JP2003233597A - Contents delivery system and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contents delivery system allowing the effectively limited use of contents on a user side. <P>SOLUTION: A server 1 accumulates the contents and an execution program for processing the contents and finds the conditions of utilizing the contents to be transmitted to a terminal 2. The server 1 delivers the utilizing conditions, the contents and the execution program to the terminal 2 and the terminal 2 stores the utilizing conditions, the contents and the execution program after delivered. The terminal 2 executes the stored execution program within the range of the stored utilizing conditions and processes the stored contents. It is acceptable that the server 1 performs accounting processing according to the found utilizing conditions or selectively delivers the contents and the execution program according to the processing capability or traffic condition of the terminal 2. It is also acceptable that the server 1 delivers middleware for constructing the operating environment of the execution program together with the execution program. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution system, and more particularly to a system for distributing multimedia contents including video data and / or audio data to users while protecting them from unauthorized use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a network system has been developed as a social infrastructure.
Multimedia contents including digital data such as moving images and audio have become widely distributed through networks. In addition, a large-capacity storage medium has been developed and multimedia contents have been distributed using the storage medium. Digital data can be easily stored and copied, and the quality does not deteriorate even when stored and copied. Therefore, the content including digital data may be illegally stored or copied at the distribution destination, which may infringe the rights of the content creator and impair the profit of the content provider. In order to prevent such a situation, when distributing contents including digital data, it is necessary to put a certain restriction on the use of the contents by the user.

Conventionally, the use of content is restricted by, for example, encrypting digital data. Alternatively, the user makes a contract regarding the use of the content at the time of purchasing the content, and leaves the user's conscience to restrict the use of the content.

Regarding the distribution of contents, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-242242 discloses a method of enabling the reuse and re-editing of contents while performing a reliable accounting trace to the user.

[0005]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-113066

[0006]

However, even if digital data is encrypted, its decryption key may be stolen, so it is impossible to completely prevent illegal storage or copying of content at the distribution destination. Can not. Moreover, even if the use of contents is restricted by contract, there is no guarantee that the contract will be protected.

On the other hand, multimedia contents are characterized in that they can be reproduced and viewed semi-permanently any number of times after purchase. However, from the user's point of view, there is content that is required only for a certain period of time and then unnecessary. In particular, when the amount of one content becomes large as in today's day, the data that the user really needs is often a very small part of the purchased content. Even in such a case, the user bears a charge that exceeds the consideration for actually using the content.

Therefore, from the viewpoint of the content provider, the usage of the content by the user can be effectively restricted. From the viewpoint of the user, instead of restricting the usage, it is sufficient to pay a fee for the actual usage of the content. Such a system is desired. However, such a system has not existed in the past.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution system that can effectively limit the use of content by users. A further object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution system that can charge a user for the amount of usage.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention] A first invention is a content distribution system for distributing contents using a communication network, which comprises a server and a terminal, and the server stores the contents and the contents. A storage unit that stores an execution program for processing, a transmission unit that transmits the content and the execution program stored in the storage unit to a terminal, and a condition setting unit that determines a usage condition of the content transmitted to the terminal. The terminal includes a receiving unit that receives the content and the execution program from the server, a storage unit that stores at least the execution program received by the receiving unit, and a usage condition of the content within the range of the usage condition obtained by the condition setting unit. The control means for permitting the use and the permission from the control means for executing the execution program stored in the storage means And a processing means for processing the content received by the receiving means. In the first aspect of the present invention, the server obtains the usage conditions of the content transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal executes the delivered execution program within the range of the usage conditions obtained by the server to display the delivered content. To process. That is, the terminal processes the content within the usage conditions set by the server. This can effectively limit the use of the content by the user.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the content stored in the storage means includes video data and / or audio data, and the condition setting means obtains a use condition for at least a use form including reproduction. It is characterized by In the second aspect, the copyright of multimedia contents including video data and / or audio data can be protected.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the transmitting means transmits to the terminal the content and the execution program accumulated in the accumulating means and the use condition obtained by the condition setting means before using the content. Then, the receiving means receives the content, the execution program, and the usage conditions from the server, the storage means stores the content, the execution program, and the usage conditions received by the receiving means, and the control means uses the content. In addition, the use of the content is permitted based on the use condition stored in the storage means, and the processing means processes the content stored in the storage means. In the third aspect, the content, the execution program, and the usage conditions are distributed from the server to the terminal and thereafter managed by the terminal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, when the condition setting means obtains a new use condition of the content stored in the storage means, the transmitting means obtains the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means. The usage condition is transmitted to the terminal, the receiving unit receives the new usage condition from the server, and the storage unit updates the stored usage condition using the new usage condition received by the receiving unit. Characterize. In the above-mentioned fourth invention, the usage condition of the content can be changed at any time.

In a fifth aspect based on the third aspect, when a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, the condition setting means causes the condition setting means to newly use the content stored in the storage means. And the means of transmission is
The new execution program accumulated in the accumulating means and the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means are transmitted to the terminal, and the receiving means receives the new execution program and the new use condition from the server and stores them. The means is characterized by updating the stored execution program and use condition by using the new execution program and the new use condition received by the receiving means. In the fifth aspect of the invention, when another execution program is required to use the content in the terminal,
Another execution program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the execution program stored in the terminal is updated using this.

In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the storage means further stores the use condition obtained by the condition setting means, and the transmission means stores the content stored in the storage means prior to the use of the content. After sending the execution program to the terminal, when using the content, the usage conditions stored in the storage means are sent to the terminal, and the receiving means receives the content, the execution program, and the usage conditions from the server and stores them. The means stores the content and the execution program received by the receiving means, the control means permits the use of the content based on the use condition received by the receiving means when the content is used, and the processing means stores the content. Characterized by processing the content stored in the means. In the sixth aspect, the content and the execution program are distributed from the server to the terminal and thereafter managed by the terminal, while the usage conditions are managed by the server. As a result, it is possible to prevent falsification of usage conditions in the terminal.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect, when the condition setting means obtains a new use condition of the content stored in the storage means, the accumulating means obtains the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means. It is characterized by updating the accumulated use conditions by using the use conditions. In the seventh aspect, the usage condition of the content can be changed at any time.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, when a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, the condition setting means sets the new use condition of the content stored in the storage means. And the storage means
Using the new usage conditions obtained by the condition setting means, the stored usage conditions are updated, the transmission means transmits the new execution program stored in the storage means to the terminal, and the reception means from the server. The new execution program is received, and the storage means updates the stored execution program using the new execution program received by the reception means. In the eighth aspect of the invention, when another execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, the another execution program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the execution program stored in the terminal is used by the other execution program. Will be updated.

In a ninth aspect based on the first aspect, the transmitting means transmits, to the terminal, the execution program accumulated in the accumulating means and the use condition obtained by the condition setting means before using the content. Then, while the content is being used, the content stored in the storage means is transmitted to the terminal, the receiving means receives the content, the execution program, and the usage condition from the server, and the storage means stores the execution program received by the receiving means. And the usage conditions, the control means permits the usage of the content based on the usage conditions stored in the storage means at the time of using the content, and the processing means simultaneously with the content receiving operation by the receiving means, The content received by the receiving means is processed. In the ninth aspect, the execution program and the usage conditions are distributed from the server to the terminal and thereafter managed by the terminal, while the content is managed by the server. In this case, the terminal processes while receiving the content from the server. As a result, it is possible to prevent illegal copying of content in the terminal.

In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, when the condition setting means obtains a new use condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, the transmitting means obtains the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means. The condition is transmitted to the terminal, the receiving unit receives the new use condition from the server, and the storage unit updates the stored use condition using the new use condition received by the receiving unit. And In the tenth aspect of the invention, the use condition of the content can be changed at any time.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, when a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, the condition setting means sets a new use condition of the content transmitted to the terminal. The requesting and transmitting means sends the new execution program accumulated in the accumulating means and the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means to the terminal, and the receiving means receives the new execution program and the new use condition from the server. The storage means updates the stored execution program and the usage condition by using the new execution program and the new usage condition received by the reception means. In the eleventh aspect, when another execution program is required to use the content in the terminal,
Another execution program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the execution program stored in the terminal is updated using this.

In a twelfth aspect based on the first aspect, the storage means further stores the use condition obtained by the condition setting means, and the transmission means stores the execution program stored in the storage means prior to using the content. After sending the content to the terminal, when using the content, the usage conditions stored in the storage means are sent to the terminal, and while the content is being used, the content stored in the storage means is sent to the terminal and received. The means is
The content, the execution program, and the use condition are received from the server, the storage unit stores the execution program received by the receiving unit, and the control unit, based on the use condition received by the receiving unit when using the content, The use of the content is permitted, and the processing means processes the content received by the receiving means at the same time as the content receiving operation by the receiving means. In the twelfth aspect, the execution program is distributed from the server to the terminal and thereafter managed by the terminal, while the content and the usage condition are managed by the server. In this case, the terminal processes while receiving the content from the server. As a result, it is possible to prevent illegal copying of content and falsification of usage conditions in the terminal.

A thirteenth invention is the twelfth invention, wherein
When the condition setting means finds a new usage condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, the storage means updates the stored usage condition by using the new usage condition obtained by the condition setting means. Is characterized by. In the thirteenth invention,
The usage conditions of the content can be changed at any time.

A fourteenth invention is the twelfth invention, wherein
When a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, the condition setting means obtains a new usage condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, and the storage means:
Using the new usage conditions obtained by the condition setting means, the stored usage conditions are updated, the transmission means transmits the new execution program stored in the storage means to the terminal, and the reception means from the server. The new execution program is received, and the storage means updates the stored execution program using the new execution program received by the reception means. In the fourteenth invention, when another execution program is required to use the content in the terminal,
Another execution program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the execution program stored in the terminal is updated using this.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the server further includes a charging means for performing a charging process for the terminal according to the usage conditions obtained by the condition setting means. In the fifteenth aspect, the server charges the terminal a fee according to the usage conditions. As a result, the user of the terminal only has to pay the fee for actually using the content.

In a sixteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the storage means further stores middleware for constructing an operating environment of the execution program stored in the storage means, and the transmission means is stored in the storage means. Further transmitting the middleware to the terminal, the receiving means further receiving the middleware from the server, the storage means stores at least the execution program and the middleware received by the receiving means, and the processing means is stored in the storage means. Under the operating environment constructed by the middleware, the execution program stored in the storage means is executed to process the content received by the reception means. In the sixteenth aspect, when the terminal cannot execute the execution program, the server delivers the middleware suitable for the hardware and OS used in the terminal to the terminal. As a result, it is possible to execute the execution program and process the content on many types of terminals regardless of differences in hardware and OS.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the first aspect, the accumulating means accumulates a plurality of execution programs having the same function but different required processing capacities, and the transmitting means accumulates according to the processing capacity of the terminal. One of the execution programs stored in the means is selected and transmitted to the terminal. In the seventeenth aspect, the optimum execution program selected according to the processing capability of the terminal can be distributed from the server to the terminal.

In an eighteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the storage means stores a plurality of contents having the same content but different required processing capacities, and the transmission means stores the storage means according to the processing capacity of the terminal. It is characterized in that one content is selected from the plurality of contents stored in and transmitted to the terminal. In the eighteenth aspect, the optimum content selected according to the processing capability of the terminal can be distributed from the server to the terminal.

In a nineteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the storage means stores a plurality of contents having the same content but different data amounts per unit time, and the transmitting means communicates between the server and the terminal. One of the contents is selected from a plurality of contents accumulated in the accumulating unit according to the situation and is transmitted to the terminal. In the nineteenth invention described above,
The optimum content selected according to the communication status can be distributed from the server to the terminal.

In a twentieth aspect based on the first aspect, the condition setting means sets the content transmitted to the terminal,
The control means requests the usage rule including the identification information of the terminal that can use the content, and the control means permits the usage of the content when the terminal identification information is included in the usage rule obtained by the condition setting means. Characterize. In the twentieth aspect of the invention, the distributed content can be used only by a specific terminal.

In a twenty-first aspect based on the first aspect, the condition setting means sets the content transmitted to the terminal,
The use condition including the usable section of the content is obtained, and the control unit permits the use of the content in the usable section included in the use condition obtained by the condition setting unit among the contents received by the receiving unit. It is characterized by doing. In the twenty-first aspect, the user can use only the specific section of the distributed content.

In a twenty-second aspect based on the first aspect, the terminal further includes history storage means for storing the processing history of the processing means, and the condition setting means uses the content for the content transmitted to the terminal. The control means obtains the usage conditions including the number of times available, and the control means refers to the processing history stored in the history storage means until the number of usage times included in the usage conditions obtained by the condition setting means is reached. It is characterized by permitting the use of. Second above
In the second aspect, the number of times the distributed content is used can be limited.

In a twenty-third aspect based on the first aspect, the terminal further includes history storage means for storing a processing history in the processing means, and the condition setting means uses the content for the content transmitted to the terminal. The control unit obtains the usage condition including the available time, and the control unit refers to the processing history stored in the history storage unit to obtain the available time included in the usage condition obtained by the condition setting unit. Is characterized by permitting the use of the content. In the twenty-third aspect, it is possible to limit the usage time of the distributed content.

In a twenty-fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the condition setting means sets the content transmitted to the terminal,
The usage condition including the usage period of the content is obtained, and the control means permits the usage of the content when the current time is within the usage period included in the usage condition obtained by the condition setting means. Is characterized by. 24th above
According to the invention, it is possible to limit the usage period of the distributed content.

In a twenty-fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the storage means stores the content in an encrypted state, and the transmission means transmits the content stored in the storage means to the terminal in an encrypted state. The receiving means receives the content from the server in an encrypted state, and the processing means decrypts the content received by the receiving means and processes the decrypted content. In the twenty-fifth aspect, the content is encrypted, and the terminal decrypts the content within the range permitted by the usage conditions. This can more effectively limit the use of the content by the user.

The twenty-sixth invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the processing means reproduces the content received by the receiving means. In the twenty-sixth aspect, the user can play the content within the range of the usage conditions.

A twenty-seventh invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the processing means duplicates the content received by the receiving means. In the twenty-seventh aspect, the user can copy the content within the range of the usage conditions.

A twenty-eighth invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the processing means edits the content received by the receiving means. In the twenty-eighth aspect, the user can edit the content within the range of the usage conditions.

[0038] A twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is a terminal for receiving a content distributed from a server using a communication network, the receiving means receiving the content and the execution program from the server, and at least the execution received by the receiving means. A storage unit for storing the program, a control unit for permitting the use of the content within the range of the use condition obtained by the server, and a permission received from the control unit to execute the execution program stored in the storage unit, Processing means for processing the content received by the receiving means. The twenty-ninth invention can provide a terminal used in the content distribution system of the first invention.

A thirtieth invention is a content distribution method for distributing content from a server to a terminal using a communication network, wherein the server stores the content and an execution program for processing the content, In the server, the step of transmitting the stored content and the execution program to the terminal, the step of obtaining the usage conditions of the content transmitted to the terminal in the server, and the step of receiving the content and the execution program from the server in the terminal In the terminal, at least a step of storing the received execution program; in the terminal, permitting the use of the content within the range of the use condition obtained by the server; and in the terminal, receiving the use permission of the content, Execute stored execution program Te, and a step of processing the received content. In the thirtieth aspect of the invention, the server obtains the usage conditions of the content transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal executes the delivered execution program within the range of the usage conditions obtained by the server to display the delivered content. To process. That is, the terminal processes the content within the usage conditions set by the server. This can effectively limit the use of the content by the user.

The thirty-first aspect of the invention is encapsulated data distributed from a server to a terminal using a communication network, the content, an execution program for processing the content, and the content obtained by the server. , A usage condition when the terminal executes the execution program to process the content. In the thirty-first aspect, the data transmitted from the server to the terminal can be provided by the content delivery system of the third aspect.

[0041]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a content distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system shown in FIG. 1 includes a server 1 and a plurality of terminals 2. The server 1 and the terminal 2 are connected via a network 3 so that they can communicate with each other. The server 1 stores content and an execution program for processing the content. The server 1 delivers the content and the execution program to the terminal 2 via the network 3,
Operates the delivered execution program to process the delivered content.

Certain restrictions are imposed on the use of the content by the user of the terminal 2. In order to realize such usage restrictions, usage conditions are set for the content distributed from the server 1, and the terminal 2 processes the content within the usage conditions. More preferably, the content is encrypted in advance, and the terminal 2 decrypts and processes the encrypted content within the usage conditions. The key for decrypting the content is notified to the user of the terminal 2 in advance by the administrator of the server 1 and stored in the terminal 2, for example. Alternatively, it may be provided from the server 1 to the terminal 2 at the same time as the execution program (for example, in the state of being incorporated in the execution program).

The contents distributed from the server 1 are, for example, video data and audio data of programs such as movies, sports and concerts, or audio data such as music albums. One content corresponds to, for example, one movie or one music album. The use of content refers to reproduction, duplication, and editing of content. Execution programs for processing content include a content reproduction program, a content duplication program, a content editing program, and the like. The content is not limited to video data and audio data, and may be programs such as game software and application software.

The usage conditions set for the content include, for example, an identifier indicating a user who can use the content and the number of times the content can be used (for example, up to three times). Instead of the number of times of use, the usage conditions include a usable time (for example, usable up to 5 hours) or a usable period (for example, 2001-10
(Available from October 10th to October 16th of the same year) may be included. Alternatively, the usage conditions include any two of the number of times available, available time and available period.
One or all three may be included. Also,
The usage condition may be set not in the entire content but in a part of the content. In this case, the terms of use are
A usable section (for example, a section from the beginning of the content to 30 minutes can be used) is further included. From the server 1 to the terminal 2, encapsulated data (hereinafter referred to as a capsule) including content, an execution program, and usage conditions is distributed. Details of the capsule will be described later (FIG. 5).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the server 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.
Includes and. The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU
And a RAM and a ROM. A server control program is stored in the ROM. The CPU uses the RAM as a storage area to execute the server control program, whereby the functions of the server 1 described later are realized. The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk and its drive device. Communication unit 1
Reference numeral 3 is, for example, a network connection device such as a modem or a terminal adapter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 2 includes an input / output unit 21, a control unit 22, and a communication unit 23.
And a storage unit 24 and a processing unit 25. The input / output unit 21 includes, for example, an input device such as a keyboard and a touch panel and an output device such as a display and a speaker. The control unit 22
For example, it has a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. RO
A terminal control program is stored in M. CPU is R
By executing the terminal control program using AM as a storage area, the function of the terminal 2 described later is realized. The communication unit 23 is composed of a network connection device such as a modem or a terminal adapter, for example. The storage unit 24 is composed of a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, for example. The processing unit 25 is composed of a circuit such as a graphics board or a sound board that processes video data and / or audio data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 a shown in FIG. 4 is a detailed version of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, and includes a content database 101 and an execution program database 10.
2 and are built in. The content database 101 stores a plurality of contents and an identifier (content ID) of each content. In the example shown in FIG. 4, Conten
Three contents ts1.mpg, Contents2.mpg and Contents3.mp4 are stored, and identifiers Co0001, Co0002 and Co0003 are attached to these three contents, respectively.

In the execution program database 102,
A plurality of execution programs and function information of each execution program are stored. In the example shown in FIG. 4, Program1 and Program2
And three execution programs called Program3 are stored. Program1 has a content playback function, and does not have a content duplication function and a content editing function.
Program2 has a content duplication function and does not have a content reproduction function and a content editing function. Program3
Has a content reproducing function and a content copying function, but does not have a content editing function. In addition to the execution program shown in FIG. 4, for example, an execution program having a content editing function and not having a content reproducing function and a content copying function, and an execution program having a content reproducing, copying and editing function are stored. May be.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the capsule transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the capsule 111 includes a header part 112 and a data part 11.
3 and 3. The header section 112 has a capsule 11
One destination 114 is stored. The data section 113 includes a usage rule 115, a content 116, and an execution program 11.
7 and 7 are stored.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of usage conditions.
The usage conditions shown in FIG. 6 are XML (Extensible Markup La
nguage). The meaning of each element included in this usage condition is as follows. UsageRule element is a root element that represents the usage conditions of the content.
The usage conditions are described in the part between the start tag <UsageRule> and the end tag </ UsageRule>. Similarly, the content of each element is described in the part between the start tag <X> and end tag </ X> (X is an arbitrary character string). The ContentsID element represents the identifier of the content to which this usage rule is applied. The UserID element represents the identifier of the user to whom this usage rule applies. The UserProgramID element represents the identifier of the execution program to which this usage rule applies. However, Us
The identifier described in the erProgramID element is an identifier not only for identifying the execution program, but also for identifying to which user the execution program is delivered.
Therefore, when a certain execution program is distributed to a plurality of terminals, the execution programs distributed to each terminal are treated as different programs with different identifiers.

In the Permission element, the permitted process and the condition for performing the process are described. The attribute action of the Permission element represents a permitted process. Content of the Permission element (ie start tag <Permission> and end tag
In the part between </ Permission>), the conditions for processing are described. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the attribute action is
Replay (replay), and the content of the Permission element describes the conditions for performing the playback process, as shown below. The Section element represents the section in which processing is permitted in the content, the From element represents the start point of the section, and the Until element represents the end point of the section. If the Section element does not exist, it is assumed that processing of the entire content is permitted. Further, processing for a plurality of sections of the content may be permitted. In this case, Se
There will be multiple ction elements. The Times element is
Indicates how many times the processing for the content is permitted. The Period element represents the period during which processing of the content is permitted, and the From element indicates the start point of the period
Each element represents the end of the period. Permissi shown in FIG.
The on element has a maximum of 3 for the section from the beginning to 30 minutes.
Up to the number of times, the reproduction is permitted in the period from October 10, 2001 to October 16, 2001.

The usage conditions are encrypted and distributed in order to prevent falsification. The key for decrypting the usage conditions is notified to the user of the terminal 2 in advance by the administrator of the server 1 and stored in the terminal 2. Alternatively, instead of notifying the key in advance, at the same time as the execution program (for example,
The key may be provided (as embedded in the executable program). Note that the usage conditions shown in FIG. 6 are examples, and it goes without saying that the usage conditions may be described using a method other than XML, and other conditions may be added.

The terminal 2 stores the processing history for the content and determines whether the content can be used or not by using this. The processing history of the content is stored in the storage unit 24, and the control unit 22 updates the processing history stored in the storage unit 24 when the processing for the content is performed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the processing history.
The processing history shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the usage condition shown in FIG.
It is described using XML. The meaning of each element included in this processing history is as follows. History element is a root element that represents the processing history of the content. The ContentsID element represents the identifier of the content processed by the processing described in this processing history. UserProg
The ramID element represents the identifier of the execution program that performed the process described in this process history. In the AccessLog element, the history when the processing described in the attribute action is performed is the Times element that indicates the number of times and the AccessDa that indicates the processing date and time.
It is described using the te element. The AccessLog element shown in FIG. 7 represents that the reproduction was performed once at 20:30 on October 11, 2001 in Japan time.

The processing history is encrypted and stored in order to prevent falsification. The key for encrypting and decrypting the processing history is incorporated in the execution program. For example,
When the usage conditions shown in FIG. 6 and the processing history shown in FIG. 7 are stored in the storage unit 24 on October 12, 2001, the control unit 22 determines that today is October 10, 2001.
It is included in the period from October 16th to October 16th of the same year, and the number of playbacks is one and the number of times it can be used (three in this example)
After confirming that it is less than, the reproduction of the section from the beginning of the content to 30 minutes is permitted.

FIG. 8 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution system according to this embodiment. In the flowcharts shown below, the steps prefixed with “S:” represent the processing in the server 1, and the steps prefixed with “T:” represent the processing in the terminal 2. In FIG. 8, the control unit 22 first determines whether or not the capsule acquisition request is input to the input / output unit 21 (step S1), and if the determination result is negative,
Go to step S3. When the determination result in step S1 is affirmative, the capsule requested by the server 1 to the terminal 2 is distributed by the first capsule distribution process (FIG. 9) (step S2).

In step S3, the control unit 22
It is determined whether the usage condition change request is input to the input / output unit 21, and if the determination result is negative, step S
Go to 5. If the determination result in step S3 is affirmative, a new usage rule is distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2 by the usage rule distribution process (FIG. 10) (step S).
4).

In step S5, the control unit 22
It is determined whether or not a usage condition change request that requires updating of the execution program is input to the input / output unit 21, and if the determination result is negative, the process proceeds to step S7. If the determination result in step S5 is affirmative, a new usage condition and another execution program are distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2 by the distribution processing of the usage condition and another execution program (FIG. 11) (step S6). ).

In step S7, the control unit 22
It is determined whether the processing start is instructed through the input / output unit 21, and if the determination result is negative, step S1
Go to 0. If the determination result in step S7 is affirmative, the control unit 22 activates the execution program stored in the storage unit 24 (step S8), and according to the activated execution program, the first content processing (FIG.
2) is executed (step S9).

In step S10, the control unit 22
Determines whether to continue the process, and if the determination result is affirmative, returns to step S1. In this case, the processes of steps S1 to S9 are performed again. Step S10
If the result of the determination in step 1 is negative, the control unit 22
Stops processing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of step S2. When the request is input in step S1 of FIG. 8, the control unit 22 receives the input request (step S101). In step S101, for example, a request to reproduce the section from the beginning of the content Contents1.mpg up to 30 minutes three times is input. next,
The control unit 22 transmits the request accepted in step S101 to the server 1 via the network 3 through the communication unit 23 (step S102).

The control unit 11 receives the request transmitted from the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13 (step S103). Next, the control unit 11 uses the content database 101 and the execution program database 1
02, the content and the execution program corresponding to the received request are read (step S10).
4) Create content usage conditions (step S1)
05). In step S105, for example, the usage rule shown in FIG. 6 is created. Next, the control unit 11 displays the content and the execution program read in step S104 and the usage conditions created in step S105 in FIG.
It is packed in the capsule 111 shown in (1) and transmitted to the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13 (step S106).

The control unit 22 receives the capsule 111 transmitted from the server 1 through the communication unit 23 (step S107). Next, the control unit 22
The usage rule 115, the content 116, and the execution program 117 are extracted from the received capsule 111 and stored in the storage unit 24 (step S10).
8). After the first capsule delivery process is completed in this way, step S3 of FIG. 8 is executed.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing details of step S4. When the request is input in step S3 of FIG. 8, the control unit 22 receives the input request (step S121). In step S121,
For example, the usage condition “the section from the beginning to 30 minutes can be reproduced only 3 times” is changed for the content Contents1.mpg, and a request to reproduce the section 2 more times (total 5 times) is input. Next, the control unit 22 transmits the request accepted in step S121 to the server 1 via the network 3 through the communication unit 23 (step S).
122).

The control unit 11 receives the request transmitted from the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13 (step S123). Next, the control unit 11 creates new usage conditions corresponding to the received request (step S12).
4). In step S124, for example, the content Cont
A new usage rule is created in ents1.mpg, which states that "the section from the beginning to 30 minutes can be played only 5 times". Next, the control unit 11 performs step S1.
The new usage conditions created in 24 are individually transmitted to the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13 (step S125).

The control unit 22 receives the new use condition transmitted from the server 1 through the communication unit 23 (step S126). Next, the control unit 22
The usage rule stored in the storage unit 24 is rewritten to the new usage rule received in step S126 (step S127). After the use conditions are updated in this way, step S5 of FIG. 8 is executed.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing details of step S6. When the request is input in step S5 of FIG. 8, the control unit 22 receives the input request (step S141). In step S141,
For example, a request for changing the usage condition “reproduction of the section from the beginning to 30 minutes three times only” for the content Contents1.mpg and copying the same section once is input.
Next, the control unit 22 through the communication unit 23,
The request accepted in step S141 is transmitted to the server 1 via the network 3 (step S142).

The control unit 11 receives the request transmitted from the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13 (step S143). Next, the control unit 11 reads out another execution program (for example, an editing program) corresponding to the received request from the execution program database 102 (step S144) and creates a new usage rule (step S145). In step S145, for example, “30 from the beginning is added to the content Contents1.mpg.
A new usage rule is created, which states that "the section up to the minute can be duplicated only once". Next, the control unit 11 transmits the different execution program read in step S144 and the new usage conditions created in step S145 to the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13 (step S146).

The control unit 22 receives the new usage conditions and another execution program transmitted from the server 1 through the communication unit 23 (step S147). Next, the control unit 22 rewrites the usage rule and the execution program stored in the storage unit 24 with the new usage rule and another execution program received in step S147, respectively (step S148). After the use conditions and the execution program have been updated in this way, step S7 shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of step S9. After starting the execution program in step S8 of FIG. 8, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the processing history for the content to be processed is stored in the storage unit 24 (step S161). When the processing history is not stored, the control unit 22 creates a processing history indicating unprocessed, encrypts the created processing history, and stores the encrypted processing history in the storage unit 24 (step S16).
2). When the processing history is stored, the control unit 22 reads the processing history from the storage unit 24 and decodes it (step S163).

Next, the control unit 22 reads the usage conditions from the storage unit 24 and decodes them (step S).
164). Next, the control unit 22 performs step S16.
The processing history read out in step 3 (or created in step S162) is compared with the usage conditions read out in step S164 (step S165), and it is determined whether the usage of the content is permitted (step S16).
6).

When the use of the content is permitted,
The control unit 22 reads the designated section of the content from the storage unit 24 according to the usage conditions,
The processing unit 25 is instructed to decrypt the read content (step S167). Next, the control unit 22 commands the processing unit 25 to process the decrypted content (step S168). In steps S167 and S168, for example, a section from the beginning of the content to 30 minutes is read from the storage unit 24, decoded, and then reproduced. next,
The control unit 22 creates and encrypts a new processing history, and rewrites the processing history stored in the storage unit 24 with the new processing history (step S169).

If the use of the content is not permitted in step S166, the control unit 22 notifies the user of that fact through the input / output unit 21 (step S170). After the first content processing is completed in this way, step S10 of FIG. 8 is executed.

In the above configuration, the terminal 2 stores the processing history in order to determine the availability of the content.
Although the stored processing history and the usage condition are compared, instead of this, the content of the usage condition may be rewritten without storing the processing history. For example, when the usage condition is “reproducible only three times”, in the above configuration, the terminal 2 holds the received usage condition as it is, and the number of accesses included in the processing history is 0 times each time reproduction is performed. Update once → twice,
Playback is prohibited when the number of accesses reaches three times. Instead of this, the terminal 2 may update the number of times of use included in the usage condition as 3 times → 2 times → 1 time, and may prohibit the reproduction when the number of times of use becomes 0. .

Further, in the above configuration, the server 1 packs the usage conditions, the content, and the execution program into one capsule and delivers it to the terminal 2, but instead of these, these 3
All one data may be delivered separately, or
Arbitrary two data out of these three data may be packed in one capsule and distributed, and the remaining one data may be separately distributed. Further, the server 1 may distribute the usage condition in the content or the execution program.

When the usage condition is provided to the terminal 2 from outside the system, the server 1 may deliver the content and the execution program, and the usage condition and the content are provided from the outside of the system to the terminal 2. If
The server 1 may deliver the execution program. To provide the usage conditions and contents to the terminal 2 from the outside of the system, for example, a method of providing the usage conditions and contents by storing them in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or an external server (not shown) connected to the network 3 is shown. There is a method to provide from.

Further, in the above configuration, the execution program is rewritten when the user requests it, but it may be rewritten at any other time (for example, when the execution program is upgraded). Good.

As described above, in the content distribution system according to this embodiment, the server 1 stores the content and the execution program, the server 1 distributes the content and the execution program to the terminal 2, and the terminal 2 The distributed execution program is operated to process the distributed content. Usage conditions are set for the contents distributed from the server 1, and the terminal 2 processes the contents distributed within the set usage conditions. As a result, it is possible to apply certain restrictions to the use of the distributed content. For example, you can limit the terminals that can use the content to some terminals, specify the content as read-only to prohibit copying and editing, limit the number of times the content can be used, the available time, the available period, etc. Or
The use of the content can be restricted in various modes such as making only a part of the content available.

Further, in the content distribution system according to the present embodiment, after the capsule containing the content, the execution program, and the usage condition is distributed, the new usage condition is distributed as necessary to store it in the terminal 2. It is possible to change the terms and conditions of use given at any time. For example,
When a capsule including a content, a content reproduction program, and a usage condition of “reproducible only three times” is received, the terminal 2 reproduces the content three times, and then,
It can no longer process the content. At this time, terminal 2
Users want to play the content two more times
When the request is made, the terminal 2 sends a request from the user to the server 1, and the server 1 delivers to the terminal 2 a new usage condition of “reproducible only 5 times” in response to the received request. The terminal 2 that has received the new usage rule rewrites the usage rule “reproducible only three times” stored in the storage unit 24 into the new usage rule “reproducible only five times”. Since the processing history stored in the storage unit 24 indicates “reproduced three times”, the terminal 2 can reproduce the content twice more.

In addition, in the content distribution system according to the present embodiment, after distributing the capsule including the content, the execution program, and the usage condition, another execution program and a new usage condition are distributed as needed. Thus, the execution program and the usage rule stored in the terminal 2 can be rewritten to another execution program and a new usage rule, respectively. For example, consider a case where the user requests "I want to copy the content" after reproducing the content three times in the above-described example. in this case,
The terminal 2 transmits a request from the user to the server 1, and the server 1 distributes the content duplication program and a new usage rule of “reproducible only once” to the terminal 2 in response to the received request. Upon receiving the content duplication program and the new usage rule, the terminal 2 rewrites the content playback program stored in the storage unit 24 into the content duplication program, and changes the usage rule "reproducible only three times" to the new usage rule "1." Can be duplicated only once. " The processing history stored in the storage unit 24 is “3
Since “reproduced once” is indicated (that is, there is no history of copying yet), the terminal 2 can copy the content once. Once the duplication is done,
The processing history is rewritten to “reproduced 3 times / reproduced once”, and copying of the content after that is prohibited.

In the first embodiment, the content, the execution program, and the usage conditions are distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2 and thereafter managed by the terminal 2. In order to prevent illegal copying of content and falsification of usage conditions in the terminal 2, the content and usage conditions are distributed in an encrypted state. Here, considering the possibility that the decryption key of the content and the usage rule may be leaked, as shown in the second to fourth embodiments, a method of managing the content and / or the usage rule in the server 1 is also conceivable. .

In the second embodiment, a method of distributing the content and the execution program to the terminal 2 and managing the usage conditions in the server 1 is adopted. In the third embodiment, a method of distributing the execution program and the usage conditions to the terminal 2 and managing the content in the server 1 is adopted. In the fourth embodiment, a method is adopted in which the execution program is distributed to the terminal 2 and the content and the usage conditions are managed by the server 1. By managing the usage conditions and / or the contents by the server 1 in this way, it is possible to prevent illegal copying of the contents and falsification of the usage conditions in the terminal 2.

(Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment of the present invention, contents and execution programs are distributed to terminals,
This is different from the first embodiment in that the content, the execution program, and the usage condition are distributed to the terminal in that the usage condition is managed by the server. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a storage unit 1 according to this embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the detail of 2. Storage unit 1 shown in FIG.
2b is a detailed version of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, and includes a content database 101, an execution program database 102, and a usage rule / process history database 103. Note that the contents of the content database 101 and the execution program database 102 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), so description thereof is omitted in FIG.

The usage condition / processing history database 103 stores UserProgramID elements, UsageRule elements, and History elements for execution programs that have been distributed to the terminal 2 in the past. The UserProgramID element represents the identifier of the execution program. However, as in the first embodiment, the identifier described in the UserProgramID element is an identifier for not only identifying the execution program but also for identifying to which user the execution program is distributed. The UsageRule element and the History element are the same as those stored in the storage unit 24 in the first embodiment. The UsageRule element and the History element have, for example, the data structures shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the capsule transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 14, the capsule 211 includes a header part 212 and a data part 213. The destination 214 of the capsule 211 is stored in the header part 212. The data section 213 stores the content 216 and the execution program 217.

In the above-described first embodiment, the usage rule is distributed to the terminal 2 and stored in the storage unit 24. The processing history for the content is created by the terminal 2 and stored in the storage unit 24. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the usage rule is stored in the storage unit 12 without being distributed to the terminal 2. The processing history for the content is created by the server 1 and stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the terminal 2 notifies the server 1 of the processing content when processing the content, and the server 1 rewrites the processing history stored in the storage unit 12 based on the notification from the terminal 2.

FIG. 15 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution system according to this embodiment.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 includes steps S22 and S2.
4, except for S26 and S29, which is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following, steps S22 and S2
4, S26 and S29 will be described in detail.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing details of step S22. When the request is input in step S21 of FIG. 15, steps S201 to S205 are executed. Steps S201 to S205 are the same as steps S101 to S105 in FIG. However, in the present embodiment, the usage rule is not encrypted because there is no fear of being tampered with by the terminal 2.

Then, the control unit 11 performs the step S2.
FIG. 1 shows the content and the execution program read in 04.
The capsule 211 shown in FIG. 4 is packed and transmitted to the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13, and the usage condition created in step S205 is used as the usage condition / process history database 1
No. 03 is stored (step S206).

The control unit 22 receives the capsule 211 transmitted from the server 1 through the communication unit 23 (step S207). Next, the control unit 22
The content 216 and the execution program 217 are extracted from the received capsule 211 and stored in the storage unit 2.
4 (step S208). After the second capsule delivery process is completed in this way, step S23 of FIG. 15 is executed.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing details of step S24. When the request is input in step S23 of FIG. 15, steps S221 to S224 are executed. Steps S221 to S224 are the same as steps S121 to S124 in FIG. However, in the present embodiment, the usage rule is not encrypted because there is no fear of being tampered with by the terminal 2.

Next, the control unit 11 rewrites the usage rule stored in the usage rule / process history database 103 with the new usage rule created in step S224 (step S225). After the use condition rewriting process is completed in this way, step S25 in FIG.
Is executed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of step S26. When the request is input in step S25 of FIG. 15, steps S241 to S245 are executed. Steps S241 to S245 are the same as steps S141 to S145 of FIG. However, in the present embodiment, the usage rule is not encrypted because there is no fear of being tampered with by the terminal 2.

Next, the control unit 11 performs step S2.
The other execution program read in 44 is transmitted to the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13, and the usage rule stored in the storage unit 12 is rewritten to the new usage rule created in step S245 (step S24).
6).

The control unit 22 receives another execution program transmitted from the server 1 through the communication unit 23 (step S247), and then the control unit 22.
Rewrites the execution program stored in the storage unit 24 with another execution program received in step S247 (step S248). In this way, after the usage conditions are updated in the server 1 and the execution program is updated in the terminal 2, step S27 of FIG. 15 is executed.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing details of step S29. After starting the execution program in step S28 of FIG. 15, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the processing history for the content to be processed is stored in the usage condition / processing history database 103 (step S261). In step S261, the control unit 22 sends an inquiry to the control unit 11 and vice versa. Processing history is server 1
If not stored, the control unit 22 creates a process history indicating unprocessed, and stores the created process history in the usage condition / process history database 103 (step S262). In step S262, the processing history indicating unprocessed is transferred from the control unit 22 to the control unit 11. When the processing history is stored in the server 1, the control unit 22 retrieves the processing history from the usage condition / processing history database 103 to the network 3.
It is acquired via (step S263).

Next, the control unit 22 acquires the usage rule from the usage rule / process history database 103 via the network 3 (step S264). Next, the control unit 22 compares the processing history acquired in step S263 (or created in step S262) with the usage conditions acquired in step S264 (step S2).
65), it is determined whether or not the use of the content is permitted (step S266).

When the use of the content is permitted,
Steps S267 and S268 are executed. Steps S267 and S268 are steps S16 of FIG.
7 and S168. Next, the control unit 2
2 notifies the control unit 11 of the processing content in step S268 (step S269).

Upon receiving the notification of the processing content, the control unit 11 creates a new processing history and rewrites the processing history stored in the usage condition / processing history database 103 with the new processing history (step S270). .

When the use of the content is not permitted in step S266, the control unit 22 notifies the user through the input / output unit 21 (step S271). After the second content processing is completed in this way, step S30 of FIG. 15 is executed.

In the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the usage conditions may be updated without storing the processing history in order to determine the availability of the content.
The content and the execution program may be distributed separately. In the above configuration, the terminal 2 acquires the usage rule from the server 1 before processing the content and determines whether or not the content can be used based on the acquired usage rule. However, instead of this, the server 1 However, it may determine whether or not the content can be used based on the use condition stored by itself, and notify the determination result to the terminal 2. When adopting this configuration,
The availability determination program may be added to the ROM included in the control unit 11, and the availability determination function (for example, the availability determination subroutine) may be deleted from the execution program distributed to the terminal 2. Further, in the above configuration, the server 1 creates and stores the usage rule, but instead of this, another server may create the usage rule and the server 1 may store the created usage rule.

As described above, in the content distribution system according to this embodiment, the content and the execution program are distributed to the terminals, and the usage conditions are managed by the server.
Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent falsification of usage conditions in the terminal.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention distributes an execution program and usage conditions to terminals, and manages the contents with a server. This is different from the first embodiment of delivering to a terminal. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

The content distribution system according to this embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as in the first embodiment. The configuration of the storage unit 12 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). However, in the present embodiment, the content is stored in the content database 101 without being encrypted.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the capsule transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 20, the capsule 311 includes a header part 312 and a data part 313. The header part 312 stores the destination 314 of the capsule 311. A usage rule 315 and an execution program 317 are stored in the data section 313.

The handling condition and the processing history in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. Also,
In the first embodiment, the content is distributed to the terminal 2 and stored in the storage unit 24, but in the present embodiment, the content is not distributed to the terminal 2 and remains stored in the storage unit 12. The content is read from the storage unit 12 and transferred to the processing unit 25 only when the terminal 2 starts the execution program and processes the content. The processing unit 25 processes the received content while receiving the content from the server 1 via the network 3. Such processing is generally called streaming processing.

FIG. 21 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution system according to this embodiment.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 21 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 except for steps S42 and S49. The details of steps S42 and S49 will be described below.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing details of step S42. The flowchart shown in FIG. 22 is
It is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 except for the following three steps. First, in step S304, the control unit 11 reads the execution program corresponding to the received request from the execution program database 102. At this time, the control unit 11 does not read the content. Secondly, in step S306, the control unit 11 packs the execution program read in step S304 and the usage conditions created in step S305 in the capsule 311 shown in FIG. . At this time, the control unit 11 does not send the content packed in the capsule 311. Third
In step S308, the control unit 22 extracts the usage rule 315 and the execution program 317 from the received capsule 311 and stores them in the storage unit 24. At this time, the control unit 22 controls the capsule 31.
Do not retrieve content from 1. In this way the third
After completion of the capsule distribution process of step S43, step S43 of FIG. 21 is executed.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing details of step S49. The flowchart shown in FIG. 23 is
It is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 except for step S367. In step S367, the control unit 2
2 is the content database 101 according to the usage conditions.
The processing unit 25 is instructed to perform processing while receiving the designated section of the content to be processed from the network via the network 3. Thereby, for example, the section from the beginning of the content to 30 minutes is read from the server 1 and reproduced. After the third content processing is completed in this way, step S50 of FIG. 21 is executed.

Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the usage conditions may be updated without storing the processing history in order to determine the availability of the content.
The execution program and the usage conditions may be distributed separately.
Further, in the above configuration, the content is stored in the server 1 without being encrypted, but it may be stored in an encrypted state. In this case, the terminal 2 processes the content received from the server 1 after decrypting it in step S367.

As described above, in the content distribution system according to this embodiment, the execution program and the usage conditions are distributed to the terminals, and the content is managed by the server.
Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent illegal copying of content in the terminal.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the execution program is distributed to the terminal, and the content and the usage condition are managed by the server, so that the content and the execution program are distributed to the terminal. However, it differs from the second embodiment in which the server manages the usage conditions. Below, the differences from the second embodiment will be described in detail.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment is similar to those of the first and second embodiments, and is similar to FIGS.
It has the configuration shown in. The configuration of the storage unit 12 is the second
Is the same as the embodiment (see FIG. 13). However, in this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the content is stored in the content database 101 without being encrypted.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the capsule transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 24, the capsule 411 includes a header part 412 and a data part 413. The destination 414 of the capsule 411 is stored in the header portion 412. An execution program 417 is stored in the data section 413.

The handling condition and the processing history in this embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment, and the handling of contents in this embodiment is the same as that in the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution system according to this embodiment.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 25 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 except for steps S62 and S69. The details of steps S62 and S69 will be described below.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing details of step S62. The flowchart shown in FIG. 26 is
It is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 except for the following three steps. First, step S404 is the same as in FIG.
2 is the same as step S304. At this time, the control unit 11 does not read the content. Secondly, in step S406, the control unit 11 determines in step S4.
The execution program read in 04 is packed in the capsule 411 shown in FIG. 24, transmitted to the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13, and the use condition created in step S405 is stored in the use condition / process history database 103. At this time, the control unit 11 does not send the content packed in the capsule 411. Third, step S40
In 8, the control unit 22 receives the received capsule 411.
The execution program 417 is taken out from and stored in the storage unit 24. At this time, the control unit 22
Do not retrieve the content from the capsule 411. After the fourth capsule delivery process is completed in this way,
Step S63 of 5 is executed.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing details of step S69. The flowchart shown in FIG. 27 is
It is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 except for step S467. Step S467 is the same as step S367 of FIG. After the fourth content processing is completed in this way, step S70 of FIG. 25 is executed.

In the present embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, in order to determine the availability of the content, the usage conditions may be updated without storing the processing history,
Similar to the second embodiment, the server 1 may determine the availability of the content based on the usage conditions stored in itself, and notify the determination result to the terminal 2, as in the third embodiment. The content may be stored in the server 1 in an encrypted state.

As described above, in the content distribution system according to this embodiment, the execution program is distributed to the terminal 2, and the content and the usage condition are managed by the server 1. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the terminal 2
It is possible to prevent illegal copying of the contents and falsification of the usage conditions.

The content distribution system according to the first to fourth embodiments includes a charging function, a middleware distribution function,
It is possible to add a selective distribution function for contents and the like. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which each function described above is added to the first embodiment will be described.

(Fifth Embodiment) A content distribution system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is a content distribution system according to the first embodiment with a charging function added. In the present embodiment, the server performs the charging process for the terminal (strictly speaking, the user of the terminal).

The content distribution system according to this embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as in the first embodiment. FIG. 28 shows the storage unit 1 according to the present embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the detail of 2. Storage unit 1 shown in FIG. 28
2c is a detailed version of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, and has a content database 101, an execution program database 102, and a billing information database 104 built therein. The content database 101
28 and the contents of the execution program database 102 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4).
Then, the description is omitted.

In the billing information database 104, the terminal 2
The user's identifier (user ID), billing information for each user, and a charge table are stored. The billing information represents the amount of money that each user of the terminal 2 should pay to the content provider. In the charge table, charges for using each content stored in the content database 101 are posted. More specifically, the price list shows charges for each content according to the available section, usage mode (eg, reproduction, duplication, editing, etc.), number of times available, available time, available period, etc. ing.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment operates according to the flowchart in which the charging process is added to the three parts of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The billing process is added immediately after the use conditions are created, that is, immediately after step S105 (FIG. 9), step S124 (FIG. 10) and step S145 (FIG. 11).

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing details of the charging process. The charging process is performed by the control unit 11 immediately after creating the usage conditions. The control unit 11 calculates a charge according to the created usage condition based on the charge table stored in the charge information database 104 (step S501). Next, the control unit 11
Searches the user of the terminal 2 which is the distribution destination of the usage rule from the charging information database 104 (step S502).
Next, the control unit 11 adds the fee calculated in step S501 to the billing information for the user detected in step S502 (step S503). By such a billing process, a charge according to the created usage condition is obtained, and the billing amount for each user can be obtained by totaling the charges.

In this embodiment, a predetermined date (for example,
On the 15th day of every month), the usage fee is settled based on the billing information accumulated in the billing information database 104. The settlement of the usage fee is automatically performed by the server 1 communicating with a host computer (not shown) of a bank or a card company via the network 3, for example.

As described above, in the content distribution system according to this embodiment, the server charges the terminal according to the set usage conditions. The usage conditions include, for example, a usable section of the content, a usable number of times, a usable time, a usable period, and the like. If the available section is used, it is possible to charge a fee according to the length of the section in which the content is used. By using the number of times of use, it is possible to charge a fee according to the number of times of use of the content. If the available time is used, it is possible to charge a fee according to the available time of the content. If the usable period is used, it is possible to charge a fee according to the length of the usable period of the content. Further, it is possible to charge a fee according to the usage form of the content (eg, reproduction, duplication, editing, etc.). As a result, the user of the terminal only has to pay the fee for actually using the content.

In the above configuration, the prepaid method of charging when the usage conditions are created is adopted, but a postpaid method of charging when the content is actually used may be adopted. In this case, the control unit 11 may calculate the charge by referring to the processing history notified from the terminal 2.

(Sixth Embodiment) A content distribution system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is obtained by adding a middleware distribution function to the content distribution system according to the first embodiment. If the hardware or OS environment of the terminal is different, the execution program distributed from the server may not be able to be executed depending on the terminal. Therefore, in the present embodiment, middleware for constructing the operating environment of the execution program is distributed from the server to the terminal together with the execution program.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as in the first embodiment. FIG. 30 shows the storage unit 1 according to the present embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the detail of 2. Storage unit 1 shown in FIG.
2d is a detailed version of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, and includes a content database 101, an execution program database 102, and a middleware database 10.
5 and are built in. In addition, content database 1
01 and the contents of the execution program database 102 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4),
The description is omitted in FIG.

When there are a plurality of types of hardware and OS used in the terminal 2, the middleware database 10
Corresponding to this, a plurality of middlewares are stored in 5. FIG. 30 shows the hardware and OS used in the terminal 2.
If there are types such as environment α, environment β, environment γ,
In the middleware database 105, Middleware1, Mi
Shows that middleware such as ddleware2 and Middleware3 is stored. The execution program stored in the execution program database 102 is assumed to operate on all middleware stored in the middleware database 105.

The content distribution system according to this embodiment operates according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 31, and 33. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing details of step S2 in FIG. Figure 31
With the exception of the following five steps, the flowchart shown in
This is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step S602, the control unit 22 controls the step S6.
When the request accepted in 01 is transmitted to the server 1, information about the hardware and OS used in the terminal 2 (hereinafter referred to as environment information) is included in the request and transmitted.
Secondly, in step S606, the control unit 11
Based on the environment information transmitted in step S602, it is determined whether the execution program read in step S604 can be executed by the distribution destination terminal 2. Third, step S
If the determination result in 606 is negative, step S
At 608, the control unit 11 reads the middleware suitable for the terminal 2 from the middleware database 105. Fourth, in step S609, the control unit 1
1 encapsulates the content and the execution program read in step S604, the usage conditions created in step S605, and the middleware read in step S608 into a capsule, and the terminal 2 is connected through the communication unit 13.
Send to. Fifthly, in step S611, when the control unit 22 extracts the usage conditions, the content, and the execution program from the capsule received in step S610 and stores them in the storage unit 24, if the capsule includes middleware, The same process is performed for middleware. According to step S2 in which the middleware distribution function is added in this way, when distributing the execution program to the terminal 2, the middleware can be distributed as necessary.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the capsule transmitted from the server 1 to the terminal 2 in step S609. In FIG. 32, the capsule 611 includes a header section 612 and a data section 613. The destination 614 of the capsule 611 is stored in the header part 612. The data section 613 stores a usage rule 615, contents 616, an execution program 617, and middleware 618.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the details of step S6 in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 33 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 except for the following six steps. First, step S642 is the same as step S602 in FIG. Second, step S646 is the same as step S606 of FIG. Third, step S648 is the same as step S648 in FIG.
Same as 608. Fourth, in step S649,
The control unit 11 sets the execution program read in step S644, the usage conditions created in step S645, and the middleware read in step S648.
It transmits to the terminal 2 through the communication unit 13. Fifth,
In step S650, when the control unit 22 receives the new usage rule and another execution program transmitted from the server 1 through the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 also receives middleware, if any. Sixth, step S651
Then, when the control unit 22 rewrites the use condition and the execution program stored in the storage unit 24 into the new use condition and another execution program received in step S650, respectively, the control unit 22 executes the middleware in step S650. When received, the same processing is performed for the middleware. According to step S6, in which the middleware distribution function is added, middleware can be distributed as needed when a new execution program is distributed to the terminal 2.

The control unit 22 executes step S8 of FIG.
When the execution program is started in step 1, the middleware stored in the storage unit 24 is started prior to the start of the execution program. As a result, in the terminal 2, the operating environment for executing the execution program distributed from the server 1 and processing the content is constructed.

As described above, according to the content distribution system of this embodiment, when the execution program cannot be executed on the terminal 2 because the hardware and OS are different, the server 1 transfers to the terminal 2. Along with the execution program, the hardware used in the terminal 2 and the middleware suitable for the OS are distributed. This enables many types of terminals 2 regardless of differences in hardware and OS.
The execution program can be executed by and the contents can be processed.

(Seventh Embodiment) A content delivery system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is the content delivery system according to the first embodiment to which a selective delivery function for content and the like is added. In this embodiment, the content or the execution program selected according to the processing capability of the terminal, the communication status, etc. is distributed from the server to the terminal.

The content distribution system according to this embodiment has the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as in the first embodiment. The configuration of the storage unit 12 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, in order to realize the selective distribution function of contents and the like, a plurality of contents having the same content are stored in the content database 101, and a plurality of execution programs having the same function are stored in the execution program database 102. More specifically, the execution program database 102 stores a plurality of execution programs having the same function but different required processing capabilities. In addition, in the content database 101,
A plurality of contents having the same contents and different required processing capacities, or a plurality of contents having the same contents but different data amount per unit time are stored.

The server 1 uses the tables shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 in order to perform selective distribution of contents and the like. The table shown in FIG. 34 shows the execution programs stored in the execution program database 102 in association with the functions of the execution programs and the processing capability of the terminal 2. Each row of the table corresponds to the function of the execution program, and each column of the table corresponds to the processing capacity of the terminal 2. In the table shown in FIG. 34, when the processing capacity of the terminal 2 is about the same as that of a personal computer (PC), the content reproducing program is Program11, the content reproducing and copying program is Program21, the content copying program is Program31, and the content editing program is Program41. If the processing capacity of the terminal 2 is similar to that of a mobile phone, the content reproduction program is Progra
It shows that it is m21. The same applies when the processing capability of the terminal 2 is comparable to that of a set top box (STB) or personal digital assistant (PDA). The column in which a horizontal line is written instead of the program name indicates that there is no corresponding execution program.

The table shown in FIG. 35 shows the contents stored in the contents database 101 in association with the contents ID and the encoding system. Each row of the table corresponds to the content ID, and each column of the table corresponds to the encoding system. It should be noted that the same content ID is assigned to the same content even if the encoding method is different. The table shown in FIG.
The content whose content ID is Co0001 is MPEG
2 high bit rate system, MPEG 2 low bit rate system, MPEG 4 high bit rate system, and MPEG
4 The low bit rate encoding results are
Contents1-2H.mpg, Contents1-2L.mpg, Contents1-4H.m
p4 and Contents1-4L.mp4. The same applies to content having a content ID other than Co0001.

Control unit 11 or storage unit 12
Stores at least one of the tables shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. The control unit 11 uses these tables to select and deliver the content or the execution program as follows. 8 to 1
In the flowchart shown in FIG.
The selected program is selected in step S104 in FIG. 9 and step S104 in FIG. 9 and step S144 in FIG.
Selected in.

As a first example, the server 1 can select and deliver an execution program based on the processing capability of the terminal 2. In this case, the server 1 receives information about the processing capacity of the terminal 2 (for example, the processor capacity and the memory capacity of the terminal 2) before distributing the execution program, and refers to the table shown in FIG. The execution program corresponding to the processing capacity of No. 2 is selected and transmitted to the terminal 2. Thereby, the optimal execution program selected according to the processing capability of the terminal 2 can be distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2.

As a second example, the server 1 can select and deliver contents based on the processing capability of the terminal 2. In this case, the server 1 receives the information about the processing capability of the terminal 2 before delivering the content, and
The content corresponding to the processing capability of the terminal 2 is selected with reference to the table shown in FIG. This allows
The optimum content selected according to the processing capacity of the terminal 2 can be distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2. In addition,
In the first and second examples, the server 1 may receive, as the information regarding the processing capability of the terminal 2, a coding method that can be processed from the terminal 2, and select the content accordingly.

As a third example, the server 1 can select and deliver contents according to the communication status between the server 1 and the terminal 2. In this case, the server 1 monitors the situation of the network 3 before delivering the content, selects the content accordingly, and transmits it to the terminal 2. For example, the server 1 selects the content encoded by the MPEG4 high bit rate system when the bandwidth of the network 3 has a margin, and encodes the content by the MPEG4 low bit rate scheme when the bandwidth of the network 3 does not have a margin. Selected content. As a result, the optimum content selected according to the communication status can be distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2.

As described above, according to the content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the optimum content or execution program selected according to the processing capability of the terminal or the communication status is distributed from the server to the terminal and distributed. be able to.
Since the selective distribution of the content and the selective distribution of the execution program are different functions, the server 1 may have only one of the functions.

The content distribution systems according to the fifth to seventh embodiments are different from the content distribution system according to the first embodiment in that they have a charging function, a middleware distribution function, and a selection distribution function for contents. Although added, the above three functions may be arbitrarily combined and added to the content distribution system according to the first embodiment. In addition, regarding the content distribution system according to the second to fourth embodiments, as in the content distribution system according to the first embodiment, the above-mentioned three functions are arbitrarily combined and the second to fourth embodiments are combined. It may be added to the content distribution system according to.

In addition, in the first to seventh embodiments and their modifications, the content and the execution program (and the usage condition, if necessary) are delivered from one server 1. Alternatively, the distribution function of these three data may be distributed and implemented in a plurality of servers. For example, the content distribution system may include first to third servers, the first server may distribute the content, the second server may distribute the execution program, and the third server may distribute the usage conditions.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to first to seventh embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a server shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a storage unit of the content distribution system according to the first, third and seventh embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a capsule transmitted in the content distribution system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of usage conditions used in the content distribution system shown in FIG. 1.

7 is a diagram showing an example of a processing history used in the content distribution system shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a main flowchart showing an operation of the content distribution system according to the first embodiment.

9 is a flowchart showing details of step S2 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of step S4 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of step S6 in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of step S9 in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing details of a storage unit of the content distribution system according to the second and fourth embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a capsule transmitted in the content distribution system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a main flowchart showing an operation of the content distribution system according to the second embodiment.

16 is a flowchart showing details of step S22 of FIG.

17 is a flowchart showing details of step S24 in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of step S26 in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of step S29 in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a capsule transmitted in the content distribution system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing details of step S42 in FIG.

23 is a flowchart showing details of step S49 in FIG. 21. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a capsule transmitted in the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a main flowchart showing an operation of the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of step S62 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of step S69 in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing details of a storage unit of the content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of charging processing in the content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing details of a storage unit of the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing details of step S2 in the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a capsule transmitted in the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of step S6 in the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a table of execution programs used in the content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a table of contents used in the content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Server 2 ... Terminal 3 ... Network 11, 22 ... Control unit 12 ... Storage unit 13, 23 ... Communication unit 21 ... Input / output unit 24 ... Storage unit 25 ... Processing unit 101 ... Content database 102 ... Execution program database 103 ... Utilization Condition / processing history database 104 ... Charging information database 105 ... Middleware database 111, 211, 311, 411, 611 ... Capsule 115, 315, 615 ... Usage condition 116, 216, 616 ... Content 117, 217, 317, 417, 617 ... Execution programs 118, 618 ... middleware

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kazuo Kajimoto             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshiaki Iwata             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kentaro Tanikawa             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B085 AA08 AE06

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A content delivery system for delivering content using a communication network, comprising: a server and a terminal, wherein the server stores the content and an execution program for processing the content. And a condition setting unit that determines a usage condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, the transmitting unit transmitting the content and the execution program accumulated in the accumulating unit to the terminal, and the terminal from the server. Receiving means for receiving the content and the execution program, at least storage means for storing the execution program received by the receiving means, and control for permitting the use of the content within the range of the use condition obtained by the condition setting means Means for executing the execution program stored in the storage means upon receiving permission from the control means. To, and a processing means for processing the content received by the receiving means, the content distribution system. 2. The content stored in the storage means includes video data and / or audio data, and the condition setting means obtains a use condition for a use form including at least reproduction. 1. The content distribution system described in 1. 3. The transmitting means transmits, to the terminal, the content and the execution program accumulated in the accumulating means and the use condition obtained by the condition setting means before using the content, and the receiving means. Receiving the content, the execution program, and the usage condition from the server, the storage unit stores the content, the execution program, and the usage condition received by the receiving unit; and the control unit when the content is used. 2. The content distribution according to claim 1, wherein the content is permitted to be used based on the usage condition stored in the storage unit, and the processing unit processes the content stored in the storage unit. system. 4. When the condition setting means obtains a new use condition of the content stored in the storage means, the transmitting means sends the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means to the terminal. Transmitting, the receiving means receives new usage conditions from the server, and the storage means updates the stored usage conditions using the new usage conditions received by the receiving means. The content distribution system according to claim 3, wherein 5. The condition setting means obtains new usage conditions of the content stored in the storage means when a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, and the transmission means The new execution program accumulated in the accumulating unit and the new use condition obtained by the condition setting unit are transmitted to the terminal, and the receiving unit receives a new execution program and a new use condition from the server. Wherein the storage unit updates the stored execution program and the usage condition by using the new execution program and the new usage condition received by the reception unit. The content distribution system according to item 3. 6. The storage means further stores the use condition obtained by the condition setting means, and the transmission means stores the content and the execution program stored in the storage means before using the content. When the content is used, the usage condition stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the terminal, and the receiving unit receives the content, the execution program, and the usage condition from the server, and stores the content. The means stores the content and the execution program received by the receiving means, and the control means permits the use of the content based on the use condition received by the receiving means when the content is used, The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the means processes the content stored in the storage means. 7. When the condition setting unit obtains a new use condition of the content stored in the storage unit, the accumulating unit uses the new use condition obtained by the condition setting unit, The content distribution system according to claim 6, characterized in that the stored usage conditions are updated. 8. The condition setting means obtains new usage conditions of the content stored in the storage means when a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, and the storage means , Updating the accumulated use condition by using the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means, the transmitting means transmitting the new execution program accumulated in the accumulating means to the terminal, The receiving means receives a new execution program from the server, and the storage means updates the stored execution program using the new execution program received by the receiving means. Item 6. The content distribution system according to Item 6. 9. The transmitting means transmits the execution program accumulated in the accumulating means and the use condition obtained by the condition setting means to the terminal before using the content, and the content is being used. The content stored in the storage means to the terminal, the receiving means receives the content, the execution program, and the usage conditions from the server, and the storage means executes the execution program received by the receiving means. And a usage condition, the control unit permits the usage of the content based on the usage condition stored in the storage unit when the content is used, and the processing unit receives the content by the receiving unit. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content received by the receiving means is processed simultaneously with the operation. 10. When the condition setting means obtains a new use condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, the transmitting means transmits the new use condition obtained by the condition setting means to the terminal. The receiving means receives new usage conditions from the server, and the storage means updates the stored usage conditions using the new usage conditions received by the receiving means. The content distribution system according to claim 9. 11. When a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, the condition setting unit obtains a new use condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, and the transmitting unit includes: The new execution program accumulated in the accumulating unit and the new use condition obtained by the condition setting unit are transmitted to the terminal, and the receiving unit receives a new execution program and a new use condition from the server. Wherein the storage unit updates the stored execution program and the usage condition by using the new execution program and the new usage condition received by the reception unit. 9. The content distribution system according to item 9. 12. The accumulating unit further accumulates the use condition obtained by the condition setting unit, and the transmitting unit transmits the execution program accumulated in the accumulating unit to the terminal before using the content. When the content is used, the usage conditions stored in the storage unit are transmitted to the terminal, and the content stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the terminal while the content is being used. The means receives the content, the execution program, and the usage conditions from the server, the storage means stores the execution program received by the reception means, and the control means, when the content is used, the reception means. The use of the content is permitted based on the use condition received by the processing means, and the processing means causes the receiving means to simultaneously perform the content receiving operation by the receiving means. Characterized by processing the signal content, the content distribution system according to claim 1. 13. When the condition setting unit obtains a new use condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, the accumulating unit stores the content using the new use condition obtained by the condition setting unit. 13. The content distribution system according to claim 12, characterized in that the usage condition being updated is updated. 14. When a new execution program is required to use the content in the terminal, the condition setting unit obtains a new use condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, and the accumulating unit, The stored usage conditions are updated using the new usage conditions obtained by the condition setting means, and the transmission means transmits the new execution program stored in the storage means to the terminal, and the reception The means receives a new execution program from the server, and the storage means updates the stored execution program using the new execution program received by the receiving means. 12. The content distribution system according to item 12. 15. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the server further includes a charging unit that performs a charging process for the terminal according to the usage condition obtained by the condition setting unit. 16. The storage means further stores middleware for constructing an operating environment of the execution program stored in the storage means, and the transmission means stores the middleware stored in the storage means in the terminal. Further, the receiving unit further receives middleware from the server, the storage unit stores at least the execution program and the middleware received by the receiving unit, and the processing unit stores in the storage unit. The content according to claim 1, wherein the execution program stored in the storage unit is executed under an operating environment constructed by the stored middleware to process the content received by the receiving unit. Delivery system. 17. The storage means stores a plurality of execution programs having the same function but different required processing capacities, and the transmission means stores a plurality of execution programs stored in the storage means according to the processing capacity of the terminal. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein one execution program is selected from the execution programs and transmitted to the terminal. 18. The storage means stores a plurality of contents having the same content but different required processing capacities, and the transmitting means stores a plurality of contents stored in the storage means according to the processing capacities of the terminals. One of the contents is selected and transmitted to the terminal,
The content distribution system according to claim 1. 19. The storage unit stores a plurality of contents having the same content but different data amounts per unit time, and the transmission unit stores the plurality of contents according to a communication status between the server and the terminal. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein one content is selected from a plurality of contents stored in a storage unit and transmitted to the terminal. 20. The condition setting means obtains a usage condition for content transmitted to the terminal, the usage condition including identification information of a terminal that can use the content, and the control means determines that the identification information of the terminal is the condition. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein usage of the content is permitted when the content is included in the usage conditions obtained by the setting means. 21. The condition setting unit obtains a usage condition for a content transmitted to the terminal, the usage condition including a usable section of the content, and the control unit selects the content out of the contents received by the receiving unit. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the use of the content is permitted for the available section included in the usage condition obtained by the condition setting means. 22. The terminal further includes history storage means for storing a processing history in the processing means, and the condition setting means uses the content transmitted to the terminal including the number of times the content can be used. The condition is obtained, and the control unit refers to the processing history stored in the history storage unit to use the content until the number of times of use included in the usage condition obtained by the condition setting unit is reached. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution system is permitted. 23. The terminal further includes history storage means for storing a processing history in the processing means, and the condition setting means uses the content transmitted to the terminal including the available time of the content. The condition is obtained, the control unit refers to the processing history stored in the history storage unit, and refers to the process history stored in the history storage unit, and determines the time until the available time included in the usage condition obtained by the condition setting unit The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution system is permitted. 24. The condition setting means obtains a usage condition of a content transmitted to the terminal, the usage condition including a usable period of the content, and the control means uses the current time obtained by the condition setting means. If it is within the available period included in the conditions,
The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein usage of the content is permitted. 25. The storage unit stores the content in an encrypted state, the transmission unit transmits the content stored in the storage unit to the terminal in an encrypted state, and the reception unit, The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content is received from the server in an encrypted state, and the processing unit decrypts the content received by the receiving unit and processes the content. 26. The processing means reproduces the content received by the receiving means.
Content distribution system described in. 27. The processing unit duplicates the content received by the receiving unit.
Content distribution system described in. 28. The processing means edits the content received by the receiving means.
Content distribution system described in. 29. A terminal for receiving a content distributed from a server using a communication network, the receiving means receiving the content and the execution program from the server, and storing at least the execution program received by the reception means. A storage unit for controlling the use of the content within the range of the use condition obtained by the server; and executing the execution program stored in the storage unit after receiving permission from the control unit, And a processing means for processing the content received by the receiving means. 30. A content distribution method for distributing content from a server to a terminal using a communication network, wherein the server stores the content and an execution program for processing the content, the server. In the step of transmitting the stored content and the execution program to the terminal, in the server, obtaining a usage condition of the content transmitted to the terminal, in the terminal, the content and the execution program from the server. Receiving the execution program, at least in the terminal, storing the received execution program, in the terminal, permitting the use of the content within the range of the use condition obtained by the server, and in the terminal, , Permission to use the content Receiving, by executing the stored execution program, and a step of processing the received content, the content distribution method. 31. Encapsulated data distributed from a server to a terminal using a communication network, the content, an execution program for processing the content, and the content obtained by the server, Encapsulated data, including usage conditions when the terminal executes the execution program to process the content.