JP2003179898A - Contents distribution compensation method, server terminal, client terminal, right management device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contents distribution compensation method that can serve a compensation service depending on contents reproduction quality actually viewed by a contents user to the user. <P>SOLUTION: A contents reproduction means 11 of a client terminal 1 reproduces streaming contents distributed from a server 2. A compensation data management means 12 collects and stores information with respect to the reproduction quality. A compensation service determining means 63 references a compensation service database to discriminate the necessity of the compensation service. In the case that the compensation service is required because the reproduction quality reaches no prescribed level, a ticket server 61 transmits a compensation ticket to the client terminal 1. The client terminal 1 uses the compensation ticket to receive distribution of the compensation contents from the contents distribution server 2 and to view and hear the contents. The compensation contents are created as download type contents produced from original contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of delivering contents from a server to a client via a network such as the Internet, and in particular, contents for which a certain reproduction quality cannot be obtained on the client side due to overload of the network or the server. It relates to how to compensate for delivery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a multimedia environment typified by the Internet, data of various formats such as voice and moving images can be handled, and data of these various formats and contents or contents thereof are called contents. Services related to content have rapidly expanded and spread in recent years, and a representative example thereof is a content distribution service using streaming technology. This is a service for streaming content such as images and audio, which performs content distribution from the server and content reproduction on the client side in almost real time while synchronizing with each other. As is well known, the network is busy,
If the load on the server is high, streaming content of desired quality cannot be delivered. Therefore, on the server side, the quality of streaming content is automatically adjusted according to the line condition with the client. For example, in the case of video data, the number of frames per second is thinned out, and in the case of music data, high frequency components and low frequency components are cut,
Adjust the quality of the content. Therefore, when the content is delivered for a fee or when it is delivered to a specific person who has the right to receive the content, the playback quality of the streaming content on the client side is caused by the network load at that time. When the quality is lower than the desired quality, it becomes necessary to make some compensation.

There is JP-A-2000-270309 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1) as a document which points out such a problem and proposes an improvement measure against the problem. Reference 1 adopts a compensation method in which a portion of the fee is refunded when the quality of the content actually viewed by the user is equal to or lower than the desired quality in the distribution of the paid streaming content performed on the network. There is. In FIG. 15, reference 1
2 shows a block diagram of a content distribution system proposed in. The server 1001 charges the user as a basic charge a fee for content distribution of the highest quality before delivering the streaming content to the user terminal 1002, and the actual delivery considers the load state of the network at that time. Then, the content distribution module 1004 distributes the content at a quality that can be reproduced in real time by the content reproduction module 1003 of the user terminal 1002. Content reproduction module 100
3 stores information regarding the quality of the received content, such as the information amount, the number of frames per second, and the distribution band, and transmits the information to the server 1001 after the reproduction is completed. Viewing fee clearing module 100
5 evaluates information about the quality of the received content to obtain a consideration, determines a refund amount from the basic fee and the consideration, and refunds the user according to the refund amount.

[0004]

In the technique described in Document 1, the quality of the content viewed by the user is quantitatively evaluated, and the amount of money is determined according to the difference between the highest quality and the actual playback quality on the client side. By refunding, we compensate for low-quality content delivery. For this reason,
Especially in the case of content distribution such as live broadcasting where failure is not allowed, even if an accident occurs and the content cannot be distributed with sufficient quality, some kind of compensation can be provided by means of refund. However, financial compensation has not solved anything in terms of compensation for the act of content reproduction itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable compensation by re-viewing of content for content distribution in which a certain reproduction quality cannot be obtained on the client side due to overload of a network or a server.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent illegal reproduction of content to be re-viewed for compensation by a client other than the compensation target client.

[0007]

According to the content distribution compensation method of the present invention, the content to be distributed is distributed from the server terminal to the client terminal, and the information regarding the reproduction quality of the content to be distributed is detected as compensation data and detected. By allowing the client terminal to view the compensation content generated from the content to be distributed when the reproduction quality determined from the compensation data is equal to or less than a predetermined standard, overload of the network or server, etc. By this, it becomes possible to compensate by re-viewing the content for content distribution for which a certain reproduction quality was not obtained on the client side. Here, in the present specification, the reproduction quality includes not only the reproduction quality in a narrow sense such as image quality, sound quality, and reproduction rate, but also the state where the reproduction is stopped halfway and becomes incomplete in time. It is used in a broad sense. Further, the cause of the stop of the reproduction includes both the case where the content viewer is willing and the case where the content is stopped for some reason regardless of the will. The compensation data, which is information about the reproduction quality of the content to be distributed, may be any data that can specify such reproduction quality. Further, the detection may be performed by either the client side or the server side, or both sides may be detected. Furthermore, when the relay server is interposed between the server and the client, the relay server may detect the compensation data.

In the present invention, when the content to be distributed is streaming content, the compensating content can be downloaded content. Downloadable content refers to content that can be downloaded rather than streaming. Although downloading takes time when the network is overloaded, playback is performed based on the downloaded content, so the quality is stable without being affected by the network load.

When the content to be distributed is live streaming content, on-demand streaming content can be used as compensation content in addition to the download content. The on-demand streaming content is a content created based on the content recorded at the time of distribution of the live streaming content, which is the same as the live streaming content in that it is streaming content, but is different in that it is not live. By preparing on-demand streaming content as compensation content, you can replay the recorded content even if an accident occurs and content cannot be delivered with sufficient quality in the case of content delivery that cannot be tolerated such as live broadcasting. It is possible to compensate in this form.

The content distribution compensation method of the present invention is
The compensation content is encrypted, and the viewing of the compensation content is permitted by issuing a compensation ticket containing a decryption key of the compensation content. As a result, it is possible to prevent the content to be re-viewed for compensation from being illegally reproduced by a person other than the compensation target client.

The server terminal of the present invention is a server terminal for delivering contents to client terminals via a network, and the delivery is provided to the client terminals whose reproduction quality of the contents to be delivered is below a predetermined standard. By distributing the compensation content generated from the target content, it becomes possible to compensate by re-viewing the content for content distribution in which a certain reproduction quality cannot be obtained on the client side due to an overload of the network or the server.

The client terminal of the present invention is a client terminal for receiving and reproducing the content distributed from the server terminal via the network, and means for detecting and transmitting information regarding the reproduction quality of the content as compensation data. And a means for receiving and reproducing from the server terminal the compensating content that can be viewed only when the reproduction quality judged from the transmitted compensating data is equal to or less than a predetermined standard, It enables compensation by content re-viewing for content distribution where a certain reproduction quality could not be obtained on the client side due to network or server overload.

The client terminal of the present invention is encrypted using the decryption key included in the compensation ticket sent when the reproduction quality based on the compensation data is below a predetermined standard. By decrypting and reproducing the compensating content distributed as described above, the content to be re-viewed for compensation is prevented from being illegally reproduced by a person other than the compensation target client.

The right management device of the present invention comprises means for receiving compensation data, which is information relating to the reproduction quality at the client terminal of the content to be distributed, which is distributed from the server terminal via the network, and the received compensation data. When the reproduction quality determined from the above is less than or equal to a predetermined standard, by transmitting a compensation ticket that allows viewing of the compensation content generated from the content to be distributed to the client terminal, the It enables compensation by content re-viewing for content distribution in which a certain reproduction quality is not obtained on the client side due to load or the like.

Further, when the compensation content is encrypted content, the rights management device of the present invention includes the decryption key of the compensation content in the compensation ticket and transmits the compensation ticket to compensate the compensation content. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the content to be re-viewed from being illegally reproduced by a client other than the compensation target client.

[0016]

First Embodiment Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a content distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a client terminal 1 and a content distribution server for distributing content to the client terminal 1 via a network (not shown) such as the Internet. 2 and an encryption processing means 3 for encrypting the content distributed by the content distribution server 2.
And a compensation content creating means 4 for producing a content used for compensation when the content distributed by the content distribution server 2 cannot be reproduced at a desired quality on the client terminal 1 due to an overload of the network or the server 2.
A content database 5 that stores content to be distributed and content for compensation thereof, and a right management device 6 that manages compensation for content distribution. The client terminal 1 and the right management device 6 can communicate with each other via a network (not shown) such as the Internet. Although only one client terminal 1 is shown in FIG. 1, there are generally a plurality of client terminals.

The client terminal 1 includes a content reproducing means 11 such as a browser for reproducing the content for the user to view, and a compensation data managing means 12 for detecting information regarding the reproduction quality of the content as compensation data.
And an input / output device 13 such as a display device and a keyboard, and a control means 14 connected to these. The client terminal 1 can be realized by an information processing device such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal and a client terminal program. In that case, the content reproduction means 11, the compensation data management means 12, and the control means 14 are realized on the information processing device by the program for the client terminal.

The right management device 6 is based on the compensation service database 64 which defines one or more compensation services according to the reproduction quality of the content, the compensation data sent from the client terminal 1 and the contents of the compensation service database 64. Compensation service determining means 63 for determining a compensation service, a compensation service managing means 62 for receiving compensation data from the client terminal 1, and the like, and a decryption key for decrypting encrypted content reproduced by the client terminal 1. And a ticket server 61 that issues a ticket including The right management device 6 can be realized by an information processing device such as a workstation and a program for the right management device. In that case, the ticket server 61 and the compensation service management means 6 are controlled by the right management device program.
2. The compensation service determining means 63 is realized on the information processing device.

The content distribution server 2, the encryption processing means 3, the compensating content creating means 4 and the content database 5 may be provided on one server, or may be distributed to several servers. You may do it.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment having the above-described structure generally functions as follows.

The content distribution server 2 encrypts the content to be distributed by the encryption processing means 3 and distributes it to the client terminal 1. When the content to be distributed is streaming content, the content distribution server 2 appropriately adjusts the quality of the content to be distributed according to a change in the line condition with the client terminal 1 and distributes the content. Further, the content distribution server 2 creates compensation content from the content to be distributed by the compensation content creation means 4 and stores it in the content database 5, and when the compensation content needs to be distributed, the compensation content is distributed. Also do. Even when the compensation content is distributed, the encryption processing means 3 encrypts and distributes it.

As the compensation content, if the content to be distributed is a streaming content, it is a download content. If the content to be distributed is live streaming content, the content to be compensated for is in addition to the downloaded content.
On-demand streaming content is also available.

The control means 14 of the client terminal 1 purchases from the ticket server 61 a ticket including a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted content that the user wants to watch according to the instruction input through the input / output device 13. Then, using the decryption key contained in the ticket, the encrypted content received by the content reproduction means 11 is decrypted and reproduced so that the user can view the content. The compensation data management unit 12 detects and stores information regarding the reproduction quality of the content as compensation data during reproduction of the content by the content reproduction unit 11. The compensation data may be the number of packets received for the content, the frame rate of the video being reproduced, the elapsed time from the start of reproduction, the command executed such as reproduction or stop, and the like.

When the user is not satisfied with the reproduction quality and requests compensation, he / she gives an instruction to that effect to the input / output device 1.
When input from 3, the control means 14 sends the compensation data accumulated in the compensation data management means 12 to the compensation service management means 62 of the right management device 6. Instead of transmitting the compensation data triggered by an instruction from the user, the control unit 14 may automatically transmit the compensation data to the compensation service management unit 62. In this case, the compensation data may be transmitted at once or may be divided into several times. In the case of sending at once, it is sent when the reproduction of the content ends or when the reproduction is stopped by a command. In the case of transmitting the data several times, the data transmitted immediately before is transmitted at the timing when the command related to the reception and reproduction of the content is executed by the client terminal 1 or at the timing of the constant time. To be done. When transmitting separately, the receiving side waits for all the data to be gathered before starting the processing.

In the right management device 6 which has received the compensation data, as shown in FIG. 2, the compensation data is received (step P1), the compensation service database 64 is referred (step P2), and the necessity of compensation service is determined. (Step P
3) The process of transmitting a ticket when the compensation service is necessary (step P4) and transmitting a message to that effect when the compensation service is unnecessary (step P5) is generally performed. Specifically, the compensation service management means 62
When the compensation data is received from the client terminal 1, the compensation data is transmitted to the compensation service determining means 63. The compensation service determining means 63 analyzes the compensation data to quantify the reproduction quality of the content on the client terminal 1.
Then, with reference to the compensation service database 64, it is determined whether or not there is a compensation service corresponding to the reproduction quality, and the result is transmitted to the compensation service management means 62. The compensation service management means 62 cooperates with the ticket server 61, and when the compensation is necessary, the client terminal 1 can receive the compensation ticket determined by the compensation service determination means 63. 1 is sent to the client terminal 1, and when compensation is not required, a message to that effect is sent to the client terminal 1. The compensation ticket contains a designation of the compensation content and a decryption key for decrypting the encryption.

The compensation ticket sent to the client terminal 1 is stored in the control means 14 until it is used. Further, the message indicating that compensation is not required, which is sent to the client terminal 1, is output from, for example, the input / output device 13 and presented to the user. When viewing the compensation content, the user specifies the compensation ticket stored in the control means 14 and activates the content reproduction means 11.
The content reproduction means 11 requests the content distribution server 2 to distribute the compensation content specified by the compensation ticket. The content distribution server 2 reads the specified compensation content from the content database 5, encrypts it with the encryption processing means 3, and distributes it to the client terminal 1. The content reproduction means 11 decrypts the received compensation content with the decryption key included in the compensation ticket, reproduces the content, and makes the user view the content.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the client terminal 1 is affected by an overload of the network or the server.
It is possible to compensate for content distribution in which a certain reproduction quality is not obtained on the side or content distribution in which reproduction is interrupted by a method of re-viewing the content. In particular, compensation for re-viewing with on-demand streaming content or re-viewing with downloaded content is provided even if an accident occurs in the delivery of live streaming content such as live broadcasting that cannot be tolerated, and it cannot be delivered with sufficient quality. Is possible. Further, since the content to be re-viewed for compensation is encrypted and distributed, it is prevented from being illegally reproduced by a person other than the compensation target client.

[0029]

First Example Next, a first example of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 3, the content distribution system according to the first example of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a content generation device 7 for generating and registering content, and a content user. A right management device 6 that determines whether or not the device can be used in response to a usage request and transmits a ticket including a decryption key, a content management device 8 that stores and manages content, and one or more relay servers 9 that relay content. , And a client terminal 1 for viewing the content received by the content user.

The content generation device 7 generates content to be distributed such as generation of streaming content from video data, generation of compensation service content when the reproduction quality of the content does not meet a predetermined standard, and content generation. It includes generation means 71 for generating an encryption key used for encryption and the like, and registration means 72 for registering the data generated by the generation means 71 in the right management device 6 and the content management device 8.

The right management device 6 receives a usage request for content from the client terminal 1 and sends a ticket including an appropriate decryption key for decrypting the content to the client terminal 1 and the like. 61, a compensation service management unit 62 that performs processing such as receiving compensation data, which is information regarding reproduction quality during content reproduction, from the client terminal 1 and notifying the ticket server 61 of the content of the determined compensation service. A compensation service determining means 63 that analyzes the content of the compensation data and determines an appropriate compensation service, and a compensation service database 64 that registers the content of the compensation service according to the content reproduction quality in the client terminal 1.
And an encryption key database 66 for registering encryption keys used for encryption and decryption, and an encryption key management means 65 for managing the registration and payout of the encryption key in the encryption key database 66.

The content management device 8 includes the content management means 81 for registering and distributing the distribution target content transmitted from the content generation device 7, and the distribution target content according to the content of the compensation service transmitted from the content generation device 7. Compensating content creating means 4 for creating compensating content to be used for compensation service from
It includes an encryption processing unit 3 that performs an encryption process on the content to be distributed, and a content database 5 that stores the distribution target content, the compensation content, and the like.

The relay server 9 is a server located between the content management device 8 and the client terminal 1 and having a function of relaying the content distributed from the content management means 81 of the content management device 8, and the CDN ( Co
ntents Distribution Network
rk / Contents Delivery Network
ork). The CDN arranges a plurality of relay servers called replication servers and storage servers on the network, transfers contents to those relay servers in advance, and selects from among the relay servers that exist in response to an access request from an end user. This is a technique for improving the response to the user and reducing the traffic by accessing the relay server most suitable for the user.

The client terminal 1 detects and accumulates content reproduction means 11 for receiving and reproducing the content distributed from the content management device 8 via the relay server 9 and information regarding the reproduction quality of the content by the content reproduction means 11. The compensation data management means 12, the input / output device 13 including a display device and a keyboard, and the control means 14 connected to these and connected to the rights management device 6 via a network such as the Internet (not shown). Including.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described by focusing on one content to be distributed, and dividing it into each stage of generation, distribution, reproduction, and compensation thereof.

(1) Generation and Distribution of Distribution Target Content and Compensation Content (see FIG. 4) The generation means 71 of the content generation device 7 first generates a distribution target content from video data or the like (step S701).

Next, the generation means 7 of the content generation device 7
1 generates the content of the compensation service when the content to be distributed cannot be reproduced with the desired quality on the client terminal 1 (step S702). Specifically, the following items are determined for each distribution target content. (A) Distribution target content ID (b) Compensation reproduction quality condition (c) Service form (d) Compensation content ID (e) Other information

The distribution target content ID (a) is an identifier for uniquely identifying the distribution target content in the content distribution system. The compensation reproduction quality condition (b) is a reproduction quality condition that allows compensation for the distribution target content. For example, when the highest reproduction quality of the content to be distributed is 1 and the lowest highest quality is 0, a conditional expression using the reproduction quality level digitized to an intermediate value between 1 and 0 is set. The service form of (c) shows a form of re-viewing of the content, for example, re-streaming permission, download permission, etc. are set.
The compensation content ID of (d) permits re-viewing in the service form of (c) when the reproduction quality of the distribution target content on the client terminal 1 meets the compensation reproduction quality condition of (b). This is an identifier for uniquely identifying the compensation content. The other information of (e) is information used to quantify the reproduction quality from the compensation data sent from the client terminal 1. For example, when the reproduction quality is quantified by the number of received packets included in the compensation data, the original total number of packets of the content is required, and this information is set as other information.

The content of the compensation service described above is not limited to one per content to be distributed, and a plurality of compensation reproduction quality conditions can be generated. For example, regarding the two types of the reproduction quality level level1 and the reproduction quality level level2 lower than that,
If less than 12, download permission, level
When 2 is satisfied but leve 1 is not satisfied, two compensation service contents of re-streaming permission can be generated.

Here, the content of the compensation service may be generated manually or automatically by a program. In the case of automatic generation by a program, for example, a file in which compensation reproduction quality conditions and service forms for each type of delivery target content (live streaming content, streaming content, etc.) are stored in advance, and from this file with the type of delivery target content as a key It suffices to prepare a program for reading out the compensation reproduction quality condition and the service form, adding the distribution target content ID and the compensation content ID thereto, and further estimating the total number of packets at the time of distribution from the data amount of the distribution target content and adding the program.

The content generation device 7 also generates an encryption key used for encryption and decryption of the distribution target content and the compensation content, and information on the relay server 9 that distributes these contents (step S703). Specifically, the following information is generated for each set of content and relay server 9. (A) Content ID (b) Relay server ID (c) Relay server URI (d) Encryption key

The content ID in (a) is the ID of the content to be distributed or the content for compensation, and is the same as the one generated in step S702. (B),
The relay server ID and the URI in (c) are the relay server 9 that is the distribution destination of the distribution target content and the compensation content.
And the URI. The encryption key in (d) is
This is an encryption key used for encryption and decryption of the content having the content ID of (a). Here, a common key in a common key cryptosystem such as DES encryption is used, for example, (a)
By generating an encryption key from the content ID of (1) and the relay server ID of (b), an encryption key is generated for each combination of the content and the relay server. Of course, a key pair in a public key cryptosystem such as RSA cryptosystem can be used.

The registration means 72 of the content generation device 7 is
In order to register the compensation service content generated in step S702, the right management device 6 and the content management device 8
To (step S704).

The ticket server 61 of the right management device 6 is
When the compensation service content is received, it is transmitted to the compensation service management means 62 (step S601). The compensation service management means 62 registers the transmitted compensation service content in the compensation service database 64 (step S60).
2). FIG. 5 shows an example of registered contents of the compensation service database 64. Here, the same content ID = con
Two types of compensation service contents are registered for the contents of tents1. One of them is that the reproduction quality X on the client terminal 1 exceeds level2,
If vel1 or less, content ID = content
The re-streaming permission is granted to the compensation content of ts1h1, and the other one is the permission to download the compensation content of the content ID = contents1h2 when the reproduction quality X on the client terminal 1 is equal to or lower than level2. Is.

The content management means 81 of the content management device 8 receives the compensation service content (step S
801), and register it in the content database 5 (step S802). The registered contents are the same as those in FIG.

Next, the registration means 72 of the content generation device 7
Transmits the encryption key generated in step S703 and the information about the relay server to the right management device 6 for registration (step S705). When the ticket server 61 of the right management device 6 receives the information about the encryption key and the relay server, the ticket server 61 transmits the information to the encryption key management means 65 (step S603). The encryption key management means 65 registers it in the encryption key database 66 (step S604).

FIG. 6 shows an example of registered contents of the encryption key database 66. Here, content ID = conte
Server 1 for the distribution target content having nts1
Relay server I for each relay server 9 from
D, the relay server URI, and the encryption key are registered. In addition, as the compensation content of the distribution target content, the compensation content with the content ID = contents1h1 and the content ID = contents1h.
There are two types of content, the compensation content of 2 and the content of two types. For each of them, a relay server ID, a relay server URI, and a relay server URI for each relay server 9 from server 1 to server n.
The encryption key is registered.

Next, the registration means 72 of the content generation device 7
Transmits the content to be distributed generated in step S701 to the content management device 8 with the content ID attached for registration and distribution (step S).
706). The content management means 81 of the content management device 8 receives the distribution target content (step S
803) and register it in the content database 5 (step S804). Here, when the content to be distributed is live streaming content, the content management unit 81 registers the content of the received live streaming content by recording it in the content database 5. FIG. 7 shows an example of registered contents of the content database 5. Here, content ID = contents
The distribution target content having 1 is registered together with the ID. In addition, contents1h1, content
The portion related to ts1h2 is the registered content of the compensation content generated as described later, the compensation service content is registered in step S802, and the content thereof is the same as in FIG.

When the compensation service content is registered in the content database 5, the compensation content creating means 4
As soon as the distribution target content is registered in the content database 5, compensation content is generated from the distribution target content and registered in the content database 5 (step S805). For example, content ID = cont
When the compensation service content of ents1, service form = re-streaming permission, compensation content ID = contents1h1 is registered, as soon as the distribution target content of contents1 is registered in the content database 5, on-demand streaming is performed from the registered distribution target content. Content is generated, and as shown in FIG. 7, content ID = contents1h1
And is registered in the content database 5 in association with. The same applies when the content of the download permission compensation service is registered.

(2) Distributing the distribution target content and the compensation content to the relay server (see FIG. 8) The content management means 81 of the content management device 8 stores the distribution target content and the compensation content registered in the content database 5. It is encrypted and distributed to each relay server 9. In the case of live streaming content, the distribution to the relay server 9 is carried out promptly when the live streaming content is received from the content generation device 7, and in the case of other contents, it is carried out promptly when the distribution becomes possible. . The distribution of one content is specifically performed as follows.

The content management means 81 requests the information about the encryption key and the relay server from the encryption key management means 65 of the right management device 6 by designating the ID of the content to be distributed (step S711). Encryption key management means 6
Upon receiving this request (step S611), the encryption key database 6 uses the content ID specified in the request.
6 is obtained to obtain information about all the encryption keys and the relay server whose content ID in FIG. 6 matches the designated content ID (step S612), and transmits them to the content management means 81 (step S613).

The content management means 81 receives the information sent from the encryption key management means 65 (step S71).
2) The encryption process (step S713) and the process of transmitting the encrypted content (step S714) are repeated for each encryption key and relay server information. Specifically, the content database 5 stores the content having the content ID included in the information about the encryption key and the relay server.
Of the content and the encryption key included in the same information is passed to the encryption processing means 3 to generate an encrypted content in which the content is encrypted with the encryption key, and the encrypted content is attached with the content ID. , To the relay server 9 specified by the relay server URI included in the information about the encryption key and the relay server.

Each relay server 9 receives the encrypted content transmitted from the content management means 81 and stores it internally in association with the content ID (step S901).

By performing the above-described processing on the distribution target content and the compensation content, the encrypted distribution target content and the encrypted compensation content are stored in each relay server 9.

(3) Viewing Content to be Distributed on Client Terminal and Detecting Compensation Data (See FIG. 9) The user of the client terminal 1 selects the ID of the content to be viewed. For example, when the home page operated by the content management apparatus 8 provides a service for presenting a list of IDs of content to be distributed, the content ID is selected from the page. The user also selects the server ID of the relay server 9 that receives the content distribution. This selection can be performed similarly to the selection of the content ID, for example. The user activates the control means 14 by operating the input / output device 13 of the client terminal 1, specifies the content ID to be viewed and the server ID of the selected relay server 9, and instructs the purchase of a ticket. In response to this, the control means 14 issues a ticket request including the content ID and the server ID to the ticket server 6 of the right management device 6.
1 (step S101).

Upon receiving the ticket request (step S621), the ticket server 61 generates a ticket (step S622). Specifically, the information about the encryption key and the relay server having the set of the content ID and the server ID specified in the request is retrieved from the encryption key database 66 through the encryption key management means 65, and the encryption included in the retrieved information. A ticket including a key and a relay server URI is generated. Here, the ticket is electronic, and is different from a normal ticket made of a paper medium. Next, the ticket server 61 transmits the generated ticket to the client terminal 1 (step S623).
If the ticket is purchased, the ticket server 6
1 and the client terminal 1 perform user authentication and electronic payment by a known method, but they are omitted in the flow of FIG.

The control means 14 of the client terminal 1 receives the ticket transmitted from the ticket server 61 and temporarily stores it internally until it is used (step S102). The user views the content by using the stored ticket. Specifically, the content reproduction means 11 causes the server U described in the ticket.
It connects to the relay server 9 of RI and sends a content request specifying the content ID described in the ticket to the relay server 9 (step S103).

Upon receiving the content request from the client terminal 1 (step S911), the relay server 9 delivers the encrypted content corresponding to the content ID designated in the content request to the client terminal 1 (step S912).

The content reproduction means 11 of the client terminal 1 receives the encrypted content distributed from the relay server 9, decrypts it with the encryption key contained in the ticket, reproduces it, and makes the user watch the content. (Step S104). During the reproduction of the content by the content reproduction means 11, the compensation data management means 12 detects information relating to the reproduction quality of the content and stores it in association with the ID of the content being reproduced (step S10).
5).

(4) Implementation of Compensation Service (see FIG. 10) When the user of the client terminal 1 is not satisfied with the reproduction quality of the content to be distributed and requests compensation, the relay server receives the distribution of the compensation content. 9, the server ID of the relay server 9 and the compensation data stored in the compensation data management means 12 are designated, and the input / output device 13 requests the control means 14 to execute the compensation service. Enter. The control means 14 issues a compensation service request, which designates the designated compensation data, the distribution target content ID, the server ID of the relay server 9 designated by the user, and the address of the client terminal 1, to the compensation service management means of the right management device 6. It transmits to 62 (step S111).

Upon receipt of the compensation service request transmitted from the client terminal 1 (step S631), the compensation service management means 62 transmits the compensation data and content ID designated by the request to the compensation service determination means 63. . The compensation service determining means 63 first analyzes the compensation data to obtain the reproduction quality level X at the client terminal 1. For example, when the number of received packets is used as compensation data, the reproduction quality level X is a value obtained by dividing the number of received packets by the original total number of packets of the content to be distributed. Next, the compensation service database 64 is searched by the content ID to extract all compensation service contents including the same content ID, and the compensation reproduction quality condition described in each compensation service content is compared with the reproduction quality level X. Thus, the necessity of the compensation service is determined (step S633). For example, the content ID is cont
ents1 and the reproduction quality X is equal to or lower than level2, it is determined that the download permission compensation service in FIG. 5 is necessary. If the reproduction quality X exceeds level2 but is equal to or lower than level1, it is determined that the re-streaming permission compensation service in FIG. 5 is necessary. If the reproduction quality X exceeds level1, it is determined that compensation is unnecessary.

When the compensation service determining means 63 determines that compensation is necessary (YES in step S634),
To that effect and the necessary compensation service contents are notified to the compensation service management means 62, and the compensation service management means 62 attaches the server ID designated by the client terminal 1 and the address of the client terminal 1 to the ticket server 61.
To notify. The ticket server 61 follows this notification and
A compensation ticket is generated (step S635). Specifically, the ticket server 61 first determines the service form and the compensation content I from the notified compensation service content.
Extract D and. Next, the encryption key management means 65 searches the encryption key database 66 for information about the encryption key and the relay server that match the combination of the compensation content ID and the server ID designated by the client terminal 1. Next, the relay server URI and the encryption key are extracted from the retrieved encryption key and information about the relay server, and the compensation includes the relay server URI, the encryption key, and the service form and the compensation content ID extracted from the compensation service content. Generate a ticket for Then, the generated compensation ticket is transmitted to the client terminal 1 having the notified address (step S636).

On the other hand, if the compensation service determining means 63 determines that compensation is unnecessary (N in step S634).
O), and notifies it to the compensation service management means 62, and the compensation service management means 62 notifies the ticket server 61 with the address of the client terminal 1 added thereto. According to this notification, the ticket server 61 transmits a message to the effect that it cannot be compensated to the client terminal 1 (step S637).

The control means 14 of the client terminal 1 receives the response to the compensation service request, displays the compensation ticket on the input / output device 13, and temporarily stores it inside until it is used. If the message does not require compensation, it is displayed on the input / output device 13 (step S11).
2). The user views the compensation content by using the stored compensation ticket. Specifically, the content reproducing means 11 connects to the relay server 9 of the server URI described in the compensation ticket, and transmits a content request specifying the compensation content ID described in the ticket to the relay server 9. (Step S113).

Upon receiving the content request from the client terminal 1 (step S921), the relay server 9 delivers the encrypted compensating content corresponding to the compensating content ID specified in the content request to the client terminal 1 (step S922). ).

The content reproducing means 11 of the client terminal 1 receives the encrypted compensating content distributed from the relay server 9, decrypts it with the encryption key contained in the compensating ticket, reproduces it, and displays it to the user. The content is viewed (step S114).

[0068]

Second Example Next, a second example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the content distribution system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the compensation service determining means 63 of the right management device 6 monitors the load condition of the network including the load condition of each relay server 9, Client terminal 1
This is different from the first embodiment in that it has a function of automatically changing the relay server 9 that distributes the compensation content when the compensation service is executed.

FIG. 12 shows an example of compensation service contents used in this embodiment. The difference is that the re-streaming permission in the first line of the compensation service content of FIG. 5 is replaced with the re-streaming permission by the server switching.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

At the stage of implementing the compensation service, when the user of the client terminal 1 is not satisfied with the reproduction quality of the content to be distributed and requests compensation, the user selects the relay server 9 to which the content for compensation is distributed. ,
The server ID of the relay server 9 and the compensation data stored in the compensation data management means 12 are designated, and the request for implementation of the compensation service is input from the input / output device 13 to the control means 14. The control unit 14 sends a compensation service request in which the specified compensation data, the distribution target content ID, the server ID of the relay server 9 specified by the user, and the address of the client terminal 1 are specified to the rights management device 6.
To the compensation service management means 62 (step S1)
11).

When the compensation service management means 62 receives the compensation service request transmitted from the client terminal 1 (step S631), the compensation service determination means 63 receives the compensation data, the content ID and the server ID designated by the request. introduce. The compensation service determining means 63 first analyzes the compensation data to obtain the reproduction quality level X at the client terminal 1. For example, when the number of received packets is used as compensation data, the reproduction quality level X is a value obtained by dividing the number of received packets by the original total number of packets of the content to be distributed. Next, the compensation service database 64 is searched by the content ID to extract all compensation service contents including the same content ID, and the compensation reproduction quality condition described in each compensation service content is compared with the reproduction quality level X. Thus, the necessity of the compensation service is determined (step S633). For example, the content ID
Is content1 and the playback quality X is level
If it is 2 or less, it is determined that the download permission compensation service of FIG. 12 is necessary, and if the reproduction quality X exceeds level1, it is determined that compensation is unnecessary. The operation when such a determination is made is the same as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the reproduction quality X exceeds level2 but is equal to or lower than level1, it is determined that the re-streaming permission compensation service by server switching in FIG. 12 is necessary. The operation at this time is different from that of the first embodiment as follows.

If the compensation service determining means 63 determines that compensation is necessary and the compensation is re-streaming permission by server switching, step S63.
In the processing of No. 4, the load status of the relay server 9 having the server ID designated by the user is checked, and if it is smaller than a predetermined value, it is indicated that the compensation service is necessary and the necessary compensation service content is “By server switching. Similar to the first embodiment, the compensation service contents in which the “restreaming permission” is simply “restreaming permission” are notified to the compensation service management means 62. On the other hand, if the load of the relay server 9 having the server ID exceeds the predetermined value, the relay server 9 having a smaller load is selected and the ID of the selected relay server 9 is used. The compensation service management means 62 is notified of the fact that compensation is required and the required compensation service content.

When the compensation service management means 62 is notified by the compensation service determination means 63 that the compensation service of "re-streaming permission" is required, the compensation service management means 62 notifies the compensation service management means 62 from the client terminal 1 as in the first embodiment. The ticket server 61 is notified with the specified server ID and the address of the client terminal 1. The ticket server 61
According to this notification, a compensation ticket is generated (step S635). Specifically, the ticket server 61 first extracts the service form and the compensation content ID from the notified compensation service content. Next, the encryption key management means 65 searches the encryption key database 66 for information about the encryption key and the relay server that match the combination of the compensation content ID and the server ID designated by the client terminal 1. Next, the relay server URI and the encryption key are extracted from the retrieved encryption key and information about the relay server, and the compensation includes the relay server URI, the encryption key, and the service form and the compensation content ID extracted from the compensation service content. Generate a ticket for And
The generated compensation ticket is transmitted to the client terminal 1 having the notified address (step S636).

On the other hand, the compensation service management means 62 is notified from the compensation service determination means 63 that the server ID of the relay server 9 with a light load and the compensation service of "permit re-streaming by server switching" are necessary. The notified server ID and client terminal 1
The address is notified to the ticket server 61. According to this notification, the ticket server 61 generates a compensation ticket in the same manner as described above (step S635). As a result, the URI of the relay server having the server ID determined by the compensation service determining unit 63, the encryption key, and the compensation ticket including the service form and the compensation content ID extracted from the compensation service content are sent to the client terminal 1. It is transmitted (step S636).

On the client terminal side, similarly to the first embodiment, the content reproducing means 11 connects to the relay server 9 of the server URI described in the compensation ticket,
When the content request designating the compensation content ID described in the ticket is transmitted to the relay server 9 (step S113), the relay server 9 sends the encrypted compensation content corresponding to the designated compensation content ID to the client terminal. 1 (step S922), the content reproduction means 11 receives the encrypted compensation content distributed from the relay server 9, decrypts it with the encryption key included in the compensation ticket, and reproduces it. To view the content (step S114).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when re-streaming is permitted as the compensation service, the compensation content is distributed via the relay server 9 having a small load, so that the reproduction quality is lowered again during the re-streaming. The situation can be prevented.

[0079]

[Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the reproduction time and the end state are used as compensation data, and as the compensation service, re-streaming is permitted from the previous interruption point and re-streaming is performed by switching servers as in the second embodiment. Permits and permits. Here, the reproduction time is the elapsed time from the start of the reproduction of the live streaming content or the streaming content that is the distribution target content in the client terminal 1 to the stop or the interruption. Also,
The end state is a state indicating whether the reproduction is normally ended or abnormally ended. In this embodiment, the client terminal 1
When the user stops the playback by the playback stop command, the normal termination is performed, and when the playback is stopped for some other reason, the abnormal termination is performed.

The configuration of the content delivery system of this embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG. 11 as in the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 shows an example of compensation service contents used in this embodiment. Here, the same content ID = contents
Two types of compensation service contents are registered for one content (live streaming content). One is continuous playback by re-streaming the compensation content (streaming content) with the content ID = contents1h1 when the playback time Y on the client terminal 1 ends normally within a time shorter than the regular playback time H of the content. It is a permit. The continuous playback permission is to permit only the playback after the interruption point. The other one is the case where the reproduction time Y on the client terminal 1 ends in a time shorter than the regular reproduction time H of the content, which is the same as before, but the end state is abnormally ended. Same content ID
= Permits re-streaming by switching the server for the content for compensation of contents1h1. As the other information, the regular reproduction time H is registered in this embodiment.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below with a focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

When detecting the compensation data at the client terminal 1, the compensation data managing means 12 causes the reproduction time from the reproduction of the distribution target content to the end and the reproduction start input by the user regarding the reproduction of the distribution target content. A command, a command such as a reproduction end command, and the like are detected as compensation data and stored internally.

At the stage of implementation of the compensation service, the user of the client terminal 1 interrupts the viewing of the content to be distributed for his urgent need, or because it is interrupted for some other reason, the user re-views the content. If you wish,
The relay server 9 that receives the distribution of the compensation content is selected, the server ID of the relay server 9 and the compensation data stored in the compensation data management means 12 are designated, and the input / output device 13 causes the control means 14 to operate. On the other hand, the request for implementation of the compensation service is input. The control means 14 issues a compensation service request, which designates the designated compensation data, the distribution target content ID, the server ID of the relay server 9 designated by the user, and the address of the client terminal 1, to the compensation service management means of the right management device 6. It transmits to 62 (step S111).

When the compensation service management means 62 receives the compensation service request transmitted from the client terminal 1 (step S631), the compensation data, the content ID, and the server ID designated by the request are sent to the compensation service determination means 63. introduce. The compensation service determination means 63 first analyzes the compensation data to obtain the reproduction time Y and the end state at the client terminal 1. Next, content ID
By searching the compensation service database 64 for all the compensation service contents including the same content ID, and comparing the compensation reproduction quality condition described in each compensation service content with the reproduction time Y and the end state. It is determined whether the compensation service is necessary (step S633). For example, if the content ID is contents1 and the reproduction time Y is shorter than the regular reproduction time H and the processing is abnormally terminated, it is determined that the re-streaming permission compensation service by the server switching in FIG. 13 is necessary. The subsequent operation at this time is the same as that of the second embodiment. On the other hand, if the reproduction time Y is shorter than the regular reproduction time H and has ended normally, it is determined that the compensation server for the continuous reproduction permission by re-streaming is necessary. The subsequent operation at this time is as follows.

When the compensation service determining means 63 determines that the compensation is necessary and the compensation is the permission of the continuous reproduction by the re-streaming, in the process of step S634, the reproduction time Y and the continuous reproduction by the re-streaming are performed. The compensation service management unit 62 is notified of the content of the compensation service related to the permission. Compensation service management means 62
When receiving these, the client terminal 1
The ticket server 61 is notified of with the server ID and the address of the client terminal 1 designated by. According to this notification, the ticket server 61 creates a compensation ticket that allows the compensation content to be viewed from the interruption point and thereafter (step S635). Specifically, the ticket server 61 first extracts the service form and the compensation content ID from the notified compensation service content. next,
The encryption key management means 65 searches the encryption key database 66 for information about the encryption key and the relay server that match the combination of the compensation content ID and the server ID designated by the client terminal 1. Next, the relay server URI and the encryption key are extracted from the retrieved encryption key and the information about the relay server, and the relay server URI, the encryption key, the service form and the compensation content ID extracted from the compensation service content, and the reproduction time. A compensating ticket including an instruction to be reproduced from Y onward is generated. Then, the generated compensation ticket is transmitted to the client terminal 1 having the notified address (step S636).

On the client terminal side, the content reproduction means 11 causes the server U described in the compensation ticket.
It connects to the relay server 9 of the RI, and sends a content request specifying the compensation content ID described in the ticket and a command to reproduce from the reproduction time Y or later to the relay server 9 (step S113). The relay server 9 determines the total data amount of the encrypted compensation content corresponding to the designated compensation content ID, the regular reproduction time, and the reproduction time H.
From this, for example, the content portion after the reproduction time H is obtained by proportional distribution, and this content portion is distributed to the client terminal 1 (step S922). The content reproducing means 11 receives the encrypted compensating content distributed from the relay server 9, decrypts it with the encryption key included in the compensating ticket, reproduces it, and makes the user watch the content (step S114). ). Note that the relay server 9 may distribute the compensation content from the beginning, and the content reproduction means 11 may perform cueing so that the user can watch the reproduction time H and thereafter.

In the above example, the content to be distributed which is being viewed on the client terminal 1 is due to the reproduction stop (normal end) intended by the viewer, a malfunction on the system side, or the like.
Based on the end state such as interruption (abnormal end) not intended by the viewer and the elapsed playback time until the end, we provided compensation services such as continuous playback by re-streaming and re-streaming by switching servers, but also compensation by download content It may be carried out.
An example is shown below.

Now, a certain reproduction time on the way from the start to the end when the content to be distributed is correctly reproduced is set as a threshold value T1, and the reproduction is interrupted before or after the threshold value T1. In consideration of this, the content of compensation service shall be decided. As the compensation data acquired by the compensation data management means 12, the state j at the end and the reproduction elapsed time t at the end are the same as in the previous example.
And get. By using these compensation data, the content of the compensation service is determined by the following evaluation formula.

[0089]

[Equation 1] Here, Play (x, y, z) represents that the compensation content is distributed from the start position x by the distribution method y from the server z. The delivery method is streaming (S
Either T) or download (DL). Furthermore, it is assumed that the distribution server is determined by the end state j as follows.

[Equation 2] That is, if the reproduction is interrupted before the position T1 designated in advance and the interruption is normally completed, the streaming redelivery is performed from the beginning of the content on the same server as the original content is delivered. Performs streaming re-delivery from the beginning of the content on the same server that delivered the original content, or download delivery from another server. Also, a certain time t after T1
When the reproduction is interrupted and the interruption is normally completed, streaming distribution is performed from the position t on the same server that distributed the original content, and when abnormal termination is performed, another server performs streaming distribution from the position t. To do. With such a compensation service, while the distribution server is appropriately switched according to the state at the time of interruption, when the viewer requests re-distribution, the continuation from the previous interruption position can be viewed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the compensating service can be implemented even when the user of the client terminal 1 interrupts the viewing, and the user himself or herself and any other viewing interruption. It is possible to change the content of the compensation service.

[0091]

[Fourth Embodiment] This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the relay server 9 for distributing the contents to be distributed and the relay server 9 for distributing the contents for compensation are separated. . The configuration of the content distribution system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The operation of this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

At the stage of generation and distribution of the content to be distributed and the content for compensation, the generation means 71 of the content generation device 7 generates other information of (e) when generating the content of the compensation service in step S702 of FIG. As, the server ID of the relay server that distributes the compensation content among the plurality of relay servers 9 is also generated. Further, in step S703 of FIG. 4, for the relay server 9 used to distribute the distribution target content among the plurality of relay servers 9, an encryption key used to encrypt and decrypt the distribution target content and information regarding the relay server 9 are generated. Then, for the relay server 9 used exclusively for distribution of the compensation content among the plurality of relay servers 9, an encryption key used for encryption and decryption of the compensation content and information regarding the relay server 9 are generated. Then, the registration unit 72 transmits the compensation service content to the right management device 6 and the content management device 8 in step S704, and the compensation service management unit 62 of the right management device 6 and the content management unit 8 of the content management device 8 are transmitted.
1 registers the received compensation service content in the compensation service database 64 and the content database 5. Further, the registration unit 72 transmits the encryption key and the information about the relay server to the right management device 6 in step S705, and the encryption key management unit 65 of the right management device 6 registers it in the encryption key database 66.

FIG. 14 shows an example of registered contents of the compensation service database 64. Similar compensation service contents are registered in the contents database 5. The difference from FIG. 5 of the first embodiment is that the other information includes the server ID of the relay server 9 that distributes the compensation content.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the registered contents of the encryption key database 66. Here, content ID = cont
For the distribution target content having ents1, the relay server I for each relay server 9 from the server 1 to the server m
D, the relay server URI, and the encryption key are registered. In addition, as the compensation content of the distribution target content, the compensation content with the content ID = contents1h1 and the content ID = contents1h.
There are two types of compensation content and two types of content, and a relay server ID, a relay server URI, and an encryption key for a specific relay server p are registered for each of them. It should be noted that here, although one relay server that delivers the compensation content is used, it is also possible to use a plurality of servers such as two and three.

Next, at the stage of distributing the content to be distributed and the compensating content to the relay server, the content managing means 81 specifies, for example, contents1h1 as the content ID of the compensating content, and the encryption key managing means 65 of the right management device 6 is specified. When the encryption key and the information about the relay server are requested to the client (step S711), the encryption key management means 65 causes the encryption key database 66 of FIG.
The information about the encryption key keyph1 corresponding to the ID and the relay server (server p, URIp) is obtained from the ID and transmitted to the content management means 81 (steps S611 to S611).
613). The content management means 81 encrypts the compensation content with the encryption key keyph1 by the encryption processing means 3 and distributes it to the server p (steps S712 to S71).
4). Server p has content ID = contents
The encryption compensation content is stored in association with 1h1 (step S901). Content ID = cont
The same applies to the compensation content of ents1h2.

Next, in the implementation stage of the compensation service, when the user of the client terminal 1 is not satisfied with the reproduction quality of the content to be distributed and requests compensation, the data is stored in the compensation data management means 12. The compensating data that is present, the input / output device 13 to the control means 14
To enter a request for implementation of the compensation service. First
It is not necessary to specify the server ID of the relay server 9 as in the embodiment. The control unit 14 sends a compensation service request specifying the designated compensation data, the distribution target content ID, and the address of the client terminal 1 to the compensation service management unit 62 of the right management device 6 (step S11).
1).

Upon receipt of the compensation service request transmitted from the client terminal 1 (step S631), the compensation service management means 62 transmits the compensation data and the content ID designated by the request to the compensation service determination means 63. . The compensation service determining means 63 determines whether or not the compensation service is necessary, as in the first embodiment (step S6).
33). When the compensation service determining unit 63 determines that compensation is necessary (YES in step S634), the compensation service determining unit 63 indicates the fact and the necessary compensation service content.
2, and the compensation service management means 62 attaches the address of the client terminal 1 to this and notifies the ticket server 61. According to this notification, the ticket server 61 creates a compensation ticket (step S635). Specifically, the ticket server 61 first determines the service form and the compensation content ID from the notified compensation service content.
And the server ID. Next, the encryption key management means 65 searches the encryption key database 66 for information about the encryption key and the relay server that match the combination of the compensation content ID and the server ID. Next, the relay server URI and the encryption key are extracted from the retrieved encryption key and information about the relay server, and the compensation includes the relay server URI, the encryption key, and the service form and the compensation content ID extracted from the compensation service content. Generate a ticket for Then, the generated compensation ticket is transmitted to the client terminal 1 having the notified address (step S6).
36).

On the client terminal side, similarly to the first embodiment, the content reproducing means 11 connects to the relay server 9 of the server URI described in the compensation ticket,
A content request designating the compensation content ID described in the ticket is transmitted to the relay server 9 (step S113). The relay server 9 distributes the encrypted compensating content corresponding to the specified compensating content ID to the client terminal 1 (step S922), and the content reproducing unit 11 distributes the encrypted compensating content from the relay server 9. Is received, decrypted with the encryption key included in the compensation ticket and reproduced, and the user is allowed to view the content (step S114).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by distributing the compensation content via the relay server dedicated to the compensation content, it is possible to prevent the reproduction quality from being deteriorated again when the compensation content such as the live streaming content is distributed. Therefore, the compensation service can be surely implemented.

In each of the above embodiments, the client terminal 1
The control means 14 of the compensation service management means 6 issues a compensation service request including compensation data triggered by an instruction from the user.
Sent to 2. As already described in the description of the present embodiment, the control means 14 may automatically transmit the compensation data to the compensation service management means 62. In this case, the distribution target content ID and the client terminal 1
The compensation data is transmitted to the compensation service management means 62 with the client identifier for identifying the compensation data. The compensation service management means 62 stores the compensation data inside in association with the distribution target content ID and the client identifier.
After that, when the user of the client terminal 1 issues a request for the compensation service, the control unit 14 transmits the compensation service request including the distribution target content ID, the client identifier, and the address of the client terminal 1 to the compensation service management unit 62. Then, the compensation service management means 62 checks whether or not compensation data corresponding to the distribution target content ID and the client identifier is internally stored, and if so, performs the same processing as described above. .

In the above embodiments, the number of received packets, the reproduction time and the end state are exemplified as the compensation data, but this is merely an example, and the number of frames per second during reproduction and the execution speed at the time of reception are shown. , Any effective band, etc. can be used. Further, the reproduction quality may be quantified by comprehensively judging two or more data.

[0102]

Second Embodiment Referring to FIG. 16, in the content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the compensation data management means is provided not on the client terminal 1 side but on the content distribution server 2 side. It is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that it is provided as 12A.

When the content distribution server 2 distributes the distribution target content in accordance with the content distribution request from the client terminal 1, the compensation data managing means 12A receives the distribution target content ID and the identifier of the client terminal 1 from the content distribution server 2. Information about the quality of the content distributed from the content distribution server 2 to the client terminal 1 is detected and accumulated as compensation data, and the distribution target content ID and the identifier of the client terminal 1 are identified at the time of distribution end or distribution interruption. It is also sent to the compensation service management means 62. The information to be detected may be the number of transmitted packets. The compensation service management means 62 internally stores compensation data in association with the distribution target content ID and the client identifier, and then the control means 14 of the client terminal 1 performs compensation including the distribution target content ID and the client identifier. When the service request is transmitted, the compensation service management means 62 uses the compensation data corresponding to the distribution target content ID and the client identifier to perform the same processing as that of the first embodiment, such as the determination of the necessity of the compensation service. To do.

According to the second embodiment, there is an advantage that no special mechanism such as compensation data management means is required on the client terminal 1 side.

As shown by the broken line arrow from the control means 14 of the client terminal 1 to the compensation data management means 12A in FIG. 16, a reproduction start command, a reproduction interruption command, and The reproduction status such as a reproduction end command is transmitted from the client terminal 1 to the compensation data management means 12A,
The compensation data management means 12A may include the reproduction status received from the client terminal 1 in the compensation data and notify the compensation service management means 62. This way
It is also possible to provide a compensation service according to the reproduction time and the end state as described in the third example of the first embodiment.

[0106]

Third Embodiment Referring to FIG. 17, the content distribution system according to the present embodiment is provided with compensation data management means on both the client terminal 1 side and the content distribution server 2 side. This point is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. A relay server 9 is provided between the content distribution server 2 and the client terminal 1.
Exists. The relay server 9 has a function of relaying the content transmitted from the content distribution server 2 to the client terminal 1, but does not have a function of preliminarily storing the content.

When the content distribution server 2 distributes the distribution target content according to the content distribution request from the client terminal 1, the compensation data managing means 12A on the side of the content distribution server 2 distributes the distribution target content ID and the client. Upon receiving the identifier of the terminal 1, the content distribution server 2 detects and accumulates information regarding the quality of the content distributed to the client terminal 1 (the number of transmission packets, the transmission rate, etc.) as compensation data, and at the end of distribution or interruption of distribution. In some cases, the content ID to be distributed and the identifier of the client terminal 1 are sent to the compensation service management means 62. The compensation service management means 62 uses the compensation data received from the compensation data management means 12A as the server side compensation data.
It is internally stored in association with the distribution target content ID and the identifier of the client terminal 1.

On the other hand, the compensation data (such as the number of received packets) detected and accumulated by the compensation data management means 12 on the client terminal 1 side is the content identifier to be distributed by the control means 14 and the client identifier for specifying the client terminal 1. And is transmitted to the compensation service management means 62. The compensation service management unit 62 uses the compensation data received from the compensation data management unit 12 as client-side compensation data and internally stores the compensation data in association with the distribution target content ID and the client identifier.

The compensation service management means 62, when the client side compensation data and the server side compensation data are gathered, determines whether or not the compensation service is necessary by using both compensation data in the first embodiment. Perform the same processing as.

According to the third embodiment, both the compensation data detected on the client terminal side and the compensation data detected on the server side are used to appropriately determine the content of the compensation service to be implemented. It is possible to control and provide more detailed compensation service. FIG. 18 shows an example of the contents of the compensation service provided. In this example, the same content ID =
Two types of compensation service contents are registered for the contents 1 content (live streaming contents). One of them is that the reproduction quality X at the client terminal 1 is lower than level1 and the distribution quality Z at the content distribution server 2 is level2 (lev.
el2 ≧ level1), which has a first compensating reproduction quality condition that exceeds
In the same manner, the playback quality X in the content distribution server 2 is lower than the level 1, but the distribution quality Z in the content distribution server 2 is l.
It has a second compensation reproduction quality condition that is lower than the level2. If the first compensating reproduction quality condition is satisfied, the cause of the deterioration of the reproduction quality may be the overload of the relay server 9. Therefore, in the second example of the first embodiment as a service form. The re-streaming permission by the server switching as described is registered. On the other hand, when the second compensation reproduction quality condition is met, the cause of the deterioration of the reproduction quality is the overload of the content distribution server 2,
As a service form, re-streaming permission is registered after the content delivery server is restored.

The re-streaming permission after the content distribution server is restored is a service form in which the client terminal 1 can receive the compensation service after the content distribution server 2 is restored from the overload or the failure. As a concrete method, for example, a function of monitoring the operating status of the content distribution server 2 is added to the compensation service determining means 63 of the right management device 6, and a compensation ticket is transmitted to the client terminal 1 when an overload or a failure is restored. Method, or by transmitting the compensation ticket first, and when the overload or failure of the content distribution server 2 is restored, the right management device 6
It is possible to adopt a method of notifying the client terminal 1 from the like.

[0112]

Fourth Embodiment Referring to FIG. 19, in a content distribution system according to the present embodiment, compensation data management is performed by a relay server 9 existing between a content distribution server 2 and a client terminal 1. It differs from the third embodiment in that the means 91 is provided.

Compensation data management means 9 on the relay server 9 side
When the relay server 9 distributes the distribution target content according to the content distribution request from the client terminal 1, the relay server 9 receives the distribution target content ID and the identifier of the client terminal 1 from the relay server 9 and distributes it to the client terminal 1. Information (quality of transmitted packets, transmission rate, etc.) relating to the quality of the content to be distributed is detected and stored as compensation data, and at the end of distribution or at the time of distribution interruption, the distribution target content ID and the client terminal 1
And sends it to the compensation service management means 62. The compensation service management unit 62 internally stores the compensation data received from the compensation data management unit 91 as relay server-side compensation data in association with the distribution target content ID and the identifier of the client terminal 1.

On the other hand, as in the third embodiment, the compensation data management means 12A on the content distribution server 2 side is
When the content distribution server 2 distributes the distribution target content according to the content distribution request from the client terminal 1, the distribution target content ID and the identifier of the client terminal 1 are received from the content distribution server 2, and the content distribution server 2 via the relay server 9 Information regarding the quality of the content delivered to the client terminal 1 (the number of transmission packets, the transmission rate, etc.) is detected and stored as compensation data, and the delivery target content ID and the client terminal 1 are used at the time of delivery end or delivery interruption. And sends it to the compensation service management means 62. The compensation service management means 62 uses the compensation data received from the compensation data management means 12A as the server side compensation data.
It is internally stored in association with the distribution target content ID and the identifier of the client terminal 1. Similarly, the compensation data (such as the number of received packets) detected and accumulated by the compensation data management means 12 on the client terminal 1 side is accompanied by the distribution target content ID and the client identifier for identifying the client terminal 1 by the control means 14. Is transmitted to the compensation service management means 62, and the compensation service management means 62 is transmitted.
Uses the compensation data received from the compensation data management means 12 as client-side compensation data and internally stores the compensation data in association with the distribution target content ID and the client identifier.

The compensation service management means 62 determines whether or not a compensation service is necessary by using all compensation data when the client side compensation data, the server side compensation data and the relay server side compensation data are gathered. , And processing similar to that of the first embodiment is performed.

According to the fourth embodiment, the compensation data detected on the client terminal side, the compensation data detected on the server side, and the compensation data detected on the relay server side are used. The content of the compensation service to be implemented can be appropriately controlled, and a more detailed compensation service can be provided as compared with the third embodiment. FIG. 20 shows an example of the contents of the compensation service provided. In this example, three types of compensation service content are registered for the content (live streaming content) having the same content ID = contents1. One of them is that the reproduction quality X at the client terminal 1 is lower than level1 and the distribution quality Q at the relay server 9 is level2 (le.
level 2) and the delivery quality Z at the content delivery server 2 exceeds level 2 and has the first compensation playback quality condition. The other is the playback quality X at the client terminal 1. Is level1
However, the delivery quality Q at the relay server 9 and the delivery quality Z at the content delivery server 2 have a second compensation reproduction quality condition that is below level 2 and the remaining One is a third compensation reproduction quality condition in which the reproduction quality X at the client terminal 1 is lower than level1, and the distribution quality Q at the relay server 9 and the distribution quality Z at the content distribution server 2 are also lower than level2. Is to have. If the first compensating reproduction quality condition is satisfied, the cause of the deterioration of the reproduction quality may be the overload of the relay server 9.
Re-streaming permission by server switching as described in the second example of the first embodiment is registered. On the other hand, when the second compensating reproduction quality condition is satisfied, the cause of the deterioration of the reproduction quality is the overload of the content distribution server 2. Therefore, as the service form, as in the third embodiment, Re-streaming permission is registered after recovery. If the third compensated reproduction quality condition is met, the cause of the deterioration of the reproduction quality is the client terminal 1 side, and therefore download permission is registered instead of compensation by streaming.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is determined which of the content distribution server 2, the relay server 9 and the client terminal 1 is responsible for the deterioration of the reproduction quality of the content on the client terminal side. Since it is possible to estimate the extent to which it is possible, it is possible to provide compensation services according to the cause.

[0118]

Fifth Embodiment of the Invention Referring to FIG. 21, in a content distribution system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a client terminal 1 and a content distribution server 2 communicate with each other through a network such as the Internet. The content distribution server 2 is connected to the content distribution server 2, and the compensation content creation means 4, the content database 5, the user authentication / billing means 10, and the compensation service determination means 63 are connected to the content distribution server 2.
Is connected, and a compensation service database 64 is connected to the compensation service determining means 63. Further, the client terminal 1 includes a content reproduction means 11, a compensation data management means 12, a control means 14, and an input / output device 13.

The content distribution server 2 is, for example, a server operated by an Internet service provider,
The user of the client terminal 1 is a member of the Internet server provider. The content distribution server 2 creates compensation content of the distribution target content provided for a fee by the compensation content creation means 4 and registers it in the content database 5. When the distribution target content is streaming content, the compensation content is created as download content. Also,
When the content to be distributed is live streaming content, compensation content is created as on-demand streaming content as well as download content. Further, in the compensation service database 64, compensation service contents similar to those shown in FIG. 5 are registered for each distribution target content.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the operation of this embodiment. When viewing the content provided by the content distribution server 2, the user of the client terminal 1 connects to the content distribution server 2 (step S100).
1) Perform user authentication with the content distribution server 2 (steps S1002, S2001). Specifically, the user ID and password are used for the client terminal 1
To the content distribution server 2, and the user authentication is performed by checking whether or not the user ID and password registered in advance in the user authentication / billing means 10 match. The client terminal 1 that has failed user authentication is
Unable to receive content distribution service. Of course, the distribution service of the compensation content cannot be received.

When the user authentication is successful, the content distribution server 2 transmits a list screen of content to be distributed (step S2002), and the content reproduction means 11 of the client terminal 1 causes the input / output device 1 through the control means 14.
This is displayed on the display device 3 (step S100).
3). The user selects the distribution content to watch on this screen (step S1004). The content distribution server 2 charges the user by the user authentication / billing means 10 a predetermined fee for the selected content to be distributed (step S2003). Then, the selected distribution target content is read from the content database 5 or the like and distributed to the client terminal 1 (step S2004). The content reproduction means 11 of the client terminal 1 reproduces the received content,
The user is allowed to view (step S1005).

As in the first embodiment, the compensation data management means 12 detects the information on the content reproduction quality in the content reproduction means 11 and stores it in association with the distribution target content ID. The control unit 14 transmits the accumulated compensation data and the distribution target content ID to the content distribution server 2 when the reproduction is finished or when the reproduction is interrupted (step S1006). The content distribution server 2 receives the received compensation data and the distribution target content I.
D is passed to the compensation service determining unit 63, and the compensation service determining unit 63 quantifies the reproduction quality as in the first embodiment, and refers to the compensation service database 64 to determine whether the compensation service is necessary (step S2005). ). When the compensation service is unnecessary (NO in step S2006),
The process is completed, but if necessary (Y in step S2006).
ES), the content distribution server 2 reads the compensation content from the content database 5 according to the content of the compensation service determined by the compensation service determination means 63, and distributes it to the client terminal 1 (step S200).
7). Content reproduction means 11 of the client terminal 1
Reproduces the received compensation content and allows the user to view it (step S1007).

In the fifth embodiment, when the reproduction quality of the content provided for a fee to the members of the Internet service provider is below a certain level,
It is possible to compensate by re-viewing the content. Although the content to be distributed and the content for compensation are not encrypted, the user who can receive the content must be a member of the Internet service provider, so unauthorized viewing by a third party is prevented. it can.

Although the embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above examples.
Other various additions and changes are possible. For example, it can be configured as follows.

Even when the live streaming content is live, the on-demand streaming content, which is the compensation content, can be viewed. this is,
This can be realized by reading the recorded contents in parallel with the recording of the live streaming contents and sequentially generating the live streaming contents to enable distribution.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3 and the like, the compensation content creation means 4 refers to the compensation service content registered in the content database 5, but the compensation content creation means 4 performs the compensation service via the network. The database 64 may be referred to.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the user of the client terminal 1 selects the relay server to which the content is to be distributed. An automatic selection technique may be used.

[0128]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the content user cannot view the content with a certain quality, the content can be compensated by re-viewing the content. The reason is that when the reproduction quality of the distribution target content is equal to or lower than a predetermined standard, the viewing of the compensation content generated from the distribution target content is permitted.

Further, it is possible to prevent the content to be re-viewed for compensation from being illegally reproduced by a person other than the compensation target client. The reason is that the compensating content is encrypted so that only the users who cannot view the content to be distributed with a certain quality can decrypt it, and thus the unauthorized access to the compensating content can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of generation and registration steps of distribution target content and compensation content in the first example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of registered contents of a compensation service database.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of registered contents of an encryption key database.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of registered content in a content database.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a distribution stage of distribution target content and compensation content to a relay server in the first example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a stage of viewing content to be distributed in the first example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an implementation stage of a compensation service in the first example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a second example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a compensation service in a second example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a compensation service in a third example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a compensation service in a fourth example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of contents of an encryption key database in a fourth example of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a compensation service according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a compensation service in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a conventional content distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Client terminal 2 ... Content distribution server 3 ... Encryption processing means 4 Compensation content creation means 5 ... Content database 6 ... Rights management device 7 ... Content generation device 8 ... Content management device 9 ... Relay server

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Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A distribution target content is distributed from a server terminal to a client terminal, information regarding the reproduction quality of the distribution target content is detected as compensation data, and the reproduction quality based on the detected compensation data is below a predetermined standard. The content distribution compensation method, wherein the client terminal is allowed to view the compensation content generated from the distribution target content in the case of the above. 2. The content distribution compensation method according to claim 1, wherein when the distribution target content is streaming content, the compensation content is download content. 3. The content to be distributed is live streaming content, and the compensating content is either on-demand streaming content or download content, or both.
Content delivery compensation method described. 4. The compensation data is detected by at least one of a server terminal, a client terminal and a relay server between the server terminal and the client terminal.
Or the content distribution compensation method described in 3. 5. The compensating content is encrypted content, and the viewing of the compensating content is permitted by issuing a compensating ticket including a decryption key of the compensating content. The content delivery compensation method described in 3. 6. A server terminal which distributes content to a client terminal via a network, wherein the reproduction quality of the distribution target content is equal to or lower than a predetermined standard. A server terminal that distributes compensation content. 7. The server terminal according to claim 6, wherein when the distribution target content is streaming content, the compensation content is download content. 8. The content to be distributed is live streaming content, and the compensation content is either on-demand streaming content or download content, or both.
The listed server terminal. 9. The server terminal according to claim 6, 7 or 8, further comprising compensation content creating means for generating compensation content from the distribution target content. 10. The content to be distributed to the client terminal is encrypted content, 6, 7 or 8.
The listed server terminal. 11. The server terminal according to claim 10, further comprising encryption processing means for encrypting content to be distributed to the client terminal. 12. The server terminal according to claim 6, further comprising a compensation data management means for detecting, as compensation data, information relating to the reproduction quality of the content on the client terminal side. 13. A computer constituting a server terminal, means for delivering content to a client terminal via a network, and the delivery target content to the client terminal whose reproduction quality of the delivery target content is below a predetermined standard. A program that functions as a means for distributing the compensation content generated from. 14. The program according to claim 13, wherein when the content to be distributed is streaming content, the compensating content is download content. 15. The program according to claim 13, wherein when the content to be distributed is live streaming content, the compensating content is either on-demand streaming content, download content, or both. 16. A client terminal for receiving and reproducing content distributed from a server terminal via a network, a means for detecting and transmitting information regarding reproduction quality of the content as compensation data, and transmitting the information. A client terminal, comprising means for receiving from a server terminal compensation content that can be viewed only when the reproduction quality based on the compensation data is equal to or lower than a predetermined standard and reproducing the content. 17. The client terminal according to claim 16, wherein when the content to be distributed is streaming content, the compensating content is download content. 18. The client terminal according to claim 16, wherein when the content to be distributed is live streaming content, the compensating content is either on-demand streaming content, download content, or both. 19. The compensating content is encrypted content, and the reproducing means transmits compensation when the reproducing quality based on the transmitted compensating data is below a predetermined standard. The decryption key included in the ticket for decryption is used for decryption and reproduction.
8. The client terminal described in 8. 20. Means for detecting and transmitting information regarding reproduction quality of content as compensation data to a computer constituting a client terminal, receiving and reproducing content distributed from a server terminal via a network, and A program for functioning as means for receiving from the server terminal the compensation content that can be viewed only when the reproduction quality based on the transmitted compensation data is equal to or lower than a predetermined standard and reproducing the compensation content. 21. The program according to claim 20, wherein when the content to be distributed is streaming content, the compensating content is download content. 22. The program according to claim 20, wherein when the content to be distributed is live streaming content, the compensating content is either on-demand streaming content, download content, or both. 23. The compensation content is encrypted content, and the reproducing means transmits compensation when the reproduction quality based on the transmitted compensation data is below a predetermined standard. The decryption key included in the ticket for decryption is used for decryption and reproduction.
The program described in 2. 24. A means for receiving compensation data, which is information regarding reproduction quality at a client terminal of distribution target content distributed from a server terminal via a network, and a reproduction quality based on the received compensation data in advance. A rights management device comprising means for transmitting to the client terminal a compensation ticket that permits viewing of the compensation content generated from the content to be distributed, when the content is below a predetermined standard. 25. The rights management device according to claim 24, wherein when the distribution target content is streaming content, the compensation content is download content. 26. The rights management device according to claim 24, wherein when the content to be distributed is live streaming content, the compensation content is either on-demand streaming content or download content, or both. 27. The compensating content is encrypted content, and the compensating ticket includes a decryption key of the compensating content.
The right management device described in 5 or 26. 28. A means for receiving compensation data, which is information relating to reproduction quality at a client terminal of distribution target content distributed from a server terminal via a network, in a computer constituting a rights management device, said received compensation A program for causing the client terminal to transmit a compensation ticket for allowing the client terminal to view the compensation content generated when the reproduction quality based on the usage data is equal to or lower than a predetermined standard. 29. The program according to claim 28, when the content to be distributed is streaming content, the compensating content is download content. 30. The program according to claim 28, wherein when the content to be distributed is live streaming content, the compensating content is either on-demand streaming content or download content, or both.