output of at least the content information to a user storage medium. The distribution center server of the content information distribution system uses a distribution information creating device that creates distribution information related to content information to be distributed, an analysis device that analyzes received information received from the distribution terminal, and an analysis result of the analysis device. And a re-delivery device for re-delivering the content information when it is determined that the delivery information is not reached, and the delivery terminal creates a reception information creating device that creates reception information based on the content information received from the delivery center server. I have it.

According to the present invention, the distribution terminal receives and stores the content information previously distributed from the distribution center server via the satellite line. The transmission / reception of the related information related to the output of the content information from the delivery terminal to the user storage medium is also performed via the satellite line. With such a configuration, it is possible to deliver the content only by using the satellite line and redistribute information such as the content information that was not delivered normally at the time of delivery, thereby reducing the line use cost. .

The analysis device compares the distribution information with the reception information received from the distribution terminal to determine the undelivered content information. With such a configuration, the distribution center server side can determine whether or not redistribution is necessary and perform redistribution processing for the undelivered content information.

The reception information creation device receives the distribution information from the distribution center server in pairs with the content information,
Compare the received content information with the delivery information,
Received information including undelivered content information is created. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not redelivery is necessary on the delivery terminal side and perform redelivery processing on the undelivered content information.

The re-delivery device re-delivers only the content information which has been determined as undelivered. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to distribute even the content information that has been normally received, so that it is possible to improve the distribution efficiency and further reduce the line usage cost.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a distribution center server for managing and holding content information and related information and distributing at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals is provided. To be done. This distribution center server is determined to be undelivered from a distribution information creating device that creates distribution information related to the content information to be distributed, an analysis device that analyzes the received information received from the distribution terminal, and an analysis result of the analysis device. In this case, the redistribution device re-distributes the content information.

According to the present invention, the distribution center server analyzes the distribution information relating to the content information to be distributed with the reception information received from the distribution terminal, and when the analysis result indicates that the distribution information is undelivered, the distribution information is obtained. Will be redistributed.
With this configuration, the distribution terminal can re-distribute to the distribution terminal only via the satellite line.

The analysis device can compare the distribution information with the reception information received from the distribution terminal to determine the undelivered content information. According to this configuration, the distribution center server determines the content information that needs to be redistributed,
It is possible to re-deliver to the delivery terminal only via the satellite line.

The re-delivery device can re-deliver only the content information that has been determined as undelivered without being received by the delivery terminal. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to send the received content information, and the redelivery efficiency can be improved.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a computer is used to manage and hold content information and related information, and at least the content information is distributed to a plurality of distribution terminals. A distribution center server is provided. This distribution center server is determined to be undelivered from a distribution information creating device that creates distribution information related to the content information to be distributed, an analysis device that analyzes the received information received from the distribution terminal, and an analysis result of the analysis device. There is provided a computer program that functions as a distribution center server, which in some cases includes a redistribution device that redistributes content information.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem, a computer is used to manage and hold content information and related information, and at least the content information is distributed to a plurality of distribution terminals. A distribution center server is provided. This distribution center server is determined to be undelivered from a distribution information creating device that creates distribution information related to the content information to be distributed, an analysis device that analyzes the received information received from the distribution terminal, and an analysis result of the analysis device. There is provided a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program that functions as a distribution center server that includes a redistribution device that redistributes content information.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, the distribution terminal capable of receiving the distribution of the content information from the distribution center server and outputting at least the content information to the user storage medium. Provided.
The distribution terminal includes a reception information creation device that creates reception information based on the content information received from the distribution center server.

According to the present invention, the distribution of the content information is received from the distribution center server, and the received information is created based on the received content information. With this configuration, it is possible to re-distribute when the content information to be distributed is not received by the distribution terminal.

The reception information creation device receives the distribution information from the distribution center server in pairs with the content information,
Compare the received content information with the delivery information,
Received information including undelivered content information is created. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not redelivery is necessary on the delivery terminal side and perform redelivery processing on the undelivered content information.

The distribution terminal capable of receiving the content information from the distribution center server and outputting the content information to the user storage medium is provided. The distribution terminal is provided with a computer program that functions as a distribution terminal including a reception information creation device that creates reception information based on content information received from the distribution center server.

The distribution terminal capable of receiving the distribution of the content information from the distribution center server by the computer and outputting at least the content information to the user storage medium is provided. The distribution terminal is provided with a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program that functions as a distribution terminal that includes a reception information creation device that creates reception information based on content information received from a distribution center server.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a distribution center server that manages and holds content information and related information and distributes at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals, A distribution method of content information distribution is provided, which comprises distribution of the content information from the distribution center server and output of at least the content information to a user storage medium. In the distribution method of this content information distribution, the distribution center server creates distribution information related to the content information to be distributed, analyzes the reception information received from the distribution terminal, and when it is determined that the result has not been reached, The content information is redistributed, and the distribution terminal creates reception information based on the content information received from the distribution center server.

The analysis of the information received from the distribution terminal may be performed by comparing the distribution information with the reception information received from the distribution terminal to determine the undelivered content information.

The reception information based on the content information is not received by receiving the distribution information from the distribution center server in pairs with the content information and comparing the received content information with the distribution information. Reception information including content information may be created.

The redelivery of the content information may be redelivery of only the content information that has been determined as undelivered.

The related information may include the price of the content information, a storable medium, credit information regarding sales, billing or settlement.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, the content information is managed and held,
Content information including a distribution center server for distributing the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals, and the distribution terminal capable of receiving the content information from the distribution center server and outputting the content information to a user storage medium. A delivery system is provided. In this content information distribution system, information is transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line.

According to the present invention, the transmission / reception of information between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server is performed via the satellite line. With this configuration, the content can be distributed only by the satellite line, and the line usage cost can be reduced.

[0060]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

(1 System Configuration) First, with reference to FIG. 1, a system configuration example of the content information distribution system and the like according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the content information distribution system according to the present embodiment has a distribution center server 10
2, a credit server 104, and a plurality of distribution terminals 106 (1
06n) and a network 10 for connecting these information processing devices so as to enable bidirectional communication.
8 and mainly.

(1.1 Distribution Center Server 102) The distribution center server 102 is an information processing device that stores a large amount of digital content information. Here, the content information is various information that has been digitized as a distribution target of the content information distribution system, and all digital information recognized by the distribution entity or the user as having distribution value regardless of whether it is paid or not. Is included. More specifically, the content information is music information, video information (including both still image information and video information), text information, game information about TV games, tickets for entering / entering an amusement park, etc. It includes information or coupon information that has a privilege such as a discount when purchasing a product, or a combination thereof.

The distribution center server 102 is an information processing device including at least an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, a control device, an input device, and an output device, and is generally a computer device. The distribution center server 102 is a distributor of digital content data and plays a role of managing the entire content information distribution system.

The distribution center server 102 can be connected to an antenna such as a parabola antenna by wire so that it can transmit / receive data to / from the distribution terminal 106 via a satellite line.

(1.2 Distribution Terminal 106 (106a, 1
06b, ..., 106n)) Distribution terminal 106 (106
a, 106b, ..., 106n) are information processing devices capable of storing the content information distributed from the distribution center server 102 and outputting the content information to the user storage medium. The distribution terminal 106 is an information processing device including at least an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, a control device, an input device, and an output device. The distribution terminal (kiosk type terminal device) 106 is arranged in a place where the user can easily use it, such as a concourse at a railway station, a record store, or a convenience store.

The distribution terminal 106 is connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire so that it can transmit / receive data to / from the distribution center server 102 via a satellite line.

(1.3 Credit Server 104) The credit server 104 is an information processing device that provides credit information for settlement when a user purchases content information. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 1, the credit server 104 is also connected via the satellite line 108, but the credit server 104 does not necessarily have to be connected via the satellite line, and is connected to the distribution center server 102. The credit server 104 and the credit server 104 may be connected to each other via a ground line such as the Internet.

The credit server 104 stores, for example, the I stored in the credit card when a user tries to purchase the content information by using the credit card.
Based on the D number, the credit server 104 side inquires whether the purchase price of the content information purchased by this user is within a usable amount range or whether an ID number is present. To serve as. On the other hand, if there is information about the accident of the card due to theft or information that does not have an ID number due to cancellation, etc., a non-credited answer is presented.

The credit server 104 provides the credit information so that the user can purchase the content information. Also, the purchase price of the content information is paid by the financial institution that provided the credit information on behalf of the user, and at a later date,
The financial institution that provided the credit information requests the purchase price of the content information to the financial institution where the user's ledger specified by the user exists.

The credit server 104 is connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna in a wired manner, so that the credit server 104 can transmit / receive data to / from the distribution center server 102 via a satellite line.

(1.4 Satellite line 108) In the present embodiment, the network connecting the distribution center server 102, the credit server 104, the distribution terminal 106, etc. is not a ground line such as a public line or a cable line, but an artificial line. It is a satellite line that uses satellites. The satellite line 108 secures a high bandwidth when transmitting the content information of substantially the same content from a single distribution center server to a plurality of distribution terminals installed in various places all at once, in terms of transmission cost. It is an excellent transmission medium.

(1.5 Description of System Operation) Next, a typical operation example of the content information distribution system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

For example, content information is distributed from a distribution center server 102 to a plurality of distribution terminals 106 via a satellite line 108. At the time of distribution, the distribution center server 102 creates distribution information as to which content information has been distributed. If the content information cannot be delivered due to some phenomenon at the time of delivery, the undeliverable content information is redelivered via the satellite line 108. The details of the redelivery method will be described later. The distribution terminal 106 that stores the distributed content information can provide the content information selected by the user.

At this time, relevant information such as sales information such as price, credit information regarding billing and settlement at the time of purchasing the content information, and the like related to the content information selected by the user is stored between the distribution center server 102 and the distribution terminal 106. , The data is transmitted and received in real time via the satellite line 108. With such a configuration, the distribution terminal 106 and the distribution center server 102 can provide content information to the user by bidirectionally transmitting and receiving the satellite line 108.

As described above, in the content information distribution system of this embodiment, the content information is distributed to a plurality of distribution terminals 1.
The satellite line 108 is used not only for distribution to the 06 but also for redistribution of the content information and information exchange performed between the distribution terminal 106 and the distribution center server 102 when the user purchases the content information. There is.

Further, in the content information distribution system of this embodiment, the satellite line 108 is also used for confirmation of credit information.
Since there is no need to prepare cash in order to purchase content information, users can purchase with a credit card etc. even if the cash they own is less than the content purchase amount. it can.

(2 Configuration of Each Component of Content Providing System) Next, the configuration of each component of the content information distribution system according to the present embodiment will be described.

(2.1 Distribution Center Server 102) The distribution center server 102 is an information processing device including at least an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, a control device, an input device, and an output device, and is generally a computer device. is there. The distribution center server 102 is a distributor of digital content data and plays a role of managing the entire content information distribution system.

The distribution center server 102 is connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire so that it can transmit / receive data to / from the distribution terminal 106 via a satellite line.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a typical distribution center server 102 configured as a computer device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution center server 10
2 is a composition storage device 216, an encryption device 214, a key supply device 217, a distribution information creation device 213, an integration device 212, a distribution device 210, first and second transmission / reception devices 202 and 204, The analysis device 206, the redistribution device 208, the authentication device 215, and the job management device 218 are mainly included.

(2.1.1 Composition Storage Device 216) The composition storage device 216 processes, organizes and holds the content information or the selection screen display data. The details of the knitting storage device 216 will be described later with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the composition storage device 216
Is mainly composed of a selection screen display database 302 and a content information database 304.

The selection screen display data 302 is a selection screen for navigating the user when the user selects content information on the distribution terminal 106.
Stores the selection screen display data to be displayed on the screen.

The content information database 304 includes music, images such as movies, images such as photographs and paintings, texts such as publications, games such as TV games, tickets for entering / entering an amusement park, or product purchases. It manages content information in various fields such as coupons that offer benefits such as price discounts. As additional information, lyrics cards such as music, promide, MID
Various additional data such as I data, karaoke data, and liner notes can be further configured.

Further, the organization storage device 216 can edit the content information of various fields stored in the content information database 304. Content information includes music data such as karaoke, video data such as movies and broadcast programs, image data such as photographs and paintings, text data as publications, game information related to TV games, etc., entering / entering an amusement park, etc. Ticket information or coupon information that offers benefits such as price discounts when purchasing products. Knitting storage device 21
6 is specially processed only from a specific time period or a specific target object, such as an image of only the scenery of Mt. Fuji in the four seasons from the image data 30 years ago. It can also be organized.

Further, the organization storage device 216 displays various information such as the price of the content information and the details of the content information on the screen so that the user can select and purchase the content information. The selection screen display data 302 for displaying can be processed into various forms and organized.

The organization storage device 216 makes a sales strategy plan such as a marketing strategy, analyzes the needs of the user in the present situation, and grasps the content information that may increase the sales amount, thereby The selection screen can be organized. For example, only in the premium period, it is possible to display specific characters or screens on the screen of the distribution terminal 106 to enhance the appeal to the user.

(2.1.2 Encryption Device 214) The encryption device 214 encrypts the content information stored in the composition storage device 216 so that it will not be illegally used.

The content information is stored in the encryption device 214 based on the key data provided by the key supply device 217.
Encrypted by. For example, the encryption device 214 is
It is possible to encrypt the content information using the common key method.

(2.1.3 Key Supply Device 217) The key supply device 217 supplies the key data necessary for encrypting the content information in the encryption device 214.

(2.1.4 Distribution information creation device 213)
The distribution information creation device 213 creates distribution information for notifying the distribution content to the distribution terminal based on the encrypted content information encrypted by the encryption device 214.

(2.1.5 Integration Device 212) The integration device 212 creates integrated information by collecting distribution information, encrypted content information, selection screen display data, and the like.

(2.1.6 Distribution Device 210) The distribution device 210 distributes the integrated information via the satellite line 108. In addition, the distribution device 210 is connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by a wire to thereby distribute the distribution terminal 106.
Can be distributed via a satellite line.

(2.1.7 First Transmission / Reception Device 202)
The first transmission / reception device 202 is a transmission / reception device that receives the reception result after the distribution terminal 106 receives the integrated information. Further, the first transmission / reception device 202 can transmit / receive data to / from the distribution terminal 106 via a satellite line by being connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire.

(2.1.8 Analyzing Device 206) The analyzing device 206 analyzes and judges whether re-delivery is necessary based on the reception result from the distribution terminal 106 and the distribution information.

The analysis device 206 determines the distribution information created by the distribution information creation device 213 and the distribution terminal 10 at the time of distribution.
The reception result from 6 is collated, and it is determined whether the content information is properly delivered to the delivery terminal. In addition,
Details of the operation of the analysis device 206 will be described later.

(2.1.9 Redistribution Device 208) As a result of the analysis by the analysis device 206, the redistribution device 208 redistributes the integrated information or the content information as needed.

(2.1.10 Second Transmission / Reception Device 20)
4) The second transmission / reception device 204 is a transmission / reception device that transmits / receives related information via the satellite line 108. In the illustrated example, the first and second transmission / reception devices 202 and 204 are configured as separate devices, but it goes without saying that they can be configured as the same device.

(2.1.11 Authentication Device 215) Further, the authentication device 215, based on the information from the related information,
Authenticate the price and sales of content information. For details of the authentication device 215, refer to FIG.
It will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the authentication device 215 includes an output authentication device 402 for authenticating whether or not the content information selected by the user can be sold, and a charge presented by the user who purchases the content information. It mainly includes a billing authentication device 404 that authenticates the payment information.

The billing authentication device 404 authenticates the settlement information of the user when paying the purchase price of the content information.
The payment information transmitted from the distribution terminal 106 includes
It includes information such as the user's ID number, the user's name, personal identification number, and the amount of payment for purchasing the content information.

The billing authentication device 404 is the credit server 103.
Is inquired about whether the user's payment information is witnessable. When the credit server 103 approves the payment information of the user, the billing authentication device 404 instructs the output authentication device 402 to output the content information. On the contrary, when the credit server 103 does not approve, the billing authentication device 404 instructs the output authentication device 402 not to output the content information.

The billing authentication device 404 and the credit server 103 are connected by a satellite line 108, and all information is transmitted and received via the satellite line 108.

The output authentication device 402 inquires of the sales operation management device 218 about the information regarding the distribution of the content information selected by the user. The information related to the distribution of the content information includes information about the price of the content information, the sales period, the sales target, the sales area, etc., and the information about the user storage medium 242 that can output the content information.

When the output authentication device 402 approves that the content information may be output to the user storage medium 242, it receives the key data for decrypting the encrypted content information from the key supply device 217. , Delivery terminal 10
Provide to 6.

(2.1.12 Business Management Device 218) The business management device 218 manages information about the price of content information, storable media, sales, and the like.

(2.2 Credit Server 104) As shown in FIG. 4, the credit server 104 is connected to the network 108.
And a credit device 246 that makes an inquiry and gives a reply when a credit information inquiry is made.

(2.2.1 Credit Device 246) The credit device 246 determines whether or not credit can be given to the payment information of the user who intends to purchase the content information. For example, when a user wants to purchase content information using a credit card, the credit device 246 determines whether the user is a legitimate owner based on the individual ID number stored in the credit card. Whether or not the purchase price of the content information is within the range of usable amount, credit information is investigated, and a reply is made as to whether or not the purchase is possible.

(2.2.2 Transmitter / Receiver) Transmitter / Receiver 2
Since 44 is connected to the authentication device 215 of the distribution center server 102 and the satellite line 108, the authentication device 2
The transmission / reception between 15 and the transmission / reception device 244 is performed by the satellite line 10.
8 through. Further, the transmission / reception device 244 can transmit / receive data to / from the distribution terminal 106 via a satellite line by being connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire.

(2.3 Distribution Terminal 106) Distribution Terminal 10
6 (106a, 106b, ... 106n) is an information processing device capable of storing the content information distributed from the distribution center server 102 and outputting the content information to the user storage medium. The distribution terminal 106 is an information processing device including at least an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, a control device, an input device, and an output device. The distribution terminal (kiosk type terminal device) 106 is arranged in a place where the user can easily use it, such as a concourse at a railway station, a record store, or a convenience store.

As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution terminal 106 includes a reception device 222, a reception information creation device 226, a transmission / reception device 220, a separation device 228, and a selection screen display device 23.
0, a result processing device 234, a transmission / reception device 224, a billing processing device 238, an input device 236, and a control device 23.
It is mainly composed of 2 and.

The distribution terminal 106 is connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire so that it can transmit / receive data to / from the distribution center server 102 via a satellite line.

(2.3.1 Receiver 222) The receiver 222 receives the integrated information including the encrypted content information and the like from the distribution center server 102 via the satellite line 108. The receiving device 222 can receive the integrated information from the distribution center server 102 by connecting to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire.

(2.3.2 Reception information creating device 226)
The reception information creation device 226 creates a reception content information list based on the encrypted content information included in the received integrated information.

(2.3.3 Transmitting / Receiving Device 220) The transmitting / receiving device 220 transmits the reception information created by the reception information creating device 226 via the satellite line 108.
The transmission / reception device 220 is connected to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire to connect the distribution center server 102.
The reception information can be transmitted from.

(2.3.4 Separating Device 228) The separating device 228 separates the received integrated information into the encrypted content information 304 and the selection screen display data 302.

(2.3.5 Selection screen display 230) The selection screen display device 230 stores the selection screen display data 302 and displays various information such as the price of the content information and the details of the content information on the screen. Selection screen display device 2
Details of 30 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the selection screen display device 230 is required for the display device 502 and the display device 502 for displaying various information such as the price of the content information and the details of the content information on the screen. It is mainly composed of a screen control device 504 for instructing to display screen information.

The screen control device 504 displays the related information such as the file name, price and release date of the selected content information transmitted from the control device 232 on the display device 5.
02 screen display. Further, the screen control device 504 can instruct the display device 502 to output not only the information displayed on the screen but also audio information related to the information.

The display device 502 is instructed by the screen control device 504 to display necessary screen information,
Various information related to content information is displayed on the screen. In addition, the display device 502 may include a speaker device that outputs sound. For example, when the selected content information does not exist, a sound effect such as a buzzer is emitted to urge the user to recognize that the content is incorrect.

(2.3.6 Result Processing Device 234) The result processing device 234 uses the encrypted content information 304.
Is stored and output to the user storage medium 242. Details of the result processing device 234 will be described later with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the result processing device 23
Reference numeral 4 mainly includes an encrypted content information storage device 602, an output device 604, and a recording device 606.

The encrypted content information storage device 602 stores the encrypted content information encrypted from the distribution center server 102.

The output device 604 receives the information such as the price for the content information selected by the user, which is transmitted from the control device 232, from the distribution center server 102 via the satellite line 108, and receives the received information. It is transmitted to the control device 232.

When the user receives the payment information for paying the purchase price of the content information from the billing information processing device 238, the output device 604 sends the payment information to the distribution center server 102 for authentication and the satellite line 108. To send via. Further, the reply from the distribution center server 102 for the transmitted settlement information is received via the satellite line 108, and the reply is transmitted to the control device 232.

Further, the output device 604 receives the reply to the payment information from the distribution center server 102,
When the response instructing to output the content information is received, the instructed encrypted content information is called from the encrypted content information storage device 602 to decrypt the encrypted content information included when the payment information response is received. The key data to be encrypted and the encrypted content information are output together to the recording device 606.

The recording device 606 has a user storage medium 242.
Is a device for storing content information. Since the user storage medium 242 can be various media such as a semiconductor memory device such as a memory stick, an MD, a floppy disk, or a mobile information terminal, the recording device 606 corresponding to the various media can be installed in the distribution terminal 106. it can. As a result, the content information can be stored in a medium such as a memory stick or MD.

(2.3.7 Transmitting / Receiving Device 224) The transmitting / receiving device 224 is connected to the satellite line 108 and is configured to transmit / receive various information. Transmitter / receiver 224
Can be bidirectionally transmitted / received from the distribution center server 102 by connecting to an antenna such as a parabolic antenna by wire.

(2.3.8 Billing Processing Device 238) The billing processing device 238 reads the settlement information contained in the financial information medium 240 and performs billing processing. Charge processing device 238
Details of will be described later.

The billing processor 238 is the financial information medium 24.
This is a device for reading payment information and the like held in 0. The billing processing device 238 has a structure according to the type of the financial information medium 240 to be read, and is configured as a card reading device when only a card medium such as a credit card is supported, and when it is also compatible with cash or the like. Is configured as a money reading device.

(2.3.9 Input Device 236) The input device 236 is an input device such as a keyboard for inputting various information when a user purchases content information.

(2.3.10 Control Unit 232) The control unit 232 controls the result processing unit 234 and the screen display instruction required for the selection screen display unit 230.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 232 transmits the content information selected by the input device 236 to the result processing device 234. In addition, the payment information and the like transmitted from the result processing device is transmitted to the selection screen display device 230.

(2.3.11 Financial Information Medium 240) The financial information medium 240 allows the user to select content information that he / she intends to purchase and then settle the purchase price of the content information in order to purchase the content information. Used to

The financial information medium 240 described here is
It is a medium for paying the purchase price and making settlement. It also includes a card medium such as a credit card, a cash card or a prepaid card, electronic money represented by a smart card equipped with an IC, or cash.

(2.4 Network (Satellite Line) 10
8) The network 108 includes the distribution center server 102,
Credit server 104, distribution terminal 106 (106a, 106a)
b ... 106n) are connected. As described in the conventional business model (1.1 Conventional system configuration), there are two types in the conventional system configuration: the satellite line of the network 1606 and the terrestrial line of the network 1608. The satellite line 108 according to the embodiment of the present invention
Connects various information processing devices only via satellite lines without using terrestrial lines. The satellite line can transmit and receive information bidirectionally by an antenna such as a parabolic antenna.

The satellite line is connected from one distribution center server to
It is an excellent transmission medium in terms of securing a high bandwidth and transmission cost when delivering substantially the same content information to a plurality of delivery terminals installed in various places all at once.

[0140] Further, the satellite line 108 according to one embodiment of the present invention is the distribution center server 102 and the distribution terminal 1.
06 is connected to enable bidirectional transmission / reception. After distributing the content information to the distribution terminal 106, if the distribution center server 102 cannot distribute the content information due to some phenomenon during distribution, the distribution center server 102 receives the reception result from the distribution terminal 106 via the satellite line 108 and distributes it. The missing content information is redistributed to the distribution terminal 106.

(3 Operation of Content Information Distribution System) Next, an embodiment of the operation of the content information distribution system configured as described above will be described.

(3.1 Distribution Process from Distribution Center Server 102) Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 14, the distribution center server 102 to the distribution terminal 106.
The distribution process of the information file such as the content information to the user will be described. 2 and 3 are distribution center server 10
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration and data flow of FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing integrated information which is a file at the time of distribution processing, and FIG. 10 shows encrypted content information in which content information is encrypted. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing distribution list information for distributing content information, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of distribution processing from the distribution center server 102.

As described above, the distribution terminal 106
However, in order to use the content information distribution system according to the present embodiment, the content information 304 needs to be stored in the distribution terminal 106.
04 is distributed from the distribution center server 102 via the satellite line 108, so that the distribution terminal 106 can store the content information 304.

The distribution center server 102 uses the organization storage device 216 to store music information, video information such as movies, image information such as photographs and paintings, text information such as publications, and T information.
Admission to game information, amusement parks, etc. regarding V games
Content information 304 in various fields, such as ticket information for entering the park or coupon information that offers benefits such as price discounts when purchasing products, is processed and organized, and content information is further selected. The selection screen display data 302 to be output is processed and organized. The processed and organized content information 304 and the selection screen display data 302 are stored in the composition storage device 216 (S140).
2).

The contents information 30 is stored in the organization storage device 216.
4 and the selection screen display data 302 are stored,
The content information 304 is encrypted by the encryption device 214 supplied with key data for encryption from the key supply device 217 (S1404).

As shown in FIG. 10, the encrypted content information, which is the encrypted content information, includes, for example, an encrypted distribution A file, an encrypted distribution B file, and an encrypted distribution C file. And an encrypted distribution D file, an encrypted distribution E file, and an encrypted distribution F file.

When the encryption is completed by the encryption device 214,
A distribution information creation device 213 based on the encrypted content information.
Create delivery information with. This distribution information is list information in which the content information 304 is distributed to the distribution terminal 106.

As shown in FIG. 11, the distribution information indicating the list information for distributing the content information includes the file names of the content information: distribution A, distribution B, distribution C, distribution D, distribution E,
It is text data composed of distribution F. The distribution information is the encrypted distribution A that constitutes the encrypted content information.
The file name of the file and the encrypted distribution B file, ..., The encrypted distribution F file is transferred to the distribution information by the distribution information creating device 213, and the file names are: distribution A, distribution B, ..., distribution F , Is output.

When the distribution information is created by the distribution creation device 213, the integration information is created by the integration device 212 (S1406).

As shown in FIG. 9, the integrated information is distribution information showing a list of content information to be distributed, and a selection screen display for displaying a selection screen to the user in order to select and purchase the content information. It is composed of data 302 and encrypted content information in which content information is encrypted.

As the integrated information, as described above, the distribution information, the selection screen display data 302, and the encrypted content information are integrated by the integrating device 212 as integrated information. This integrated information is distributed from the distribution center server 102 to a plurality of distribution terminals 106 that exist via a satellite line 108.

When the integrated information is created, the distribution device 210
Are simultaneously delivered to a plurality of delivery terminals 106 via the satellite line 108 (S1408). After the distribution, the distribution terminal 106 receives the integrated information, stores the content information and the like in an appropriate device, and the distribution processing of the content information ends.

Although the distribution terminal 106 stores the received content information, it may not be able to normally receive all the content information distributed from the distribution center server and may need to be re-distributed (S1408 to S1412). .

For the redelivery determination, two types of configurations are possible, that is, the delivery terminal 106 determines whether redelivery is necessary or the delivery center server 102 determines whether redelivery is required. is there. Hereinafter, the redelivery processing determined by the delivery terminal 106 will be described.

(4.1.1 Redistribution Process Determined by Distribution Terminal 106 for Redistribution) Next, the redistribution process for the distribution terminal 106 to determine redistribution will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, the distribution terminal 106
When the receiving device 222 receives the integrated information via the satellite line 108 (S1902), the received encrypted content information is transmitted to the received information creating device 226 as the received encrypted content information.

Here, the received encrypted content information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the received encrypted content information.

As shown in FIG. 12, the received encrypted content information received by the distribution terminal 106 is the encrypted distribution A.
It is composed of a file, an encrypted delivery B file, an encrypted delivery C file, an encrypted delivery D file, an encrypted delivery E file, an encrypted delivery F file, and the like. It

The reception information creation device 226 collates the file name of the distribution file existing in the received encrypted content information and the file name existing in the distribution information as a pair (S190).
4).

When the file name exists in the distribution information and the received encrypted content information, the reception information creating device 226 verifies that the file name is normally received, and when the file name exists only in the distribution information. Judges that the relevant file has not been received and judges that redelivery is necessary.

The reception information creation device 226 creates reception information as a result of the collation (S1906).

Here, the reception information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing information that needs to be redistributed.

As shown in FIG. 13, the received information is, for example, the file name of the received encrypted content information: distribution D
It is text data composed of. As described above, the received information is created when redelivery is necessary as a result of the matching performed by the received information creating device 226. The reception information creation device 226 outputs the file name: distribution D of the content information that needs to be redistributed to the reception information.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the reception information creation device 226 compares the file names of the distribution information and the received encrypted content information with the file names: distribution A, distribution B ... It is determined that the distribution D file is a file that needs to be re-distributed, and file name: reception information forming distribution D is created.

As a result of the collation, the reception information creating device 226 creates the reception information indicating that the redelivery is not necessary if there is no file that needs the redelivery. For example, received information with no file name, Nothing at the beginning
Create reception information etc. in which the file name of exists.

Also, the reception information creation device 226 can output all the file names of the received encrypted content information to the reception information.

When the reception information is created, the transmitter / receiver 22
0 transmits the received information to the distribution center server 102 via the satellite line 108 (S1908).

When the distribution center server 102 receives the reception information by the transmission / reception device 202, the re-distribution device 208
In step S1910, it is determined whether the file distribution is completed based on the received information.

Next, the distribution center server 102 causes the re-distribution device 208 to re-integrate the integrated information including the corresponding content information to the distribution terminal 106 if there is content information that needs to be re-distributed in the received information. Redeliver (S1
912).

Here, the redistribution from the distribution center server 102 to the distribution terminal 106 is distributed via the satellite line 108.

The redelivery device 208 performs redelivery based on the received information until the delivery of the file is completed (S190).
2 to S1912).

Next, when the redelivery device 208 determines from the received information that redelivery is not necessary, the redelivery processing in which the delivery terminal 106 makes a redelivery determination ends.

(4.1.2 Redistribution Processing Determined by Distribution Center Server 102) As described above, the distribution terminal 106 has determined whether redistribution is necessary. In the above, it can be configured to judge whether redelivery is necessary. Hereinafter, the re-delivery processing determined by the delivery center server 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the distribution terminal 106 has the receiving device 222.
To receive the integrated information via the satellite line 108 (S
2002). The received encrypted content information is transmitted to the received information creating device 226 as received encrypted content information.

Next, the reception information creation device 226 creates reception information (S2004).

As shown in FIG. 12, the received encrypted content information received by the distribution terminal 106 is the encrypted distribution A.
It is composed of a file, an encrypted delivery B file, an encrypted delivery C file, an encrypted delivery D file, an encrypted delivery E file, an encrypted delivery F file, and the like. It

The reception information creating device 226 outputs all the file names of the reception encrypted content information shown in FIG. 12 to the reception information as file names: distribution A, distribution B ... To create.

Next, when the reception information is created, the distribution terminal 106 transmits the reception information and the distribution information to the distribution center server 102 by the transmission / reception device 220 via the satellite line 108 (S2006).

Distribution terminal 106 to distribution center server 10
2 is transmitted from the distribution center server 102 to the distribution terminal 1
Similar to the distribution process to 06, it is transmitted via the satellite line 108. From this, it can be seen that bidirectional transmission and reception is performed via the satellite line.

Upon receiving the reception information and the distribution information, the distribution center server 102 causes the analysis device 206 to collate the reception information and the distribution information with each other (S2008).

The analysis device 206 compares the file name existing in the received information with the file name existing in the distribution information, and if both information contains the file name,
If the file name is assumed to have been received normally and the file name exists only in the distribution information, it is judged that re-distribution is necessary because it has not been received.

The distribution center server 102 includes the analysis device 20.
In step S2010, the analysis result information in which the file name of the content information determined to require re-delivery is displayed as a result of the collation is created by S6.

The analysis device 206 also verifies that
If there is no file that needs redelivery, create analysis result information that redelivery is not required. For example, analysis result information in which no file name exists
The analysis result information in which the ng file name exists is created.

Next, the distribution center server 102 determines the presence / absence of a redistribution file on the basis of the analysis result information by the redistribution device 208 (S2012). If the analysis result information includes the file name of the content information that needs redelivery, it is determined that redelivery is necessary.

Next, the distribution center server 102 sends the content information that needs to be re-distributed from the re-distributor 208.
Redelivery is performed to the delivery terminal 106 (S2014).

From distribution center server 102 to distribution terminal 10
For the re-delivery to 6, the content information is delivered via the satellite line 108.

The redelivery device 208 performs redelivery processing until delivery of the file is completed based on the analysis result information (S2002 to S2014).

Next, when the re-delivery device 208 determines from the analysis result information that re-delivery is not necessary, the re-delivery processing ends.

(4.2 Payment Processing when Purchasing Content Information from Distribution Terminal 106) Next, with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 17, 18, and 19, payment when purchasing content information from the distribution terminal 106. The processing will be described. Note that FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the content-related information for receiving the authentication required to purchase the content information.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing content-related reply information that is a reply to the content-related information for receiving the necessary authentication to purchase the content information, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an outline of settlement processing when purchasing the content information. .

As shown in FIG. 19, the distribution terminal 106 in which the content information is stored in advance is installed in the distribution terminal 106 in order to provide the content information using the content information distribution system according to the present embodiment. The content information desired by the user needs to be selected by the input device 236 being operated (S1502).

When the content information is selected, a message is displayed on the display device 502 to install the user storage medium 242 owned by the user in the recording device 606, and the user storage medium 242 is displayed in the recording device. It is attached to 606 (S1504).

When the user storage medium 242 is mounted on the recording device 606, the distribution terminal 106 is operated by the distribution center server 1
02 through the satellite line 108 for information such as the price of the selected content information and availability of sale, and the distribution terminal 106 receives a response to the inquiry via the satellite line 108.

Distribution center server 102 and distribution terminal 106
And a satellite line 108 are connected to enable communication with each other. Therefore, the distribution center server 102 sends the inquiry information to the distribution center server 102 to the satellite line 10.
After the transmission via S8, the reply of the inquiry information can be received from the distribution center server 102 via the satellite line 108.

The display device 502 displays the purchase price of the selected content information and bills for the charge (S1506). In addition, if the selected content information is not available for sale in response to the inquiry, a message indicating that the content is not available for sale is displayed. Also, when displaying a message, sound effects such as an alarm can be output at the same time so that they can be recognized easily.

After billing for the purchase price, the billing device 238
However, when the payment information stored in the financial information medium 240 is read and the personal identification number is input from the input device 236, the result processing device 234 displays the payment information and the content-related information including the payment amount of the selected content information. create.

As shown in FIG. 17, the content-related information is the ID number of personal information used as payment information,
A name, a personal identification number, a file name of the selected content information (content A, content B ... Content C), and a user storage medium 2 mounted on the recording device 606.
It is composed of an output destination storage medium indicating a medium type and a storable capacity of 42, and a payment amount which is purchase price information of the selected content information.

As shown in FIG. 18, the content-related information, which is the response from the authentication device 215, includes the ID number, the name, the personal identification number of the personal information used as payment information.
File name of the selected content information (content A, content B ... Content C), and the recording device 6
The user storage medium 242 installed in the storage medium 06 is composed of a medium type, an output destination storage medium indicating a storable capacity, and a payment amount which is purchase price information of the selected content information.

The content-related answer information is the authentication device 21.
By the authentication of 5, error information is added to the items that cannot be approved. As shown in FIG. 18, the secret number is added with error information indicating that the password is not approved due to a difference in number, the content B is added with error information indicating that the content is unsold, and is not approved, and is output to the output destination storage medium. Error information indicating that the payment was not approved due to insufficient capacity is added, and error information indicating that the payment was not approved outside the range of settlement amount is added to the payment amount.
Also, the approved content information: content A ...
Key data for decryption is added to the content S.

(4.2.1 Billing Authentication Processing) The content-related information is transmitted to the distribution center server 102 by the transmission / reception device 224 via the satellite line 108. Based on the content-related information received by the transmission / reception device 204, a billing authentication process is performed to determine whether the billing authentication device 404 can make payment (S1508).

Is it possible for the billing authentication apparatus 404 to make payment by making an inquiry to the credit server 104 based on the personal information such as the ID number, name, personal identification number, and payment amount of the content-related information shown in FIG. To judge.

The credit server 104 includes the billing authentication device 404.
Then, the credit device 246 inquires via the satellite line 108 based on the personal information inquired, and the answer to the result is sent to the billing authentication device 404, and via the satellite line 108 to the billing authentication device 404. To transmit.

The billing authentication device 404 is the credit server 104.
It is determined from the response from the user whether payment is possible, and if payment is possible, the credited content-related information is transmitted to the output authentication device 402 via the satellite line 108. On the other hand, if payment is not possible, the billing authentication device 404 adds error information to the error item of the content-related information. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the billing authentication device 404 adds error information to the password, which is an error item.

If the content-related information has an error item, the billing authentication device 404 sends it as content-related answer information to the distribution terminal 106 via the satellite line 108. If there is no error item, output authentication is performed. Device 40
2 is transmitted (S1510).

Content-related reply information that has not been approved by the billing authentication device 404 has been received via the satellite line 108.
The output device 604 of the distribution terminal 106 causes the display device 502 to display, through the control device 232, a message indicating that the payment is not authenticated and the product cannot be sold (S151).
8).

(4.2.2 Output Authentication Processing) The content related information approved by the charging authentication apparatus 404 is authenticated by the output authentication apparatus 402 (S151).
2).

The output authentication device 402 is the charging authentication device 40.
Based on the content-related information approved in 4,
It is authenticated whether the selected content information can be sold or whether the capacity of the selected content information is filled in the user storage medium installed in the recording device 606.

The content related information is output to the output authentication device 40.
According to 2, the key data for decrypting the encrypted content information is added to the approved content information from the key supply device 217, and the error information is added to the unapproved content information. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, key data is added to the approved content A and error information indicating that the content B is not approved is added to the unapproved content B.

[0208] When the authentication is completed, the content-related answer information is sent to the transmitting / receiving device 204 as the answer to the content-related information.
Is transmitted to the distribution terminal 106 via the satellite line 108.

Upon receiving the content-related reply information, the distribution terminal 106 records on the output device 604 so as to store the encrypted content information corresponding to the approved content information and the key data to be decrypted in the user storage medium 242. The device 606 is instructed to instruct the control device 232 to display a message indicating that the content information is not approved for sale (S1514).

The recording device 606 has a user storage medium 242.
Is instructed to be stored in the user storage medium 24, the corresponding encrypted content information and the key data to be decrypted are stored.
2 is stored (S1516).

When the selection screen display device 230 is instructed by the control device 232 to display the unsold message, the selection screen display device 230 causes the display device 502 to display the unsold message through the screen control device 504 (S1).
518).

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various alterations or modifications can be envisioned within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.

In the above embodiment, the case where the distribution information or the reception information is text data has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such an example as long as the information can be recognized by the information processing device. Instead, it can be implemented with other format data.

Further, in the above embodiment, the distribution center server 1 distributes the distribution information and the reception information from the distribution terminal 106.
However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the distribution center server 102 may manage and hold the distribution information and receive only the reception information from the distribution terminal 106. .

In the above embodiment, the case where the output device 604 outputs the encrypted content information to the user storage medium 242 without decrypting it has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The output device 604 decrypts the encrypted content information and then the user storage medium 24
It is also possible to output to 2.

In the above embodiment, the case where the content information 304 is encrypted by the encryption device 214 by the common key method has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the encryption format is It can be implemented in any form.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the content information is compressed has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and any compression method or non-compression may be performed. can do.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case of authenticating an individual by inputting a personal identification number has been described as an example of a payment method for purchasing content information, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. Alternatively, any individual authentication method can be implemented. For example, a fingerprint, a retina or the like may be used as an individual authentication method.

In the above embodiment, the case where the redistribution device and the distribution device configured in the distribution center server are different devices has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. It can also be implemented as a single device having distribution and redistribution functions. For example, the distribution device can be implemented as a distribution / redistribution capable distribution device having a distribution function and a redistribution function.

[0220]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the distribution and redistribution of the content information between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server and the bidirectional transmission / reception of the received information for the redistribution are performed via the satellite circuit, the line usage cost can be reduced. In addition, since payment can be made by means other than cash, it is possible to reduce operating expenses such as replenishing change to the distribution terminal and collecting charges. Furthermore, since the content is encrypted, damage can be minimized even if the content is stolen.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a distribution center server according to the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a distribution terminal of the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a credit server related to the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a composition storage device according to the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an authentication device according to the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a selection screen display device according to the content information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a result processing device according to the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing integrated information distributed from the distribution center server according to the content information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing encrypted content information distributed from the distribution center server in the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing distribution information distributed from the distribution center server according to the content information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing received encrypted content information received by the distribution terminal of the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing reception information that needs to be redistributed based on a result received by the distribution terminal of the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of distribution processing from the distribution center server according to the content information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of a re-delivery process in which the delivery terminal of the content information delivery system according to the embodiment of the present invention determines re-delivery.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an outline of a redistribution process in which the distribution center server according to the content information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention makes a redistribution determination.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing content-related information for receiving authentication necessary for purchasing content information according to the content information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing content-related reply information which is a reply to the content-related information related to the content information distribution system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an outline of a settlement process at the time of purchasing content information according to the content information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional content information distribution system.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of a distribution center server according to a conventional content information distribution system.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of a distribution terminal according to a conventional content information distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

102: distribution center server 104: credit server 106: distribution terminal 108: Satellite line 202: Transmission / reception terminal 204: Transmission / reception terminal 206: Analysis device 208: Redelivery device 210: Distribution device 212: Integrated device 213: Distribution information creation device 214: Encryption device 215: Authentication device 216: Organization storage device 217: Key supply device 218: Business management device 220: Transceiver 222: Receiving device 224: Transmission / reception device 226: Reception information creation device 228: Separation device 230: Selection screen display device 232: control device 234: Result processing device 236: Input device 238: Charge processing device 240: Financial information medium 242: user storage medium 244: Transmission / reception device 246: Credit apparatus 302: Selection screen display data 304: Content information 402: Output authentication device 404: Billing authentication device 502: Display device 504: Screen control device 602: encrypted content information storage device 604: Output device 606: Recording device

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A distribution center server that manages and holds content information and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals; a distribution of the content information from the distribution center server, and at least the content in a user storage medium. A content information distribution system comprising: the distribution terminal capable of outputting information, wherein transmission and reception of relevant information related to the output of the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium are performed via a satellite line. A content information distribution system characterized by being performed. 2. The content information according to claim 1, wherein the related information related to the output of the content information includes sales information of the content information, information about a medium capable of storing the content information, and credit information. Delivery system. 3. A distribution center server that manages and holds content information and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals, which is related to output of the content information from the distribution terminals to the user storage medium. A distribution center server, wherein related information is transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. 4. A distribution center server which manages and holds content information by a computer and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals, wherein the distribution information server stores the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium. A computer program that causes a related information related to output to function as a distribution center server that transmits and receives the related information between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. 5. A distribution center server that manages and holds content information by a computer and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals, wherein the distribution center server stores the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium. A computer-readable computer program having a computer program recorded thereon, characterized by causing a related information related to output to be transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. Storage medium. 6. The distribution terminal capable of receiving the distribution of content information from a distribution center server and outputting at least the content information to a user storage medium: the content information from the distribution terminal to the user storage medium. The related information related to the output of (1) is transmitted and received between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server via a satellite line. 7. The distribution terminal capable of receiving distribution of content information from a distribution center server by a computer and outputting at least the content information to a user storage medium: the distribution terminal to the user storage medium A computer program that causes related information related to the output of the content information to and from the distribution terminal and the distribution center server to function as a distribution terminal that transmits and receives via a satellite line. 8. A distribution terminal capable of causing a computer to receive distribution of content information from a distribution center server and output at least the content information to a user storage medium: the distribution terminal to the user storage medium A computer program for causing related information related to the output of the content information to and from the distribution terminal and the distribution center server to function as a distribution terminal for transmitting and receiving via a satellite line. Computer readable storage medium. 9. A distribution center server that manages and holds content information and related information and distributes at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals; a distribution medium for receiving the content information from the distribution center server, and a user storage medium. And a distribution terminal capable of outputting the content information, and the distribution center server includes a distribution information creating device for creating distribution information related to the content information to be distributed, and the distribution terminal. An analysis device for analyzing received information received,
A re-delivery device for re-delivering the content information when it is determined from the analysis result of the analysis device that the content information is not reached; the delivery terminal receives information based on the content information received from the delivery center server. A content information distribution system, characterized in that it is provided with a reception information creation device for creating. 10. The information distribution according to claim 9, wherein the analysis device compares the distribution information with reception information received from the distribution terminal to determine undelivered content information. system. 11. The reception information creation device receives distribution information from the distribution center server in pairs with the content information, compares the received content information with the distribution information, and determines the undelivered content information. The information distribution system according to claim 9, wherein reception information including the information is created. 12. The information distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the redistribution device redistributes only content information that has been determined to have not been reached. 13. A distribution center server that manages and holds content information and related information and distributes at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals; the distribution center server creates distribution information related to the content information to be distributed. A delivery information creating device, an analysis device that analyzes received information received from the delivery terminal, and a redelivery device that redistributes the content information when it is determined from the analysis result of the analysis device that the delivery information is undelivered. A distribution center server, which is characterized in that 14. The analysis device compares the distribution information with reception information received from the distribution terminal to determine undelivered content information.
The distribution center server described in. 15. The distribution center server according to claim 13, wherein the redistribution device redistributes only content information that has been determined to have not been reached. 16. A distribution center server that uses a computer to manage and hold content information and related information, and distributes at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals; the distribution center server is content information to be distributed. Information distribution device that creates distribution information regarding the above, an analysis device that analyzes the received information received from the distribution terminal, and a redistribution that re-distributes the content information when it is determined from the analysis result of the analysis device that it has not been reached. A computer program characterized by causing it to function as a distribution center server including a device. 17. A distribution center server that manages and holds content information and related information by a computer and distributes at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals; the distribution center server is content information to be distributed. Information distribution device that creates distribution information regarding the above, an analysis device that analyzes the received information received from the distribution terminal, and a redistribution that re-distributes the content information when it is determined from the analysis result of the analysis device that it has not been reached. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that it functions as a distribution center server having a device. 18. The distribution terminal capable of receiving the distribution of content information from a distribution center server and outputting at least the content information to a user storage medium; the distribution terminal being content information received from the distribution center server. A delivery terminal, comprising: a reception information creating device that creates reception information based on the above. 19. The reception information creation device receives distribution information from the distribution center server as a pair with the content information, compares the received content information with the distribution information, and determines the undelivered content information. The delivery terminal according to claim 18, characterized in that reception information including the information is created. 20. The distribution terminal capable of receiving distribution of content information from a distribution center server by a computer and outputting at least the content information to a user storage medium; the distribution terminal being the distribution center server. A computer program characterized by causing it to function as a distribution terminal equipped with a reception information creation device that creates reception information based on content information received from. 21. The distribution terminal capable of receiving distribution of content information from a distribution center server by a computer and outputting at least the content information to a user storage medium; the distribution terminal being the distribution center server. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium is caused to function as a distribution terminal equipped with a reception information creation device that creates reception information based on content information received from. 22. A distribution center server that manages and holds content information and related information and distributes at least the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals; a distribution medium for receiving the content information from the distribution center server, and a user storage medium. A delivery terminal capable of outputting at least the content information; and a delivery method for delivering content information, wherein the delivery center server creates delivery information regarding content information to be delivered; reception received from the delivery terminal Analyzing the information; redistributing the content information when it is judged that it has not been reached from the analyzed result; the distribution terminal creates reception information based on the content information received from the distribution center server The delivery method of content information delivery. 23. The analysis of the received information comprises comparing the distribution information with the reception information received from the distribution terminal to determine undelivered content information. Distribution method of content information distribution. 24. The reception information based on the content information is not created by receiving the distribution information from the distribution center server in pairs with the content information and comparing the received content information with the distribution information. 3. The reception information including the content information of each user is created.
The distribution method of the content information distribution described in 2. 25. The distribution method of content information distribution according to claim 22, wherein the content information is redistributed by redistributing only the content information that has been determined as undelivered. 26. A distribution center server which manages and holds content information and distributes the content information to a plurality of distribution terminals; a distribution center server receives the content information from the distribution center server, and stores the content information in a user storage medium. A content information distribution system comprising: the distribution terminal capable of outputting the content; the transmission and reception of information between the distribution terminal and the distribution center server is performed via a satellite line. Information distribution system.