JP2006107115A - Content distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content distribution system extending the distribution period of contents according to the intention of a receiver who receives the distribution of the contents. <P>SOLUTION: In the case of defining contents (reproduced contents) reproduced in a step S50 as favorite ones and of extending a distribution period (step S52), whether a receiver ID is issued to a content receiver who has made access is judged (step S54). In the case of possessing no receiver ID, a new receiver ID is allocated to the content receiver who has made access (step S56). Then, an input image for the extension period (step S58) of the distribution period and settlement information (step S60) is displayed and the extension period and the settlement information are inputted. Then, when settlement is made (step S62), the settlement is completed and the distribution period is extended (step S64). Thus, the content receiver who receives the contents can extend the distribution period of the contents by the receiver's own judgement. The extended distribution period is stored together with the receiver ID of the content receiver who has gone through an extension procedure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system, and more particularly to a content distribution system that distributes content to a mobile phone or the like that has been accessed based on access information embedded in a two-dimensional code or the like.

Conventionally, an information system that reads a barcode and distributes contents such as images and characters has been devised. For example, the information providing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits a bar code printed display medium such as a card, a postcard, a poster, or a magazine, a bar code reader that reads the bar code, and returns the read information. A terminal device for displaying and outputting information, a distribution information database for storing and storing information corresponding to a barcode connected to the terminal device via a communication network, means for applying to create a display medium such as a card, and the like Means for registering and storing information in a database, means for transmitting information corresponding to a barcode to a terminal device, and means for generating a unique barcode.
JP 2002-31269 A

  Generally, in the information providing system as described above, the capacity of a distribution information database that stores information corresponding to a barcode is limited, and information cannot be stored indefinitely. For this reason, information that has been stored for a predetermined period of time after being normally stored is deleted sequentially, or the information is stored by distributing a card printed with a bar code, etc., and paying a predetermined fee Extended period. However, in the above case, the receiver's intention is not reflected in the information distribution period, so the receiver receiving the information distribution is highly popular and frequently used information is deleted in a short period of time against the needs of the receiver There were problems such as being.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a content distribution system capable of extending the content distribution period in accordance with the intention of the recipient who receives the content distribution.

  In order to achieve the above object, a content distribution system according to claim 1 includes a content registration receiving unit that receives content registration from an orderer terminal, a content storage unit that stores the content in association with a distribution period, and the orderer. Based on the input from the terminal, the access information distributing means for distributing the access information for accessing the content to the content recipient, and from the content storage means based on the access information input from the content receiver terminal A content distribution means for distributing the content to a content receiver terminal; an extension receiving means for receiving an extension of the distribution period of the content from the content receiver terminal; and an extension fee for the distribution period for the content receiver terminal A charging means for charging. To.

  According to the content distribution system of the first aspect, it is possible to set the content distribution period in accordance with the intention of the content recipient who receives the content distribution. In addition, since the content receiver bears the cost required for extending the distribution period, the orderer who provides the content can minimize the financial burden required for the content distribution.

  The content distribution system according to claim 2 is the content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein an ID allocation unit that allocates a unique ID to the content receiver, an extended distribution period when the distribution period of the content is extended, A storage means for associating and storing the ID of the content recipient whose distribution period has been extended; and a distribution means for distributing the ID of the content receiver whose extension has been extended to the content receiver terminal. To do.

  According to the content distribution system according to claim 2, the content receiver or the orderer performs the process of extending the content distribution period by referring to the storage means using each terminal (such as a mobile phone). Content recipients can be identified.

  A content distribution system according to claim 3 is based on content registration receiving means for receiving content registration from an orderer terminal, content storage means for storing the content in association with a distribution period, and input from the orderer terminal. An access information distribution means for distributing access information for accessing the content to content receivers, an advertisement data storage means for storing advertisement data, and access information input from the content receiver terminal Content distribution means for distributing the content together with the advertisement data from the content storage means to the content receiver terminal, and distribution period extension means for extending the distribution period of the content according to the number of accesses to the content It is characterized by providing.

  According to the content distribution system of the third aspect, since the content distribution period is extended according to the number of accesses, the distribution period can be set in accordance with the intention of the content recipient who receives the content distribution. In addition, since the advertising revenue can be used for expenses required for extending the distribution period, the financial burden on the orderer and content receiver can be reduced.

  A content distribution system according to claim 4 further comprises printing means for issuing a photographic print on which a two-dimensional code in which access information to the content is embedded is printed, according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the access information distribution means Distributes the photo print to the recipient, and the content recipient terminal reads the access information from the two-dimensional code to access the content.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to set a content distribution period in accordance with the intention of a content receiver who receives content distribution. Further, it is possible to reduce the financial burden required for extending the delivery period of the orderer and the content receiver.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a content distribution system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the content distribution system 10 shown in FIG. 1, a two-dimensional code (QR code) 12 in which access information to content such as audio, still images, and moving images is embedded is sent from an orderer terminal (PC or the like; reference numeral 22 in FIG. 2). The photographic print 16 printed with the uploaded image 14 is printed and sold, and a storage space for storing contents for distribution is provided. An orderer who has purchased the photo print 16 or a content receiver who has distributed the photo print 16 from the orderer uses a content acquisition device (such as a mobile phone with a camera. Content can be received by photographing the QR code 12.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the content distribution system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution system 10 includes a control unit 24, a Web server 26, an authentication unit 28, a content database (content DB) 30, a management database (MDB) 32, and a content reproduction application creation unit. 34, a code issuing unit 36, a printer 38, and the like.

  The control unit (CPU) 24 is connected to each unit in the content distribution system 10 via the bus 48, and controls the operation of each unit.

  The Web server 26 assigns authentication information such as a user ID to the orderer terminal 22 (PC or the like), and specifies the Web page specified by the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) input to the browser of the orderer terminal 22. And uploads content such as images and audio files from the orderer terminal 22 and accepts print orders.

  The authentication unit 28 authenticates the connection of the orderer terminal 22 to the content distribution system 10 based on the orderer identification information (orderer ID and password) input from the orderer terminal 22 in the input form of the Web page. In the present embodiment, the orderer identification information used for authenticating the connection from the orderer terminal 22 is biometric authentication information (for example, fingerprint information) or a combination thereof in addition to the orderer ID and password. May be.

  The content DB 30 includes template information including a template image file (still image, moving image) to be combined with an image uploaded from the orderer terminal 22 to the content distribution system 10 and a template audio file associated with the template image file. Is memorized.

  When the image is transmitted from the orderer terminal 22 authenticated by the authentication unit 28, the MDB 32 includes order information such as an orderer ID, an image, and a template (a template image file and a template audio file) to be combined with the image. Remembered.

  The content reproduction application creation unit 34 creates an application (referred to as a content reproduction application in the following description) for the cellular phone 20 for reproducing a template combined with an image.

  The code issuing unit 36 includes a URL indicating a storage location of the content playback application, a URL of a web page in which a telephone number of a recording voice playback center that plays back phone voice, and an identifier of the phone voice to be played back, and the like. Issue a code.

  The printer 38 is a device for printing the image and the QR code transmitted from the orderer terminal 22 on a predetermined sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution system 10 includes a communication unit 40, a recording unit 42, an audio file conversion unit 44, and a playback unit 46. These functional units are used for CTI (Computer Telephony Integration).

  The communication unit 40 is a communication interface that communicates with a base station of a mobile telephone communication network and transmits / receives call voice and various data between the content distribution system 10 and the mobile phone 20. A predetermined telephone number is assigned to the communication unit 40.

  The recording unit 42 is a device that records voice received from the mobile phone 20 and other various telephones (such as a fixed telephone).

  The audio file conversion unit 44 is a device that converts the audio recorded by the recording unit 42 into an audio file (for example, a wav file) in a format that can be reproduced by the orderer terminal 22. The audio file converted by the audio file conversion unit 44 is output and stored in the content DB 30.

  The playback unit 46 receives a recording / playback instruction by a push tone signal input from the mobile phone 20 or the like via the communication unit 40, plays back an audio file in the content DB 30, and performs a predetermined telephone call via the communication unit 40. The voice is transmitted to the mobile phone 20 or the like that has arrived at the number.

  Next, the mobile phone 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the mobile phone 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile phone 20 includes a CPU 50, a communication I / F 52, an operation unit 54, a camera 56, a display unit 58, a speaker 60, a microphone 62, a memory 64, and a code reader 66. With.

  The CPU 50 is connected to each part in the mobile phone 20 via the bus 68, and controls the operation of each part. The communication I / F 52 is an interface for communicating via a network according to a predetermined protocol, and the operation unit 54 is a button or the like for receiving a user operation input.

  The camera 56 is a device for capturing an image, and the display unit 58 is a monitor that displays an image captured by the camera 56 and a content transmitted from the content distribution system 10. The speaker 60 is a device that outputs sound during a call or content reproduction, and the microphone 62 is a device that inputs sound during a call or voice recording.

  The memory 64 is a ROM for storing programs processed by the CPU 50 and various data necessary for control, a storage area for storing images taken by the camera 56, and a work area for the CPU 50 to perform various arithmetic processes. It includes RAM and the like that are areas.

  The code reader 66 is a device that reads information embedded in the QR code when the QR code is photographed by the camera 56. In this specification, for simplification, the two-dimensional code and the QR code are described as being the same, but various two-dimensional codes such as PDF417, data code, and maxi code may be used instead of the QR code. If the mobile phone 20 has a means for reading a barcode, a barcode may be used instead of the two-dimensional code.

  Next, a print ordering method of the content distribution system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a print ordering method.

  First, when the content delivery system 10 is accessed from the orderer terminal 22, an authentication screen is transmitted to the orderer terminal 22 by the Web server 26. Then, the orderer terminal 22 is authenticated by the authentication unit 28 based on the orderer ID and the password input on the authentication screen (step S10).

  When the orderer terminal 22 is authenticated in step S10, the Web server 26 transmits a template selection screen for compositing with the print image, and a template (template image file and template sound) is input by an operation input from the orderer terminal 22. File) is selected (step S12).

  Next, when a print image is uploaded from the orderer terminal 22 to the content distribution system 10, the orderer ID and the print image are associated with each other and stored in the MDB 32 (step S14).

  In addition, the content reproduction application creating unit 34 creates a content reproduction application for reproducing the moving image or sound of the template combined with the image, and stores it in the content DB 30 (step S16).

  Next, order information such as the number of photo prints 16 and the delivery destination is input (step S18).

  Further, the code issuing unit 36 issues a QR code in which access information to the content reproduction application stored in the content DB 30 is embedded (step S20). This QR code is stored in the MDB 32 in association with the orderer ID.

  Then, the order is confirmed by the operation input from the orderer terminal 22, and the payment processing for the price is performed (step S22). Thereby, the QR code 12 in which the access information to the content reproduction application is embedded and the photo print 16 (see FIG. 1) on which the composite image 14 is printed are sent to the orderer. The orderer distributes the photographic print 16 to a desired partner (content receiver).

  In the content distribution system 10 according to the present embodiment, a two-dimensional code (QR code) in which a telephone number assigned to the communication unit 40 is embedded and an image when inputting print order information (step S18 in FIG. 4). By ordering a voice change card on which “and” are printed, it is possible to change the voice synthesized with the image when ordering the print.

  Hereinafter, a method for changing sound will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a voice change method.

  First, the QR code of the voice change card is photographed by the mobile phone 20, and the access information (phone number given to the communication unit 40) to the voice change Web page is read by the code reader 66 (step S30). Then, the communication unit 40 of the content distribution system 10 is accessed based on the access information read in step S30 (step S32).

  Next, the call voice is recorded by the recording unit 42 in a recording format (for example, a WAV file) (step S34). The audio file in the recording format created in step S34 is converted by the audio file converter 44 into an audio file in the playback format within a predetermined sound quality range so that the file size can be downloaded to the mobile phone 20. (Step S36). Then, a content playback application is created from the audio file by the content playback application creation unit 34 and stored in the content DB 30 (step S38). In step S38, the newly created content reproduction application is overwritten with the one before the change. Thereby, the sound reproduced at the time of content reproduction is changed.

  The orderer may upload the audio file directly from the PC or the like to the content distribution system 10. In this case, for example, the URL of the voice change Web page or the QR code in which the URL is embedded is printed on the voice change card, and the URL is input to a PC or the like to access the voice change Web page. . Then, a content reproduction application is created from the uploaded audio file in the same manner as in steps S36 and S38.

  Next, a method of extending the content distribution period in the content distribution system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, by paying a predetermined fee, both the orderer and the content receiver to whom the photo print 16 is distributed from the orderer and receives the content distribution can extend the distribution period. Hereinafter, a case where the content recipient extends the distribution period will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for extending the content distribution period according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7 to 10 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 58 of the mobile phone 20. is there.

  First, when the QR code 12 of the photographic print 16 is photographed by the mobile phone 20 of the content recipient, the access information to the content is read by the code reader 66, and the content distribution system 10 is accessed, the QR code 12 is associated. The received content is distributed to the mobile phone 20 and played back (step S50). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content playback screen. FIG. 7 shows a playback window 70 in which content is played, a “play” button 72, a “stop” button 74, and a “make favorite” button 76.

  Next, whether or not to extend the distribution period by making the content (reproduced content) reproduced in step S50 a favorite is selected (step S52). If the playback content is not made a favorite in step S52, the process ends. On the other hand, when the playback content is to be favorite, the “make favorite” button 76 in FIG. 7 is selected and confirmed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a receiver ID is issued to the accessed content receiver (step S54). This recipient ID is authentication information for authenticating the content recipient when the content distribution period is extended. If the content receiver has a receiver ID, the receiver ID is transmitted to advance to step S58 (in the case of the orderer, the orderer ID may be transmitted similarly). On the other hand, if no recipient ID is held, a new recipient ID is assigned to the accessed content recipient as shown in FIG. 8 (step S56).

  Next, an input screen for the distribution period extension period (step S58) and settlement information (step S60) is displayed, and the extension period and settlement information are input. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for an extension period and settlement information. In the input screen of FIG. 9, an extension period input form 78 for inputting a period for extending the distribution period, a charge display field 80, and payment information input for inputting payment information (for example, a credit card number and an expiration date). A form 82 and a “Yes” button 84 and a “No” button 86 for payment approval are shown. When an extension period of the delivery period is input to the extension period input form 78, a fee is calculated according to the length of the extension period and displayed in the fee display column 80. In FIG. 9, the credit card information is input as the payment information, but the account number of the transfer destination and information for electronic payment may be displayed.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process then proceeds to step S62 to determine whether or not to transmit the payment information (step S62). If payment is not to be made, a “NO” button 86 is selected and the process ends. On the other hand, the “Yes” button 84 is selected when making a settlement. Thereby, a settlement completion (OK) screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, and the distribution period is extended (step S64).

  According to this embodiment, a content receiver who receives content distribution can extend the distribution period of desired content. In the present embodiment, if the content receiver performs the procedure for extending the distribution period, the distribution period for other content receivers and orderers is also extended. In addition, when a plurality of content recipients perform a distribution period extension procedure, the respective extension periods are combined and extended. As a result, the orderer only has to bear the cost only when registering the content, so that the content distribution can be continued with a minimum financial burden.

  In step S64, the extended distribution period is associated with the receiver ID of the extended content recipient and stored in the content DB 30. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution period management table. The delivery period management table 88 shown in FIG. 11 includes a QR code 12 for accessing content, an extension date and time when extension settlement was performed, a delivery period, and an ID of a content receiver or orderer who performed extension settlement. Is recorded. When receiving the content distribution, the content receiver or orderer can know who has extended the distribution period by referring to the distribution period management table 88 using the mobile phone 20 or the like.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a content playback screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the playback screen of FIG. 12, a content playback window 70, an advertisement image 100, and an access counter 102 are shown. The access counter 102 records the number of times the content orderer or content receiver has accessed the content. In the present embodiment, the distribution period is extended according to the number of accesses recorded in the access counter 102. For example, a content accessed 1000 times is extended for 3 months. The fee required for extending the distribution period is covered by the advertising fee collected from the advertiser of the advertising image 100.

  According to the present embodiment, since the distribution period of content that is often distributed is automatically extended, the intention of the content receiver is easily reflected in the extension of the distribution period.

  In the present embodiment, a display such as “If the user accesses XX more times, the content distribution period is extended to XX months” may be displayed together with the access counter 102.

  In the present specification, an example in which the present invention is applied to a system that sells a photographic print 16 printed with a QR code 12 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The present invention can also be applied to a Web page in which a period is set, a digital gallery on a network, and the like. This reduces the financial burden on the content creation side, and the content creation side can concentrate on creating better content.

The figure which shows typically the content delivery system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Block diagram showing content distribution system 10 Block diagram showing the main configuration of the mobile phone 20 Flow chart showing print order method Flow chart showing how to change audio The flowchart which shows the extension method of the delivery period of the content which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Figure showing an example of the content playback screen Figure showing the recipient ID assignment screen The figure which shows the example of the input screen of the extension period and settlement information The figure which shows the example of the settlement completion (OK) screen The figure which shows the example of a delivery period management table Content playback screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Content delivery system, 12 ... Two-dimensional code (QR code), 14 ... Image, 16 ... Photo print, 20 ... Content acquisition apparatus (mobile phone with camera), 22 ... Orderer terminal, 24 ... Control part, 26 ... Web server, 28 ... authentication unit, 30 ... content database (DB), 32 ... management database (MDB), 34 ... content reproduction application creation unit, 36 ... code issuing unit, 38 ... printer, 40 ... communication unit, 42 ... recording , 44 ... Audio file conversion unit, 46 ... Playback unit, 50 ... CPU, 52 ... Communication I / F, 54 ... Operation unit, 56 ... Camera, 58 ... Display unit, 60 ... Speaker, 62 ... Microphone, 64 ... Memory , 66 ... Code reader, 68 ... Bus, 70 ... Playback window, 72 ... "Play" button, 74 ... "Stop" button, 76 ... "Favorite" button 78 ... Extension period input form, 80 ... Charge display column, 82 ... Settlement information input form, 84 ... "Yes" button, 86 ... "No" button, 88 ... Distribution period management table, 100 ... Advertising image, 102 ... Access counter

Claims (4)

Content registration acceptance means for accepting content registration from the orderer terminal;
Content storage means for storing the content in association with a distribution period;
Access information distribution means for distributing access information for accessing the content to content receivers based on an input from the orderer terminal;
Content distribution means for distributing the content from the content storage means to the content receiver terminal based on access information input from the content receiver terminal;
An extension accepting means for accepting an extension of the delivery period of the content from the content receiver terminal;
Billing means for charging the content recipient terminal for an extension fee of the distribution period;
A content distribution system comprising: ID assigning means for assigning a unique ID to the content recipient;
Storage means for storing the extended distribution period and the ID of the content recipient who extended the distribution period in association with each other when the distribution period of the content is extended;
A delivery means for delivering an ID of a content recipient whose delivery period has been extended to the content recipient terminal;
The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: Content registration acceptance means for accepting content registration from the orderer terminal;
Content storage means for storing the content in association with a distribution period;
Access information distribution means for distributing access information for accessing the content to content receivers based on an input from the orderer terminal;
Promotional data storage means for storing promotional data;
Content distribution means for distributing the content together with the advertising data from the content storage means to the content receiver terminal based on access information input from the content receiver terminal;
A distribution period extending means for extending a distribution period of the content according to the number of accesses to the content;
A content distribution system comprising: Printing means for issuing a photographic print on which a two-dimensional code in which access information to the content is embedded is printed;
The access information distribution means distributes the photo print to the recipient;
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content receiver terminal accesses the content by reading access information from the two-dimensional code.

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