JP2005010827A - Electronic data distribution system and distribution management server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for distributing electronic books capable of distributing information as long as user information is registered in any server even when a user performs access to any non-registration destination server. <P>SOLUTION: When a distribution request for electronic books is received from a user terminal, which server manages information associated with a transmitting terminal operating user is specified based on a user registration key (S708). In the case of a lending request access from a registered user managed by its own server, user identification is performed by its own server side (S708; YES, S790, S810). In the case of an access from the registered user to another registration server, the user information is acquired to perform user identification under its connection to the registration server (S708; NO, S720, S722). When the user identification is certified, a service is started (S724; YES, S730, S820). <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. Unspecified number of users, such as general users and small corporations, can now create their own original digital works. 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 2002-175278 A [0006]
Here, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to browse and rent electronic documents among a plurality of schools and companies by judging whether or not access is possible from the document request source and confirming the identity of the individual.・ Proposes lending methods.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the data distribution technique described in Patent Document 1 has a difficulty in user authentication. For example, when accessing a server that manages user information in order to request data, the user must be directly accessed to receive user authentication. Therefore, if information is to be obtained from a plurality of servers, user registration is required for each server, and user authentication must be received at each server.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for performing data distribution through user authentication that is more convenient for the user.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In other words, an electronic data distribution system according to the present invention is an electronic data distribution system that distributes electronic data such as electronic books in response to a request from a client terminal. First, data for managing electronic data to be distributed A so-called multi-server system is configured, which includes a plurality of management units (content management servers) and a plurality of user management units (user management servers) that manage information about users who are operators of client terminals.
[0010]
When the distribution management server receives the electronic data distribution request from the client terminal, the user management unit that manages the information related to the terminal operating user is specified, and the specified user management unit By performing user authentication in cooperation with, a distribution control unit that controls distribution of electronic data to the client terminal that has received the distribution request is provided.
[0011]
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. For example, as a specific mode when performing user authentication in cooperation with the user management unit, if access is made to an unregistered destination, user management information is acquired from the user registration unit of the user registration destination (sucked up) ) Above, if the delivery control unit itself performs user authentication based on the acquired user management information, or if access to an unregistered destination, the authentication information input by the user is registered as the user registration destination. And a method of performing user authentication at the user registration destination can be adopted. In any case, user authentication is possible regardless of whether the server accessed by the user is a user registration destination or an unregistered destination by making it possible to share user information between servers connected to each other. Establish.
[0012]
[Action]
In the above-described configuration according to the present invention, when the distribution control unit of the distribution management server receives a distribution request for electronic data from the client terminal, any user management unit that manages information related to the terminal operating user is first selected. To identify. Then, user authentication is performed in cooperation with the specified user management unit. This establishes user authentication between the mutually connected servers. As a result, regardless of whether the server accessed by the user is a user registration destination or an unregistered server, as long as the user is registered to any of the servers constituting the system, each data management The electronic data managed by the department can be distributed.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
<< 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.
[0015]
As shown in the figure, the information distribution system 1 is an example of 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 client terminal that receives the provided data. And the user terminal 7 (two places in the figure). 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).
[0016]
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.
[0017]
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.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
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, each management server 3 is prepared for each content supplier 5, 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.
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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). 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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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. As a result, even if a user is registered in another content supplier 5 (for example, a library), an electronic book providing service (book lending service) can be provided from an unregistered content supplier 5 (a library in another region). It can be easily received. The user information for that purpose is user identification information that can be used in a broader regional level, such as prefectural scale (regional net) or nationwide (national net), etc. It is good to use.
[0024]
<< 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.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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).
[0027]
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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
As a configuration unique to the present embodiment, the request receiving unit 120 and the acquisition processing unit 152 constitute a distribution control unit 160 that receives a distribution request from a user and controls the distribution of electronic data. When the distribution control unit 160 receives a distribution request for an electronic book from the user terminal 7, first, the distribution control unit 160 determines which of the user management server units 300 manages information about the user who is the operator of the user terminal 7. Identify. Then, user authentication is performed in cooperation with the specified user management server unit 300. This establishes user authentication between the mutually connected servers. Thus, regardless of whether the server accessed by the user is a user registration destination or an unregistered server, the electronic data managed by each content management server unit 200 is distributed from any of the entire systems. Make it possible.
[0031]
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.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
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.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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 such as usage restriction information defining usage conditions is embedded.
[0036]
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.
[0037]
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.
[0038]
<< 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.
[0039]
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.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
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).
[0042]
The request receiving unit 120 receives response data transmitted (returned) from the user terminal 7 after transmitting the initial menu screen data via the communication I / F unit 110, and according to the content of the received response data, It is confirmed whether or not user registration is selected from the initial menu screen on the display of the user terminal 7 (S206).
[0043]
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.
[0044]
<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).
[0045]
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.
[0046]
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.
[0047]
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.
[0048]
<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).
[0049]
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).
[0050]
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). In this example, the server ID number registered by the user and the terminal specific information of the user terminal 7 are set as the predetermined data.
[0051]
In response to this, the data embedding unit 156 embeds the server ID number of the electronic library server registered by the user in the browsing program and the terminal-specific information of the user terminal 7 in accordance with the embedding instruction (S226). Next, the program transmission unit 154 includes a communication I / F unit together with an installer for incorporating (installing) the browsing program into the user terminal 7 with the browsing program embedded with the terminal-specific information by the data embedding unit 156. It transmits to the user terminal 7 via 110 (S228).
[0052]
When the user terminal 7 completes downloading the browsing program from the electronic library server 10, 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).
[0053]
<< Lending process for electronic books; Access to registered servers >>
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure of the electronic book lending business. This lending operation is a process performed when a user-registered server is accessed, and is the most basic lending operation in the electronic library service system.
[0054]
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 (user registered server; hereinafter the same in this figure) 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).
[0055]
On this login screen, the user inputs user identification information required for login such as an ID and password, transmits the server ID number initially registered by the user, and makes a login request to the electronic library server 10 (S604). S606). The acquisition processing unit 152 acquires a user registration key indicating user identification information (user ID, password, etc.) included in the received login request, and notifies the user management unit 302 of it.
[0056]
If the acquired server ID matches the own ID, the user management unit 302 checks the registered user (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).
[0057]
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 managed by the user (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).
[0058]
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.
[0059]
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). .
[0060]
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.
[0061]
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).
[0062]
<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).
[0063]
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).
[0064]
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.
[0065]
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.
[0066]
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).
[0067]
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).
[0068]
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).
[0069]
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).
[0070]
<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
[0071]
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 that was previously requested for lending from the electronic book DB 204, and deletes part of the contents of the electronic book in accordance with the restrictions on the lenttable range for the user. The electronic book data file is edited and user information is embedded in the data file (S464).
[0072]
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.
[0073]
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.
[0074]
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.
[0075]
<Book data distribution processing>
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).
[0076]
Thereby, downloading of an electronic book starts in the user terminal 7 (S672). 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).
[0077]
<< Lending process for electronic books; access to unregistered servers >>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an electronic book lending operation. This lending operation is a process when an unregistered server that is not registered as a user is accessed, and is a process specific to this embodiment. A management server 3 is prepared for each individual content supplier 5, and a system that distributes data to the user terminal 7 independently, and a management server 3 (controlling server) that manages these individual management servers 3 are prepared. The user terminal 7 is a user authentication mechanism suitable for application to a system in which data is distributed via this administrative server. This will be specifically described below.
[0078]
First, a browsing program received at the time of user registration and incorporated in its own terminal is launched (S800), and a connection request is made to the electronic library server 10 (unregistered server; hereinafter the same in this figure) via the network 9 (S802). . The request receiving unit 120 (that is, the distribution control unit 160) of the distribution management server unit 100 receives this connection request and establishes a connection with the user terminal 7 (S702). When the connection is established, initial menu screen data for login is transmitted to the user terminal 7 (S704), and the login screen is displayed on the terminal screen (S804).
[0079]
On the login screen, the user first instructs whether or not it is a new registration process (S804). If it is initial registration, the initial registration menu is instructed to shift to the processing after step S206 in FIG. 3 described above (YES in S806, S890). On the other hand, if it is not the initial registration, the user makes a login request to the electronic library server 10 (S806-NO). At this time, the electronic library server ID number embedded in the browsing program at the time of installation is also automatically transmitted (S808). The request receiving unit 120 passes this user registration key to the acquisition processing unit 152.
[0080]
The acquisition processing unit 152 determines whether or not the user registration key is the own server (S708). Then, if it is a lending request access from a registered user managed by itself (specifically, the user management server unit 300), the process proceeds to the processing after step S416 in FIG. 4 described above (S708-YES, S790). ).
[0081]
On the other hand, in the case of a rental request access from a registered user to the registration server, the acquisition processing unit 152 connects to the corresponding server (registration server) indicated in the server identification information, and the registration server manages The user information of all users who have been acquired is acquired and passed to the user management server unit 300 (S708-NO, S710).
[0082]
Next, the user management unit 302 transmits a menu screen requesting input of a user ID and password to the user terminal 7 (S720). In response, on the user terminal 7 side, 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 (S810). The acquisition processing unit 152 acquires a user registration key indicating user identification information (user ID, password, etc.) included in the received login request, and notifies the user management unit 302 of the user registration key.
[0083]
Based on the user registration key, the user management unit 302 performs collation with the user information of all users acquired from the registration server (registered users managed by the registration server) in step S710. (S722). That is, when access from a user who is not registered is received by the request receiving unit 120 and the acquisition processing unit 152 (distribution control unit 160), the distribution control unit 160 receives information on the corresponding user from the originally registered server. The user authentication is performed and the user authentication is performed in cooperation with the user management server unit 300.
[0084]
If it does not exist (S724-NO), the user management unit 302 sets the collation result as NG, disallows login, and returns to step S720. The user terminal 7 requests the user to re-enter user identification information again, or immediately stops the service (S810).
[0085]
On the other hand, when there is user information including identification information that matches the identification information of the user who requested the login (S724-YES), the user management unit 302 permits the login with the collation result as OK. At the same time, the distribution management server unit 100 sends process selection menu screen data.
[0086]
Thereafter, in the same manner as step S416 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 4, the user instructs a desired process on the process selection menu displayed on the terminal screen. Thereby, for example, the electronic library server 10 starts a process of providing a document browsing or a lending service (S730), and the user receives the provision at the user terminal 7 (S820).
[0087]
In addition, the user management unit 302 activates a process of reflecting the fact of service provision to a registered user in such a registration server in the user information managed by the registration server. Specifically, the user management unit 302 first updates the user information (S734), connects the updated user information to the server in which the original user information is registered, and stores the user information. Request (S736). In response to this, the registration server rewrites the registration contents of the corresponding user in the user DB 304 managed by itself (updates the database).
[0088]
As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, data is obtained from a plurality of servers (including unregistered ones) by sharing the user management information of the document management servers connected to each other. Even for a desired user, service provision can be realized by a single user registration with any server. This is convenient for the user because only one user registration is required. In addition, the user information related to the user who has registered with each server is actually managed by each server. However, in practice, a mechanism for centrally managing user information can be established. For the (administrator who manages it), the convenience of managing user information is improved. Even if an unregistered destination server is accessed, information can be distributed as long as it is registered in any of the servers, but there is no inconvenience of distributing information to users who are not registered in any of them.
[0089]
For example, when registering personal information in an electronic library, if user identification information that can be commonly used on a nationwide scale is used, the user can browse book data from any library in the country. Become. In addition, when renting book data from multiple libraries, it is not possible to know how many books have been borrowed with only the user information managed by one library, but the user management information of the library is opened and the user information of libraries in the whole country is referred to. By this, it is possible to grasp who borrows how many books nationwide. That is, it becomes easy to search for information borrowed by one user on a nationwide scale. In addition, if user management information that has been used in other systems and can be used on a nationwide scale is used, user registration can be simplified, and management on the library side can be facilitated.
[0090]
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.
[0091]
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.
[0092]
For example, in the above embodiment, when there is an access to an unregistered server that is not registered as a user, first, a connection is made to the corresponding registered server indicated in the server identification information, and the corresponding user is registered from the originally registered server. The user authentication is performed by sucking up information, but the server for performing the user authentication is not necessarily limited to this. For example, at the time of the first login request (S808), server identification information (server ID) for identifying the server with which the user has registered, together with a user registration key for exclusively identifying the user such as a user ID and a password. The server that received the access (access server) connected to the corresponding registration server indicated in the server identification information, passed the received user ID, password, etc., and the user at the registration server side It may be a mechanism for performing authentication. When user authentication is achieved, user information relating to the user (related to service provision) may be sent from the registration server side to the access server.
[0093]
By doing so, the processing in step S710 (a large amount of data) for acquiring the user information of all users managed by the registration server by the accessed server becomes unnecessary. In addition, since the user ID has already been entered and the access user can be specified, the number of document data that can be lent out is limited to that one user, and it is not possible to respond to the rent request any more Rejection processing can also be immediately performed on the registration server side based on the user ID, password, etc. sent to the registration server. In addition, since there is no need to process user management information from the registration server to the access server, the possibility of leakage of personal information can be reduced. This is because there is no data transmission of personal information other than the person who accessed.
[0094]
In the above embodiment, an electronic book has been described as an example of electronic data distributed to a user. However, electronic data to be distributed is not limited to an electronic book. For example, the above embodiment may be applied to a mechanism for distributing music data (digitalized music information).
[0095]
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.
[0096]
As a processing procedure, an electronic book vending machine accesses the management server 3 to instruct to download book data, and receives electronic book data from the management server 3 in response to a request from a user (book data purchaser). To a storage medium (including an electronic book player). 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 processing shown in the above embodiment can be efficiently realized by using a conventional data distribution system.
[0097]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, user management information of each server is disclosed to each other, and when there is access to a server that is not registered as a user, the user management information managed by the originally registered server is referred to. Since user authentication is performed, a data distribution service can be provided to a user who wants to obtain data from an unregistered server without causing the user to feel inconvenience.
[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 (when accessing a registered server).
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 processing procedure of an electronic book lending operation (when accessing an unregistered server).
[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, 102 ... Distribution management server part, 104 ... Lending business part, 110 ... Communication I / F part, 120 ... Request accepting part, 150 ... Registration processing part, 152 ... Acquisition processing part, 154 ... Program transmission part, 156 ... Data embedding part, 160 ... Distribution control part, 200 ... Content management server part, 202 ... Book Data management unit, 204 ... electronic book DB, 210 ... book search unit, 212 ... book management unit, 222 ... book data editing unit, 224 ... data embedding unit, 230 ... book data transmission unit, 300 ... user management server unit, 302 ... User management unit, 304 ... User DB, 400 ... Lending management server unit

Claims (6)

An electronic data distribution system for distributing electronic data in response to a request from a client terminal,
A plurality of data management units each managing the electronic data to be distributed; a plurality of user management units each managing information about a user who is an operator of the client terminal;
In response to the electronic data delivery request from the client terminal, the user management unit that manages the information related to the user who is the operator of the client terminal is identified, and the identified user management unit A distribution control unit that controls distribution of the electronic data managed by the data management unit to the client terminal that has received the distribution request by performing user authentication in cooperation. Electronic data distribution system. The distribution control unit manages information related to a user who is an operator of the client terminal based on information indicating a user registration destination included in the electronic data distribution request from the client terminal. The electronic data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the part is specified. The electronic data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution control unit controls distribution of an electronic book as the electronic data. A distribution management server that controls the distribution of electronic data in response to a request from a client terminal;
Upon receiving the electronic data distribution request from the client terminal, the registration destination of the information related to the user who is the operator of the client terminal is specified, and user authentication is performed in cooperation with the user management unit of the specified registration destination. A distribution management server comprising a distribution control unit that controls distribution of the electronic data to the client terminal that has received the distribution request. The distribution control unit acquires information indicating a user registration destination included in the electronic data distribution request from the client terminal, and the user management unit manages the information from the user management unit of the user registration destination. 5. The distribution management server according to claim 4, wherein the user management information is acquired, and user authentication is performed based on the acquired user management information. The distribution management server according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the distribution control unit controls distribution of an electronic book as the electronic data.

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