JP2008186183A - Content distribution system and server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prompt a user to use a content. <P>SOLUTION: When a content CT is newly purchased by the user of a content reproduction terminal 22, a control part 31 of a provision server 21 sets a content use period VC and a period of validity of user information VU independently of each other, and thereafter registers user information IU in a user information database DB1. Thereafter, when it is after a lapse of the content use period VC and before a lapse of the period of validity of user information VU when the user accesses a content management site or the like so as to reproduce the already purchased content CT, extension purchase of the content is guided to make the content CT purchased by extension with comparatively easy operation, and the reproduction can be newly prompted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system and a server, and is suitable for application to a content distribution system that distributes content from a server to a terminal and reproduces the content, for example.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a content distribution system, a terminal that reproduces content performs so-called streaming reproduction that receives and reproduces the content by communicating with a server that owns the content via a network such as the Internet. What has been made to do is proposed.

As one form of such a content distribution system, after performing predetermined billing processing, etc., content usage information including a user identifier UID assigned to a user, a terminal ID assigned to a terminal, content information, and the like is registered. Some set a predetermined usage period. In this case, the terminal can receive and reproduce the content from the server only during the usage period (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-304330 A (FIG. 2)

  By the way, in such a content distribution system, when registering content usage information, user information including a plurality of items such as a user's name and address, an e-mail address, or a credit card number is input. The user is troublesome.

  Therefore, in the content distribution system, when update registration processing or the like by the user is performed before the use period ends, the user can save time and effort to input the user information again by resetting the use period. .

  On the other hand, since the content distribution system is based on the premise that the content cannot be used after the end of the usage period as a basic mechanism, for example, the content usage information may be deleted when the usage period ends. It is done. For this reason, in the content distribution system, when the user uses the content whose usage period has once ended, it is necessary to input the user information again.

  Here, when the user's interest in the content is relatively low, there is a possibility that the user does not want to use the content until it takes time to input the user information.

  That is, the content distribution system has a problem that although the user intends to use the content at least, the use procedure takes time and the opportunity for providing the content is lost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and intends to propose a content distribution system and server that can prompt users to use content.

  In order to solve this problem, the content distribution system of the present invention is a content distribution system having a server that distributes content and a terminal device that can communicate with the server and reproduce content distributed from the server. The server responds to a request from a storage unit that stores user registration information of a user registered through the terminal device, a server communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, and a user terminal device in which the user registration information is registered. Content usage time limit setting means for setting the content usage time limit for the user, and user registration expiration date for setting the expiration date of the user registration information after a predetermined period of time from the content usage time limit set by the content usage time limit setting means. User registration information is registered based on the setting means and the expiration date of the content Control means for controlling whether or not the content can be played back on the user's terminal device, and if the content usage time limit setting means is after the expiration of the content usage time and before the expiration date of the user registration information, the user registration information In response to a request from the terminal device of the user who is registered, the expiration date of the content for the user is reset, and the terminal device receives from the server via the terminal communication means that communicates with the server and the terminal communication means Reproduction means for reproducing the content that has been reproduced under the control of the server is provided.

  As a result, if the usage period of the content has passed and before the expiration date of the user registration information, the user can use the content again without forcing the user to perform complicated procedures for newly using the content. The expiration date can be reset.

  Further, in the server of the present invention, a server that distributes the content to a terminal device that reproduces the content, a storage unit that stores user registration information of a user registered through the terminal device, a terminal device, In response to a request from a terminal device of a user whose user registration information is registered, a communication means for communicating, a content use time limit setting means for setting a use time limit of the content for the user, and an expiration date of the user registration information. User registration expiration date setting means that is set after a predetermined period from the content usage time limit set by the content usage time limit setting means, and reproduction of content on the terminal device of the user whose user registration information is registered based on the content usage time limit Control means for controlling availability, and the content use time limit setting means If the expiration date previous elapsed after and user registration information of the usage period, and to re-set the expiration date of the content to the user in response to a request from the terminal device of the user that user registration information is registered.

  As a result, if the usage period of the content has passed and before the expiration date of the user registration information, the user can use the content again without forcing the user to perform complicated procedures for newly using the content. The expiration date can be reset.

  According to the present invention, if the usage period of the content has passed and before the expiration date of the user registration information, the user can use the content again without forcing the user to perform complicated procedures for newly using the content. Thus, it is possible to realize a content distribution system and server that can reset the usage time limit so that the user can be urged to use the content.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overview of Content Usage Management System First, an overview of the content usage management system will be described, and then the embodiment will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the content use management system 1 is configured by connecting a server 2 and a plurality of terminals 3A, 3B, 3C,... To each other via a network NW.

  The server 2 includes a storage unit 4 that stores user registration information of a user registered through the terminal 3, a server communication unit 5 that communicates with the terminal 3, and a user terminal 3 in which the user registration information is registered. In response to the request, the content usage time limit setting unit 6 that sets the usage time limit of the content for the user and the expiration date of the user registration information after a predetermined period from the usage time limit of the content set by the content usage time limit setting unit 6 A user registration expiration date setting unit 7 to be set and a control unit 8 for controlling whether or not the content can be reproduced on the terminal 3 of the user in which the user registration information is registered based on the content usage time limit.

  A plurality of terminals 3 </ b> A, 3 </ b> B, 3 </ b> C (hereinafter simply referred to as “terminal 3”) are a terminal communication unit 11 that communicates with the server 2 and content received from the server 2 via the terminal communication unit 11. And a reproducing unit 12 that reproduces the data based on the control of the server 2.

  With such a system configuration, the content usage management system 1 can save the trouble of re-registering the user registration information by enabling the user registration information for a predetermined period even after the content usage period. Since the usage period of the content can be easily reset, it is possible to prompt the user to re-register effectively.

(2) Specific Example of Embodiment (2-1) Overall Configuration of Content Distribution System Next, a specific example of the embodiment will be described. In FIG. 2, a content distribution system 20 is a specific example of the content usage management system 1 described above, manages information related to users (hereinafter referred to as user registration information IU) and provides content CT made up of, for example, music data. And a content reproduction terminal 22A, 22B, 22C,... That is connected to the provision server 21 via the network NW, registers user registration information IU, and receives and reproduces content. .

  Here, the providing server 21 is a specific example of the server 2 described above. The content playback terminals 22A, 22B, 22C,... Are configured in the same manner, and are hereinafter referred to as content playback terminals 22.

(2-2) Basic Configuration of Providing Server and Content Playing Terminal As shown in FIG. 3, the providing server 21 is configured to perform overall control by a control unit 31 having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) configuration. In addition, the providing server 21 has a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33 connected to each other via a bus 30.

  The storage unit 32 stores a large number of contents CT to be distributed to the content reproduction terminal 22 and a user information database DB1 that manages information related to the user of the content reproduction terminal 22. In addition, the communication unit 33 can perform communication processing with each content reproduction terminal 22 via the network NW, and can distribute content CT and the like.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the content reproduction terminal 22 is configured to perform overall control by a control unit 41 having a CPU configuration. In the content reproduction terminal 22, a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, an operation unit 43, a display unit 44, a reproduction processing unit 45, a communication unit 46, and a card reading unit 47 are connected to each other via a bus 40.

  The operation unit 43 includes a group of operation buttons (not shown) and the like. For example, the operation unit 43 receives an operation such as a content CT reproduction instruction from the user and supplies the operation command to the control unit 41 as an operation command. At this time, the control unit 41 causes the display unit 44 to display a display screen corresponding to the operation command, and requests the providing server 21 to distribute the content CT via the communication unit 46.

  In response to this, when the content CT is distributed from the providing server 21, the control unit 41 of the content reproduction terminal 22 acquires the content CT via the communication unit 46 and temporarily accumulates it in the storage unit 42 (that is, The content CT is streamed and reproduced by sequentially supplying it to the reproduction processing unit 45.

  Incidentally, in the content distribution system 20, it is assumed that the content CT is not stored in the content playback terminal 22 but is streamed by the content playback terminal 22. In practice, the content distribution system 20 allows the user to purchase the right to stream-play the content CT for a certain period (for example, one year). In response, the content reproduction terminal 22 can reproduce the content.

  The card reading unit 47 performs short-range wireless communication with the contactless card RC. This non-contact type card RC has a non-volatile storage unit (not shown) inside, and stores, for example, a user identifier UID and a password that are individually given to the user.

  When the contactless card RC is held close to the card reader 47, the card reader 47 establishes wireless communication with the contactless card RC and reads the user identifier UID and password from the contactless card RC. This is supplied to the control unit 41. In response to this, the control unit 41 recognizes a user holding the non-contact type card RC over the card reading unit 47 as a regular user. The card reader 47 is also configured to read an individual card identifier previously assigned to the contactless card RC and supply it to the controller 41. In this case, the control unit 41 can individually recognize the contactless card RC.

  The content playback terminal 22 is individually assigned a terminal identifier and stored in the storage unit 42, and can read the terminal identifier as necessary.

(2-3) Functional Configuration of Providing Server and Content Reproducing Terminal Next, functional configurations of the providing server 21 and the content reproducing terminal 22 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 corresponding to FIGS.

  The storage unit 32 of the providing server 21 stores a user information database DB1 in which user information IU for each user is stored and a content storage unit SC in which content CT is stored. The control unit 31 executes a predetermined content providing program or the like, thereby transmitting a Web server function unit 51 that transmits various Web contents, an access management function unit 52 that performs a comparison verification process of the user identifier UID, and the user information database DB1. A data maintenance function unit 53 that performs maintenance of the information and an identification information authentication function unit 54 that authenticates information read from the contactless card RC are configured. The control unit 31 and the communication unit 33 constitute a secure communication function unit 55 that encrypts and transmits data.

  On the other hand, the control unit 41 of the content reproduction terminal 22 constitutes a web browser function unit 41 that displays web content on the display unit 44, constitutes a secure communication function unit 62 together with the communication unit 46, and card together with the card reading unit 47. The reading function unit 63 is configured.

(2-3-1) Purchase of New Content In practice, when the user of the content reproduction terminal 22 newly purchases the content CT, the content reproduction terminal 22 is operated by the operation unit 43 (FIG. 4) by the user. As a result, the Web browser screen is displayed on the display unit 44, and the content management site for purchasing and reproducing the content CT is accessed.

  At this time, the Web browser function unit 61 (FIG. 5) of the content reproduction terminal 22 establishes a communication connection with the Web server function unit 51 of the providing server 21 via the secure communication function unit 62, the network NW, and the secure communication function unit 55. Then, the contents of the content management site are displayed on the display unit 44 (FIG. 4).

  When the web browser function unit 61 accepts a new purchase operation for purchasing new content CT via the operation unit 43 (FIG. 4) by the user, the web browser function unit 61 connects to the content purchase site provided by the web server function unit 51. Here, the web browser function unit 61 causes the user to select content CT to be purchased, causes the user to input information about the user such as a name, an e-mail address, and a credit card number, and transmits the input content to the web server function unit 51.

  The web server function unit 51 supplies information related to the user acquired from the web browser function unit 61 to the access management function unit 52.

  The access management function unit 52 newly issues a user identifier UID and a password PW for identifying the user to the user and passes them to the Web server function unit 51. The access management function unit 52 also gives a credit card number and the like to a charging server (not shown). The billing process is performed by sending it. Further, the access management function unit 52 acquires information on the content CT selected by the user from the Web server function unit 51, and delivers the selected content CT to the Web server function unit 51.

  At this time, the access management function unit 52 sets the content usage period VC that can use the content CT to a date after a predetermined period (for example, one year later), and further sets the user information expiration period VU as the expiration date of the user information IU. Then, the date is set to a date after a predetermined period (for example, three months later) from the content usage period VC.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the access management function unit 52 identifies a user profile UPF representing information about the user such as a user identifier UID, a password PW, a user name, an e-mail address, and a credit card number, and a content CT. Are stored in the user information database DB1 as one piece of user information IU.

  Incidentally, a plurality of user information IUs are stored in the user information database DB1.

  The Web server function unit 51 sequentially transmits the content CT together with the issued user identifier UID and password PW via the secure communication function unit 55, the network NW, and the secure communication function unit 62 of the content reproduction terminal 22 to the Web browser function unit 61. Delivered to.

  The web browser function unit 61 of the content playback terminal 22 stores the issued user identifier UID and password PW in the storage unit 42 (FIG. 4) and plays back the distributed content CT while buffering the storage unit 42. By supplying it to the processing unit 45, the content CT is reproduced.

(2-3-2) Updating User Information Database The data maintenance function unit 53 of the control unit 31 is configured to update the user information database DB1 periodically (for example, once every day).

  The user information expiration date VU set in each user information IU of the user information database DB1 represents the expiration date of the user information IU. Therefore, if the user information expiration date VU is earlier than the current date, that is, if the expiration date of the user information IU has passed, the user information IU becomes invalid and used. There is no.

  Therefore, the data maintenance function unit 53 sequentially compares the user information expiration date VU set in each user information IU of the user information database DB1 with the current date, and the user information expiration date VU is before the current date. Certain user information IUs are deleted sequentially.

  As a result, the data maintenance function unit 53 can delete the user information IU, which is invalid information after the user information expiration date VU, is left invalid, and leave only the valid user information expiration date VU. The scale of the information database DB1 can be maintained so as not to be unnecessarily large.

(2-3-3) Reproduction of Purchased Content When the user reproduces the purchased content CT, the content reproduction terminal 22 displays the display unit by operating the operation unit 43 (FIG. 4) by the user. A web browser screen is displayed at 44 to access the content management site.

  At this time, the Web browser function unit 61 (FIG. 5) of the content reproduction terminal 22 establishes a communication connection with the Web server function unit 51 of the providing server 21 via the secure communication function unit 62, the network NW, and the secure communication function unit 55. The user identifier UID and password are read from the storage unit 42 and transmitted.

  The Web server function unit 51 passes the transmitted user identifier UID and password (hereinafter referred to as a received user identifier UID and a received password) to the access management function unit 52. The access management function unit 52 retrieves the user information IU corresponding to the received user identifier UID from the user information database DB1, and collates the registered user identifier UID and password with the received user identifier UID and received password. .

  When the user identifier UID and the password match, the access management function unit 52 next compares the content usage period VC with the current date. If the content usage period VC is after the current date, that is, within the usage period, the content CT corresponding to the content ID of the user information IU is read from the content storage unit SC and transferred to the Web server function unit 51.

  The Web server function unit 51 distributes the content CT to the Web browser function unit 61 via the secure communication function unit 55, the network NW, and the secure communication function unit 62 of the content playback terminal 22 in order, as in the case of content purchase, and playback. The processing unit 45 causes the content CT to be reproduced.

  As described above, in the content distribution system 20, if the content usage period VC of the content purchased by the user is within the usage period, the content playback terminal 22 distributes the content CT from the providing server 21 according to the user's playback operation. It is designed to be received and played back.

(2-3-4) Content Repurchase after User Information Expiration Date On the other hand, when the user information expiration date VU that is the expiration date of the user information IU related to the user has already passed, that is, the user identifier UID of the user is If it becomes invalid, the data maintenance function unit 53 deletes the user information IU from the user information database DB1 as described above.

  In this case, even if the access management function unit 52 receives the user identifier UID transmitted from the Web browser function unit 61 from the Web server function unit 51, the user information IU having the same user identifier UID from the user information database DB1. Cannot be detected. For this reason, the access management function unit 52 notifies the Web server function unit 51 that the user identifiers UID do not match.

  The Web server function unit 51 indicates that the user identifier UID does not match, and prompts for confirmation that the user identifier UID is correct, and also indicates that the user identifier UID may have expired. In addition, a confirmation notification Web content for guiding the procedure for purchasing the content CT is generated, and this is sequentially transmitted through the secure communication function unit 55, the network NW, and the secure communication function unit 62 of the content reproduction terminal 22 as a Web browser function. Delivered to the unit 61 and displayed.

  In this case, even if the content distribution system 20 purchases the content CT that the user has purchased in the past again, since the user information IU is not registered in the user information database DB1, the content CT It is designed to require the same procedures as for new purchases.

  That is, in the content distribution system 20, if the user information IU is deleted from the user information database DB1, even if the user has purchased the same content CT in the past, a new purchase is made for the user. In the same way as above, information about the user such as name, e-mail address, credit card number, etc. is input.

(2-3-5) Extended purchase of content within the user information expiration date The access management function unit 52, on the other hand, matches the user identifier UID and password PW, but the content usage date VC is earlier than the current date. That is, if the expiration date of use has passed, the Web server function unit 51 is notified that the expiration date of the content CT has already passed and before the expiration date of the user identifier UID.

  In this case, the Web server function unit 51 indicates that the usage period of the content CT has already passed although it is before the expiration date of the user identifier UID, and that the content CT can be reproduced again. An extended purchase notification Web content that prompts purchase (hereinafter referred to as an extended purchase) is generated, and this is sequentially transmitted through the secure communication function unit 55, the network NW, and the secure communication function unit 62 of the content reproduction terminal 22 to the Web browser function unit. Delivered to 61 and displayed.

  In this case, user information IU related to the user of the content reproduction terminal 22 is effectively registered in the user information database DB1 of the providing server 21. For this reason, the web browser function unit 61 can receive an extended purchase instruction for the content CT and transmit it to the web server function unit 51 by a relatively easy operation such as pressing a predetermined button by the user. Yes.

  The Web server function unit 51 notifies the access management function unit 52 that the extended purchase instruction has been accepted. In response to this, the access management function unit 52 updates the content usage time limit VC in the user information IU of the user registered in the user information database UI to a date after a predetermined period (for example, one year later) from that day, Further, the user information expiration date VU is updated to a date after a predetermined period (for example, three months later) from the content usage expiration date VC.

  As a result, the content usage time limit VC again falls within the usage period, so that the content playback terminal 22 can play back the content CT based on the user's operation.

  In this way, the content distribution system 20 leaves the user information IU in the user information database DB1 until the user information expiration date VU, so that the user information expiration date VU can be set even after the expiration date of the content CT. If the content CT is not yet elapsed, the user can be made to purchase the content CT by a relatively easy operation.

(2-3-6) Extension of User Information Expiration Date by Access Further, as described above, the access management function unit 52 is within the validity period of the user information expiration date VU and after the content use expiration date VC has elapsed. In addition, the user may receive access to a content management site or the like. In this case, since the user information IU has already passed the content usage time limit VC, the user information expiration date VU will soon pass and become invalid.

  On the other hand, since the user has accessed the content management site or the like by his / her own operation, it is determined that he / she intends to continue using the content distribution system 20.

  Therefore, the access management function unit 52 sets the user information expiration date VU for a predetermined period when the user who is after the content usage time limit VC and before the user information expiration date VU is accessed to the content management site or the like. It is designed to extend (for example, 30 days).

  Thereby, the access management function part 52 can extend the period during which the content CT can be purchased for extension to the user who intends to continue using the content distribution system 20.

(2-4) Content Purchase and Playback Processing Next, a content new purchase sequence when the user of the content playback terminal 22 newly purchases content CT in the content distribution system 20 and the content CT from the content playback terminal 22 The content playback request response processing procedure when the providing server 21 responds to the playback request will be described.

(2-4-1) New Content Purchase Processing When the control unit 41 of the content reproduction terminal 22 receives an instruction to access the content management site through the operation of the operation unit 43 by the user, the new content purchase in FIG. The routine RT2 in the sequence is started, and the process proceeds to step SP11. In step SP11, the control unit 41 establishes a connection with the Web server function unit 51 to access the content management site by the Web browser function unit 61.

  On the other hand, the providing server 21 waits for a connection from the content reproduction terminal 22, and upon receiving access to the content management site from the content reproduction terminal 22, starts the routine RT1 and proceeds to step SP1.

  In step SP1, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 establishes a connection with the web browser function unit 61 by using the web server function unit 51, and transmits the web content of the content management site.

  In response to this, the control unit 41 of the content reproduction terminal 22 proceeds to step SP12, accesses the content purchase site from the content management site, and proceeds to the next step SP13.

  The control unit 31 of the providing server 21 allows the user to select the content CT to be purchased by the Web browser function unit 61, and further causes the user to provide information about the user such as the name, e-mail address, and credit card number. Send.

  In response to this, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 receives the information related to the content CT and the user to be purchased by the Web server function unit 51, and proceeds to the next step SP4.

  In step SP4, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 issues the user identifier UID and the password PW by the access management function unit 52, sets the content usage period VC and the user information expiration period VU, and sets these as user information UI. Register in the user information database DB1 and move to the next step SP5.

  In step SP5, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 transmits the content CT together with the issued user identifier UID and password PW to the content reproduction terminal 22 by the Web server function unit 51, and proceeds to the next step SP6 to end the routine RT1. To do.

  In response to this, the control unit 41 of the content reproduction terminal 22 receives the content CT together with the user identifier UID and the password PW in step SP14 by the web browser function unit 61, and proceeds to the next step SP15.

  In step SP15, the control unit 41 of the content reproduction terminal 22 stores the user identifier UID and the password PW in the storage unit 42, and proceeds to the next step SP16.

  In step SP16, the control unit 41 of the content reproduction terminal 22 reproduces the content CT by the reproduction processing unit 45, moves to next step SP17, and ends the routine RT2.

(2-4-2) Content Reproduction Request Corresponding Process Next, the content reproduction request corresponding processing procedure when the providing server 21 responds to the content CT reproduction request from the content reproduction terminal 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. explain.

  When receiving the content reproduction request from the content reproduction terminal 22, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 starts the content reproduction request handling processing procedure RT3 and proceeds to step SP21. In step SP21, the control unit 31 receives the user identifier UID and password PW transmitted from the web browser function unit 61 of the content reproduction terminal 22, and proceeds to the next step SP22.

  In step SP22, the control unit 31 uses the access management function unit 52 to search the user information database DB1 for user information IU having a user identifier UID that matches the received user identifier UID, and proceeds to the next step SP23.

  In step SP23, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the access management function unit 52 has detected the user information IU having the same user identifier UID from the user information database DB1. If a positive result is obtained here, this means that at least the user information IU valid for the user of the content reproduction terminal 22 is registered in the user information database DB1, and at this time, the control unit 31 Control goes to step SP24.

  In step SP24, the control unit 31 uses the access management function unit 52 to read the user information IU having the matching user identifier UID from the user information database DB1, and proceeds to the next step SP25.

  In step SP25, the control unit 31 uses the access management function unit 52 to determine whether or not the content usage time limit VC has elapsed. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the user of the content reproduction terminal 22 has a valid right to reproduce the content CT. At this time, the control unit 31 proceeds to the next step SP26. Move.

  In step SP26, the control unit 31 transmits the content CT read from the content storage unit SC by the access management function unit 52 to the content reproduction terminal 22 by the web server function unit 51, and proceeds to the next step SP32 to perform a series of content reproduction requests. The handling procedure RT3 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP25, this means that although the content usage time limit VC has already passed, it is still before the user information expiration date VU has passed, so the user can purchase the content for extension. At this time, the controller 31 proceeds to the next step SP27.

  In step SP27, the control unit 31 uses the access management function unit 52 to update the user information expiration date VU so as to extend a predetermined period (for example, 30 days), and proceeds to the next step SP28.

  In step SP28, the control unit 31 guides the extension purchase of the content CT by transmitting the Web content for extension purchase notification to the content reproduction terminal 22 by the Web server function unit 51, and proceeds to the next step SP29.

  In step SP <b> 29, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the content CT has been extended and purchased by the user of the content reproduction terminal 22 by the Web server function unit 51. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the user information IU needs to be updated. At this time, the control unit 31 proceeds to the next step SP30.

  In step SP30, the control unit 31 updates the content usage time limit VC and the user information expiration date VU of the user information IU by the access management function unit 52, and transmits the content CT to the content reproduction terminal 22 by the Web server function unit 51. After the above, the process proceeds to the next step SP32, and the series of content reproduction request handling processing procedure RT3 is completed.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP23, this means that the user information IU corresponding to the user identifier UID has already been deleted because the user information expiration date VU has passed, and the content CT is reproduced. Represents that it is necessary to newly purchase again. At this time, the control unit 31 proceeds to the next step SP31.

  In step SP31, the control unit 31 guides the new purchase of the content CT by transmitting the Web content for new purchase guidance by the web server function unit 51, and then proceeds to the next step SP32 to execute a series of content reproduction requests. The handling procedure RT3 is terminated.

(3) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, when the content CT is newly purchased by the user of the content playback terminal 22, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 provides information on the user such as a user name, an email address, and a credit card number. , A user identifier UID and a password PW are issued, the content usage period VC is set to a date after a predetermined period (for example, one year later), and the user information expiration date VU is set as the content usage period VC. Is set to a date after a predetermined period (for example, three months later), and the user information IU is registered in the user information database DB1.

  After that, when the user accesses the content management site or the like to reproduce the purchased content CT, the control unit 31 sets the content CT to the content CT if the content usage time limit VC and the user information expiration time VU have not elapsed. On the other hand, if the content usage time limit VC has passed and before the user information expiration date VU has passed, the extension purchase of the content is guided.

  Accordingly, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 can cause the content CT to be extended and purchased with a relatively easy operation even after the content usage period VC has passed and the content CT cannot be reproduced. The content CT can be reproduced again.

  In this case, since the user information IU of the user is registered in the user information database DB1, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 relates to a user such as a name, an e-mail address, and a credit card number necessary for a new purchase. For example, it is possible to make purchases by simply clicking on a predetermined button on the screen several times without having to input information. You do n’t have to.

  In addition, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 guides the user that the content CT can be reproduced again by an easy operation of extension purchase, for example, “although the user is interested in the content CT, it performs a cumbersome procedure. The reason for purchasing the content CT can also be given to a user who is relatively less interested, such as “I do not want to play the content CT”.

  On the other hand, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 can strictly manage the usage period of the content CT related to billing by managing the content usage time limit VC and the user information expiration date VU independently of each other. The user information IU for providing easy procedures to the user can be set longer.

  Furthermore, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 sets the user information expiration date VU for a predetermined period (when a user who is after the content usage time limit VC and before the user information expiration date VU is accessed to the content management site or the like). By extending (for example, 30 days), the purchase opportunity of the content CT can be further increased.

  According to the above configuration, when the content CT is newly purchased by the user of the content playback terminal 22, the control unit 31 of the providing server 21 sets the content usage period VC and the user information expiration period VU independently of each other. When the user information IU is registered in the user information database DB1 and then the user accesses a content management site or the like to reproduce the purchased content CT, the content usage time limit VC has passed and before the user information expiration date VU has passed. Then, by guiding the extended purchase of the content, the content CT can be extended and purchased and reproduced again with a relatively easy operation.

(4) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the content CT cannot be reproduced after the content usage time limit VC has elapsed and before the user information expiration date VU has elapsed. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content CT can be reproduced only for a predetermined time (30 seconds), or the bit rate of the content CT can be reduced so that the content CT can be reproduced with low sound quality. You may do it. In addition to the reproduction of the content CT, for example, a part of services that can be used from the content management site before the expiration of the content usage period VC may be disabled.

  Furthermore, depending on the elapsed time from the content usage time limit VC, the content CT can be used over time, such as gradually shortening the reproducible time of the content CT, degrading the sound quality, and further reducing the services that can be used. The possible services may deteriorate or decrease, or the conditions that are disadvantageous to the user may increase. Alternatively, the amount necessary for the extension purchase may be discounted to some extent in advance, and the discount rate may be gradually reduced to gradually increase the amount. Thereby, it can be expected that the necessity of extending the content to the user is gradually increased.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the user information expiration date VU is set to a predetermined period (for example, when a user who has accessed the content management site or the like after the content usage time limit VC has elapsed and before the user information expiration date VU has elapsed). Although the case of extending 30 days) has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user information expiration date VU may not be extended. Alternatively, instead of extending the user information expiration date VU, other advantages may be given to the user, such as increasing available services.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the period from the content usage period VC to the user information expiration period VU is uniquely determined has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the user usage history is recorded. Alternatively, the period may be changed depending on the degree of the usage history. The same applies to the length of the period in which the user information expiration date VU is extended when a user who has accessed the content management site after the content usage expiration date VC has elapsed and before the user information expiration date VU has elapsed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the user identifier UID and the password PW are stored in the storage unit 42 of the content reproduction terminal 22 and automatically transmitted when accessing the content management site or the like has been described. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the terminal identifier assigned to the content playback terminal 22 is automatically transmitted when accessing the content management site or the like. The user identifier UID and the password PW may be stored in the contactless card RC (FIG. 4) via the password and not stored in the storage unit 42.

  In this case, when the user manages the contactless card RC and the user accesses the content management site or the like, the user identifier UID and the user identifier UID and The password PW can be transmitted to the providing server 21. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized acts such as a third party to access the content management site without permission and purchase the content CT without permission, thereby improving security.

  In this case, instead of storing the user identifier UID and the password PW in the contactless card RC, the identification information authentication function unit 54 of the providing server 21 authenticates the card identifier individually attached to the contactless card RC. Anyway. For example, in the content distribution system 20, when the content CT is newly purchased, the card identifier is transmitted to the reading server 21 by the card reading function unit 63 of the content reproduction terminal 22 and authenticated by the identification information authentication function unit 54 and then the user information. If it is registered in the IU and the user accesses the content management site or the like, the card identifier is transmitted again from the content reproduction terminal 22 to the providing server 21, and the identification information authentication function unit 54 authenticates the user. Good.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the data maintenance function unit 53 deletes the user information IU invalidated after the user information expiration date VU from the user information database DB1 has been described. For example, a valid flag indicating that the user information IU is valid or invalid may be set in each user information IU.

  In this case, for example, the data maintenance function unit 53 sets the validity flag of the user information IU that has been invalidated after the user information validity period VU to “invalid”, and the access management function when reproducing the content CT, for example. The user information IU for which the validity flag is set to “invalid” may be handled as invalid by the unit 52.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content CT is music data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the content CT is not limited to video data such as movies, programs such as games, and various data. These data may be used, or these may be mixed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content reproduction terminal 22 downloads the content CT every time the content CT is reproduced, that is, the case where the streaming reproduction is performed is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after setting an expiration date for the content CT, only the first time may be transmitted from the providing server 21 to the content reproduction terminal 22 and stored in the storage unit 42 or the like of the content reproduction terminal 22. In this case, for example, the content reproduction terminal 22 or the providing server 21 may confirm whether or not the content CT is within the usage period, and may be able to reproduce the content CT only within the usage period. Further, streaming playback and stored content CT playback may be combined.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content reproduction terminal 22 has the reproduction processing unit 45 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, mainly a communication function such as a so-called set top box. In addition, the content may be downloaded only by specializing the operation accepting function, and the reproduction process may be performed by an external audio system, a television device, or the like.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which each function shown in FIG. 5 is realized by software by the provision server 21 executing a predetermined content provision program or the like. For example, each function may be realized by hardware, or each function may be realized by mixing software and hardware. The same applies to the content reproduction terminal 22.

  The present invention can also be used in various services for distributing content.

It is a basic diagram which shows the outline | summary of a content utilization management system. It is a basic diagram which shows the whole structure of a content delivery system. It is a rough block diagram which shows the structure of a provision server. It is a basic block diagram which shows the structure of a content reproduction terminal. It is a basic block diagram which shows the function structure of a content delivery system. It is a basic diagram which shows the content of user information. It is a sequence chart which shows a content purchase sequence. It is a flowchart which shows a content reproduction request response process sequence.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content use management system, 2 ... Server, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C ... Terminal, 4 ... Memory | storage part, 5 ... Server communication part, 6 ... Content use restriction setting part, 7 ... User Registration expiration date setting unit, 8... Control unit, 11... Terminal communication unit, 12 .. reproduction unit, 20... Content distribution system, 21 .. providing server, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C. , 31 ... control unit, 32 ... storage unit, 33 ... communication unit, 41 ... control unit, 42 ... storage unit, 46 ... communication unit, 51 ... Web server function unit, 52 ... access management Function unit 53 …… Data maintenance function unit 61 …… Browser function unit NW …… Network, DB1 …… User information database, IU …… User information, UID …… User identifier, PW …… Password, VC …… Conte Tsu expiration date, VU ...... user information expiration date, RC ...... non-contact type card.

Claims (6)

A content distribution system having a server for distributing content and a terminal device that can communicate with the server and reproduce content distributed from the server,
The server
Storage means for storing user registration information of users registered via the terminal device;
Server communication means for communicating with the terminal device;
Content usage time limit setting means for setting a usage time limit of the content for the user in response to a request from the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered;
User registration expiration date setting means for setting the expiration date of the user registration information after a predetermined period from the usage date of the content set by the content usage time limit setting means;
Control means for controlling whether or not the content can be reproduced in the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered, based on the expiration date of the content.
The content usage time limit setting means, if the content usage time limit has passed and before the expiration date of the user registration information, in response to a request from the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered, Reset the expiration date of the above content for
The terminal device is
A terminal communication means for communicating with the server;
A content distribution system comprising: reproduction means for reproducing the content received from the server via the terminal communication means, based on control of the server. If the user registration expiration date setting means receives a request from the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered after the expiration date of use of the content and before the expiration date of the user registration information, The content delivery system according to claim 1, wherein an expiration date of the user registration information relating to the password is reset. The content usage time limit setting means
After the use period of the content, the usable range of the content by the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered is gradually reduced according to the length of the elapsed period from the use period. The content distribution system according to claim 1. The control means includes
When communication is received from the terminal device of the user who has registered the user registration information after the expiration date of the user registration information, the user registration information is connected to a user registration site for registering the user registration information. The content distribution system according to claim 1. The control means includes
5. The content distribution system according to claim 4, wherein a procedure relating to the use of the content is immediately started by inputting information based on the user registration information on the user registration site on behalf of the user. A server that distributes the content to a terminal device that reproduces the content,
Storage means for storing user registration information of users registered via the terminal device;
A communication means for communicating with the terminal device;
Content usage time limit setting means for setting a usage time limit of the content for the user in response to a request from the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered;
User registration expiration date setting means for setting the expiration date of the user registration information after a predetermined period from the usage date of the content set by the content usage time limit setting means;
Control means for controlling whether or not the content can be reproduced in the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered, based on the expiration date of the content.
The content usage time limit setting means, if the content usage time limit has passed and before the expiration date of the user registration information, in response to a request from the terminal device of the user in which the user registration information is registered, A server characterized by resetting the expiration date of the above content for.

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