JP2004118667A - Contents using device and settlement site - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform settlement associated with contents whose use is started by connecting to a network after starting the use of the contents. <P>SOLUTION: This contents using device is provided with a settling means for allowing a user to perform settlement associated with contents through a network with an external settlement site, a contents using means for validating the settled contents whose settlement is performed by the settling means, and for limiting the use of unsettled contents whose settlement is not performed by the settling means and a predetermined processing means for allowing the user to perform predetermined processing in an off-line condition. The contents using means validates the unsettled contents after the predetermined processing is performed by the predetermined processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for enabling a user to connect to a network and make a payment for the started content after the use of the content is started.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional content usage management system and usage fee management system, it is necessary to make payment before purchasing and using content (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-293574
However, when the client using the content is a mobile terminal or the like, the client is not always located within the radio wave range from the wireless base station, and thus the opportunity to connect to the network is limited. . For this reason, it may not be possible to connect the mobile terminal to the network before using the content and make an electronic payment, and there is a problem that the use of the content by the user is restricted.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to enable a user to connect to a network and start payment for the used content after the use of the content is started.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a content using apparatus, wherein a payment unit that allows a user to perform payment related to content via a network with an external payment site, and wherein the payment unit performs payment. Content use means for restricting the use of unsettled content that has not been settled by the settlement means while allowing the settled content to be used, and predetermined processing means for allowing the user to perform predetermined processing in an offline state And the content using means is configured to be able to use the unsettled content after the predetermined processing is performed by the predetermined processing means.
[0006]
According to the present invention, unsettled content that has not been settled by the settlement unit is made available to the content use unit without being connected to the network and settled (offline). Set). Then, after the use of the unsettled content is started, it becomes possible to settle the unsettled content started to be used via the network by the settlement means.
[0007]
Therefore, even if the client (content use device) is a mobile terminal or the like and the opportunity to connect to the network is limited, the use of the content by the user is not restricted. Note that the client (content using device) is not limited to a mobile terminal, but may be a stationary information processing terminal (for example, a desktop personal computer).
[0008]
In the above-mentioned content using device, for example, the predetermined process is a selection of unsettled content to be used before performing the settlement by the settlement unit, and the content using unit is configured to execute the selected unsettled content. Can be used.
[0009]
The content use device further includes, for example, a use time limit setting means for setting a use time limit for the unsettled content made available by the content use means.
[0010]
This makes it possible to restrict or prohibit the use of the content after the expiration of the usage period, for example, thereby facilitating payment by the payment means.
[0011]
The content use device further includes, for example, a notifying unit that notifies the use expiration date before the expiration date set by the use expiration time setting unit.
[0012]
This makes it possible to promote the settlement by the settlement means before the expiration of the usage period.
[0013]
In the above-mentioned content use device, for example, when the settlement by the settlement means is not performed before the expiration of the use expiration set by the use expiration setting by the use expiration setting means, the unsettled unsettled Restrict use of content. In this way, it is possible to promote the settlement by the settlement means.
[0014]
In the above-mentioned content using apparatus, for example, in the initial state, the content is in an unusable state. For example, the content is encrypted encrypted content, and the content use unit decrypts the encrypted content with a decryption key to make it usable, while not decrypting the encrypted content. Restrict usage.
[0015]
The content using apparatus further includes, for example, content acquisition means for acquiring the content from an external server via a network.
[0016]
The above-mentioned content utilization device further includes, for example, an acquisition unit for reading the content from a recording medium storing the content.
[0017]
In the above-mentioned content using apparatus, for example, the content using means makes it possible to use unsettled content when credit information relating to the user is set (or input) in advance.
[0018]
In this way, only the users who are likely to make payment by the payment means can use the unsettled content.
[0019]
Further, the present invention can be specified as a vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned content use device.
[0020]
Further, the present invention can be specified as an invention of a settlement site as follows. Acquisition means for acquiring information for performing settlement on the unsettled content from a client which has started using unsettled content via a network, and settlement processing for performing a settlement process based on the information acquired by the acquisition means A settlement site comprising:
[0021]
According to this configuration, after the use of the content is started, it becomes possible to perform a payment process (or a billing process) on the content started to be used by the payment processing unit.
[0022]
Further, the present invention can be specified as the invention of a settlement site as follows. An acquisition unit for acquiring designation information for designating unsettled content made available by the content utilization unit from the content utilization device according to claim 1 via a network, and the designation information acquired by the acquisition unit. A payment site, comprising: payment processing means for performing payment processing relating to specified content.
[0023]
According to this configuration, after the use of the content is started, it becomes possible to perform a payment process (or a billing process) on the content started to be used by the payment processing unit.
[0024]
Further, the present invention can be specified as a method invention as follows. A step of allowing the user to settle the content with an external payment site via a network, a step of setting the settled content settled to be usable, and an attempt to use the settled content before the settlement is performed. Allowing the user to select the unsettled content in an offline state, setting the selected unsettled content to be usable, and using the settled or unsettled content set to be available And using the content.
[0025]
Further, the present invention can be specified as a method invention as follows. A step of obtaining, via a network, information for performing payment on the unsettled content from a client that has started using the unsettled content, and performing a payment process based on the obtained information. Method.
[0026]
Further, the present invention can be specified as a method invention as follows. 2. A step of obtaining, via a network, the specification information specifying the unsettled content made available by the content usage unit from the content usage apparatus according to claim 1, and the content specified by the obtained specification information. Performing a payment process for the payment method.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic system configuration of a content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028]
The content providing system includes a content provider 100, a settlement site 200, and a client (content using device) 300. These are connected to a network such as the Internet, and can perform data communication with each other via the network.
[0029]
<Overview of Content Control System> The content provider 100 distributes encrypted content data and a content key for decrypting the encrypted content data. The encrypted content can be freely copied and distributed directly or indirectly. On the other hand, the decryption key is stored in the database 304e of the client 300, which is a dedicated mobile terminal, through a secure communication path, and the user cannot directly read this data.
[0030]
The client 300 contains an encrypted content 304c and an application 304b that uses the encrypted content 304c, and further includes a database 304e for storing metadata indicating a decryption key and its usage right. The user can execute the application 304b or access the decrypted content only through the interface of the content control module 304a, and cannot access the decryption key or the content 304c by other methods.
[0031]
The user selects the content 304c to be purchased in an offline state, purchases the right to use the decryption key, and makes provisional settlement. This information is recorded on the client database 304e. The client 300 can use the purchased decryption key, and can decrypt the content data and execute the application 304b using the content.
[0032]
The client 300 connects to the settlement site 200 within a certain period to perform the main settlement. The connection is made by a method such as dial-up, wireless LAN, or DSRC. If the final payment is not performed within the period, the data in the database 304e on the client 300 is invalidated, and the system becomes unavailable until the final payment is performed.
[0033]
At the settlement site 200 connected from the client 300, the user's usage content information and settlement information are read. In the case of performing electronic settlement, the settlement amount is deducted from the user's account. In the case of cash settlement, cash is received and the settlement amount is remitted to the content provider 100.
[0034]
The settlement site 200 transmits the main settlement completion information to the database 304c of the client 300. The client 300 that has completed the main payment can use the content continuously.
[0035]
If the user desires online payment without using offline provisional payment, the user purchases the right to use the decryption key and performs the main payment while connected to the payment site 200.
[0036]
<Details of Content Control System> The content provider 100 distributes the encrypted content (also referred to as content data) and a decryption key (also referred to as a content key) for decrypting the encrypted content to the client 300. Server 101 for performing the operation. The contents to be encrypted include music files, movie files, game programs, and other application programs. The client 300 connects to the content provider 100 via a network and acquires encrypted content and the like.
[0037]
The settlement site 200 is a site for performing settlement regarding contents. The client 300 connects to the payment site 200 via the network and allows the user to make payment for the content. When the payment regarding the content is performed (when the payment processing is completed), the payment site 200 transmits payment completion information indicating the completion of the payment to the client 300.
[0038]
The client 300 is an information processing terminal such as a personal computer. The client 300 includes a computer main body 301, an input unit 302, an image display device 303, a storage device 304, a communication device 305, and a reading device (not shown) such as a DVD drive connected to the computer main body 301. .
[0039]
The input unit 302 is an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The input unit 302 functions as a settlement unit 302a that allows a user to make a settlement (hereinafter, also referred to as a main settlement) regarding contents with the external settlement site 200 via a network. Further, the input unit 302 functions as a predetermined processing unit that allows the user to perform a predetermined process in an offline state. The predetermined process is, for example, selection of unsettled content to be used before the settlement by the settlement unit 302a (hereinafter, also referred to as temporary settlement). In this case, the input unit 302 functions as the provisional settlement unit 302a.
[0040]
The image display device 303 is a display such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display. The image display device 303 displays various screens and the like obtained from the content provider 100 and the like.
[0041]
The storage device 304 is a relatively large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk device. An OS (Operating System) such as Windows, Mac OS, or UNIX is installed in the storage device 304, and various programs executed on the OS are also installed. Such programs include a browser program, a content control module 304a (including a decryption program for decrypting encrypted content with a decryption key), an application 304b that uses the decrypted content, and a setting unit. There is a program that functions as 304f.
[0042]
The program functioning as the setting unit 304f sets the content settled by the settlement unit 302a to be usable (first setting unit). The program functioning as the setting unit 304f sets the content selected by the provisional settlement unit 302b to be usable (second setting unit). Further, the program functioning as the setting unit 304f sets a usage period for the content selected by the provisional settlement unit 302b (third setting unit or usage period setting unit). Further, the program functioning as the setting unit 304f disables the use of the content selected by the provisional settlement unit 302b when the settlement by the settlement unit 302a is not performed before the expiration date set by the third setting unit. Set.
[0043]
The content control module 304a is a program for using the content set to be usable by the setting unit 304f. The content control module 304a may have the function of the setting unit 304f.
[0044]
Further, the storage device 304 stores encrypted content 304c acquired from the content provider 100, credit information 304d relating to the user, a database 304e, and the like.
[0045]
The credit information 304d relating to the user includes a user name, a user ID, a password, a date of birth, an address, a contact, a credit card number, a member ID, and the like. The credit information 304d is input by the user through the input unit 302. As shown in FIG. 2, the database 304e includes items such as content ID 304e1, payment status flag 304e2, expiration date 304e3, decryption key 304e4, payment amount 304e5, invalidation flag 304e6, and the like (these can also be referred to as metadata). Become.
[0046]
In the content ID 304e1, identification information for specifying the encrypted content 304c acquired from the content provider 100 is set (registered). Hereinafter, the encrypted content 304c specified by the content ID 304e1 is displayed as an encrypted content 304c (content ID 304e1). For example, the encrypted content 304c specified by the content ID1 is displayed as the encrypted content 304c (ID1).
[0047]
In the payment status flag 304e2, a flag indicating a payment status regarding the encrypted content 304c is set. The flags indicating the settlement status include, for example, a settlement completion identifier “○”, a provisional settlement completion identifier “△”, and an unsettled identifier “×” (see FIG. 3). The payment completion identifier “○” is set for the encrypted content 304c for which the main payment has been made by the payment means 302a. This indicates that the encrypted content 304c is set to be usable. The provisional settlement identifier “△” is set for the encrypted content 304c for which provisional settlement has been performed by the provisional settlement means 302b. This indicates that the encrypted content 304c is set to be usable. The unsettled identifier “x” is set for the encrypted content 304c for which the main settlement and the provisional settlement have not been performed. This indicates that the encrypted content 304c is set to be unusable.
[0048]
The settlement status flag 304e2 is referenced from the content control module 304a. The content control module 304a (or the predetermined application 304b) refers to the payment status flag 304e2, and performs encryption in which the payment completion identifier “又 は” or the payment incomplete identifier “△” is set in the referred payment status flag 304e2. Content (that is, encrypted content set to be usable) is used. For example, the content control module 304a decrypts the encrypted content set to be usable with a decryption key, and causes the predetermined application 304b to use the decrypted content.
[0049]
On the other hand, the use of the encrypted content in which the unsettled identifier “x” is set in the referred settlement status flag 304e2 (that is, the settlement by the settlement unit is not performed) is restricted. For example, the content control module 304a restricts use by not decrypting the encrypted content.
[0050]
The usage period (e.g., September 25, 2002) is set in the usage period 304e3. The expiration date is set for the encrypted content 304c selected by the provisional settlement means 302b. A decryption key for decrypting the encrypted content 304c is registered in the decryption key 304e4. The payment amount of the encrypted content 304c is registered in the payment amount 304e5. In the invalidation flag 304e6, an identifier indicating whether the encrypted content (or the decryption key) is valid or invalid is set.
[0051]
The communication device 305 is a communication device for connecting to a network via a communication line. In the present embodiment, since it is assumed that the client 300 is mounted on a mobile body such as a vehicle, a wireless communication device is used as the communication device 305. If the client 300 is a stationary information processing terminal such as a desktop, a wired communication device may be used. The client 300 accesses the content provider 100 and the settlement site 200 through the communication device 305.
[0052]
Next, the operation of the content utilization system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0053]
In the following description, it is assumed that the client 300 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 304 stores contents ID1 to ID3, decryption keys 1 to 3, a payment amount, and the like. The encrypted content 304c (ID1 to ID3) is stored in another area of the storage device 304. These are obtained from the content provider 100 via the network by the communication device 305, for example, while the mobile body on which the client 300 is mounted is located within the radio wave range from a wireless base station (not shown). I do. Alternatively, the content is obtained by reading from a recording medium such as a DVD in which these contents and the like are stored by a reading device such as a DVD drive. At this point, since the settlement status flag 304e2 for the encrypted contents 304c (ID1 to ID3) is set to “×”, the content control module 304a sets the encrypted contents 304c (ID1 to ID3). Not available.
[0054]
The following processing is realized by the client 300 executing a predetermined program such as the content control module 304a.
[0055]
When the predetermined program is executed, the client 300 determines whether or not the storage device 304 stores content information (content list or the like), a decryption key, and encrypted content (S100 to S102). If the content information or the like is not stored, the client 300 acquires the content information or the like from the content provider 100 or the like (S115 to S117). It should be noted that the acquired encrypted content or the like may be a single case or a plurality of cases.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, since the content information and the like are already stored in the storage device 304, when the predetermined program is executed, the client 300 first executes the content to be settled (purchased) (or the (S103). Here, it is assumed that the user has selected the encrypted content 304c (ID2) by the input unit 302 as the content to be settled. When the content is selected, the client 300 allows the user to select the payment method (S104). There are two payment methods: main payment performed online and provisional payment performed offline.
[0057]
First, the actual settlement performed online will be described. Here, it is assumed that the mobile body on which the client 300 is mounted is located within a radio wave range from a wireless base station (not shown). To make a payment in the online state, for example, the user selects a final payment button (not shown) by the input means 302 (S104: No). When this payment method is selected, the client 300 accesses the payment site 200 via the communication device 305 and communicates with the payment site 200 via the network regarding the encrypted content 304c (ID2) selected in S103. The user is caused to make a payment (for example, purchase the right to use the decryption key) (S105, S106).
[0058]
When the payment for the encrypted content 304c (ID2) is performed (when the payment process is completed), the payment site 200 transmits payment completion information indicating the completion of the payment to the client 300. When the client 300 obtains the payment completion information from the payment site 200, the setting unit 304f makes the encrypted content 304c (ID2) for which the payment has been made available (sets it to be usable). For example, a payment completion identifier “○” is set in the payment status flag 304e2 for the encrypted content 304c (ID2) (see FIG. 3). As a result, the encrypted content 304c (ID2) is set to be usable. The encrypted content 304c (ID2) for which the final payment has been made can be used continuously (S112).
[0059]
Next, provisional settlement performed in an offline state will be described. The provisional settlement is a settlement method in which content is purchased in an offline state and can be used within a certain period. The provisional payment is mainly performed when the mobile unit on which the client 300 is mounted is located outside the radio wave range from a wireless base station (not shown) and the final payment cannot be performed. Here, it is assumed that the mobile body on which the client 300 is mounted is located outside the radio wave coverage from the wireless base station. It is assumed that the user selects the encrypted content 304c (ID1) by the input unit 302 as the content to be used before performing the final payment (S103).
[0060]
To perform the settlement in the offline state, for example, the user selects a provisional settlement button (not shown) by the input unit 302 (S104: Yes). When this payment method is selected, the client 300 makes the encrypted content 304c (ID1) selected in S103 usable (sets to use) by the setting means 304f. For example, the temporary settlement completion identifier “△” is set in the settlement status flag 304e2 for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) (see FIG. 3). As a result, the encrypted content 304c (ID2) is set to be usable. This means that the right to use the decryption key has been purchased (provisionally purchased) and provisional settlement has been performed (S107).
[0061]
Further, when the provisional settlement is selected as the settlement method (S107), the client 300 causes the setting unit 304f to use the encrypted content 304c (ID1) selected in S103 by the expiration date (for example, 2002/2000 after one month). 9/25) (see FIG. 3). The encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the provisional settlement has been performed can be continuously used until the expiration date. In addition, by performing the main settlement, the user can continue to use the service even after the expiration of the use period.
[0062]
Next, the process (S108) for using the encrypted content 304c will be described.
[0063]
For example, it is assumed that the user has input a request to use the encrypted content 304c (ID1) using the input unit 302. The content control module 304a refers to the settlement status flag 304e2 for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the use request has been input (furthermore, it may refer to credit information regarding the user). Then, if the provisional settlement identifier “△” (or the settlement completion identifier “○”) is set in the referred settlement status flag 304e2 (further, if the credit information relating to the user is referred to, If the credit information on the user is registered), the encrypted content 304c to which the use request is input is used.
[0064]
Here, as described above, the provisional settlement identifier “△” is set in the settlement status flag 304e2 for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) (further, credit information on the user is registered). Therefore, when a use request for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) is input, the content control module 304a uses the encrypted content 304c (ID1). For example, the content control module 304a decrypts the encrypted content 304c (ID1) with the decryption key 1 (makes it available) and causes the predetermined application 304b to use the decrypted encrypted content 304c (ID1).
[0065]
Note that the content control module 304a does not use the encrypted content for which the use request is input if the unsettled identifier “x” is set in the referred payment status flag 304e2. The same applies to the case where credit information regarding the user is not registered.
[0066]
As described above, the content control module 304a controls the use of the content (encrypted content), the right to use the decryption key, and the like based on the settlement status flag 304e2.
[0067]
By repeatedly performing the processing from S100 to S108, the main settlement or the provisional settlement can be performed for a plurality of encrypted contents (S109: Yes). As described above, in the present embodiment, a large number of contents (for example, the encrypted contents 304c (ID1 to ID3) are stored in the client 300 in advance, and only the contents desired by the user are selected from the contents and purchased and used. Can be done offline.
[0068]
Next, the usage expiration notification process (S110) before the expiration of the usage expiration will be described. As described above, when the provisional settlement is performed (S104: Yes, S107), the use period is set for the encrypted content 304c for which the provisional settlement has been performed. The client 300 notifies (notifies) the use expiration date before the set expiration date elapses (for example, one week before) (notification unit). For example, characters or images indicating the expiration date are displayed on the image display device 303. Alternatively, a sound or a caution sound indicating the expiration date is output from the speaker. Alternatively, the settlement site 200 may be accessed before the set expiration date elapses to notify that the final settlement is to be performed.
[0069]
In this way, for the encrypted content for which the provisional payment has been performed, the user can be prompted to perform the main payment before the expiration date of the use period, so that the main payment can be promoted.
[0070]
Next, a description will be given of a process of performing the main payment for the encrypted content for which the provisional payment has been performed. This process is performed, for example, after the provisional settlement is performed while the mobile unit on which the client 300 is mounted is out of the radio wave range from a wireless base station (not shown), and then the mobile unit Performed when moving within the range. This process can be performed before or after the expiration of the usage period.
[0071]
In order to perform the main settlement for the encrypted content 304e (ID1) for which the provisional settlement has been performed, for example, the user selects the main settlement button (not shown) using the input unit 302. Alternatively, when the moving object on which the client 300 is mounted moves within the radio wave range (for example, when it is detected that the reception level from the radio base station is at a predetermined level), the following is automatically performed. Processing may be performed.
[0072]
When the final payment button is selected (or when the moving object on which the client 300 is mounted moves within the radio wave range), the client 300 accesses the payment site 200 via the communication device 305 and The user is allowed to make a payment (for example, purchase a right to use a decryption key) for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the provisional payment has been made via the network with the user 200 (S106).
[0073]
When the payment for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) is performed (when the payment process is completed), the payment site 200 transmits payment completion information indicating the completion of the payment to the client 300. When the client 300 obtains the payment completion information from the payment site 200, the setting unit 304f sets the payment completion identifier “○” in the payment status flag 304e2 for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the payment has been made. As a result, the encrypted content 304c (ID1) is set to be usable. The encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the final payment has been made can be continuously used regardless of the expiration date (S112).
[0074]
On the other hand, it is assumed that the main payment is not performed before the expiration date of the encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the provisional payment has been performed. In this case, the client 300 sets the identifier indicating invalidity to the invalidation flag 304e6 for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the provisional settlement has been performed by the setting unit 304f (S113). Here, it is assumed that the user has input a request to use the encrypted content 304c (ID1) using the input unit 302. The content control module 304a refers to the invalidation flag 304e6 for the encrypted content 304c (ID1) for which the use request has been input. Then, if an identifier indicating invalidity is set in the referred invalidation flag 304e2, the content control module 304a, regardless of the setting contents of the settlement status flag 304e6, uses the encrypted content 304c ( Do not use ID1).
[0075]
As described above, the content control module 304a controls the use of the content (encrypted content) also based on the invalidation flag 304e6. Even after the invalidation flag 304e6 is set to the identifier indicating invalidity, by performing the main settlement, the identifier indicating validity is set to the invalidation flag 304e (S106), and the encrypted content for which the provisional settlement is performed is performed. Can be used continuously regardless of the expiration date (S112).
[0076]
Next, the operation of the settlement site 200 will be described. When the payment site 200 is accessed from the client 300 via the network (S200: Yes), the payment site 200 obtains information (payment content information and settlement amount information, etc.) for performing payment related to the usage content from the client 300 (S201). ). For example, when the settlement site 200 is accessed from the client 300 holding the database shown in FIG. 3, for example, the designation information (content ID1) for specifying the provisionally settled content 304c as the use content information and the settlement amount information As a result, the payment amount ($ 2000) for the content 304c (ID1) for which the provisional payment was performed is acquired.
[0077]
When the client 300 selects electronic payment (S202: Yes), the settlement site 200 performs a settlement process for the content specified by the designated information based on the used content information and the settlement amount information acquired in S201. For example, the settlement amount calculated by the settlement amount information is deducted from the user account of the client 300 (S203), the settlement amount is settled (remittance, etc.) to the content provider 100 (S204), and the settlement completion to the client 300 is completed. Payment completion information indicating that the payment has been made is transmitted (S205). On the other hand, when the user of the client 300 selects cash settlement in S202 (S202: No), the settlement site 200 performs the same processing as in the case of the electronic settlement described above, on condition that the deposit from the user of the client 300 is made (S206). Then, the settlement amount is settled (remittance, etc.) to the content provider 100 (S204), and the settlement completion information indicating that the settlement is completed is transmitted to the client 300 (S205).
[0078]
Next, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In this modification, a fixed amount of content is settled first (prepaid). Then, the prepaid amount is stored in the storage device 304 or the like of the client 300, and in S104, a prepaid payment method can be selected as a third payment method (for example, a prepaid button). Then, when the user selects the prepaid button by the input unit 302, the encrypted content 304c selected in S103 is set to be usable. At the same time, the payment amount 304e for the encrypted content 304c is reduced from the prepaid amount held by the client. In this way, the encrypted content 304c can be used without performing the final payment or the provisional payment.
[0079]
Since the encrypted content can be freely copied, it can be used not only by directly distributing it from a content provider but also by caching it on another site or copying it from another client. This is because the content cannot be used unless the content key and its use right are acquired.
[0080]
In addition, when data exchange between client databases is established in a form that cannot be read directly from a user via a secure communication channel, it is also possible to copy a content key between clients. As a result, both the content data and the content key can be obtained even if they are not connected to the content provider, and the degree of freedom in using the content by the client is significantly increased.
[0081]
Further, in the above embodiment, the content has been described as being encrypted content, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content may be in an unencrypted plain state.
[0082]
The present invention, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the above embodiments are merely examples in every respect, and the present invention is not limitedly interpreted by these descriptions.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, after the use of content has been started, it is possible to connect to a network and perform payment for the content whose use has been started.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic system configuration of a content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an example of a database held by a content using device included in the content providing system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an example of a database held by a content using device included in the content providing system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a content using device included in the content providing system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a payment site included in the content providing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Content Provider
101 server
200 payment site
300 clients (content use device)
301 Computer
302 input means
302a Payment means
302b provisional settlement means
303 Image display device
304 storage device
304a Content control module
304b application
304c content
304d Credit information
304e database
304f setting means
305 Communication device

Claims (16)

A payment method that allows the user to make payment for content via a network with an external payment site,
A content use unit that limits the use of unsettled content that has not been settled by the settlement unit, while making available the settled content settled by the settlement unit;
Predetermined processing means for causing the user to perform predetermined processing in an offline state,
The content using device, wherein the content using means makes unsettled contents available after predetermined processing by the predetermined processing means is performed. The predetermined process is a selection of an unsettled content to be used before performing the settlement by the settlement unit,
The content use device according to claim 1, wherein the content use means enables use of the selected unsettled content. 2. The content use device according to claim 1, further comprising a use time limit setting means for setting a use time limit for the unsettled content made available by said content use means. 4. The content use apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a use expiration date before the use expiration time set by the use expiration time setting unit elapses. The content usage means restricts the use of the available unsettled content when the settlement means has not settled the payment before the expiration date set by the usage expiration setting means elapses. Item 5. The content using device according to item 3 or 4. The content use device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the content is in an unusable state in an initial state. The content is encrypted encrypted content, and the content use unit decrypts the encrypted content with a decryption key to make the content usable, while using the content by not decrypting the encrypted content. 7. The content use device according to claim 6, wherein the content use device restricts. The content utilization device according to claim 1, further comprising a content acquisition unit configured to acquire the content from an external server via a network. The content use device according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit configured to read the content from a recording medium storing the content. 10. The content use device according to claim 1, wherein the content use means enables use of unsettled content when credit information regarding a user is set in advance. A vehicle equipped with the content use device according to claim 1. Acquiring means for acquiring information for performing payment on the unsettled content from a client that has started using unsettled content via a network;
A payment processing means for performing payment processing based on the information acquired by the acquisition means. An acquisition unit that acquires designation information that designates unsettled content made available by the content use unit from the content use device according to claim 1 via a network,
A payment processing unit that performs a payment process for a content specified by the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit. A step of allowing the user to make a payment for the content via a network with an external payment site, a step of making the payment-completed content available, and an attempt to use the payment before the payment is made. Allowing the user to select the unsettled content in an offline state, setting the selected unsettled content to be usable, and using the settled or unsettled content set to be available And using the content. A step of acquiring, via a network, information for performing settlement on the unsettled content from a client that has started to use the unsettled content, and performing a settlement process based on the acquired information. Method. 2. A step of obtaining, via a network, the specification information specifying the unsettled content made available by the content usage means from the content usage apparatus according to claim 1, and the content specified by the obtained specification information. Performing a payment process for the payment method.

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