JP2005080155A - Content distribution control method, content distribution control system and recording medium with content distribution control system function program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To implement content distribution in response to a request of a content provider. <P>SOLUTION: A variety of meta-data analyzed by a meta-data analysis section 23 are integrally held in a meta-data storage section 24. Distribution requirement conditions are described in the meta-data and if contents corresponding to distribution are available, a content input/application management part 25 is confirmed on the basis of content management conditions held in the meta-data storage section 24. When the contents are available, they are distributed, and an instruction signal and distribution data are generated in a content output instruction section 26, a PSI information output instruction section 27, a right protection processing instruction section 28, and a navigation meta-data generation section 29 and inputted to a content output section 8, a content encryption section 9, a PSI information output section 11, an ECM output section 12 and a meta-data distribution section 22. These sections thereafter distribute meta-data and the like and perform distribution processing of corresponding contents and a distribution history is held in the meta-data storage section 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is for efficiently realizing low-cost and efficient asset management, distribution, rights protection, and the like of multimedia content such as video, audio, and data input from a content provider according to the requirements of the content provider. The present invention relates to a content distribution control method, a content distribution control system, and a recording medium on which a functional program of the content distribution control system is recorded.

  Conventionally, as a service for distributing content input from a content provider to general users, there is a consigned broadcasting system in the digital CS broadcasting service shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional consigned broadcast system. In this consigned broadcast system, the content provider 1 delivers the content 2 to the distribution center 3 of the consigned broadcaster using package media or a dedicated network. Broadcast video distribution services are provided to users using transmission infrastructure and distribution center functions.

  The content distribution information 4 is input to the distribution center 3 via the distribution operator 5. The distribution center 3 has an operation device 6, and the input information is input to the information input unit 6a of the operation device 6, and then sent to the distribution operation information storage unit 6b and stored therein.

  The distribution operation information stored in the storage unit 6b is sent from the operation device 6 via the content output instruction unit 6c, the PSI information output instruction unit 6d, and the right protection processing instruction unit 6e.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a content storage unit provided in the distribution center 3. The content storage unit 8 stores the content 2 input from the content provider 1. Reference numeral 8 denotes a content output unit provided in the distribution center 3. The content output unit 7 assigns the corresponding content to a predetermined time, distribution channel (route) based on an instruction (distribution operation information) from the content output instruction unit 6c. ) To the content encryption unit 9.

  The content encryption unit 9 performs encryption of the corresponding content based on an instruction from the right protection processing instruction unit 6e. The encrypted content is supplied to the multiplexing unit 10. In the multiplexing unit 10, time division multiplexing is performed on the content, the PSI information from the PSI information output unit 11, and the ECM from the encryption key (ECM) output unit 12. The multiplexed content is sent to the content viewing receiver 14 via the network 13.

  In the consigned broadcasting system configured as shown in FIG. 4, the operator 5 of the distribution center 3 uses the operation device 6 on the basis of the instruction content notified from the content provider 1 to distribute distribution information including complicated parameters. Executes content distribution and encryption.

  On the other hand, as a technical method for describing structure information of broadcast contents, there is a program exchange method BCML standard defined by ARIB. BCML is used as index information when content is exchanged between broadcasters, and there is also a transmission system that interprets BCML and automatically distributes broadcast content such as data broadcasts.

However, content distribution control by BCML is targeted at data broadcasting content, and in order to realize video / audio distribution control, rights protection processing, and more advanced metadata service provision, it is the same as the consigned broadcasting method. There is a problem.
JP 2002-268595 A

  In the conventional consigned broadcasting system, there is a possibility that the distribution service based on the request of the content provider cannot be implemented due to an erroneous operation such as input of a parameter as well as a problem of increasing human cost for providing the service.

  In addition, conventionally, metadata providing content guide information and detailed scene information is provided to the user in accordance with the content distribution, and when providing a high-value-added service, it is separately provided to the user. Therefore, there is a problem of increasing the cost for providing the service.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and inputs various types of metadata issued by a content provider to a distribution center and uses these metadata in combination for each application, thereby providing a content provider. By implementing automatic content capture control, content asset management, automatic distribution control, content rights protection control, etc. according to the requirements of the company, the service provision cost can be reduced and human operation errors can be resolved to meet the requirements of content providers. Content delivery with high reliability, and by combining multiple metadata, automatically generating a portion of this metadata as content viewing assistance metadata, and delivering it to the user. Realize without incurring new costs and provide services that are convenient for users at low cost And to provide a recording medium which records a function program of the content distribution control method and a content distribution control system and a content distribution control system was performance.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a content delivery control method for managing content input from a content provider and delivering it to a user.
The distribution center interprets and stores the metadata describing information about the content, extracts the distribution conditions from the interpretation result of the stored metadata, and automatically issues distribution instructions for the content according to the distribution conditions And a process of distributing the corresponding content to the user according to the input distribution instruction, and automatically performing distribution control according to the description content of the metadata about the content Is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method described above, the distribution instruction that is automatically issued includes the generation condition of control information necessary for receiving the content by the content receiving device on the user side, and the input distribution instruction In accordance with the content delivery control method, the process of delivering the relevant content to the user has a function of generating control information for enabling the relevant content to be received and delivering the control information together with the content. This is a means for solving this problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method described above, the process of distributing the corresponding content to the user according to the input distribution instruction, including the quality condition necessary for distributing the content in the distribution instruction to be automatically issued However, a content distribution control method having a function of ensuring a transmission band necessary for content transmission based on quality conditions and enabling service quality control of content distribution is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method for managing content input from the content provider and distributing to the user, a process in which the distribution center interprets and stores metadata describing information about the content, and The rights protection conditions are extracted from the interpretation result of the received metadata, the process of automatically issuing the rights protection processing instructions for the corresponding contents according to the rights protection conditions, and the encryption of the corresponding contents according to the input rights protection processing instructions A process of generating and sending a control signal that enables the use of the content only to users who have been licensed and licensed, and automatically executes rights protection processing control according to the content of the metadata related to the content The content distribution control method characterized by the above is used as means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method described above, the right protection processing instruction that is automatically issued includes the encryption algorithm for encrypting the corresponding content, the encryption key length, or the condition relating to the control signal distribution path, and is input In accordance with the rights protection processing instructions, specify the encryption algorithm specified for encryption of the corresponding content, the function to execute with the encryption key length, and the generation of control signals that allow the use of the content only to users who have been licensed A content distribution control method characterized by having a function of enabling distribution through the distributed distribution route is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method for managing content input from the content provider and distributing to the user, a process in which the distribution center interprets and stores metadata describing information about the content, and A process of extracting content management conditions from the interpretation result of the metadata, and a process of restricting the use of each content in the distribution center according to the content management conditions, and automatically according to the description contents of the metadata about the content A content distribution control method characterized in that content asset management is executed as a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method for managing content input from the content provider and distributing to the user, a process in which the distribution center interprets and stores metadata describing information about the content, and The content input information is extracted from the interpretation result of the received metadata, and a process of automatically issuing a capture instruction regarding the corresponding content according to the content input information, and the content data input to the distribution center according to the input capture instruction A content distribution control method characterized by having a process of adding storage processing and adding data management information, and automatically executing content input management / storage control in accordance with description contents of metadata related to the content. Means.

  Alternatively, in the above content distribution control method, the process of interpreting and storing the metadata describing the information related to the content is performed asynchronously or synchronously as the metadata related to the content is a plurality of metadata having different formats or the same format. A function to interpret and manage multiple metadata as metadata sets related to the same content and to output them to the outside by combining information items with different input forms according to the purpose when they are input. The content distribution control method characterized by the above is used as means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method for managing content input from the content provider and distributing to the user, a process in which the distribution center interprets and stores metadata describing information about the content, and Extracting information about distribution conditions and content contents from the interpretation result of the metadata, generating navigation information for the corresponding content based on the extracted information, and distributing the generated navigation information to the user A content distribution control method that automatically distributes navigation information of content to be distributed using a description of metadata about the content is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method described above, the process of generating the navigation information including the related information with other distribution contents in the distribution conditions extracted from the metadata interpretation result is related information with the other distribution contents. The content distribution control method is provided as a means for solving the problem, which has a function of reflecting the above information in navigation information, and causes a user who views a certain content to be prompted to view another distribution content.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control method for managing the content input from the content provider and distributing the content to the user, a process in which the distribution center manages and holds the content distribution history, and the retained content distribution history The content distribution control method is characterized in that it has a process of returning as a metadata in accordance with a request from the content provider, and transmits and receives the distribution result as metadata relating to the content.

  Further, in a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes it to users, the distribution center interprets and stores metadata describing information about the content, A means for extracting a distribution condition from the interpretation result of the metadata, automatically issuing a distribution instruction for the corresponding content according to the distribution condition, and a means for distributing the corresponding content to the user according to the input distribution instruction; A content distribution control system characterized in that distribution control is automatically executed in accordance with the description contents of the metadata related to the content is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system described above, the distribution instruction that is automatically issued includes the generation condition of control information necessary for receiving the content at the content receiving device on the user side, and the input distribution instruction In accordance with the present invention, a content distribution control system characterized in that means for distributing the corresponding content to the user has a function of generating control information for enabling reception of the corresponding content and distributing the control information together with the content. This is a means for solving this problem.

  Alternatively, in the above content distribution control system, means for distributing the corresponding content to the user according to the input distribution instruction, including the quality condition necessary for distributing the content in the distribution instruction to be automatically issued However, a content distribution control system having a function of ensuring a transmission band necessary for content transmission based on quality conditions and enabling service quality control of content distribution is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system that manages the content input from the content provider and distributes it to the user, the distribution center interprets and stores the metadata describing the information about the content, and the storage The rights protection conditions are extracted from the interpretation result of the received metadata, the rights protection processing instructions for the corresponding contents are automatically issued according to the rights protection conditions, and the encryption of the corresponding contents is performed by the input rights protection processing instructions. Having a means for generating and sending a control signal that enables the use of the content only to users who have been licensed and licensed, and automatically executes rights protection processing control according to the content of the metadata related to the content The content distribution control system characterized by the above is used as means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system described above, the right protection processing instruction that is automatically issued includes the encryption algorithm for encrypting the corresponding content, the encryption key length, or the condition relating to the control signal distribution path, and is input In accordance with the rights protection processing instructions, specify the encryption algorithm specified for encryption of the corresponding content, the function to execute with the encryption key length, and the generation of control signals that allow the use of the content only to users who have been licensed A content distribution control system having a function of enabling distribution through the distributed distribution route is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system that manages the content input from the content provider and distributes it to the user, the distribution center interprets and stores the metadata describing the information about the content, and the storage Means for extracting content management conditions from the interpretation result of the metadata, and means for restricting the use of each content in the distribution center according to the content management conditions, and automatically according to the description contents of the metadata about the contents A content distribution control system characterized in that content asset management is executed as a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system that manages the content input from the content provider and distributes it to the user, the distribution center interprets and stores the metadata describing the information about the content, and the storage Content input information is extracted from the interpretation result of the received metadata, and a means for automatically issuing a capture instruction regarding the corresponding content according to the content input information, and content data input to the distribution center by the input capture instruction A content distribution control system comprising means for adding storage processing and adding data management information, and automatically executing content input management / storage control in accordance with the description contents of the metadata related to the content. Means.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system described above, the means for interpreting and storing the metadata describing the information related to the content is asynchronously or synchronously configured so that the metadata related to the content is a plurality of metadata having different formats or the same format. A function to interpret and manage multiple metadata as metadata sets related to the same content and to output them to the outside by combining information items with different input forms according to the purpose when they are input. The content distribution control system characterized by the above is used as means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system that manages the content input from the content provider and distributes it to the user, the distribution center interprets and stores the metadata describing the information related to the content, and is stored. Extracting information on the distribution condition and content contents from the interpretation result of the metadata, generating navigation information for the corresponding content based on the extracted information, and means for distributing the generated navigation information to the user, A content distribution control system that automatically distributes navigation information of content to be distributed using a description of metadata about the content is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system described above, the distribution condition extracted from the metadata interpretation result includes information related to other distribution content, and means for generating navigation information includes information related to the other distribution content. A content distribution control system that has a function of reflecting the above in navigation information and that prompts a user who views a certain content to view other distribution content is a solution.

  Alternatively, in the content distribution control system that manages the content input from the content provider and distributes it to the user, the distribution center manages and holds the content distribution history, and the held content distribution history A content distribution control system that has a means for returning as a metadata in response to a request from a content provider and that transmits and receives a distribution result as metadata relating to the content is a means for solving the problem.

  Further, a means for interpreting and storing metadata describing information related to content in a storage medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user The function and the function of means for automatically issuing a distribution instruction for the corresponding content according to the distribution condition and the function of the means for automatically extracting the distribution instruction according to the distribution condition and the user according to the input distribution instruction A recording medium on which a function program of a content distribution control system, in which the function of the means for distributing the contents is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, is a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system is recorded, the corresponding condition is determined based on the generation condition of the control information necessary for receiving the content by the content receiving device on the user side included in the distribution condition. A computer-readable recording medium having a function of generating control information for enabling reception of content to be distributed and distributing the content together with the content according to an input distribution instruction to a user A recording medium that records a function program of the content distribution control system characterized by being recorded in is used as a means for solving the problem.

  Alternatively, in the recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system is recorded, a transmission band necessary for content transmission is secured based on the quality conditions necessary for distributing the content included in the distribution instruction, Content distribution control characterized in that the function of means for distributing relevant content to a user in accordance with an input distribution instruction is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, which has a function that enables service quality control of content distribution A recording medium on which a system function program is recorded is used as a solution.

  Alternatively, a means for interpreting and storing metadata describing information related to content in a recording medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user The function and the function of means for automatically issuing the rights protection processing instructions for the corresponding content according to the rights protection conditions and the entered rights protection processing instructions according to the rights protection conditions. And a function of means for generating and sending a control signal that enables only the user who has encrypted and used the content to use the content, to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A recording medium on which the function program of the content distribution control system is recorded, And means of resolution.

  Alternatively, on the recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system is recorded, based on the encryption algorithm or encryption key length for encrypting the corresponding content included in the right protection processing instruction or the condition regarding the control signal distribution path The specified encryption algorithm, the function to execute the encryption with the specified encryption key length, and the generation of the control signal that enables the use of the content only to users who have been licensed for use A recording medium on which a function program of a content distribution control system, in which a function for enabling distribution is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, is recorded as a solution.

  Alternatively, a means for interpreting and storing metadata describing information related to content in a recording medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user The computer can read the function, the function of the means for extracting the content management conditions from the interpretation result of the held metadata, and the function of the means for restricting the use of each content in the distribution center according to the content management conditions A recording medium on which a function program of a content distribution control system, which is characterized by being recorded on a simple recording medium, is used as a solution.

  Or a means for interpreting and storing metadata describing information related to content in a storage medium that records the function program of the content distribution control system that manages the content input from the content provider and distributes to the user. A function, a function of means for automatically extracting content input information from the interpretation result of the held metadata, and automatically issuing a capture instruction regarding the corresponding content according to the content input information, and the input capture instruction are sent to the distribution center. A recording medium on which a function program of a content distribution control system is recorded, wherein the function of means for performing processing for storing input content data and adding data management information is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. , As a means of solving the problem.

  Or, in the recording medium that records the function program of the content distribution control system, when metadata related to the corresponding content is input asynchronously or synchronously as multiple metadata of different formats or the same format, the multiple metadata is the same The function of interpreting and holding metadata, which has the function of interpreting and managing as a metadata set related to the contents of the content, and enabling each information item with different input forms to be combined and output to the outside according to the purpose, A recording medium that records a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, is used as a solution.

  Alternatively, a means for interpreting and storing metadata describing information related to content in a recording medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user The function and the function of means for generating navigation information for the corresponding content based on the extracted information from the interpretation result of the held metadata and the distribution condition and the content content, and the generated navigation information to the user A recording medium on which a function program of a content distribution control system, in which the function of the means for distributing is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, is recorded.

  Alternatively, in the recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system is recorded, the related information with other distribution contents is reflected in the navigation information based on the related information with other distribution contents included in the distribution conditions. A recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system, in which the function of the navigation information generating means having the function is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, is used as the solution.

  Alternatively, the function of the means for managing and maintaining the history of content distribution is stored in the recording medium that records the function program of the content distribution control system that manages the content input from the content provider and distributes to the user. A recording medium on which a function program of a content distribution control system is recorded, wherein a function of means for returning a content distribution history as metadata in accordance with a request from a content provider is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. , As a means of solving the problem.

  As described above, according to the present invention, various types of metadata (content content information, distribution request conditions, content management conditions, etc.) issued by a content provider are input to a distribution center (distribution platform), and these meta data are input. By using data in combination for each application, content automatic capture control, content asset management, automatic distribution control, content right protection control, etc. according to the request of the content provider are realized. As a result, it is possible to reduce the service providing cost in the conventional technology, eliminate the conventional human error, and perform the content delivery with high reliability according to the request of the content provider.

  Further, according to the present invention, by automatically generating as content viewing assistance metadata (content navigation metadata) from various types of metadata that are integrated and managed and distributing them to the user, it is possible to invest expenses separately from the content distribution. The metadata service generated and provided to the user can be realized without incurring new costs, and a service that is highly convenient for the user can be enjoyed at low cost.

  In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream) input from a content provider: automatically managing assets using metadata, performing distribution control and rights protection control, and distributing to users It is a system configuration figure showing a form.

  The system according to the embodiment of the present invention can control the functions of the distribution platform based on the contents of contents, distribution request conditions, and management conditions by using various types of metadata about the contents, and is low in cost and high in added value. A redistribution service can be provided.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the use of metadata in the present embodiment. The metadata input to the system includes content content description metadata (title, summary description, keywords, etc.), content management condition metadata. Data (file format, encoding rate, copy control information, etc.), distribution request condition metadata (distribution time, path, encryption algorithm, encryption key length, etc.), and information for content asset management by combining these Generates information for automatic distribution control and navigation metadata for user provision.

  Here, the system configuration diagram in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the configuration diagram of the conventional consigned broadcasting system shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, a distribution center 3 includes a content distribution control unit 21, a content storage unit 7, a content output unit 8, a content encryption unit 9, a multiplexing unit 10, a PSI information output unit 11, and an ECM transmission unit 12, which will be described in detail later. The metadata distribution unit 22 is configured.

  The content distribution control unit 21 includes a metadata analysis unit 23, a metadata storage unit 24, a content input / use management unit 25, a content output instruction unit 26, a PSI information output instruction unit 27, a right protection processing instruction unit 28, navigation metadata. The generation unit 29, the distribution history metadata return unit 30, and the system status display unit 31 are configured.

  Among these, a component having a function different from that of the conventional system analyzes and holds the metadata input from the content provider 1, and based on the result, the content distribution controls the platform function in the distribution center 3. This is the control unit 21.

  Next, each part of the system configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  The metadata analysis unit 23 sequentially analyzes metadata of different formats (service request condition metadata 32, content management condition metadata 33, content content description metadata 34) input from the content provider 1, and information items. Each has a function of passing the analysis result to the metadata storage unit 24.

  The metadata accumulating unit 24 accumulates information extracted from the plurality of metadata described above for each item, and has a function of managing information related to the same content in an integrated manner, and responds to an information presentation request from the outside. And a function for outputting necessary information items to the outside.

  The content input / use management unit 25 monitors the input state of the content in the distribution center 3 such as the storage state in the content storage unit 7, and in the system according to the content use condition held in the metadata storage unit 24. It has a function of monitoring whether content is being used.

  The content output instruction unit 26 has a function of instructing output of the corresponding content in accordance with the content distribution request condition held in the metadata storage unit 24 and holding the output history in the metadata storage unit 24.

  The PSI information output instruction unit 27 generates control information PSI for receiving the corresponding content in accordance with the content format, copy restriction information, distribution request conditions, etc. held in the metadata storage unit 24, and outputs the generated PSI. It has a function to perform.

  The right protection processing instruction unit 28 outputs an instruction to encrypt the corresponding content according to the conditions such as the encryption method and the encryption key length held in the metadata storage unit 24, and also outputs the encryption key (ECM). The metadata storage unit 24 has a function of holding the right protection processing history.

  The navigation metadata generation unit 29 generates the metadata to be provided to the user by combining the distribution request conditions such as the distribution route and time of the content held in the metadata storage unit 24 and the content description information, and distributes the metadata. A function of outputting to the unit 22.

  The system status display unit 31 has a function of presenting the status of each process executed in the distribution center 3 and content asset management information to the distribution operator 35.

  The distribution history metadata return unit 30 has a function of returning the distribution history information held in the metadata storage unit 24 to the content provider 1 as metadata.

  The content storage unit 7 has a function of storing the content 2 input from the content provider 1.

  The content output unit 8 has a function of outputting the corresponding content 2 at a predetermined time and distribution channel (path) based on an instruction from the content output instruction unit 26.

  The PSI information output unit 11 has a function of outputting input PSI information while synchronizing with content distribution based on an instruction from the PSI information output instruction unit 27.

  The metadata distribution unit 22 has a function of distributing user-oriented metadata output from the navigation metadata generation unit 29 by IP multicast or IP unicast.

  The content encryption unit 9 has a function of encrypting the corresponding content with a designated encryption algorithm and encryption key length based on an instruction from the right protection processing instruction unit 28.

  The ECM output unit 12 has a function of storing an encryption key obtained by encrypting the corresponding content in an ECM packet based on an instruction from the right protection processing instruction unit 28 and outputting it while synchronizing with content distribution.

  The multiplexing unit 10 has a function of time-division multiplexing encrypted content, PSI, and ECM using an MPEG-2 TS layer.

  The receiver 14 receives content and metadata via the network 13 and has functions of content viewing and content navigation based on metadata.

  Next, the system operation according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1, the various types of metadata analyzed by the metadata analysis unit 23 are integrated into the metadata storage unit 24 and stored and stored. Here, when the distribution request condition is described in the metadata (assuming that there is a distribution event in step S2), it is determined in step S3 whether or not the content corresponding to the distribution can be used. The content input / use management unit 25 confirms based on the content management conditions held in the data storage unit 24.

  If there is no event in step S2, and if it cannot be used in step S3, the process returns to step S1.

  If it can be used in step S3, distribution is possible. In step S4, the content output instruction unit 26, the PSI information output instruction unit 27, the right protection processing instruction unit 28, and the navigation metadata generation unit 29 specify the instruction signal and distribution. Data is generated.

  The instruction signal and distribution data generated in step S4 are input to the content output unit 8, the content encryption unit 9, the PSI information output unit 11, the ECM output unit 12, and the metadata distribution unit 22. In S5, content output, PSI information output, content encryption processing, ECM output, and metadata distribution are executed, and corresponding content distribution processing is started in step S5.

  The distribution process is continued for a scheduled period, and after the distribution is completed in step S6, the fact that the distribution is normally completed is held in the metadata storage unit 24 as a history (step S7). Also, even if some abnormality occurs and distribution is not completed normally, the history is retained.

  Thereafter, the distribution history metadata return unit 30 generates the distribution history metadata 36 from the distribution history held in the metadata storage unit 24 (step S8), and returns this to the content provider 1.

  Finally, in the system status display unit 31, the operator 35 appropriately checks the status of each process and the content asset management information.

  Through the above operation, content distribution and metadata distribution can be automatically distributed using metadata from the content provider 1, and a low-cost and high-value-added service can be realized.

  Note that some or all of the functions (including processes, means, etc.) of each part in the system configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1 are configured by a computer program, and the program is executed using the computer to realize the present invention. Needless to say, the steps shown in FIG. 3 can be configured by a computer program and the program can be executed by the computer.

  A computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, an MO, a ROM, a memory card, or a CD is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a program for realizing the above functions on a computer or a program for causing a computer to execute the above processing steps. It can be recorded on a DVD or removable disk for storage or distribution.

  Further, the above program can be provided through a network such as the Internet or electronic mail. As described above, the present invention can be implemented by installing the program provided by the recording medium or the network in the computer.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which describes the utilization example of metadata. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing in the embodiment. The block diagram of the conventional consignment broadcasting system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content provider 2 ... Content 3 ... Distribution center 7 ... Content storage part 8 ... Content output part 9 ... Content encryption part 10 ... Multiplexing part 11 ... PSI information output part 12 ... ECM output part 13 ... Network 14 ... Receiver 21 ... content distribution control unit 22 ... metadata distribution unit 23 ... metadata analysis unit 24 ... metadata storage unit 25 ... content input / use management unit 26 ... content output instruction unit 27 ... PSI information output instruction unit 28 ... right protection processing instruction Unit 29: Navigation metadata generation unit 30 ... Distribution history metadata 31 ... System status display unit 32 ... Service request condition metadata 33 ... Content management condition metadata 34 ... Content content description metadata

Claims (33)

In a content distribution control method for managing content input from a content provider and distributing to a user,
Distribution center
Interpreting and storing metadata describing information about the content,
A process of extracting distribution conditions from the interpretation result of the stored metadata and automatically issuing distribution instructions regarding the content according to the distribution conditions;
In accordance with the input distribution instruction, the process of distributing the corresponding content to the user,
A content distribution control method, wherein distribution control is automatically executed in accordance with description contents of metadata relating to content. The content delivery control method according to claim 1,
The distribution conditions that are automatically issued include the generation conditions for the control information required to receive the content on the content receiving device on the user side,
Content having a function of generating control information for enabling reception of the relevant content and delivering it together with the content in the process of delivering the relevant content to the user in accordance with the inputted delivery instruction Delivery control method. The content delivery control method according to claim 1,
The distribution instructions that are issued automatically include the quality conditions necessary to distribute the content,
The process of delivering the corresponding content to the user in accordance with the inputted delivery instruction has a function of ensuring a transmission band necessary for content transmission based on quality conditions and enabling service quality control of content delivery. Content delivery control method. In a content distribution control method for managing content input from a content provider and distributing to a user,
Distribution center
Interpreting and storing metadata describing information about the content,
A process of extracting rights protection conditions from the interpretation result of the stored metadata and automatically issuing rights protection processing instructions for the corresponding content according to the rights protection conditions;
A process of generating and sending a control signal that enables the use of the content only to a user who has encrypted and used the corresponding content according to the input right protection processing instruction;
A content distribution control method, wherein rights protection processing control is automatically executed in accordance with description contents of metadata relating to content. The content delivery control method according to claim 4,
In the right protection processing instruction that is automatically issued, the encryption algorithm or encryption key length for encrypting the corresponding content or the condition regarding the control signal distribution route is included.
In accordance with the input rights protection processing instruction, the encryption of the corresponding content is performed with the specified encryption algorithm, the encryption key length, and the control signal that enables the use of the content only to users who have been licensed to use A content distribution control method comprising a function of enabling generation via a specified distribution route. In a content distribution control method for managing content input from a content provider and distributing to a user,
Distribution center
Interpreting and storing metadata describing information about the content,
A process of extracting content management conditions from the interpretation result of retained metadata;
In accordance with content management conditions, the process of restricting the use of each content in the distribution center,
A content distribution control method, wherein content asset management is automatically executed in accordance with description contents of metadata relating to content. In a content distribution control method for managing content input from a content provider and distributing to a user,
Distribution center
Interpreting and storing metadata describing information about the content,
A process of extracting content input information from the interpretation result of the held metadata and automatically issuing an import instruction regarding the content according to the content input information;
It has a process of accumulating content data input to the distribution center and adding data management information according to the input instruction, and automatically performs content input management / accumulation control according to the content of the metadata related to the content. A content distribution control method, which is executed. In the content delivery control method in any one of Claims 1-7,
The process of interpreting and maintaining metadata describing information about content is:
When metadata related to the content is input asynchronously or synchronously as multiple metadata of different formats or the same format, multiple metadata is interpreted and managed as a metadata set related to the same content, and the input form is different A content distribution control method comprising a function of combining the information items according to the application and outputting the information items to the outside. In a content distribution control method for managing content input from a content provider and distributing to a user,
Distribution center
Interpreting and storing metadata describing information about the content,
A process of extracting information on distribution conditions and content contents from the interpretation result of the held metadata, and generating navigation information for the corresponding content based on the extracted information;
A process of delivering the generated navigation information to the user;
A content distribution control method, wherein navigation information of content to be distributed is automatically distributed using a description of metadata about the content. The content delivery control method according to claim 9, wherein
The distribution conditions extracted from the metadata interpretation results include information related to other distribution contents,
Content distribution control characterized in that the process of generating navigation information has a function of reflecting information related to other distribution contents in the navigation information, and causes a user who views the certain contents to view the other distribution contents. Method. In a content distribution control method for managing content input from a content provider and distributing to a user,
Distribution center
Managing and maintaining content distribution history,
The process of returning the held content distribution history as metadata according to the request of the content provider,
A content delivery control method, wherein a delivery result is transmitted and received as metadata relating to content. In a content distribution control system that manages content input from content providers and distributes to users,
Distribution center
Means to interpret and maintain metadata describing information about the content;
Means for extracting a delivery condition from the interpretation result of the held metadata, and automatically issuing a delivery instruction regarding the content according to the delivery condition;
In accordance with the input distribution instruction, it has means for distributing the corresponding content to the user,
A content distribution control system, wherein distribution control is automatically executed in accordance with the description contents of metadata relating to content. The content delivery control system according to claim 12,
The distribution conditions that are automatically issued include the generation conditions for the control information required to receive the content on the content receiving device on the user side,
In accordance with the input distribution instruction, means for distributing the corresponding content to the user,
A content distribution control system comprising a function of generating control information for enabling reception of corresponding content and distributing the control information together with the content. The content delivery control system according to claim 12,
The means for distributing the corresponding content to the user according to the input distribution instruction, including quality conditions necessary for distributing the content in the distribution instruction to be automatically issued,
A content distribution control system comprising a function for ensuring a transmission band necessary for content transmission based on quality conditions and enabling service quality control of content distribution. In a content distribution control system that manages content input from content providers and distributes to users,
Distribution center
Means to interpret and maintain metadata describing information about the content;
Means for extracting rights protection conditions from the interpretation result of the stored metadata and automatically issuing rights protection processing instructions for the corresponding content according to the rights protection conditions;
A means for generating and sending a control signal that enables the content to be used only by users who have been encrypted and permitted to use the content according to the input rights protection processing instruction;
A content distribution control system, wherein rights protection processing control is automatically executed in accordance with description contents of metadata relating to content. The content delivery control system according to claim 15,
In the right protection processing instruction that is automatically issued, the encryption algorithm or encryption key length for encrypting the corresponding content or the conditions regarding the control signal distribution path are included.
In accordance with the input right protection processing instruction, the encryption of the corresponding content is executed with the specified encryption algorithm, the encryption key length, and the control signal that enables the use of the content only to users who have been licensed A content distribution control system having a function of enabling generation via a specified distribution route. In a content distribution control system that manages content input from content providers and distributes to users,
Distribution center
Means to interpret and maintain metadata describing information about the content;
Means for extracting content management conditions from the interpretation result of the stored metadata;
In accordance with content management conditions, it has means for restricting the use of each content in the distribution center,
A content distribution control system, wherein content asset management is automatically executed in accordance with description contents of metadata relating to content. In a content distribution control system that manages content input from content providers and distributes to users,
Distribution center
Means to interpret and maintain metadata describing information about the content;
Means for extracting content input information from the interpretation result of the held metadata, and automatically issuing an import instruction regarding the content according to the content input information;
A means for storing content data input to the distribution center and adding data management information in accordance with the input capture instruction;
A content distribution control system, wherein content input management / storage control is automatically executed in accordance with description contents of metadata relating to content. The content distribution control system according to any one of claims 12 to 18,
The means to interpret and maintain metadata describing information about content is:
When metadata related to the content is input asynchronously or synchronously as multiple metadata of different formats or the same format, multiple metadata is interpreted and managed as a metadata set related to the same content, and the input form is different A content distribution control system comprising a function for combining the information items according to the purpose of use and outputting the information items to the outside. In a content distribution control system that manages content input from content providers and distributes to users,
Means for the distribution center to interpret and retain metadata describing information about the content;
Means for extracting information on distribution conditions and content contents from the interpretation result of the held metadata, and generating navigation information for the corresponding content based on the extracted information;
A means for delivering the generated navigation information to the user;
A content distribution control system that automatically distributes navigation information of content to be distributed using a description of metadata about the content. The content delivery control system according to claim 20,
The distribution conditions extracted from the metadata interpretation results include information related to other distribution contents,
Content distribution control characterized in that the means for generating navigation information has a function of reflecting information related to other distribution contents in the navigation information, and causes a user who views the certain contents to view the other distribution contents. system. In a content distribution control system that manages content input from content providers and distributes to users,
Distribution center
A means of managing and maintaining content distribution history;
In accordance with a request from the content provider, the content distribution history that is held has a means for returning as metadata,
A content distribution control system, wherein a distribution result is transmitted and received as metadata relating to content. In a storage medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user,
The ability to interpret and retain metadata describing information about the content,
A function of a means for extracting distribution conditions from the interpretation result of the held metadata and automatically issuing a distribution instruction regarding the content according to the distribution conditions;
In accordance with the input distribution instruction, the function of means for distributing the corresponding content to the user,
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A recording medium recording the function program of the content distribution control system according to claim 23,
Included in the delivery conditions,
Based on the control information generation conditions required to receive content on the user-side content receiving device,
A function of means for distributing control content for receiving the corresponding content to the user according to an input distribution instruction, which has a function of generating control information for enabling reception of the corresponding content and distributing it together with the content,
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A recording medium recording the function program of the content distribution control system according to claim 23,
Included in the delivery instructions,
Based on the quality conditions required for content distribution, the transmission band necessary for content transmission is secured, and the content is provided to the user according to the input distribution instruction with the function that enables the quality control of content distribution. The function of the means to deliver
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In a recording medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user,
The ability to interpret and retain metadata describing information about the content,
A function of means for extracting rights protection conditions from the interpretation result of the stored metadata and automatically issuing rights protection processing instructions for the corresponding content in accordance with the rights protection conditions;
A function of a means for generating and sending a control signal that enables only the user who has been encrypted and permitted to use the content according to the input right protection processing instruction;
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system according to claim 26 is recorded,
Included in the rights protection processing instructions,
Based on the encryption algorithm or encryption key length that encrypts the corresponding content or the conditions related to the control signal distribution route,
Distribution of specified content using the specified distribution route and the generation of a control signal that enables the content to be used only by users who have been licensed to use the specified encryption algorithm and encryption key length. Functions that enable
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In a recording medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user,
The ability to interpret and retain metadata describing information about the content,
A function of means for extracting content management conditions from the interpretation result of the held metadata;
A function of means for restricting the use of each content in the distribution center in accordance with the content management conditions;
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In a storage medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user,
The ability to interpret and retain metadata describing information about the content,
A function of a means for extracting content input information from the interpretation result of the held metadata and automatically issuing an import instruction regarding the content according to the content input information;
The function of means for storing the content data input to the distribution center and adding the data management information in accordance with the input capture instruction,
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system according to claim 23 is recorded,
When metadata related to the content is input asynchronously or synchronously as multiple metadata of different formats or the same format, the multiple metadata are interpreted and managed as metadata sets related to the same content, and the input forms are different. The function of means for interpreting and holding metadata, with the function of combining the information items of
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In a recording medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user,
The ability to interpret and retain metadata describing information about the content,
A function of means for extracting information on distribution conditions and content contents from the interpretation result of the held metadata, and generating navigation information for the corresponding content based on the extracted information;
The function of the means for delivering the generated navigation information to the user,
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A recording medium in which the function program of the content distribution control system according to claim 31 is recorded,
Based on information related to other delivery contents included in the delivery conditions,
The function of the navigation information generation means having the function of reflecting the related information with other distribution contents in the navigation information,
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In a recording medium that records a function program of a content distribution control system that manages content input from a content provider and distributes to a user,
A function of managing and maintaining a history of content distribution;
According to the request of the content provider, the function of the means to return the retained content distribution history as metadata,
A recording medium recording a functional program of a content distribution control system, which is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

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