JP2005004415A - Electronic data distribution system and distribution management server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a system which distributes electronic books to perform charging processing corresponding to characteristics of a client. <P>SOLUTION: Conditions of charging processing for browsing and print output are incorporated in a browser. When an electronic book is browsed or printed out at a user terminal 7, charging processing is carried out according to the conditions of the charging processing. While data themselves to be distributed have high quality equally among all users, a value rate can be varied according to actual output quality and a mechanism for copyright protection is structured which makes neither a copyright holder nor a user feel inconvenient. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information distribution system and a distribution management server that distribute electronic data to client terminals via a network. For example, the present invention relates to an electronic data distribution technique suitable for use in an electronic library service system that lends books (electronic books) such as digitized books, newspapers, and magazines using a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Today, services for distributing electronic data using the Internet and the like are actively performed in various fields. For example, with the recent progress of digital signal processing technology and computer technology, various works have been digitized easily and widely used at low cost. In addition, a large number of uncharacteristic users such as general users and small corporations can create original digital works themselves. In addition to private property owned by individuals and organizations, books and other publishing software have been digitized for use.
[0003]
Such a digitized work (referred to as digital work, digital content, etc.) can be easily used using a personal computer (referred to as a PC or personal computer) or a digital device. In particular, by using an information network such as the Internet, these digital works can be distributed very easily to personal or emergency users.
[0004]
For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for distributing an electronic book according to a user's request. Electronic books include not only paperback books, weekly magazines, monthly magazines, and specialized magazines, but also anything that has been distributed as printed materials, such as newspapers and advertisements. The electronic book in this specification is used in such a broad sense.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-285312 A
[0006]
Here, Patent Document 1 proposes a mechanism in which book data desired by a user is recorded and distributed on a recording medium, and the recorded data is erased. In addition, a mechanism for collecting consideration according to stored data has been proposed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the data distribution technique described in Patent Document 1 has a difficulty in accounting processing. In other words, the billing process is uniformly performed with respect to the compensation process suitable for the data distribution, that is, the so-called billing process. For example, the display quality at the time of reading the book (output quality at the time of primary use) or the secondary use is used. Although there is a difference in the amount of information and reproducibility (output quality at the time of secondary use) depending on the device to be used (for example, a printer), there is no difference in consideration, and it is not always convenient for the user.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data distribution technique that is more convenient for the user in terms of consideration.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the electronic data distribution system and the distribution management server according to the present invention include a billing processing unit that calculates a consideration for the use of the electronic data according to the output mode based on the electronic data by a predetermined output device. did.
[0010]
The invention described in the dependent claims defines further advantageous specific examples of the electronic data distribution system and the distribution management server according to the present invention.
[0011]
For example, as the “output mode” here, if an electronic book is handled, a display output mode and a print output mode can be considered.
[0012]
Specific examples of the “output mode” include display output quality of the display device and print output quality of the printing device. For example, the consideration rate is changed according to output gradation characteristics, resolution, type of ink or toner, number of colors used for output, and the like.
[0013]
These “output modes” may be a quality mode based on the performance of the output device itself such as a display device or a printing device, or may be a quality mode based on an output mode designated by the user himself / herself. .
[0014]
[Action]
In the above-described configuration according to the present invention, the billing processing unit executes billing processing for collecting a compensation according to data provision. At this time, the performance of the user terminal used for so-called primary use for receiving and outputting data, the performance of the equipment used for secondary use, or not performing charging processing uniformly according to data distribution, or A billing process is executed according to the actual output mode, such as the actual output quality desired by the user (depending on the output mode).
[0015]
In other words, the convenience is improved for each individual user by adjusting the price according to the characteristics of the client who wishes to distribute data, instead of uniformly charging all clients.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
<< Overall configuration of information distribution system >>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment to which an information distribution system according to the present invention is applied. Here, an application example to an electronic library service system that distributes an electronic book (book data), which is an example of digital content (information content), to a terminal owned by a user via a network is shown.
[0018]
As shown in the figure, the information distribution system 1 includes a management server 3 that manages the system, a content supply source 5 (three locations in the figure) that is a supply source of provided data, and a user terminal 7 that receives the provided data ( The figure is composed of two locations). Each is connected via a network (Internet, LAN, WAN, etc.) 9 using a communication line or cable so as to be able to communicate in both directions. The communication means may include a telephone line or satellite communication means (for example, a spatial transmission path in digital satellite broadcasting).
[0019]
The content supply source 5 (three locations in the figure), which is a distribution source of digital content, has a computer (not shown) and a storage device for storing the digital content, and sends the digital content to the management server 3 side as necessary. To do.
[0020]
As the user terminal 7, a terminal a which is a desktop personal computer and a so-called mobile terminal b such as a notebook personal computer or a mobile phone are illustrated in FIG. In these user terminals 7, a program for browsing book data (including management information) may be installed, or a document (not only text but also an image) may be included on the display based on the downloaded book data. ) Is displayed, and software for data processing such as display is installed.
[0021]
The management server 3 is connected by a network 9 between a user's computer or the like and the content supply source 5, to related information (for example, bibliographic information of electronic books) provided by the content supply source 5 and the system. Manage user management information related to registered users. Then, the digital content provided by the content supplier 5 is distributed to the user terminal 7 owned by the user according to the user's wish. In addition, a fee is collected according to the distribution.
[0022]
Note that the content supply source 5 and the user terminal 7 are not limited to the number of components illustrated. In the illustrated example, one management server 3 (actually managing server) manages the entire system. For example, a management server 3 (local server) is prepared for each individual content supplier 5. Then, each of them may be a system that independently distributes data to the user terminal 7. In addition, a management server 3 (management server) that controls these individual management servers 3 may be prepared, and data may be distributed to the user terminal 7 via the management server.
[0023]
Also, when distributing digital content to the user terminal 7, the content may be distributed after being encrypted or added with a digital watermark. Further, a protection may be provided so that the data downloaded to the user terminal 7 cannot be processed / edited, that is, a mechanism for preventing data processing by the user may be provided.
[0024]
In this embodiment, the library is responsible for the function as the content supplier 5 when constructing the electronic library service system. Each content supplier 5 is also connected to each other via a network 9 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. In this case, the management server 3 functions as the electronic library server 10. For example, the management server 3 functioning as the electronic library server 10 exists as one site on the network 9, and an electronic book requested to be rented from the user terminal 7 is transferred by data communication using the network 9. This is a server device that performs a book rental service (also referred to as an electronic library service).
[0025]
The user terminal 7 is a terminal device operated by a user who uses the electronic library service, and has a network function for accessing the electronic library server 10. As a whole, an electronic library system is constructed that can download (rent out) the book data of the library converted into electronic data through a general line and browse it.
[0026]
For example, a registered user-specific browsing program for browsing electronic books is installed in advance on the terminals a and b from the management server 3 (for example, immediately after user registration), and then the browsing program is started. In response to a request from the user (for example, after a book search), a browsing data file that is data indicating the contents of the book desired to be browsed is transmitted.
[0027]
Here, each content supply source 5 (each library) makes the book information and user management information grasped by each other public so that each can refer to the book information and user information in other regions. I have to. Accordingly, even if a user is registered in another content supply source 5 (for example, a library), a service (book) for providing electronic data (electronic books) from an unregistered content supply source 5 (a library in another region) Lending service) can be easily received. As user information for that purpose, for example, user information that can be commonly used on a nationwide scale may be used.
[0028]
By doing so, it becomes possible to browse information in other regions without complicated registration. For example, it is convenient for the user because it is not necessary to directly access the management server of the library and receive user authentication. On the other hand, when book data is lent out from multiple libraries, there is a disadvantage that it is impossible to know how many books an individual has borrowed (users rented) only with user information managed by one library. By opening the, it is possible to comprehensively understand who is borrowing how many books. That is, at the individual level, the total number of lending is managed regardless of the library where the lending service is received.
[0029]
As described above, in the information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of contents can be obtained by mutually publishing user information grasped by mutually connected content suppliers 5 (such as libraries) and their management servers. For users who want to obtain data from the supplier 5, a single user registration is required, and user information can be managed centrally, thereby building a system that improves convenience for both users and administrators. Yes.
[0030]
<< Configuration of management server (electronic library server) >>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management server 3. Actually, it may be constructed by a server computer. In this case, software for executing various server functions described later by the computer is installed. Hereinafter, a method for distributing electronic data will be specifically described as the management server 3 in constructing the electronic library service system, that is, the electronic library server 10.
[0031]
The electronic library server 10 roughly includes a distribution management server unit 102 in charge of data distribution work between the content supply source 5 and the user terminal 7 and electronic book data presented by the content supply source 5 (library). The lending business unit 104 is in charge of processing to distribute to users who wish to use it.
[0032]
The lending business unit 104 roughly includes a content management server unit 200 in charge of a function of managing electronic data (electronic book in this example) provided as a distribution target from the content supply source 5, and a function of managing user information. And a lending management server unit 400 that manages distribution of electronic data according to the user's wishes (in this example, lending management of electronic books).
[0033]
Each server unit may be configured by an independent computer system, and the electronic library server 10 may be completed by connecting them, or the electronic library server 10 is completed by causing each server unit to function by one computer system. You may let them.
[0034]
For example, the distribution management server unit 102 includes a communication I / F unit 110 for communication via the network 9, and a request reception unit 120 that receives a processing request from the user terminal 7 received by the communication I / F unit 110. And a registration processing unit 150 for performing user registration processing for using the electronic library service.
[0035]
The registration processing unit 150 transmits a browsing program to the acquisition processing unit 152 that performs processing for acquiring user information from a user who operates the user terminal 7 and the user terminal 7 that is used by the user who has completed user registration. And a data embedding unit 156 that performs a process of embedding predetermined information (such as user information for which user registration has been performed) into the browsing program transmitted by the program transmitting unit 154.
[0036]
Note that, as a configuration unique to the present embodiment, the performance of the user terminal 7 that is used for so-called primary use operated by the terminal operating user, which is necessary for calculating the consideration in the billing processing unit 240 described later, and the user terminal 7 is an output condition information acquisition unit that acquires information on the performance of equipment (for example, a printer is a typical example) used for secondary use of the data received in step 7 or the actual output quality desired by the user (depending on the output mode). 164 is configured.
[0037]
The browsing program is a program provided to a user who has registered as a user in order to browse an electronic book provided from the content supply source 5, and allows the user terminal 7 to browse, print, copy, etc. It is necessary when doing.
[0038]
The content management server unit 200 when constructing an electronic library service system receives a book data management unit 202 that manages information of an electronic book and related information corresponding to the contents of the information (in the case of an electronic book, bibliographic information, etc.). And an electronic book DB (DB; database) 204 to be stored. It is sufficient for the electronic book DB 204 to take a correspondence between a plurality (many) of electronic books (substance files) to be rented and related information and to manage the lending by the lending management server unit 400. Therefore, when considering the entire system, it does not matter where the main body of the electronic book is stored.
[0039]
Therefore, the content (digital content) itself of the entity file is stored in a storage medium prepared on the content supply source 5 side, and provided by the content supply source 5 when the user desires distribution. Upon receipt, it is delivered (transferred) to the user terminal 7. Note that the contents (digital content) of the information itself may be stored in the electronic book DB 204. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that a data file (copy of book data) representing the contents (text) of each electronic book is stored in the electronic book DB 204 unless otherwise specified.
[0040]
The book data management unit 202 includes a book search unit 210 that performs electronic book search processing in cooperation with the electronic book DB 204, a data file that represents the contents (text) of each electronic book stored in the electronic book DB 204, And a book management unit 212 that manages book management information related to the electronic book. Further, the book data management unit 202 edits the data file of the electronic book selected as the target of the loan request according to the restriction of the loaned contents, and the data file of the electronic book transmitted to the user has a predetermined value. A data embedding unit 224 that performs data embedding processing, and a lending request for a data file of an electronic book that is determined to be lent by the lending management server unit 400 (or permitted to lend) and edited by the book data editing unit 222 A book data transmission unit 230 that performs processing for transmission to the original user terminal 7.
[0041]
The book data editing unit 222 reads, for example, a data file of an electronic book selected as a loan request target from the electronic book DB 204 and restricts the read-out data file of the electronic book by the lending management server unit 400. The edited data file is transferred to the book data transmission unit 230. The data embedding unit 224 adds, for example, user information for requesting lending electronic information, lending management information for the electronic book, or after lending the electronic book to the data file of the electronic book transmitted by the book data transmitting unit 230. Predetermined information is embedded, such as usage restriction information that defines usage conditions, as well as billing processing conditions (consideration) for browsing and printing output.
[0042]
In addition, as a characteristic part of the present embodiment, the book data management unit 202 includes a billing processing unit 240 that collects a fee according to data provision. The billing processing unit 240 performs billing processing based on predetermined data distribution consideration conditions. At this time, the billing processing unit 240 does not perform billing processing uniformly according to data distribution, but receives and displays data. The performance of the user terminal 7 (provided for so-called primary use), the performance of equipment used for the secondary use of data received at the user terminal 7 (for example, a printer is a typical example), or the user desired Charge according to actual output quality (depending on output mode). That is, the consideration rate for billing (price collection) is changed according to the usage form of the book data actually distributed.
[0043]
As this billing process, for example, a prepaid card purchase or cash input (bank settlement) from a user may be accepted for accounting processing, or an input to the user terminal 7 such as a credit card number may be received, and the network 9 It is also possible to communicate with a computer on the side of a credit sales company (not shown) to perform a settlement process.
[0044]
Further, in order to perform offline browsing and printing in which the electronic library server 10 and the user terminal 7 are not connected and charging processing corresponding thereto without any inconvenience, the performance of the user terminal 7 used for primary use Based on this information, the output condition information acquisition unit 164 obtains in advance information such as the performance of the device used for secondary use or the actual output quality desired by the user (depending on the output mode). The billing processing conditions are incorporated in the browsing program distributed to the user. On the other hand, when browsing or printing in a state where the electronic library server 10 and the user terminal 7 are connected, it is only necessary to acquire these pieces of information and execute billing processing each time.
[0045]
The user management server unit 300 includes a user management unit 302, which is a main unit that manages user information, and a user DB 304 that stores information (user information) about users who use the electronic library service. The user management unit 302 manages, for example, user information stored in the user DB 304 and user management information corresponding to each user information.
[0046]
The lending management server unit 400 comprehensively manages lending of electronic books based on the management information of the book management unit 212 and the user management unit 302. For example, as one of the lending management items, the lending contents when lending each electronic book stored in the electronic book DB 204 are limited according to a predetermined condition. In response to this, the book data editing unit 222 reads the data file of the electronic book selected as the target of the lending request from the electronic book DB 204, and lends the read data file of the electronic book by the lending management server unit 400. Edit according to content restrictions.
[0047]
<< Processing procedure of information distribution system; user registration and browsing program distribution >>
Next, a processing procedure when the electronic library service is executed in the information distribution system 1 including the electronic library server 10 having the above configuration will be described in order with reference to a flowchart. First, FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure from user registration to installation of a browsing program.
[0048]
The user makes a connection request to the electronic library server 10 via the user terminal 7 and the network 9 (S302). In response to this, on the electronic library server 10 side, the communication I / F unit 110 of the distribution management server unit 100 receives the connection request from the user terminal 7 and receives the connection request at the request receiving unit 120 ( S202). As a result, a connection is established between the user terminal 7 and the electronic library server 10.
[0049]
Next, the request receiving unit 120 transmits initial menu screen data prepared in advance to the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110 (S204). Thereby, on the user terminal 7 side that has received the initial menu screen data, the initial menu screen is displayed on the display. The initial menu screen data is data representing a menu screen that is first displayed on the display of the user terminal 7 when the connection by the network 9 is established between the electronic library server 10 and the user terminal 7.
[0050]
The display contents of the initial menu screen include contents for inquiring whether or not the user who operates the user terminal 7 wishes to register as a user to use the electronic library service, This includes contents for inquiring about a desired processing menu. The user selects whether or not to register as a user according to the contents of the menu (S304).
[0051]
The request accepting unit 120 accepts response data transmitted (returned) from the user terminal 7 after transmitting the initial menu screen data via the communication I / F unit 110, and in accordance with the contents of the accepted response data, It is confirmed whether user registration is selected from the initial menu screen on the display of the terminal 7 (S206).
[0052]
For example, if the user does not select user registration in step S304, the distribution management server unit 100 sends menu screen data different from the initial menu display data to the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110. Transmit (S290). The user terminal 7 receives this other menu screen data and displays it on the display (S390).
[0053]
<User information registration>
On the other hand, when the user selects user registration in step S304, the distribution management server unit 100 instructs the registration processing unit 150 to execute user registration processing (S210). In the registration processing unit 150 that has received the execution instruction, first, the acquisition processing unit 152 transmits user information reception screen data to the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110 (S212). On the user terminal 7 side that has received the user information reception screen data, the user information reception screen is displayed on the display. The user performs an input process of information necessary for user registration in accordance with the reception screen displayed on the display (S312).
[0054]
The user information required for user registration includes, for example, the user's personal information such as address, name, age, gender, telephone number, e-mail address, etc., as well as the user ID and password. Identification information is included. In addition, when the user to be registered is a group unit (organization) such as a family, a school, and a local government, the identification information is registered for each individual user belonging to each group.
[0055]
By managing as a group user, the following advantages can be obtained. For example, if a main user registers, a system can be constructed in which members of the registered group can also browse and appreciate. In addition, if the main user can manage the group member's lending information, the main user can restrict the number of lending and lending contents to the group member, monitor the management information and perform return procedure agency. Etc. can also be performed. In addition, the lending restriction of group members performed by the main user can be performed for each item of viewing, viewing or downloading.
[0056]
The acquisition processing unit 152 receives the user information returned from the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110 (S214). Then, the acquisition processing unit 152 requests the user terminal 7 to transmit terminal-specific information for uniquely identifying the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110. The user terminal 7 transmits its own terminal specific information (S316). As the terminal specific information, a MAC address (media access control address), a combination of a terminal model number and a serial number, or the like can be used. Using the MAC address facilitates automatic acquisition of terminal-specific information. The acquisition processing unit 152 acquires unique information transmitted from the user terminal 7 as a response to the transmission request (S216). The acquisition processing unit 152 stores (registers) user personal information, identification information, and terminal-specific information in the user DB 304 as user information.
[0057]
<Installation of browsing program on user terminal>
When the registration of the user information is completed in this way, the distribution management server unit 100 instructs the program transmission unit 154 to execute the browsing program transmission process (S220). Upon receiving this execution instruction, the program transmission unit 154 first transmits the download acceptance screen data of the browsing program to the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110 (S222). On the side of the user terminal 7 that has received the download acceptance screen data for the browsing program, the reception processing for the browsing program is started (S320). For example, first, a browsing program download acceptance screen is displayed on the display. When the user desires to download the browsing program, the user selects a download request according to the reception screen displayed on the display (YES in S322), and when the user desires other than downloading the browsing program, the reception displayed on the display is performed. A processing request other than download is selected according to the screen (S322-NO).
[0058]
The program transmission unit 154 confirms whether there is a request for downloading the browsing program according to the content of the response data (S224). If the download request is not selected within a predetermined time, the registration processing unit 150 transmits another menu screen data to the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110 according to the processing content desired by the user. (S224-NO, S292). On the other hand, when the download request is selected, the program transmission unit 154 instructs the data embedding unit 156 to embed user information (YES in S224).
[0059]
In response to this, the data embedding unit 156 embeds user information in the browsing program according to the embedding instruction (S226). Next, the program transmission unit 154 communicates a browsing program in which user information such as terminal-specific information is embedded by the data embedding unit 156 together with an installer for incorporating (installing) the browsing program into the user terminal 7. It transmits to the user terminal 7 via the I / F unit 110 (S228).
[0060]
When the user terminal 7 completes downloading the browsing program from the electronic library server 10 (S322), the user terminal 7 starts installing the browsing program (S324). Next, the user terminal 7 checks whether or not the terminal specific information embedded in the browsing program to be installed matches the terminal specific information of the own device (S330). If it matches the terminal-specific information of the own device, installation of the browsing program is continued, and when this is completed, the user is notified of this (S332). On the other hand, if it does not match the terminal specific information of the own device, the installation of the browsing program is stopped and the user is notified that the installation has failed (S334).
[0061]
<< Processing procedure of information distribution system; Electronic book lending process >>
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure of the electronic book lending business. First, a browsing program received at the time of user registration and incorporated in the terminal is started up (S600), and a connection request is made to the electronic library server 10 via the network 9 (S602). The request receiving unit 120 of the distribution management server unit 100 receives this connection request and establishes a connection with the user terminal 7 (S402). When the connection is established, initial menu screen data for login is transmitted to the user terminal 7, and a login screen is displayed (S404).
[0062]
On the login screen, the user inputs user identification information necessary for login such as an ID and a password, and makes a login request to the electronic library server 10 (S604, S606). The acquisition processing unit 152 acquires user identification information (user ID, password, and the like) included in the received login request, and notifies the user management unit 302 of it.
[0063]
The user management unit 302 collates with registered users (S410). For example, it is checked whether there is any user information registered in the user DB 304 that includes identification information that matches the identification information of the user who requested the login (S412). If user information including identification information that matches the identification information of the user who made the login request exists in the user DB 304 (S414-YES), the verification result is OK and login is permitted. At the same time, the distribution management server unit 100 sends process selection menu screen data (S416). On the other hand, if it does not exist (S414-NO), the user management unit 302 sets the collation result as NG, disallows login, and returns to step S410. The user terminal 7 returns to step S604 and requests the user to re-enter user identification information (S608-NO).
[0064]
When login permission is issued from the electronic library server 10 (S608-YES), the user instructs a desired process on the process selection menu displayed on the terminal screen. Normally, a process for searching for a book to be browsed will be instructed first (S610). When an instruction other than search is instructed, the distribution management server unit 100 transmits different menu screen data to the user terminal 7 (S490). Hereinafter, the description will be continued on the assumption that the user has instructed the book search.
[0065]
In the electronic library server 10, upon accepting a book search request (S418-YES), the book search unit 210 starts the electronic book search process (S420). In this search process, first, book search reception screen data (book search menu screen data) is transmitted to the user terminal 7 (S422). On the book search menu screen, the user inputs the book search keyword information such as the book title, author name, issuer name, and other keywords, and makes a search request to the electronic library server 10 (S620). .
[0066]
Upon receiving this search request (S424), the book search unit 210 executes a book search using the keyword information as a search key (S426). Specifically, by accessing the electronic book DB 204, it is confirmed whether or not an electronic book having information matching the keyword information exists in the electronic book DB 204. Then, the search result screen is returned to the user terminal 7 (S428). For example, if an electronic book with information that matches the keyword information is found, bibliographic information such as the book title, author name, publisher name, and publication date of the electronic book is extracted, and these bibliographic information is extracted. A search result screen showing information is returned to the user terminal 7. At this time, when a plurality of electronic books having information matching the keyword information is found in the electronic book DB 204, all the bibliographic information of these electronic books is extracted. If an electronic book having information matching the keyword information is not found, a message to that effect is notified.
[0067]
Thereby, the user who operates the user terminal 7 can check whether or not a desired book exists in the electronic library server 10 by looking at the notification result notification screen displayed on the display. On this search result screen, if there is no desired book in the search result list or if the corresponding book in the search instruction is zero, the user instructs re-search or cancels the search and selects another menu (S630). -NO). The electronic library server 10 returns to step S420 when an instruction for re-search is given (S430-re-search), and returns to step S404 when the search is canceled (S430-cancel). On the other hand, when there is an electronic book desired to be browsed on the search result screen, the user designates (selects) the electronic book desired to be rented and notifies the electronic library server 10 (S630-lending).
[0068]
<Lending confirmation process>
Receiving this, the lending management server unit 400 first activates lending confirmation processing (S440). For example, screen data for lending confirmation is transmitted to the user terminal 7 (S442). On the lending confirmation screen, for example, a book list that lists information on books that have been lent out from the user terminal 7 and a confirmation message asking whether or not to lend books placed in the book list. Then, a “Confirm” button for confirming the book lending request and a “Cancel” button for canceling the book lending request are displayed. The user issues a desired instruction on this screen (S640).
[0069]
When receiving the response data from the user terminal 7, the lending management server unit 400 confirms the processing content selected by the user according to the content of the received response data (S444). If it is determined that the user has selected the “cancel” button, the process returns to step S420 (S444-cancel), and if it is determined that the user has selected the “confirm” button (S444-confirmation), the lending management server. The unit 400 determines whether or not the book can be lent based on the book management information managed by the book management unit 212 for each book published in the book list (S446).
[0070]
For example, the book management information includes information such as a management status, a loan period, a book classification, the number of books that can be borrowed, the number of books that can be borrowed, loan restriction information, and use restriction information for each electronic book stored in the electronic book DB 204. It is. The management status indicates either “lending” or “lending available” as the current lending status of the electronic book. The lending period defines the period from the start of lending electronic books to the end of lending. The book classification indicates a classification (for example, dictionary, magazine, novel, technical book, reference book, utility book, children's book, etc.) according to the contents of the electronic book.
[0071]
The lending restriction information includes information such as whether or not there is a restriction on the contents of lending when lending an electronic book to a user, and if there is a restriction (if restricted), information specifying the specific restriction, etc. It stipulates the lending conditions for lending. The lending conditions are set according to restrictions such as the type and age of the user who is permitted to lend electronic books, and the copyright setting status. For example, the restrictions on lending electronic books to users are stipulated on condition that the type of user (gender, age, occupation, etc.) specified by the author of the electronic book, the age of the user, the current lending status of the user, etc. Depending on the conditions, there may be “no loan restrictions”. The usage restriction information defines usage conditions for renting an electronic book and using the electronic book for browsing, printing, or copying on the user terminal 7 side.
[0072]
Therefore, the lending management server unit 400 first confirms the book management information related to the electronic book that has received the lending request with the book management unit 212 and determines whether or not the management status of this electronic book is “lending”. . In addition, the lending management server unit 400 compares the current number of books that can be lent and the number of books that can be lent, which are managed by the book management unit 212, for each electronic book for which a lending request has been made (electronic books listed in the book list). . If the current number of books to be rented has reached the number of books that can be lent, the loan management server unit 400 determines that the electronic book cannot be rented and returns to step S420 (S446-NO).
[0073]
In order to present the contents of the electronic book to the user within the range permitted by the copyright, an editing instruction based on the management status being lent is given to the book data editing unit 222 in order to limit the rental contents of the electronic book. (S446 is on loan). As a result, the book data editing unit 222 reads the data file of the electronic book that has been previously requested for lending from the electronic book DB 204, and extracts index information (heading, table of contents, index, etc.) from which a part of the contents of the electronic book is extracted. The data file is edited so as to leave only the information), and the user information is embedded in the data file (S448). Therefore, it is possible to limit the loan contents of an electronic book requested to be lent by the user according to the current loan status of the electronic book (whether or not it is being loaned).
[0074]
On the other hand, if the current number of books to be lent is less than the number of books that can be lent, the rental management server unit 400 determines that the electronic book can be rented (YES in S446). Next, based on the user management information managed by the user management unit 302, the lending management server unit 400 lends each electronic book that has been requested for lending (an electronic book listed in the book list) to the request source. It is determined whether or not to allow the user (S450).
[0075]
For example, the user management information includes lending information that associates user information registered at the time of user registration, such as a user ID and password, with the current book lending status of the user identified by the user information, and electronic books for the user. And reference information that is a criterion for determining whether or not to permit the lending of the product is included. Accordingly, the lending management server unit 400 manages the number of electronic books that are being lent with respect to the requesting user and are managed by the user management unit 302 for each electronic book that has been requested to be lent (electronic books listed in the book list). Is compared with the maximum number of books permitted per user. Then, the lending management server unit 400 permits the requesting user to lend the electronic book for which the lending request has been made at this time when the number of electronic books being rented has not reached the maximum lending number (S450-). Otherwise, it is determined that the electronic book cannot be rented, and the process returns to step S404 (S450-NO).
[0076]
<Loan range restriction processing>
In this way, when the lending confirmation processing is completed, the lending management server unit 400 next activates the lending range restriction processing (S460). For example, the lending management server unit 400 checks whether or not there is a restriction on a lending range (lending possible range) for the user who has made a lending request as described above (S462). Judgment as to whether or not the lending range is restricted depends on the lending limit for the user who made the lending request, the lending limit for the electronic book specified in the lending request, and the image that can be lent (lending available image) This is based on the restrictions of
[0077]
For this reason, the user management unit 302 reads the information of the user who has previously permitted the login from the user DB 304 and notifies the lending management server unit 400 of the lending restriction information applied to the user specified by the user information. If the lending available range is restricted (S462-YES), an editing instruction based on the lending available range restriction is given to the book data editing unit 222 to restrict the lending contents of the electronic book accordingly. . As a result, the book data editing unit 222 reads the data file of the electronic book for which the lending request has been previously made from the electronic book DB 204, and deletes part of the contents of the electronic book according to the restriction on the lenttable range for the user. The data file of the electronic book is edited and the user information is embedded in the data file (S464).
[0078]
Therefore, it is possible to limit the rental contents of the electronic book requested to be lent by the user within a range where the electronic book can be lent. In addition, it is possible to restrict the rental contents of an electronic book requested to be lent by the user so as to include only images for which the electronic book can be lent. In addition to the deletion of copyrighted images, for example, a color image is converted to a black and white image, the resolution is lower than that of the original image, or a noise image is added to the original image. It may be a process of degrading the image quality of the original image, such as adding.
[0079]
When the lending range restriction process is completed (S462-NO, S464), the book data editing unit 222 passes the data file of the electronic book to the data embedding unit 224. At this time, the data embedding unit 224 embeds data for the lending period of the electronic book (data indicating the date and time when the lending ends) and usage restriction information in the data file of the electronic book. In addition, the book management unit 212 changes the management status of one electronic book that has been lent out this time from “available for loan” to “being lent”, and sets the date and time when the loan ends (lending deadline). For example, it is registered in the book management information managed by the book management unit 212. Incidentally, the lending period data may be embedded as header information of the data file of the electronic book. Further, it is desirable that the data for the lending period is data encrypted so that the user terminal 7 cannot be tampered with on its own.
[0080]
Note that the management status of the electronic book for which a loan request has been made is "Lending available", and what is the lending limit such as the lending range and the images that can be lent to the lending requesting user and the lending target electronic book. If the data is not attached, the electronic book data file read from the electronic book DB 204 is not edited by the book data editing unit 222, and the data embedding unit 224 only embeds user information and usage restriction information. And is transferred to the book data transmission unit 230.
[0081]
<Book data distribution processing and billing processing according to browsing quality>
Next, the book data management unit 202 of the content management server unit 200 activates the book data distribution process and instructs the book data transmission unit 230 to transmit (S470). As a result, the book data transmission unit 230 transmits the data file of the electronic book edited by the book data editing unit 222 to the user terminal 7 via the communication I / F unit 110 (S478).
[0082]
Thereby, downloading of an electronic book starts in the user terminal 7 (S672). If the user wishes to browse as it is, the electronic book can be browsed immediately (on-line). It should be noted that processing such as viewing range restriction and viewable image range restriction is performed as necessary. For example, a method similar to the limitation of the printable range (S716, S718) and the limitation of the printable image range (S720, S722) described later may be employed. Here, a detailed description of the viewing range restriction is omitted.
[0083]
Thereafter, the billing processing unit 240 calculates a price corresponding to the display performance of the user terminal 7 used for browsing the electronic book (S480). By changing the billing (price collection) according to the usage form of the book data that is actually distributed, the user-friendliness is improved. For example, the billing processing unit 240 is based on the performance information of the user terminal 7 (machine specifications such as resolution, display color, or gradation characteristic capability) transmitted from the user terminal 7 and received by the output condition information acquisition unit 164. Calculate the price to match the machine performance. More specifically, the low resolution display, monochrome (monochrome) display, or low gradation display is set to be lower than the high resolution display, color display, or high gradation display. That is, the browsing with the display output with low quality is set to be lower than the display output with high quality.
[0084]
This billing process is performed, for example, by adding or subtracting a charge corresponding to the display quality to the amount deposited in advance based on a predetermined data distribution consideration condition. Alternatively, in the case of credit settlement, it is preferable to perform a collective settlement in consideration of a predetermined data distribution consideration and a charge corresponding to the display quality.
[0085]
Thereafter, the lending business unit 104 inquires about whether or not to log out to the user terminal 7 (S482, S682). If a reply to logout is received, the process is left as it is (S482-YES, S682-YES). If a reply not to logout is received, the process returns to step S420 and the same process is performed (S482-). NO, S682-NO).
[0086]
<< Printing permission process and billing process according to print quality >>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a book data distribution process and a charging process procedure according to print quality. Here, description will be made in an operation mode in which offline browsing and printing in which the electronic library server 10 and the user terminal 7 are not connected and charging processing corresponding thereto are performed. For this reason, information such as the performance of the user terminal 7 provided for primary use, the performance of the equipment provided for secondary use, or the actual output quality desired by the user (depending on the output mode) is acquired in advance. In addition, the charging condition based on this information is incorporated in the browsing program distributed to the user.
[0087]
First, the browsing program received at the time of user registration and incorporated in the terminal is started (S702). The browsing program already includes user information, information that limits the viewable range, or information that limits the printable range, and all processing related to browsing and printing electronic books is built into the viewing program. The processing steps are performed.
[0088]
For example, the user next inputs user information such as a user ID and a password on the login screen displayed on the user terminal 7 (S704). The user terminal 7 compares the received user information with the user information incorporated in the browsing program. If the two match in the comparison result, the user terminal 7 determines that the user information is correct. It is determined that the information is invalid, and re-input of user information is requested (S706).
[0089]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the “print menu” has been selected by the user from the processing menus prepared in advance (S708). When the “print menu” is selected, a list of electronic books lent (downloaded) in advance from the electronic library server 10 is displayed (S710), and an electronic device from which the user wishes to print is displayed. The selection of the book is accepted (S712).
[0090]
Next, the usage restriction information embedded in the data file of the electronic book that the user desires to print is read out, and the printing use of the electronic book is restricted according to the read usage restriction information. This restriction on the use of printing is not limited to what is applied according to the user information desired to print an electronic book. For example, when user registration is performed in a group unit (for example, a family unit) as described above, The first (upper) individual user (parent user) may be applied to another (lower) individual user (child user).
[0091]
In the restriction of printing use, first, it is confirmed whether or not the user specified in step S706 is permitted to use the electronic book received in the previous step S712 (S714). If the user is not permitted to use electronic book printing, the process returns to step S710. For example, it is a case where the age of the user specified from the user information is less than the age of the user who is permitted to use electronic books for printing. In step S714, it is determined whether or not the user is permitted to use the electronic book for printing, using the electronic book as one unit.
[0092]
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the user is restricted in the range in which printing can be used (hereinafter, the printing available range) (S716). The determination as to whether or not the print usable range is restricted is based on both the user information of the user specified in step S706 and the use restriction information embedded in the data file of the electronic book to be printed. It is done. If the printable range is restricted, only the portion permitted to be printed is extracted from the contents of the electronic book in order to restrict the print contents of the electronic book accordingly (S718).
[0093]
The limitation on the printable range here is performed in units of contents included in the electronic book. In addition, in the contents included in the electronic book, a part that is permitted to be printed or a part that is prohibited to be printed is designated in units of pages, items, chapters, or the like. Examples of the limitation of the printable range for the user include, for example, a limitation based on the user type designated by the author of the electronic book, a limitation based on the user age, and a limitation given to the child user by the parent user.
[0094]
Accordingly, the range when the electronic book is used for printing by the user terminal 7 can be limited to a range where printing is permitted by the usage restriction information. In addition, when the restriction by the user type is applied as the restriction on the printable range, only users who can print electronic books including the restricted use range are those who match the user type specified by the author. Can be limited to. In addition, when restrictions based on user age are applied, users who can print electronic books including ranges with usage restrictions are limited to certain users who are above a certain age, below a certain age, and within a certain age range. Can do. In addition, when the restriction given by the parent user to the child user is applied, the users who can print electronic books including the range with usage restrictions are restricted to child users who are not restricted by the parent user. Can do. Therefore, the contents that can be printed by the child user who is restricted by the parent user are limited to the contents of the electronic book excluding the range with usage restrictions. Of course, it is also possible to apply a mechanism (condition setting) that enables printing only with a specific printer.
[0095]
Next, it is confirmed whether or not a restriction on printable images, which are images that can be used for printing, is attached to the user (S720). The determination as to whether or not the printable image is restricted is based on both the user information of the user specified in step S706 and the use restriction information embedded in the data file of the electronic book to be printed. It is done. If there is a restriction on printable images, only the images permitted to be printed are extracted from the contents of the electronic book in order to restrict the print contents of the electronic book (S722).
[0096]
The restriction of printable images here is performed in units of images included in the electronic book. Examples of restrictions on print-use images for users include, for example, restrictions by user type specified by the author of the electronic book, restrictions by user age, restrictions by copyright settings, restrictions given by parent users to child users, etc. Is considered.
[0097]
As a result, it is possible to restrict the image when the electronic book is used for printing on the user terminal 7 side to only the image permitted to be printed by the usage restriction information. In addition, when the restriction by the user type is applied as the restriction on the printable image, only the user who can print the electronic book including the restricted use image is the user who matches the user kind specified by the author side. Can be limited to. In addition, when restrictions based on user age are applied, users who can print electronic books including images with usage restrictions are restricted to certain users such as a certain age or more, a certain age or less, a certain age range, etc. Can do. Further, when the restriction by the copyright setting is applied, the contents used for printing the electronic book can be restricted to the contents obtained by deleting the restricted image. In addition, when the restriction given by the parent user to the child user is applied, the users who can print electronic books including images with usage restrictions are restricted to child users who are not restricted by the parent user. Can do. Therefore, the contents that can be printed by the child user who is restricted by the parent user are limited to the contents of the electronic book excluding the images with usage restrictions.
[0098]
If the image whose printing use is restricted is an image with a copyright, the image quality of the image may be deteriorated in addition to simply removing the image from the print target. For example, if the original image is a color image, the process of degrading the image quality is to convert it to a black and white image, lower the resolution than the original image, or add a noise image to the original image. To do.
[0099]
Next, management information is added to the data file of the electronic book to be used for printing (S724). Examples of management information applied in printing include code information that can specify the printing environment in which printing was performed, and characters that significantly deteriorate in quality (image quality) when a printed product is copied to a sheet medium with a copying machine. Information or image information is considered as an example.
[0100]
After that, for electronic books with restrictions on printing usage such as restrictions on users who can use printing, restrictions on the range of usable printing, and restrictions on images that can be used for printing, printing of electronic books by applying those printing usage restrictions For the electronic book to which printing usage restrictions are not attached, the electronic book printing process is executed in the state downloaded from the electronic library server 10 (S726).
[0101]
Then, the user terminal 7 responds to the performance of the printer (machine specifications, such as the resolution, display color, or gradation capability) and the actual output mode desired by the user. The price is collected at the consideration rate (S730). By changing the billing (price collection) according to the actual printing state, usability for the user is improved. Since the user terminal 7 is in an offline state at this point, the user terminal 7 may store the fact that the printing process has been performed, and perform the settlement process in the billing processing unit 240 at the next connection to the electronic library server 10. . Alternatively, a mechanism for attaching a prepaid card to a printer and permitting printing may be applied.
[0102]
For example, the print output with low quality is set to be lower than the print output with high quality. More specifically, low resolution printing, monochrome (monochrome) printing, or low gradation printing is set at a lower price than high resolution printing, color printing, or high gradation printing. The consideration rate may be changed according to the type of ink (toner) used for printing. For example, the print output with dye-based ink or toner is set to be lower than the print output with pigment-based ink or toner. The consideration rate may be changed according to the number of colors used for printing. For example, the smaller the number of colors used for printing, the lower the price.
[0103]
According to the above processing, all the print controls are performed based on the print restrictions incorporated in the browsing program, so various print controls can be taken. For example, it is possible to set a free print permission range in addition to collecting the consideration and permitting printing. Ordinary printers can also output only monochrome pages for color pages, or a specific printer can be designated, such as permitting printing limited to the model or owner (corporation, bookstore, etc.). By combining these with print restrictions that specify the printable range as described above, various forms of copyright protection are possible. For example, the distribution data itself can be in a high quality state for all users, and the consideration rate can be changed according to the actual output quality, so there is no inconvenience for both the copyright owner and the user. A copyright protection mechanism can be established.
[0104]
In some cases, it is desirable to change the performance or output mode of the printer incorporated in the browsing program. In such a case, after connecting to the electronic library server 10 and changing these conditions, a print instruction may be issued as it is (online). The billing processing unit 240 collects the price at a consideration rate that matches the changed condition. If the changed condition is applied to subsequent printing, an instruction to that effect may be issued to the electronic library server 10. The electronic library server 10 that has received this executes a process of re-integrating the changed condition into the browsing program already installed in the user terminal 7.
[0105]
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such changes or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0106]
Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration from which these some constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0107]
For example, in the above embodiment, an electronic book has been described as an example of electronic data distributed to a user, but electronic data to be distributed is not limited to an electronic book. For example, when distributing music data (digitized music information) and moving image (for example, a movie), as described in the above embodiment, the user terminal owned by the user or a device used for secondary use The consideration rate for the accounting process can be changed according to the performance information.
[0108]
Moreover, when distributing electronic data to a user terminal, in the said embodiment, although it sent to the user terminal 7 directly from the management server 3, it is not restricted to this, For example, many places (convenience store, It may be distributed via an electronic book vending machine installed in a station shop). In this case, the electronic book vending machine functions as a client terminal that requests data distribution. The client terminal that receives the distributed electronic data is the user terminal 7. The electronic book vending machine at the time of data reception may be considered as a repeater.
[0109]
As a processing procedure, the electronic book vending machine accesses the management server 3 to instruct the download of book data and the performance information of the secondary use device, and from the management server 3 according to the request of the user (book data purchaser). The electronic book data is written in the storage medium of the user terminal 7 (including the electronic book player). At the same time, the electronic book vending machine collects data according to data distribution and secondary usage. In this case, there is a possibility that inconvenience may occur if the terminal-specific information is automatically acquired using the MAC address. Therefore, a mechanism for reliably acquiring the terminal-specific information for specifying the terminal that actually uses the electronic data is taken. For example, user key input may be used. With such a mechanism, the data distribution and billing process shown in the above embodiment can be efficiently realized by using a conventional data distribution system.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the electronic data requested to be distributed depends on the performance of the user terminal owned by the user or the device used for secondary use, or the actual output quality desired by the user. Since the billing process is executed based on the aspect of the primary use and the secondary use, it is possible to realize the billing process that is convenient for the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment to which an information distribution system according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management server.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure from user registration to installation of a browsing program.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an electronic book lending operation.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an electronic book lending operation (continuation of FIG. 4).
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a print permission process and a charging process according to print quality.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information distribution system, 3 ... Management server, 5 ... Content supply source, 7 ... User terminal, 9 ... Network, 10 ... Electronic library server, 100 ... Distribution management server part, 102 ... Distribution management server part, 104 ... Lending business 110: Communication I / F unit, 120 ... Request accepting unit (distribution control unit), 150 ... Registration processing unit, 152 ... Acquisition processing unit, 154 ... Program transmission unit, 156 ... Data embedding unit, 164 ... Output condition Information acquisition unit 200 ... Content management server unit 202 ... Book data management unit 204 ... Electronic book DB 210 210Book search unit 212 ... Book management unit 222 ... Book data editing unit 224 ... Data embedding unit 230 ... Book data transmission unit, 240 ... Billing processing unit, 300 ... User management server unit, 302 ... User management unit, 304 ... User DB, 400 ... Lending management server Part

Claims (9)

An electronic data distribution system for distributing electronic data in response to a request from a client terminal,
A data management unit for managing the electronic data to be distributed;
An electronic data distribution system comprising: a billing processing unit that calculates a consideration for use of the electronic data in accordance with an output mode based on the electronic data by a predetermined output device. The data management unit manages electronic books as the electronic data,
The electronic data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the billing processing unit calculates the consideration according to a display output or print output based on the electronic book. A program transmission unit that transmits a use program used in the client terminal for browsing the electronic book or printing out a visible image based on the electronic book;
A data embedding unit that embeds data indicating the value calculated by the charging processing unit in the usage program;
3. The client terminal according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal activates the use program, controls the browsing or the print output, and executes a billing process corresponding to the browsing or the print output. Electronic data distribution system. A distribution management server that controls the distribution of electronic data in response to a request from a client terminal;
A distribution management server, comprising: a billing processing unit that calculates a price for use of electronic data in accordance with a mode of output based on the electronic data by a predetermined output device. The data management unit manages electronic books as the electronic data,
5. The distribution management server according to claim 4, wherein the billing processing unit calculates the consideration according to a display output or print output based on the electronic book. A program transmission unit that transmits a use program used in the client terminal for browsing the electronic book or printing out a visible image based on the electronic book;
6. The distribution management server according to claim 4, further comprising a data embedding unit that embeds data indicating a value calculated by the charging processing unit in the usage program. The predetermined output device is a display device capable of displaying and outputting a visible image based on the electronic data,
The distribution management server according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the accounting processing unit calculates the consideration according to display output quality of the display device. The predetermined output device is a printing device capable of printing out a visible image based on the electronic data,
The distribution management server according to claim 4, wherein the billing processing unit calculates the consideration according to a print output quality of the printing device. The distribution according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the accounting processing unit calculates the consideration according to a quality aspect of the output based on a performance of the predetermined output device. Management server.

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