JP2007293868A - Download system using wireless lan and information service system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control unlimited downloads of content by a client device connectable to a wireless LAN. <P>SOLUTION: When the client device logs in to a dedicated web page for downloading content, it sends a user ID, a password, and a MAC address to a server device. The server device refers to a user management information database and determines whether or not a combination of the user ID, the password and the MAC address received from the client device is registered in the user management information database. When the combination of the user ID, the password and the MAC address received from the client device is registered in the user management information database, the server device permits a login; when not, it refuses the login. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a download system and an information service system using a wireless LAN.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a mode in which various information services provided by a server device connected to the Internet are used by a client device connected to the Internet has been widespread. In recent years, client devices that can be connected to a wireless LAN and wireless LAN relay devices have become widespread, and accordingly, a mode in which client devices are connected to the Internet via a relay device has also become widespread. Furthermore, portable information terminals that are very easy to carry are also popular as client devices that can be connected to a wireless LAN.

  By the way, many users of the information service use a so-called portal site. In this portal site, a user registers information for identifying an individual (for example, a user ID), authentication information (for example, a password), etc. Is also provided (see Non-Patent Document 1 below). Such a My Portal is not limited to a personal computer owned by a user at home, as long as it can be connected to the Internet. The computer and the portable information terminal, that is, any client device anytime, anywhere can be used by logging in using the registered user ID and password, which is highly convenient.

Internet <URL: http://my.yahoo.co.jp/>

  However, even if a provider who provides information services from My Portal is a legitimate user who is properly registered, there are cases where the provider does not want to provide information services without limitation. In particular, providers who provide content whose copyrights are not abandoned, such as music, videos, and computer programs, can download content to multiple client devices without restriction to prevent unauthorized copying and misuse of content. I didn't want to let them.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to suppress unlimited download of content by a client device connectable to a wireless LAN.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.
The download system of the present invention
A predetermined client device connectable to a predetermined wireless LAN by wireless communication via a predetermined relay device is predetermined from a predetermined server device connected to the network via a predetermined network including the wireless LAN. Download system for downloading content of
The client device transmits at least user identification information for identifying a user of the client device and client device identification information for identifying the client device to the server device;
From the client device, the server device refers to a user management information database in which at least the user identification information and the client device identification information are registered in association with each other in order to permit the download by the client device. By comparing the received user identification information and the client device identification information with the registered contents of the user management information database, it is determined whether or not the download is permitted, and the download is permitted. In this case, the gist is to transmit the content to the client device in response to a request for downloading the content from the client device.

  In the present invention, the “network” is not limited to the Internet and includes various networks. Examples of the “content” include various electronic data that can be distributed via a network, such as a document, an image, a moving image, music, and a computer program. In addition, examples of the “user identification information” include a user ID. The “client device identification information” includes, for example, a MAC address previously given to the client device, a serial number of the client device, and the like.

  In the present invention, the client device may transmit the user identification information and the client device identification information to the server device at the same time or at different timings. Also good. As the former mode, for example, there is a mode in which user identification information prepared in advance in the client device is transmitted together with the client identification information. As the latter aspect, for example, first, the client device transmits client identification information to the server device, and accordingly, the server device transmits a transmission request for user identification information to the client device, and accordingly, There is a mode in which the client device transmits user identification information to the server device.

  In the present invention, the server apparatus manages, in association with the user management information database, user identification information of a user who is permitted to download content and client apparatus identification information which is permitted to download the content. The registration contents of the information database, the user identification information received from the client device, and the client device identification information are compared, and it is determined whether or not the content download by the client device is permitted. Therefore, even a user registered in the user management information database cannot download content from a client device that is not registered in the user management information database. Even if the client device is registered in the user management information database, a user who is not registered in the user management information database cannot download content. As a result, unlimited downloading of content by a client device that can be connected to the wireless LAN can be suppressed.

In the above download system,
In the user management information database, authentication information used for authentication of the user is registered in association with the user identification information,
The client device further transmits the authentication information,
Whether the server permits the download by referring to the user management information database and further comparing the authentication information received from the client device with the registered content of the user management information database. May be determined.

  By doing so, the conditions for permitting the download of content by the client device can be made more stringent, so that unlimited download of content by the client device connectable to the wireless LAN can be further suppressed. .

In any of the above download systems,
The content is paid content,
In the user management information database, charging information used for charging the content is registered in association with the user identification information,
The server device may further perform a billing process for the content corresponding to the download request using the billing information.

  Here, examples of the “billing information” include a credit card number and a bank account number. As the “charging process”, various known techniques can be applied.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to charge for each pay content.

In the above download system,
In the user management information database, payment information related to the content for which the accounting process has been completed is registered in association with the user identification information,
The server device refers to the user management information database when the download request is received from the client device, and when the charging process has already been completed for the content that has received the download request, You may make it transmit the said content with respect to the said client apparatus, without performing the said accounting process newly.

  By doing so, for example, when the user accidentally deletes the paid content downloaded to the client device, the paid content that has already been settled can be downloaded again without paying the fee. it can.

In any of the above download systems,
In the user management information database, a download history for the downloaded content is registered in association with at least the user identification information,
The server device may restrict the download based on the download history by referring to the user management information database when the download request is received from the client device.

  The “download history” may be registered in association with the client device identification information.

  According to the present invention, for example, on the server device side, for each user identification information, each client device identification information, and each content, the number of times permitted for download, a period, etc. are set, and based on these, download of the content is performed. Can be limited. As a result, unlimited downloading of content by a client device that can be connected to the wireless LAN can be further suppressed.

In any of the above download systems,
In the user management information database, format information related to a format of content that can be processed by the client device is registered in association with the client device identification information.
When the server device receives the download request from the client device, the server device converts the format of the content corresponding to the download request based on the client device identification information received from the client device, and You may make it transmit to an apparatus.

  By doing so, the content provider can provide the content to various client devices only by preparing the content in one format, so the burden on the content creator can be reduced.

The information service system of the present invention is
A predetermined client device connectable to a predetermined wireless LAN by wireless communication via a predetermined relay device is provided from a predetermined server device connected to the network via a predetermined network including the wireless LAN. An information service system that enables an information service to be used,
Client device identification information for identifying the client device by the client device, and predetermined registration information used for permission to use the information service, at least user identification information for identifying a user of the client device And registration information including
The server device registers the registration information received from the client device in association with the client device identification information in a predetermined user management information database in order to allow the client to use the information service. The gist.

  In the present invention, the client device may transmit the client device identification information and the registration information to the server device at the same time or at different timings. As the former mode, for example, there is a mode in which registration information prepared in advance in the client device is transmitted together with the client identification information. As the latter aspect, for example, first, the client device transmits client identification information to the server device, and in response, the server device transmits a registration information transmission request to the client device. There is a mode in which the device transmits registration information to the server device.

  According to the present invention, after the registration information is registered in the user management information database, the server device refers to the user management information database, the user identification information received from the client device, the client device identification information, and the user management information database. It is possible to determine whether or not to provide an information service (for example, the download service in the download system of the present invention described above) to the client device. The client device can use the information service provided by the server device by registering the registration information properly.

  The registration information only needs to include at least user identification information. In addition to the user identification information, for example, the user's email address, name, address, gender, age, date of birth, Various personal information such as occupation, annual income, unmarried, family structure, hobbies, and preferences can be included.

In the above information service system,
The server device may be capable of registering a plurality of the client device identification information in association with one piece of the user identification information in the user management information database.

  By doing so, one user registered in the user management information database can use the information service from a plurality of registered client devices. The number of client device identification information that can be registered for one user identification information can be arbitrarily set on the server device side, for example, up to two.

In any of the above information service systems,
Prior to registration of the registration information in the user management information database,
The client device and the relay device perform initial communication with each other with an initial communication setting set in advance to perform communication only between the client device and the relay device. You may make it perform the communication setting process which sets the communication setting for connecting with the said wireless LAN to the said client apparatus.

  By doing this, the communication setting for the client device to connect to the wireless LAN can be automatically performed by exchanging data between the client device and the relay device without performing complicated setting work by the user. Can do. In addition, the initial communication between the client device and the relay device is performed using the initial communication settings for performing communication only between the client device and the relay device, so that eavesdropping is prevented and security is ensured. can do.

In the above information service system,
The communication setting may include at least information for specifying an encryption method used for encrypted communication performed between the client device and the relay device, and key information.

  By doing so, the client device can perform encrypted communication in the wireless LAN.

In the information service system for performing the communication setting process,
The relay device may automatically assign an IP address to the client device during the communication setting process.

  By doing so, the client device can connect to a network such as the Internet using the IP address.

In any of the above information service systems,
The registration information includes information indicating whether or not the user agrees to a predetermined use condition regarding the information service,
The server device, under the first condition for permitting the use of the information service, if the registration information received from the client device includes information to agree to the use conditions A second device for permitting the use of the information service when the client device is permitted to use the information service and the registration information includes information indicating that the use condition is not agreed. Under the conditions, use of the information service by the client device may be permitted.

  In the present invention, the “use condition” is, for example, a condition set by the information service provider, and a condition useful for the information service provider is set. Further, the “first condition” is a condition corresponding to a consideration for agreeing to the “use condition”, and a condition more useful to the user than the “second condition” is set. For example, the “first condition” is to provide an information service free of charge, the “second condition” is to provide an information service for a fee, or the “first condition” is to be cash or merchandise. A privilege such as points that can be exchanged with the user is given, and the second condition can be that the privilege is not given.

  By doing so, it is possible to give merit to both the information service provider side and the user side, so the use of the information service by the information service system of the present invention can be expanded.

In the above information service system, various conditions can be applied as “use conditions”.
When the relay device is owned by the user,
The usage condition may be that another client device used by a user other than the user consents to connect to the wireless LAN via the relay device.

  Thus, in order to use the information service under the “first condition”, the user who owns the relay device owned by the user, that is, the other client device used by another user owns the user. Since the number of users who consent to connect to a wireless LAN via a relay device increases, a communication infrastructure for providing an information service via a wireless LAN by an information service provider can be provided at a relatively low cost. Can be built.

In the information service system in which the server device switches the conditions for providing the information service depending on whether the user agrees to the use conditions,
The usage condition may be that the client device receives predetermined advertisement information.

  By doing so, the user can use the information service under the “first condition” which is more advantageous than the case where the advertisement is not received on the condition that the advertisement information is received. In addition, the information service provider can select and determine a user as a distribution destination of advertisement information based on the registered contents of the user management information database, and can effectively distribute the advertisement information. Examples of the distribution method of the advertisement information include a so-called advertisement banner, a method of distributing by e-mail, a method of distributing by direct mail or the like via a network.

  As the “use conditions” in the present invention, various conditions such as purchasing a predetermined product and becoming a member of a predetermined membership service can be set instead of the above-described conditions. In addition, a plurality of “use conditions” are set, and according to this, “first condition” and “second condition” are further changed to “third condition” and “fourth condition”. More conditions such as “condition”,... May be set.

  The present invention can be configured as an invention of a download system control method and an information service system control method in addition to the above-described configuration of the download system and information service system. Further, the present invention can be realized in various modes such as a computer program that realizes these, a recording medium that records the program, and a data signal that includes the program and is embodied in a carrier wave. In addition, in each aspect, it is possible to apply the various additional elements shown above.

  When the present invention is configured as a computer program or a recording medium that records the program, it may be configured as a whole program for controlling the operation of the client device, the relay device, and the server device used in each of the above systems. It is good also as what constitutes only the part which fulfills the function of the present invention. The recording medium includes a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, a computer internal storage device (RAM or Various types of computer-readable media such as a memory such as a ROM and an external storage device can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Information service system overview:
B. Client device:
C. access point:
D. Server device:
E. Automatic wireless communication settings:
F. My portal usage registration:
G. Login to My Portal:
H. Download content:
I. Variation:

A. Information service system overview:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information service system 1000 as an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the wireless LAN 1, a plurality of client devices CL1, CL2, CL3 perform wireless encrypted communication in an infrastructure mode via an access point 200 that is a wireless LAN relay device. The setting items of the communication setting for performing the wireless encrypted communication include ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier), communication channel, encryption method, key information used for encryption and decryption, and the like. Encrypted communication can be performed only between devices that match.

  The access point 200 is wired to the Internet INT, and the client device connected to the wireless LAN 1 communicates with the server device 300 connected to the Internet INT, and performs usage registration, which will be described later. Information service called My Portal provided by 300 can be used. This My Portal can use a search engine, news browsing, Web mail service, bulletin board, chat, mediation of electronic commerce, groupware, and the like, in addition to downloading content described later.

  In the present embodiment, (1) the client device 100 newly joining the existing wireless LAN 1 communicates with the access point 200 to perform communication settings for the client device 100 to connect to the wireless LAN 1. Performed automatically (automatic wireless communication setting), (2) Registered to use the My Portal provided by the server device 300 with the client device 100 (My Portal registered), (3) Used My Portal An operation in which the client apparatus 100 downloads content (content download) will be described.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the client device 100 is a portable information terminal (including game machines capable of online games) that can be easily carried. The client device 100 includes a touch screen 110 and various operation buttons 120, and the user can use these to operate the client device 100 and input various data and instructions.

B. Client device:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the client device 100. The client device 100 includes a CPU 10, a ROM 20, a RAM 30, a storage device 40, a wireless communication device 50, a display device 60, and an input device 70. The display device 60 includes a touch screen 110, and the input device 70 includes a touch screen 110 and a seed operation button 120.

  The ROM 20 stores various computer programs such as a computer program for communicating with the access point 200 and the server device 300, a computer program for performing automatic wireless communication setting described later, and data used in each computer program. Is stored. The storage device 40 stores communication setting data for performing wireless encrypted communication in the wireless LAN 1 by the wireless communication device 50, content downloaded from the server device 300, a computer program for reproducing the content, and the like. Yes. When the CPU 10 executes the various computer programs, the client device 100 operates.

C. access point:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the access point 200. The access point 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, a storage device 240, a wireless communication device 250, a communication device 260, an automatic setting button 270, and a display lamp 280.

  The ROM 220 stores a computer program for performing communication with the client device, a computer program for performing automatic wireless communication setting to be described later, and the like. The storage device 240 stores communication setting data for performing wireless encrypted communication in the wireless LAN 1 by the wireless communication device 250. The access point 200 operates when the CPU 210 executes the various computer programs.

  The wireless communication device 250 communicates with the client device via a wireless LAN. The communication device 260 communicates with other devices via the Internet INT. The automatic setting button 270 is a button that the user presses when performing automatic wireless communication setting described later. The display lamp 280 lights up or blinks to display the operation state of the access point 200.

D. Server device:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server device 300. The server device 300 includes a CPU 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, a storage device 340, and a communication device 350.

  The storage device 340 stores a computer program for registering registration information in a user management information database 342 (to be described later), a computer program for providing My Portal, a user management information database 342, and a content management database 344. ing. In the user management information database 342, as described later, various information (registration information) related to users who use My Portal and client devices are registered. As will be described later, this registration information is registered when the user of the client device 100 performs my portal use registration. The content management database 344 stores various contents such as music, videos, photos, and games. This content includes paid content and free content.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the user management information database 342. As shown in the figure, the user management information database 342 can process a password, a device name, a CPU code, a MAC address, a credit card number, a settled content name, and data in association with a user ID. The types of file formats, whether access points are open to the public, and the like are registered as registration information. In addition to the illustrated items, the user management information database 342 further includes the user's email address, name, address, gender, age, date of birth, occupation, annual income, and unmarried. In addition, various personal information such as family structure, hobbies, and preferences can be included. As will be described later, the user management information database 342 is referred to whenever the user of the client device 100 uses My Portal.

  The “user ID” corresponds to user identification information in the present invention. The “password” corresponds to authentication information in the present invention. The “MAC address” corresponds to the client device identification information in the present invention. The “credit card number” corresponds to billing information in the present invention. The “name of settled content” corresponds to the settlement information in the present invention. “Type of file format capable of data processing” corresponds to the format information in the present invention. “Publication of access point” corresponds to a use condition in the present invention.

E. Automatic wireless communication settings:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of automatic wireless communication setting. In this automatic wireless communication setting, the client device 100 newly joining the existing wireless LAN 1 having the access point 200 as a relay device communicates with the access point 200, so that the client device 100 can join the wireless LAN 1. This is a process for automatically performing communication settings for connection. The flow of processing executed by the CPU 10 of the client device 100 is shown on the left side of the figure, and the flow of processing executed by the CPU 210 of the access point 200 is shown on the right side of the figure.

  First, when the user of the client device 100 presses the automatic setting button 270 of the access point 200 installed within a predetermined range where the radio wave from the client device 100 reaches, the access point 200 causes the radio wave from the client device 100 to be transmitted. It will be in the state which waits for reception of (association mentioned later). Note that the access point 200 may operate so as to intermittently wait for reception of radio waves from the client device 100 regardless of whether the automatic setting button 270 is pressed.

  When an instruction to perform automatic wireless communication setting by the user is input, the client device 100 performs communication only between the client device 100 and the access point 200. An association is transmitted (step S100), and an access point 200 to be a communication partner is searched.

  When the access point 200 receives the association transmitted by the client apparatus 100, the access point 200 switches its operation mode to the registration mode, and transmits an association response to the client apparatus 100 (step S110). The access point 200 is provided with a registration mode and a normal mode as operation modes. The registration mode is an operation mode for causing the client apparatus 100 to set communication settings for connecting to the wireless LAN 1. The normal mode is an operation mode that functions as a relay device for the wireless LAN 1.

  Upon receiving the response from the access point 200, the client device 100 transmits the product name of the client device 100, the CPU code of the CPU 10, the MAC address, and the like to the access point 200 (step S120).

  When the access point 200 receives a MAC address or the like from the client device 100, the access point 200 assigns an IP address to the client device 100 (step S130), and assigns the product name of the access point 200, the IP address assigned in step S130, and the like to the client device 100. 100 (step S140).

  When the client device 100 receives the IP address or the like from the access point 200, the client device 100 stores the IP address or the like in the storage device 40, and transmits information related to the encryption method that can be used by the client device 100 and a security request to the access point 200. (Step S150).

  When the access point 200 receives information on the encryption methods that can be used from the client device 100 and a security request, the access point 200 is used for information specifying the encryption method to be set by the client device 100 and for encrypting and decrypting data. The communication setting data in the wireless LAN 1 including the WEP key as the key information is transmitted to the client device 100 (step S160). In this embodiment, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is applied as the encryption method. Other encryption methods may be applied.

  The client device 100 transmits a response to the effect that the communication setting data in the wireless LAN 1 has been received to the access point 200 (step S170), stores them in the storage device 40, and sets it to itself (step S180). Then, the process ends.

  When receiving a response from the client device 100, the access point 200 switches the operation mode to the normal mode (step S190) and ends the process.

  With the above processing, the client device 100 can connect to the wireless LAN 1 without the user performing complicated setting work. Further, since communication between the client device 100 and the access point 200 is performed using an initial communication setting for performing communication only between the client device 100 and the access point 200, wiretapping is prevented. Security can be ensured.

F. My portal usage registration:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of My Portal usage registration. This my portal use registration is a process for making the my portal provided by the server device 300 available to the client device 100. The flow of processing executed by the CPU 10 of the client device 100 is shown on the left side of the figure, and the flow of processing executed by the CPU 310 of the server device 300 is shown on the right side of the figure. In My Portal Usage Registration, a user who uses My Portal and a new registration that newly registers a client device, and an additional registration where a registered user adds a client device that uses My Portal are registered. Here, first, new registration will be described. The additional registration will be described later.

  First, the client apparatus 100 transmits a request for a registration information input screen as a user interface for inputting its own MAC address and registration information to be registered in the user management information database 342 to the server apparatus 300 (step S100). S200). This destination URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is stored in the ROM 20 of the client device 100 in advance.

  When the server apparatus 300 receives the MAC address or the like from the client apparatus 100, the server apparatus 300 transmits to the client apparatus 100 a selection screen that allows the user of the client apparatus 100 to select new registration or additional registration (step S210).

  When the client device 100 receives the selection screen from the server device 300, the client device 100 displays the selection screen on the touch screen 110, and the user selects that it is new registration, and transmits the fact that it is new registration to the server device 300 (step S220). ).

  When the server apparatus 300 receives a new registration from the client apparatus 100, the server apparatus 300 transmits a registration information input screen to the client apparatus 100 (step S230).

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a registration information input screen displayed on the touch screen 110 of the client device 100. As shown in the figure, the registration information input screen includes a text box for entering a user ID, password, zip code, address, date of birth, credit card number, gender, and my portal. “Registration” that specifies whether to agree to the terms of use for use, radio buttons for selecting whether or not the access point owned by the user is made public, and transmission of input registration information Buttons are arranged.

  The client apparatus 100 displays the registration information input screen shown in FIG. 8 on the touch screen 110, and various registration information is input by the user according to the displayed registration information input screen (step S240), and the “Register” button is displayed. When pressed, the registration information is transmitted to the server device 300 (step S250).

  When the server apparatus 300 receives the registration information from the client apparatus 100, the server apparatus 300 executes a registration process (step S260). This registration process will be described later.

  When the registration process is completed, the server apparatus 300 transmits the registered user and a dedicated Web page for using the my portal by the client apparatus 100 to the client apparatus 100 (step S270), and ends the process. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user ID and a password are embedded in the URL of a dedicated Web page for using My Portal.

  When the client device 100 receives the dedicated Web page from the server device 300, the client device 100 stores the URL in the storage device 40 (step S280) and ends the process.

  Through the above processing, the client device 100 can access the dedicated Web page described above and use the My Portal provided by the server device 300.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of registration processing in step S260 of FIG. When the server apparatus 300 receives the registration information from the client apparatus 100 (step S261), the server apparatus 300 determines whether or not necessary information is input to the received registration information (step S262). If the necessary information is insufficient (step S262: NO), a screen for re-entering the registration information is transmitted (step S263). On the other hand, if all necessary information has been input (step S262: YES), it is determined whether or not the user of the client device 100 has agreed to open the access point owned by the user in the registration information. Judgment is made (step S264). Here, “the user of the client device 100 agrees to open the access point owned by the user to the public” means that another client device used by another user transmits wirelessly via the access point 200. It means to accept to connect to LAN1.

  If the registration information agrees to public access point access (step S264: YES), the My Portal service is provided free of charge (step S265). This increases the number of users who agree to open access points to the public, so that a communication infrastructure for providing My Portal from the server device 300 via the wireless LAN can be constructed at a relatively low cost. Can do.

  On the other hand, if the user does not agree to public access point access (step S264: NO), the service of the my portal is provided for a fee (step S266), and charging is performed using the credit card number included in the registration information. Processing is executed (step S267). A known technique is applied to this billing process.

  Then, the server apparatus 300 associates the user ID as user identification information included in the registration information with the MAC address as the client apparatus identification information received from the client apparatus 100 in step S200 in the user management information database 342. In addition, registration information is registered in the user management information database 342 (step S268).

  Next, additional registration will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of additional registration in My Portal use registration. The flow of processing executed by the CPU 10 of the client device 100 is shown on the left side of the figure, and the flow of processing executed by the CPU 310 of the server device 300 is shown on the right side of the figure.

  First, the client apparatus 100 transmits a request for a registration information input screen as a user interface for inputting its own MAC address and registration information to be registered in the user management information database 342 to the server apparatus 300 (step S100). S300).

  When the server device 300 receives the MAC address or the like from the client device 100, the server device 300 transmits to the user of the client device 100 a selection screen for selecting whether to newly register or additionally register (step S310).

  When the client device 100 receives the selection screen from the server device 300, the client device 100 displays the selection screen on the touch screen 110, and the user selects the additional registration, and transmits the additional registration to the server device 300 (step S320). ).

  When the server apparatus 300 receives the notification that the registration is additional from the client apparatus 100, the server apparatus 300 transmits a login screen to the client apparatus 100 (step S330). Although illustration is omitted, on the login screen, a text box for inputting a user ID and a password, a transmission button for instructing transmission thereof, and the like are arranged.

  The client device 100 displays the login screen received from the server device 300 on the touch screen 110, and the user ID and password are input by the user according to the displayed login screen (step S340), and the send button is pressed. Then, the user ID and password are transmitted to the server device 300 (step S350).

  When the server apparatus 300 receives the user ID and password from the client apparatus 100, the server apparatus 300 refers to the user management information database 342, and compares the registered contents with the registered contents. The MAC address received in S300 is additionally registered in the user management information database 342 in association with the user ID (step S360). Then, a dedicated Web page for using the My Portal by the additionally registered client device 100 is transmitted to the client device 100 (step S370), and the process ends. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user ID and a password are embedded in the URL of a dedicated Web page for using My Portal.

  When the client device 100 receives the dedicated Web page from the server device 300, the client device 100 stores the URL in the storage device 40 (step S360) and ends the process.

  Through the above processing, the additionally registered client device 100 can access the dedicated Web page described above and use the My Portal provided by the server device 300. That is, the user can use My Portal with a plurality of registered client devices. The number of client devices 100 that can be additionally registered for one user ID can be arbitrarily set on the server device 300 side.

G. Login to My Portal:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of login processing to the my portal. FIG. 11 shows a flow of processing executed by the CPU 310 of the server apparatus 300.

  First, the client device 100 transmits a user ID, a password, and a MAC address to the server device 300 when logging in to a dedicated Web page for using My Portal. The user ID and password are embedded in the URL of the dedicated Web page as described above. The user ID, the password, and the MAC address may be transmitted to the server device 300 at the same time. First, the MAC address is transmitted to the server device 300, and then in response to a request from the server device 300. The user ID and password may be transmitted.

  When the server apparatus 300 receives the user ID, password, and MAC address from the client apparatus 100 (step S400), the server apparatus 300 refers to the user management information database 342, and receives the user ID, password, and It is determined whether or not the combination with the MAC address is registered in the user management information database 342 (step S410). When the combination of the user ID, password, and MAC address received from the client device 100 is registered in the user management information database 342 (step S410: YES), the server device 300 logs in by the client device 100, That is, the use of My Portal is permitted (Step S420), and a dedicated Web page for using My Portal is transmitted to the client device 100 (Step S430). If the combination of the user ID, password, and MAC address received from the client device 100 is not registered in the user management information database 342 (step S410: NO), the server device 300 logs in by the client device 100. Is rejected (step S440), and the fact that login is rejected is transmitted to the client device 100 (step S450).

H. Download content:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of downloading content using My Portal. The flow of processing executed by the CPU 10 of the client device 100 is shown on the left side of the figure, and the flow of processing executed by the CPU 310 of the server device 300 is shown on the right side of the figure. It is assumed that the client device 100 is logged in to a dedicated Web page for using My Portal prior to downloading content.

  In downloading content, first, when a user selects content to be downloaded and instructs the content to be downloaded on the My Portal, the client device 100 transmits a download request for the content (step S500).

  The server device 300 determines whether the content corresponding to the download request received from the client device 100 is paid content or free content (step S510). In the case of paid content (step S510: YES), the server device 300 refers to “settled content” in the user management information database 342 to determine whether or not the paid content has already been settled. (Step S520). If it has not been settled (step S520: NO), the server apparatus 300 performs a billing process (step S530) and registers it as a settled content in the user management information database (step S540).

  Then, the server device 300 refers to the “data processable file format” in the user management information database 342, converts the content format as necessary (step S550), and transmits it to the client device 100 (step S560). ). By doing so, the content provider can provide the content to various client devices only by preparing the content in one format, so the burden on the content creator can be reduced.

  In step S520, when the payment has been completed (step S520: YES), the server apparatus 300 proceeds to step S550 without performing the charging process. By doing so, for example, when the user accidentally deletes the paid content downloaded to the client device 100, the paid content that has already been settled is downloaded again without paying the fee. Can do.

  Even in the case where the content corresponding to the download request received from the client device 100 is free content in step S510 (step S510: NO), the process proceeds to step S550 and the “data processable file format” in the user management information database 342 is reached. , The content format is converted as necessary (step S550) and transmitted to the client device 100 (step S560).

  Upon receiving the content from the server device 300, the client device 100 that has received the content from the server device 300 stores the content in the storage device 40 (step S570). Then, the client device 100 reads the content downloaded from the server device 300 from the storage device 40 and plays it back as appropriate.

  Through the above processing, the user registered in the user management information database 342 can download the content using the my portal only by the registered client device 100. That is, even a user registered in the user management information database 342 can be prevented from downloading content from a client device that is not registered in the user management information database 342. Further, even a client device registered in the user management information database 342 can prevent a user who is not registered in the user management information database 342 from downloading content.

  According to the information service system 1000 described above, in addition to the user ID and password, it is further determined based on the MAC address of the client device 100 whether or not to permit the use of My Portal. Unlimited downloading of content from the server device 300 by the client device 100 that can be connected to the server can be suppressed.

I. Variation:
As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to such embodiment at all, and implementation in various aspects is possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary. It is. For example, the following modifications are possible.

I1. Modification 1:
In the above-described embodiment, the processes of steps S200 to S230 are performed in the my portal usage registration shown in FIG. 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the client device 100 holds the registration information input screen shown in FIG. 8 in the ROM 20 or the storage device 40 in advance, and the registration information input by displaying this registration information input screen is stored in the server device 300. You may make it transmit. Further, the client device 100 may store the registration information in the storage device 40 in advance and transmit it to the server device 300. Further, the access point 200 holds the registration information input screen shown in FIG. 8 in advance in the ROMs 220 and 240, and the client device 100 receives the registration information input screen from the access point 200, and this registration information input screen. May be transmitted to the server apparatus 300.

I2. Modification 2:
In the above embodiment, in the registration process shown in FIG. 9, the usage fee of My Portal is made free on condition that the access point is made public, but this is not a limitation, and other conditions are set. May be. For example, on the condition that the user of the client device 100 receives the advertisement information, the usage fee for My Portal may be free. By doing so, the provider of My Portal can select and determine a user as a distribution destination of advertisement information based on the registered contents of the user management information database 342, and can effectively distribute the advertisement information. Examples of the distribution method of the advertisement information include a so-called advertisement banner, a method of distributing by e-mail, a method of distributing by direct mail or the like via a network.

  Also, based on the above-described conditions, instead of deciding whether or not to charge a fee for using My Portal, for example, it is decided whether or not to give a privilege such as points that can be exchanged for cash or goods. It may be. Further, instead of the above-described conditions, various conditions such as purchasing a predetermined product and becoming a member of a predetermined membership system can be set.

I3. Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, the processing of steps S510 to S540 is performed in the content download shown in FIG. 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of this, for example, the download history of content is registered in the user management information database 342 in association with the user ID, and on the server device 300 side, for each user ID, for each MAC address, for each content, The number of downloads permitted, the period, and the like may be set, and content download may be restricted based on these. Furthermore, these may be combined.

I4. Modification 4:
In the above embodiment, the server device 300 determines whether to permit the use of My Portal based on the user ID received from the server device 300, the password, and the MAC address of the client device 100. Further, it may be determined whether to permit the use of My Portal based on the user ID and the MAC address of the client device 100.

I5. Modification 5:
In the above embodiment, a password is used as the authentication information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, biometric information such as a fingerprint or a vein may be used as the authentication information.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the MAC address was used as client apparatus identification information, it is not restricted to this. As the client device identification information, for example, the manufacturing number of the client device 100 or the CPU number of the CPU provided in the client device may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the credit card number is used as the billing information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user's bank account number may be used as the billing information.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the information service system 1000 as one Example of this invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client device 100. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an access point 200. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server device 300. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the user management information database 342. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of automatic wireless communication setting. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of my portal use registration. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a registration information input screen displayed on a touch screen 110 of the client device 100. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the registration process in FIG.7 S260. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the additional registration in my portal use registration. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the login process to my portal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the download of the content using my portal.

Explanation of symbols

1000 ... Information service system 1 ... Wireless LAN
10 ... CPU
20 ... ROM
30 ... RAM
40 ... Storage device 50 ... Wireless communication device 60 ... Display device 70 ... Input device 100 ... Client device 110 ... Touch screen 120 ... Type operation button 200 ... Access point 210 ... CPU
220 ... ROM
230 ... RAM
240 ... Storage device 250 ... Wireless communication device 260 ... Communication device 270 ... Automatic setting button 280 ... Indicator lamp 300 ... Server device 310 ... CPU
320 ... ROM
330 ... RAM
340 ... Storage device 342 ... User management information database 344 ... Content management database 350 ... Communication devices CL1, CL2, CL3 ... Client device INT ... Internet

Claims (14)

A predetermined client device connectable to a predetermined wireless LAN by wireless communication via a predetermined relay device is predetermined from a predetermined server device connected to the network via a predetermined network including the wireless LAN. Download system for downloading content of
The client device transmits at least user identification information for identifying a user of the client device and client device identification information for identifying the client device to the server device;
From the client device, the server device refers to a user management information database in which at least the user identification information and the client device identification information are registered in association with each other in order to permit the download by the client device. By comparing the received user identification information and the client device identification information with the registered contents of the user management information database, it is determined whether or not the download is permitted, and the download is permitted. In this case, the content is transmitted to the client device in response to the content download request from the client device.
Download system. The download system according to claim 1,
In the user management information database, authentication information used for authentication of the user is registered in association with the user identification information,
The client device further transmits the authentication information,
Whether the server permits the download by referring to the user management information database and further comparing the authentication information received from the client device with the registered content of the user management information database. To judge,
Download system. The download system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The content is paid content,
In the user management information database, charging information used for charging the content is registered in association with the user identification information,
The server device further performs a billing process for the content corresponding to the download request using the billing information.
Download system. The download system according to claim 3,
In the user management information database, payment information related to the content for which the accounting process has been completed is registered in association with the user identification information,
The server device refers to the user management information database when the download request is received from the client device, and when the charging process has already been completed for the content that has received the download request, Transmitting the content to the client device without newly performing the accounting process;
Download system. The download system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the user management information database, a download history for the downloaded content is registered in association with at least the user identification information,
The server device refers to the user management information database when receiving the download request from the client device, and restricts the download based on the download history.
Download system. The download system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
In the user management information database, format information related to a format of content that can be processed by the client device is registered in association with the client device identification information.
When the server device receives the download request from the client device, the server device converts the format of the content corresponding to the download request based on the client device identification information received from the client device, and Send to device,
Download system. A predetermined client device connectable to a predetermined wireless LAN by wireless communication via a predetermined relay device is provided from a predetermined server device connected to the network via a predetermined network including the wireless LAN. An information service system that enables an information service to be used,
Client device identification information for identifying the client device by the client device, and predetermined registration information used for permission to use the information service, at least user identification information for identifying a user of the client device And registration information including
The server device registers the registration information received from the client device in association with the client device identification information in a predetermined user management information database in order to allow the client to use the information service.
Information service system. The information service system according to claim 7,
The server device can register a plurality of the client device identification information in association with each of the user identification information in the user management information database.
Information service system. The information service system according to claim 7 or 8,
Prior to registration of the registration information in the user management information database,
The client device and the relay device perform initial communication with each other with an initial communication setting set in advance to perform communication only between the client device and the relay device. A communication setting process for setting communication settings for connecting to the wireless LAN in the client device;
Information service system. An information service system according to claim 9, wherein
The communication setting includes at least information for specifying an encryption method used for encrypted communication performed between the client device and the relay device, and key information.
Information service system. The information service system according to claim 9 or 10,
The relay device automatically assigns an IP address to the client device during the communication setting process.
Information service system. The information service system according to any one of claims 7 to 11,
The registration information includes information indicating whether or not the user agrees to a predetermined use condition regarding the information service,
The server device, under the first condition for permitting the use of the information service, if the registration information received from the client device includes information to agree to the use conditions A second device for permitting the use of the information service when the client device is permitted to use the information service and the registration information includes information indicating that the use condition is not agreed. Permit use of the information service by the client device under conditions;
Information service system. An information service system according to claim 12,
The relay device is owned by the user,
The usage condition is that another client device used by a user other than the user consents to connect to the wireless LAN via the relay device.
Information service system. The information service system according to claim 12 or 13,
The use condition is that the client device receives predetermined advertisement information.
Information service system.

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