JP2003186751A - Content distribution system, content server used for the content distribution system, and content recording/ reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a content from remaining in a content recording/ reproducing apparatus and deciphered or changed by a user when a rental period (validated date) of the content is expired. <P>SOLUTION: A content server 30A transmits a content and expiration date information indicating the watchable time limit to a content recording/ reproducing apparatus 20A. The content recording/reproducing apparatus 20A stores in a content accumulation means the content and the expiration date information by associating the two. The content is erased when a built-in clock passes the validated period determined by the expiration date information and a deletion completion report is transmitted to the content server 30A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention distributes these contents in a device which is connected to a network inside and outside the home and handles any one or more of contents expressed as video, audio, or character information. Content server, a content recording / reproducing apparatus for receiving and reproducing these distributed contents, and a content distribution system using the content server and the content recording / reproducing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of the Internet, various contents have been distributed from servers on the Internet. Furthermore, even in the home, as the capacity of a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) increases,
It is becoming possible to store a large amount of content. Here, rental video / rental music services for distributing a wide variety of contents on the Internet are emerging.

Therefore, such a content distribution system will be described. As a conventional content distribution system, there is a video-on-demand service using broadcast waves. As one of such conventional content distribution systems, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-191453.

[0004]

However, in the above video-on-demand service, even if the rental period (expiration date) of the content is exceeded, the content remains in the content recording / playback apparatus.
Therefore, there is a problem that the content is copied / reorganized by the user and the content is copied.

Also, the date and time information for determining the rental term (expiration date) of the content in the content recording / reproducing apparatus is changed by the user, and the rental term (expiration date) is substantially changed. I had a problem.

Further, since the so-called current time differs for each country in the world, there is a problem in that, when contents are distributed to each country in the world, the rental term (expiration term) may be slightly over or under depending on the country.

When the information indicating the number of times the content has been viewed is stored in the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the information is changed by the user, so that the accurate number of times the content is viewed cannot be grasped, and correct billing cannot be performed. Was.

Furthermore, when the user sees the content halfway, the content recording / reproducing apparatus determines whether or not to charge, so that whether or not to charge is specified for each content, and the type of service is changed. There was a problem that it could not be changed accordingly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is possible to quickly and accurately delete contents exceeding the rental period (expiration date) from the user. In addition, it is possible to prevent tampering or illegal copying of information regarding contract contents such as content rental deadline and information necessary for the user to charge,
A content server and a content recording / reproducing apparatus that enable accurate acquisition of information regarding billing such as the number of viewings and a flexible change of the billing mode for each content or service, and this content server and content recording An object is to realize a content distribution system using a playback device.

[0010]

According to the invention of claim 1 of the present application, when a cohesive data group including any one of video, audio, and information is called a content, a plurality of devices that handle the content use a transmission path. AVC (Au connected via
dio Video Computer) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage means A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to the request of the content server, wherein the content server provides the content recording / reproducing apparatus with the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit with which the user can view the content. The content recording / reproducing apparatus stores the received content in the content accumulating unit in association with the expiration date information, and the date and time indicated by a clock provided in the content recording / reproducing apparatus is transmitted.
When the expiration date determined from the expiration date information has passed, the content is erased, and an erase completion report indicating that the content has been erased is transmitted to the content server.

According to the invention of claim 2 of the present application, when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected to each other via an AVC. (Audio Video Compute
r) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission line, a content server that receives the content via the transmission line, accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and requests by the user. A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
The content and the expiration date information indicating the expiration date for the user to view the content are transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus uses the received content by the expiration date determined from the expiration information. Is stored in the content storage means in association with
When the date and time indicated by a clock provided in the content recording / reproducing device has passed the expiration date, the content is erased, and an erase completion report indicating that the content is erased is transmitted to the content server. It is what

According to the invention of claim 3 of the present application, when a group of data including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a plurality of devices for handling the content are connected to each other via an AVC. (Audio Video Compute
r) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission line, a content server that receives the content via the transmission line, accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and requests by the user. A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
The content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content are transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus associates the received content with the expiration date information to store the content. When the content recording / reproducing apparatus acquires the date and time information from a reference clock provided in the content server and the date and time information exceeds the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content, The content is erased.

According to the invention of claim 4 of the present application, when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via an AVC. (Audio Video Compute
r) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission line, a content server that receives the content via the transmission line, accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and requests by the user. A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
The content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content are transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus associates the content with the expiration date information and stores the content in the content storage means. If the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information, the content server stores the content in the content server. When the content recording / reproducing apparatus transmits an erasing instruction, the content recording / reproducing apparatus erases from the content server when the date and time indicated by the clock provided in the content recording / reproducing apparatus has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information. When the instruction is received, the content is deleted. It is.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the content server transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus after transmitting the expiration date information. It is characterized by sending.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the content server transmits the content, and thereafter, the content recording / reproducing apparatus stores the expiration date information. It is characterized by sending to.

According to the invention of claim 7 of the present application, when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected to each other via an AVC. (Audio Video Compute
r) a content distribution system used in a network system, wherein the content server transmits the content via a transmission path, the content is received via the transmission path, and is stored in a distributed content storage means,
A content recording / reproducing device that reproduces the content in response to a user request, wherein the content server transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing device, and the content recording / reproducing device transmits the content. Is stored in the content storage means, and a storage completion report indicating that the storage of the content is completed is stored after the content is stored, and the content server transmits the storage completion report to the content server based on the storage completion report. The user calculates the expiration date indicating the date and time when the user can view the content, transmits the expiration date to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus,
The transmitted expiration date is stored in the content storage means in association with the content, and when the date and time indicated by a clock provided in the content recording / reproducing device has passed the expiration date, the content is deleted, An erasing completion report indicating erasing completion of the content is transmitted to the content server.

According to the invention of claim 8 of the present application, when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a plurality of devices for handling the content are connected to each other via an AVC. (Audio Video Compute
r) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission line, a content server that receives the content via the transmission line, accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and requests by the user. A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
Expiration date information indicating the expiration date when the user can view the content is accumulated, the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus accumulates the received content in the content accumulating unit. If the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content, the content server instructs the content recording / reproducing apparatus to perform the content operation. Is transmitted, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when receiving the erase instruction of the content.

According to the invention of claim 9 of the present application, when a group of data including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a plurality of devices for handling the content are connected to each other via an AVC. (Audio Video Compute
r) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission line, a content server that receives the content via the transmission line, accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and requests by the user. A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
A user holds the expiration date determined by the expiration date information indicating the expiration date of the content, and the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus transmits the received content to the content. The content server stores in the storage means,
When the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server has passed the expiration date of the content, the content recording / reproducing apparatus is instructed to delete the content, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus The content is erased when the instruction to erase the content is received.

The invention of claim 10 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, an AVC (Audio Video Comput) in which a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path.
er) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and a user request A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
An accumulation indicating that the accumulation of the content is completed after transmitting the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the content recording / reproducing apparatus receiving the content, accumulating the content in the content accumulating unit, and accumulating the content. A completion report is transmitted to the content server, and the content server calculates and retains an expiration date indicating a date and time at which the user can view the content based on the accumulation completion report, and a reference provided in the content server. When the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date of the content, an instruction to erase the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus issues the instruction to erase the content. The content is deleted when the content is received.

According to the invention of claim 11 of the present application,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, an AVC (Audio Video Comput) in which a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path.
er) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and a user request A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
The expiration date information indicating the expiration date when the user can view the content is held, the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus accumulates the content in the content accumulating unit, When the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server is before the expiration date determined by the expiration date information of the content, the server controls the content recording / reproducing device within a prescribed time period. On the other hand, a reproducible instruction indicating that the content is reproducible was transmitted, and the content recording / reproducing device did not receive the reproducible instruction within a confirmation time period longer than the specified time period. In this case, the content is deleted.

The invention of claim 12 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, an AVC (Audio Video Comput) in which a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path.
er) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and a user request A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server every time the user views the content. To do.

The invention of claim 13 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, an AVC (Audio Video Comput) in which a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path.
er) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and a user request A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server every time the user operates the content. Is to

The invention of claim 14 of the present application is the content distribution system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the viewing information includes a content ID for identifying the viewed content.

The invention of claim 15 of the present application is the content distribution system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the viewing information includes a user ID for identifying a user who viewed the content. .

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution system according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the viewing information includes a device ID for identifying a content recording / playback device that viewed the content. It is a thing.

The invention according to claim 17 of the present application is the content distribution system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the viewing information includes a viewed code indicating that the content has been viewed.

The invention of claim 18 of the present application is characterized in that, in the content distribution system of claim 12 or 13, the viewing information includes the number of times of reproduction indicating the number of times the content has been viewed.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution system according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the viewing information includes a start time code and an end time code indicating the content of the viewed portion. It is a thing.

The invention of claim 20 of the present application is characterized in that, in the content distribution system of claim 12 or 13, the viewing information includes operation information indicating an operation performed by the user on the content. is there.

The invention of claim 21 of the present application is the content distribution system of claim 20, wherein the viewing information includes a time code indicating a position of the content when the user operates the content. Is.

The invention of claim 22 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, an AVC (Audio Video Comput) in which a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path.
er) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and a user request A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
The content and the number of valid playbacks indicating the time limit for viewing the content are transmitted to the content recording / playback apparatus, and the content recording / playback apparatus stores the content in the content storage unit in association with the number-of-times information. Then, the number of times the user has viewed the content has been calculated, and when the number of times of reproduction reaches the valid number of times of reproduction, the content is deleted and the deletion completion report indicating completion of deletion of the content is given to the content server. Is transmitted.

The invention of claim 23 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, an AVC (Audio Video Comput) in which a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path.
er) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and a user request A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
A content is played back to the content recording / playback apparatus, the content is played back to the content recording / playback apparatus, and the content playback / playback apparatus stores the received content in the content storage unit. Each time the content is viewed, viewing information regarding viewing is transmitted to the content server, the content server receives the viewing information from the content recording / playback device, and calculates the number of playbacks of the content from the viewing information, When the number of times of reproduction reaches the number of times of effective reproduction of the content, an instruction to delete the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing device,
The content recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized by erasing the content when receiving the instruction to erase the content.

The invention of claim 24 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, an AVC (Audio Video Comput) in which a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path.
er) A content distribution system used in a network system, wherein a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and accumulates the content in a content accumulating means, and a user request A content recording / playback device that plays back the content according to
A valid reproduction number indicating a time limit of the number of times the content can be viewed is held, and the content and the valid reproduction number are transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus associates the content with the valid reproduction number. Each time the user views the content, the viewing information about viewing is stored in the content storage unit, transmitted to the content server, the number of times the user has viewed the content is calculated, and the content server records the content. When the number of viewings of the content calculated from the viewing information received from the playback device reaches the number of valid playbacks of the content, a deletion instruction of the content is transmitted to the content recording / playback device, The recording / reproducing apparatus issues an instruction to erase the content. If you signal, and when said number of times of playback has reached the enabled views above, it is characterized in that to erase the content.

The invention of claim 25 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / playback device that plays back the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server sets a time limit for the content and the user to view the content. When the expiration date determined by the expiration date information has elapsed, the deletion completion report indicating that the content has been erased is transmitted from the content recording / playback apparatus. It is characterized by receiving.

The invention of claim 26 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device that reproduces the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server has a reference clock indicating a current date and time, Expiration date information indicating a time limit for viewing the content, and transmitting the content to the content recording / reproducing device,
According to a request from the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the date and time indicated by the reference clock is returned as date and time information.

The invention of claim 27 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. What is claimed is: 1. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user request, wherein the content server transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, A storage completion report indicating that the storage of the content has been completed is received from the recording / reproducing device, a use-by date indicating the date and time when the user can view the content is calculated from the storage-completion report, and the use-by date is recorded and played back. If it is sent to the device and the expiration date has passed, It is characterized in that to receive the erase completion report indicating that Ntsu has been erased from the content recording and reproducing apparatus.

The invention of claim 28 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device that reproduces the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server has a reference clock indicating a current date and time, The expiration date information indicating the expiration date of the content is held, the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing device, and the date and time indicated by the reference clock has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. If it does, an instruction to delete the content is sent to the content recording / playback device. It is characterized in that.

The invention of claim 29 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device that reproduces the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server has a reference clock indicating a current date and time, When the expiration date determined from the expiration date information indicating the expiration date for viewing the content is retained, the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing device, and the date and time indicated by the reference clock exceeds the expiration date of the content. Is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. And it is characterized in and.

The thirtieth aspect of the invention of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device that reproduces the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server has a reference clock indicating a current date and time, and stores the content. Transmitting to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, receiving a storage completion report indicating that the storage of the content is completed,
The content recording / reproducing apparatus calculates the expiration date indicating the date and time when the user can view the content from the accumulation completion report and holds the expiration date, and when the date and time indicated by the reference clock exceeds the expiration date of the content. Is sent to the contents deletion instruction.

The invention of claim 31 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device that reproduces the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server has a reference clock indicating a current date and time, Expiration date information indicating the expiration date of the content is stored, the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing device, and the date and time indicated by the reference clock is before the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. In some cases, the content recording / reproducing apparatus is set to Content is characterized in transmitting the renewable indication that can be reproduced.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device for reproducing the content in response to a user's request. It is characterized by receiving information.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device that reproduces the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server is configured such that each time the user operates the content,
It is characterized by receiving viewing information regarding viewing.

The invention of claim 34 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server is a valid reproduction number indicating a time limit of the number of times the content can be viewed, and The content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and when the number of reproductions of the content reaches the valid number of reproductions, an erasing completion report indicating erasing completion of the content is transmitted. .

The invention of claim 35 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of the information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and a content server that receives the content via the transmission path and stores the content in a content storage unit. A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing device for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content server holds an effective number of times of reproduction indicating a time limit for viewing the content. Then, the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and each time the user views the content, viewing information regarding viewing is received, the number of times of reproduction of the content is calculated from the viewing information, and the number of times of reproduction is When the number of valid playbacks of the content is reached, the content It is characterized in transmitting a deletion instruction of the content to the recording and reproducing apparatus.

The invention of claim 36 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path and a content server that receives and saves the content via the transmission path to meet a user request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus used for a content distribution system having: And a expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content, and storing the content in the content storage unit in association with the expiration date information.
When the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information, the content is deleted,
An erasing completion report indicating erasing completion of the content is transmitted to the content server.

The thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is the video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system having a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the present invention, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content, and a current date and time. And a expiration date information indicating the expiration date when the user can view the content, and stores the content and the expiration date determined from the expiration date information in association with each other, When the date and time indicated by the clock exceeds the expiration date, the content is deleted. It is characterized in transmitting the erase completion report indicating the erase completion of the content to the content server.

The invention of claim 38 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus has a content accumulating unit for accumulating at least the content, The content recording / reproducing apparatus receives the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit with which the user can view the content, stores the content in the content storage unit in association with the expiration date information,
It is characterized in that the date and time information is acquired from the content server, and the content is erased when the date and time information has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system having a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in accordance with And a clock indicating that the content is received and stored in the content storage unit, and a storage completion report indicating that the storage of the content is completed after the content is stored is transmitted to the content server,
When the user receives the expiration date indicating the date and time when the content can be viewed, stores the expiration date in the content storage means in association with the content, and when the date and time indicated by the clock exceeds the expiration date, The content is erased, and an erasure completion report indicating erasure completion of the content is transmitted to the content server.

The invention of claim 40 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus has a content accumulating unit for accumulating at least the content, The content recording / playback apparatus receives the content, stores the content in the content storage means, and receives an instruction to delete the content when the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content has passed, Is to be erased.

The invention of claim 41 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus has a content accumulating unit for accumulating at least the content, The content recording / playback apparatus receives the content, stores the content in the content storage means, transmits a storage completion report indicating that the storage of the content is completed after storing the content, to the content server, and If the content expiration date has passed, It is characterized in that to erase the content that has received the deletion instruction of the content.

According to a forty-second aspect of the present invention, video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus has a content accumulating unit for accumulating at least the content, The content is received and stored in the content storage unit, and the content is erased when the reproduction enable instruction is not received within a confirmation time period longer than a specified time period. It is a thing.

The invention of claim 43 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus used for a content distribution system having: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus has a content accumulating unit for accumulating at least the content, Each time the user views the content, the viewing information regarding the viewing is transmitted to the content server.

The invention of claim 44 of the present application is to provide video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, and the content is received and stored via the transmission path, and a user request is made. A content recording / reproducing apparatus used for a content distribution system having: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to Each time the user operates the content, viewing information regarding viewing is transmitted to the content server.

According to a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus has a content accumulating unit for accumulating at least the content, The number of valid reproductions indicating the time limit of the number of times the content can be viewed, and the reproduction in which the content is received from the content server, the content is stored in the content storage unit in association with the time limit information, and the user views the content. The number of times is calculated, and the number of times of reproduction is the effective number of times of reproduction. If it reaches the erase the content, and is characterized in transmitting the erase completion report indicating the erase completion of the content to the content server.

According to a forty-sixth aspect of the present invention, video, audio,
When a cohesive data group including any of information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content through a transmission path, and the content that is received and stored through the transmission path are stored in a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content according to the above, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus has a content accumulating unit for accumulating at least the content, When the content is received, the content is stored in the content storage unit, and the viewing information regarding viewing is transmitted to the content server every time the user views the content, and when the valid playback count of the content is reached, Receiving an instruction to erase the content,
The content is erased.

[0056]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment shown here is merely an example, and does not necessarily limit the configuration of the present invention.

The contents used in the description of each embodiment are AV data composed of music, moving images, still images, sentences, programs and the like expressed as digital data. Also, as a network in the AVC network system described below, a configuration as shown in FIG. 1 can be considered. That is, a large number of transmission lines 1 in the Internet network
To the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 provided in each home via the transmission line 1.
Content is distributed from 0.

The content server 30 is a server that delivers content. The content recording / reproducing device 20 is a device that holds distributed content and the like and reproduces the content in response to a request from the user. Note that the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 may have no display means, and may output the content as an analog signal and output the video and audio to a TV or the like connected to the content recording / reproducing apparatus.

The transmission line 1 in FIG. 1 is a transmission line capable of bidirectional communication such as the Internet, and is, for example, Ethernet.
Wired LAN such as ATM and ATM, wireless LAN such as 802.11a and 802.11b, optical fiber such as FTTH, TCP
/ IP, UDP, etc. are used for communication.

The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 is, for example, V
It is composed of a device having a recording capability such as a TR, an HDD recorder, a DVD recorder, and an IC recorder, and can hold contents at least temporarily.

The content server 30 is a server that holds many contents and is connected to the transmission path 1. The content server 30 operates as, for example, an Internet portal site or a Web server, and can deliver content to various content recording / reproducing devices 20.

In each of the embodiments, the video / audio / information device is collectively referred to as “device”. However, this device is not limited to the existing video / audio / information device such as a VTR or a mini disk, but may be used in the future. It also includes devices that will be developed and will appear.

(Embodiment 1) As Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a content server used in an AVC network system and a content clock reproduction device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an AVC network system, and shows a content server 30 and a content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 connected to this.
A television 21, an HDD recorder 22, and a remote controller 23 for the HDD recorder are provided in the house. And TV 2
1 and the HDD recorder 22 are connected by a TV cable 26 and are connected to the transmission line 1 via a modem 24. The content server 30 is also connected to the transmission line 1 via the modem 25.

The content server 30 is composed of a PC having a large-capacity storage device for holding content. Here, the content server 30 does not have to be a single device, and may be any server device having an interface capable of communicating with a plurality of VTRs and hard disks (HDD) via the Internet. These can be collectively referred to as a content server. In this case, the server device may perform processing such as user authentication, and the content may be directly transmitted from the VTR or the like to the Internet according to an instruction from the server device.

The HDD recorder 22 is one form of a content recording / playback apparatus, and communicates with the content server 30 in response to a user's instruction from the remote controller 23 and holds the content received from the content server 30. The TV 21 has an HDD recorder 22 and a TV.
It is connected by a cable 26 and displays an image reproduced by the HDD recorder 22. Here, TV21, HD
The D recorder 22 and the remote controller 23 may be collectively referred to as a content recording / reproducing device.

The modem 24 serves as a physical interface of the transmission line 1. For example, the modem 24 is A
A DSL modem that relays Ethernet between the home and telephone lines outside the home. Similarly, the modem 25 serves as a physical interface of the transmission line 1 and the content server 30.
Relays between the Ethernet connected to and the external telephone line. Transmission line 1 means the Internet here,
Data is transmitted and received using TCP / IP as a protocol. Here, a plurality of protocol or physical interface conversion devices may exist between the modem 24 and the modem 25, and the content server 30 can be provided by the transmission path 1.
It suffices that the HDD recorder 22 (content recording / reproducing apparatus) can communicate with the HDD recorder 22.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment.
The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 includes a packet transmitting / receiving unit 2A, a data transmitting / receiving unit 3A, a content managing unit 4, a content storing unit 5, a content information managing unit 6, a clock 7, a content reproducing unit 8, and a display 9. .

Next, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 of FIG.
The operation of each block constituting the above will be described. The transmission line 1 is the Internet, and physically uses Ethernet and performs communication using TCP / IP as a protocol. The transmission line 1 does not necessarily have to be the Internet, and ATM or the like may be used as the physical interface or UDP or the like as the protocol as long as it can communicate with the content server.

The packet transmitting / receiving means 2A has a physical and electrical interface with the transmission line 1, receives packets addressed to itself from the transmission line 1, assembles the packets and transmits the packets to the transmission line 1.

The data transmission / reception means 3A performs processing according to the protocol of the transmission line 1. TCP /
In the case of IP, the network layer for TCP / IP,
It processes the transport layer, confirms the communication of transmitted and received data, and restores the received data to the original data without fail. Further, the data transmission / reception means 3A determines the data transmission destination and transmits the data without error so that the data can be correctly delivered to the transmission destination even when the relay node is inserted.

The content management means 4 receives the content data from the content server 30, stores the content data in the content storage means 5, and, in response to an instruction from the content information management means 6, sends the content data to the content. It is taken out from the storage means 5 and given to the content reproduction means 8. Also, the content management means 4
May encrypt the content storage means 5, for example, encrypt the content received from the content server 30 and record it in the content storage means 5. When extracting the content, the content management unit 4 may decrypt the content extracted from the content storage unit 5. This makes it possible to prevent illegal copying of content data when the content storage unit 5 is a removable medium or when it is removable. The encryption / decryption key in this case is managed by the content management means 4.

The content storage means 5 is composed of, for example, an HDD, and holds therein content data and a table for content management (content management table). The content storage means 5 includes a tape cassette such as DVC, a removable disk such as DVD, and a RAM.
It may be an LSI such as a flash ROM or a flash ROM. Here, the encoding format of the content data when accumulating the content is the data format itself transmitted by the content server, for example, MPEG4 is used. The content management means 4 is configured to have an encoder / decoder, the content received from the content server is once decoded, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 re-encodes it into a desired format, and saves it in the content storage means 5. You may do it.

The content information management means 6 issues the following request to the content server 30 via the data transmission / reception means 3A by the user's instruction, that is, the remote control. That is, the content information management unit 6 outputs information such as the device ID of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 or the user ID of the user who is using the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20, and requests the content. Further, the content information management means 6 sends information relating to content to the data transmitting / receiving means 3
The content storage means 5 receives the information from the content server 30 via A and associates the information with the received content.
At the same time, the table for content management is created and stored in the content storage means 5. Further, the content information management means 6 instructs the content management means 4 to reproduce the content in response to the user's instruction. Further, the content information management means 6 judges the expiration date of the content by the clock 7, records it in the content storage means 5, and deletes the content whose expiration date has passed. Although the table for content management is stored in the content storage unit 5, the content storage unit 5 for storing content is described.
Apart from this, a data holding means such as a Flash ROM may be separately provided and a table for content management may be stored in this.

Here, FIG. 4 shows an example of a content management table for managing the content. A content ID entry column for identifying the content is provided, and for each content item, the entry field for the start date and expiration date of the content that can be played back and the entry date and time of the expiration date, and the validity determined when requesting / approving the content item Set the entry fields such as the deadline. Here, the date and time of the expiration date is the expiration date when the content can be viewed. The date and time of start of use is the date and time when the reception of the content is completed. The date and time of start of use may be the date and time when the content is requested or the date and time when the storage of the content is completed. Further, the expiration date information indicates a content rental period and the like, and is a content lending period negotiated with the content server (service provider) when the user requests the content. The expiration date information may be defined in advance by the content server, or may be specified by the user when requesting the content. This expiration date information is, for example, information such as one week, one month, and 2001/08/8. In FIG. 4, only the date information is held in the content management table, but time information may also be held, which allows more detailed designation.

When a plurality of users use this content recording / reproducing apparatus 20, a content management table may be created including a user ID for identifying the users. In this case, the content management means 4 performs authentication in order to confirm who uses the content recording / reproducing device 20.

The clock 7 in FIG. 3 provides date / time information for measuring the expiration date of the content. The clock 7 outputs the current date and time information to the content information management means 6 as needed. Here, the date and time information is, for example, information of 11:32 on July 1, 2001. If the date and time information is only the date, for example, July 1, 2001
Only the date may be provided as the date and time information like the day.

The content reproduction means 8 transfers the content data from the content storage means 5 to the content management means 4
It is received via the device, processed such as decoding, and output to the display 9. The display 9 is a display unit that receives the decoded content from the content reproduction unit 8 and displays it on the screen.

Next, FIG. 5 shows functional blocks of the content server 30 in the present embodiment. The content server 30 includes a packet transmitting / receiving unit 2B, a data transmitting / receiving unit 3B, a distribution content managing unit 14, a distribution content storing unit 15, a distribution information managing unit 16, and a reference clock 17. Here, the same blocks as the blocks described in FIG. 3 are described with the same names.

The packet transmitting / receiving means 2B has a physical and electrical interface with the transmission line 1, receives packets addressed to itself from the transmission line 1, assembles the packets and transmits the packets to the transmission line 1. Data transmission / reception means 3
B performs processing according to the protocol of the transmission path 1, and in the case of TCP / IP, for example, performs processing of the network layer and transport layer related to TCP / IP.

Here, the packet transmitting / receiving means 2B and the data transmitting / receiving means 3B of the content server 30 need not be exactly the same as the packet transmitting / receiving means 2A and the data transmitting / receiving means 3A of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20, and have the same functions. All you have to do is do it. That is, it is sufficient that the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 can receive the content and data transmitted by the content server 30, and the content server 30 can receive the data transmitted by the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20.

The distribution content management means 14 manages the contents stored in the distribution content storage means 15 and, in response to an instruction from the distribution information management means 16, retrieves the content data from the distribution content storage means 15, It is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 via the transmitting / receiving means 3B. The distribution content management means 14 may also encrypt the distribution content storage means 15, and encrypts the content and records it in the distribution content storage means 15. When extracting the content, the distribution content management means 14 distributes the content. The content retrieved from the content storage means 15 may be decrypted. In this way, it is possible to prevent illegal copying / leakage of contents when the distribution contents storage means 15 is a removable medium or is removable. In this case, the encryption / decryption key is managed by the distribution content management means 14.

The distribution content storage means 15 is, for example, HD
It is configured by D, and internally holds distribution content data and a distribution content management table (distribution management table). The distribution content storage means 15 is
It may be a tape cassette such as C or DVHS, a removable disk such as DVD, or an LSI such as RAM or Flash ROM. Further, the distribution content storage means 15 may be composed of a plurality of devices, and for example, a plurality of DVHSs may be connected by IEEE1394. Here, the encoding format of the content data when accumulating the content is the data format itself of the content distributed by the content server, and MPEG4, for example, is used. In addition,
The distribution content management means 14 has an encoder / decoder, and once decodes the content stored in the distribution content storage means 15, re-encodes it into an encoding format for transmission on the transmission path 1, and transmits it on the transmission path 1. You may do it.

The distribution information management means 16 receives the content request from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 via the data transmitting / receiving means 3B. And the distribution information management means 1
6 determines whether this request is valid by a user ID or the like, and if it is valid, performs billing processing or the like as necessary, and returns the result to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 via the data transmitting / receiving means 3B. To do. Delivery information management means 16
When authenticating whether the content request is valid, the distributed content storage means is based on the ID (device ID) of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 or the user ID of the user who is using the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20. Device ID of the certifiable content recording / playback device stored in 15.
The user ID is read, and the search and comparison are performed to determine whether or not the request for the content is satisfied.

When the authentication is successful, the distribution information management means 1
Reference numeral 6 instructs the distribution content management means 14 to transmit the content designated by the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20.

Next, after the transmission of the content is completed, the distribution information management means 16 acquires the date and time information from the reference clock 17, and the predetermined expiration date information (for example, 1 week, 1
Month, August 8, 2001) Calculate the expiration date and time. Then, the distribution information management unit 16 creates a distribution management table for managing distribution contents, and holds it in the distribution content storage unit 15. Further, the content ID and expiration date information of the distributed content are transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 as needed.

Here, the authentication data and the distribution management table for managing the distribution contents are stored in the distribution contents accumulating means 15. However, in addition to the distribution contents accumulating means 15, a data holding means such as a flash ROM or an HDD is provided. It may be provided separately and stored in this.

Here, FIG. 6 shows an example of a distribution management table for managing the distributed contents. A description field for a user ID for identifying a user and a content ID for identifying a content is set, and for each content, the date and time of start of use indicating the reproducible period of the content, information on the expiration date, and validity Make it possible to enter deadline information. Here, the expiration date and time is the expiration date when the content can be viewed, and the usage start date and time is the date and time when the transmission of the content is completed. The date and time of start of use may be the date and time when the content is requested.

In FIG. 6, only the date information is held in the delivery management table, but it may be held including the time information as well, which enables fine specification. Further, instead of the user ID, the device ID for identifying the content recording / reproducing device 20 may be used for management. Furthermore,
It is also possible to manage the user ID and the device ID together, and a plurality of users can use the same content recording / reproducing device 2.
Even if 0 is used, it can be managed correctly.

The reference clock 17 of FIG. 5 outputs date / time information for calculating / measuring the expiration date of the content (calendar function), and the current date / time information is sent to the delivery information management means 16 as necessary. Output. Here, the date and time information is, for example, information of 11:32 on July 1, 2001. When only the date is required as the date and time information, only the date may be output as the date and time information, such as July 1, 2001.

Next, the operation of the content distribution system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example (No. 1) of the content distribution system according to the present embodiment. At the request of the user, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A authenticates with the content server 30A via the transmission path 1 using the content information management means 6.

When the application software installed in advance in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A is activated, a list of contents is acquired from the content server 30A via the transmission path 1. A GUI screen showing a list of contents is displayed based on this information. When the user selects a desired content from this GUI screen, the content information management means 6 requests the user I to the content server 30A.
D and information for specifying the content are transmitted, and data requesting the content (content request) is transmitted.

The content server 30A has a Web server function to provide a content list as one of the homepages, and the user can access the content recording / reproducing device 20A.
The content list may be browsed by using a Web browser provided therein to select the content. Further, the user may request the content by selecting a link indicating the content on the home page.

Here, the user or device may be authenticated before the list of contents is displayed. In this case, authentication as to whether or not the user has the right to view the content may be performed at the same time, and only the content having the right to view may be displayed as a list.

Upon receiving the content request together with the user ID, the content server 30A determines (authenticates) whether the user has the right to view the content. When this authentication is successful, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30A performs a billing process and the like, and thereafter, the viewing time limit of the content designated in advance (for example, one week, one month,
(August 8, 2001, etc.), and the data indicating “approval” for the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A is set to the content ID.
Send with. Further, the distribution information management means 16 records the viewing time limit as expiration date information in the distribution management table together with the content ID and the user ID.

It should be noted that the viewing time limit information indicating the viewing time limit of the content (for example, one week, one month, August 8, 2001) is used as the expiration date information together with the data indicating "approval" in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A. Content information management means 6
May be sent to. In this case, the content distribution system can operate normally even if the user views the content while the content is being accumulated in the content recording / reproducing device 20A or immediately after the content is accumulated.

Although the viewing time limit of the content is set in advance, the user may specify it when requesting the content, or may be specified in advance by the business operator who provides the content distribution service for each user or each content. You may.

The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A "accepts" together with the content ID.
When receiving the data indicating "," a new row is added to the content management table shown in FIG. 4 using this content ID, and preparation is made so that the transmitted content can be managed. Further, it instructs the content management means 4 to receive the content.

The information used for making a content request and for identifying the content may be different from the content ID. In this case, since the correct content ID is transmitted after the authentication, it becomes possible to increase the confidentiality of the content and easily deal with the list information of the content that changes from moment to moment.

After the content management unit 4 is ready to hold the content in the content storage unit 5, the content information management unit 6 uses the content ID to instruct the content server 30A to start transmitting the content. The content server 30A uses this content ID
The content indicated by and the expiration date information are transmitted.

The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A stores the transmitted content in the content storage means 5 via the content management means 4. Further, the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A uses the expiration date information (for example, one week, one month, August 8, 2001) of the content received from the content server 30A, and further from the clock 7. The current date and time information is acquired, the expiration date for erasing the content is determined, recorded in the content management table, and stored in the content storage unit 5. That is, if the expiration date indicates a period (one week, one month, etc.), the period indicated by the expiration date information is added to the current date / time information to obtain the expiration date. If the expiration date information indicates the date and time (August 8, 2001, etc.), the date and time is set as the expiration date. Then, in the distribution management table shown in FIG. 4, the date and time of start of use and the date and time of expiration of use are held together with the content ID and the expiration date information.

The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A is
The content server 30A may prepare the content for reception / storage before making the content request, and the content server 30A may transmit the content or the expiration date information without an instruction from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20A after the authentication is completed.

The distribution content management means 14 in the content server 30A transmits a report indicating that the content transmission is completed to the distribution information management means 16 after the transmission is completed. The delivery information management means 16 acquires the current date and time information from the reference clock 17 and uses this date and time information as the date and time of start of use. Furthermore, the date and time of the expiration date is created from the date and time information of the start of use and the expiration date information. That is, the expiration date is a period (1 week, 1
For example, the expiration date is added to the current date and time information to determine the expiration date. If the expiration date information indicates the date and time (August 8, 2001, etc.), the date and time is set as the expiration date. Then, the date and time of the start of use and the date and time of the expiration date are recorded in the distribution management table shown in FIG. 6 together with the user ID, the content ID, and the expiration date information which are already held.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example (No. 2) of the content distribution system of this embodiment. The content server 30B may send the expiration date information of the content before or during the content transmission to calculate the expiration date. In addition, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20
B may receive the expiration date information of the content before receiving the content and calculate the expiration date. This way
Even if the user views the content while the content is being stored in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20B or immediately after the content is stored, the content server 30B can operate correctly. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the approval for the content request may be transmitted and the expiration date information may be transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20B. In this way, when even a part of the content is ready to be received and reproduced, the reproduction of the content can be started immediately.

Further, there may be a time difference between the transmission and reception of the expiration date information and the calculation of the expiration date. For example, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20B receives the expiration date information at the same time as the authentication, and the expiration date after the reception of the content is completed. May be calculated. In this way, the content can be reproduced immediately after the content is received, and the usage period (rental period) can be correctly set for all users without depending on the speed of the transmission path.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example (No. 3) of the content distribution system of the present embodiment. Here, after the content recording / reproducing apparatus 30C has completed the reception of the content, the content information managing means 6 causes the content server 30 to operate.
An accumulation completion report indicating that the reception of the content is completed is transmitted to C.

The delivery information management means 16 in the content server 30C receives the accumulation completion report, and then the reference clock 17
The current date and time information is acquired from and the date and time information is set as the start date and time. Further, the date and time of the expiration date is created from the date and time information of the start of use and the expiration date information. That is, if the expiration date information indicates a period (one week, one month, etc.), the period indicated by the expiration date information is added to the current date and time information to obtain the expiration date. If the expiration date information indicates the date and time (August 8, 2001, etc.), the date and time is set as the expiration date. Then, in the delivery management table shown in FIG.
The user ID, content ID, and expiration date information that are already held are recorded, and the date and time of start of use and the date and time of expiration date are recorded. Then, the distribution information management means 16 transmits the expiration date information of this content to the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20C.

The content information management means 6 of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20C has expiration date information of the content received from the content server 30C (for example, 1 week, 1
Month, August 8, 2001), the expiration date for erasing the content is determined, recorded in the content management table, and retained in the content storage unit 5.

By doing so, the user is always informed whether the transmission line that takes a long time to transmit a large content is used or the high-speed transmission line such as the optical fiber is used. The correct viewing period (rental period) can be set reliably and fairly. The user can freely watch the content stored in the content recording / reproducing device 20C within the expiration date.

In the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20C,
Based on the current date and time information obtained from the clock 7, the content information management means 6 periodically checks whether the content stored in the content storage means 5 has passed the expiration date. Then, when the expiration date has passed, the content information management means 6 issues an instruction to the content management means 4 to erase the content by using the content ID and the content erase command. The clock 7 operates as a timer that stores the expiration date of the content and reports to the content information management means 6 when the expiration date is reached.

When the content managing means 4 receives an instruction to erase the content from the content information managing means 6, the content managing means 4 erases the corresponding content stored in the content storing means 5, and the content information managing means 6 is completely erased. This is reported using the content ID and the deletion completion command. If the user is browsing the content, the user may wait until the content is finished and delete the content after the browsing. This will increase the convenience for the user.

When the content information managing means 6 receives the deletion completion report from the content managing means 4, the content information managing means 6 deletes the information of the corresponding content from the content management table stored in the content storage means 5. Then, the content information management means 6 uses the content ID, the user ID, and the data indicating the completion of erasing to indicate that the erasing is completed (the erasing completion report), and the content server 30C via the transmission path 1.
Communicate to. The device ID may be used instead of the content ID and the user ID.

When the delivery information management means 16 in the content server 30C receives this deletion completion report, it confirms the information of the corresponding content of the corresponding user held in the delivery management table and deletes this information.

In the present embodiment, the reference clock 17 is provided in the content server 30C, but the reference clock 17 in the content server 30C is not used, and only the clock 7 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20C is used. Is also possible. In this case as well, the same effect can be obtained, and the configuration of the content server 30C can be simplified.

When the reference clock 17 is provided in the content server 30C, when the content server 30 receives the deletion report, the expiration date held in the distribution management table and the current date / time information obtained from the reference clock 17 By comparing and checking the above, it becomes possible to detect an injustice of the user and an error or a failure of the device on the user side such as the content recording / reproducing device 20C.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example (No. 4) of the content distribution system of the present embodiment. Here, using the reference clock 17 in the content server 30D,
Based on the current date and time information obtained from the standard clock 17 by the delivery information management means 16 and the information in the delivery information management table, it is periodically confirmed whether or not the delivered content has passed the expiration date and time. To do so. Even though the expiration date and time of the specific content (for example, the content specified by the content ID, the user ID, the device ID, etc.) has passed, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20D that holds this content issues a deletion completion report. There is no. In this case, the distribution information management means 16 transmits the content ID and the content erasing instruction to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20D via the transmission path 1 so as to erase the content.

When the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20D receives such an instruction, it erases the corresponding content and sends an erase completion report to the content server 30D. By doing so, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20D can be changed by someone.
It is possible to deal with the case where the clock 7 is deviated, and the security of the contents can be enhanced. Furthermore,
It is possible to discover unauthorized use of the content recording / playback device 20D,
From then on, even if there is a content request, the content is not transmitted (authentication fails), whereby the damage can be prevented from spreading.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example (5) of the content distribution system of the present embodiment. Here, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20E transmits the viewing information regarding the viewing of the user to the content server 30E every time the user views the content. By doing so, the content server (service provider) 30E can grasp the viewing tendency of the user, and can know the reputation of each content as information when setting the recommended content, for example.

As shown in FIG. 11, every time the user views the content, the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20E uses the viewed code indicating that the user has viewed the content as the viewing information. It is transmitted to the content server 30E together with the content ID. In this case, the content server 30E can grasp the content that the user wants to see many times. Therefore, it becomes possible to make effective advertisements that grasp user needs, judge the value of contents correctly, and collect taste information of each user to recommend appropriate content to the user. The added value can be increased.

Note that the viewing information need not be limited to only the viewed code indicating that the user has viewed. For example, a viewing start code indicating that the user has started viewing may be used as the viewing information. A viewing code indicating that the user is watching may be used as the viewing information. Furthermore, a replay code indicating that the user has seen a part of the content again may be used as the viewing information. Further, the operation on the content may be used as the viewing information.

The operation information for the content is, for example, a fast-forward code indicating that the user has fast-forwarded the content, a reproduction code indicating that the user has reproduced the content, a stop code indicating that the user has stopped the content, or the user Is a deletion code indicating that the content has been deleted, a suspension code indicating that the user has suspended the content, and the like. By using these codes as the viewing information, it becomes possible for the content server, and eventually the service provider providing the content distribution service, to know various information. In addition, it is possible to determine which part of the educational content or training content is difficult for the user to understand, improve the content that is the teaching material, and appropriately instruct the user. Also,
In the entertainment content, information such as what was not interesting and where it was interesting enough to be seen twice can be obtained, and it can be used for advertising and recommendation activities of the content.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content server 30E controls the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20E.
To the content server 30E after the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20E erases the content whose expiration date has expired, and transmits the content expiration date information to the content server 30E. It will be possible to reliably lend the contents of.
In addition, the expired content and information about the content are not stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from tampering with or illegal copying of the content, information about the agreement contents such as the rental period / deadline, and the information necessary for charging, and it is possible to reliably lend the content at the correct viewing deadline. become.

[0122] Also, by holding information relating to the expiration date of the content agreed with the user in association with the content, this information is used when the user attempts to extend the expiration date agreed upon when the content is rented. It becomes possible to update it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a misunderstanding when the content period is extended.

Further, by holding the information about the expiration date of the content calculated from the expiration date agreed with the user in association with the content, the user can clearly recognize when the expiration date expires. For this reason, it becomes easier to schedule the viewing of the content and the usability is improved.

[0124] Further, by setting the expiration date when the user can view the content after the transmission of the content is completed,
For example, even when a huge content of several gigabytes is transmitted through a transmission line with a low transmission capacity such as a telephone line, the rental period (expiration date) can be correctly set by subtracting the time required for transmission. Therefore, the unfairness of the user due to the situation of the transmission path can be eliminated.

In the present embodiment, the viewing time limit is limited, but the contents have an unlimited viewing time limit (for example, purchased contents and free contents).
Is data that indicates indefiniteness as expiration date information (for example,
(December 31, 9999, September 99, 9999, 0 seconds, etc.) is defined, and the expiration date is set to December 31, 9999, etc. It is possible to deal with the constitution of the invention.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a content distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The configurations of the content server and the content recording / playback apparatus are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore the description of the configurations is omitted here. However, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the clock 7 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 12 shows an operation example of the content distribution system according to the present embodiment. In the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F, the content information management means 6 authenticates with the content server 30F via the transmission path 1 in response to a request from the user.

When the application software installed in advance is activated, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F acquires a content list from the content server 30F via the transmission path 1, and based on this information, a GU showing a content list.
Display the I screen. When the user selects a desired content from this GUI screen, the content information management means 6
Transmits the user ID and the information for specifying the content to the content server 30F, and also transmits the data requesting the content (content request).

The content server 30F receives the content request together with the user ID, and determines (authenticates) whether this user has the right to view the content. When this authentication is successful, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30F performs a billing process and the like, and thereafter, the viewing time limit of the content designated in advance (for example, one week, one month, August 8, 2001). ) Is determined.

Furthermore, here, the viewing time limit (1
The viewing time limit information indicating weekly, one month, August 8, 2001) is stored as the expiration date information in the distribution management table managed by the distribution information management unit 16 together with the user ID and the content ID.

The device ID for discriminating each content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F may be stored in the distribution management table.
For example, the device ID may be used instead of the user ID, and if the device ID is used together with the user ID, the user can be correctly identified even when a plurality of users use one content recording / reproducing device 20F.

Although the viewing time limit of the content has been set in advance, the user may specify it when requesting the content, or the business operator who provides the content distribution service for each user or each content beforehand. May be specified.

When the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F receives the data indicating "approval" together with the content ID, the content information management means 6 uses this content ID and the content management table shown in FIG. Add a new line to prepare to manage the incoming content. Further, the content information management means 6 gives an instruction to the content management means 4 to receive the content. However, in the present embodiment, it is not always necessary to record the date and time of the use start and expiration date of the content and the expiration date information in the content management table in the content recording / reproducing device 20F.
In this case, the amount of memory in the content recording / reproducing device 20F can be reduced, and the cost can be kept low.

Information used for making a content request and for identifying the content may be different from the content ID, and at this time, the correct content ID is transmitted after authentication. This makes it possible to increase the confidentiality of the content and easily deal with the list information of the content that changes from moment to moment.

After the content management means 4 is ready to hold the content in the content storage means 5, the content information management means 6 uses the content ID to instruct the content server 30F to start transmitting the content.
Upon receiving this instruction, the content server 30F transmits the content indicated by this content ID. The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F transmits the transmitted content to the content storage means 5 via the content management means 4.
Accumulate in.

The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F prepares to receive / store the content before requesting the content, and the content server 30F transmits the content without an instruction from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F after the authentication is completed. You may do it.

The distribution content management means 14 in the content server 30F transmits a report to the distribution information management means 16 that the content transmission is completed after the content transmission is completed. The delivery information management means 16 acquires the current date and time information from the reference clock 17 and uses this date and time information as the date and time of start of use. Further, the distribution information management means 16 creates the date and time of the expiration date from the date and time information of the start of use and the expiration date information. That is, if the expiration date indicates a period (one week, one month, etc.), the period indicated by the viewing time limit information is added to the current date and time information to set the expiration date. If the expiration date information indicates the date and time (August 8, 2001, etc.), the date and time is set as the expiration date. Then, the user ID, the content ID, and the expiration date information are recorded in the distribution management table shown in FIG. 6, and the date and time of the start of use and the date and time of the expiration date are recorded.

The content server 30F may calculate the expiration date of the content before or during the content transmission. Even if the user views the content while the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F is storing the content or immediately after the content is stored, the content distribution system can operate properly. The content stored in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F is, unless there is an instruction to delete it from the content server 30F,
Users can freely watch.

In the content server 20F, the delivery information management means 16 determines whether the delivered content has passed the expiration date and time based on the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17 and the information in the delivery information management table. Periodically check whether or not. When the expiration date and time has passed, the distribution information management means 16 transmits the content ID and the content erasing instruction to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F via the transmission path 1 so as to erase the content. The reference clock 17 may operate as a timer that stores the expiration date of the content and, when the expiration date is reached, reports the relevant content to the distribution information management means 16.

When the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F receives the deletion instruction from the content server 30F, it instructs the content management means 4 to delete the corresponding content. When the content management unit 4 receives an instruction to delete the content from the content information management unit 6, the content management unit 4 deletes the corresponding content stored in the content storage unit 5. Then, the fact that the erasing is completed is reported to the content information management means 6 by the content ID and the erasing completion command. If the user is browsing the content, the content may be erased after waiting for the end. This will increase the convenience for the user.

Upon receiving the deletion completion report from the content management means 4, the content information management means 6 deletes the information of the corresponding content from the content management table held in the content storage means 5. Then, the content information management means 6 indicates that the erasure has been completed (erasure completion report),
The content server 30F is transmitted via the transmission path 1 using the content ID, the user ID, and the data indicating the completion of erasure.
Communicate to. When the delivery information management means 16 in the content server 30F receives the deletion completion report, it confirms the information of the corresponding content of the user held in the distribution information table and erases this information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content server 30F transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F, and the content server 30F instructs and erases the content whose expiration date has passed. It is not necessary to have a clock in the content recording / reproducing device 20F. Moreover, the memory amount of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20F can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, it becomes possible to rent the content for the period promised to the user, and the expired content will not be stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, the user can prevent illegal operations such as copying / modifying / expiration date,
Security can be secured.

Further, even when the Internet or the like is used as the transmission line 1 to distribute contents to various countries in the world, it is not necessary to have a clock in the contents recording / reproducing apparatus 20F.
Therefore, even if the current time is different for each country, the problem that the rental period (expiration date) is excessive or insufficient depending on the country does not occur.

Also, by holding information relating to the expiration date of the content agreed with the user in association with the content, this information is used when the user attempts to extend the expiration date agreed upon when the content is rented. It becomes possible to update it. In this case, it is possible to prevent a misunderstanding when the content period is extended.

Further, by holding information relating to the expiration date of the content calculated from the expiration date agreed with the user in association with the content, it is possible to clarify when the expiration date is reached in response to a request from the user. Can be presented to the user. Therefore, the user can easily schedule viewing of the content, and the usability is improved.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a content distribution system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The configurations of the content server and the content recording / playback apparatus are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the configurations is omitted here. Also in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the clock 7 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 13 shows an operation example of the content distribution system in this embodiment. Content server 30G
The delivery information management means 16 inside periodically receives the current date and time information from the reference clock 17 and sets a predetermined time period (for example, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, 3 am every day).
Each time), a reproducible instruction indicating that the content held by the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G is valid is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G together with the content ID, the user ID, and the like.

Here, the starting point of the time period measurement is the time when the content server 30G finishes transmitting the corresponding content. Further, the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G starts time measurement from the time when the reception of the content is completed. Then, the information management means 6 has a prescribed time cycle, and when the reproduction enable instruction is received within the determination time cycle in consideration of the transmission delay on the transmission path 1, the internal processing time, etc., the corresponding content can be viewed. It is determined that Similarly, the content server 30G transmits the content reproducibility instruction at a prescribed time cycle, starting from the date and time when the reproducible instruction is transmitted as the next starting point, and repeats the same operation. The content recording / playback apparatus 20G repeats the same operation, starting from the date and time when the playback enable instruction is received as the next starting point.

The content server 30G may set a starting point for time period measurement before or during the transmission of the corresponding content. Further, the reference clock 7 may be used as a timer to generate a trigger for sending a reproducible instruction to the content recording / reproducing device 20G holding the relevant content, at regular time intervals.

In the content server 30G, it is assumed that the current date and time obtained from the reference clock 7 has passed the expiration date and time of the distribution management table for a certain content. In this case, the delivery information management means 16 may receive the reproduction enable instruction for the next relevant content, even if the timing arrives.
Do not send the playable instruction for the content. In this case, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G detects that the relevant content has expired because the reproducible instruction does not arrive from the content server 30G even after the determination time has elapsed, and the relevant content is stored in the content storage means 5. delete.

In the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G of FIG. 13, the content information managing means 6 authenticates with the content server 30G via the transmission path 1 in response to a request from the user.

When the application software installed in advance is activated, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 30G acquires a content list from the content server 30G via the transmission path 1, and based on this information, a GU showing a content list.
Display the I screen. When the user selects a desired content from this GUI screen, the content information management means 6
Transmits the user ID and the information for specifying the content to the content server 30G, and also transmits the data requesting the content (content request).

The content server 30G receives the content request together with the user ID, and determines (authenticates) whether this user has the right to view the content. When this authentication is successful, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30G performs billing processing and the like, and then the viewing time limit of the content designated in advance (for example, one week, one month,
(August 8, 2001) is decided.

Further, the distribution information management means 16 uses the content viewing time limit (for example, one week, one month, August 8, 2001).
The viewing time limit information indicating the date is recorded in the delivery management table together with the user ID and the content ID as the expiration date information.

The device ID for identifying each content recording / reproducing device 20G may be recorded in the distribution management table.
The device ID may be used instead of the user ID, and if the device ID is used together with the user ID, the user can be correctly identified even when a plurality of users use one content recording / reproducing device 20G.

Although the viewing time limit of the content is set in advance, it may be specified by the user when requesting the content. Further, a business operator that provides a content distribution service may specify in advance for each user or each content.

The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G, together with the content ID, "approves".
When receiving the data indicating the above, a new row is added to the content management table shown in FIG. 4 using this content ID, and preparation is made so that the transmitted content can be managed. Further, the content information management means 6 gives an instruction to the content management means 4 to receive the content. However, in the present embodiment, it is not always necessary to record the date and time of the use start and use deadline of the content and the expiration date information in the content management table in the content recording / playback apparatus 20G. By doing so, the amount of memory in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G can be reduced, and the cost of the apparatus can be kept low.

The information for specifying the content, which is used when requesting the content, may be different from the content ID. In this case, since the correct content ID is transmitted after the authentication, it becomes possible to increase the confidentiality of the content and easily deal with the list information of the content that changes from moment to moment.

After the content management unit 4 is ready to hold the content in the content storage unit 5, the content information management unit 6 uses the content ID to instruct the content server 30G to start transmitting the content. The content server 30G transmits the content indicated by this content ID. The content recording / playback apparatus 20G stores the transmitted content in the content storage means 5 via the content management means 4.

It should be noted that the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G prepares for receiving / accumulating the content before requesting the content, and the content server 30G transmits the content without an instruction from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G after the authentication is completed. You may

The distribution content management means 14 in the content server 30G transmits a report indicating that the content transmission is completed to the distribution information management means 16 after the transmission is completed. The delivery information management means 16 acquires the current date and time information from the reference clock 17 and uses this date and time information as the date and time of start of use. Further, the date and time of the expiration date is created from the date and time information of the start of use and the expiration date information. That is, the expiration date is the period (1
If it indicates (week, month, etc.), the period indicated by the viewing time limit information is added to the current date and time information to set the expiration date.
If the expiration date information indicates the date and time (August 8, 2001, etc.), the date and time is set as the expiration date. And FIG.
In the delivery management table shown in (1), the date and time of use start and the date and time of use are recorded together with the user ID, content ID, and expiration date information that are already held.

The content server 30G may calculate the expiration date of the content before or during the content transmission. In this case, the content distribution system can operate properly even if the user views the content while the content is being stored in the content recording / reproducing device 20G or immediately after the content is stored.

Further, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30G periodically receives the current date and time information from the reference clock 17 from the time when the transmission of the content is completed, and a predetermined prescribed time period (eg, 10 minutes, 1
For each hour, one day, every day at 3:00 am, a reproducible instruction indicating that the content held by the content recording / reproducing device 20G is valid is provided with a content ID and the like (user ID and device ID as necessary). (May be used) together with the content recording / reproducing apparatus. Similarly, with the date and time when the reproducible instruction is sent as the next starting point, the reproducible instruction for the content is transmitted at a prescribed time cycle, and the same operation is repeated.

The content server 30G may set the starting point of time period measurement before or during the transmission of the corresponding content. Further, the reference clock 7 is used as a timer, and the distribution information management means 16 is provided at every prescribed time period.
In contrast, the reference clock 7 is the content recording / reproducing device 20G.
It is also possible to generate a trigger for sending a reproduction enable instruction to the.

The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G starts time measurement from the time when the content reception is completed. When the reproducible instruction is received within the prescribed time period and within the determination time period in consideration of the transmission delay on the transmission line 1, the internal processing time, etc., the content information management unit 6 views the corresponding content. Determined to be possible. Further, the same operation is repeated with the date and time when the reproduction enable instruction is received as the next starting point. In this way, the content stored in the content recording / reproducing device 20G can be freely viewed by the user as long as the reproducible instruction from the content server 30G arrives within the determination time period.

The delivery information management means 16 in the content server 30G uses the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17, and based on the information in the delivery information management table, the delivered content has passed the expiration date and time. Check periodically for any And when the expiration date and time has passed,
Even when the timing for transmitting the next reproducible instruction comes, the reproducible instruction for the corresponding content is not transmitted.

Since the reproducible instruction does not arrive at the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G even after the elapse of the determination time, it is determined that the content has expired, and the content is erased. That is, the content information management means 6
Detects that the content has expired, and instructs the content management means 4 to erase the content. When the content management unit 4 receives an instruction to delete the content from the content information management unit 6, the content management unit 4 deletes the corresponding content stored in the content storage unit 5, and notifies the content information management unit 6 that the deletion is completed. For example, the content ID and the deletion completion command are reported.

Here, if the user is browsing the corresponding content or the like, the content may be erased after waiting for the end. This will increase the convenience for the user.

Upon receiving the deletion completion report from the content management means 4, the content information management means 6 deletes the information of the corresponding content from the content management table held in the content storage means 5. Then, the fact that the erasing is completed (erasing completion report) is transmitted to the content server 30G via the transmission path 1 by using the content ID and the user ID and the data indicating the erasing completion. When the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30G receives the deletion completion report, it confirms the information of the corresponding content of the user held in the distribution information table and deletes this information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content server 30G transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G and instructs the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G to erase the content whose expiration date has passed. There is no need to provide a clock on the device 20G.
Therefore, the amount of memory can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.
Further, it becomes possible to rent the content for the period promised to the user, and it is possible to prevent the expired content from being stored in the device on the user side. For this reason,
It is possible to prevent the user from performing illegal operations such as copying / modifying / expiring the expiration date, and ensuring security.

Further, even when the contents are distributed to various countries around the world by using the Internet or the like as the transmission path 1, there is no need to provide a clock in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G, so that even if the current time is different in each country, The problem of excess or deficiency in the rental period (expiration date) depending on the country will not occur. Furthermore, even during the rental period,
Since the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G periodically receives the reproduction enabling instruction, it is difficult to separate the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G from the transmission path 1 and abuse it. Therefore, the security protection of the content can be strengthened, and further, the copy / reorganization of the corresponding content in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20G can be found early and the copy / reorganization can be prevented.

(Embodiment 4) Next, a content distribution system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described.
The configurations of the content server and the content recording / playback apparatus are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the configurations is omitted here. Also in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the clock 7 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 14 shows an operation example of the content distribution system in this embodiment. Content server 30H
The delivery information management means 16 therein returns the date and time obtained from the reference clock 17 as date and time information in response to the date and time request from the content recording and reproducing apparatus 20H.

Further, the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H transmits a date and time request to inquire the current date and time to the content server 30H in the following cases. That is, (a) a predetermined time period (for example, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, 3 am every day)
Time), (b) every time the user gives an instruction to reproduce the held content, (c) every time a so-called event occurs, such as when the user presses a button on the remote control or when the device is turned on. Send a date and time request.

In the content distribution system shown in FIG. 14, the authentication of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H and the content server 30H, and the transmission of the content and the expiration date information from the content server 30H to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H are performed in the first embodiment. The description is omitted because it is similar to the above.

In the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H,
The content information management means 6 performs authentication with the content server 30H via the transmission path 1 in response to a request from the user. When the authentication is successful, the content server 30H transmits the content and the expiration date information to the content recording / reproducing device 20H.

The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H stores the received content in the content storage means 5. Further, the content information management unit 6 receives the expiration date information of the content received from the content server 30H (for example, one week,
One month, August 8, 2001) is used to determine the expiration date and time at which the content should be deleted, and the content is stored in the content storage means 5 by being recorded in the content management table shown in FIG.

The user can freely watch the content stored in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H before the expiration date and time. The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H is the content server 30H.
A predetermined time period (for example, 10 minutes, 1
(1 hour, 1 day, 3 am every day), or whenever a user presses a button on the remote controller or turns on the device, a date and time request is made to inquire the current date and time to the content server. Send.

When the delivery information management means 16 in the content server 30H receives the date and time request from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H, it acquires the current date and time from the reference clock 17 and uses the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H as date and time information. Reply.

The content information management means 6 of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H confirms whether the content stored in the content storage means 5 has passed the expiration date based on the date and time information obtained from the content server 30H. To do. When the expiration date has passed, the content management means 4 is instructed to erase the content by using, for example, the content ID and the content erase command.

When the content management means 4 receives an instruction to delete the content from the content information management means 6, the content management means 4 deletes the corresponding content stored in the content storage means 5. Then, the content management means 4 informs the content information management means 6 that the deletion is completed by the content ID.
And an erase completion command. It should be noted that if the user is browsing the corresponding content or the like, the content may be erased after waiting for the end.
This will increase the convenience for the user.

When the content information managing means 6 receives the deletion completion report from the content managing means 4, the content information managing means 6 deletes the information of the corresponding content from the content management table held in the content storing means 5. Then, the content ID and the user ID indicating that the erasing is completed (erase completion report)
And the data indicating the completion of erasing are transmitted to the content server 30H via the transmission path 1.

Upon receipt of the deletion completion report, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30H confirms the information of the corresponding content of the corresponding user held in the distribution management table and deletes this information. Further, when the reference clock 17 is provided in the content server 30H, the content server 30H that has received the deletion report has the expiration date held in the distribution management table and the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17. Check by comparing with. This makes it possible to detect a user's injustice and an error or failure of the device on the user side such as the content recording / reproducing device 20H.

Furthermore, using the reference clock 17 in the content server 30H, based on the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17 and the information in the delivery information management table, the delivered content has passed the expiration date and time. It may be configured to periodically check whether or not there is any. In this case, specific content (eg, content ID, user ID, device ID
Even if the expiration date and time of the content specified by (eg, etc.) has passed but there is no deletion completion report from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H holding this content, the distribution information management means 16 deletes this content. Then, the content ID and the content deletion instruction are transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H via the transmission path 1.

Upon receiving this, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20
H deletes the corresponding content, and the content server 30
Send erase completion report to H. By doing so, it is possible to deal with the case where the clock of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H is deviated by someone. Therefore, the security of the contents can be enhanced. Further, it is possible to detect illegal use of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20H, and thereafter, even if there is a content request, the content is not transmitted (authentication fails), whereby damage can be prevented from spreading.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, even when the contents are distributed to various countries around the world using the Internet or the like as the transmission path 1, the contents recording / reproducing apparatus 20H Eliminates the need for a clock on. Therefore, even if the current time is different in each country, the problem that the rental deadline (expiration date) becomes excessive or short will not occur in some countries.

Furthermore, it becomes possible to obtain date and time information from the content server 30H each time the user performs an operation of reproducing the content. Further, since necessary date and time information is transmitted when necessary, unnecessary transmission and reception on the transmission line 1 can be eliminated, and the band of the transmission line 1 can be effectively used.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a content distribution system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The configurations of the content server and the content recording / playback apparatus are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore, the description of the configurations is omitted here. FIG. 15 shows an operation example (No. 1) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the content server 30J
Reference clock 17 and content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J
The clock 7 therein is not an essential component.

The content information management means 6 sends the ID (device ID) of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J or the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J to the content server 30J via the data transmitting / receiving means 3A according to a user's instruction.
Information such as the user ID of the user who is using is requested. The content information management means 6 sends information relating to content to the data transmitting / receiving means 3A
It is received via the media, recorded in association with the received content, and a content management table is created and stored in the content storage means 5. Further, the content information management means 6 instructs the content management means 4 to reproduce the content in response to the user's instruction. Further, the content information management means 6 counts how many times each user views each content, and when the number of viewing times reaches an effective number of times of reproduction, which indicates how many times the corresponding content may be reproduced, The content that has reached the time limit is deleted from the content storage unit 5. Although the content management table is stored in the content storage unit 5, a data storage unit such as a Flash ROM may be separately provided and stored in the content storage unit 5 separately from the content storage unit 5 for storing the content.

Here, FIG. 16 shows an example of a content management table for managing the content. This table has a content ID entry column for identifying the content, and the date and time of usage start and expiration indicating the content reproducible period for each content, and the validity determined when requesting / approving the content. It has columns for describing deadline information, the number of valid reproductions indicating how many times the content may be reproduced, and the number of reproductions indicating how many times the user has reproduced the content at present. Here, the start of use, the date and time of the expiration date, and the expiration date information as described with reference to FIG.

The number of valid reproductions indicates the rental period of the content by the number of reproductions, and represents the maximum number of times the content can be viewed and agreed upon with the content server (service provider) when the user requests the content. . The number of valid reproductions may be defined in advance by the content server (service provider), or may be specified by the user when requesting content. Further, the number of times of reproduction indicates how many times the user has completed viewing and listening to the content, and is incremented after the viewing and listening end. It should be noted that the user may increment the number of times of playback at the start of viewing, or interruption of viewing or the like may be detected by the time code of the content, etc., and in consideration of these, it is determined whether or not the user has viewed the content. If it is determined that it has been performed, the number of times of reproduction may be incremented.

When a plurality of users use the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J, a content management table may be created including a user ID for identifying the users. An example of the content management table in this case is shown in FIG.
7 shows. In this case, the content information management means 6 performs authentication for confirming who is using the content recording / reproducing device 20J.

The distribution information management means 16 receives the content request from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J via the data transmitting / receiving means 3B. Then, the distribution information management means 16 determines whether this request is valid by the user ID or the like, and if it is valid, performs a billing process or the like if necessary, and the result is passed through the data transmitting / receiving means 3B to the content. It returns to the recording / reproducing device 20J. Here, to authenticate whether the content request is valid, read the next ID,
It is determined whether or not the contents are requested by searching and comparing. As the ID, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J is used.
Device ID, or the user ID of the user who is using the content recording / reproducing device 20J, the ID (device ID) of the certifiable content recording / reproducing device stored in the distribution content accumulating unit 15 and the user ID. .

When the authentication is further successful, the distribution information management means 16 causes the distribution content management means 14 to read the specified content from the distribution content storage means 15 and transmit it to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J. Give instructions.

Further, the distribution information management means 16 records a predetermined number of valid / effective reproductions (for example, 1 time, 5 times) and a reproduction count of 0 in the distribution management table for managing distribution contents, and distributes the contents. The content ID of the distributed content and the number of valid reproductions are transmitted to the content recording / reproducing device 20J while being stored in the storage unit 15.

The authentication data and the distribution management table for managing the distribution content are the distribution content storage means 1.
Although it is assumed that the data is stored in the storage medium 5, the data storage means 15 may be provided separately from the distribution content storage means 15, and the data may be stored in the data storage means.

The distribution management table shown in FIG. 17 has a user ID for identifying the user and a content ID entry column for identifying the content. Further, for each content, the date and time of start of use indicating the reproducible period of the content, information on the expiration date, expiration date information, and the number of valid reproductions indicating how many times the content may be reproduced,
It has a column of the number of times of reproduction indicating how many times the user has reproduced the content at present. Here, the use start, the date and time of the expiration date, and the expiration date information as described with reference to FIG. 6 may be omitted. The effective number of times of playback indicates the rental period of the content by the number of times of playback, and is the number of times the content can be viewed and listened to when agreed with the content server (service provider) when the user requests the content. The number of valid reproductions may be defined in advance by the content server (service provider), or may be specified by the user when requesting content. The number of reproductions indicates how many times the user has completed viewing the content.

The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 shown in FIG.
In J, the content information management unit 6 requests the content server 30 via the transmission line 1 at the request of the user.
Authenticate with J.

The content server 30J receives the content request together with the user ID, and determines (authenticates) whether or not this user has the right to view the content. If this authentication is successful, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30J performs billing processing and the like, and then the number of times of effective reproduction of the content designated in advance (for example, once, five times).
Then, the data indicating “approval” is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J together with the content ID. Further, the content server 30J records the content ID and the user ID in the distribution management table managed by the distribution information management means 16, and also records the number of effective reproductions.

The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J makes an "approval" together with the content ID.
When receiving the data indicating, the content ID and the number of valid reproductions are used to add a new row to the content management table shown in FIG. 16 and prepare to manage the transmitted content. Further, the content information management means 6 gives an instruction to the content management means 4 to receive the content.

The information for specifying the content used when making the content request may be different from the content ID. In this case, since the correct content ID is transmitted after the authentication, it becomes possible to increase the confidentiality of the content and easily deal with the list information of the content that changes from moment to moment.

After the content management means 4 is ready to hold the content in the content storage means 5, the content information management means 6 uses the content ID to instruct the content server 30J to start transmitting the content. The content server 30J transmits the content indicated by this content ID. The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J stores the transmitted content in the content management means 4
The content is stored in the content storage means 5 via.

Note that the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J prepares for receiving / accumulating content before requesting the content, and the content server 30J transmits the content without any instruction from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J after the authentication is completed. Good.

The content information managing means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J instructs the content managing means 4 to reproduce the content in response to the user's instruction. Then, the content information management means 6 increments the number of times of reproduction in the content information management table after the user finishes viewing the content. Then, when the number of times of reproduction becomes equal to the number of times of effective reproduction indicating how many times the corresponding content may be reproduced, the content which has reached the time limit of the number of times of reproduction recorded in the content storage means 5 is deleted. That is, the content information management means 6 instructs the content management means 4 to delete the corresponding content held in the content storage means 5.

Upon receiving the deletion completion report from the content management unit 4, the content information management unit 6 deletes the information of the corresponding content from the content management table stored in the content storage unit 5. Then, the fact that the erasing is completed (erasing completion report) is transmitted to the content server 30J via the transmission path 1 by using the content ID and the user ID and the data indicating the erasing completion. The device ID may be used here.

When the delivery information managing means 16 in the content server 30J receives the deletion completion report, it confirms the information of the corresponding content of the corresponding user held in the delivery management table and deletes this information.

Further, as described in the first embodiment, when the reference clock 17 is provided in the content server 30J and the start of use of the content, the expiration date and time, and the expiration date information are also held in the delivery management table, they are deleted. Upon receiving the report, the content server 30J compares the expiration date held in the distribution management table with the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17 and checks it. By doing so, it becomes possible to detect an illegality of the user and an error or a failure of the device on the user side such as the content recording / reproducing device 20J.

Further, the content server 30J periodically determines whether or not the delivered content has passed the expiration date and time based on the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17 and the information in the delivery information management table. You may confirm with. In this case, even though the expiration date and time of the specific content (for example, the content identified by the content ID, the user ID, the device ID, etc.) has passed, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20 holding the content deletes the content. There is no completion report. In this case, the content server 30J holds the target content via the transmission path 1 with the content ID and the content deletion instruction so as to delete this content.
Send to 0J.

[0209] In response to this, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20.
J deletes the corresponding content, and the content server 30
Send a deletion completion report to J. With this configuration,
Even if the number of times of reproduction of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J is deviated by somebody, it is possible to cope by using the time management together, and the security of the content can be improved. Furthermore, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20J
The unauthorized use of can be found, and thereafter, even if there is a content request, the content is not transmitted (authentication fails), so that the damage can be prevented from spreading. In addition, since the time management and the number of times management can be used together when renting the content, the content can be distributed to each user within an optimal deadline.

FIG. 18 shows an operation example (No. 2) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. Every time the user views the content, the content recording / playback apparatus 20K uses the content ID, the user ID, and the device ID as the viewing information regarding viewing, as necessary, such as the number of times the content is played back.
And the like to the content server 30K. The delivery information management means 16 of the content server 30K can accurately grasp the number of viewings by the user by comparing the number of valid playbacks held in the delivery information management table with the received number of playbacks. In this way, both the content recording / reproducing device 20K and the content server 30K can double check the number of times limit, and the reliability can be improved.

Further, it is possible to detect an illegal tampering of the number of reproductions at an early stage and prevent the damage from spreading. Further, it is possible to grasp the user's preference / trend, such as the degree of interest in the content.

FIG. 19 shows an operation example (No. 3) of the content delivery system in the present embodiment. In FIG. 19, the content server 30L transmits a content erase instruction when the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20L does not receive an erase completion report even though the reproduction count time limit has been reached. According to the erasing instruction, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20L erases the relevant content if the relevant content exists, and then transmits an erasing completion report to the content server 30L. If the corresponding content has already been erased, a deletion completion report is transmitted to the content server 30L. Then, the content server 30L receives this deletion completion report.

Since the content server 30L operates as a backup system in this way, it is possible to construct a highly reliable content distribution system. Unlike FIG. 18, in FIG. 19, a viewed code indicating that the content is viewed is used as the viewing information, and the viewed code is transmitted as viewing information every time the user views the content. However, reliability can be further improved by using the number of times of reproduction as the viewing information.

Further, the content server 30L (service provider) can know the reputation of each content as information for selecting recommended content, for example. That is, by grasping the actual number of times of reproduction, the content server 30L can grasp the content that the user wants to see many times. In this case, it becomes possible to make effective advertisements that understand user needs, judge the value of contents correctly, and collect taste information of each user to recommend appropriate contents to the user. , The added value of the service can be increased.

The viewing information is not limited to the already-viewed code indicating that the user has viewed and the number of times of reproduction. That is, the viewing start code indicating that the user has started viewing is used as viewing information, the viewing code indicating that the user is viewing is used as the viewing information, and the user views a part of the content again. May be used as the viewing information, and an operation on the content may be used as the viewing information.

The operation for the above contents is the following viewing information. That is, a fast-forward code indicating that the user has fast-forwarded the content, a reproduction code indicating that the user has reproduced the content, a stop code indicating that the user has stopped the content, an erase code indicating that the user has erased the content, A pause code indicating that the user has paused the content. Such various information can be known to the content server 30L, and eventually to the service provider who is providing the content distribution service. For example, it is possible to determine which part of the educational content or training content is difficult for the user to understand, improve the content that is the teaching material, and appropriately instruct the user. In addition, in the entertainment contents, it is possible to obtain information such as what was not interesting and where it was interesting enough to see it twice, and it can be utilized for advertising and recommendation activities of the content.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content can be managed by the number of times, and the content can be distributed for each user with an optimum deadline. Further, even when the contents are distributed to various countries around the world by using the Internet or the like as the transmission path 1, it is not necessary to provide a clock in the contents recording / reproducing apparatus 20L. Therefore, even if the current time is different for each country, the problem that the rental deadline is too short or short for each country does not occur.

Further, the content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20L determines whether or not the number of times of reproduction is counted and whether the number of effective times of reproduction has been reached. Whether or not it can be accurately and finely determined. Further, the difference between the count of the number of reproductions that the user is aware of and the count of the number of reproductions that the content recording / reproducing device 20L recognizes can be reduced, and the user's satisfaction can be improved.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a content distribution system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 20 shows an operation example (No. 1) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the reference clock in the content server 30M and the clock of the content recording / reproducing device 20M are not essential configuration requirements.

In the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M,
The content information management unit 6 sends the ID (device I) of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M to the content server 30M via the data transmitting / receiving unit 3A according to a user's instruction.
D), or information such as the user ID of the user who is using the content recording / reproducing device 20M is transmitted and the content is requested. Further, the content information management means 6
Information about the content is received from the content server 30M via the data transmission / reception means 3A, stored in association with the received content, and a content management table is created and stored in the content storage means 5.

Further, the content information management means 6 instructs the content management means 4 to reproduce the content in response to the user's instruction. Further, the content information management means 6
Each time the user reproduces the content, the transmitted already-viewed code indicating that the content has been reproduced is transmitted to the content server 30M.

It should be noted that interruption of viewing or the like is detected from the time code of the content, etc., and it is determined whether or not the user has viewed the content in consideration of these, and if it is determined that the content has been viewed, the viewed code is viewed. You may make it transmit to the content server 30M as information. When a plurality of users use the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M,
The viewing information including the user ID for identifying the user may be transmitted to the content server 30M.

When the distribution information management means 16 of the content server 30M receives the request for the content from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M via the data transmitting / receiving means 3B, it judges whether this request is valid by the user ID or the like. . If the user ID is valid, the distribution information management means 16 performs charging processing and the like as necessary, and returns the result to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M via the data transmitting / receiving means 3B. Here, in the case of authenticating whether the content request is valid, the distribution information management unit 16 determines, based on the device ID of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M or the user ID of the user who is using the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M. The ID (device ID) of the certifiable content recording / reproducing device 20M and the user ID stored in the distribution content storage means 15 are read out, and a search comparison is performed to determine whether or not the content request is met.

When the authentication is further successful, the distribution information management means 16 instructs the distribution content management means 14 to transmit the content designated by the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M. .

Further, the distribution information management means 16 writes the predetermined effective valid reproduction number (for example, 1 time, 5 times) and the reproduction number = 0 into the distribution management table for distribution content management, and distributes the distribution content. It is held in the storage means 15.

Note that the authentication data and the distribution management table for managing the distribution content are the distribution content storage means 1.
Although it is assumed that the data is stored in the storage medium 5, the data storage means 15 may be provided separately from the distribution content storage means 15, and the data may be stored in the data storage means.

Further, when the viewing information is received from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M, the distribution information management means 16 carries out a process according to the viewing information. The viewing information is, for example, the number of times the received viewing information is reproduced, the user ID, and the content I.
If it includes D, the user I from the distribution management table
The number of times of reproduction regarding the content specified by D and the content ID is updated. Further, the distribution information management means 16 determines whether or not the number of times of reproduction has reached the number of times of effective reproduction, and if the number of times of reproduction has reached the effective number of times of reproduction, it sends an erasing instruction to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M.

The distribution management table for managing the distributed contents is the same as that shown in FIG.
This table is a user ID for identifying the user
And a content ID entry field for identifying the content. For each content, the date and time of start of use indicating the reproducible period of the content, expiration date information and expiration date information, and how many times the content is reproduced. It has fields for describing the number of valid reproductions that indicates whether the content may be reproduced, the number of reproductions that indicates how many times the user has currently reproduced the content, and the like.

[0229] Here, the use start as described in FIG.
The expiration date and time and the expiration date information are not required. The number of valid reproductions indicates the rental period of the content by the number of reproductions, and is the number of viewable times of the content arranged with the content server 30M (service provider) when the user requests the content. The number of valid reproductions may be defined in advance by the content server 30M, or may be specified by the user when requesting content. The number of reproductions indicates how many times the user has completed viewing the content.

In the content distribution system shown in FIG. 20, the authentication of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M and the content server 30M is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M, the content information management means 6 authenticates with the content server 30M via the transmission path 1 in response to a request from the user.

The content server 30M receives the content request together with the user ID, and determines (authenticates) whether this user has the right to view the content. If this authentication is successful, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30M performs a billing process and the like, and then the number of times of effective reproduction of the content designated in advance (for example, once, five times).
Then, the data indicating “approval” is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M together with the content ID. Further, the distribution information management means 16 records the number of effective reproductions together with the content ID and the user ID in the distribution management table.

[0232] The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M "accepts" together with the content ID.
When receiving the data indicating, the item of the corresponding content is added to the content management table. Then, the content management means 4 is instructed to receive the content.

Information used for making a content request and for identifying the content may be different from the content ID. In this case, since the correct content ID is transmitted after the authentication, it becomes possible to increase the confidentiality of the content and easily deal with the list information of the content that changes from moment to moment. Further, in the present embodiment, the content management table may not include information such as expiration date information, date and time of start of use, date and time of expiration date, and the like.

After the content management means 4 is ready to hold the content in the content storage means 5, the content information management means 6 uses the content ID to instruct the content server 30M to start transmitting the content. The content server 30M transmits the content indicated by this content ID. The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M stores the transmitted content in the content storage means 5 via the content management means 4.

The content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M prepares to receive / store the content before requesting the content. When the authentication is completed, the content server 30M may transmit the content without an instruction from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M.

The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M instructs the content management means 4 to reproduce the content in response to the user's instruction. And
After the user finishes viewing the content, the content information management unit 6 transmits the viewed code indicating that the content has been viewed, the content ID, and the user ID to the content server 30M as viewing information.

The distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30M receives the viewing information from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M, and updates the distribution management table with the number of times of reproduction relating to the content specified by the received user ID and content ID. . Further, the distribution information management means 16 determines whether or not the number of times of reproduction has reached the number of times of effective reproduction,
If it has arrived, in order to instruct the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M to erase the corresponding content, for example, a content ID and a code indicating the erase instruction are transmitted.

If the received number of times of reproduction is smaller or larger than the number of times of reproduction stored in the distribution information management table, that is, if the numbers of times of reproduction do not match, there is a possibility that the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20M has made an illegal act. And various troubles (transmission line troubles and content recording / playback device failure)
Etc. are possible. In this case, it is possible to prevent the damage from spreading by performing an appropriate investigation and issuing a content deletion instruction to the corresponding content to delete the content. Further, although the viewing information is the number of times of reproduction, it may be a code that has been viewed. In this case, the distribution information management means 16 may increment the stored number of times of reproduction.

FIG. 21 shows an operation example (No. 2) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. In this example, only the content ID is used as the viewing information, and the content indicated by this content ID is interpreted as being viewed. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted on the transmission path, and the content server 3 accordingly.
The time required for communication between the 0N and the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20N can also be shortened.

When the content information managing means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20N receives the deletion instruction from the content server 30N, it determines whether or not the corresponding content is being viewed. If the content is being viewed, the content information management unit 6 waits for the end of the viewing and instructs the content management unit 4 to delete the content. The content management means 4 erases the corresponding content held in the content storage means 5, and reports the completion of the deletion to the content information management means 6.

Upon receiving the deletion completion report from the content management means 4, the content information management means 6 deletes the information of the corresponding content from the content management table held in the content storage means 5. Then, the content information management means 6 transmits the fact that the erasing is completed (erasing completion report) to the content server 30N via the transmission path 1 by using the content ID, the user ID and the data indicating the erasing completion. The content ID and user I
The device ID may be used instead of D.

The content server 3 which has received the deletion completion report
The distribution information management means 16 in 0N confirms the information of the corresponding content of the corresponding user held in the distribution management table, and deletes this information.

Further, as described in the first embodiment, the reference clock 17 is provided in the content server 30N, and the date and time of the use start and expiration date of the content and the expiration date information are also held in the delivery management table. . Upon receiving the viewing information, the content server 30N compares the expiration date held in the distribution management table with the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17 and checks it. By doing so, it becomes possible to detect an illegality of the user and an error or failure of the device on the user side such as the content recording / reproducing device 20N.

Further, using the reference clock 17 in the content server 30N, based on the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17 and the information in the delivery information management table, the delivered content has passed the expiration date and time. It may be possible to periodically check whether or not it is done. In this case, when the expiration date and time of the specific content (for example, the content specified by the content ID, the user ID, the device ID, etc.) has passed, the distribution information management unit 16 deletes the corresponding content so that the corresponding content is recorded. An erase instruction is transmitted to the playback device 20N.

In this way, by using time management together, time management and number of times management can be used together when renting the content, so that the content can be delivered to each user at an optimum deadline.

FIG. 22 shows an operation example (No. 3) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. Every time the user views the content, the content recording / playback apparatus 20P uses the start time code at the start of the playback of the content and the end time code at the stop of the playback as the viewing information regarding viewing, if necessary, the content ID and the user ID. , Device ID and the like. The distribution information management means 16 of the content server 30P can determine whether or not the user has viewed this content, and further which part of this content. This makes it possible to make an appropriate judgment for each genre, purpose, and usage of the content.

For example, in the case of content such as a movie, when the user views only the promotion portion, it may not be considered that the content has been viewed. here,
The time code shown in FIG. 22 indicates at which position in the content the user operation is performed, and is the time (eg, hours, minutes, seconds, number of frames) from the start position of the content in the content. The position of can be indicated. Instead of this time code, the number of bytes from the content start position, prerecorded marker information, or the like may be used.

FIG. 23 shows an operation example (No. 4) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. Here, as the viewing information, a user ID, a content ID, a start time code when the content reproduction is started, and an end time code when the content is stopped are used. By doing so, the content server 30Q can manage the number of viewings and can collect information such as individual tastes of each user, thus strengthening promotion for the user. For example, it is possible to determine which part of the content is difficult for the user to understand in educational content, training content, etc., perform follow-up for each individual, and appropriately instruct the user. In addition, in the entertainment contents, it is possible to obtain information such as what was not interesting and where it was interesting enough to see it twice, and it can be utilized for advertising and recommendation activities of the content.

FIG. 24 shows an operation example (5) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, every time the user operates the content, the operation information is used as viewing information, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20R is used.
May be transmitted to the content server 30R. In this way, the details of the user's operation can be known in detail, and at the same time, an illegal operation can be detected at an early stage. Further, by defining various buttons as the viewing information, the contents server 30R can grasp the operation as the viewing information when these buttons are pressed. By transmitting video / audio of the next scene in response to a user's instruction like a multi-story, a user participation type content, a role-playing game, and a learning system for English conversation can be realized.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content can be managed by the number of times, and the content can be distributed for each user with an optimum deadline. Further, even when the contents are distributed to various countries around the world using the Internet or the like as the transmission path 1, it is not necessary to provide a clock in the contents recording / reproducing apparatus 20R. In this case, even if the current time is different for each country in the world, the problem that the rental deadline is excessive or insufficient depending on the country does not occur. Furthermore, since the content server 30R manages the number of times of reproduction of the content, it is impossible to illegally operate the number of times of reproduction of the content in the content recording / reproducing device 20R. Therefore, it is possible to construct a highly reliable and highly reliable content distribution system.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a content distribution system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 25 shows an operation example (1) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. The configurations of the content server 30S and the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S are the same as those in the first embodiment.
It is similar to that described in. In the present embodiment, the expiration date information is transmitted from the content server 30S to the content recording / reproducing device 20S.

In the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S,
The content information management means 6 is requested by the user to
Authentication is performed with the content server 30S via the transmission path 1.

When the application software installed in advance is activated, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S acquires a content list from the content server 30S via the transmission path 1, and based on this information, a GU showing a content list.
Display the I screen. When the user selects a desired content from this GUI screen, the content information management means 6
Transmits data requesting the content (content request) to the content server 30S together with the information for identifying the user ID and the content.

The content server 30S is provided with a Web server function to provide a content list as one of homepages, and the user can access the content recording / reproducing device 20.
The content list may be browsed using the Web browser in S to select the content. Then, the user may request the content by selecting a link indicating the content in the home page.

Here, the user or device may be authenticated before displaying the list of contents. In this case, authentication as to whether or not the user has the right to view the content may be performed at the same time, and only the content having the right to view the content may be displayed as a list.

Upon receiving the content request together with the user ID, the content server 30S determines (authenticates) whether this user has the right to view the content.
If this authentication is successful, the distribution information management means 16 in the content server 30S performs billing processing and the like, and then the viewing time limit of the content designated in advance (for example, one week, one month, August 8, 2001). And the data indicating “approval” is sent to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S.
Send with D. Further, the distribution information management means 16 records the viewing time limit as expiration date information in the distribution management table together with the content ID and the user ID.

Although the viewing time limit of the content is set in advance, it may be specified by the user when requesting the content, or may be specified in advance by the business operator who provides the content distribution service for each user or each content. May be specified.

The content information management means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 30S "approves" together with the content ID.
When receiving the data indicating the above, a new row is added to the content management table shown in FIG. 5 using this content ID, and preparation is made so that the transmitted content can be managed. Further, the content information management means 6 gives an instruction to the content management means 4 to receive the content.

The information used for making a content request and for identifying the content may be different from the content ID. In this case, since the correct content ID is transmitted after the authentication, it becomes possible to increase the confidentiality of the content and easily deal with the list information of the content that changes from moment to moment.

After the content management means 4 is ready to hold the content in the content storage means 5, the content information management means 6 uses the content ID to instruct the content server 30S to start transmitting the content. The content server 30S transmits the content indicated by this content ID. The content recording / playback apparatus 20S stores the transmitted content in the content storage means 5 via the content management means 4.

It should be noted that the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S prepares to receive / store the content before requesting the content, and the content server 30S transmits the content without an instruction from the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S after the authentication is completed. You may

The distributed content management means 14 in the content server 30S transmits to the distributed information management means 16 a report indicating that the content transmission is completed after the transmission is completed. The delivery information management means 16 acquires the current date and time information from the reference clock 17 and uses this date and time information as the date and time of start of use. Further, the distribution information management means 16 creates the date and time of the expiration date from the date and time information of the start of use and the expiration date information. That is, if the viewing time limit indicates a period (one week, one month, etc.), the period indicated by the viewing time limit information is added to the current date and time information to make the expiration date. Also, the viewing time limit information is the date and time (20
If it indicates (August 8, 2001, etc.), the date and time will be the expiration date. Then, the date and time of the start of use and the date and time of the expiration date are recorded in the distribution management table shown in FIG. 6 together with the user ID, the content ID, and the expiration date information that are already held.

Further, the distribution information managing means 16 transmits the date and time of the expiration date of the content as the expiration date information to the content information managing means 6 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S. The content information management means 6 records the date and time (for example, August 3, 2001) indicated by the expiration date information of the content received from the content server 30S as the expiration date for erasing the content in the content management table, and stores the content. Hold in means 5.

The user can freely watch the content stored in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S within the expiration date. Based on the current date and time information obtained from the clock 7, the content information management means 6 in the content recording / playback apparatus 20S periodically determines whether the content held in the content storage means 5 has passed the expiration date. Check.
Then, when the expiration date has passed, the content information management means 6 gives an instruction to the content management means 4 to erase this content by using the content ID and the content erase command. The clock 7 may function as a timer that stores the expiration date of the content and reports to the content information management means 6 when the expiration date is reached.

When the content management means 4 receives an instruction to delete the content from the content information management means 6, the content management means 4 deletes the corresponding content stored in the content storage means 5, and the deletion is completed for the content information management means 6. This is reported by the content ID and the erase completion command.
It should be noted that if the user is browsing the corresponding content, the content may be erased after waiting for the end. This will increase the convenience for the user.

Upon receiving the deletion completion report from the content management means 4, the content information management means 6 deletes the information of the corresponding content from the content management table held in the content storage means 5. Then, the content information management means 6 indicates that the erasure is completed (erasure completion report).
Is transmitted to the content server 30S via the transmission path 1 using the content ID and the user ID and the data indicating the completion of erasing. The content ID and user ID
The device ID may be used instead of.

When the delivery information management means 16 in the content server 30S receives the deletion completion report, it confirms the information of the corresponding content of the corresponding user held in the delivery management table and deletes this information.

In the present embodiment, the reference clock 17 is provided in the content server 30S, but the reference clock 17 in the content server 30S is not provided and only the clock 7 in the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S has the function. It is also possible to realize In this case as well, the same effect can be obtained, and the configuration of the content server 30S can be simplified.

When the reference clock 17 is provided in the content server 30S, when the content server 30S receives the deletion report, the expiration date held in the distribution management table and the current date and time information obtained from the reference clock 17 Check by comparing with. By doing so, it becomes possible to detect an illegality of the user and an error or a failure of the device on the user side such as the content recording / reproducing device 20S.

As described above, the content server 30S transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S,
After the transmission is completed, the expiration date and time is calculated from the expiration date information, and the expiration date and time is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S. After the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S erases the content whose expiration date has passed,
An erasing completion report is transmitted to the content server 30S. In this way, it is possible to reliably lend the content to the user for the promised period, and the expired content will not be stored in the device on the user side. In this case, it is possible to prevent an illegal operation of copying / modifying / expiration date by the user. Further, it is possible to detect an error or a failure of the user-side device and ensure security.

Also, by setting the expiration date that the user can view the content after the content transmission is completed,
For example, even when transmitting a huge content of several gigabytes over a transmission line with a narrow transmission band such as a telephone line, the rental period (usage period) can be set fairly and accurately by subtracting the time required for transmission. Unfairness of users due to road conditions can be eliminated.

FIG. 26 shows an operation example (No. 2) of the content distribution system in the present embodiment. In the content distribution system shown in FIG. 25, it is assumed that the expiration date / time of the content (expiration date information) is sent from the content server 30S to the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20S. However, as shown in FIG. 26, the content server 30T does not transmit the expiration date information, and issues an erase instruction to erase the corresponding content when the expiration date is reached, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20T.
It may be transmitted to. When the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20T receives this erasing instruction, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20T erases the corresponding content. Then, after the erasing is completed, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20T sends a content erasing completion report to the content server 30T. In this case, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 20T does not need a clock.

In this way, even when contents are distributed to countries around the world that have a time difference such as the Internet, the rental period (the period during which the content can be used) does not vary depending on the country, and the rental period is fair and accurate. Can be set. Further, since the viewing period (rental period) is started to be measured after the contents are accumulated, even if the contents have a huge amount of data, they are not affected by the communication capacity of the transmission path and are connected to the transmission path with low transmission capacity. A predetermined viewing period can be correctly set even for a user who is present.

[0274]

As described above, according to the inventions described in claims 1 to 46, it is possible to quickly and accurately delete the content that has exceeded the rental term (expiration term) from the user. Further, it is possible to prevent tampering and illegal copying of information regarding contract contents such as a content rental period and information necessary for the user to charge, and it is possible to correctly obtain information regarding charging such as the number of views.

According to the content delivery system of the first aspect, the content and the expiration date information are stored in association with each other, and the content is deleted when the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information. , Sends an erasure completion report indicating the completion of erasing the content to the content server. This can prevent the expired content / information about the content from being stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from tampering with or illegal copying of the content, information about agreement contents such as the rental period / deadline, and information necessary for charging, and it is possible to reliably lend the content at the correct viewing deadline. . In addition, by holding information related to the expiration date of the content agreed with the user in association with the content, when the user attempts to extend the expiration date agreed upon at the time of renting out the content, update is performed using this information. It will be possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the misunderstanding from occurring when the content period is extended.

[0276] According to the content delivery system of the second aspect, the content recording / playback apparatus stores the content and the expiration date determined from the expiration date information in association with each other,
When the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date, the content is erased, and an erase completion report indicating the completion of the content erase is transmitted to the content server. This prevents the expired content / information about the content from being stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from tampering or illegally copying the content, the information about the agreement contents such as the rental period / deadline, and the information necessary for charging, and it is possible to reliably lend the content at the correct viewing deadline. Furthermore,
By storing the information about the expiration date of the content calculated from the expiration date agreed with the user in association with the content, it is possible for the user to clearly recognize when the expiration date expires, making it easy to schedule viewing of the content. Therefore, the usability can be improved.

According to the content delivery system of the third aspect, the content recording / reproducing apparatus acquires the date and time information of the reference clock from the content server, and the date and time information has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. If the content is erased. As a result, it is possible to prevent the expired content / information regarding the content from being stored in the device on the user side. Therefore,
It is possible to prevent tampering and illegal copying of contents, information on agreement contents such as rental period / deadline, and information necessary for charging, and to rent contents reliably with a correct viewing deadline. Furthermore, even if the contents are distributed to various countries around the world by using the Internet or the like on the transmission path, it is not necessary to provide a clock in the content recording / reproducing apparatus. There is no problem of excess or deficiency in the expiration date. Further, it becomes possible to obtain the date and time information from the content server each time the user performs an operation of reproducing the content, and the necessary date and time information is transmitted when necessary, so that unnecessary transmission and reception on the transmission path can be prevented. It can be eliminated and the bandwidth of the transmission path can be effectively used.

According to the content delivery system of the fourth aspect, the content server instructs the content recording / reproducing apparatus when the date and time indicated by the reference clock has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. Send an instruction to delete the content. The content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content and when the erase instruction is received.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the expired content / information about the content from being stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from tampering with or illegal copying of the content, information about agreement contents such as rental period / deadline, and information necessary for charging, and it is possible to reliably lend the content at the correct viewing deadline. Further, it is possible to deal with the case where the clock of the content recording / reproducing apparatus is deranged by somebody, and the security of the content can be enhanced. Further, it is possible to detect the unauthorized use of the content recording / reproducing apparatus and prevent the content from being spread even if a content request is made thereafter (the authentication is failed), so that the damage can be prevented from spreading.

According to the content distribution system of claim 5, the content server transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing device after transmitting the expiration date information, whereby the content is being accumulated in the content recording / reproducing means, or Even if the user views the content immediately after the storage of the content, the content server and the content recording / reproducing device can correctly manage the expiration date and operate.

According to the content delivery system of the sixth aspect, the content server sends the expiration date information to the content recording / reproducing apparatus after transmitting the content, so that it takes time to transmit a large content. Regardless of whether it is used or a high-speed transmission path is used, the correct viewing period (rental period) can always be set reliably and fairly for the user.

According to the content delivery system of the seventh aspect, the content recording / playback apparatus receives and stores the content, and after storing the content, sends a storage completion report indicating that the storage of the content is completed to the content server. . Then, the content server calculates the expiration date indicating the date and time when the content can be viewed from the accumulation completion report,
The expiration date is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. The content recording / reproducing apparatus stores the content in association with the expiration date, and erases the content when the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date. Then, an erasing completion report indicating the erasing of the content is transmitted to the content server. By doing so, it is possible to reliably lend the content for the period promised to the user. In addition, since the expired content is not stored in the device on the user side, it is possible to prevent the user from performing an illegal operation of copy / reorganization / expiration date. Further, it is possible to detect an error or a failure of the user-side device and ensure security. Also, after the content transmission is completed,
Even when sending huge content over a transmission path with a low transmission band, the time required for transmission can be subtracted to set the rental period (usage period) fairly and accurately by setting the expiration date for users to view the content. Since it can be set to, it is possible to eliminate the unfairness of users due to the situation of the transmission path.

According to the content delivery system of the eighth aspect, the content server tells the content recording / reproducing apparatus if the date and time indicated by the reference clock has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. Send an instruction to delete the content. The content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when it receives the instruction to erase the content. By doing so, it is not necessary to provide a clock on the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the amount of memory can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. Further, it becomes possible to rent the content for the period promised to the user, and it is possible to prevent the expired content from being stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, the user can prevent illegal operations such as copying / reorganization / expiration date and ensure security. In addition, even if the contents are distributed to various countries around the world using the Internet or the like on the transmission path, it is not necessary to provide a clock in the content recording / reproducing apparatus, so even if the current time varies from country to country, the rental period ( There is no problem of excess or deficiency in the expiration date. In addition, the content server holds the rental period (expiration date) negotiated with the user,
Even when the user extends the rental period of the corresponding content, it can be processed promptly and reliably.

According to the content distribution system of the ninth aspect, the content server transmits a content erasing instruction to the content recording / reproducing apparatus when the date and time indicated by the reference clock has passed the expiration date of the content. .
Then, the content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when the content erase instruction is received. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a clock on the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the amount of memory is reduced, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, it becomes possible to rent the content for the period promised to the user, and the expired content will not be stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, the user can prevent illegal operations such as copying, reorganization, and expiration date, and security can be ensured. In addition, even when contents are distributed to various countries around the world using the Internet or the like as a transmission line, there is no problem that the rental period (expiration date) is too short or short depending on the country even if the current time is different for each country. . In addition, the content server holds the expiration date calculated from the rental period (expiration date) agreed with the user, so that the expiration date can be promptly and reliably provided at the request of the user, and the user's satisfaction And provide an easy-to-use operating environment.

According to the content distribution system of the tenth aspect, the content recording / reproducing apparatus receives and accumulates the content, and transmits the accumulation completion report indicating that the accumulation of the content is completed after the accumulation of the content to the content server. To do. Then, the content server calculates and holds the expiration date indicating the date and time when the user can view the content from the accumulation completion report, and when the date and time indicated by the reference clock exceeds the expiration date of the content, the content recording / playback apparatus displays the expiration date. A content deletion instruction is transmitted to the user. Then, the content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when the content erase instruction is received. By doing so, it is not necessary to provide a clock in the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the amount of memory can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, it becomes possible to rent the content for the period promised to the user, and the expired content will not be stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, the user can prevent illegal operations such as copying / reorganization / expiration date and ensure security. Further, even when contents are distributed to various countries around the world by using the Internet or the like for the transmission path, there is no problem that the rental period (expiration date) is too short or short depending on the country even if the current time is different in each country. In addition, the content server can start measuring the rental period (expiration date) after confirming that the content has been reliably stored in the content recording / reproducing apparatus, so that a huge content is transmitted through a transmission path having a low transmission band. Even in such a case, the rental period (usage period) can be set fairly and accurately by subtracting the time required for transmission, and the unfairness of the user due to the state of the transmission path can be eliminated.

According to the content delivery system of the eleventh aspect, if the date and time indicated by the reference clock is before the expiration date determined by the expiration date information, the content server records the content within a prescribed time period. A reproduction enable instruction indicating that the content can be reproduced is transmitted to the reproduction device. The content recording / playback device
When the reproduction enabling instruction is not received within the confirmation time period longer than the specified time period, the content is deleted. As a result, the content recording / reproducing apparatus does not need to have a clock, the amount of memory can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, it becomes possible to rent the content for the period promised to the user, and it is possible to prevent the expired content from being stored in the device on the user side. Therefore, the user can prevent illegal operations such as copying / reorganization / expiration date and ensure security. In addition, even when contents are distributed to countries around the world using the Internet, etc. for the transmission path, the rental period (expiration date) depends on the country even if the current time varies from country to country.
There is no problem of excess or deficiency. Further, even during the rental period, since the content recording / reproducing apparatus receives the reproducible instruction periodically, it becomes difficult to disconnect the content recording / reproducing apparatus from the transmission line and misuse it, thereby protecting the security of the content. Can be strengthened. Furthermore, it is possible to detect the copy / reorganization of the corresponding content in the content recording / reproducing apparatus at an early stage or prevent such an operation in advance.

According to the content delivery system of the twelfth aspect, the content recording / playback apparatus transmits the viewing information regarding the viewing to the content server every time the user views the content. This allows the content server (service provider) to grasp the content that the user wants to see many times. Therefore, it becomes possible to make effective advertisements that grasp user needs, judge the value of contents correctly, and collect taste information of each user to recommend appropriate contents to the user. , The added value of the service can be increased. Further, by transmitting the information indicating whether or not the content has been viewed and the number of times the content has been reproduced as the viewing information, the content server can accurately and quickly detect the expiration date of the content. Therefore, the possibility of illegal use / falsification / illegal copy of content or content information can be detected at an early stage, damage can be prevented at an early stage, and the spread of damage can be prevented at an early stage.

According to the content delivery system of the thirteenth aspect, the content recording / playback apparatus transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server each time the user operates the content. By doing so, the information related to the operations on various contents can be known to the content server, and eventually to the service provider providing the content distribution service.

According to the content delivery system of the fourteenth aspect, since the viewing information includes the content ID for identifying the viewed content, the content server can easily identify the viewed content, It is possible to grasp the viewing frequency. For this reason,
It becomes possible to make effective advertisements that understand user needs, judge the value of content correctly, collect taste information of each user, and recommend appropriate content to the user. The added value can be increased.

According to the content delivery system of the fifteenth aspect, since the viewing information includes the user ID for identifying the user who viewed the content, the content server can easily identify the user who viewed the content. The user's preference can be grasped. For this reason,
It becomes possible to make effective advertisements that understand user needs, judge the value of contents correctly, collect taste information of each user, and recommend appropriate content to the user. The added value of can be increased.

According to the content delivery system of the sixteenth aspect, since the viewing information includes the device ID for identifying the content recording / reproducing apparatus that viewed the content, the content server holds the viewed content. It is possible to easily identify the content recording / reproducing device that is in use. Therefore, the content server (service provider) can recognize a malfunction of the content recording / reproducing apparatus, an unauthorized operation of the internal clock and content information, and the like. In this way, the security of the content can be improved and at the same time the damage can be prevented early even if there is fraud or tampering.
The spread of damage can be prevented.

According to the content delivery system of the seventeenth aspect, since the viewing information includes the viewed code indicating that the content has been viewed, the content server accurately and quickly detects the expiration date of the content. be able to.

According to the content delivery system of the eighteenth aspect, since the viewing information includes the number of times of reproduction indicating the number of times the content has been viewed, the content server can accurately and quickly detect the expiration date of the content. You can Furthermore, by comparing the number of times of reproduction in the distribution information management table, the possibility of unauthorized use / tampering / illegal copy of content or content information can be detected early, and damage can be prevented early.

[0293] According to the content delivery system of the nineteenth aspect, since the viewing information includes the start time code and the end time code indicating the content of the viewed portion, the content server (service provider) can It is possible to judge whether or not the user has watched.

According to the content delivery system of the twentieth aspect, since the viewing information includes the operation information indicating the operation performed on the content of the user, the information regarding various operations can be known quickly and accurately. it can. Eventually, the service provider providing the content distribution service can know such information. Furthermore, when various buttons are pressed, the operation can be grasped by the content server as viewing information, and the video / audio of the next scene can be provided in accordance with the user's instruction like multi-story. It will be possible.

According to the content delivery system of the twenty-first aspect, since the viewing information includes the time code indicating the position of the content when the user's content is operated, the information regarding various operations can be known quickly and accurately. be able to. As a result, the service provider providing the content distribution service can know the position, and the position in the content when this operation is performed can be known. Further, it becomes possible to provide the video / audio of the next scene in response to the user's instruction like the multi-story.

[0296] According to the content delivery system of the twenty-second aspect, the content server transmits the valid reproduction count indicating the time limit of the number of times the content can be viewed and the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. The content recording / reproducing apparatus stores the content and the time limit information in association with each other, and calculates the number of times the user has viewed the content. When the number of times of reproduction reaches the number of times of effective reproduction, the content is erased, and an erase completion report indicating that the content is erased is transmitted to the content server. As a result, the content server receives the viewing information regarding viewing, calculates the number of times the content is played back based on this information, and can accurately grasp the number of viewing times of the user.
Further, both the content recording / reproducing apparatus and the content server can double-check the time limit, and the reliability can be improved. In addition, it is possible to detect an illegal alteration of the number of reproductions at an early stage and prevent the damage from spreading. In this way, the user's preference / trend, such as the level of interest in the content, can be grasped. Further, even when contents are distributed to each country of the world using the Internet or the like as a transmission path, there is no problem that the rental deadline is too short or short depending on the country even if the current time differs from country to country. Furthermore,
Since the content information management means in the content recording / reproducing apparatus determines the number of times of playback and whether the number of times of valid playback has been reached, it is possible to correctly and finely determine whether or not the content has been viewed, even in response to various user operations. it can. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the difference between the count of the number of reproductions that the user is aware of and the count of the number of reproductions that the content recording / reproducing apparatus recognizes, and it is possible to improve the user's satisfaction.

According to the content delivery system of the twenty-third aspect, the content server holds the effective number of times of playback indicating the time limit for viewing the content, and transmits the content to the content recording / playback apparatus. The content recording / playback apparatus transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server each time the user views the content. The content server calculates the number of times of reproduction of the content from the received viewing information. When the number of times of reproduction reaches the number of times of effective reproduction of the content, a content erasing instruction is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. The content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when it receives the instruction to erase the content. By doing this, the viewed code indicating that the content has been viewed, the number of times of playback, etc. are used as viewing information, and the content recording / playback apparatus transmits this viewed code as viewing information every time the user views the content. , The clock can be lost and the configuration can be simplified. Also, the possibility of being copied or tampered with is reduced. Even when contents are distributed to countries around the world via the Internet or the like, it is possible to provide a fair and accurate contents distribution system without excessive or insufficient rental period (expiration date) of contents for each country. Furthermore, since the content server determines the number of times of playback and whether the number of times of valid playback has been reached, whether or not the content has been viewed can be set for each content even for various user operations. It is possible to count an appropriate number of viewings.

According to the content delivery system of the twenty-fourth aspect, the content server holds the number of valid reproductions indicating the time limit for viewing the content, and transmits the content and the number of valid reproductions to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. The content recording / playback apparatus stores the content in association with the valid playback count, and transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server every time the user views the content. When the number of times of viewing the content calculated from the viewing information received from the content recording / playback apparatus reaches the number of valid playbacks of the content, the content server transmits a content erasing instruction to the content recording / playback apparatus. The content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when receiving the content erasing instruction and when the number of times of reproduction reaches the effective number of times of reproduction. By doing so, it becomes unnecessary to provide a clock in the content recording / reproducing apparatus and to hold time limit information and the like regarding the content. In addition, the possibility of copying or tampering with the content is reduced, and even when the content is distributed to countries around the world via the Internet, etc., the rental period (expiration date) of the content does not become excessively short or short for each country, and fair and accurate content A delivery system can be provided. Furthermore, since the content server operates as a backup system for the content recording / reproducing apparatus in the management of the rental period (expiration date), a highly reliable content distribution system can be constructed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a network configuration of an AVC network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a content distribution system of an AVC network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a content recording / playback apparatus used in the content delivery system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a content management table included in the content recording / reproducing apparatus of the content management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a content server used in the content distribution system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a distribution management table included in the content server of the content management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system operation explanatory view showing an operation example (1) of the content distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a system operation explanatory view showing an operation example (2) of the content distribution system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a system operation explanatory view showing an operation example (3) of the content distribution system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (4) of the content distribution system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (5) of the content distribution system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the content distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the content distribution system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a system operation explanatory view showing an operation example (1) of the content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a distribution management table (part 1) included in a content server in the content management system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a distribution management table (part 2) included in the content server in the content management system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a system operation explanatory view showing an operation example (2) of the content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (3) of the content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a system operation explanatory view showing an operation example (1) of the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a system operation explanatory view showing an operation example (No. 2) of the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (3) of the content delivery system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (4) of the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (5) of the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (1) of the content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a system operation explanatory diagram showing an operation example (2) of the content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 transmission line 2A, 2B packet transmission / reception means 3A, 3B data transmission / reception means 4 Content management means 5 Content storage means 6 Content information management means 7 clock 8 Content playback means 9 display 14 Distribution content management means 15 Delivery content storage means 16 Delivery information management means 17 Standard clock 20, 20A-20T content recording / reproducing apparatus 22 HDD recorder 23 Remote control 24,25 modem 26 TV cable 30, 30A-30T content server

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 7/173 640 H04N 5/91 ZF term (reference) 5B017 AA07 BA08 CA15 5C053 FA13 LA06 LA15 5C064 BB02 BC06 BC23 BD02 BD08 BD14 5D044 AB05 AB07 DE17 DE50 HL08 HL11 5D110 AA13 BB06 DA04 DA11 DA13 DA17 DB02 DE08 EB08

Claims (46)

[Claims] 1. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which, when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content server transmits the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, The playback device associates the received content with the expiration date information. The content is stored in the content storage means, and the content is erased when the date and time indicated by the clock provided in the content recording / reproducing device has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information,
A content distribution system, which transmits an erasure completion report indicating erasure completion of the content to the content server. 2. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission path when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content server transmits the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, The playback device determines the received content based on the expiration date information. When the date and time indicated by a clock provided in the content recording / reproducing device is stored in the content storage means in association with the expiration date, the content is deleted and the content server stores the content. A content distribution system characterized by transmitting an erasing completion report indicating erasing completion. 3. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called contents. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content server transmits the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, The playback device associates the received content with the expiration date information. The content recording / reproducing apparatus acquires the date and time information from the reference clock provided in the content server, and the date and time information has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. A content distribution system, wherein the content is erased in the case of doing so. 4. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission path when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content server transmits the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, The playback device associates the content with the expiration date information, and If the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information, the content server stores the content in the content recording / reproducing device. The content recording / reproducing apparatus, the content recording / reproducing apparatus, when the date and time indicated by the clock provided in the content recording / reproducing apparatus has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information, and When the deletion instruction is received from the server,
A content distribution system characterized by erasing the content. 5. The content server transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus after transmitting the expiration date information.
4. The content distribution system according to any one of 4 above. 6. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content server sends the expiration date information to the content recording / reproducing apparatus after transmitting the content. 7. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which, when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a plurality of devices that handle the content are connected via a transmission path. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a distribution content accumulating unit, and responds to a user request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content, the content server transmitting the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the content recording / reproducing apparatus receiving the transmitted content, The content is stored in the storage means, and the content is stored after the content is stored. Is transmitted to the content server, the content server calculates an expiration date indicating a date and time at which the user can view the content based on the accumulation completion report, and sets the expiration date. To the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the content recording / reproducing apparatus stores the transmitted expiration date in the content accumulating unit in association with the content, and the date and time indicated by a clock provided in the content recording / reproducing apparatus is the When the expiration date has passed, the content is erased, and an erasure completion report indicating erasure completion of the content is transmitted to the content server. 8. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission path when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / playback device for playing back content, wherein the content server stores expiration date information indicating a time limit with which the user can view the content, and transmits the content to the content recording / playback device, The content recording / playback apparatus stores the received content in the content storage means. When the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content, the content server And transmitting the content erasing instruction, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when the content erasing instruction is received. 9. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission path when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing device for reproducing the content, wherein the content server holds the expiration date determined from the expiration date information indicating the expiration date when the user can view the content, and the content recording / reproducing the content. To the device, and the content recording / playback device forwards the received content. When the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server has passed the expiration date of the content, the content server stores the content in the content recording / reproducing device. The content delivery system, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when the content recording / reproducing apparatus receives the erase instruction of the content. 10. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content server transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus receives the content and stores the content in the content storage means. However, after accumulating the content, the accumulation of the content has been completed. Is transmitted to the content server, and the content server calculates and retains an expiration date indicating a date and time at which the user can view the content based on the accumulation completion report, and stores the expiration date in the content server. When the date and time indicated by the provided reference clock has passed the expiration date of the content, an instruction to delete the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus sets the content recording / reproducing apparatus. A content distribution system, wherein the content is deleted when the deletion instruction is received. 11. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / playback device for playing back content, wherein the content server holds expiration date information indicating a time limit with which the user can view the content, and transmits the content to the content recording / playback device, The content recording / playback apparatus stores the content in the content storage means. When the date and time indicated by the reference clock provided in the content server is before the expiration date determined by the expiration date information of the content, the content server records the content within a prescribed time period. A playback enable instruction indicating that the content is playable is transmitted to the playback device, and the content recording / playback device receives the playback enable instruction within a confirmation time period that is longer than the specified time period. A content distribution system characterized in that the content is erased if not performed. 12. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server every time the user views the content. . 13. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server every time the user operates the content. system. 14. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the viewing information includes a content ID for identifying the viewed content. 15. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the viewing information includes a user ID for identifying a user who viewed the content. 16. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the viewing information includes a device ID for identifying a content recording / reproducing device that viewed the content. 17. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the viewing information includes a viewed code indicating that the content has been viewed. 18. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the viewing information includes the number of times of reproduction indicating the number of times the content has been viewed. 19. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the viewing information includes a start time code and an end time code indicating the content of the viewed portion. 20. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the viewing information includes operation information indicating an operation performed by the user on the content. 21. The content distribution system according to claim 20, wherein the viewing information includes a time code indicating a position of the content when the user operates the content. 22. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / playback apparatus for playing back content, wherein the content server transmits the content and the number of valid playbacks indicating a time limit for viewing the content to the content recording / playback apparatus, The device associates the content with the number-of-times information and the content. Content is stored in the content storage means, the number of times the user has viewed the content is calculated, and when the number of times of reproduction reaches the valid number of times of reproduction, the content is erased and the content server completes erasing the content. A content distribution system characterized by transmitting an erasure completion report indicating. 23. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing content, wherein the content server holds an effective number of times of reproduction indicating a time limit for viewing the content, and transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. The playback device stores the received content in the content storage means. Every time a user views the content, viewing information regarding viewing is transmitted to the content server, the content server receives the viewing information from the content recording / playback device, and displays the number of playbacks of the content from the viewing information. When the calculated number of times of reproduction reaches the number of times of effective reproduction of the content, an instruction to delete the content is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the content recording / reproducing apparatus deletes the content. A content distribution system, wherein the content is deleted when an instruction is received. 24. An AVC (Audio Video Computer) network system in which a plurality of devices that handle the contents are connected via a transmission line when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content. And a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path, receives the content via the transmission path, stores the content in a content storage means, and stores the content according to a user's request. A content recording / playback apparatus for playing back content, wherein the content server holds a valid playback count indicating a time limit for viewing the content, and transmits the content and the valid playback count to the content recording / playback apparatus. The content recording / playback apparatus sets the content as the valid playback count. The content is stored in the content storage unit in association with each other, the viewing information regarding viewing is transmitted to the content server every time the user views the content, the number of times the user has viewed the content is calculated, and the content server is configured to: When the number of viewing times of the content calculated from the viewing information received from the content recording / playback apparatus reaches the number of valid playbacks of the content, an instruction to delete the content is transmitted to the content recording / playback apparatus, The content distribution system, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus erases the content when receiving the deletion instruction of the content and when the number of times of reproduction reaches the number of valid times of reproduction. 25. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server transmits, to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, the content and expiration date information indicating an expiration date when the user can view the content, and when the expiration date determined from the expiration date information has elapsed, A content server, which receives an erasing completion report indicating that the content has been erased from the content recording / reproducing apparatus. 26. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server has a reference clock indicating the current date and time, expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content, and the content, which is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing apparatus from the content recording / reproducing apparatus. In response to the request, the content server returns the date and time indicated by the reference clock as date and time information. 27. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, receives an accumulation completion report indicating that the accumulation of the content has been completed from the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and the user reads the content from the accumulation completion report. The expiration date indicating the viewable date and time is calculated, the expiration date is transmitted to the content recording / reproducing device, and when the expiration date has passed, an erasure completion report indicating that the content has been erased is recorded in the content recording device. A content server characterized by receiving from a playback device. 28. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server transmitting the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server has a reference clock indicating the current date and time, holds expiration date information indicating the expiration date for the user to view the content, transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing device, A content server, which transmits an instruction to erase the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus when the indicated date and time has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. 29. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server has a reference clock that indicates the current date and time, holds the expiration date determined from expiration date information that indicates the expiration date when the user can view the content, and transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. Then, when the date and time indicated by the reference clock exceeds the expiration date of the content, the content server is configured to transmit an instruction to delete the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. 30. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server has a reference clock indicating the current date and time, transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing device, receives a storage completion report indicating that the storage of the content is completed, and When the user calculates and retains the expiration date indicating the date and time when the content can be viewed, and when the date and time indicated by the reference clock has exceeded the expiration date of the content, the content recording and reproducing device is notified of the content. A content server characterized by transmitting a deletion instruction of the content server. 31. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server has a reference clock indicating the current date and time, holds expiration date information indicating the expiration date for the user to view the content, transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing device, If the date and time shown is before the expiration date determined by the expiration date information of the content, it indicates that the content can be reproduced to the content recording / reproducing device within a prescribed time period. A content server characterized by transmitting a reproducible instruction. 32. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server is characterized in that, each time a user views the content, the content server receives viewing information regarding the viewing. 33. A content server that transmits the content through a transmission path when a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called content.
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server receives the viewing information regarding viewing each time the user operates the content. 34. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server is configured such that the number of valid playbacks indicating the time limit for viewing the content,
And a content server that transmits the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus, and transmits an erasing completion report indicating erasing completion of the content when the number of times of reproducing the content reaches the valid number of times of reproduction. . 35. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
A content server used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus that receives the content via the transmission path, accumulates the content in a content accumulating unit, and reproduces the content according to a user's request, The content server holds an effective playback count indicating a time limit for viewing the content, transmits the content to the content recording / playback apparatus, and receives viewing information regarding viewing each time the user views the content. , Calculating the number of reproductions of the content from the viewing information, and when the number of reproductions reaches the number of effective reproductions of the content,
A content server, which transmits an instruction to erase the content to the content recording / reproducing apparatus. 36. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. A clock indicating the current date and time, and receiving the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content, and associating the content with the expiration date information in the content storage means. The content is erased, and when the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date determined by the expiration date information, the content is erased, and an erase completion report indicating completion of the erase of the content is transmitted to the content server. A characteristic content recording / reproducing apparatus. 37. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. A clock indicating the current date and time, and receiving the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content, and associating the content with the expiration date determined from the expiration date information. The content is recorded and reproduced, and when the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date, the content is erased, and an erasure completion report indicating erasure completion of the content is transmitted to the content server. apparatus. 38. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. The content recording / reproducing apparatus receives the content and expiration date information indicating a time limit for the user to view the content, and stores the content in the content storage unit in association with the expiration date information, A content recording / reproducing apparatus, which acquires date and time information from the content server, and erases the content when the date and time information has passed the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content. 39. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. A clock indicating the current date and time, receiving the content, storing the content in the content storage means, and storing a content completion report to the content server, the storage completion report indicating that the content has been stored. When transmitting, receiving a expiration date indicating a date and time when the user can view the content, storing the expiration date in the content storage means in association with the content, and the date and time indicated by the clock has passed the expiration date Deletes the content and writes the content to the content server. A content recording / reproducing apparatus, which transmits an erasing completion report indicating erasing completion of the content. 40. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. The content recording / playback apparatus receives the content, stores the content in the content storage unit, and receives an instruction to delete the content when the expiration date determined from the expiration date information of the content has passed. Then, the content recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized by erasing the content. 41. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. The content recording / reproducing apparatus receives the content, accumulates the content in the content accumulating unit, and transmits an accumulation completion report indicating that the accumulation of the content is completed after accumulating the content to the content server. A content recording / reproducing apparatus, which transmits the content and erases the content that has received an instruction to erase the content when the expiration date of the content has passed. 42. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server that transmits the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. If the content is received and stored in the content storage unit, and the replay enable instruction is not received within a confirmation time period longer than a specified time period, the content is deleted. A content recording / reproducing apparatus characterized by: 43. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. A content recording / reproducing apparatus, characterized in that, every time a user views the content, viewing information regarding this viewing is transmitted to the content server. 44. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. A content recording / reproducing apparatus, which transmits viewing information regarding viewing to the content server each time the user operates the content. 45. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio and information is called a content, a content server for transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. A valid reproduction count indicating a time limit for viewing the content, and the content received from the content server, and the content is stored in the content storage unit in association with the time limit information, Is calculated, and when the number of times of reproduction reaches the number of valid times of reproduction, the content is erased, and an erasing completion report indicating erasing completion of the content is transmitted to the content server. Content recording / reproducing apparatus. 46. When a cohesive data group including any of video, audio, and information is called a content, a content server transmitting the content via a transmission path,
Receiving and storing the content via the transmission path,
A content recording / reproducing apparatus used in a content distribution system, comprising: a content recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the content in response to a user's request, wherein the content recording / reproducing apparatus includes at least content accumulating means for accumulating the content. Having the content, receiving the content, storing the content in the content storage means, transmitting viewing information regarding viewing to the content server every time the user views the content, and reaching the valid playback count of the content. The content recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized in that, when the content is erased, the content erasing instruction is received and the content is erased.