JP2005275715A - Contents information management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a free service provision and reception environment independent of time and space to a customer from a terminal connected to a network. <P>SOLUTION: A contents information management method for managing information related with a customer, a terminal device, and service in a center comprises: applying individual customer's ID to each customer for identification; applying terminal device ID for each terminal device to be used by the customer; making it correspond to the customer ID; applying service ID to each service; defining a service available for each terminal device; defining the details of each service; defining contents available for each terminal device in services, and managing information to be attached to the contents according to whether the information is common information common to the terminal device or individual piece of information to be individually managed by the terminal device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content and data management method for a platform provider to provide services to customers.

  In the world of broadcasting and communication such as digital broadcasting services, ISPs (Internet Service Providers), ASPs (Application Service Providers), CATVs (Cable TVs), and mobile phone services, so-called platform businesses are carried out. A platform is a company or organization that provides services to customers, or a mechanism for providing services. When a customer's terminal device is used as a form for providing services, the platform uses common standards and standards. , Has determined the specifications.

There are already networked games for mobile phones, game consoles, personal computers, etc., as well as various services such as karaoke and online shopping, but these services are complete on each platform. Is the current situation.
For example, in the case of a game, in a game connected to a network using a current game terminal, a PC, or a mobile phone, the game environment changes when the terminal device changes. It is difficult to enjoy the continuation with the device or continue the point to the middle. In addition, there is not much thought about the billing system for the part played, and it is not managed uniformly.
In this situation, there are few examples of game content providers who have developed games that allow the same user to continue playing in different game environments, and when playing games on terminal devices connected to multiple different networks There are no examples of commercialization with paid billing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its main purpose to provide a free service providing and enjoying environment regardless of time and place to a customer using a terminal connected to a network. .

In order to achieve this object, a content information management method according to the invention of claim 1 is a content information management method for managing information on customers, terminal devices, and services in a center system. The terminal device ID is assigned to each terminal device used by the customer, is associated with the customer ID, the service ID is assigned to each service, and the service that can be used for each terminal device is defined. It is possible to define the details of the service, define the content that can be used for each terminal device in the service, and manage the information that accompanies the content as common information common to the terminal device or manage it individually in the terminal device It is divided into individual information to be managed, and information necessary for continuation of services is managed in an information management area common to all terminal devices And in, characterized in that to enable the continuation of service at all terminals of the same customer.
The content information management method according to the invention of claim 2 is the content information management method according to claim 1, wherein the information required for continuation includes the points from the start of use of the service selected by the customer to the end thereof, acquired items, billing information, etc. Next, the history information is necessary to continuously perform the same service.
The content information management method according to the invention of claim 3 is the content information management method according to claim 2, wherein the history information is transmitted to the center system manually or automatically by the customer when the service that the customer enjoys at the terminal device is once terminated. It is characterized by being.
The content information management method according to the invention of claim 4 is the content information management method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the history information is automatically transmitted to the center system at a predetermined timing regardless of the intention of the customer and stored in the center system. Thus, when the service is interrupted during the operation of the customer, the service is restarted on the other terminal device based on the newest history.
The content information management method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the content information management method according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein when a plurality of terminal devices of the same customer cannot be continued, the individual information cannot be continued for each content. It is characterized by defining.
The content information management method according to the invention of claim 6 is an individual content information management method according to claims 2 to 5, wherein even if it is possible to continue with common information, it cannot be continued with individual information. It is characterized by determining information with priority.
A content information management method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the content information management method according to the first aspect, wherein the service ID is added to define details of service identification, content identification, format identification, and / or network identification. It has a hierarchical structure.

  In the content information management method for managing information on customers, terminal devices, and services in the center system, individual customer IDs can be assigned and identified for each customer, and terminal device IDs are assigned for each terminal device used by the customer. The service ID is associated with each customer ID, the service ID is assigned for each service, the service that can be used for each terminal device is defined, and the details of each service can be defined. The service can be used for each terminal device. Common content for all of the terminal devices by managing the information associated with the content by dividing it into common information common to the terminal devices or individual information to be individually managed by the terminal devices. By managing information necessary for continuation in the information management area, any terminal device of the same customer can be continued.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a basic configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 2 illustrates a form applied to a game service.

  In FIG. 1, the platform operator performs customer management using the service center system 100 and further services such as a digital broadcasting device 120, a video on demand device 130, a karaoke service device 140, a game service device 150, and other service devices 160. By providing a device for provision with the customer management device 105, the billing management device 106, etc., various services such as broadcasting, VOD (Video On Demand), games, karaoke, etc. are provided to the specific terminal device 110. ing.

Among the entire system such as the center system 200, the external network 180, and the terminal device 110 by the platform operator, the basic technical specifications of the terminal device 110 are defined by the platform. Made to move with technical specifications.
In FIG. 1, a network device 101 is a device for connecting the network 180 to the game service center system 100, and is a network interface device, a router, a switching machine, or the like. The firewall device 102 is software or hardware for performing unauthorized intrusion or destruction of the network and defense of public servers such as Web servers, DNS servers, and FTP servers. Access accepting device (access server) 103 transmits / receives to / from a terminal device necessary for receiving a history application, a score, customization data, etc. sent from the terminal manually or automatically when a customer applies for a game using a terminal device. I do. When a game is played by a remote player method, it receives operation data of a customer who is playing, and transmits game data that needs to be sent to the terminal in real time. Further, even when a game is being played by the download method, data is transmitted and received when communication between the terminal device and the game device is necessary, such as when a plurality of customers are fighting.
As for the remote player method, a method in which the game device main body (game machine main body) and the operation terminal device (terminal device including a game controller) are separated by a network is defined as a remote player method. Generally, the game device and the operation terminal device are directly connected by a cable and a connector, or are connected by a wireless transmission / reception device having a function equivalent to the direct connection. On the other hand, the remote player method allows game devices to be connected even when the main body and the operation terminal device are not on the same site via a network such as a telephone line, a mobile phone line, or a wireless line between the game device and the operation terminal imitation. Operates and enjoys the same operation as when the main unit and control terminal are directly connected. At this time, the game apparatus main body and the operation terminal device send a signal for performing an operation from the terminal to the main body side or a signal for vibrating the game controller from the main body side to the terminal apparatus via the network. Bidirectional communication is performed. In addition, the game image and sound output from the game apparatus body are sent to the operation terminal device side through the network, so the game apparatus body is at hand while watching the image and listening to the sound on the operation terminal head side. Can be operated in the same way. As a means for transmitting the image / sound from the game apparatus main body to the operation terminal apparatus side, it is assumed that it is modulated and sent like a TV signal, or IP packet is transmitted by multicast or unicast. The remote player method can be applied not only to games but also to applications that handle moving images, sounds, programs, text data, and so on.
As for the download method, a game device main body (game machine) and an operation terminal device (terminal device including a game controller) are defined as terminal devices. A mechanism in which a terminal device receives a download of a game program or additional information from a game content distribution device installed remotely via a network, and can play a game on the terminal device side that has received the downloaded program or additional information It is defined as a download method.

The authentication device 104 is a device that identifies whether or not customer access is valid, and improves the security of the system and service, such as preventing customer fraud and intrusion by non-customers. The authentication device 104 identifies the access data to the access server 103 by collating data related to the customer and service of the customer management device 105, game customer management and history management device 151a (FIG. 2). The internal network 107 is basically a network that connects each device in the service center system within the same site or a range equivalent thereto. The digital broadcasting device 120 is a device generic name for transmitting digital broadcasting. The Video On Demand device 130 is a device generic name that distributes moving images such as movies, sports, animation, music, and the like based on a request from the terminal device 110.
The karaoke service device 140 is a generic name for devices that distribute karaoke based on a request from the terminal device 110. There are many karaoke systems such as video, audio distribution, and data distribution karaoke, so the standard adopted by the platform causes differences in the specifications of the karaoke service apparatus and terminal apparatus. The game service device 150 is a device that distributes game content based on a request from the terminal device 110. It is a general term that includes devices for online games that call for participation from the center side to each terminal or forcibly switch services to games. The other service device 160 is a generic name of devices for providing services other than the digital broadcasting device 120, the Video On Demand device 130, the karaoke service device 140, and the game service device 150.

FIG. 2 is a block connection diagram showing an embodiment of a content information management method according to the present invention. The embodiment exemplifies a case where the present invention is applied to a game service, and is a block connection diagram illustrating in detail the internal configuration of the game service device 150 of FIG.
The game customer management and history management apparatus 151a manages data related to game services for each customer and data related to registration information, usage status, history, etc. for each game content. Items to be managed for each customer include available game services, usage status for each game, and history of when and how much you played, terminal device history that played each game, play time of each game, score, item acquisition, etc. Customization information, usage status when multiple games are defined as a group, history, total score, etc. Information related to each game content includes registration date, category to which it belongs, association with additional information (linkage), available network, available platform, available period, fee information, usage history, sales history, etc. It manages items related to information that is the basis for billing and information that is required for payment to the game content provider.

  The game content provider settlement device 152a performs settlement that reflects the usage status of the customer for each game content provider. The game content registration / management apparatus 153a performs game program registration management and game additional information registration management. The game content information Web device (Web server) 154a allows the customer to access information related to the game by accessing from the terminal device based on the additional information related to the game registered in the game content registration / management device 153a, Provides a website for making game requests. The Web site provides and displays new product information, rankings, events, how to play each game, search function, request method presentation, request function, recommended game information, fee display, FAQ, and so on. Acts as a portal site for this game service.

  The game content additional information management / distribution device 155a captures (downloads) the information about the game on the terminal based on the additional information regarding the game registered in the game content registration / management device 153a. Data for displaying on the display or requesting a game is managed and distributed to the terminal device via the network. It is similar to the EPG system realized by digital broadcasting. Whereas the EPG mainly makes information and reservations for television programs, this apparatus provides information and programs for providing information and making requests for games. The delivery method differs depending on the network through which it passes. For example, when using a broadcast network, it is distributed in the same way as data broadcasting, and when distributing via a broadband network such as ADSL or a mobile phone network, it is distributed by unicast or multicast.

  The game content distribution device 156a is a series of devices and systems necessary for distributing content based on a request from a customer, and includes a device for storing game content, a device for distributing, and the like.

  The external network 180a is a wide area network that mediates between the platform / center system 200a and the terminal device 110a, and is a network capable of bidirectional communication and bandwidth reservation for providing each service described in this specification. First, the external network 180a is connected to both the network device of the service center system 100a and the terminal device 110a on the customer side. Next, bidirectional communication and bandwidth reservation for executing the various services described in this specification have been performed (in this case, bidirectional communication and bandwidth reservation may be realized by a combination of a plurality of networks). Is a necessary condition.

In the present invention, the following network is assumed.
(1) Satellite network A network that uses broadcasting satellites and communication satellites. Basically, it is not bidirectional but unidirectional from the transmission side to the reception side, so that it is necessary to use it with other networks in order to realize the functions and services according to the present invention.
(2) Terrestrial network A network used for terrestrial broadcasting. Basically, it is unidirectional like the satellite broadcasting network, so that it is necessary to use it with other networks in order to realize the functions and services according to the present invention.
(3) Wireless network Similar to the terrestrial network, a network that uses radio waves with different frequencies. Two-way communication is possible if there is a transmitter and a receiver on both the sending side (sending side) and the receiving side. It is also possible to meet the requirements by using it in combination with other networks.
(4) Mobile phone network A network provided mainly by mobile phone carriers for mobile phones. This network is not only for conversations using mobile phones, e-mails, and web browsing, but also enables packet communication and streaming streaming of video and audio in which a small transceiver is built into a personal computer or mobile terminal device. It is possible to meet the network requirements for
(5) DSL network High-speed digital communication is performed using a copper cable that is a telephone subscriber line. Abbreviation for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL includes ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), SDSL (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line), etc., and is collectively called xDSL. Since both upstream and downstream are widened, it is possible to satisfy the requirements for the present invention alone.
(6) FTTH network A network where optical fibers can be laid to homes (customers) and broadband communications and broadcast programs can be transmitted. (7) CATV network Coaxial cables and optical fiber cables provided by cable TV operators. A network that extends to homes (customers). The network of cable broadcasters that distribute music is also included in the CATV network.
(8) Other networks The other networks include existing networks other than the above and all networks that may appear in the future. Existing networks include networks that use telephone lines connected by ISDN or dial-up, etc., but if they cannot meet the requirements alone from the viewpoint of bidirectionality and bandwidth securing, they are complex with other networks. It is possible to meet the requirements by use. As a new network, a network using a power line can be considered. However, the network can be used as a network for realizing the present invention as long as necessary conditions can be satisfied by single use or combined use with other networks.

The terminal device 110 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for a customer to operate and enjoy a service. Examples of the terminal device 110 include a mobile phone, a mobile terminal, a stationary personal computer, a portable personal computer, a stationary game machine, a portable game machine, and an STB (set top box). Each terminal device 110 is used in combination with an operation device, peripheral devices such as speakers and external storage devices, and devices such as display displays.
First, the terminal device 110 is registered and managed by being connected to the service center system 100 via the network 180. Next, it is necessary to meet the standards and specifications such as the technology defined in the platform and the operational rules for service implementation.

  The mobile phone has an input key device on the main body, a connection type operation device, a main body display display, a connection type external display, etc., and is not simply capable of talking, but has an Internet connection function, a Web browsing function, a mail function, etc. It is a mobile phone that has a game function defined by the present invention. A portable terminal is a portable information terminal that has an input key device, a connection type operation device, a main body display, a connection type external display, etc., and is equipped with Internet access, e-mail, schedule management, document creation functions Yes, it is sometimes called PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). It is a small portable computer whose main purpose is address book and schedule management.

  A stationary personal computer includes a game controller, a keyboard, a mouse, a connected key device, a remote controller, a connected external display, a television receiver, and the like, and is generally a desktop personal computer at home. A game function defined by the present invention can be realized. If a portable computer is also used as a stationary computer, it is the same as a stationary computer. In addition, PCs that are basically used in the same premises by local LAN or wireless LAN are also included here. A portable personal computer (notebook type) is a notebook personal computer that has an input key device, a connection type operation device, a main body display, a connection type external display, a television receiver, etc. That means that the game function defined in the present invention can be realized. When it is defined as a portable personal computer, it is not a stationary type, but refers to a state where a customer can carry it around and use it at different locations.

A stationary game machine has a game controller (dedicated operation device), a remote control, a connection-type external display, a television receiver, etc., and is a game machine generally used at home and capable of realizing the game function defined by the present invention. Point to. This includes a case where a business game machine installed in a game center or the like is also deferred and which can realize a game function defined in the present invention. Even when the main body is moved and used in a local LAN or wireless LAN, it is included here when it is connected to a display or a television receiver and used in the same premises. In addition, when a portable game machine is used in the same manner as a stationary game machine by being incorporated in or connected to the stationary game machine, it is treated as a stationary game machine.
The portable game machine is a portable game machine that includes a main body operation key device, a game controller, a main body, a display display, a connection-type external display, a television receiver, and the like, and is small and portable. The terminal is provided with functions necessary for the terminal in the present invention, such as bidirectional communication with the game service center system 100.
An STB (Set Top Box) has a game controller, keyboard, remote control, connected external display, television receiver, etc., and is connected to a TV receiver for viewing multi-channel broadcasts.・ Top box). Some STBs have functions such as VOD (video on demand), Internet use, and e-mail use other than broadcast viewing. In particular, a terminal device for digital satellite broadcasting is sometimes referred to as IRD, but in this specification, IRD and STB are synonymous and unified with the expression STB. Originally intended for TV reception, digital broadcasting STBs have higher performance than STBs for analog broadcast reception, and games can be played. The STB defined in this specification is a digital broadcast receiver and has a necessary function in the present invention.

In this specification, terms relating to a platform that provides a service, a user to enjoy, and a game are defined as follows.
Platform Companies and organizations that provide services to customers (platform operators). Or a mechanism to provide services. As for the service provision form, the platform defines common standards, standards, specifications, etc.
Customer An organization such as an individual or corporation registered and managed in the database (DB) of the platform. In general, when a service is provided for a fee, it becomes a customer by contract.
Service A service provided by a platform operator to a customer. Specifically, there are multi-channel broadcasting, Video On Demand, games, karaoke, etc., and platform operators can get compensation from customers by providing services.
Content The contents of each service. A function that fulfills a function. For example, in the case of karaoke, music that functions as karaoke is the content.
Game content A collection of programs and data for playing a game consisting of the following four. (1) Base program (application program that can be executed by a terminal device), (2) Image data (video and image linked with game program execution, (3) Audio data (music, voice, sound effect linked with base program execution) Etc.), (4) Other program data (data other than base program, image data, audio data)
Game additional information This refers to supplementary information of the game by video, music, character data, images, animations, etc. accompanying the game. The game title, author name, fee, synopsis, etc. belong to the game additional information. When the game-accompanying information is included in other program data of the game content, when it is present separately from the game content and distributed to the terminal as game information, or when viewed for a request on a web page, etc. There is.
Game system The game system is a generic term for various common standards, standards, specifications, etc. related to the game set by the platform operator. Standards / specifications for developing game content, standards / specifications for game machines that allow customers to enjoy (play) game content, standards / specifications for packaging game content, and standards for distributing game content・ Specifications and specifications for distributing game content via the network.

The platform operator a performs information management of customers who enjoy the service in the customer management device 105a and the billing management / storage system 106a in the service center system, and performs terminal device management and service management that can be used for each customer. Can do.
When the platform operator a provides not only games but also multiple services such as karaoke and VOD (Video on demand), it does not concentrate customer management on the customer management device 105a. Detailed customer data received is divided and managed in the game customer management and customer history management device 151a, and the customer management device 105a, the charge management / storage system 106a, and the game customer management and customer history management device 151a are linked. The entire system can be managed and operated efficiently.

In order for the platform system to operate, the following four items must be satisfied.
(1) Network connection Since the present invention aims to allow games and other services to be continuously performed on different terminal devices, it is necessary to manage information downloaded or played for each service. Therefore, it is assumed that the terminal device is always connected to the network.
(2) It is sufficient for a terminal and a device related to a database or a service provided in a network center capable of two-way communication and having sufficient bandwidth to exchange contents downloaded from each service and played. Use a network that allows bidirectional communication and secures bandwidth.
(3) Central management of data related to customers, terminal devices and services, and contents (Even if it is separate management, it can be interfaced and linked as necessary)

For example, suppose that user A owns a portable terminal device capable of playing games and a personal computer that can be connected to the Internet. It is assumed that the user A can play the game content X on the mobile terminal device and can play the same game content X on the personal computer via the Internet. However, if information on how far the user A has played the game X on the mobile terminal device is not centrally managed in the database, the user A may continue the game X from the end of the mobile device on a personal computer connected to the Internet. Can not. Therefore, in order to realize the present invention, it is essential that the customer information and the terminal device owned by the customer can be managed in an integrated manner.
(4) Terminal equipment that meets the standards, specifications, etc. for executing the services provided by each platform Any computer, mobile phone, or set-top box connected to the network is acceptable. It is assumed that the terminal device used by the system satisfies the method for executing the service provided by each business operator.

An example of continuation at a plurality of terminals of customers managed as an example of the service center system of platform a in FIG. 2 will be described.
Management and Use of Platform Center System and Customer Information Depending on the system scale, 105a and 151a can be realized by satisfying both functions with a single device.
By storing and managing the history data at the end of the game given from the terminal device in at least one of 105a and 151a, the game can be continued next time.
As an example of other services, it may be different by managing the pause information and customer information together when viewing specific content that may be a VOD service halfway and pausing, and viewing from a pause point on another terminal It is possible to maintain continuity such as watching from the terminal device until the last time.

About operation | movement of a terminal device When a customer complete | finishes a game, data storage operation is performed in the terminal device 110 (it may be automatic or manual). Based on this operation, data necessary for the next time, such as the number of customers up to the point at which the game is to be ended and acquired items, are transmitted to the center system 200 side. At the time of transmission, individual identification data (ID data, serial number, etc.) of the terminal device is transmitted together with data for continuation.
Since the customer DB of the platform center system 200 that has received the individual identification number can identify which customer the terminal device 110 of that individual number belongs to, the data necessary for the continuation sent together with which customer's data It recognizes from which terminal device it is and saves the data. The stored contents are managed by the center system 200 as information that can be commonly handled by any terminal belonging to the customer.
Since the history of which service (content usage) has progressed for each customer can be known, the next request from the same customer to the same content can be resumed from the previous end point. Further, in order to ensure the storage, the terminal device 110 is notified that the data for continuation sent from the terminal can be stored in the center system 200, and the continuation data is sent to the terminal device 110 at that time. If it is deleted, the certainty of continuation of the total system can be increased.

Hereinafter, the configuration requirements of the present invention will be described. For the implementation of the present invention, it is indispensable to manage information related to customers, terminal devices, services, etc. in the center system.
1. An individual ID is assigned to each customer so that they can be identified.
2. An ID is assigned to each terminal device used by each customer and tied to the customer.
3. An ID number is assigned to each service, a service that can be used for each terminal is defined, and details of each service can be defined.
4). In each service, content that can be used for each terminal is defined.
5). Information accompanying the content is managed separately depending on whether it is information common to a plurality of terminal devices (common information) or accompanying information (individual information) that should be managed individually for each terminal device.
6). By managing information necessary for continuation in an information management area common to all customer terminals, it is possible to continue any terminal of the same customer. Information required for continuation here (= data for continuation) refers to the same service, such as the number of points, acquired items, billing information, etc. from the start of use of the service selected by the customer until it is temporarily terminated. Refers to the history information necessary to continue. The history information is transmitted to the center system by customer operation (manual) or automatically when the service that the customer enjoys at the terminal device is once ended. Regardless of the customer's intention, the history information is automatically sent to the center at a certain timing and saved at the center, so that even if the service is interrupted due to some trouble during the customer's operation, You can restart the service based on the new history.
7). When some terminals cannot be continued for some reason among a plurality of terminals of the same customer, it is defined that individual service information cannot be continued for each content.
8). Even if it is possible to continue with the common information, if it is not possible to continue with the individual information, priority is given to the individual information. This is just a definition of a database management method for linking customers and service details within the platform, not the management of content objects. Since the content conforms to the platform a standard is supplied, it is assumed that the main content program can be handled uniformly. Methods related to content management, such as methods for managing the same content in different formats, are defined separately.
FIG. 3 shows a management system for various data associated (linked) with customer information. For service identification and content identification, the number of layers for detailed definition may be increased.

  The above is an example of service continuation with multiple terminal devices for the same customer using one platform a as a model case. However, the platform ID, network ID, format ID (service provision) is added to the management system for customer data, terminal devices, services To manage customer service and service management across multiple platforms by adding center-side devices, network types, terminal device standards, data transmission / reception, storage method standards, etc. The service can be continued.

  FIG. 4 shows a management system for various data associated (linked) with customer information for dealing with a plurality of platforms. The service identification, the content identification, the format ID, and the network ID may have more layers for detailed definition.

  FIG. 5 shows the separation of the platform system by the network. The platform center system 200 mainly provides a service center system 100 that performs customer management, billing management, and customer authentication, and services such as games and karaoke. It can be seen that the service device 150 and the like can be separated by being connected via the external network 180.

  FIG. 6 shows a concept in which a separated game service device supplies services to a plurality of platforms. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the game service provider X supplies services to a plurality of platform operators a to h using the game service device 150.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by embodiment, according to the technical idea of this invention, a various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description is focused on the game service. However, if the system or environment according to the present invention is established, services such as video, music viewing, questionnaires, etc. are networked using the same concept and method. It is possible to continue with different terminal devices connected to.

As described above, according to the content information management method of the present invention,
1. Customers who play games on a plurality of platforms can be managed by the customer management device of the service center system.
By placing customer management, billing management / storage system in the service center system, and also by interfacing with external customer management system, mobile phone network, satellite broadcast line, terrestrial broadcast line, wireless line, ADSL and optical fiber It is possible to centrally manage information data of customers who enjoy a continuous game service according to the present invention using a terminal device via a network such as a broadband line or a cable TV line.
2. You can continue to play the same game on multiple platforms.
Since the history of games played on terminal devices managed by the system and connected to the network can be managed on the center side, even if the same customer next requests a game with the same title from a different terminal device, it will continue You can play games.
3. In cooperation with customer data, the game can be narrowed down to the target user and played.
By managing data such as the user's gender, age, hobby, or terminal usage status on the customer DB, it is possible to provide games, questionnaires, quizzes, etc. that match the user's thoughts and lifestyle. By using this function continuously, as a result, customer responses can be converted into data and managed together with customer data so far, so that more detailed customer information can be acquired. In other words, marketing using multiple platforms becomes possible.
4). The history can be taken from any terminal.
Since the terminals that can use the present invention can be managed in the database in the service center system, the platform system that provides a plurality of services such as mobile phone service and ADSL with data such as which terminal the customer has used from which content at what time Can be managed centrally.
Furthermore, the service provider can refer to, use, and manage customer usage histories across multiple platforms by interfacing with the systems of multiple platform operators.
5). Promote sales and marketing with other services (synergistic effect). For example, cross tabulation with VOD (Video On Demand) or a broadcast service is possible.
By combining the usage status of multiple services provided by the platform and the usage status through the interface with other platforms, the management of customer information data is further expanded. Marketing reflecting customer information can be performed on each terminal device in multiple platforms.
6). Events and games across platforms are possible.
By interfacing the service center system or customer database management system of each platform via the network, it is possible to manage customers related to various services provided such as game services, so it is possible to provide events and games across platforms. It becomes.
7). The customer's game progress can be ascertained by platform.
If the same content can be executed on the customer terminal device of each platform and the database interface between each platform is established, the usage rate, number of users and progress of each platform for the same content can be determined. I can grasp. For example, it is possible to consider the next development based on platform characteristics.
8). Evaluation continues even if the stage is cleared from any terminal.
You can grasp the difference in application timing and stage clear status due to platform and terminal differences in multiplayer simultaneous games.
9. Information such as history and points can be obtained from any terminal, including data played on other terminals.
Centralized management of customer information makes it possible to grasp the customer's history and point acquisition status regardless of which terminal device is managed in the customer database. In addition, the customer can check the usage history of the same content from any registered terminal.
10. It is possible to call for participation using multi-platforms of multiple operators.
New game announcements, new event announcements, and recruitment can be made by multiple operators and multiple platforms.
It becomes possible to make all service providers and service platforms such as mobile phones, FTTH services, and ADSL symmetric.
11. It can be continued on other terminals from the situation until automatic backup.
When a customer is performing a service on a terminal device, regardless of the customer's intention, the history information is automatically sent to the center at a certain timing and saved at the center. When the service is interrupted, the service can be resumed based on the latest history on another terminal.

  The present invention presents a technology that can be used as a content and data management method for a platform provider to provide services to customers.

It is a block connection diagram explaining a content information management method. (Example 1) It is a block connection diagram explaining a content information management method. (Example 1) It is a conceptual diagram explaining the implementation method of a content information management method. (Example 1) It is a conceptual diagram explaining the implementation method of a content information management method. (Example 1) It is a block connection diagram explaining a content information management method. (Example 2) It is a block connection diagram explaining a content information management method. Example 3

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Service center system 101 Network apparatus 102 Firewall apparatus 103 Access server 104 Authentication apparatus 105 Customer management apparatus 105a Customer management apparatus 106 Billing management apparatus 106a Storage system 107 Internal network 110 Terminal apparatus 120 Digital broadcasting apparatus 130 Video On Demand apparatus 140 Karaoke service apparatus 150 Game service device 151a Customer-specific history management device 152 Game content provider settlement device 153 Management device 155 Distribution device 156 Game content distribution device 160 Service device 180 External network 200 Platform center system

Claims (7)

In a content information management method for managing information about customers, terminal devices, and services in the center system,
Each customer is given an individual customer ID so that they can be identified.
A terminal device ID is assigned to each terminal device used by the customer, and is associated with the customer ID.
A service ID is assigned to each service, a service that can be used for each terminal device is defined, and details of each service can be defined.
In the service, define available content for each terminal device,
Information associated with the content is divided into common information common to the terminal device or individual information to be individually managed by the terminal device,
In the information management area common to all of the terminal devices, by managing information necessary for continuation of the service, it is possible to continue the service in all the terminal devices of the same customer Content information management method.   The information necessary for the continuation is the history information necessary to continue the same service, such as the number of points, acquired items, billing information, etc. from the start of the use of the service selected by the customer until the end The content information management method according to claim 1, wherein:   The content information according to claim 2, wherein the history information is transmitted to the center system by a customer's manual operation or automatically when a service that the customer enjoys at the terminal device is once terminated. Management method.   The history information is automatically transmitted to the center system at a predetermined timing regardless of the intention of the customer, and stored in the center system, so that when the service is interrupted during the operation of the customer, 4. The content information management method according to claim 2, wherein the service is resumed based on the newest history in the terminal device.   5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, when a plurality of the terminal devices of the same customer cannot be continued, the individual information defines that continuation is impossible for each content. Content information management method.   Even if it is possible to continue with the common information, if it is impossible to continue with the individual information, priority is given to the individual information. 5. The content information management method according to 5. The content according to claim 1, wherein the service ID has a hierarchical structure added to define details of service identification, content identification, format identification, and / or network identification. Information management method.

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