JP2005092502A - Rental system and member management server for use in the rental system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a member's labor of returning rented software to a rental store, and enable the member to reproduce the rented software by carrying about only a membership card, without carrying about a reproduction device for reproducing the rented software. <P>SOLUTION: When receiving inquiry information from a member inquiring rental information from a reproduction device 5 installed in a given position, a member management server 3 for managing, for every member, rental information indicating the rental of software in electronic data from a terminal device 2 for a fixed period sends the rental information to the reproduction device. When receiving reproduction software information about software to be reproduced from the reproduction device, the member management server requests a media server 4 storing software in electronic data to send electronic data on the reproduced software, and on acquiring the requested software electronic data, delivers the electronic data to the reproduction device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a rental system in the rental industry for renting software such as music, movies and books, and a member management server used in the rental system.

  In a conventional rental system, a member goes to a rental store, selects software such as a CD or movie that he / she wants to listen to, presents the selected software at the cash register and the membership card of the rental store, and manages the rental of the software. Registering with the system and paying rental fees for the rental period. When the member rents the software in this way, the member plays the software at home, etc., and brings the rented software to the rental store and returns it before the end of the rental period. In addition, in order to reproduce the rented software at a place other than home, it is necessary to carry the rented software together with a playback device such as an MD player or a CD player.

In addition, the following rental systems that can avoid returning the rented software to a rental store are also known. A viewing-only program for viewing is stored in the member's terminal device, the analog data on the tape medium is replaced with digital data, the download ID and rental period are written in the data, and this data is stored in the member's terminal via the network. By downloading to the device, the member can use the viewing-only program in the terminal device such as a personal computer, and the rental system can view the viewable software during the rental period (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP2002-189957

  According to the above-described system, the troublesomeness of the member returning the software to the rental store can be eliminated. However, since a terminal device in which a viewing-only program is stored is required, it is necessary to carry the terminal device in order to view software rented at a place other than home. Carrying the terminal device in this way is very troublesome for the member.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to carry out a reproducing apparatus for reproducing software rented by a member while eliminating the trouble of returning software rented by the member to a rental store. It is another object of the present invention to provide a rental system that can reproduce software rented just by carrying a member card and a member management server used in the rental system.

  The present invention provides a member management server for managing rental information corresponding to identification information for identifying a member upon receiving rental information indicating that software is rented from electronic data for a certain period of time from a terminal device. When the inquiry information for inquiring about the rental information is received from a playback device installed in a place near the seat of the mobile vehicle or mobile body of transportation, the rental information corresponding to the identification information is transmitted to the playback device, and the transmitted rental When receiving the playback software information related to the software to be played back in response to the information from the playback device, the server that stores the software connected to the network as electronic data is requested to send the electronic data of the software indicated by the playback software information, and the request When the electronic data of the software is acquired from the server, the electronic data is distributed to the playback device in real time. And one in which soft and reproducing apparatus can be reproduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the hassle of returning software rented by a member to a rental store, and to play the rented software just by carrying the member card without carrying a playback device for playing the software rented by the member. It is possible to provide a rental system that can be used and a member management server used in the rental system.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network 1 configuration of the entire rental system. As shown in the figure, a terminal device 2, a member management server 3, a media server 4, and a playback device 5 are connected to the network 1. The terminal device 2 is installed in a rental store that rents software such as music, movies, and books, and a member of the rental store performs registration for renting the software with electronic data for a certain period. Although not shown, such a terminal device 2 is provided for each of the affiliated rental stores and is connected to the network 1 in large numbers. The member management server 3 associates member information such as name, address, and telephone number with respect to the rental of the software of the member of the rental store with the member number (identification information) assigned to the member for each member. It is a server to manage. The media server 4 is a server that stores software such as music, movies, and books as electronic data. The software managed by the media server 4 may be configured to manage all software such as music, movies, books, etc. by one media server 4 or may be configured to be managed separately for each category. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the media server 4 is assumed to be a server that manages music software, and the rental system will be described in the case where the music software is rented with electronic data. The playback device 5 is a device for playing back software. For example, the playback device 5 is widely installed in a designated seat of a train, a seat of an airplane, a public transportation such as a taxi, a waiting room of a station, a restaurant, and the like. The playback device 5 may be connected to the network 1 by wire (cable) or wirelessly.

Next, the configuration of the terminal device 2, the member management server 3, the media server 4, and the playback device 5 connected to the network 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is provided with a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, LAN (Local Area Network 1) port 24, display unit 25, input unit 26, card reading unit 27, communication port 28, and the like. The CPU 21 is connected to the ROM 22, RAM 23, LAN port 24, display unit 25, input unit 26, card reading unit 27 and communication port 28 via a bus line 29.

  The CPU 21 implements various functions as the terminal device 2 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 22. In addition to a known general control program for registering rental members in the ROM 22 and registering rental member software rental information in the member management server 3, processing described in the flowchart of FIG. A control program for realizing is also stored. In the RAM 23, a work area for the CPU 21 to execute the control program stored in the ROM 22 is formed.

  The LAN port 24 is used for connection with the settlement terminal device 2a. When the terminal device 2 is used to rent software, the payment terminal device 2a transmits amount information relating to the rental fee via the LAN port 24, and the member makes a payment based on the transmitted amount information. Used to do. The display unit 25 is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays information necessary for the member to operate. The input unit 26 is provided with various keys such as numerical keys for inputting numerical values. The input unit 26 receives input of these keys and receives various instructions.

  When a member card indicating a rental member is inserted from the card insertion slot, the card reading unit 27 reads information stored in a magnetic stripe provided on the member card. In the case where an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is provided on the membership card, the card reading unit 27 is configured to read information from the IC chip. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information stored in the magnetic stripe of the membership card. In the magnetic stripe of the member card, a member ID 6a as identification information assigned to each member and information 6b indicating a unique address on the network 1 of the member management server 3 are stored. The card reading unit 27 reads information from the magnetic stripe of the inserted member card, and when the predetermined processing is completed, the inserted card is discharged from the insertion slot. The communication port 28 is used for connection with the network 1 and has a unique address on the network 1.

  With the terminal device 2 configured in this manner, a member can register for renting software with electronic data for a certain period. In this embodiment, the member operates the terminal device 2 to perform registration for renting the software with electronic data. However, the store clerk uses the terminal device used for normal software rental to electronically store the software. A configuration for registering for rental with data may be used.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the member management server 3. The member management server 3 is provided with a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, clock unit 34, HDD (hard disk drive) unit 35, display unit 36, input unit 37, and communication port 38. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, clock unit 34, HDD unit 35, display unit 36, input unit 37, and communication port 38 are connected via a bus line 39.

  The CPU 31 implements various functions as the member management server 3 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 32. The ROM 32 has a control program for realizing the processing described in the flowchart of FIG. 9 to be described later, in addition to a well-known general control program for managing information on rental members and information on rental software of rental members. It is remembered. In the RAM 33, a work area for the CPU 31 to execute the control program stored in the ROM 32 is formed.

  The clock unit 34 always generates time information and date information related to the date. The HDD unit 35 stores information related to software rentals by members and member information such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers related to members. In addition to information on software rented by a known rental system, information on software rental stores rental information indicating information on software rented with electronic data. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a rental information list 35a (rental information management means) showing rental information stored in the HDD unit 35. As shown in FIG. In the rental information list 35a, the name of software rented as electronic data for each member ID, the LinkID for inquiring the music server 4 for the music data, and the rental effective date indicating the end date of rental are stored correspondingly. . The song name, LinkID, and rental effective date stored in the rental information list 35a are displayed in the rental information when the date according to the date information generated by the clock unit 34 has passed the rental effective date. It is deleted from the list 35a. The display unit 36 displays information necessary for an administrator who manages the member management server 3. The input unit 37 receives various instructions from an administrator who manages the member management server 3. The communication port 38 is used for connection with the network 1 and has a unique address on the network 1.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a media list 4 a for explaining electronic data stored in the media server 4. Since the configuration of the media server 4 as a server is well known, description thereof will be omitted, and electronic data stored in the media server 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in the media list 4a, song names and song data are stored as electronic data corresponding to the LinkID. In the case where the media server 4 stores software of a category other than music, the movie title and video data, etc., if a movie, and the book name, text data, etc., are electronic data corresponding to the LinkID. Remembered.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the playback device 5. The playback device 5 is provided with a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, audio output unit 54, touch panel unit 55, card reading unit 56, and communication port 57. The CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, audio output unit 54, touch panel unit 55, card reading unit 56, and communication port 57 as connection means are connected via a bus line 58.

  The CPU 51 implements various functions as the playback device 5 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 52. In addition to a known general control program for reproducing electronic data, the ROM 52 also stores a control program for realizing the processing described in the flowcharts of FIGS. In the RAM 53, a work area for the CPU 51 to execute the control program stored in the ROM 52 is formed. The RAM 53 temporarily stores electronic data of the rented software that is played back via the network 1.

  The sound output unit 54 outputs sound to the outside based on the electronic data when the electronic data stored temporarily in the RAM 53 is reproduced. The audio output unit 54 is provided with, for example, a terminal for connecting headphones. By connecting the headphones to this terminal, the member can listen to music so that no sound leaks outside.

  The touch panel unit 55 displays operations necessary for reproducing software rented by the member using electronic data, and accepts various instructions from the member. For example, the member performs input for instructing to take out the member card inserted into the card reading unit 56, select a reproduction music, and the like by the touch panel unit 55. When the membership card is inserted from the card insertion slot, the card reading unit 56 reads information stored in the magnetic stripe provided on the membership card, and reads the membership card inserted based on the member's instruction from the insertion slot. Discharge. The communication port 57 is used for connection with the network 1 and has a unique address on the network 1.

Next, processing executed by the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 when registering to rent music software with electronic data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The CPU 21 waits for the membership card to be inserted into the insertion slot of the card reading unit 27 in the standby state. When the CPU 21 detects that a member card has been inserted into the card insertion slot (YES in ST1), the CPU 21 controls the card reading unit 27 to read the member ID from the magnetic stripe provided on the member card, and the member ID is stored in the RAM 23. (ST2).

  Then, the CPU 21 displays a menu or the like for selecting a song to be rented on the display unit 25, and based on this display, accepts a rented song and a rental period based on an instruction from the input unit 26 (ST3). The song title, rental period, and stored member ID are transmitted to the member management server 3 (ST4). Based on the instruction from the input unit 26, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the music selection for the rented music has been completed (ST5). If NO in this determination, the process returns to step ST3 to accept selection of another rental song, and if YES, the amount information indicating the rental fee is calculated based on the rented song and the rental period (ST6).

  After calculating the amount information, the CPU 21 transmits the amount information to the settlement terminal device 2a via the LAN port 24 (ST7). Then, payment processing is performed in the payment terminal device 2a to which the amount information has been transmitted (ST8). When this settlement processing is completed, registration in the member management server 3 when software is rented with electronic data is completed.

  Next, processing performed by the CPU 51 when software is played back by the playback device 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The CPU 51 waits for the membership card to be inserted into the insertion slot of the card reading unit 56 in the standby state. When the CPU 51 detects that a member card has been inserted into the card insertion slot (YES in ST11), the CPU 51 controls the card reading unit 56 to read the member ID and the connection destination server address from the magnetic stripe provided on the member card, The member ID and connection destination server address are stored in the RAM 53 (ST12). These steps ST11 and ST12 constitute identification information acquisition means. Then, the CPU 51 transmits the member ID to the stored connection destination server address (that is, the member management server 3) (ST13). This step ST13 constitutes inquiry information transmission means. The member ID is transmitted to inquire about software that is rented with electronic data corresponding to the member ID.

  Subsequently, when receiving the reproducible music title list returned from the member management server 3, the CPU 51 displays the reproducible music title list on the touch panel unit 55 (ST14). Then, the CPU 51 accepts a reproduction song list based on an instruction from the touch panel unit 55 (ST15). When this reproduction song list is accepted, the member ID and reproduction song list are sent to the connection destination server address stored in the RAM 53. It is transmitted as reproduction request information (ST16). Steps ST14 to ST16 constitute playback software information transmission means.

  When the CPU 51 receives the playback music data, which is electronic data corresponding to the transmitted playback music list, from the member management server 3, the CPU 51 stores the playback music data in the RAM 53 (ST17). This step ST17 constitutes a receiving means. The CPU 51 accepts an operation by the input of the member's touch panel unit 55, and reproduces the reproduction music data stored in the RAM 53 by the audio output unit 54 (ST18). This step ST18 constitutes a reproducing means.

  When the reproduction music data is stored in the RAM 53 as described above, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the member card has been removed from the card reading unit 56 (ST19). For example, the determination is made based on whether or not an instruction to remove the membership card is given by the touch panel unit 55. The playback music data is stored in the RAM 53 until it is determined that the membership card has been removed, but when the CPU 51 determines that the membership card has been removed, the memory is initialized, that is, the re-music data stored in the RAM 53 is erased. (ST20).

Next, processing executed by the CPU 31 of the member management server 3 when the rental software is played back by the playback device 5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 10 shows a process of transmitting a list of software that can be rented to the playback device 5 when the playback device 5 makes an inquiry about the rented software.

  If the CPU 31 determines that the inquiry information from the playback device 5 has been received (YES in ST31), the CPU 31 includes the rental information list stored in the HDD unit 35 based on the member ID included in the received inquiry information. The member ID is searched (ST32). Then, the CPU 31 creates a song name list of song names corresponding to the searched member ID (ST33), and transmits the data of the song name list to the playback device 5 that is the source of the inquiry information (ST34). The rental information transmitting means is constituted by steps ST31 to ST34. In this way, a list of software that can be rented is transmitted to the playback device 5 based on the inquiry information.

FIG. 11 shows a process of transmitting the reproduction music data to the reproduction apparatus 5 in response to the software reproduction request of the reproduction apparatus 5 responded based on the transmitted music title list data.
When the CPU 31 receives the reproduction request information (YES in ST41), the link ID corresponding to the reproduction music is based on the member ID, the reproduction music list, and the rental information list stored in the HDD unit 35 included in the reproduction request information. Is acquired (ST42). Then, the CPU 31 requests the reproduction music data corresponding to the LinkID from the media server 4 (ST43). The request means is constituted by these steps ST41 to ST43. When the CPU 31 receives the reproduction music data corresponding to the LinkID from the media server 4, it temporarily stores it in the RAM 33 (ST44). When the RAM 33 reproduction music data is temporarily stored, the reproduction music data is sent to the transmission source of the reproduction request information in real time. Delivered with. The delivery means is constituted by these steps ST44 and ST45. Thereby, the requested reproduction music data can be distributed in real time to the reproduction apparatus 5 that has transmitted the reproduction request information.

  Next, in the rental system configured as described above, an operation at the time of software rental and playback of software for playing back music by the playback device 5 will be described.

  First, software rental will be described. The user goes to a place where the terminal device 2 such as a rental shop where the user is a member is installed, inserts a membership card into the terminal device 2, and based on the display displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 2, the input unit 26, the music to be rented is selected and the rental deadline is entered. Thereby, the member ID of the member card and the name of the song to be rented are transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the member management server 3, and the song name and the rental effective date are added to the rental information list 35a of the member. When the rental music adding process is normally performed in the member management server 3, the rental fee is notified from the terminal device 2 to the settlement terminal device 2a, and the fee is settled.

  Then, during the rental period of the software, for example, when the member is moving in the designated seat of the train, the member card is inserted into the playback device 5 installed in the designated seat. By inserting the member card, the playback device 5 acquires the member ID and the connection destination server address from the member card, and transmits the member ID to the member management server 3. Then, the playback device 5 receives rental information of the member's software from the member management server 3 and displays it on the touch panel unit 55. While viewing this display, the member selects a song he / she wishes to input by touching the touch panel unit 55. As a result, a reproduction song list is created, and this reproduction song list is transmitted from the reproduction device 5 to the member management server 3. The member management server 3 requests the reproduction music data corresponding to the received reproduction music list from the media server 4 and acquires the reproduction music data. The reproduced music data acquired by the member management server 3 is distributed to the reproducing device 5 in real time and stored in the RAM 53 of the reproducing device 5. When the reproduction music data is stored in the RAM 53 in this way, the member inputs the touch panel unit 55 and reproduces the software.

  Further, the member operates the touch panel unit 55 of the playback device 5 and takes out the member card from the playback device 5 before the train reaches the getting-off station. By this operation, the playback device 5 automatically deletes the member ID and playback song data stored in the RAM 53. The membership ID and playback song data are automatically deleted when the membership card is removed in this way, so trains reserved seats, airplane seats, public transportation such as in taxis, station waiting rooms, libraries, restaurants Even if it is widely installed, software data that has been illegally rented to third parties will not be used.

  According to the rental system of this embodiment, software is rented as electronic data, and is widely installed and installed in train seats, airplane seats, public transportation such as in taxis, station waiting rooms, libraries, restaurants, etc. Since the software can be downloaded and played back by the playback device 5, the trouble of returning the rented software to the rental store can be eliminated, and the member card can be carried around without carrying the playback device 5 for playing back the software. Only members can play the rented software.

  In addition, according to this rental system, since the software is rented with electronic data, it is not necessary to prepare a medium storing the contents of the software and its package. Accordingly, a shelf for arranging the packages is not necessary, and only the terminal device 2 is installed, so that the store size of the rental store can be reduced, and it is possible to contribute to cost reduction and resolution of the dust problem.

  Furthermore, according to this rental system, the medium in which the contents of the software are stored for rental is not used, so that all the software is not being rented. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the rental store side misses the business opportunity and the member side cannot rent the software that it wants to rent.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage, and a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. Various inventions can be modified by appropriately combining the components.

The figure which shows the network structure in embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the terminal device in the same embodiment. The figure which shows the information memorize | stored in the magnetic stripe of the membership card in the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the member management server in the embodiment. The figure which shows the rental information list in the embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the electronic data memorize | stored in the media server in the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows a process at the time of carrying out rental registration in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows a process when performing reproduction | regeneration of the software in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process which transmits the list | wrist of the software which can be rented in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process which transmits music data with respect to the reproduction | regeneration request | requirement in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network, 2 ... Terminal device, 3 ... Member management server, 4 ... Media server, 4a ... Media list, 5 ... Playback apparatus, 6a ... Member ID, 6b ... Member management server address, 27, 56 ... Card reading part, 28, 38, 57 ... communication port, 35a ... rental information list

Claims (2)

From a terminal device for inputting information on software rental, a member management server for managing the information connected to the terminal device via a network for each member, and a playback device having playback means for playing back the rented software In the rental system
The member management server receives rental information indicating that software is rented as electronic data for a certain period from the terminal device, and manages rental information corresponding to identification information for identifying the member, rental information management means; Rental information transmitting means for transmitting rental information corresponding to the identification information managed by the rental information management means to the reproducing apparatus when inquiry information for inquiring the rental information corresponding to identification information is received from the reproducing apparatus. The electronic software data indicated by the reproduction software information is stored in the server that stores the software connected to the network as electronic data when the reproduction software information related to the software reproduced in response to the rental information transmitted by the rental information transmission means is received. Request means for requesting to transmit, and request by the request means When acquiring software electronic data from the server, it comprises a distribution means for distributing in real time the electronic data to the reproducing apparatus,
The playback device includes connection means for connecting to the network, identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information from a member card, and rental information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means to the member management server. Inquiry information transmitting means for transmitting inquiry information to be inquired via the network; designation receiving means for receiving designation of software to be played back based on rental information responded to the inquiry information transmitted by the inquiry information transmitting means; Replay software information transmitting means for transmitting the software accepted by the designation receiving means as replay software information to the member management server; and in response to the replay software information transmitted by the replay software information transmitting means, the member management server A rental system comprising: receiving means for receiving electronic software data from a computer. In the member management server that manages the information transmitted via the network from the terminal device that inputs information on software rental for each member,
Rental information management means for receiving rental information indicating that software is rented with electronic data for a certain period of time from the terminal device, and managing the rental information in correspondence with identification information for identifying the member, and corresponding to the identification information Rental information transmission means for transmitting rental information corresponding to the identification information managed by the rental information management means to the transmission source of the inquiry information when inquiry information for inquiring about the rental information is received via the network; When receiving the playback software information related to the software to be played back in response to the rental information transmitted by the rental information transmitting means, the electronic data of the software indicated by the playback software information is stored in a server that stores the software connected to the network as electronic data. Request means for requesting transmission, and the software requested by the request means. When the electronic data acquired from the server, the member management server, characterized by comprising a delivering device for delivering real-time the electronic data to the source of the reproduction software information.

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