JP2006191224A - Content distribution control server, user terminal device, content distribution control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content distribution control server that can stop distributing contents when the amount of distributed data of contents reaches a designated distribution amount. <P>SOLUTION: A storage section 32a stores data size information on free image contents. A measurement section 32b continuously measures the data size of the free image contents included in composite contents when the composite contents begin to be distributed. An arithmetic section 32c computes the remaining data size of the free image contents by subtracting the measurement result of the measurement section 32b from the data size information stored in the storage section 32a. A control section 32d sets reception size information indicating the reception data size of the composite contents based upon the remaining data size so that the reception data size of the composite contents become smaller and smaller as the remaining data size computed by the arithmetic section 32c computes becomes smaller and smaller. A communication section 31 transmits the reception size information to the content server 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution control server, a user terminal device, a content distribution control method, and a program. For example, the present invention relates to a content distribution control server, a user terminal device, a content distribution control method, and a program that control the distribution of stream-type content.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a content billing system that charges a user of a user terminal device when a content server distributes paid content to the user terminal device is known (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-60673). reference).

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the content billing system described in Patent Document 1. In FIG.

  In FIG. 9, the content billing system 101 is connected to a terminal device 102 and a content server 103. The content billing system 101 includes a probe device 101a, a mediation server 101b, a subscriber DB (database) 101c, and a log server 101d.

  The probe device 101 a is interposed between the terminal device 102 and the content server 103, and information necessary for billing (IP address, port number, connection destination) from information exchanged between the terminal device 102 and the content server 103. URL, transmission / reception data amount, communication time, etc.) are acquired, and the acquired information is notified to the mediation server 101b.

  The mediation server 101b accesses the subscriber DB 101c using the notified information as a key, and acquires billing information. The mediation server 101b determines a fee based on the billing information, the amount of communication data between the terminal device 102 and the content server 103, the connection time, and the like, and notifies the log server 101d of the fee.

  When the content billing system described in Patent Document 1 is used, the content server can concentrate on content distribution. For this reason, the load on the content server can be reduced.

  Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-41818) describes a content sales system that can promote sales of paid content.

  A content sales system described in Patent Document 2 includes a content server that separately manages paid content and free content for viewing showing an outline of the paid content, and a download terminal that acquires free content and paid content from the content server Including the device.

  According to the content sales system described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to promote sales of paid content because free viewing content is used for sales promotion of paid content.

  Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-130687) describes a CATV terminal device that displays pay channels for free for a predetermined time. Specifically, this CATV terminal device has a timer that counts a predetermined time after the viewing of the pay channel is started, and displays the pay channel for free until the timer counts the predetermined time.

Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-8787) describes a prepaid billing system that provides content by a prepaid method. In the prepaid billing system described in Patent Document 4, distribution of content is permitted as long as there is a prepaid balance.
JP 2003-60673 A JP 2002-41818 A JP-A-1-130687 JP 2003-8787 A

  In the content sales system described in Patent Document 2, the content server manages free content and paid content separately. Therefore, in this content server, since free content and paid content are managed separately, the load increases. Therefore, in order to reduce the load on the content server, it is conceivable that the content server manages free content and pay content together in one content.

  In addition, it is conceivable to cause the content billing system described in Patent Document 1 to perform the billing process performed by the content server.

  In this case, the content billing system described in Patent Document 1 requires a technique for identifying a free content portion and a paid content portion included in one content. The reason for this is that if there is no intention to pay for the paid content from the content distribution destination (user), the content billing system sends the content of the paid content to the content server as the free content portion ends. This is because a distribution stop request for requesting a distribution stop must be notified.

  As a technology for discriminating between the free content portion and the paid content portion, there is a timer management technology described in Patent Document 3. For this reason, if the timer management technique described in Patent Document 3 is adopted in the content billing system described in Patent Document 1, the content billing system includes a free content portion and a paid content portion included in one content. Can be identified.

  Specifically, the content billing system described in Patent Document 1 includes a timer that measures the delivery time of free content, and identifies the free content portion and the paid content portion based on the measured time of the timer. For this reason, the content billing system described in Patent Document 1 can notify a content server of a distribution stop request when there is no intention to pay a fee for paid content from a content distribution destination. Become.

  However, when the content billing system and the content server are connected via a network, there is a delay in the time from when the content billing system transmits the distribution stop request until the content server receives the distribution stop request. There is.

  If this delay occurs, the delivery of paid content cannot be stopped in time, and a part of the paid content is delivered to a user who does not intend to pay for the paid content.

  This inconvenience is common to the prepaid billing system described in Patent Document 4. Specifically, when the prepaid balance runs out, even if the prepaid billing system sends a distribution stop request to the content server, if the content server cannot immediately receive the distribution stop request due to communication line congestion, Part of paid content is distributed to users who do not have a prepaid balance.

  Furthermore, the inconvenience is caused by the fact that the distribution of the content cannot be stopped when the distributed data amount of the content reaches a predetermined distribution amount.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution control server, a user terminal device, a content distribution control method, and a content distribution control server capable of stopping the distribution of the content when the distributed data amount of the content reaches a predetermined distribution amount. Is to provide a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the content distribution control server of the present invention distributes a composite content including a user terminal device and a first content and a second content following the first content to the user terminal device. A content delivery control server that is connected to a content server via a communication line and controls delivery of composite content performed by the content server, the input unit receiving the composite content from the content server, and the input unit receiving A calculation unit that calculates the remaining data size of the first content, and a receivable data size of the composite content such that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the remaining data size calculated by the calculation unit decreases. A setting unit that sets reception size information to be displayed, and the setting unit sets The signal size information and a notifying unit for notifying the content server.

  The content distribution control method of the present invention includes a user terminal device, a content server that distributes a composite content including a first content and a second content following the first content to the user terminal device, and a communication line. A content distribution control method performed by a content distribution control server that controls the distribution of composite content performed by the content server, and includes an input step of receiving the composite content from the content server, and the input step A calculation step of calculating the remaining data size of the accepted first content, and a receivable data size of the composite content such that the reception data size of the composite content is reduced as the calculated remaining data size is reduced. Setting setting for setting the received size information Tsu including a flop, and a notification step of notifying the reception size information said set in the content server.

  The program of the present invention includes a user terminal device, a content server that distributes a composite content including a first content and a second content following the first content to the user terminal device, and a communication line. A program for causing a computer to be connected to execute a content distribution control process, an input process for receiving the composite content from the content server, and a calculation process for calculating a remaining data size of the first content received in the input process Setting processing for setting reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the calculated remaining data size decreases, and the set reception Notification processing for notifying size information to the content server The content distribution control processing including, causes the computer to perform.

  According to the above invention, the reception size information indicating the reception size of the composite content is set such that the reception data of the composite content becomes smaller as the remaining data size of the first content decreases. For this reason, the content server can confirm the completion of the distribution of the first content based on the received size information. Since the reception size information changes before the distribution of the first content is completed, it is possible to confirm the completion of the distribution of the first content in advance.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to stop the distribution of the content when the distributed data amount of the content reaches a predetermined distribution amount.

  The reception size information indicates the reception size and the distribution state of the first content. Compared to the case where the reception size and the distribution state of the first content are transmitted as separate information, the content distribution control server receives the content. It is possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted to the server.

  Further, data size information indicating the data size of the first content is further received from the content server. When the data size information is received, the received data size information is stored, and reception of the composite content is started. Then, the data size of the first content in the received composite content is continuously measured, and the remaining data size of the first content is obtained by subtracting the measurement result from the data size information stored in the storage unit. It is desirable to calculate.

  According to the above invention, the remaining data size of the first content can be calculated with high accuracy.

  The first content is preferably free content, and the second content is preferably paid content.

  According to the above invention, it is possible to control the delivery of content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  Further, when the first content is free content, the second content is paid content, and charging permission information is received from a user terminal device, preset initial reception size information is used as the reception size information. It is desirable to set.

  According to the above invention, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of charging permission from the user based on the reception size indicated by the reception size information. For this reason, the reception size information further indicates whether or not charging is permitted from the user, and the amount of information transmitted from the content distribution control server to the content server can be reduced.

  The content distribution control server is connected via a communication line to a management database for managing the user's prepaid balance of the user terminal device, and the first content is a purchased paid fee purchased with the prepaid balance. It is desirable that the second content is an unpurchased paid content that has not been purchased with the prepaid balance.

  According to the above invention, it is possible to control the delivery of content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  In addition, when acceptance of the composite content is started, the data size of the accepted purchased paid content is continuously measured, and the prepaid balance managed by the management database in accordance with the increase in the measurement value. It is preferable that the remaining data size of the purchased paid content is calculated based on the changed prepaid balance.

  According to the above invention, the reception size information indicating the receivable data size of the pay content is set so that the receive data size of the pay content becomes smaller as the prepaid balance becomes smaller. For this reason, the content server can confirm the completion of distribution of the paid content portion that has already been purchased by prepaid based on the received size information. Since the reception size information changes before the delivery of the paid content portion purchased by prepaid is completed, it is possible to confirm in advance the delivery of the paid content portion purchased by prepaid.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to control the delivery of content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  In addition, the reception size information indicates the reception size and the prepaid balance (remaining amount of the paid content portion purchased by prepaid). Compared to the case where the reception size and the prepaid balance are transmitted as separate information, It is possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted from the distribution control server to the content server.

  In addition, when the prepaid balance is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it is preferable that preset initial reception size information is set as the reception size information.

  According to the above invention, for example, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of prepaid payment based on the reception data size indicated by the reception size information. For this reason, the reception size information further indicates the presence or absence of prepaid payment from the user, and the amount of information transmitted from the content distribution control server to the content server can be reduced.

  Further, the user terminal device of the present invention is connected to a content server that distributes composite content including the first content and the second content following the first content via a communication line, and the composite server performs the content server. A user terminal device that controls content distribution, an input unit that receives the composite content from the content server, a calculation unit that calculates a remaining data size of the first content received by the input unit, and the calculation unit The setting unit for setting reception size information indicating the receivable data size of the composite content, and the reception set by the setting unit so that the reception data size of the composite content becomes smaller as the remaining data size calculated by A notification unit that notifies the content server of size information.

  The content distribution control method of the present invention is connected to a content server that distributes composite content including first content and second content following the first content via a communication line, and is performed by the content server. A content distribution control method performed by a user terminal device that controls content distribution, wherein an input step of receiving the composite content from the content server and a remaining data size of the first content received in the input step are calculated A setting step for setting reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the calculated remaining data size decreases; The set reception size information And a notification step of notifying the Ntsusaba.

  The program of the present invention is a program that causes a content server that distributes composite content including first content and second content subsequent to the first content, and a computer connected via a communication line to execute content distribution control processing. The input processing for receiving the composite content from the content server, the calculation processing for calculating the remaining data size of the first content received in the input processing, and the smaller the calculated remaining data size, A setting process for setting reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content, and a notification process for notifying the content server of the set reception size information so that the reception data size of the composite content is reduced. , Including content delivery control processing, before To be executed by a computer.

  According to the above invention, the reception size information indicating the reception size of the composite content is set such that the reception data of the composite content becomes smaller as the remaining data size of the first content decreases. For this reason, the content server can confirm the completion of the distribution of the first content based on the received size information. Since the reception size information changes before the distribution of the first content is completed, it is possible to confirm the completion of the distribution of the first content in advance.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to stop the distribution of the content when the distributed data amount of the content reaches a predetermined distribution amount.

  The reception size information indicates the reception size and the distribution state of the first content. Compared to the case where the reception size and the distribution state of the first content are transmitted as separate information, the content distribution control server receives the content. It is possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted to the server.

  Further, data size information indicating the data size of the first content is further received from the content server. When the data size information is received, the received data size information is stored, and reception of the composite content is started. Then, the data size of the first content in the received composite content is continuously measured, and the remaining data size of the first content is obtained by subtracting the measurement result from the data size information stored in the storage unit. It is desirable to calculate.

  According to the above invention, the remaining data size of the first content can be calculated with high accuracy.

  The first content is preferably free content, and the second content is preferably paid content.

  According to the above invention, it is possible to control the delivery of content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  In addition, when charging permission information is received from the user, it is desirable that preset initial reception size information is set as the reception size information.

  According to the above invention, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of charging permission from the user based on the reception size indicated by the reception size information. For this reason, the reception size information further indicates whether or not charging is permitted from the user, and the amount of information transmitted from the content distribution control server to the content server can be reduced.

  The reception size information is preferably a TCP window size. In this case, it is possible to control the distribution amount of the composite content by TCP protocol processing, and it is possible to suppress the load on the content server.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to stop the distribution of the content when the distributed data amount of the content reaches a predetermined distribution amount.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a content distribution control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the content distribution control system includes a user terminal device 1, a content server 2, a content distribution control server (probe device) 3, a subscriber DB 4, and a log server 5.

  The content distribution control server 3 includes a communication unit 31 and a charge determination unit 32.

  The communication unit 31 includes a TCP / IP processing unit 31a and an application processing unit 31b.

  The accounting determination unit 32 includes a storage unit 32a, a measurement unit 32b, a calculation unit 32c, a control unit 32d, and an initial reception size storage unit 32e.

  The user terminal device 1, the content server 2, and the content distribution control server 3 are connected to each other via a communication line 6 such as the Internet. Furthermore, the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 can communicate with each other using TCP / IP via the content distribution control server 3 and the communication line 6.

  The user terminal device 1 is a communication terminal device such as a personal computer, and is used by a user.

  The user terminal device 1 transmits a content request to the content server 2 based on the user input. Further, the user terminal device 1 accepts content distributed from the content server 2 and displays the accepted content. Further, when the user agrees to pay for the content distributed from the content server 2, the user terminal device 1 transmits charging confirmation information (charging permission information) based on the user's input.

  In response to a content request from the user terminal device 1, the content server 2 receives composite content including free image content (free content) and paid image content (paid content) following the free image content. Deliver to.

  Note that the composite content is preferably stream-type content.

  The composite content is not limited to content including free content and paid content following the free content, but may be content including first content and second content following the first content.

  Further, when the content server 2 distributes the composite content to the user terminal device 1, the content server 2 inserts the attribute information indicating the attribute of the composite content into the application header of the composite content, and the composite content in which the attribute information is inserted Is distributed to the user terminal device 1.

  In this embodiment, the content server 2 uses data size information indicating the data size of free image content (parts that can be auditioned) and chargeable image content charges as the attribute information of the composite content.

  The content distribution control server 3 is a probe device, for example, and controls the distribution of composite content performed by the content server 2.

  The communication unit 31 is an example of an input unit and a notification unit, and communicates with the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 via the communication line 6.

  The communication unit 31 receives content request and billing confirmation information from the user terminal device 1, and receives composite content (including composite content attribute information) from the content server 2.

  The communication unit 31 transmits the content request received from the user terminal device 1 to the content server 2 and transmits the composite content received from the content server 2 to the user terminal device 1.

  The TCP / IP processing unit 31a performs a TCP / IP layer process. Specifically, the TCP / IP processing unit 31a performs a TCP / IP process on the traffic from the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 and notifies the content server 2 in accordance with an instruction from the accounting determination unit 32. Change the size (reception size).

  The application processing unit 31b analyzes an application layer between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 and extracts specific text (for example, attribute information and billing confirmation information of the composite content).

  Specifically, the application processing unit 31b analyzes an application from traffic transmitted and received between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2, and stores content related to a keyword specified in advance from header and trailer information before and after the composite content. Extract attribute information.

  The application processing unit 31b uses the extracted content attribute information as the data size, IP address (user terminal device 1 and content server 2) of the composite content body, and TCP port number (end user terminal device 1 and content server). 2) Notifying the charge determination unit 32 together.

  Further, the application processing unit 31b detects the charging confirmation information notified from the user terminal device 1 in accordance with the user's confirmation operation, and notifies the charging determination unit 32 of the detected charging confirmation information.

  The billing determination unit 32 manages the billing status of the user and controls the distribution of composite content by the content server 2.

  Specifically, the billing determination unit 32 inquires of the subscriber DB 4 based on the IP address of the user terminal device 1 notified from the application processing unit 31b at the start of access from the user terminal device 1 to the content server 2. To obtain subscriber information from the subscriber DB 4.

  In addition, the billing determination unit 32 is included in the subscriber information acquired from the subscriber DB 4 and the content attribute information when the billing confirmation information of the subscriber (user) is notified from the user terminal device 1. The content server charge is notified to the log server 5.

  When the application processing unit 31b extracts the data size information, the storage unit 32a stores the extracted data size information.

  When the TCP / IP processing unit 31a starts accepting composite content, the measurement unit 32b continuously measures the data size of the free image content included in the composite content.

  The calculation unit 32c calculates the remaining data size of the free image content by subtracting the measurement result of the measurement unit 32b from the data size information stored in the storage unit 32a.

  The control unit 32d is an example of a setting unit, and controls the operation of the charging determination unit 32.

  For example, the control unit 32d sets the reception size information indicating the receivable data size of the composite content to the remaining data size so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the remaining data size calculated by the calculation unit 32c decreases. Set based on.

  The initial reception size storage unit 32e stores initial reception size information (initial value of TCP window size) set in advance.

  When the application processing unit 31b accepts the charging permission information, the control unit 32d sets the initial reception size information stored in the initial reception size storage unit 32e as reception size information.

  The subscriber DB 4 manages the IP address assigned to the content user, and responds to the inquiry of subscriber information from the content distribution control server (hereinafter referred to as “probe device”) 3.

  The log server 5 charges the user based on the charging log notified from the probe device 3.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, FIG. 2A is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation in a case where the user agrees to pay a fee for the paid image content before the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed. It is.

  FIG. 2B is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation in the case where the user agrees to pay for the paid image content immediately after the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed.

  FIG. 2C is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation in the case where the user does not agree to pay the fee for the charged image content even after the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment (specifically, the charging determination process of the charging determination unit 32).

  Specifically, FIG. 3A is a flowchart for explaining the content server side processing performed by the billing determination unit 32, and FIG. 3B shows the terminal side processing performed by the billing determination unit 32. It is a flowchart for demonstrating.

  2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining an operation in which all of the composite content can be viewed when the user agrees to pay a fee for the charged image content of the composite content.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG.

  First, with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, an operation when the user agrees to pay a fee for pay image content before the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed will be described.

  First, a connection is established between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 (steps a1 and a2 in FIG. 2A).

  Subsequently, the user terminal device 1 requests the content server 2 for content distribution (content request) (step a3 in FIG. 2A).

  The TCP / IP processing unit 31a detects the IP address of the user terminal device 1 from the content request, and notifies the charging determination unit 32 (specifically, the control unit 32d) of the detected IP address.

  The control unit 32d inquires of the subscriber DB 4 about the subscriber information using the notified IP address as a key, and acquires the subscriber information of the user. The control unit 32d combines the acquired subscriber information with a billing log that notifies the lock server 5.

  Subsequently, the control unit 32d starts the content server side process shown in FIG. 3A and the terminal side process shown in FIG. 3B (step S1 and step S13 in FIG. 3).

  Subsequently, in the content server side processing, the control unit 32d sets the TCP window size (reception size information) WSZs to the initial value WSZd of the TCP window stored in the initial reception size storage unit 32e, and further receives the received content. The size RSZ (measurement value of the measurement unit 32b) is set to 0 (step S2 in FIG. 3A).

  Subsequently, the control unit 32d sets the charging confirmation information “PAY-OK” to No in the terminal-side process (step S14 in FIG. 3B).

  Returning to FIG. 2 (a), upon receiving the content request (step a4 in FIG. 2 (a)), the content server 2 starts distributing the content requested by the content request (in FIG. 2 (a)). Step a6).

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the content request requests composite content.

  At the start of distribution of the composite content, the content server 2 inserts the data size information of the part that can be auditioned (free image content) and the chargeable image content fee into the application header of the composite content as attribute information of the composite content.

  The application processing unit 31b extracts content attribute information from the application header of the composite content. The application processing unit 31b notifies the control unit 32d of the attribute information of the extracted content.

  Upon receiving the content attribute information, the control unit 32d stores the data size information included in the content attribute information in the storage unit 32a as PSZ (step S3 in FIG. 3A).

  Further, when the TCP / IP processing unit 31a starts accepting composite content from the content server 2, the TCP / IP processing unit 31a outputs the accepted composite content to the control unit 32d. The control unit 32d outputs the received content to the measurement unit 32b.

  The measurement unit 32b continuously measures the data size of the composite content (specifically, the data size of the free image content), and outputs the measurement result to the calculation unit 32c as RSZ.

  The calculation unit 32c subtracts the measurement result RSZ (data size of the distributed free image content) of the measurement unit 32b from the PSZ (data size of the free image content) stored in the storage unit 32a, and the remaining data size of the free image content Is calculated. The calculation unit 32c outputs the calculation result to the control unit 32d. In addition, the calculating part 32c performs this operation | movement continuously.

  On the other hand, the control unit 32d confirms the state of the charging confirmation information “PAY-OK” (step S4 in FIG. 3A).

  Since the charging confirmation information “PAY-OK” is No in the initial state, the control unit 32d confirms the value of PSZ-RSZ, that is, the calculation result of the calculation unit 32c (step S6 in FIG. 3A). .

  When the calculation result of the calculation unit 32c is larger than WSZd (initial value of TCP window size), the control unit 32d sets WSZs (TCP window size) to WSZd, and transmits the set WSZs to the content server 2. The processing is executed by the TCP / IP processing unit 31a, and the content server side processing is returned to step S4 (step S9 in FIG. 3A).

  Returning to FIG. 2 (a), when the user terminal device 1 starts to receive composite content (step a5 in FIG. 2 (a)), the composite content is displayed, and the displayed content is charged. Continuing with the free content before the content, the length of the remaining free content (time, data size, etc.) and the billing confirmation button etc. Display that it is viewable.

  When content distribution from the content server 2 progresses and the remainder of the trial-listenable portion (calculation result of the calculation unit 32c) becomes smaller than WSZd (initial value of the TCP window) (step a10 in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A). In step S6), the control unit 32d sets WSZs (TCP window size) as the calculation result of the calculation unit 32c. The control unit 32d causes the TCP / IP processing unit 31a to execute processing for transmitting the set WSZs to the content server 2, and returns the content server side processing to step S4 (step S8 in FIG. 3A).

  For this reason, when the remainder of the part that can be listened to (the calculation result of the calculation unit 32c) becomes smaller than WSZd (the initial value of the TCP window), the reception size of the composite content decreases.

  Under this circumstance, when the user presses the charge confirmation button of the user terminal device 1, the user terminal device 1 transmits the charge confirmation information (step a13 in FIG. 2A).

  The application processing unit 31b extracts the charge confirmation information and notifies the control unit 32d of the extracted charge confirmation information.

  When the control unit 32d receives the billing confirmation information, the terminal side processing shown in FIG. 3B proceeds from step S15 to step S16. In step S16, the control unit 32d sets the charging confirmation information “PAY-OK” to Yes.

  Subsequently, the control unit 32d combines the subscriber information confirmed at the time of establishing the connection between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 and the content fee acquired from the composite content attribute information, and displays the combined information. Notify the log server 5 as an accounting log.

  Thereafter, when the control unit 32d receives the composite content from the content server 2, the content server-side process transitions from step S4 to step S5.

  In step S5, the control unit 32d sets WSZs (TCP window size) to WSZd (initial value of the TCP window size), and sends the set WSZs to the content server 2 to the TCP / IP processing unit 31a. The content server side process is terminated (step S12 in FIG. 3A).

  Thereafter, when the delivery of the content is completed (steps a19 and a20 in FIG. 2A), the connection is disconnected from the user terminal device 1 (steps a21 and a22 in FIG. 2A).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3, an operation when the user agrees to pay a fee for the paid image content immediately after the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed will be described.

  In FIG. 2B, the same processes as those in FIG. 2A are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, a description will be given centering on processing different from FIG.

  When the composite content delivery from the content server 2 progresses and the remainder of the trial-listenable portion (calculation result of the computation unit 32c) becomes smaller than WSZd (initial value of TCP window) (steps a10, a12, a14 in FIG. 2B). The control unit 32d executes step S8. For this reason, the receivable data size of the composite content is gradually reduced.

  Further, when the composite content distribution from the content server 2 progresses and the distribution of the trial-listable part (free image content) is completed (step b16 in FIG. 2B), the control unit 32d performs the content server side processing from step S6. The process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the control unit 32d sets WSZs (TCP window size) to 0, and causes the TCP / IP processing unit 31a to execute processing for transmitting the set WSZs to the content server 2.

  When the WSZs notified from the probe device 3 changes to a small value, the content server 2 distributes the paid image content when the distribution of the trial-listenable part (free image content) is completed (for example, WSZs = 0). To stop. Note that the content server 2 continues the distribution stop until the WSZs that can distribute the content are notified from the probe device 3.

  The control unit 32d further starts counting for a predetermined time, and proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the control unit 32d confirms whether or not the predetermined time has been counted, and executes step S4 if the predetermined time has not been counted.

  If the user presses the charging confirmation button of the user terminal device 1 before the predetermined time is counted, the user terminal device 1 transmits the charging confirmation information (step b17 in FIG. 2B).

  The operation after the control unit 32d receives the charging confirmation information is the same as the operation shown in FIG.

  When the content server 2 receives a packet (information) whose WSZs (TCP window size) is WSZd, the content server 2 resumes the delivery of the composite content (step b20 in FIG. 2B).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 (c) and FIG. 3, the operation when the user does not agree to pay the fee for the charged image content even when the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed will be described. .

  In FIG. 2C, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in FIG. In the following, a description will be given focusing on processing different from that in FIG.

  After the end of step b16 in FIG. 2C, when the control unit 32d finishes counting the predetermined time without detecting the charging confirmation information “PAY-OK” from the user terminal device 1, the control unit 32d Changes the content server side processing from step S10 to step S11.

  In step S11, the control unit 32d transmits a reset to the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2, and disconnects the connection between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 (step c17 in FIG. 2C). C18).

  Next, the effect of the first embodiment will be described.

  In this embodiment, when the remaining auditionable portion is reduced, the TCP server size is notified to the content server 2 as a small value in accordance with the remaining size of the auditionable portion. Transmission can be stopped when delivery is completed.

  If the user agrees to pay the fee, the TCP window size can be reset to the initial value so that the user can watch from the continuation of the trial listening part.

  Further, if the user agrees to pay the fee before delivery of the trial listening part is completed, the content delivery from the content server 2 does not stop, so that it is possible to continue listening to the composite content.

  Next, the function and effect of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, WSZs indicating the reception size of the composite content is set based on the remaining data size so that the reception size of the composite content decreases as the remaining data size of the free image content decreases. For this reason, the content server 2 can confirm the completion of the distribution of the free image content based on the WSZs. Since WSZs change before the distribution of the free image content is completed, it is possible to confirm the completion of the distribution of the free image content in advance.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to control the delivery of content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  WSZs indicates the reception size and the distribution state of the free image content. Compared to the case where the reception size and the distribution state of the free image content are transmitted as separate information, the WSZs are transmitted from the probe device 3 to the content server 2. The amount of information to be transmitted can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, when charging permission information is received from user terminal device 1, control unit 32d sets preset initial reception size information as WSZs. For this reason, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of charging permission from the user based on the size indicated by WSZs. For this reason, WSZs further indicates whether or not charging is permitted from the user, and the amount of information transmitted from the probe device 3 to the content server 2 can be reduced.

  The content distribution control server 3 may be realized by a computer that reads a program recorded in a memory and executes the read program. This program causes the computer to execute the content distribution control method executed by the content distribution control server 3.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The second embodiment relates to content distribution control in a prepaid pay-per-use billing system.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a content distribution control system according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIG. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different point from what was shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the content distribution control system includes a user terminal device 1, a content server 2, a content distribution control server 30, a subscriber DB 41, and a log server 5.

  The content distribution control server 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a charging determination unit 302.

  Charge determination unit 302 includes a measurement unit 32b, an initial reception size storage unit 32e, and a control unit 32f.

  The user terminal device 1, the content server 2, and the content distribution control server 30 are connected to each other via a communication line 6 such as the Internet. Furthermore, the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 can communicate with each other using TCP / IP via the content distribution control server 30 and the communication line 6.

  The content server 2 distributes paid image content to the user terminal device 1 in a prepaid manner. The paid image content is preferably a stream type content.

  The subscriber DB 41 is a management database that manages the prepaid balance of the user of the user terminal device 1.

  The content distribution control server 30 is a probe device, for example, and controls distribution of paid image content performed by the content server 2.

  The communication unit 31 accepts paid image content from the content server 2.

  The billing determination unit 302 manages the billing status of the user and controls the distribution of paid image content by the content server 2.

  When the communication unit 31 starts accepting paid image content, the measuring unit 32b continuously measures the data size of the charged image content.

  The control unit 32f is an example of a prepaid balance control unit, a calculation unit, and a setting unit.

  The control unit 32f reduces the prepaid balance managed by the subscriber DB 41 in accordance with an increase in the measurement value of the measurement unit 32b.

  In addition, the control unit 32f sets reception size information indicating the receivable data size of the pay image content based on the prepaid balance so that the reception size of the charge image content decreases as the prepaid balance decreases. The communication unit 31 notifies the content server 2 of the reception size information set by the control unit 32f.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

  Specifically, FIG. 5A is a sequence diagram for explaining a case where the prepaid balance that was at the start of content viewing is used up during viewing and the prepaid balance is added immediately thereafter.

  FIG. 5B is a sequence diagram for explaining a case where the prepaid balance that was at the start of content viewing is used up during viewing and the prepaid balance is not added immediately thereafter.

  FIG. 5C is a sequence diagram for explaining a case where there is no prepaid balance at the start of content viewing.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment (specifically, the charging determination process of the charging determination unit 302).

  Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 6, the operation when the prepaid balance that was at the start of viewing content is used up during viewing and the prepaid balance is added immediately after that will be described.

  First, a connection is established between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 (steps d1 and d2 in FIG. 5A).

  Subsequently, the user terminal device 1 requests the content server 2 for content distribution (content request) (step d3 in FIG. 5A).

  The TCP / IP processing unit 31a detects the IP address of the user terminal device 1 from the content request, and notifies the charging determination unit 32 (specifically, the control unit 32f) of the detected IP address.

  When receiving the IP address, the control unit 32f starts the process shown in FIG. 6 (step S21 in FIG. 6).

  Subsequently, the control unit 32f sets the TCP window size (reception size information) WSZs to the initial value WSZd of the TCP window stored in the initial reception size storage unit 32e. Further, the control unit 32f inquires of the subscriber DB 4 about the subscriber information using the notified IP address as a key, and acquires the subscriber information of the user and the prepaid balance of the user (step of FIG. 6). S22).

  Returning to FIG. 5A, upon receiving the content request (step d4 in FIG. 5A), the content server 2 starts distributing the content requested by the content request (FIG. 5A). Step d6).

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the content request requests paid image content.

  The content server 2 inserts a content billing rate (Rate) into the application header of the content as attribute information of the content at the start of distribution of the paid image content.

  The application processing unit 31b extracts content attribute information from the application header of the composite content. The application processing unit 31b notifies the control unit 32f of the attribute information of the extracted content.

  Upon receiving the content attribute information, the control unit 32f extracts the content billing rate (Rate) included in the content attribute information (step S23 in FIG. 6).

  Subsequently, the control unit 32f checks whether or not the user's prepaid balance is 0 (step S24 in FIG. 6). In the case of FIG. 5A, since the user's prepaid balance is not 0, the process proceeds to step S26.

  When the TCP / IP processing unit 31a starts receiving content from the content server 2, the TCP / IP processing unit 31a outputs the received content to the control unit 32f. The control unit 32f outputs the received content to the measurement unit 32b.

  The measurement unit 32b continuously measures the data size of the content (first content), and outputs the measurement result to the control unit 32f as RSZ.

  In step S26, the control unit 32f updates the content balance of the user managed by the subscriber DB 41. Specifically, the control unit 32f updates the content balance PAY managed by the subscriber DB 41 to the calculation result of PAY-Rate × RSZ. When the control unit 32f finishes Step S26, the control unit 32f executes Step S27.

  In step S27, the control unit 32f calculates the content data amount (remaining data size of purchased paid content) PAY / Rate corresponding to the content balance, and the calculation result is larger than WSZd (initial value of TCP window size). Step S30 is executed.

  In step S30, the control unit 32f sets WSZs (TCP window size) to WSZd, causes the TCP / IP processing unit 31a to execute processing for transmitting the set WSZs to the content server 2, and then performs step S33. Execute.

  In Step S33, control part 32f acquires a user's prepaid balance again, and performs Step S26 after that.

  Returning to FIG. 5A, when the user terminal device 1 starts receiving the content (step d5 in FIG. 5A), the user terminal device 1 displays the content and further displays the prepaid balance.

  When content distribution from the content server 2 progresses and the amount of content data (PAY / Rate) that can be viewed with the prepaid balance becomes smaller than WSZd (initial value of TCP window) (steps d8, d10, d12 in FIG. 5A). The control unit 32f sets WSZs (TCP window size) to a viewable size (PAY / Rate).

  The control unit 32f causes the TCP / IP processing unit 31a to execute processing for transmitting the set WSZs to the content server 2, and then executes step S33 (step S29 in FIG. 6).

  For this reason, when the remaining viewable part (PAY / Rate) becomes smaller than WSZd (the initial value of the TCP window), the content reception size becomes smaller.

  When the delivery of the content further proceeds and the content balance is used up (step d14 in FIG. 6), when the content data amount (PAY / Rate) that can be viewed with the prepaid balance becomes 0 or less, the control unit 32f causes WSZs (TCP window) Size) is set to 0.

  The control unit 32f causes the TCP / IP processing unit 31a to execute processing for transmitting the set WSZs to the content server 2, starts counting for a predetermined time, and then proceeds to step S31 (step S28 in FIG. 6). ).

  Note that when the WSZs notified from the probe device 30 changes to a small value, the content server 2 completes the distribution of the viewable portion (content portion that can be purchased with a prepaid balance) (for example, WSZs = 0). Stop distribution of paid image content. The content server 2 continues the distribution stop until the WSZs that can distribute the content are notified from the probe device 30.

  In step S31, the control unit 32f confirms whether or not the predetermined time has been counted, and executes step S33 if the predetermined time has not been counted.

  If the addition of the prepaid balance is confirmed in step S33 before the predetermined time is counted (step d15 in FIG. 5A), the control unit 32f shifts the processing from step S27 to step S30. (Step d16 in FIG. 5A).

  When the content server 2 receives a packet (information) whose WSZs (TCP window size) is WSZd (initial value), the content server 2 resumes the content transmission (step d18 in FIG. 5A).

  Thereafter, when the content delivery is completed (steps d25 and d26 in FIG. 5A), the connection is disconnected from the user terminal device 1 (steps d27 and d28 in FIG. 5A).

  Further, when the connection is disconnected, the control unit 32f notifies the subscriber DB 4 of the prepaid balance (PAY).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5B and FIG. 6, an operation when the prepaid balance that was at the start of content viewing is used up during viewing and then the prepaid balance is not added will be described.

  In FIG. 5B, the same processing as that in FIG. 5A is denoted by the same reference numeral. In the following, a description will be given centering on processing different from FIG.

  After the completion of step d14 in FIG. 5B, when the control unit 32f finishes counting for a predetermined time without detecting the addition of the prepaid balance, the control unit 32f executes step S32.

  In step S32, the control unit 32f transmits a reset to the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2, and disconnects the connection between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 (step e15 in FIG. 5B). E16).

  Next, an operation when there is no prepaid balance at the start of content viewing will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Note that in FIG. 5C, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in FIG. In the following, a description will be given focusing on processing different from that in FIG.

  If the prepaid balance of the user acquired in step S22 of FIG. 6 is 0, the control unit 32f executes step S25.

  In step S25, the control unit 32f transmits a reset to the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2, and disconnects the connection between the user terminal device 1 and the content server 2 (step e15 in FIG. 5C). E16).

  Next, effects of the second embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, when the prepaid balance is reduced, the TCP window size notified to the content server 2 is changed to a size corresponding to the prepaid balance, so that the content server 2 sets the amount paid by the user. Content can be distributed accordingly.

  Next, the function and effect of the second embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, WSZs indicating the receivable data size of pay image content is set based on the prepaid balance so that the received data size of the pay image content decreases as the prepaid balance decreases. For this reason, the content server 2 can confirm the completion of distribution of the paid image content portion that has already been purchased by prepaid based on the WSZs. Since WSZs change before the delivery of the paid image content portion purchased prepaid is completed, it is possible to confirm in advance the delivery of the paid image content portion purchased prepaid.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to control the delivery of content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  In addition, WSZs will indicate the received data size and the prepaid balance (remaining amount of the paid image content portion purchased by prepaid), compared to the case where the received data size and the prepaid balance are conveyed by separate information, The amount of information transmitted from the probe device 30 to the content server 2 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, when the prepaid balance is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, control unit 32f sets preset initial reception size information as WSZs. For this reason, for example, it becomes possible to determine the presence or absence of prepaid payment based on the received data size indicated by WSZs. For this reason, WSZs further indicates the presence or absence of prepaid payment from the user, and the amount of information transmitted from the probe device 30 to the content server 2 can be reduced.

  The content distribution control server 30 may be realized by a computer that reads a program recorded in a memory and executes the read program. This program causes a computer to execute the content distribution control method executed by the content distribution control server 30.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The major difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that the user terminal apparatus 10 performs the control of WSZs performed by the charging determination unit 32 in the first embodiment. Is a point.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a content distribution control system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same components as those shown in FIG. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different point from what was shown in FIG.

  7, the content distribution control system includes a user terminal device 10, a content server 2, a content distribution control server 30a, a subscriber DB 4, and a log server 5.

  The user terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 10a, a storage unit 10b, a measurement unit 10c, a calculation unit 10d, a control unit 10e, an initial reception size storage unit 10f, and a reception unit 10g.

  The content distribution control server 30a includes a TCP / IP processing unit 31a, an application processing unit 31b, and a charging determination unit 303.

  The user terminal device 10, the content server 2, and the content distribution control server 30a are connected to each other via a communication line 6 such as the Internet. Furthermore, the user terminal device 10 and the content server 2 can communicate with each other using the TCP / IP via the content distribution control server 30a and the communication line 6.

  The user terminal device 10 is a communication terminal device such as a personal computer, for example, and is used by a user.

  The user terminal device 10 transmits a content request to the content server 2 based on the user input. In addition, the user terminal device 10 receives content distributed from the content server 2 and displays the received content. Further, when the user agrees to pay a fee for the content distributed from the content server 2, the user terminal device 10 transmits charging confirmation information (charging permission information) based on the user's input.

  The content server 2 is the same as the content server shown in FIG.

  The content distribution control server 30a is, for example, a probe device, and controls the distribution of composite content performed by the content server 2.

  The communication unit 10 a is an example of an input unit and a notification unit, and communicates with the content server 2 and the probe device 30 a via the communication line 6. The communication unit 10a receives composite content including composite content attribute information from the content server 2. The communication unit 10a outputs the accepted composite content (including attribute information) to the control unit 10e.

  When the control unit 10e extracts the data size information from the attribute information, the storage unit 10b stores the extracted data size information.

  The measurement unit 10c continuously measures the data size of the free image content included in the composite content when the communication unit 10a starts accepting the composite content.

  The calculation unit 10d calculates the remaining data size of the free image content by subtracting the measurement result of the measurement unit 10c from the data size information stored in the storage unit 10b. The calculation unit 10d continuously performs the above calculation.

  The control unit 10 e is an example of a setting unit, and controls the operation of the user terminal device 10.

  For example, the control unit 10e sets reception size information indicating the receivable data size of the composite content to the remaining data size so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the remaining data size calculated by the calculation unit 10d decreases. Set based on. The communication unit 10a notifies the content server 2 of the reception size information set by the control unit 10e.

  The initial reception size storage unit 10f stores preset initial reception size information (initial value of the TCP window size).

  The accepting unit 10g accepts charging permission information indicating permission of charging for the composite content from the user. When the receiving unit 10g receives the charging permission information, the control unit 10e sets the initial reception size information stored in the initial reception size storage unit 10f as the reception size information.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

  Specifically, FIG. 8A is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation in a case where the user agrees to pay a fee for pay image content before the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed. It is.

  FIG. 8B is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation when the user agrees to pay the fee for the charged image content even after the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed.

  FIG. 8C is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation when the user does not agree to pay the fee for the charged image content immediately after the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation in which all of the composite content can be viewed when the user agrees to pay for the chargeable image content of the composite content.

  The operation of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 8A, an operation in the case where the user agrees to pay a fee for pay image content before the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed will be described.

  First, a connection is established between the user terminal device 10 and the content server 2 (steps g1 and g2 in FIG. 8A).

  Subsequently, the user terminal device 10 requests the content server 2 to distribute the content (content request) (step g3 in FIG. 8A).

  The TCP / IP processing unit 31a detects the IP address of the user terminal device 1 from the content request, and notifies the charging determination unit 303 of the detected IP address.

  The charging determination unit 303 inquires of the subscriber DB 4 about the subscriber information using the notified IP address as a key, and acquires the subscriber information of the user. The charging determination unit 303 combines the acquired subscriber information with a charging log that notifies the lock server 5.

  When receiving the content request (step g4 in FIG. 8A), the content server 2 starts distributing the content requested by the content request (step g6 in FIG. 8A).

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the content request requests composite content.

  At the start of distribution of the composite content, the content server 2 inserts the data size information of the portion that can be auditioned (free image content) and the chargeable image content fee into the application header of the composite content as attribute information of the composite content.

  The application processing unit 31b extracts content attribute information from the application header of the composite content. The application processing unit 31b notifies the charging determination unit 303 of the attribute information of the extracted content.

  The billing determination unit 303 monitors the data amount of the composite content transmitted from the content server 2 and creates a billing log for the user when the amount of data exceeds the size of the portion that can be auditioned. Is sent to the log server 5.

  Further, content attribute information is also extracted by the user terminal device 10. Specifically, the communication unit 10a extracts content attribute information. The communication unit 10a outputs the attribute information of the content to the control unit 10e.

  Upon receiving the content attribute information, the control unit 10e stores the data size of the free image content included in the content attribute information in the storage unit 10b.

  When the reception of the composite content starts (step g5 in FIG. 8), the user terminal device 10 displays the content, and further, the displayed content is a free portion of the paid content and the remaining free portion. The length (time, data size, etc.) and the fact that the composite content can be continuously viewed by pressing a charging confirmation button or the like are displayed.

  Further, when the communication unit 10a starts accepting composite content from the content server 2, the communication unit 10a outputs the accepted composite content to the control unit 10e. The control unit 10e outputs the received content to the measurement unit 10c.

  The measurement unit 10c continuously measures the data size of the composite content (specifically, the data size of the free image content), and outputs the measurement result to the calculation unit 10d.

  The calculation unit 10d calculates the remaining data size of the free image content by subtracting the measurement result of the measurement unit 10c from the data size of the free image content stored in the storage unit 10b. The calculation unit 10d outputs the calculation result to the control unit 10e.

  When the content distribution from the content server 2 progresses and the remainder of the portion that can be auditioned (the calculation result of the calculation unit 10d) becomes smaller than the initial value of the TCP window (step g9 in FIG. 8A), the control unit 10e The size is set to the calculation result of the calculation unit 10d. The control unit 10e causes the communication unit 10a to execute a process of transmitting the set TCP window size to the content server 2.

  For this reason, when the remainder of the part that can be listened to (the calculation result of the calculation unit 10d) becomes smaller than the initial value of the TCP window, the reception data size of the composite content becomes small.

  In this situation, when the user presses the charge confirmation button included in the receiving unit 10g, the control unit 10e sets the TCP window size to the initial value of the TCP window size, and sets the set TCP window size to the content server. 2 is executed by the communication unit 10a (step g13 in FIG. 8A).

  Thereafter, when the delivery of the content ends (steps g19 and g20 in FIG. 8A), the connection is disconnected from the user terminal device 10 (steps g21 and g22 in FIG. 8A).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8B, an operation in the case where the user agrees to pay a fee for pay image content immediately after the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed will be described.

  In FIG. 8B, the same processes as those in FIG. 8A are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, a description will be given focusing on the processing different from FIG.

  When the composite content delivery from the content server 2 progresses and the remainder of the trial-listenable portion (calculation result of the computation unit 10d) becomes smaller than the initial value of the TCP window (steps g9, g11, g13 in FIG. 8B), the control unit 10e gradually reduces the TCP window. For this reason, the reception data size of the composite content is gradually reduced.

  Further, when the delivery of the composite content from the content server 2 progresses and the delivery of the part that can be auditioned (free image content) is completed (step h15 in FIG. 8B), the control unit 10e sets the TCP window size to 0. Then, the communication unit 10a is caused to execute processing for transmitting the set TCP window size to the content server 2.

  Note that when the TCP window size notified from the user terminal device 10 via the probe device 30a changes to a small value, the content server 2 completes the delivery of the auditionable portion (free image content) (for example, TCP Distribution of paid image content is stopped at (window size = 0). The content server 2 continues to stop the distribution until the TCP window size that can distribute the content is notified from the user terminal device 10 via the probe device 30a.

  The controller 10e further starts counting for a predetermined time.

  If the user presses the charging confirmation button of the user terminal device 10 before the counting of the predetermined time is completed, the control unit 10e sets the TCP window size to the initial value of the TCP window size, and the set TCP window The communication unit 10a is caused to execute processing for transmitting the window size to the content server 2 (step h17 in FIG. 8B).

  The operation after the communication unit 10a transmits the TCP window size set to the initial value of the TCP window size is the same as the operation shown in FIG.

  When the content server 2 receives a packet (information) whose TCP window size is the initial value of the TCP window size, the content server 2 resumes the distribution of the composite content (step h20 in FIG. 8B).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8C, an operation in a case where the user does not agree to pay the fee for the charged image content immediately after the distribution of the free image content in the composite content is completed will be described.

  In FIG. 8C, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as those in FIG. 8B. In the following, a description will be given focusing on processing different from that in FIG.

  After the end of step h16 in FIG. 8C, when the control unit 10e finishes counting for a predetermined time without pressing the charging confirmation button of the receiving unit 10g, the control unit 10e performs a process of transmitting a reset to the content server 2. The communication unit 10a is executed to disconnect the connection between the user terminal device 10 and the content server 2 (steps i17 and i18 in FIG. 8C).

  Next, effects of the third embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, when the remaining auditionable portion is reduced, the TCP server size is notified to the content server 2 as a small value in accordance with the remaining size of the auditionable portion. Transmission can be stopped when delivery is completed.

  If the user agrees to pay the fee, the TCP window size can be reset to the initial value so that the user can watch from the continuation of the trial listening part.

  Further, if the user agrees to pay the fee before delivery of the trial listening part is completed, the content delivery from the content server 2 does not stop, so that it is possible to continue listening to the composite content.

  Next, the function and effect of the third embodiment will be described.

  In the third embodiment, the TCP window size (reception size information) indicating the receivable data size of the composite content is set so that the received data size of the composite content decreases as the remaining data size of the free image content decreases. It is set based on the remaining data size. Therefore, the content server 2 can confirm the completion of the distribution of the free image content based on the TCP window size. Since the TCP window size changes before the distribution of the free image content is completed, the completion of the distribution of the free image content can be confirmed in advance.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to control the delivery of content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  Further, the TCP window size indicates the received data size and the distribution state of the free image content, and the user terminal device as compared with the case where the reception data size and the distribution state of the free image content are transmitted by separate information. The amount of information transmitted from 10 to the content server 2 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, when charging permission information is received from the user (pressing the charging confirmation button), it is preferable that the initial reception size information set in advance is set as the TCP window size. For this reason, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of charging permission from the user based on the received data size indicated by the TCP window size. For this reason, the TCP window size further indicates whether or not charging is permitted from the user, and the amount of information can be reduced.

  The user terminal device 10 may be realized by a computer that reads a program recorded in a memory and executes the read program. This program causes the computer to execute the content distribution control method executed by the user terminal device 10.

  In each embodiment, a TCP window size is used as reception size information. In this case, the content distribution amount can be controlled by the TCP protocol processing, and the load on the content server can be suppressed.

  In each embodiment, the reception size information indicating the reception size of the composite content is set such that the reception data of the composite content becomes smaller as the remaining data size of the first content decreases. For this reason, the content server can confirm the completion of the distribution of the first content based on the received size information. Since the reception size information changes before the distribution of the first content is completed, it is possible to confirm the completion of the distribution of the first content in advance.

  Therefore, it becomes possible to stop the distribution of the content when the distributed data amount of the content reaches a predetermined distribution amount.

  The reception size information indicates the reception size and the distribution state of the first content. Compared to the case where the reception size and the distribution state of the first content are transmitted as separate information, the content distribution control server sends the content. It is possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted to the server.

  Also, when free content is used as the first content and paid content is used as the second content, it is possible to control the delivery of the content in real time according to the payment status of the content fee of the user.

  The present invention provides content distribution by returning a response in which the TCP window size is adjusted from a network relay device (ISP or a mobile phone carrier relay device) to the content server in accordance with the charge and billing status of stream-type content distribution. It can be applied to the use where the content server performs stop, pause and resume control.

  In addition, in the stream type content delivery prepaid billing method, the content server is controlled to stop, pause, or resume the content delivery by returning a response in which the TCP window size is adjusted according to the prepaid balance to the content server. Applicable to.

  In addition, the content server performs stop, pause, and resume control of content distribution by returning a response in which the TCP window size is adjusted from the user terminal device to the content server according to the billing and billing status of the stream type content delivery. It can be applied to such uses.

  In each embodiment described above, the illustrated configuration is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration.

  The image content is an example of content, and the type of content to which the present invention is applied is not limited to an image.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the conventional content billing system.

Explanation of symbols

1 User terminal device 2 Content server 3 Content distribution control server (probe device)
31 Communication Unit 31a TCP / IP Processing Unit 31b Application Processing Unit 32 Charge Determination Unit 32a Storage Unit 32b Measurement Unit 32c Calculation Unit 32d Control Unit 32e Initial Received Size Storage Unit 30 Content Distribution Control Server (Probe Device)
302 Charge determination unit 32f Control unit 30a Content distribution control server (probe device)
303 Billing Judgment Unit 4 Subscriber Database (DB)
5 log server 6 communication line 10 user terminal device 10a communication unit 10b storage unit 10c measurement unit 10d calculation unit 10e control unit 10f initial reception size storage unit 10g reception unit

Claims (39)

A user terminal device is connected to a content server that distributes composite content including first content and second content following the first content to the user terminal device via a communication line, and the content server performs A content delivery control server that controls delivery of composite content,
An input unit for receiving the composite content from the content server;
A calculation unit that calculates the remaining data size of the first content received by the input unit;
A setting unit that sets reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the remaining data size calculated by the calculation unit decreases;
A content delivery control server comprising: a notification unit that notifies the content server of the reception size information set by the setting unit. In the content delivery control server according to claim 1,
The input unit further receives data size information indicating a data size of the first content from the content server;
The calculation unit includes:
When the input unit receives the data size information, a storage unit that stores the received data size information;
A measurement unit that continuously measures the data size of the first content in the composite content received by the input unit when the input unit starts receiving the composite content;
A content distribution control server, comprising: an arithmetic unit that subtracts a measurement result of the measurement unit from data size information stored in the storage unit to calculate a remaining data size of the first content. In the content delivery control server according to claim 1 or 2,
The first content is free content,
The content distribution control server, wherein the second content is paid content. In the content delivery control server according to claim 3,
The input unit accepts charging permission information indicating permission of charging for the paid content from the user terminal device;
When the input unit receives the charging permission information, the setting unit is a content distribution control server that sets preset initial reception data size information as the reception size information. In the content delivery control server according to claim 1,
The content distribution control server is connected via a communication line to a management database that manages a user's prepaid balance of the user terminal device,
The first content is a purchased paid content purchased with the prepaid balance,
The content distribution control server, wherein the second content is an unpurchased paid content that has not been purchased with the prepaid balance. In the content delivery control server according to claim 5,
The calculation unit includes:
When the input unit starts accepting the composite content, a measurement unit that continuously measures the data size of the purchased paid content accepted by the input unit;
A prepaid balance control unit that reduces a prepaid balance managed by the management database in accordance with an increase in a measurement value of the measurement unit;
A content distribution control server, comprising: a calculation unit that calculates a remaining data size of the purchased paid content based on the prepaid balance changed by the prepaid balance control unit. In the content delivery control server according to claim 6,
The content distribution control server, wherein the setting unit sets preset initial reception size information as the reception size information when the prepaid balance is a predetermined amount or more. In the content delivery control server according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The content distribution control server, wherein the reception size information is a TCP window size. A user terminal device connected via a communication line to a content server that distributes composite content including the first content and second content that follows the first content, and that controls the distribution of the composite content performed by the content server. There,
An input unit for receiving the composite content from the content server;
A calculation unit that calculates the remaining data size of the first content received by the input unit;
A setting unit that sets reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the remaining data size calculated by the calculation unit decreases;
A notification unit that notifies the content server of the reception size information set by the setting unit. In the user terminal device according to claim 9,
The input unit further receives data size information indicating a data size of the first content from the content server;
The calculation unit includes:
When the input unit receives the data size information, a storage unit that stores the received data size information;
A measurement unit that continuously measures the data size of the first content in the composite content received by the input unit when the input unit starts receiving the composite content;
A user terminal device, comprising: a calculation unit that subtracts a measurement result of the measurement unit from data size information stored in the storage unit to calculate a remaining data size of the first content. In the user terminal device according to claim 9 or 10,
The first content is free content,
The user terminal device, wherein the second content is paid content. The user terminal device according to claim 11,
A reception unit that receives charging permission information indicating permission of charging for the paid content from a user;
The setting unit is a user terminal device that sets preset initial reception size information as the reception size information when the reception unit receives the charging permission information. The user terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 12,
The user terminal device, wherein the reception size information is a TCP window size. A user terminal device is connected to a content server that distributes composite content including first content and second content following the first content to the user terminal device via a communication line, and the content server performs A content delivery control method performed by a content delivery control server that controls delivery of composite content,
An input step of receiving the composite content from the content server;
A calculation step of calculating a remaining data size of the first content received in the input step;
A setting step of setting reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the calculated remaining data size decreases;
A notification step of notifying the content server of the set reception size information. The content delivery control method according to claim 14, wherein
A size information input step for receiving data size information indicating the data size of the first content from the content server;
When the data size information is received, the data size information further includes a storing step of storing the data size information,
The calculating step includes:
A measurement step of continuously measuring the data size of the first content in the composite content when acceptance of the composite content is started;
A calculation step of subtracting the measurement result from the data size information to calculate a remaining data size of the first content. The content delivery control method according to claim 14 or 15,
The first content is free content,
The content distribution control method, wherein the second content is paid content. The content delivery control method according to claim 16,
A step of accepting charging permission information indicating permission of charging for the pay content from the user terminal device;
In the setting step, when the charging permission information is accepted, a preset initial reception size information is set as the reception size information. The content delivery control method according to claim 14, wherein
The content distribution control server is connected via a communication line to a management database that manages a user's prepaid balance of the user terminal device,
The first content is a purchased paid content purchased with the prepaid balance,
The content distribution control method, wherein the second content is an unpurchased paid content that has not been purchased with the prepaid balance. The content delivery control method according to claim 18,
The calculating step includes:
When reception of the composite content is started, a measurement step for continuously measuring the data size of the purchased paid content;
A prepaid balance control step for reducing a prepaid balance managed by the management database in accordance with an increase in the measurement value;
A content distribution control method comprising: a calculation step of calculating a remaining data size of the purchased paid content based on the changed prepaid balance. The content distribution control server according to claim 19,
In the setting step, when the prepaid balance is a predetermined amount or more, a preset initial reception size information is set as the reception size information. The content delivery control method according to any one of claims 14 to 20,
The content distribution control method, wherein the reception size information is a TCP window size. A user terminal device connected via a communication line to a content server that distributes composite content including the first content and second content that follows the first content, and controls distribution of the composite content performed by the content server. A content delivery control method to be performed,
An input step of receiving the composite content from the content server;
A calculation step of calculating a remaining data size of the first content received in the input step;
A setting step of setting reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the reception data size of the composite content decreases as the calculated remaining data size decreases;
A notification step of notifying the content server of the set reception size information. The content delivery control method according to claim 22,
A size information input step for receiving data size information indicating the data size of the first content from the content server;
When the data size information is received, the data size information further includes a storing step of storing the data size information,
The calculating step includes:
A measurement step of continuously measuring the data size of the first content in the composite content when acceptance of the composite content is started;
A calculation step of subtracting the measurement result from the data size information to calculate a remaining data size of the first content. The content delivery control method according to claim 22 or 23,
The first content is free content,
The content distribution control method, wherein the second content is paid content. The content delivery control method according to claim 24,
A receiving step of receiving charging permission information indicating permission of charging for the paid content from a user;
In the setting step, when the charging permission information is accepted, a preset initial reception size information is set as the reception size information. The content delivery control method according to any one of claims 22 to 25,
The content distribution control method, wherein the reception size information is a TCP window size. Content distribution control processing to a user terminal device, a content server that distributes composite content including first content and second content following the first content to the user terminal device, and a computer connected via a communication line A program that executes
An input process for receiving the composite content from the content server;
A calculation process for calculating the remaining data size of the first content received in the input process;
A setting process for setting reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the received data size of the composite content decreases as the calculated remaining data size decreases;
A program that causes the computer to execute content distribution control processing including notification processing for notifying the content server of the set reception size information. The program according to claim 27,
The content distribution control process includes:
Size information input processing for receiving data size information indicating the data size of the first content from the content server;
When the data size information is received, further includes a storage process for storing the data size information,
The calculation process is as follows:
When the reception of the composite content is started, a measurement process for continuously measuring the data size of the first content in the composite content;
And a calculation process for calculating a remaining data size of the first content by subtracting the measurement result from the data size information. The program according to claim 27 or 28,
The first content is free content,
The program in which the second content is paid content. The program according to claim 29,
The content distribution control process includes:
Further including a reception process for receiving charging permission information indicating permission of charging for the paid content from the user terminal device;
In the setting process, when the charging permission information is received, a program that sets preset initial reception size information as the reception size information. The program according to claim 27,
The computer is connected via a communication line to a management database that manages a user's prepaid balance of the user terminal device,
The first content is a purchased paid content purchased with the prepaid balance,
The second content is a program in which the prepaid balance is unpaid paid content that has not been purchased. The program according to claim 31, wherein
The calculation process is as follows:
When the acceptance of the composite content is started, a measurement process for continuously measuring the data size of the purchased paid content;
A prepaid balance control process for reducing the prepaid balance managed by the management database in accordance with an increase in the measurement value;
And a calculation process for calculating a remaining data size of the purchased paid content based on the changed prepaid balance. The program according to claim 32,
In the setting process, when the prepaid balance is a predetermined amount or more, a program that sets preset initial reception size information as the reception size information. The program according to any one of claims 27 to 33,
The reception size information is a program that is a TCP window size. A program that causes a content server that distributes composite content including first content and second content following the first content, and a computer connected via a communication line to execute content distribution control processing.
An input process for receiving the composite content from the content server;
A calculation process for calculating the remaining data size of the first content received in the input process;
A setting process for setting reception size information indicating a receivable data size of the composite content so that the received data size of the composite content decreases as the calculated remaining data size decreases;
A program that causes the computer to execute content distribution control processing including notification processing for notifying the content server of the set reception size information. The program according to claim 27,
The content distribution control process includes:
Size information input processing for receiving data size information indicating the data size of the first content from the content server;
When the data size information is received, further includes a storage process for storing the data size information,
The calculation process is as follows:
When reception of the composite content is started, measurement processing for continuously measuring the data size of the first content in the composite content;
And a calculation process for calculating a remaining data size of the first content by subtracting the measurement result from the data size information. The program according to claim 35 or 36,
The first content is free content,
The program in which the second content is paid content. The program according to claim 37,
The content distribution control process includes:
A reception process for receiving charging permission information indicating charging permission for the paid content from a user;
In the setting process, when the charging permission information is received, a program that sets preset initial reception size information as the reception size information. The program according to any one of claims 35 to 38,
The reception size information is a program that is a TCP window size.

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