JP2005056240A - Content distribution system, server, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow enjoying purchased contents regardless of the kind of packaged media or how they are distributed, and to easily convert the contents into data after purchase, while charging the user accordingly. <P>SOLUTION: A content retainer 4 grants the user 2 the right to use the contents whose acquisition the user 2 requested, and the user 2 pays the price of the right. Thereafter, when the user 2 requests the distribution of the contents that the user has the right to use, the content retainer 4 converts uncompressed contents into a data format designated at the time of the request and distributes the contents to the user 2. Alternatively, if the user 2 desires to obtain the contents off-line, the contents that the user has the right to use are converted to the data format designated at the time of the request and recorded on a designated recording medium 50, which is then delivered to the user 2 by courier or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a content distribution server, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program for distributing content such as music and video via a network.

In recent years, with the spread of networks such as the Internet, a technology for distributing contents such as music to customers as electronic data without using physical media such as compact discs (CDs) and cassettes has been put into practical use. Many types of music data are held in a content server connected to the network, and the content server is accessed from an information terminal such as a personal computer via the network to obtain desired music data. In other words, so-called music distribution has begun to spread (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-113317 A (page 3-4, FIG. 2)

  However, in the conventional content distribution system, (1) even with the same content, if the recording medium for recording the distribution data is different, it is necessary to pay a purchase fee for each recording medium. That is, when content A is recorded on different recording media such as CD, SA-CD (super audio CD), DVD audio, network data (for example, music distribution by MP3, etc.), content A is used. Therefore, the user cannot use the content A using a plurality of recording media unless paying for each recording medium.

  (2) When the format is changed in the future, there is a possibility that the conventional content media cannot be used, and the user may suffer a disadvantage. (3) When the user wants to use the same content with another playback device, it is necessary to perform data conversion (format conversion, compression conversion) by himself. For example, if you want to listen to a song with a CD in MP3 format, you have to convert it to MP3 format yourself. (4) In the case of content provided by compressed data such as MPEG2 and MP3, downconversion (lower bit rate) is possible, but upconversion (higher bit rate) is impossible.

    The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to be able to enjoy purchased content regardless of package media or a distribution method, and to convert data of purchased content. It is another object of the present invention to provide a content distribution system, a content distribution server, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program that can be performed easily and can be charged appropriately.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a content distribution system comprising one or more terminals, a network to which the terminals are connected, and a server that is connected to the network and distributes information to the terminals. The server stores storage means for storing uncompressed information data, and processing for reading uncompressed information data of information requested from the terminal via the network from the storage means and processing it into a form designated by the terminal Means, and distribution means for transmitting the processed information data to the terminal via the network.

  The present invention is also a content distribution server connected to one or more terminals via the network, storage means for storing uncompressed information data, and the terminal via the network via the network. Processing means for reading uncompressed information data of information designated by a terminal from the storage means and processing the information into a form designated from the terminal, and transmitting the processed data data to the terminal via the network And a distribution means.

  Further, the present invention is a content distribution method in which a content holder provides content requested by a user, and the content owner has uncompressed content for the user who has purchased the right to use the content. It is characterized in that data is processed and provided according to a user's request.

  Further, the present invention is a content distribution program for causing a server that reads and distributes information requested from one or more terminals via a network to be executed, and performs personal authentication by inputting user identification information. A personal authentication step to be performed; an information authentication step to perform information authentication of information requested by the personally authenticated user; and data of the information authenticated information is read from the storage means and designated by the terminal at the time of the request The server is caused to execute a processing step of processing into a form and a distribution step of transmitting the processed form of information data to the terminal via the network.

  As described above, according to the present invention, after the user purchases the right to use information from the content distribution server managed and operated by the content owner, the user makes a distribution request for the information having the right to use from the terminal to the content distribution server. The content distribution server performs personal authentication of the user and information authentication of the requested information, reads uncompressed data of the information authenticated information from the storage means, and is designated by the terminal at the time of the distribution request. The information data in the processed form is transmitted to the terminal via the network. Thus, the user can easily obtain information data in a form that can be used on a desired recording medium without making multiple payments for the same content.

  In addition, even if data in a format that does not currently exist will be released in the future, users can process and receive data according to the new data format by the content distribution server, and continue using the content for which the right to use has been acquired once Can be used.

  In addition, for content owners who manage and operate the content distribution server, not only can profit be gained by selling the right to use information to users, but also profit can be continuously obtained from fees for processing information. it can.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when the user purchases the right to use the content, and when the distribution request for the content for which the user has the right to use is made, the content owner can uncompress the content. By processing the data into the data format specified at the time of the distribution request and distributing it to the user, the user can distribute the content in the data format according to the desired package media as many times as necessary. Content can be used regardless of the package media, data conversion of the content after purchase can be easily performed, and new data forms (formats and compression methods) that will appear in the future can also be supported. . In addition, since the content owner charges for the content usage right, the user can enjoy the above effect without paying multiple fees for the same content.
In addition, when a request for offline acquisition of content that the user has the right to use is made, the content owner processes the uncompressed data of the content into the data format specified at the time of the acquisition request, and the recording medium specified at the same time By recording and delivering to the user, the user can acquire and use the content by various distribution methods.
Furthermore, the content owner can not only gain profits by selling the right to use the content, but also continuously gain profits from the fee for processing the content data and the content distribution fee.

  The purchased content can be enjoyed regardless of the package media or distribution method, and the data conversion of the content after purchase can be easily performed. This was realized by providing uncompressed content data prepared by the content owner to the purchased user after processing the data according to the user's request.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system includes a user 2 who purchases content, a content owner 4, and a content server 6 that holds uncompressed content prepared by the content owner 4 (specifically, content composed of uncompressed data). ing. However, the user in the scope of claims corresponds to the user 2, and the content owner corresponds to the content owner 4.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the content distribution system described above. The content distribution system includes a network 16 such as the Internet, a user-side information terminal 8 connected to the network 16, an authentication server 10 connected to the network 16 and authenticating users and content, and connected to the network 16. In addition to providing various types of information related to the content distribution service, the content service data 14 is connected to the information service server 14 via a dedicated line as a window for purchasing content and requesting content distribution of the user 2. It has a content server 6 and a user ID database 12 which is connected to the authentication server 10 via a dedicated line and stores user identification information (ID) and content IDs related thereto. However, the terminal in the scope of claims corresponds to the information terminal 8, the server corresponds to the content server 6, the authentication server 10, and the information service server 14, and the personal authentication means and the information authentication means correspond to the authentication server 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information service server 14 described above. The information service server 14 includes a communication unit 142 that transmits / receives data to / from the network 16, a control unit 144 that controls the operation of the server, a data processing unit 146 that performs data processing such as converting the form of content data, a CD, There is an external memory driver 148 for recording content data on various recording media (package media) such as SA-CD (Super Audio CD) and DVD audio, and a charging means 150 for charging the user's content usage rights and data processing fees. In addition, the content server 6 is connected by a dedicated line. The control unit 144 includes a CPU 1442, a RAM 1444 that provides a work area for the CPU 144, and a ROM 1446 that stores programs and data for controlling the CPU 144. However, the distribution means in the claims corresponds to the communication unit 142, the charging means and the fee charging means correspond to the charging means 150, the processing means corresponds to the data processing unit 146, and the recording means corresponds to the external memory driver 148. The identification information providing unit corresponds to the control unit 144.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the user ID database 12 and the content server 6 shown in FIG. The user ID database 12 stores a unique ID of the user 2. For each user ID, an ID number unique to the content for which the user 2 purchased the usage right is stored. The content ID has a one-to-one correspondence with the uncompressed individual content data A, B, and C held in the storage device 60 in the content server 6. However, the storage means in the claims corresponds to the storage device 60.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, the schematic operation will be described with reference to FIG. The user 2 pays a purchase fee for purchasing the content usage right to the content owner (for example, music company, movie company, etc.) 4 (step 101). This payment is the same as the price for purchasing a conventional CD or DVD.

  However, in this system, since the content owner 4 sets a price for the right to use the content regardless of the package form of the content, when the user 2 purchases the right to use the content, the content owner 4 The right to use content is granted to 2 (step 102).

  The user 2 who has obtained the content use right can issue a content distribution request to the content holder 4 (step 103). In accordance with the above request, the content holder 4 provides the user 2 with the corresponding content A held in the content server 6.

  The content providing method will be described. Since the contents A, B, and C held in the content server 6 are non-compressed data, the content A is converted by the format and data compression method designated by the user 2 and the content A is converted. Then, it is transmitted and provided to the information terminal 8 of the user 2 online (step 104).

  The data provided to the user 2 is a single data (A ′ + B ′ + C ′) obtained by editing a portion designated by the user 2 from the plurality of contents A, B, and C that can be used by the user 2. It can also be provided to user 2 online. Further, it can be provided online after format conversion and data compression in the same manner. Further, according to the request of the user 2, desired content data can be recorded on a recording medium 50 such as a CD, converted into offline data, and delivered to the user 2 (for example, courier service) (step 105).

  Next, the operation until the user 2 who has already purchased the content usage right acquires the content in the desired data format using the usage right will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. When the user 2 requests the information service server 14 managed and operated by the content holder 4 from the information terminal 8 such as a personal computer or a cellular phone to acquire the right to use the content he likes, the control unit 144 identifies the user 2 And the ID of the content for which the application for the acquisition of the usage right has been assigned, the charging means 150 charges the usage right for the content, and the purchase fee and payment method of the content usage right are sent to the information terminal 8 via the network 16. Send. The user 2 who sees this pays the purchase fee by a predetermined payment method (account transfer or the like). Thereafter, when the content owner 4 confirms the payment of the purchase fee, the control unit 144 of the information service server 14 gives the user 2 the right to use the content, and based on this grants the content server 6 the ID and usage right of the user 2. A certain content ID is registered.

  After that, the user 2 accesses the home page of the information service server 14 from the information terminal 8 via the network 16 in order to make a distribution request for the content for which the usage right has been obtained, and selects the content distribution request. become. Therefore, the user 2 inputs the ID assigned when purchasing the right to use the content on this screen and presses the send button (step 201).

  As a result, the information service server 14 accesses the authentication server 10 via the network 16 and causes the authentication server 10 to perform personal authentication as to whether or not the user 2 has purchased the right to use the content. The authentication server 10 performs personal authentication based on the user ID registered in the user ID database 12, and returns an authentication result to the information service server 14 (step 202).

  When the user 2 is personally authenticated by the authentication server 10, the information service server 14 accepts a request from the user 2, opens a content acquisition request screen, and waits for input of user 2 request information. The user 2 selects the ID of the content to be used on this screen and the data form (data format and compression method) corresponding to the recording medium for recording this content and presses the send button (step 203).

  The information service server 14 checks whether or not the content ID requested to be acquired is registered in the authentication server 10 in relation to the ID of the user 2, and if it is registered, based on the request from the user 2, the content server 6 is requested to read the corresponding content data (step 204). The content server 6 reads the uncompressed data of the requested content from the storage device 60 and outputs it to the information service server 14 (step 205).

  When the content ID requested by the user 2 is not registered in the authentication server 10 in relation to the ID of the user 2, the information service server 14 transmits a message to that effect to the information terminal 8, for example, and processes it. Exit.

  The information service server 14 processes the received content data into a data format designated by the user 2 at the time of distribution request, and then transmits a screen for selecting a data providing method to the information terminal 8 via the network 16, thereby 2 is inquired about the data provision method (step 206). The user 2 selects either the online or offline provision method from the screen for selecting the provision method, transmits it to the information service server 14, and makes a data distribution request (step 207).

  Here, the screen for selecting the providing method is, for example, whether to perform online or offline, in the case of online, items and selection buttons for inquiring about the data distribution destination, etc., in the case of offline, the type of recording medium, It consists of items for inquiring about the distribution destination and selection buttons.

  If the user 2 selects online provision, the information service server 14 downloads the processed content data to the information terminal 8 via the network 16 and provides the data (step 208). On the other hand, when the user 2 chooses to provide offline, the processed content data is recorded on the recording medium 50 designated by the user using the external memory driver 148, and this recording medium 50 is recorded at the address of the user 2 by courier service or the like. Deliver.

  According to the present embodiment, the user 2 purchases the right to use the content, and can acquire the content by designating a desired form of content data based on the usage right. Content data suitable for the medium can be easily acquired.

  Also, if you want to use another recording medium, the content holder 4 will convert and provide the data format suitable for this recording medium based on the usage rights, so prepare equipment for data conversion. The content can be enjoyed using various package media. In addition, since the content holder 4 has uncompressed content, not only down conversion (lower bit rate) but also up conversion (high bit rate) can be performed during the data conversion. It is also possible to easily acquire and use contents with higher quality.

  Furthermore, when the content data is converted into another form and sent, the user 2 has already paid for the right to use the content, so the user 2 does not have to pay a purchase fee each time the package form is changed. User 2 can change the package media at a low charge because it can be done with an additional payment of a commission. In other words, if recording media are different for the same content, such as CD and SA-CD or Video-CD and DVD, conventionally, it was necessary to pay a purchase fee for each medium. Is no longer necessary.

  Also, since the distribution method can be designated as online or offline, the content can be acquired by a distribution method suited to the convenience of the user 2. Also, if the data format (format or compression method) of the content is changed in the future, or a new data format that does not currently exist is generated, the content holder 4 changes the content data to the corresponding data format according to the request of the user 2. Since the data can be provided after being converted, the user 2 can receive the content data corresponding to the new data form from the content holder 4, so that the content for which the usage right has been purchased can be continuously used.

  On the other hand, the content holder 4 not only makes a profit from the sale fee for the right to use the content (this is equivalent to the price for selling conventional CDs and DVDs), but depending on the contract with the user 2, data The fee for processing the data, the fee for taking the data offline, the content distribution fee, the information service provision fee for using the content, etc. can be charged by the charging means 150 to obtain a profit. In addition, since the content owner can manage the user, it is also possible to benefit from providing the user with the information service provided to the network indicated by the proposal number (200207-0293). Alternatively, it is also possible to obtain a profit by developing an information service use support system provided to the network indicated by the proposal number (200112-0214).

  The operations of the information service server 14, the content server 6, and the authentication server 10 described above can be implemented as programs that are executed by a computer. At that time, the computer program can be supplied to the computer through a disk-type storage medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, various memories such as a semiconductor memory or a card-type memory, or various program storage media such as a communication network.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other forms in specific configurations, functions, operations, and effects without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the data providing method or the like performed in step 207 of the above embodiment may be performed after the user and content authentication are completed, and the distribution request procedure for the content with usage rights is limited to the procedure of the present embodiment. Various procedures are possible. In the above embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the distribution of content such as video and music has been described. However, if there are a plurality of data forms of the content to be distributed, the present invention is similarly applied. Similar effects can be obtained. As the information terminal 8 on the user side, various information devices such as a PDA can be used.

It is the block diagram which showed schematic structure of the content delivery system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the detailed structure of the content delivery system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information service server 14 illustrated in FIG. 2. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structure of the user ID database 12 and the content server 6 which were shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure until a user 2 acquires content in a desired data format on the content distribution system in FIG. 2.

Explanation of symbols

6 …… Content server, 8 …… Information terminal, 10 …… Authentication server, 12 …… User ID database, 14 …… Information service server, 16 …… Network, 50 …… Recording medium, 60 …… Storage device, 142 ...... Communication unit, 144... Control unit, 146... Data processing unit, 148... External memory driver, 150 .. accounting means, 1442... CPU, 1444.

Claims (11)

A content distribution system comprising one or more terminals, a network to which the terminals are connected, and a server that is connected to the network and distributes information to the terminals,
The server includes storage means for storing uncompressed information data;
Processing means for reading uncompressed information data of information requested from the terminal via the network from the storage means and processing the data into a form designated by the terminal;
Distribution means for transmitting the processed form of the information data to the terminal via the network;
A content distribution system comprising: The server provides a right to use the information requested to be acquired from the terminal via the network from the information held in the storage means, and includes a charging means for charging the right to use,
2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the information requested from the terminal via the network is information obtained by the terminal.   2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising fee charging means for charging a processing fee when the uncompressed information data of the information requested to be distributed is processed. Recording means for recording the processed information data on a recording medium designated by the terminal via the network;
Delivery means for delivering a recording medium on which the information data is recorded;
The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more terminals and a content distribution server connected to the terminals via a network,
Storage means for accumulating uncompressed information data;
Processing means for reading uncompressed information data of information designated by the terminal from the terminal via the network from the storage means and processing the data into a form designated by the terminal;
Distribution means for transmitting the processed form of the information data to the terminal via the network;
A content distribution server comprising: Charging means for charging the right for the terminal to use information selected via the network;
Identification information giving means for giving information identifying the user who has acquired the right to use the information via the terminal to the user via the terminal;
The content distribution server according to claim 5, further comprising: Comprising personal authentication means for performing personal authentication of a user who requests processing of the information from the terminal via the network;
6. The content distribution server according to claim 5, wherein whether or not to process the information is determined based on the authentication result.   6. The content according to claim 5, further comprising information authentication means for authenticating information requested to be processed by the terminal, and determining whether or not to process the information based on the authentication result. Distribution server.   6. The content distribution server according to claim 5, wherein the information is video or music data. A content distribution method in which a content owner provides content requested by a user,
A content distribution method characterized by providing uncompressed content data possessed by the content owner to the user who has purchased the right to use the content after data processing according to the user's request. A content distribution program for causing a server that reads and distributes information requested from one or more terminals via a network to be executed,
A personal authentication step in which user identification information is entered and personal authentication is performed;
An information authentication step of performing information authentication of information requested by the user who has been personally authenticated; and a processing step of reading data of the information authenticated information from the storage means and processing it into a form designated by the terminal at the time of the request When,
A distribution step of transmitting the processed form of the information data to the terminal via the network;
A content distribution program for causing the server to execute.

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