JP2004127292A - Contents distribution system and computer constituting the system and receiving distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrict use of various distributed contents by a simple method and to release the restriction. <P>SOLUTION: A client 30 requires contents (a music score) and a key file from a server 10 via a communication line 20. For requiring the key file, specific identification data are transmitted with the request to the server 10 and stored in a data memory 34. In response to the request, a Web server 11 transmits the contents stored in a database 13, and a key issue server 12 transmits the key file including the identification data. Without the key file, a viewer 32 allows display of the music score alone, however, the music score can be printed if the key file is used. The contents can be printed on condition that the identification data in the key file corresponds to those stored in the data memory 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention provides a content distribution system that distributes and makes available music scores, sentences, various drawings, music data, programs, and the like from a distribution computer to a distribution target computer, a distribution target computer configuring the system, and a distribution system. And a method applied to the computer, and a computer program applied to the computer.

2. Description of the Related Art It is well known that a personal computer is used to obtain various contents such as a score, text, various drawings, music data, and programs from a distribution computer (server) via a communication line such as the Internet or a dedicated line. ing. In this case, there are a case where various contents can be obtained from the distribution computer free of charge and a case where various contents are obtained for a fee.

However, even when the conventional various contents are charged, even after the user once downloads the contents to a personal computer or the like, the downloaded contents can be freely used. Copying becomes possible. Therefore, the distribution computer has also hesitated to distribute all contents, which has been an obstacle to freely distributing various contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and has as its object to provide a content distribution system capable of restricting the use of distributed content in a simple manner and removing the restriction, and a configuration of the system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a distributed computer, a system and a method applied to the computer, and a computer program applied to the computer.

In order to achieve the above object, a structural feature of the present invention is a content distribution system including a distribution computer and a distribution target computer which are connected via a communication line and can communicate with each other. A database storing a plurality of contents, content transmitting means for transmitting the contents in the database to the distribution target computer in response to a request from the distribution target computer, and a distribution destination in response to a request from the distribution target computer Key file transmission means for generating a key file containing the specific identification data transmitted from the distribution computer and controlling the use of the content, and transmitting the key file to the distribution target computer. Request content from distribution computer Content requesting means, key file requesting means for requesting a key file from the distribution computer, and generating unique identification data at the time of requesting the key file, and transmitting to the distribution computer; and Data memory for storing the content and key file, and the unique identification data generated by the key file requesting means, display means for displaying the content stored in the data memory, and stored in the data memory. A printing means capable of printing the contents, a key file stored in the data memory, and a unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means and stored in the data memory. Display and printing means by means of content display In the provision of the content usage control means for controlling the printing by.

From another viewpoint, a feature of the present invention resides in a computer to be distributed including the above-described content requesting means, key file requesting means, data memory, display means, printing means, and content use control means.

In these cases, the content use control means may be, for example, the unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer, and the content use control means stored in the data memory and generated by the distribution target computer. Collated with the specific identification data, and if the two identification data match, the printing of the content by the printing means is permitted, and if the two identification data do not match, the printing of the content by the printing means is prohibited. Can be configured. Further, the content use control means allows the printing of the content by the printing means when the key file exists in the data memory, and allows the printing means to print the content by the printing means when the key file does not exist in the data memory. You may be comprised so that it may be prohibited. Further, under the condition that the printing of the content by the printing unit is prohibited, the display resolution of the content by the display unit may be reduced, or the display of the content by the display unit may be reduced.

In addition, the content use control means may include a unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer, and a unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file request means. The print data is collated with the data, and if the two identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the restriction on printing of the content by the printing means is generated, the key file in the data memory is deleted, and the content is deleted according to the user's instruction. May be configured to delete the print restriction release file at the end of the program for providing the user with the print restriction.

{Circle around (4)} The unique identification data generated at the time of requesting the key file may be configured to represent a value that changes at random over time.

As a result, even if the user of the distribution target computer obtains only the content due to the existence of the key file, the free use of the content by the distribution target computer is restricted. It can be freely supplied to the computer to be distributed. Also, by providing a key file independent of the content, it is possible to easily add restrictions on use such as copying of the content. In addition, the unique identification data easily secures the security against the release of the content use restriction. Further, if the key file is encrypted, the security against release of the restriction on the use of the musical score data is further enhanced.

Further, the features of the present invention relating to the content distribution system and the computer to be distributed described above are also applied to the control method realized by the system and the computer, and the computer program executed by the system and the computer.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the embodiment, a content distribution system according to the present invention is applied to a musical score distribution system which distributes musical scores and uses them for a user. As shown in FIG. 1, this musical score distribution system includes a distribution computer (referred to as a server in this specification) 10, a communication line (network) 20, such as the Internet, a public telephone line, a dedicated line, and a LAN, and a terminal device. And a plurality of computers to be distributed (herein referred to as clients) 30. However, only one client 30 is shown in the figure.

The server 10 includes a web server 11, a key issuing server 12, a database 13, and a communication unit 14.

In this case, the WEB server 11 and the key issuing server 12 are actually programs stored in the program memory in the server 10. In response to a signal from the client 30, the WEB server 11 transmits a content file stored in the database 13, various data including the key file issued by the key issuing server 12, a program, and the like to a predetermined communication protocol. In accordance with (for example, HTTP), the data is supplied to the client 30 via the communication unit 14 and the communication line 20. Further, the web server 11 takes in various data and programs from the client 30 via the communication line 20 and the communication unit 14. The content file includes content data and content identification data CID corresponding to the content data.

The key issuing server 12 creates an encrypted key file based on the content identification data CID designating each content corresponding to each content and the runtime identification data RID supplied from the client 30. . The runtime identification data RID is specific data issued at the time of purchase of a content file in the client 30 in accordance with the purchase instruction timing, and is used for confirmation of purchase.

The database 13 is a large-capacity memory device such as a hard disk or an MD in which a large number of content files respectively representing a large number of musical scores are encrypted and stored. Note that the content in this case is a musical score, and the content file includes content data, content identification data CID, and the like. The content data is music score data for printing a music score including a large number of data representing a series of notes, music symbols, and the like. The content identification data CID is unique data that represents the content data (music score data) and identifies the content data. Further, the musical score data may be constituted by image data obtained by capturing the musical score as a simple figure. The communication unit 14 transmits and receives various data and programs to and from the communication line 20 according to a predetermined communication protocol (for example, HTTP).

The client 30 includes a web browser 31, a viewer 32, a runtime ID generation unit 33, a data memory 34, and a communication unit 35.

In this case, the WEB browser 31, the viewer 32, and the runtime ID generation unit 33 are actually programs stored in the program memory in the client 30. The WEB browser 31 reads various data and programs such as a content file and a key file and accumulates them in the data memory 34 in accordance with the supplied instructions, instructs the viewer 32, and performs various operations via the communication unit 35. It supplies data and programs to the server 10.

The viewer 32 functions as a helper application for the WEB browser 31. The viewer 32 reads a content file, a key file, and the like stored in the data memory 34, and provides the content file to the user according to a user's instruction. The viewer 32 includes a content file decryption unit 32a and a key file decryption unit 32b. The content file decryption unit 32a decrypts the content file stored in the data memory 34 and decrypts the content data and the content identification data CID corresponding to the content data. The key file decryption section 32b decrypts the key file stored in the data memory 34 and restores the content identification data CID and the runtime identification data RID. The viewer main unit 32c exchanges data with the server 10 in cooperation with the WEB browser 31 and cooperates with the content file decryption unit 32a and the key file decryption unit 32b to provide the content file to the user. Things.

The runtime ID generation unit 33 generates, in response to a user instruction, runtime identification data RID unique to the instruction timing. For example, the runtime ID generation unit 33 has a built-in random number generation unit that generates a random number of a plurality of bits as time passes, and generates the random number as runtime identification data RID in synchronization with a user's instruction timing.

The data memory 34 is a relatively large-capacity memory device such as a hard disk or an MD for storing content files and key files. The communication unit 35 corresponds to the communication unit 14 of the server 10 and transmits and receives various data and programs to and from the communication line 20 according to a predetermined communication protocol (for example, HTTP).

The client 30 also includes an input key 36, a display 37, a printer 38, and a driver 39. The input keys 36 include keys corresponding to characters and numbers, a mouse, and the like, and supply an instruction signal, input data, and the like corresponding to a key operation of the user to the WEB browser 31, the viewer main unit 32c, and the runtime ID generation unit 33. I do. The display 37 visually displays characters, figures, and the like, and displays various things including musical scores according to instructions from the web browser 31, the viewer main body 32c, and the like. The printer 38 prints characters, figures, and the like, and prints various things including musical scores in accordance with instructions from the web browser 31, the viewer main body 32c, and the like. The driver 39 is controlled by the web browser 31, the viewer main unit 32c, and other programs (not shown) to read data and programs from an external recording medium such as a CD, MD, or flexible disk, and to read data and programs to the recording medium. Is written.

Next, the operation of the content distribution system configured as described above will be described. Before that, the construction of the content distribution system will be described. On the server 10 side, a general program for realizing the web server 11 and a dedicated program for realizing the key issuing server 12 are stored in a program memory of a relatively large computer. When these programs are stored in the program memory, programs created in advance and stored in a CD, MD, or the like may be stored in the program memory of the server 10 using a driver (not shown). In addition, a number of content files each composed of content data representing a musical score and content identification data CID corresponding to the content data are created, and the created content files are stored in the database 13. In this content file, in addition to the song title and composer, the genre of the song, the difficulty level of the performance, the price at the time of sale, etc. are included in the content file so that it is convenient to search for each score (song). Include it. The content file in the database 13 can be added and updated at any time.

On the other hand, on the client 30 side, a general program for realizing the WEB browser 31 and a dedicated program for realizing the viewer 32 and the runtime ID generating unit 33 are stored in a program memory of a normal personal computer. . In this case, these programs may be downloaded from the server 10 or another computer by a program (not shown). Further, a CD, MD, or the like on which the program is recorded may be delivered to the user at the request of the user, and the user may install the program via the driver 39 using a program (not shown).

Next, the operation of the content distribution system configured as described above will be described along the procedure shown in FIG. First, the user activates the web browser 31 of the client 30 and requests a content file from the web server 11 using the input key 36 (S100). In this case, the user accesses the server 10 and displays the menu data and the like supplied from the server 10 on the display 37, searches for a musical score of a desired music using the input keys 36, and requests the musical score. (S102).

In response, the web server 11 of the server 10 reads the requested content file from the database 13 (S104), and transmits a part of the content file to the web browser 31 of the client 30 (S106). However, a part of the content file also includes content identification data CID corresponding to the content itself. The web browser 31 stores a part of the transmitted content file in the data memory 34 (S108) and activates the viewer 32 (S110). In the viewer 32, the content file decryption unit 32a reads and decrypts a part of the content file stored in the data memory 34 and decrypts the part of the file. Then, the viewer main unit 32c displays a musical score corresponding to a part of the decrypted content file on the display 37 using the part of the content file (S112). In this case, the score displayed on the display 37 is only a part of the score corresponding to a part of the content file. Also, it is impossible to print the score, and the score to be displayed is smaller than usual or has a lower display resolution to avoid hard copy.

In this embodiment, in this state, only a part of the requested content file is supplied from the server 10 to the client 30. However, all of the requested content file is supplied from the server 10 to the client 30. May be performed. However, also in this case, printing based on the supplied content file is prohibited, and a part of the score corresponding to a part of the file is displayed in a small size. However, since the displayed musical score is small or the display resolution is low in order to avoid hard copy as described above, all musical scores may be displayed. When all of the content files are supplied as described above, it is not necessary to transmit all the content files in step S166 described later.

When the user gives an instruction to select whether to purchase the displayed score using the input key 36, a selection request is made from the viewer 32 to the web browser 31 (S114), and the web browser 31 sends the selection request to the server 10. It is transmitted (S116). In this case, the viewer 32 generates a series of musical tones corresponding to the file based on the content data (score data) or other data included in the content file in a tone generator circuit (not shown) built in the client 30. The user may conveniently select the score.

On the other hand, in the server 10, when the web server 11 receives the selection request, a list of musical scores (songs) selected by the user is created (S118), and the created list is transmitted to the client 30 (S120). In the client 30, the web browser 31 receives the selection list and displays the contents of the selection list on the display 37 (S122). The selection list includes the content identification data CID indicating the content itself, but only the title of the song, the composer, and the like are displayed. At the same time, the display 37 displays an instruction waiting state for adding a new content file, canceling the already selected content file, or ending the content file selection operation.

When the user gives an instruction to add, cancel, or end the selection of the content file using the input key 36, the viewer 32 notifies the web browser 31 of the instruction (S124, S126). When the addition or cancellation is notified, the web browser 31 notifies the server 10 of the notification (S128). In the case of addition, the WEB browser 31 restarts the content file request (S100) described above. Thereby, the content files requested by the user are sequentially added to the selection list according to the procedures of S100 to S122. In the case of cancellation, the WEB server 11 deletes the canceled content file from the created selection list and transmits the selection list to the client 30 again (S120), and the WEB browser 31 selects the client 30 in the client 30. The list is updated (S122).

On the other hand, when the viewer 32 instructs the WEB browser 31 to end the selection (S126), the WEB browser 31 notifies the server 10 of the end of the selection (S130). In the server 10, the WEB server 11 creates a purchase list including the purchase amount in the contents of the created selection list (S132), and transmits the purchase list and the purchase confirmation to the client 30 (S134).

In the client 30, the WEB browser 31 notifies the viewer 32 of the purchase list and the purchase confirmation (S136), and the viewer 32 displays the purchase list and the purchase confirmation on the display 37 (S138). In this case, the display 37 displays the song name, the composer, the purchase amount, and the like selected by the user, and an inquiry about a payment method (for example, a credit card number CNO) is displayed as confirmation of the purchase. When the user uses the input key 36 to request a purchase and input a payment method, the viewer 32 notifies the WEB browser 31 of the purchase request, the payment method (credit card number CNO), etc. (S140), and the WEB The browser 31 transmits the purchase request, the payment method (credit card number CNO), and the like to the server 10 (S142).

In the server 10, in response to the purchase request, the web server 11 charges the user according to the transmitted payment method (S144), and thereafter, the charged amount is collected from the user. After this billing, the WEB server 11 creates a receipt corresponding to the purchase list (S146), and transmits the receipt file to the client 10 (S148). The receipt file includes a song name corresponding to the content (music score) purchased by the user, data related to the song such as a composer, the respective amounts and the total purchase amount, and content identification data CID corresponding to the content itself. I have.

In the client 30, the WEB browser 31 notifies the viewer 32 of the receipt file (S150), and the viewer 32 stores the receipt file in the data memory 34 (S152), and displays the receipt file on the display 37. , The title of the purchased content (music score), the composer, etc., their respective amounts and the total purchase amount are displayed, and the confirmation of receipt of the receipt file is displayed (S154).

When the user confirms the receipt using the input key 36, in response to the confirmation operation by the input key 36, the runtime ID generation unit 33 operates to execute the runtime identification data RID (multiple bits) synchronized with the timing of the confirmation operation. Random number). The runtime identification data RID is stored in the data memory 34 by the viewer 32 in association with the purchase file (S156). At the same time, the viewer 32 notifies the WEB browser 31 of the receipt confirmation and runtime identification data RID (S158), and the WEB browser 31 transmits the receipt confirmation and runtime identification data RID to the server 10 (S160).

In the server 10, the web server 11 stores the received receipt confirmation and the runtime identification data RID in the database 13 (S162). Then, the WEB server 11 reads out all the content files relating to each specified content (music score) from the database 13 based on the receipt file (the same applies to the selection list and the purchase list) (S164), and The file is transmitted to the client 30 (S166). In the client 30, the web browser 31 receives all the transmitted content files, stores them in the data memory 34 (S168), and transmits the completion of reception to the server 10 (S170).

In the server 10, the web server 11 activates the key issuing server 12 in response to the completion of the reception, and receives from the client 10 the content identification data CID respectively corresponding to all the transmitted contents (music scores). The key issuing server 12 is notified of the runtime identification data RID (S172). The key issuing server 12 creates a key file including the content identification data CID and the runtime identification data RID, encrypts the key file, and transfers the encrypted key file to the WEB server 11 (S174). The WEB server 11 transmits the encrypted key file to the client 30 (S176). At this time, the key file is also stored in the database 13.

In the client 30, the web browser 31 stores the transmitted key file in the data memory 34 (S178). As a result, the data memory 34 of the client 30 stores all the content files purchased by the user and the key file indicating the purchase, and the runtime identification data RID in step S156 indicates the content identification data CID indicating the content itself. Will be memorized together.

Next, the case of printing the content (score) will be described. In this embodiment, with the viewer 32 activated, the user operates the input key 36 to read the content file and the key file by the data memory 34, and the content (score) is provided on condition that an appropriate key file exists. Is printed (S200 in FIG. 2).

This operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the key input processing program in the viewer 32 is repeatedly executed after being started in step 200 in FIG. 3 (S110 in FIG. 2) until an instruction to end the processing in steps 202 to 206 is given. ing. In step 202, it is determined whether or not the input key 36 has been operated. If the input key 36 has not been operated, the process of step 202 is continuously executed. When the input key 36 is operated, “YES” is determined in the step 202, and in the step 204, it is determined whether the operation of the input key 36 is an end instruction. If the operation of input key 36 is not an end instruction, “NO” is determined in step 204, and a process corresponding to input key 36 operated in step 206 is executed.

In this case, only processing related to printing of content (musical score) related to the present invention will be described. When the process of opening the designated file is instructed by the input key 36, the file processing routine of FIG. This file processing routine is started in step 220 in FIG. 4, and in step 222, a specified file (in this case, either a content file or a key file) is read from the data memory 34, and the encryption of the read file is performed. Decrypt and decrypt the file. Next, in step 224, it is determined whether or not the decrypted file is a key file.

If the decrypted file is a key file, “YES” is determined in step 224, and in step 226, it is determined whether the decrypted key file is valid. In this determination, the content identification data CID and the runtime identification data RID included in the key file, the content identification data CID included in the receipt file stored in the data memory 34 in step S152, and the In step S156, the runtime identification data RID stored in the data memory 34 is compared with each other. If the content identification data CID and the runtime identification data RID match, the key file is determined to be valid.

If the key file is valid, "YES" is determined in the step 226, and the printing restriction is released. Specifically, one or more content identification data CIDs (content identification data CIDs corresponding to one or more content files purchased by the user) included in the decrypted key file indicate that the print restriction has been released. A print restriction release flag is added, and the content identification data CID to which the print release flag is added is temporarily stored as a print restriction release file. The temporary storage of the print restriction release file means that it is stored in the RAM of the client 30 or the like, and the print restriction release file is deleted when the operation of the viewer 32 ends. Next, at step 230, the key file is deleted from the data memory 34. Therefore, it becomes impossible to read the key file again.

On the other hand, if the file decrypted by the processing in step 222 is a content file, “NO” is determined in step 224, and the content file (score file) is displayed on the display 37 in step 232. Also in this case, the score displayed on the display 37 is sufficiently small and the display resolution is coarse to avoid hard copy. However, in this case, by operating the input key 36, all pages of the specified content file (score of the specified music) are displayed. After the processing in step 230 or step 232, the execution of the file processing routine is temporarily terminated in step 234.

When the user instructs to print the content file (score) on the display 37 while the content file (score) is displayed on the display 37, the print processing routine of FIG. Be executed. This print processing routine is started in step 240 of FIG. 5, and in step 242, it is determined whether or not the print restriction of the content (score) displayed on the display 37 has been released. In this determination, it is determined whether or not the currently displayed content (score) can be printed with reference to the print restriction release file. That is, it is determined whether or not the content identification data CID corresponding to the content (music score) being displayed matches the content identification data CID stored in the print restriction release file and a print restriction release flag is added.

If the print restriction on the displayed content (music score) has been released, "YES" is determined in the step 242, and the printing is confirmed to the user on the display 37 in the step 244 (for example, "print". Display). In this case, it is preferable that the size of the printing paper, the printing characters, the size of the printing score, the printing page, and the like can be specified. If the user gives an instruction to print using the input keys 36, “YES” is determined in the step 244, and the printer 38 is controlled in the step 246 to print the displayed content (score).

Then, as described above, when the content (score) is displayed on the display 37 and the same content (score) is printed by a printing process, a plurality of contents (score) stored in the data memory 34 are sequentially printed. can do. In the print confirmation, if the user gives an instruction not to print using the input key 36, “NO” is determined in the step 244, and the execution of the print processing routine is temporarily performed in the step 254. Will be terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 242 that the print restriction has been released, that is, “NO”, that is, the print restriction of the content (score) being displayed has not been released, the process proceeds to step 248. In step 248, an inquiry is displayed to the user on the display 37 to purchase the content (score) being displayed, and in step 250, the user waits for an instruction from the user. When the user desires to purchase the content (score) using the input keys 36, “YES” is determined in step 250, and the purchase processing procedure in step 252, ie, before the procedure S114 in FIG. A process for proceeding with the program to the stage is executed. If the user does not wish to purchase the content (music score), “NO” is determined in step 250, and the execution of the print processing routine is temporarily terminated in step 254.

Further, in the key input processing program of FIG. 3, when the user instructs the end using the input key 36, "YES" is determined in the step 204, and the execution of the key input processing program is ended in the step 208. Is done. Note that terminating the execution of the key input processing program also means terminating the operation of the viewer 32, and the viewer 32 does not start operating unless it is activated again.

As can be understood from the above description, according to the above embodiment, a content file representing a musical score is supplied from the server 10 to the client 30 by the exchange between the client 30 and the server 10 via the communication line 20. Can print a musical score represented by the supplied content file, so that the user can easily obtain various musical scores. In this case, the key file is sent from the server 10 to the client 30 only when the client 30 indicates the purchase intention, and the key file releases the print restriction of the content (music score). The printing of the score is not performed indefinitely. In addition, the user can check a part of the content (score) desired to be printed on the display 37 and can view a part of the music corresponding to the score, which is convenient for the user.

In creating the key file, the client 30 sends the runtime identification data RID to the server 10 in accordance with the timing of the user's purchase request, and the server 10 executes the runtime identification data RID and the content file desired by the user. A key file including the content identification data CID corresponding to. Then, this key file is sent to the client 30, where the key file is compared with the runtime identification data RID stored when sent to the server 10, and the content is determined in accordance with the comparison result. The printing restriction for (score) is released. In this case, the runtime identification data RID is randomly generated at the timing of the user's intention to purchase according to the same timing, and the same value is almost always given as the runtime identification data RID. Since it is not possible, the printing restriction is easily and accurately released.

In the above embodiment, as long as the viewer 32 is activated, the print restriction release file once created is stored in the RAM, so that the user can print the content (score) whose print restriction has been released any number of times. Can print. Therefore, in this case, even if printing of the content (score) fails once, the content (score) can be printed again, which is convenient for the user. However, when the operation of the viewer 32 is terminated, the print restriction release file is deleted from the RAM, and the key file is also deleted after the print restriction release file is created, so that printing of the musical score becomes impossible.

Also, as long as the operation of the viewer 32 is continued, unlimited printing of the content (musical score) by the user is allowed, so the number of times of printing may be limited. In this case, at the time of the printing process in step 246 in FIG. 5, the number of times of printing is counted and stored for each printed content (music score), and in step 242, the print restriction release flag is set. In addition, the print restriction cancellation may be determined on condition that the count number does not exceed a predetermined number for each content (music score). According to this, the number of times the content (music score) is printed is limited to a predetermined number or less by one activation of the viewer 32.

When the number of times of printing is limited, the print restriction release file and the count number are stored in the data memory 34 without deleting the print restriction release file at the end of the operation of the viewer 32. Alternatively, the data may be stored even when the operation of the viewer 32 ends. According to this, even if the operation of the viewer 32 is once terminated, and the viewer 32 is restarted, the content (score) can be printed up to a predetermined number of times.

Further, the number of times the printing is permitted may be encrypted and stored in a key file, and the number of times the printing may be performed may be arbitrarily specified. For example, when purchasing a content file, the number of times may be specified, or the number of times may be variously determined according to the type of content.

Further, instead of limiting the number of times of printing the content (music score), the elapsed time from the time when the user issues a purchase request (the time when the runtime identification data RID is transmitted from the client 30 to the server 10) or a predetermined time limit after the simultaneous point Until then, the print restriction of the content (music score) may be released. In this case, a predetermined time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the time or a predetermined time after the time is stored in the client 30, and the print restriction release flag is set in the same manner as in step 242 in FIG. In addition to this, it is sufficient to use a clock circuit (timer circuit) built in the client 30 to judge the release of the print restriction on condition that the stored time is before the predetermined time point. .

Also in this case, if the print restriction release file and the predetermined time point are stored in the RAM and deleted when the operation of the viewer 32 ends, repeated printing of the content (score) is restricted during the operation of the viewer 32. Is done. Further, if the print restriction release file and the predetermined time point are stored in the data memory 34 so as to be saved even when the operation of the viewer 32 ends, the content (score) can be stored even when the viewer 32 is restarted. Can be printed up to the predetermined time.

{Circle around (1)} The limit of the predetermined number of times, the limit of the predetermined time and the limit of the predetermined time limit may be managed on the server 10 side. In this case, the print restriction release file, the number of times of printing by the client 30, the predetermined time, the predetermined time limit, and the like are stored in the database 13, and the content (musical score) of the content (music score) is Printing may be permitted according to the above conditions. In this case, the server 10 may transmit the data permitting the printing of the content (score) to the client 30 or may transmit the key file to the client 30 each time.

In the above embodiment, the server 10 transmits the requested content files one by one to the client 30 via the communication line 20 in response to the request of the client 30, and executes the runtime identification data RID from the client 30. Is transmitted to the client 30 via the communication line 20 in response to the transmission of the key file. However, as for the content files, all the content files or many content files stored in the database 13 are transmitted to the client 30 via the communication line 20 and the all or many content files are transmitted to the client 30 side. The data may be stored in the data memory 34. Further, a recording medium such as a CD or an MD containing a large number of content files may be distributed to a user by mail, courier service, or another method. In this case, the user starts up the viewer 32, reads out the content file stored in the data memory 34 or a recording medium such as a CD or MD, displays it on the display 37, and issues a request for selecting a desired content file to the server. 10 may be transmitted. That is, the user may purchase the content file in accordance with the procedure after S114 in FIG.

Further, in the above embodiment, the server 10 transmits the key file to the client 30 only once in response to the request of the client 30, but the server 10 transmits the key file within a predetermined number of times or within a predetermined time by the client 30. The key file may be reissued upon request. In this case, in the server 10, the key issuing server 12 counts the number of times the key file is transmitted or measures the time since the first key file is issued. The key file may be re-issued in response to a request from the client 30 only when is within a predetermined time. According to this, even if the client 30 is lost before using the key file due to a failure or an operation error of the client 30 or the like, the client 30 releases the use restriction of the content (score) once purchased. Being able to do it is convenient.

Further, in the above embodiment, the user selects a plurality of content files one by one and then purchases the plurality of content files at the same time. A content file may be purchased. In this case, one key file is supplied from the server 10 to the client 30 for each content file.

Further, in the above embodiment, after instructing the purchase of the content file using the input key 36, the server 10 executes the accounting process and the transmission process of the receipt file, and thereafter confirms the receipt of the receipt file. At this time, the runtime identification data RID generated by the runtime ID generation unit 33 is transmitted to the server 10 (S140 to S160). However, in order to simplify this, the runtime identification data RID according to the purchase request timing may be transmitted to the server 10 at the same time as the purchase instruction of the content file without waiting for the receipt of the receipt file. In this case, after the purchase instruction, a receipt file, all content files, key files, and the like are transmitted from the server 10 to the client 30 at the same time.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, all communications with the server 10 for purchasing the content file are performed using the personal computer as the client 30. For example, a telephone, a mobile phone, mail, courier service, or the like can be used. For example, when the client 30 makes a purchase request to the viewer 32 (S140 in FIG. 2), the runtime identification data RID generated by the runtime ID generation unit 33 is displayed on the display 37. Then, data (content identification data CID) corresponding to the content of the separately displayed content and the displayed data RID are sent to the server 10 using the other communication means. The server 10 fetches both of the transmitted data into the key issuing server 11 by a manual operation or the like, forms a key file in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and stores the formed key file in the other Send to user by communication means. The user loads the key file into the viewer 32 of the client 30 using the input key 36 or the like. As a result, the client 30 can print the content (music score). This method is particularly effective when all or many of the content files stored in the database 13 have been supplied to the client 30 via the communication line 20 or a CD or MD in advance.

Further, in the above embodiment, the communication between the server 10 and the client 30 is performed via the communication line (network) 20 such as the Internet, a public telephone line, a dedicated line, and a LAN. Alternatively, a wireless line such as a satellite communication line, a portable wireless telephone line, or Bluetooth (Blue Tooth) may be used.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a personal computer (general-purpose computer) was used as the client 30 as a terminal device. However, the terminal device operates as described above with a microprocessor function unit such as a CPU, an interface unit for receiving data such as content data and a key file via the communication line 20 in a broad sense. A storage unit for storing the program and the received data, a device (a printer in the above embodiment) for using the content, a driver for driving the device, and an interface for enabling wired or wireless connection with the device And a portable personal information terminal (PDA), a mobile phone, a home game machine (including a portable game machine), a copying machine, a facsimile machine, an electronic musical instrument, etc. Various devices capable of exchanging information with other devices can be used.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the present invention is applied to a distribution system that supplies music scores as contents from the server 10 to the client 30. However, the present invention is directed to texts, various drawings (maps, paintings, photographs, etc.) ), Music, programs and the like. In the case of text, various figures, and the like, it is preferable to remove restrictions on printing, display of clear images, and the like using the key file formed as in the above-described embodiment. In the case of music, data such as MIDI data may be adopted as the data, and the restriction on the music viewing range may be released using the key file. For example, in a state where there is no key file, data of only a part of a song and a part of a song can be reproduced, and in a state where a key file is obtained, all data can be reproduced. In the case of a program, the restriction on the execution of the program may be released using the key file. In this case, when there is no key file, the program can be executed with the key file obtained by merely introducing the outline of the program.

It is a block diagram showing the whole contents distribution system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional diagram showing a work flow by the distribution system of FIG. 1. 9 is a flowchart of a key input processing program indicating use of content by a client. 4 is a detailed flowchart of a file processing routine of FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of a print processing routine in FIG. 3.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Server (distribution computer), 11 ... Web server, 12 ... Key issuing server, 13 ... Database, 20 ... Communication line (network), 30 ... Client (delivery target computer), 31 ... Web browser, 32 ... Viewer , 33: Runtime ID generating unit, 34: Data memory, 36: Input key, 37: Display, 38: Printer

Claims (17)

In a content distribution system including a distribution computer and a distribution target computer connected via a communication line and capable of communicating with each other,
In the distribution computer,
A database that stores multiple contents,
Content transmitting means for transmitting the content in the database to the distributed computer in response to a request from the distributed computer,
Generates a key file for controlling the use of content including the unique identification data transmitted from the computer to be distributed in response to a request from the computer to be distributed, and transmits the key file to the computer to be distributed. In addition to providing key file transmission means,
In the computer for distribution,
Content requesting means for requesting content from the distribution computer,
Key file requesting means for requesting the key file to the distribution computer, generating unique identification data at the time of requesting the key file, and transmitting the generated identification data to the distribution computer,
A data memory that stores the content and the key file transmitted from the distribution computer, and unique identification data generated by the key file requesting unit;
Display means capable of displaying the content stored in the data memory;
Printing means capable of printing the content stored in the data memory;
Based on the key file stored in the data memory and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means, the content stored in the data memory is displayed by the display means. A content distribution system comprising a content use control unit for controlling display and printing by the printing unit. The content use control means includes:
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer is compared with the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the two identification data match, printing of the content by the printing unit is permitted, and when the two identification data do not match, printing of the content by the printing unit is prohibited. Content distribution system. The content use control means includes:
When the key file exists in the data memory, the printing of the content by the printing unit is permitted, and when the key file does not exist in the data memory, the printing of the content by the printing unit is prohibited. The content distribution system according to claim 1. The content use control means includes:
4. The content distribution system according to claim 2, wherein a display resolution of the content by the display unit is reduced under a condition in which printing of the content is prohibited. The content use control means includes:
4. The content distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the display of the content by the display unit is reduced under a condition in which printing of the content is prohibited. The content use control means includes:
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer is compared with the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means. If the two pieces of identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the restriction on printing of the content by the printing means is generated, the key file in the data memory is deleted, and the content is deleted by the user according to the user's instruction. 2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the print restriction release file is deleted when the program for using the program is terminated. 7. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the unique identification data generated at the time of requesting the key file represents a value that changes at random over time. In a distributed computer that can communicate with a distribution computer having a database storing a plurality of contents,
Content requesting means for requesting content from the distribution computer,
Key file requesting means for requesting the distribution computer for a key file for controlling use of content by a user, and generating unique identification data at the time of requesting the key file and transmitting the generated identification data to the distribution computer; ,
The content transmitted from the distribution computer, a key file transmitted from the distribution computer, the key file including the specific identification data, and the specific identification data generated by the key file requesting means are stored. Data memory,
Display means capable of displaying the content stored in the data memory;
Printing means capable of printing the content stored in the data memory;
Based on the key file stored in the data memory and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means, the content stored in the data memory is displayed by the display means. A distribution target computer comprising: a content use control unit that controls display and printing by the printing unit. The content use control means includes:
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer is compared with the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein when the two identification data match, printing of the content by the printing unit is permitted, and when the two identification data do not match, printing of the content by the printing unit is prohibited. Computer to be delivered. The content use control means includes:
When the key file exists in the data memory, the printing of the content by the printing unit is permitted, and when the key file does not exist in the data memory, the printing of the content by the printing unit is prohibited. A computer to be distributed according to claim 8. The content use control means includes:
11. The distribution target computer according to claim 9, wherein a display resolution of the content by the display unit is reduced under a condition in which printing of the content is prohibited. The content use control means includes:
11. The distribution target computer according to claim 9, wherein the display of the content by the display unit is reduced under a condition in which the printing of the content is prohibited. The content use control means includes:
The unique identification data in the key file stored in the data memory and transmitted from the distribution computer is compared with the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the key file requesting means. If the two pieces of identification data match, a print restriction release file for releasing the restriction on printing of the content by the printing means is generated, the key file in the data memory is deleted, and the content is deleted by the user according to the user's instruction. 9. The distribution target computer according to claim 8, wherein said print restriction release file is erased when a program for use of said program is terminated. 14. The distribution target computer according to claim 8, wherein the unique identification data generated at the time of requesting the key file represents a value that changes at random over time. In a content distribution method including a distribution computer and a distribution target computer connected via a communication line and capable of communicating with each other,
The distribution computer,
The contents in the database storing a plurality of contents are transmitted to the distribution target computer in response to a request from the distribution target computer, and transmitted from the distribution target computer in response to a request from the distribution target computer. Generate a key file containing the unique identification data and control the use of the content, and send it to the distribution target computer,
The computer for distribution,
Requesting content from the distribution computer,
Requesting the key file to the distribution computer, generating a unique identification data at the time of requesting the key file and transmitting to the distribution computer,
The content and the key file transmitted from the distribution computer and the unique identification data generated by the distribution target computer are stored in a data memory, and the key file and the data memory stored in the data memory And controlling the display of the content stored in the data memory by the display unit and the printing by the printing unit based on the specific identification data generated by the computer to be distributed. Content distribution method to be. In a content use control method applied to a distribution target computer capable of communicating with a distribution computer having a database storing a plurality of contents,
Requesting content from the distribution computer,
A key file for controlling the use of the content by the user is requested from the distribution computer, and when the key file is requested, unique identification data is generated and transmitted to the distribution computer,
The content transmitted from the distribution computer, the key file transmitted from the distribution computer, the key file including the specific identification data, and the specific identification data generated by the distribution target data memory. To remember
Based on the key file stored in the data memory and the unique identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the distributed computer, display of the content stored in the data memory by the display unit and A content use control method, wherein printing by a printing unit is controlled. A computer program applied to a distribution target computer capable of communicating with a distribution computer having a database storing a plurality of contents,
A content requesting step of requesting content from the distribution computer,
A key file requesting step of requesting the distribution computer for a key file for controlling use of the content by the user, and generating unique identification data at the time of requesting the key file and transmitting the generated identification data to the distribution computer. ,
The content transmitted from the distribution computer, the key file transmitted from the distribution computer, the key file including the specific identification data, and the specific identification data generated by the distribution target data memory. A storage step for storing in
Display by the display means of the content stored in the data memory based on the key file stored in the data memory and the specific identification data stored in the data memory and generated by the computer to be distributed. And a content use control step of controlling printing by the printing means.

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