JP2006148373A - Divided contents information generating apparatus, contents distribution system, and operating method of divided contents information generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology of preventing the occurrence of an economical loss caused by illegitimate acquisition of distributed contents information. <P>SOLUTION: A divided contents information generating apparatus is provided, which acquires contents information, stores rules for dividing the contents information, applies the division rules to the acquired contents information to obtain divided contents information, acquires reproduction order information being information including reproduction order of the divided contents information and provides an output of the divided contents information and the reproduction order information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a divided content information generation device that divides content information and a content distribution system that distributes divided content information. In particular, the present invention relates to a divided content information generation device and a content distribution system in which content information before division is huge (for example, the amount of information recorded on one DVD recording medium).

Conventionally, in order to distribute huge content information, a data compression technique for reducing the data size has been pursued (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, data that has already been compressed, such as MPEG content, is used as a standard, and even if data compression is further performed, there are many cases where the compression effect does not appear. In addition, the broadband environment can be easily used, and huge content information has been distributed on a daily basis.
JP 2003-348306 A (Claim 5)

  Massive content information has been distributed on a daily basis, and it is immeasurable if the content information to be distributed is illegally obtained and passed into a malicious human hand. Loss has occurred. For example, today, it is possible to distribute content information such as paid movies, games, and software recorded on one DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recording medium. If content information corresponding to is illegally obtained and a large number of people can freely obtain it through P2P (Peer To Peer) communication or the like, a very serious loss occurs.

  In addition, data may be interrupted during the distribution of huge data, and this countermeasure has become indispensable.

  The present invention was created in order to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to be able to securely and efficiently deliver huge content information.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention acquires content information, holds a rule for dividing the content information, applies the division rule to the acquired content information to obtain divided content information, and And providing a divided content information generating apparatus that obtains reproduction order information that is information including the reproduction order of the divided content information and outputs the divided content information and the reproduction order information.

  Thereby, since it is possible to distribute the content information as divided content information, the entire content information is not easily obtained illegally.

  The divided content information generation apparatus holds a plurality of encryption programs, outputs one result of selecting one of the encryption programs and applying it to the divided content information, and selecting another encryption program. The result applied to the reproduction order information may be output.

  Thus, since the divided content information and the reproduction order information are encrypted by different encryption programs, even if the divided content information and the reproduction order information are obtained illegally, it takes time and effort to decrypt. Occurrence of general losses can be prevented.

  Further, a position where the output of the divided content information is started may be acquired, and the divided content information may be output from the position.

  As a result, even if the distribution is interrupted in the middle of the divided content information, the distribution can be resumed from the position at which the distribution was interrupted, so that efficient distribution is possible.

  In addition, a system is configured that includes a plurality of server devices that distribute the divided content information generated by the divided content information generation device and a terminal device that can receive the divided content information and sequentially reproduce the content. You can also.

  Further, the playback order information may be distributed from the server device to the terminal device in addition to the divided content information. In this case, some of the server devices may distribute the divided content information and the reproduction order information via a private network.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to securely and efficiently deliver huge content information.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described as an embodiment with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to these embodiment at all, and can be implemented with various aspects in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

(Outline of Embodiments 1 to 3)
First, an outline of the first to third embodiments will be described.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a content information distribution system using the divided content information generation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. The content information distribution system 100 includes divided content information generation devices 101 and 102 and a terminal device 103. The divided content information generation apparatus acquires content information and divides the content information according to a certain rule to obtain divided content information. Also, playback order information that is information including the playback order of the divided content information is acquired, and the divided content information and the playback order information are output. For example, the divided content information generation device 101 extracts the first half of certain content information and outputs it as the divided content information 104. When reproduction of the divided content information 104 is completed, the divided content information generation device 102 The reproduction order information 105 indicating that the divided content information 106 of the latter half is to be acquired is output. On the other hand, the divided content information generation apparatus 102 can extract the latter half of the content information and output it as the divided content information 106 in accordance with a rule that describes the extraction of the latter half of the same content information. Further, when the reproduction of the divided content information is completed, it is possible to output reproduction order information 107 indicating that the reproduction of the content information is also completed.

  The terminal device that has acquired the divided content information 104 and the reproduction order information 105 reproduces the divided content information 104 and immediately before or after the reproduction ends, the divided content information generation device based on the reproduction order information 105. A request for the divided content information in the latter half is made to 102, the divided content information 106 and the reproduction order information 107 are acquired, and the latter half is reproduced.

  In the above description, the divided content information 104 is acquired and reproduced, and then the divided content information 106 is acquired and reproduced. However, the divided content information 104 and 106 and the reproduction order information 105 and 107 are After obtaining all, rearrangement of the parts constituting the divided content information 104, 106 may be performed according to the reproduction order information 105, 107 before reproduction.

  Further, the divided content information generation device may be configured to encrypt the divided content information and the reproduction order information with different encryption programs.

  Further, the divided content information generation device may acquire information indicating a position where the output of the divided content information is started, and output the divided content information from the position indicated by the information.

(Embodiment 1: Configuration)
FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of the divided content information generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The divided content information generation apparatus 200 includes a content information acquisition unit 201, a division rule holding unit 202, a division unit 203, a reproduction order information acquisition unit 204, a first output unit 205, and a second output unit 206. Have. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 can be realized in hardware by a CPU, memory, or other LSI of an arbitrary computer, and is realized by a program loaded in the memory in software. So, I draw the functional blocks that are realized mainly by their cooperation. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.

  The “content information acquisition unit” 201 acquires content information. The content information is information generated with a certain purpose that can be expressed by digital information, such as information for reproducing a movie (MPEG data, etc.), game software, business software, and the like. The content information acquisition unit acquires such content information from the outside or acquires content information accumulated inside. For example, content information is received from a content information distribution server, or content information recorded on a DVD recording medium or the like is read.

  The “division rule holding unit” 202 holds a division rule for dividing the content information. For example, in the divided content information generating apparatus identified by the identifier A, a rule describing the division of the acquired content portion B and the like is a division rule. Such a division rule can be held in a memory or a magnetic disk in the form of a program for performing division, for example. It can also be stored in the form of table data. As an example of the division rule, for example, if an attribute such as copy prohibition is given to a part of the content information, there is one that divides the content information into a part to which the copy prohibition attribute is given and a part to which it is not. Further, when the content information is composed of a video scene or the like, and an importance level is assigned to the video scene or the like, the content information may be divided into a portion having a predetermined importance level or higher and a portion not having that level.

  The “dividing unit” 203 applies the dividing rule held in the dividing rule holding unit 202 and divides the content information acquired by the content information acquiring unit 201 into divided content information. For example, if the division rule represents a rule for extracting and dividing the first half of the content information, the dividing unit 203 obtains the length of the content information, and extracts and divides the portion before the central portion.

  The “playback order information acquisition unit” 204 converts information including information indicating the playback order of the divided content information (referred to as “playback order information”) and the divided content information based on the applied division rule. Obtain by associating. The “divided content information” is divided content information generated by the division by the dividing unit 203. The “reproduction order” is information representing a procedure for obtaining the original content information from the divided content information in order to reproduce the original content information. For example, if the divided content information is the first half of the original content information, it indicates that the divided content information is reproduced first, and if the divided content information is reproduced, which divided content information is generated This is information indicating what kind of identifier should be used to acquire the divided content information identified from the device. Since the playback order information is acquired in association with the divided content information, the playback order information includes information for identifying the divided content information, or conversely, the divided content information includes Information for identifying the playback order information is included. Information included in the reproduction order information other than the information indicating the reproduction order may include user personal information, billing information, an access password to a specific page, and the like. By including such information, it is possible to cope with various reproductions of content information.

  The “first output unit” 205 outputs the divided content information. For example, the divided content information is recorded on a medium or transmitted to a network.

  The “second output unit” 206 outputs the reproduction order information. The “playback order information” is playback order information acquired by the playback order information acquisition unit 204.

(Embodiment 1: processing)
FIG. 3 exemplifies a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the divided content information generation apparatus according to this embodiment. In step S <b> 301, content information is acquired by the content information acquisition unit 201. In step S302, the division rule held in the division rule holding unit 202 is read. In step S303, the division rule read here is applied to divide the content information acquired in step S301 into divided content information. This step is performed by the dividing unit 203. In step S304, the reproduction order information is acquired in association with the divided content information obtained in step S303 based on the division rule read in step S302. This step is performed by the reproduction order information acquisition unit 204. In step S305, the playback order information is output by the second output unit, and in step S306, the divided content information is output by the first output unit. The divided content information generation device executes the process shown in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 every time there is a request from the terminal device, for example.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence diagram of processing between the terminal device and the divided content information generation device. In step S401, a request for divided content information is transmitted from the terminal device to the divided content information generation device. In this request, for example, a divided content information ID for identifying the divided content information is included. The divided content information generation apparatus that has received the request acquires information for identifying the content information from the divided content information ID included in the request in accordance with a predetermined rule or the like, and acquires the content information. Thereafter, the content information is divided, the reproduction order information is acquired, and the reproduction order information and the divided content information are transmitted to the terminal device in step S402. At this time, header information may be added. The header information includes, for example, the number of bytes of reproduction order information and the number of bytes of divided content information. In addition, the request transmitted from the terminal device and the information returned from the divided content information generation device according to the request may be based on HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). As described above, based on HTTP, the terminal device and the divided content information generation device can communicate with each other even if the terminal device is inside the firewall.

  FIG. 5 exemplifies a functional block diagram of a terminal device when communicating using HTTP. The terminal device 500 includes a browser 501, a simple HTTP server 502, and a downloader 503.

  The “browser” 501 is a so-called normal browser, and is a program for browsing a WWW (World Wide Web) page. The browser 501 transmits a request including the divided content ID and the like to the simple HTTP server 502.

  A “simple HTTP server” 502 is a server program that performs processing in response to a request from the browser 501. When the simple HTTP server receives a request from the browser, it returns a response indicating that the request has been received to the browser, and transmits a request including the divided content ID to the downloader. The simple HTTP server is prepared because the browser may not be able to correctly process the playback order information returned by the divided content information generation device and the content of the divided content information. In other words, the simplified HTTP server communicates with the browser, while the processing of the playback order information and the divided content information can be left to the downloader described below.

  The “downloader” transmits a request including the divided content ID to the divided content information generation apparatus, and receives the returned header, reproduction order information, and divided content information. When reception is performed, a player for appropriate playback is activated to perform playback, and when the next divided content is required based on the playback order information, the request for the divided content is divided. The data is transmitted to the content information generation device for processing.

(Embodiment 1: Functional block diagram shown with specific data)
FIG. 6 exemplifies a functional block diagram showing the divided content information generation device according to this embodiment together with specific data. First, it is assumed that the IP address of the divided content information generation device 600 is 192.168.1.2. The content information acquisition unit acquires content information 001. “001” is identification information for identifying the content information. Further, it is assumed that the division rule 602 is held in the division rule holding unit. The division rule 602 extracts from the first (0:00) to 0:30 (for example, interpreted as 30 minutes) of the content information identified by 001 in the device with the IP address 192.168.1.2, and 001 Divided content information identified by the identifier −1, and the device having the IP address 192.168.3.15 takes out 0:30 to 1:00, and the divided content identified by the identifier 001-2 Suppose that it represents dividing as information.

  Since the IP address of the divided content information generating device is 192.168.1.2, the dividing unit applies the portion where the IP address of the dividing rule 602 is 192.168.1.2, and the division unit 0:00 to 0 : The part up to 30 is taken out and divided. As a result, the divided content information 604 is output by the first output unit. The first output unit may determine the region where the terminal device is installed from the IP address of the output destination terminal device, and set an appropriate region code in the divided content information. . Further, the file format may be converted according to the region. For example, conversion between NTSC / PAL may be performed. Further, when a plurality of audio contents are included, it may be set which audio content is mainly used according to the region.

  Next to the divided content information identified by the identifier 001-1, the divided content information identified by the identifier 001-2 is acquired from the device having the IP address 192.168.3.15. Therefore, the playback order information 603 to that effect is acquired by the playback order information acquisition unit and output by the second output unit.

(Embodiment 1: Structure of output data)
In the above description, the divided content information and the playback order information are described as if they were output separately. However, the divided content information and the playback order information are output as a unit. It may be.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a data structure when the divided content information and the reproduction order information are output together. The offset of the playback order information indicates a position where the playback order information starts. In FIG. 7, it is the number of bytes indicated by l. The offset of the divided content information indicates a position where the divided content information starts. In FIG. 7, it is the number of bytes indicated by L. Therefore, the length of the reproduction order information can be calculated by L-1. The length of the divided content information is the number of bytes indicated by N in FIG. A portion excluding the reproduction order information and the divided content information is referred to as a “header”.

(Embodiment 1: Main effects)
According to this embodiment, since content information can be distributed as divided content information, the entire content information is not easily obtained illegally.

(Embodiment 2: Configuration)
FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram of the divided content information generation device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The divided content information generation apparatus 800 includes a content information acquisition unit 201, a division rule holding unit 202, a division unit 203, a reproduction order information acquisition unit 204, a first output unit 205, a second output unit 206, an encryption The first output unit 205 includes a first encryption unit 802, and the second output unit 206 includes a second encryption unit 803. Therefore, in the divided content information generation device according to the present embodiment, the divided content information generation device according to the first embodiment includes the encryption program holding unit 801, and the first output unit 205 includes the first encryption unit 802. And the second output unit 206 has a second encryption unit 803. In addition, although the same code | symbol is allocated to the part and means to which the same definition is applied, when manufacturing a division | segmentation content information generation apparatus etc., a structure may differ even if the same code | symbol is allocated. .

  The “encrypted program holding unit” 801 holds a plurality of encrypted programs. An “encryption program” is a program that encrypts information. For example, encryption is performed by an algorithm such as ROT13, DES (Data Encryption Standard), Triple DES, or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). The encrypted program holding unit 801 holds such a program in a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk.

  The “first encryption unit” 802 encrypts the divided content information by selecting one of a plurality of encryption programs held in the encryption program holding unit 801. That is, by selecting an encryption program held in the encryption program holding unit 801 and operating the program, the divided content information obtained by the division in the division unit 203 is encrypted. The first encryption unit 802 may generate a key for encryption, or may acquire a key generated by another unit.

  The “second encryption unit” 803 selects and encrypts the reproduction order information by selecting an encryption program different from the one encryption program among the plurality of encryption programs held in the encryption program holding unit 801. . That is, by selecting an encryption program that has not been selected by the first encryption unit 802 from among the encryption programs held in the encryption program holding unit 801, and operating the program, a reproduction order information acquisition unit The playback order information acquired in step 1 is encrypted. Like the first encryption unit 802, the second encryption unit 803 may generate a key for encryption, or may acquire a key generated by another unit.

(Embodiment 2: processing)
The process flow of the divided content information generation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a first encryption step of selecting an encryption program and encrypting the divided content information in the flowchart shown in FIG. A second encryption step for encrypting the reproduction order information by selecting an encryption program different from that used in the step is represented by a flowchart executed between step S304 and step S305.

(Embodiment 2: Structure of output data)
FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of data output from the divided content information generation device according to this embodiment. In the present embodiment, since the divided content information and the reproduction order information are encrypted, it is necessary to know the encryption method for decryption. Therefore, an encryption method for reproduction order information and an encryption method for divided content information are arranged in the header portion.

(Embodiment 2: Sharing of encryption key)
In addition, it is necessary for the terminal device to be able to acquire the encryption key used for encryption in the divided content information generation device. For this purpose, for example, the public key of the terminal device is transmitted from the terminal device to the divided content information generating device, and the divided content information generating device encrypts the encryption key using the public key, and returns it to the terminal device. The terminal device may perform decryption using its own secret key to obtain an encryption key.

  Further, processing as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 10 may be performed. That is, in step S1001, two pieces of authentication information Pc1 and Pc2 are transmitted together with the divided content information ID from the terminal device to the divided content information generation device. The divided content information generation apparatus generates information Ps1 for another authentication from Pc1, and generates an encryption key for encrypting reproduction order information from Pc1 and Ps1. Similarly, another authentication information Ps2 is generated from Pc2, and an encryption key for encrypting the divided content information is generated from Pc1 and Ps2. Then, the reproduction order information and the divided content information are encrypted, and the header, Ps1, Ps2, the reproduction order information, and the divided content information are transmitted in step S1002. The terminal device obtains an encryption key from the received Ps1 and its own Pc1 and decrypts the reproduction order information, and obtains an encryption key from the received Ps2 and its own Pc2 to obtain divided contents Decode information.

(Embodiment 2: Main effects)
In the present embodiment, in addition to the main effects of the first embodiment, since the divided content information and the reproduction order information are encrypted, even if the divided content information and the reproduction order information are illegally obtained. Decoding is troublesome, and economic loss can be prevented. In particular, by making the encrypted programs of the divided content information and the playback order information different, the playback order information is subjected to strong encryption with a large amount of calculation required for encryption. More generally, the divided content information with a large data size can be encrypted with a small amount of calculation, and encryption according to the data size can be selected.

(Embodiment 3: Configuration)
FIG. 11 illustrates a functional block diagram of the divided content information generation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The divided content information generation apparatus 1100 includes a content information acquisition unit 201, a division rule holding unit 202, a division unit 203, a reproduction order information acquisition unit 204, a first output unit 205, a second output unit 206, and an output. A start position information acquisition unit 1101.

  Further, as illustrated in the functional block diagram of FIG. 12, it further includes an encryption program holding unit 801, the first output unit 205 includes the first encryption unit 802, and the second output unit 206. May have the second encryption means 803.

  Therefore, the divided content information generation device according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the divided content information generation device according to the first or second embodiment includes the output start position information acquisition unit 1101.

  The “output start position information acquisition unit” 1101 acquires output start position information that is information indicating a position where the output of divided content information is started. That is, in this embodiment, the divided content information is not always output from the beginning, but can be output from the middle of the divided content information.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first output unit 205 outputs the divided content information from the position indicated by the output start position information acquired by the output start position information acquisition unit 1101.

(Embodiment 3: Processing)
FIG. 13 illustrates a sequence diagram of processing in the present embodiment. In step S1301, the divided content information ID and the reproduction start position information are transmitted from the terminal device to the divided content information generation device. Then, in step S1302, the header, the reproduction order information, and the divided content information are transmitted from the divided content information generation device. In this case, the divided content information is a portion after the position indicated by the reproduction start position information. When an encryption program that performs encryption in units of blocks is used, the portion after the nearest block break before the position indicated by the reproduction start position information may be transmitted. .

(Embodiment 3: Main effects)
According to the present embodiment, in addition to the main effects of the first and second embodiments, even if the distribution is interrupted in the middle of the divided content information, the distribution can be resumed from the position where the distribution is interrupted. Delivery is possible.

(Overview of Embodiments 4 to 8)
Next, an outline of the fourth to eighth embodiments will be described.

  FIG. 14 illustrates a content information distribution system using the distribution server device according to any one of the fourth to eighth embodiments. In this content information distribution system, divided content information and the like are first distributed from the divided content information generation device 1401 according to any of the first to third embodiments to the distribution server device, and the divided content information is stored in the distribution server device. . That is, the divided content information generation device 1401 generates the divided content information 1404 and distributes it to the distribution server device 1402, and the divided content information generation device 1401 generates the divided content information 1406 and transmits it to the distribution server. It is distributed to the device 1403. The terminal device 1408 then requests the divided content information from the distribution server devices 1402 and 1403, receives the divided content information, and reproduces the content information. The divided content information generation device distributes the distribution order information to the distribution server device, and the distribution server device stores the distribution order information together with the divided content information and distributes the distribution order information to the terminal device. It may be. Alternatively, there is a dedicated server device for distributing the distribution order information, the divided content information generation device 1401 distributes the distribution order information to the server device, and the terminal device receives the distribution order information from the server device. It may be.

(Embodiment 4: Configuration)
FIG. 15 illustrates a functional block diagram of the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system 1500 includes a first distribution server device 1501, a second distribution server device 1502, and a terminal device 1503.

  The first distribution server device 1501 includes a first divided content information distribution unit 1504. The “first divided content information distribution unit” 1504 is a unit for distributing the divided content information generated by the divided content information generation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. For example, the first distribution server device 1501 stores the divided content information, and distributes the divided content information by the first divided content information distribution unit 1504 in response to a request from the terminal device or the like. Alternatively, in response to a request from the terminal device or the like, a request is made to transmit the divided content information to the divided content information generation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, and the divided content information generation device outputs the request. Alternatively, the divided content information may be received and relayed to a terminal device or the like for distribution.

  The second distribution server device 1502 includes a second divided content information distribution unit 1505. The “second divided content information distribution unit” 1505 is a unit for distributing other divided content information generated by the divided content information generation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. Since there is “other divided content information”, for example, the divided content information distributed between the first distribution server 1501 and the second distribution server device 1502 is different. Similarly to the first distribution server device 1501, the second distribution server device 1502 stores the divided content information, and the second divided content information distribution unit 1505 performs the divided content information in response to a request from the terminal device or the like. Distribute information. Alternatively, in response to a request from a terminal device or the like, a request is made to transmit the divided content information to the divided content information to the divided content information generation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, thereby generating divided content information. The divided content information output from the device may be received and relayed to the terminal device or the like for distribution.

  The terminal device 1503 is a device that can receive the divided content information from the first distribution server device 1501 and the second distribution server device 1502 via the network and sequentially reproduce the content using the divided content. For example, it is a terminal device whose functional block diagram is illustrated in FIG. However, in the present embodiment, the playback order information is not necessarily received from the first distribution server device 1501 and the second distribution server device 1502.

(Embodiment 4: processing)
FIG. 16 illustrates a sequence diagram of processing of the content distribution server according to the present embodiment. In step S1601, the distribution request for the divided content ID1 is transmitted from the terminal device to, for example, the first distribution server device. In response, in step S1602, the divided content information identified by the divided content ID1 is transmitted from the first distribution server device to the terminal device. When the reproduction of the divided content information transmitted from the first distribution server device is completed or just before the end, in step S1603, the terminal device transmits to the second distribution server device based on the reproduction order information acquired by some means. The distribution request for the divided content ID2 is transmitted from the terminal device. In response, in step S1604, the divided content information identified by the divided content ID2 is distributed from the second distribution server device to the terminal device.

(Embodiment 4: Main effects)
According to the present embodiment, content information is distributed by a plurality of distribution server devices, so that even a large-sized content can be distributed in a distributed manner.

(Embodiment 5: Configuration)
FIG. 17 illustrates a functional block diagram of the content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system 1700 includes a first distribution server device 1701, a second distribution server device 1702, and a terminal device 1503.

  The first distribution server device 1701 includes a first divided content information distribution unit 1504 and a first reproduction order information distribution unit 1703. Therefore, the first distribution server device of the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment is configured to include the first reproduction order information distribution unit.

  The “first reproduction order information distribution unit” 1703 is a unit for distributing reproduction order information associated with the divided content information generated by the divided content information generation apparatus according to any one of the first to third embodiments. is there. Therefore, the first distribution server device receives and stores the divided content information and the reproduction order information associated with the divided content information from the divided content information generation device, and stores the stored divided information in response to a request from the terminal device or the like. Content information and playback order information are distributed. Alternatively, in response to a request from a terminal device or the like, a request for the divided content information and the reproduction order information associated therewith is transmitted to the divided content information generation device, and the divided content information and the reproduction order information received in response thereto May be relayed and distributed to the terminal device.

  The second distribution server device 1702 includes a second divided content information distribution unit 1505 and a second reproduction order information distribution unit 1704. Therefore, the second distribution server device of the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment is configured to include the second reproduction order information distribution unit.

  The “second playback order information distribution unit” 1704 is a unit for distributing playback order information associated with the divided content information generated by the divided content information generation apparatus according to any one of the first to third embodiments. is there. Therefore, the second distribution server device receives and stores the divided content information and the reproduction order information associated therewith from the divided content information generation device, and stores the stored divided information in response to a request from the terminal device or the like. Content information and playback order information are distributed. Alternatively, in response to a request from a terminal device or the like, a request for the divided content information and the reproduction order information associated therewith is transmitted to the divided content information generation device, and the divided content information and the reproduction order information received in response thereto May be relayed and distributed to the terminal device.

(Embodiment 5: processing)
The processing of the content distribution system according to the present embodiment is the same as the processing of the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the terminal device receives the distribution order information from the first distribution server device and the second distribution server device.

(Embodiment 5: Main effects)
In the present embodiment, since the distribution server device also distributes the reproduction order information, it is not necessary for the terminal device to acquire the reproduction order information from another server device or the like, and the configuration of the terminal device can be simplified. .

(Embodiment 6: Configuration)
18 and 19 illustrate functional block diagrams of the content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the content distribution system according to the present embodiment, at least one of the first distribution server device and the second distribution server device of the content distribution system according to the fourth or fifth embodiment is a private network distribution unit and private network reproduction order information. And a distribution unit. 18 and 19 illustrate a configuration in which the second distribution server device includes a private network route distribution unit and a private network route reproduction order information distribution unit. Of course, the first distribution server device may be provided with a distribution unit via a private network and a reproduction order information distribution unit via a private network.

  The “private network distribution unit” is a unit for distributing the divided content information via the private network 1804. The private network is a network that cannot be accessed from outside the organization that manages the network to which the terminal device 1503 is connected. For example, it refers to a network configured using a dedicated line managed by an Internet service provider or company, or a network physically or virtually cut off from outside the organization. There are a network inside a firewall, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a network using a private network address as an IP address, and the like. By distributing the divided content information via the private network in this manner, the divided content information is not easily obtained illegally. A distribution server device having a distribution unit via a private network may be arranged inside the private network.

  The “private network playback order information delivery unit” is a part for delivering playback order information via the private network. Since the reproduction order information includes information necessary for reproducing the divided content information, it can be said that the reproduction order information has a value equal to or higher than that of the divided content information. In the present embodiment, the reproduction order information having such value is distributed via the private network, so that the reproduction order information is not easily obtained illegally.

(Embodiment 6: processing)
The sequence diagram of the processing of the content distribution system according to the present embodiment is the same as that illustrated in FIG. However, in step S1604, the divided content information and the reproduction order information may be distributed via a private network.

(Embodiment 6: Main effects)
As described above, in this embodiment, the divided content information and the reproduction order information are not easily obtained illegally.

(Embodiment 7: Configuration)
The content distribution system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention is the content distribution system according to Embodiment 6, wherein the distribution unit via private network distributes divided content information having a copy prohibition attribute. The “copy prohibited attribute” is an attribute indicating that the divided content information is prohibited from being permanently recorded on the hard disk or the recording medium after being received by the terminal device 1503 or the like. If the divided content information has a copy prohibition attribute, a player that reproduces the divided content information on the terminal device 1503 or the like prevents the user such as the terminal device 1503 from permanently recording the divided content information. (For example, the item for permanent recording is not displayed in the operation menu, or the item is made unselectable).

(Embodiment 7: Main effects)
The fact that the divided content information has a copy prohibition attribute means that the content portion related to the divided content information is presumed to be an important part by a person, and the value of such divided content information is Is estimated to be high. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult to obtain illegally by distributing such highly valuable divided content information via a private network.

(Embodiment 8: Configuration)
In the content distribution system according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, in the content distribution system according to Embodiment 6 or 7, importance level information is associated with the divided content information. “Importance information” is a degree indicating the importance of information included in the divided content information. Then, the distribution unit via the private network distributes the divided content information associated with importance information of a predetermined level or higher.

  As an example of the importance level information, it may be determined by the result of objective measurement (for example, the result of a questionnaire, etc.) to what extent a person is interested in the divided content information. Further, for example, when the content information is a novel, it is a degree indicating whether or not the last scene is included or how much content implying the result is included. Further, it may be the production cost of the content of the divided content information part. Further, the divided content information having the copy prohibition attribute or the attribute prohibiting printing by the terminal device may be associated with importance information of a predetermined degree or more.

(Embodiment 8: Main effects)
In this embodiment, divided content information associated with importance information of a predetermined level or higher is distributed via a private network, so that it is difficult to illegally obtain divided content information determined to be important. Can do.

  According to the operation method of the divided content information generation device, the content distribution system, and the divided content information generation device according to the present invention, it is possible to distribute huge content information safely and efficiently. Useful.

Configuration diagram of content information distribution system using divided content information generation device Functional block diagram of the divided content information generation device according to the first embodiment Flow chart of divided content information generation device Sequence diagram of processing between terminal device and divided content information generation device Functional block diagram of terminal device Functional block diagram showing the divided content information generation device together with specific data Data structure diagram when divided content information and playback order information are output together Functional block diagram of the divided content information generation device according to the second embodiment Structure diagram of data output by divided content information generation device Sequence diagram of processing between terminal device and divided content information generation device Functional block diagram of the divided content information generation device according to the third embodiment Functional block diagram of the divided content information generation device according to the third embodiment Sequence diagram of processing of terminal device and divided content information generation device Configuration diagram of content information distribution system using distribution server device Functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to Embodiment 4 Sequence diagram of content distribution server processing Functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to Embodiment 5 Functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to Embodiment 6 Functional block diagram of a content distribution system according to Embodiment 6

Explanation of symbols

200 Division Content Information Generation Device 201 Content Information Acquisition Unit 202 Division Rule Holding Unit 203 Division Unit 204 Playback Order Information Acquisition Unit 205 First Output Unit 206 Second Output Unit

Claims (9)

A content information acquisition unit for acquiring content information;
A division rule holding unit for holding a division rule for dividing the content information;
A division unit that applies the division rule held in the division rule holding unit to divide the content information acquired by the content information acquisition unit into divided content information;
A playback order information acquisition unit that acquires playback order information including information indicating the playback order of the divided content information in association with the divided content information based on the applied division rule;
A first output unit for outputting the divided content information;
A second output unit for outputting the reproduction order information;
A divided content information generation device having: An encryption program holding unit for holding a plurality of encryption programs;
The first output unit is:
First encryption means for selecting and encrypting one of the plurality of encryption programs held in the encryption program holding unit and encrypting the divided content information;
The second output unit selects and encrypts the reproduction order information by selecting another encryption program different from the one encryption program among the plurality of encryption programs held in the encryption program holding unit. A second encryption means;
The divided content information generation device according to claim 1, comprising: An output start position information acquisition unit that acquires output start position information that is information indicating a position at which output of divided content information is started;
The divided content information generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first output unit outputs the divided content from a position indicated by the output start position information acquired by the output start position information acquisition unit. A first distribution server device having a first divided content information distribution unit for distributing the divided content information generated by the divided content information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
The first distribution server device comprising a second divided content information distribution unit for distributing other divided content information generated by the divided content information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A second distribution server device different from
A content comprising: a terminal device capable of receiving the divided content information from the first distribution server device and the second distribution server device via a network and sequentially reproducing the content according to the divided content information Distribution system. The first delivery server device further delivers a first reproduction for delivering reproduction order information associated with the divided content information generated by the divided content information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Has a ranking information distribution section,
The second delivery server device further delivers a second reproduction for delivering reproduction order information associated with the divided content information generated by the divided content information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The content distribution system according to claim 4, further comprising a rank information distribution unit. At least one of the first distribution server device and the second distribution server device is:
A distribution unit via a private network for distributing divided content information via a private network that is a network that cannot be accessed from outside an organization that manages a network to which the terminal device is connected;
A reproduction order information distribution unit via a private network for distributing reproduction order information via the private network;
The content distribution system according to claim 4 or 5, comprising:   The content distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the private network distribution unit distributes divided content information having a copy prohibition attribute.   The divided content information is associated with importance information that is a degree indicating the importance of the information included in the divided content information, and the distribution part via the private network receives importance information of a predetermined degree or more. The content distribution system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the divided content information associated with each other is distributed. A content information acquisition step of acquiring content information;
A division rule reading step for reading a rule for dividing the content information;
A division step of dividing the content information acquired in the content information acquisition step by applying the division rule read in the division rule reading step into divided content information;
A reproduction order information acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of pieces of reproduction order information including information indicating the reproduction order of the divided content information in association with the divided content information based on the applied division rule;
A first output step of outputting the divided content information;
A second output step for outputting the reproduction order information;
A method for operating a divided content information generation apparatus including:

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