JP2007249621A - Electronic commerce system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic commerce method with high degree of freedom for timing of download and purchase of digital information. <P>SOLUTION: A settlement server device 104 generates an encryption key and a decryption key for digital information provided from a providing server device 103, and the providing server device 103 provides the digital information to a terminal device 102 through the Internet 104 while encrypting it with the encryption key. The terminal device 102 can acquire the decryption key from the settlement server 104 by performing purchase to the settlement server device 104. The terminal device 102 decrypts the encrypted digital information by use of the acquired decryption key. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic commerce method having a high degree of freedom in the timing of downloading and purchasing digital information.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic commerce systems that provide digital information such as image information, audio information, moving image information, and game information via the Internet have been proposed. Techniques relating to such an electronic commerce system are disclosed in the following documents.
Japanese Patent No. 3494971

  The technology disclosed in [Patent Document 1] discloses an electronic commerce system in which digital information is provided to a user terminal device only after the purchase settlement is completed.

  However, digital information such as image information, audio information, moving image information, and game information may increase in size, and it is often desirable to select one of various servers for mirroring and download it to the user.

  In such a case, it may be difficult to add a mirror server as appropriate in a system in which downloading can be performed only after the purchase settlement is completed.

  There is also a great demand to shift the purchase timing and download timing.

  In addition, there is a demand for the seller side to be able to sell digital information under its own management.

  The present invention solves these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic commerce method having a high degree of freedom in the timing of downloading and purchasing digital information.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

  The electronic commerce method according to the first aspect of the present invention is executed by a providing server device, a settlement server device, and a terminal device, and specifically configured as follows.

  First, the providing server device includes an encryption key request transmission step of transmitting an encryption key request designating an identification code associated with the digital information to be provided to the settlement server device.

  On the other hand, an encryption key request receiving step in which the settlement server device receives an encryption key request specifying the identification code transmitted from the providing server device, an encryption associated with the identification code specified in the encryption key request A key generation step for generating a key and a decryption key, a decryption key storage step for storing the identification code and a decryption key generated in association with the identification code, and an association with the encryption key request And an encryption key response transmission step of transmitting an encryption key response designating the generated encryption key to the providing server device.

  Further, the providing server device encrypts the digital information to be provided with the encryption key specified in the encryption key response transmitted from the settlement server device, the encrypted digital information, and the digital information And an encrypted digital information providing step of providing the identification code associated with the information to the terminal device simultaneously or independently via a computer communication network or another computer.

  Then, the terminal device simultaneously transmits the encrypted digital information provided from the providing server device via the computer communication network or another computer and the identification code associated with the encrypted digital information. Alternatively, it further includes an encrypted digital information acceptance step that is independently accepted, and a purchase request transmission step that transmits a purchase request designating the identification code to the settlement server device.

  On the other hand, when the payment server device approves the purchase request, the purchase request receiving step for receiving the purchase request transmitted from the terminal device, and stores it in the key storage unit in association with the identification code specified in the purchase request. A decryption key acquiring step for acquiring the decryption key to be performed; and a purchase response transmitting step for transmitting a purchase response associated with the identification code and designating the acquired decryption key to the terminal device.

  Further, the purchase response receiving step in which the terminal device receives the purchase response transmitted from the settlement server device, and the decryption for decrypting the encrypted digital information with the decryption key specified in the received purchase response The method further includes a step.

  Further, the electronic transaction method of the present invention is further executed by a seller device and can be configured as follows.

  That is, the seller device encrypts the digital information to be provided with the encryption key specified in the encryption key response transmitted from the settlement server device, and provides the encrypted digital information to the providing server device. In order to make it possible, an encryption transmission step of transmitting to the providing server device is further provided.

  On the other hand, the settlement server device further includes a history transmission step of transmitting the purchase response transmission history to the seller device.

  Further, the seller device further includes a history receiving step of receiving a purchase response transmission history transmitted from the settlement server device, and a history display step of displaying the received purchase response transmission history.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute each process executed by the providing server device.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute each process executed by the settlement server device.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute each process executed by the terminal device.

  These programs can be a compact disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital video disk, a magnetic tape, or a semiconductor memory, and can be transmitted and distributed via a computer communication network.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electronic commerce method with a high freedom degree of the timing of downloading and purchase of digital information can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In addition, embodiment described below is for description and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, the terminal device used by the user is “purchaser” or “customer”, the providing server device that provides digital information, and the sales that encrypt the digital information and view the purchase history. The payment server devices that collectively perform the payments for the purchasers and the purchasers are referred to as “digital market”.

  Ownership and management of the providing server device itself may be performed by a person different from the store operator who actually sells digital information. In reality, there are many websites such as mirror servers prepared so that volunteers can download encrypted digital data, and such mirror servers can be used as providing server devices. In addition, it is also possible for the shopkeeper to own and manage the providing server device.

  Since the administrator of the providing server device can be considered to be a person who cooperates with the store owner himself / herself, both will be collectively described as “store owner” below. Further, the “store seller” corresponds to a so-called “seller” because it sells digital information.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a system in which electronic commerce is performed. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The electronic commerce method includes a terminal device (purchaser / customer) 102 that is communicably connected via the Internet 105, a providing server device (store seller or a collaborator) 103, a settlement server device (digital market) 104, a seller This is executed in an electronic commerce system 101 including a device (store opening person) 106. Specifically, the following procedure is followed.

  First, the providing server device 103 transmits an encryption key request designating an identification code associated with the digital information to be provided to the settlement server device 104.

  Next, the settlement server device 104 receives the encryption key request designating the identification code transmitted from the providing server device 103.

  Further, the settlement server device 104 generates an encryption key and a decryption key associated with the identification code specified in the encryption key request.

  Then, the settlement server device 104 stores the identification code and the decryption key generated in association with the identification code.

  On the other hand, the settlement server device 104 transmits an encryption key response specifying the generated encryption key in association with the encryption key request to the providing server device 103.

  Here, the providing server device 103 obtains the result obtained by encrypting the digital information with the encryption key specified in the encryption key response transmitted from the settlement server device 104 by the seller device 106 with the seller device 106. It is accumulated beforehand by communication.

  Then, the providing server device 103 provides the encrypted digital information and the identification code associated with the digital information to the terminal device 102 simultaneously or independently via a computer communication network or another computer. To do.

  On the other hand, the terminal device 102 includes the encrypted digital information provided from the providing server device 103 via a computer communication network or another computer, and an identification code associated with the encrypted digital information. Accept at the same time or independently.

  Further, the terminal device 102 transmits a purchase request designating the identification code to the settlement server device 104.

  Then, the settlement server device 104 receives the purchase request transmitted from the terminal device 102.

  Further, when the settlement server device 104 approves the purchase request, the settlement server device 104 acquires a decryption key stored in the key storage unit in association with the identification code specified in the purchase request.

  On the other hand, the settlement server device 104 transmits a purchase response that is associated with the identification code and specifies the acquired decryption key to the terminal device 102.

  Further, the terminal device 102 receives the purchase response transmitted from the settlement server device 104.

  Then, the terminal device 102 decrypts the encrypted digital information with the decryption key specified in the received purchase response.

  Hereinafter, processing performed in each apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of processing when a store clerk registers new digital information as a product. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  When a shopkeeper registers a product composed of new digital information, the merchant device 106 registers the product using an application “startup kit” provided from the digital market. Then, the product information including the product identification code is transmitted to the digital market (step S101).

  In the digital market, an encryption key and a decryption key for each product are generated, the decryption key is stored in association with the identification code, and the encryption key is transmitted to the shopkeeper (step S111).

  The store vendor receives the encryption key at the merchant apparatus 106, and encrypts the digital information desired to be provided with the encryption key (step S102).

  Then, the seller device 106 transfers the product file made up of the encrypted digital information together with the identification code to the providing server device 103 such as various mirror servers such as a rental server (step S103).

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of processing when a purchaser purchases digital information. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The merchant prepares a product file made up of encrypted digital information, and is typically made anonymously downloadable from the providing server device 103 such as various mirror servers (step S201).

  The purchaser downloads the product file from one of the providing server devices 103 such as a mirror server (step S211), but no settlement is required at this time.

  To actually make a payment, an identification code associated with the product file is obtained simultaneously with step S211 or individually, and a license number is purchased from the digital market using the identification code (steps S212 and S221). Note that the “license number” here corresponds to a combination of a so-called identification symbol and a code for authentication, and is not necessarily limited to a numeric string, and an arbitrary character string or a combination of this and a numeric string can be used. Can be adopted. Therefore, a so-called “license key” also corresponds to a “license number”. Hereinafter, and in the description of the drawings, the “license number” will be referred to as a “license” as appropriate unless otherwise confused.

In the present embodiment, the product file generated as a result of encrypting the digital information is an executable file, and when the product file is executed,
(A) The user is requested to input a license number, and when the license number is input, it is transmitted to the digital market (step S213).
(B) Upon receiving the license number, the digital market confirms whether or not the license is a legitimate license, and if normal, transmits the decryption key to the purchaser's terminal device (step S222).
(C) When receiving the decryption key, the program decrypts the encrypted digital information using the decryption key (step S214).

  In this way, the degree of freedom between the download timing of the product file from the mirror server and the purchase timing of the license number can be increased.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of processing when a store clerk starts an alliance with a digital market. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  When the shopkeeper starts an alliance with the digital market, when the startup kit is executed on the seller device 106, the program first checks the operating environment (step S301), and the license agreement (use agreement contract). Is displayed on the screen (step S302). Then, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to agree with the contract (step S303). If the agreement is not accepted (step S303; No), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when agreeing (step S303; Yes), the user information of the shopkeeper is registered in the digital market (step S304). Specifically, user information is registered in a database server (DB server) possessed by Digimarket (step S305), and the management PC that manages the DB server leaves only the information necessary for the DB server, and other information. Moves (step S306).

  In addition, the shopkeeper makes a homepage transfer setting at the time of purchase (step S307), the information is registered in the DB server of the digital market (step S308), and normal use is started.

  It should be noted that the home page transfer setting is not prepared as an independent process, but may be set at the time of inputting user information (step S304).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing details of processing when a store clerk registers new digital information as a product. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  At the time of merchandise registration, the start-up kit program notifies the DB server that updating is to be performed at the seller device 106 (step S401). Then, the digital market stops all new payments (step S421).

  Next, the startup kit notifies the DB server of the product to be deleted, and for the product having a grace period until the deletion, the store clerk is allowed to set the grace period (step S402). Then, the DB server sets the product to be deleted as a product that cannot be settled (step S422). At this time, the deletion grace period is also set on the DB server side. When the grace period elapses, the DB server makes the product unsettled (not shown).

  Furthermore, the startup kit deletes the product whose deletion grace period has passed from the rental server or the like used by itself (step S403).

  Note that the grace period need not be provided as a function.

  Then, the startup kit transmits product information about the new product to the digital market (step S404). In the digital market, the product information is put on standby for registration (step S423), and a key is generated (step S424). Send the encryption key to the startup kit.

  Upon receiving the encryption key for the new product (step S405), the startup kit encrypts the digital information (step S406), and registers the product file composed of the encrypted digital information in the rental server or the like (step S406). S407). At this time, in addition to the data that is the product, the URL of the page where the sale is performed is also registered.

  Then, it is confirmed that the processing up to this point has been performed normally (step S408). If the processing has been performed normally (step S408; Yes), the digital market (denoted as “DL shop” in the figure). When notified to that effect (step S410), the digital market performs formal registration of the merchandise information and enters a state where payment can be accepted (step S425).

  On the other hand, in the case of abnormal termination (step S408; No), the fact that the store has opened is urged to restart the processing (step S409).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing details of processing when a purchaser (customer) purchases digital information. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  First, a purchaser (customer) looks at a store owner's homepage (step S501). Then, since a link is established to the mirror server where the product file is placed, when the link is clicked, the product file is downloaded from the mirror server (step S502).

  According to the instructions on the store's website, purchase a license number separately from the download, or if you execute this product file after downloading, you will be prompted to purchase a license number. The license number is purchased from the digital market (step S503).

  In the digital market, the customer wants to select which item he / she wants to purchase from the merchant list (step S521) and inputs the e-mail address of the purchaser (step S522).

  Selection from the product list may be made by the purchaser voluntarily, or information is automatically exchanged by execution of the product file, and the item corresponding to the executed product file is selected. It is also good.

  When the purchaser confirms the e-mail address (step S506) and presses the cash register button displayed on the screen (step S507), the functional element (so-called “electronic payment system” or “EC payment” for managing the credit card payment of the digital market is performed. Corresponds to “service”), the purchaser is allowed to input a credit card number (step S531), and payment is confirmed (step S532).

  When the purchaser confirms the card information (step S505) and presses a cash register button for making a payment displayed on the screen (step S507), the electronic settlement system completes the payment (step S533). The digital market license number issuance function element is notified (step S534), and the digital market notifies the license number (typically using 10-digit alphanumeric characters) by e-mail or on the screen of the website. The license number is displayed (step S523).

  If notification by email is not performed, it is not necessary to enter an email address.

  In this way, after the purchaser acquires the license number (step S508), when the license number is input in response to the prompt for inputting the license number by executing the product file (step S509), the input license number is converted to a digital number. The license number is confirmed by checking whether or not the purchaser's e-mail address and license number match those already issued (step S524), and whether or not the license number is correct. Judgment is made (step S525).

  If it is correct (step S525; Yes), when the decryption key is transmitted to the purchaser (step S526), the merchandise file decrypts the encrypted digital information (step S510), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is not correct (step S525; No), the customer is prompted to purchase a license number (step S527), and this process ends.

  In addition, it is good also as confirming whether a license number is a valid thing by some method, without using an e-mail address.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of processing when the store clerk confirms the settlement status in the digital market.

  When the seller device 106 performs normal use from the startup kit and selects a menu for confirming the state of payment (step S601), payment information (corresponding to purchase response history, that is, sales information) is stored in the digital market. To obtain the information (step S602). Then, the settlement information is displayed on the screen of the store operator's computer (step S602).

  In the digital market, the history of purchase responses is managed in the same way as in ordinary commercial transactions, and a history of what is sold to what and for what amount when and to whom is accumulated. This history is provided to the merchant apparatus 106 as settlement information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shift the download timing of the product file and the purchase timing of the license number, but by executing the product file itself, the purchaser can identify the product identification code. Can be omitted.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electronic commerce method with a high freedom degree of the timing of downloading and purchase of digital information can be provided.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the system in which electronic commerce is performed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a process at the time of a store opening person registering new digital information as goods. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the process at the time of a purchaser purchasing digital information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a process at the time of a store opening person starting cooperation with a digital market. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detail of the process at the time of a store opening person registering new digital information as goods. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detail of the process at the time of a customer purchasing digital information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of a process at the time of a store opening person confirming the condition of payment to a digital market.

Explanation of symbols

101 Electronic Commerce System 102 Terminal Device (Purchaser / Customer)
103 Providing server device (store opening person)
104 Settlement server device (Digimarket)
105 Internet

Claims (2)

An electronic transaction method executed by a providing server device, a settlement server device, and a terminal device,
(A) The providing server device
An encryption key request transmission step of transmitting an encryption key request designating an identification code associated with digital information to be provided to the settlement server device,
(B) The payment server device
An encryption key request receiving step of receiving an encryption key request designating an identification code transmitted from the providing server device;
A key generation step of generating an encryption key and a decryption key associated with an identification code specified in the encryption key request;
A decryption key storage step of storing the identification code and the generated decryption key associated with the identification code;
An encryption key response transmission step of transmitting an encryption key response that is associated with the encryption key request and specifies the generated encryption key to the providing server device;
Further comprising
(C) The providing server device
What is obtained by encrypting the digital information to be provided with the encryption key specified in the encryption key response transmitted from the settlement server device, and the identification code associated with the digital information, are a computer communication network or An encrypted digital information providing step of providing the terminal device simultaneously or independently via another computer;
Further comprising
(D) the terminal device is
Encryption that accepts the encrypted digital information provided from the providing server device via a computer communication network or another computer, and the identification code associated with the encrypted digital information, simultaneously or independently Digital information acceptance process,
A purchase request transmission step of transmitting a purchase request designating the identification code to the settlement server device;
Further comprising
(E) the payment server device
A purchase request receiving step for receiving a purchase request transmitted from the terminal device;
When the purchase request is approved, a decryption key acquisition step of acquiring a decryption key stored in the key storage unit in association with the identification code specified in the purchase request;
A purchase response transmission step of transmitting a purchase response that is associated with the identification code and specifies the acquired decryption key to the terminal device;
Further comprising
(F) the terminal device
A purchase response receiving step of receiving a purchase response transmitted from the settlement server device;
An electronic commerce method, further comprising: a decrypting step of decrypting the encrypted digital information with a decryption key specified in the received purchase response. The electronic transaction method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic transaction method is further executed by a seller device,
(G) the merchant device is
The digital information to be provided is encrypted with an encryption key specified in the encryption key response transmitted from the settlement server device, and the provision is made to provide the encrypted server with the encrypted digital information. An encryption transmission step of transmitting to the server device;
(H) the payment server device further includes a history transmission step of transmitting a history of transmission of the purchase response to the seller device;
(I) a history receiving step in which the seller device receives a history of transmission of a purchase response transmitted from the payment server device;
The electronic transaction method further comprising a history display step of displaying a history of transmission of the received purchase response.

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