JP2009003870A - Contents delivery system and contents delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To authenticate a user in an information delivery system using an RSS. <P>SOLUTION: An RSS information delivery server 2x sends the RSS of regulating a password-added URL of adding this password to a URL, by generating the password, when a user computer 3 is registered (4). The user computer 3 requests downloading from this URL (5). A contents delivery server 5 takes out the password from the password-added URL, and inquires of the RSS information delivery server 2x (6). The RSS information delivery server 2x transmits whether or not the taken-out password is normally issued to the contents delivery server 5 (7). The contents delivery server 5 delivers a contents file specified by the URL except for a password part among the URL in a file name of requesting the downloading. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution apparatus, and more particularly to an authentication process.

  Today, podcasting is widely known. Podcasting refers to uploading an audio file to a content distribution server, downloading it to a user terminal or the like, storing it, and listening to it at a timing desired by the user. Video casting that distributes moving image data as well as music files is also known.

  Also, in the content distribution method, the update time of the site is embedded with XML-format metadata, and the download application program installed in the user terminal periodically checks this, and even if the content has already been downloaded, There is also known an RSS distribution method that automatically downloads the URL when it is updated.

  However, for example, in paid content distribution, it is necessary to confirm whether a user who desires to download has a legitimate authority. On the other hand, since the download application program does not support user authentication processing, the download using the RSS cannot be performed.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem and, if the content distribution server is specified in this way, in the content data distribution system that collects the uploaded content on the user side, It aims to provide a method.

  1) A content distribution system according to the present invention includes: A) a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the URI of the content file is made from a data download computer; B) the content distribution An RSS information distribution server that distributes an XML file that stores RSS information of a content file in the server. C) With respect to the registered RSS information distribution server, an XML file acquisition request is made every predetermined time, and the acquired XML file If the RSS information has been updated, a data download computer that makes a distribution request specifying the URI of the content file to the content distribution server described in the RSS information, and D) approved by the RSS information distribution server. When there is a request, the content distribution system includes an authentication server that performs authentication and returns a result. E) When the RSS information distribution server receives the XML file acquisition request from the data download computer, When an ID authentication request is transmitted to the data download computer and a reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server, and when a reply that the ID is registered is received from the authentication server, the XML data Generating a one-time password-added URI in which a one-time password is added at a predetermined position of the URI, and providing the one-time password-added URI to the data download computer; F) the content distribution server from the data download computer; Special URI If there is a request for downloading the content file, it is determined whether the URI is a one-time password addition URI. If the URI is a one-time password addition URI, the one-time password is given to the approval server to request an authentication. When the reply indicating that the user is a registered user is received, the content file specified by the URI other than the one-time password is distributed from the one-time password addition URI to the data download computer as the content file for which the distribution request has been made. To do.

  As described above, if the data download computer can make a download request for a desired content specifying a URI, a one-time password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Thus, authentication processing can be performed in content download.

  In addition, since the content file specified by the URI other than the one-time password from the one-time password addition URI is distributed to the data download computer as the content file for which the distribution request has been made, the content is stored with the requested file name. When distributing, there is no need to copy the file with the requested file name separately.

  2) In the content distribution system according to the present invention, A) a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from the data download computer; B) A table of contents information distribution server for distributing table of contents information including storage location information and storage time information of content files in the content distribution server; C) a request for acquiring the table of contents information for the registered table of contents information distribution server; When it is determined that a new content file exists in the content distribution server based on the time information, the content distribution server includes a content download computer that includes a data download computer that makes a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file. In the distribution system, D) includes an authentication server that authenticates and returns a result when there is an authentication request from the table of contents information distribution server. E) The table of contents information distribution server obtains the table of contents information from the data download computer. When the request is received, an ID authentication request is transmitted to the data download computer. When a reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server, and a reply that the ID is registered is received from the authentication server. And generating approval information additional table of contents information in which a password is added to the table of contents information, and transmitting the approval information additional table of contents information to the data download computer, and F) the content distribution server from the data download computer, If you receive approval information additional table of contents information, Approval information is added from the index information, and it is determined whether the authentication information is normally issued by the authentication server. If it is determined that the authentication information is normally issued, the approval information is added. The content file specified by the table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer.

  Thus, if the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Thus, authentication processing can be performed in content download.

  3) In the content distribution system according to the present invention, A) a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from the data download computer; B) In a content distribution system including a table of contents information distribution server for distributing table of contents information including storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server, C) the table of contents information distribution server receives the table of contents information from a data download computer When the acquisition request is received, an ID authentication request is transmitted to the data download computer, and when a reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server, and a reply that the ID is registered is sent from the authentication server. Receiving And generating approval information additional table of contents information in which a password is added to the table of contents information, and transmitting the approval information additional table of contents information to the data download computer, and D) the content distribution server from the data download computer, When the approval information additional table of contents information is received, the approval information is extracted from the received approval information additional table of contents information to determine whether or not the authentication information is normally issued by the authentication server. If it is determined, the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer.

  Thus, if the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Thus, authentication processing can be performed in content download.

  4) In the content distribution server according to the present invention, A) a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from a data download computer. B) Upon receipt of the approval information additional table of contents information including storage position information, storage time information and password of the content file in the content distribution server, the approval information is extracted from the received approval information additional table of contents information, and the normally issued approval If it is information, the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer.

  If the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Therefore, authentication processing for content download is possible.

  5) In the content distribution server according to the present invention, the password is embedded in the storage location information and constitutes a part of a content file name. The content distribution server determines the password from the storage location information. The content file specified by the storage location information from which the item is removed is distributed as the content file for which the distribution request has been made. Therefore, when content is distributed with the requested file name, there is no need to separately duplicate the file with the requested file name.

  6) The content distribution server according to the present invention has a judging means for taking out the password from the storage position information in which the password is embedded and judging whether or not the password is generated in accordance with a predetermined generation rule. If the determination unit determines that the password is generated according to a predetermined generation rule, the content file is distributed. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the password has been properly issued without any external inquiry.

  7) In the content distribution server according to the present invention, when the password is extracted from the storage location information in which the password is embedded, the password is given to the authentication server, and when the approval result is received from the authentication server, the content file is To deliver.

  8) In the content distribution server according to the present invention, the password is a disposable password that can be used only once for authentication. Therefore, highly secure authentication can be performed.

  9) The table of contents information distribution server according to the present invention distributes the table of contents information for the content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage position information of the content file is made from the data download computer. A) the table of contents information includes storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server, and B) upon receipt of the table of contents information acquisition request from the data download computer, the data download computer When the ID authentication request is sent to the server and the reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server. When the reply that the registered ID is received is received from the authentication server, the password is added to the table of contents information. Generate approval information additional table of contents information And it transmits the approval information adding index information to the data download computer. Therefore, if the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Therefore, authentication processing for content download is possible.

  10) A content distribution system according to the present invention includes: A) a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from a data download computer; B) A table of contents information distribution server that distributes table of contents information including storage position information and storage time information of content files in the content distribution server; C) a request for acquiring the table of contents information for the registered table of contents information distribution server; Content distribution provided with a data download computer that makes a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file to the content distribution server when it is determined that a new content file exists in the content distribution server based on the information D) provided with an authentication server that authenticates and sends back a result when there is an authentication request from the content distribution server, and E) the content distribution server obtains storage location information of the content file from the data download computer. Upon receipt of the identified distribution request, it issues an authentication request to the data download computer, sends the result to the authentication server, and if approval is obtained from the authentication server, distributes the content file to the data download computer. To do.

  Therefore, authentication can be performed even in a distribution system that downloads necessary content after acquiring the table of contents information once.

  11) In the content distribution method according to the present invention, A) a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from the data download computer; A table of contents information distribution server that distributes table of contents information including storage location information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server, and an authentication server that authenticates and returns a result when there is an authentication request from the table of contents information distribution server B) constructing a content distribution system, and B) when the table of contents information distribution server receives an acquisition request for the table of contents information from the data download computer, the table of contents information distribution server sends an ID authentication request to the data download computer, C) Contents information distribution When the server receives the reply result from the data download computer, the server gives the reply result to the authentication server. When the server receives a reply indicating that it is a registered ID, the server stores a password in the table of contents information. The added approval information additional table of contents information is generated and the approval information additional table of contents information is transmitted to the data download computer. D) The content distribution server receives the approval information additional table of contents information from the data download computer. , The approval information is extracted from the received approval information additional table of contents information, it is determined whether or not the authentication information is normally issued approval information, and if it is determined that the authentication information is normally issued approval information, The content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is the data To deliver to down load computer.

  Thus, if the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Thus, authentication processing can be performed in content download.

  12) A content distribution method according to the present invention is a content distribution method in which when a distribution request specifying storage location information of a content file is made from a data download computer, the specified content file is distributed from a content distribution server. And receiving the approval information additional table of contents information including the storage location information, accumulation time information and password of the content file in the content distribution server, and extracting the approval information from the received approval information additional table of contents information, If it is determined to be information, the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer.

  If the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Therefore, authentication processing for content download is possible.

  13) The content distribution program according to the present invention, when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from the data download computer, executes processing for causing the computer to distribute the specified content file from the content distribution server When the computer receives approval information additional table of contents information including storage location information, storage time information and password of the content file in the content distribution server, the computer receives approval information from the received approval information additional table of contents information. Is extracted and the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer.

  If the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Therefore, authentication processing for content download is possible.

  14) A table of contents information distribution method according to the present invention provides a table of contents for a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from a data download computer. A method for distributing information from a table of contents information distribution computer, wherein the table of contents information includes storage position information and accumulation time information of a content file in the content distribution server, and receives a request for acquiring the table of contents information from a data download computer When the ID authentication request is transmitted to the data download computer and the reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server, and when the reply that the registered ID is received is received from the authentication server, the table of contents information Added a password to It generates the certification information adding index information, and transmits the approval information adding index information to the data download computer.

  If the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Therefore, authentication processing for content download is possible.

  15) A table of contents information distribution program according to the present invention, when a distribution request specifying content file storage location information is made from a data download computer, the table of contents information for a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file. A program for distribution by a computer, wherein the table of contents information includes storage position information and accumulation time information of a content file in the content distribution server, and the computer requests the acquisition of the table of contents information from the data download computer. Upon receipt, an ID authentication request is transmitted to the data download computer, and when a reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server, and when a reply that the registered ID is received is received from the authentication server, Eye It generates the authorization information adding index information added to password information, and transmits the approval information adding index information to the data download computer.

  If the data download computer can make a download request for the desired content specifying the storage location information, a password can be transmitted to the content distribution server. Therefore, authentication processing for content download is possible.

  In this specification, “accumulation time information” means not only when specifying the time as in the embodiment, but also when specifying by date, such as April 2, or when specifying by week or month. Including. Also, “URI” corresponds to a URL in the embodiment, but is not limited to this as long as it is file location information.

1. Overview of Overall Configuration FIG. 1 shows an overview of the entire content distribution system 1 according to the present invention. The content distribution system 1 includes a content distribution server 5, a table of contents information distribution server 2, and a data download computer 3.

  The data download computer 3 includes a table of contents information request unit 3a, an ID transmission unit 3b, and a content data acquisition unit 3c. The table-of-contents information requesting unit 3a requests the registered table-of-contents information distribution server to acquire table-of-contents information including the URI and storage time information of the content file in the content distribution server 5. Upon receiving the table of contents information, the data download computer 3 determines whether or not a new content file exists in the content distribution server 5 based on the accumulation time information. Then, a distribution request specifying the URI of the content file is made.

  The table of contents information distribution server 2 includes table of contents information distribution means 2a, authentication processing means 2b, and authentication means 2c. The table of contents information distribution means 2a stores the table of contents information including the URI and accumulation time information of the content file in the contents distribution server 5. Upon receiving the table of contents information acquisition request from the data download computer 3, the table of contents information distribution means 2a Request authentication processing. When the authentication processing means 2b transmits an ID authentication request to the data download computer 3 and receives a reply result for the ID authentication request, the authentication processing means 2b gives the reply result to the authentication means 2c. The authentication unit 2c performs authentication in response to the authentication request and returns a result. Upon receiving a reply from the authentication means 2c that the registered ID is a registered ID, the authentication processing means 2b notifies the table of contents information distribution means 2a that the authentication has been completed. The table of contents information distribution means 2a generates approval information addition table of contents information in which a password is added to the stored table of contents information, and transmits this approval information addition table of contents information to the data download computer 3 as table of contents information.

  The content distribution server 5 includes content data storage means 5a, determination means 5b, and distribution means 5c. The content data storage unit 5a stores content data. When the distribution unit 5c receives the approval information addition table of contents information from the data download computer 3, the distribution unit 5c extracts the approval information from the received approval information addition table of contents information, and whether or not the approval information is normally issued by the authentication unit 2c to the determination unit 5b. Let them judge.

  In this embodiment, the determination unit 5b determines whether the approval information has been normally issued by making an inquiry to the authentication unit 2c of the table of contents information distribution server 2. An algorithm for creating information may be stored, and the determination unit 5b may determine without making an inquiry to the authentication unit 2c. As the algorithm, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed on a file name, a 15-digit character string is generated.

  When the approval information is issued normally, the distribution means 5c distributes the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information to the data download computer 3.

2. Overall Configuration and Hardware Configuration of Each Computer FIG. 2 shows an overall configuration of a content distribution system in which the content distribution system 1 is configured by an RSS information distribution server 2x, user computers 3x and 3y, and a content server distribution server 5. The RSS information distribution server 2x, the user computers 3x and 3y, and the content server distribution server 5 are connected to a network.

  An outline of processing between computers will be briefly described. The operator of the user computer 3x requests the RSS information distribution server 2x to acquire RSS information (1). The RSS information distribution server 2x transmits a screen for inputting authentication data to the user computer 3 (2). When the operator of the user computer 3 inputs the ID and password on this screen, it is transmitted to the RSS information distribution server 2x (3). If the ID has already been registered, the RSS information distribution server 2x generates a one-time password, and sends an RSS in which a password-added URL is added to the URL (4). When the user computer 3 receives the RSS, the user computer 3 determines whether or not new content exists, and if so, makes a download request to this URL (5). The server 5 extracts the one-time password from the one-time password addition URL and makes an inquiry to the server 2x (6). The server 2x transmits to the server 5 whether or not the extracted password has been properly issued (7). The server 5 distributes the content file specified by the URL excluding the password portion in the URL with the file name requested for the download (8).

  In FIG. 2, the RSS information distribution server 2x corresponds to the table of contents information distribution server 2, and the user computers 3x and 3y correspond to the data download computer 3, respectively.

(1) [Hardware configuration of RSS information distribution server 2x]
The hardware configuration of the content server distribution server 5, the RSS information distribution server 2x, and the user computer 3x will be described. FIG. 3 is an example of a hardware configuration of the RSS information distribution server 2x configured using a CPU.

  The RSS information distribution server 2x includes a CPU 23, a memory 27, a hard disk 26, a monitor 30, an optical drive 25, a mouse 28, a keyboard 31, and a bus line 29. The CPU 23 controls each unit via the bus line 29 according to each program stored in the hard disk 26.

  The hard disk 26 includes an operating system program (hereinafter abbreviated as OS) 26o, a main program 26s, a CGI authentication program 26c, a member data storage unit 26k, and an RSS information distribution storage unit 26r. The RSS information distribution storage unit 26r stores an XML file that stores the table of contents information of the content data of the content distribution server 5x. A password is associated with each member ID and stored in the member data storage unit 26k.

  When there is a download request from the user computer 3, the main program 26 s sends an HTML file for requesting the authentication to the CGI authentication program 26 c to the user computer 3. When there is an authentication request from the user computer 3, the CGI authentication program 26c sends a screen for inputting the ID and password to the user computer 3, and when receiving the ID and password from the user computer, searches the member data storage unit 26k, It is determined whether or not the corresponding member ID and password exist, and the result “approved” or “non-approved” is passed to the main program 26s. When the main program 26 s receives the result “approval”, the main program 26 s reads the XML file storing the table of contents information of the content data from the RSS information distribution storage unit 26 r and distributes it to the user computer 3.

  In this embodiment, Windows Vista (registered trademark or trademark) is adopted as the operating system program (OS) 26o, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  Each of the above programs is read from the CD-ROM 25a storing the program via the optical drive 25 and installed in the hard disk 26. In addition to the CD-ROM, a program such as a flexible disk (FD) or an IC card may be installed on a hard disk from a computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, it may be downloaded using a communication line.

  In the present embodiment, the program stored in the CD-ROM is indirectly executed by the computer by installing the program from the CD-ROM to the hard disk 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program stored in the CD-ROM may be directly executed from the optical drive 25. Note that programs that can be executed by a computer are not only programs that can be directly executed by being installed as they are, but also programs that need to be converted into other forms (for example, those that have been compressed) In addition, those that can be executed in combination with other module parts are also included.

(2) [Hardware configuration of user computer 3x]
FIG. 4 is an example of a hardware configuration of a user computer 3x configured using a CPU.

  The user computer 3x is a general Web client in which a podcast program 126p is stored. In this embodiment, i-Tunes 7 (registered trademark or trademark) of Apple Inc. is used as the podcast program, but the present invention is not limited to this. The download data storage unit 126d stores content data (music data, moving image data, etc.) downloaded by the podcast program. The other hardware configuration is almost the same as that of the RSS information distribution server 2, and the description thereof is omitted.

(3) [Hardware Configuration of Content Distribution Server 5]
The hardware configuration of the content distribution server 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The hard disk 226 includes an operating system program (hereinafter abbreviated as OS) 226o, a main program 226s, a CGI authentication program 226c, a content data storage unit 226d, and a history storage unit 226r. The history storage unit 226r stores a list of files distributed for each user ID. Therefore, the data downloaded for each user can be grasped.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the content data storage unit 226d stores various content files such as music data and moving image data in a hierarchical structure.

  When there is a download request specifying a URI from the user computer 3x, the main program 226s extracts a one-time password existing in the URI and makes an authentication request to the CGI authentication program 226c. The CGI authentication program 226c inquires of the RSS distribution server 2x whether or not it has been properly activated. The CGI authentication program 226c passes the authentication result from the RSS distribution server 2x to the main program 226s. When the main program 226s receives the result that the authentication is successful, the main program 226s reads the XML file storing the table of contents information of the content data from the RSS information distribution storage unit 26r. At that time, the file name is added with the one-time password extracted earlier. Details of such processing will be described later. The other hardware configuration is almost the same as that of the RSS information distribution server 2, and the description thereof is omitted.

3. Distribution Processing Hereinafter, distribution processing by the content distribution system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The CPU 23 of the user computer 3x requests RSS information from the RSS distribution server 2x at the time specified by the podcast program 126p (step S1 in FIG. 7).

  The CPU 23 of the RSS distribution server 2x determines whether or not there is a request for downloading RSS information by using the main program 26s (step S2), and if there is a request, whether the user has access authority to the CGI authentication program 26c. Screen data (HTML file) for requesting authentication is created and transmitted to the user computer 3 (step S3). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, screen data for inputting a general ID and password is created and transmitted.

  When receiving the screen, the CPU 123 of the user computer 3x displays it. The operator of the user computer 3x inputs an ID and a password when such a screen is displayed, and clicks an “ok” button 41 (see FIG. 8) (step S4 in FIG. 7). Thereby, the CPU 123 transmits the input ID and password (step S5).

  When the CPU 23 of the RSS distribution server 2x receives this ID and password from the main program 26s, it determines whether the user is a registered user. Specifically, the CPU 23 determines whether or not the combination of the received ID and password is registered in the member data storage unit 26k by the CGI authentication program 26c. If the user is not a registered user, the result “unapproved” is returned. When the result is “approved” by the main program 26s, the CPU 23 reads the XML file storing the table of contents information of the content data from the RSS information distribution storage unit 26r, adds the one-time password, and adds the one-time password. The password-added RSS information is created and transmitted (step S7 in FIG. 7).

  FIG. 9 shows RSS information stored in the hard disk of the RSS distribution server 2x. RSS information is expressed in XML format. As shown in FIG. 9, in lines 101 and 103, “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011.mp3” ”and“ www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012. ”Are stored as content file storage destinations. mp3 "is defined.

  The CPU 23 adds a one-time password to the URL in the RSS information, and generates a one-time password addition URL. FIG. 10 shows RSS information after such a one-time password is added. As shown in FIG. 10, in lines 111 and 113, “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3” and “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012-p1000tscpq57902” A character string “-p1000tscpq57902” with a hyphen and 15 single-byte characters is added between “.mp3”, the file name “abc012”, and the extension “mp3”.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the RSS distribution server 2x creates one-time password-added RSS information in which the one-time password is added to the file name, and transmits it to the user computer 3x. Certainly, it is conceivable to pass a password by providing a separate tag for passing a password without providing a separate tag for passing the password. However, even if such a rule is not provided, the password can be passed by adding it as a file name to the URL tag and extracting it by the content distribution server 5.

  In step S6 of FIG. 7, when the result “unapproved” is received, the RSS distribution server 2x transmits an unapproved message to the user computer 3x by the main program 26s (step S8).

  The CPU 123 of the user computer 3x determines whether or not RSS information is received by the podcast program 126p (step S10). If received, the CPU 123 determines whether or not content that has not been downloaded exists in the RSS information. (Step S13).

  In this embodiment, since RSS information is acquired every 24 hours, the date and time indicated by the pubdate tag indicating the date and time of publication are compared with the current date and time. If the time has not passed, it is judged that there is new content. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other tags such as a tag “lastBuildDate” may be adopted.

  Furthermore, without using a tag, it may be determined that there is new content for an undownloaded file name as compared to a file name that has already been downloaded.

  When the podcast program 126p determines that there is at least one new content, the CPU 123 of the user computer 3x makes a download request specifying the URL of the content to be downloaded to the content distribution server 5 (step S15 in FIG. 7). . In the following, there was a download request for the content file "www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3" and the content file "www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012-p1000tscpq57902.mp3" To do.

  When receiving the download request specifying the download target file, the CPU 223 of the content distribution server 5 determines whether or not a one-time password is added by the main program 226s (step S21). In this embodiment, the one-time password is added to the file name to be downloaded as a character string of 15 single-byte characters following the hyphen, so whether or not such a 15-character character string exists. I decided to judge.

  When determining that the one-time password is added, the CPU 223 makes an authentication inquiry specifying the 15-character string to the RSS information distribution server 3x (step S23).

  The CPU 23 of the RSS information distribution server 3x determines whether or not there is an authentication inquiry (step S25). If there is such an inquiry, it determines whether or not the 15-character string is a regular one-time password (step S26). . In this embodiment, the one-time password added in step S7 is stored, and when there is an inquiry, it is determined whether or not it matches the stored issued password. Note that a password once approved may not be reused, and may be deleted so that it cannot be used after a predetermined time has elapsed after generating the password in step S7.

  In the present embodiment, the issued password is stored and compared, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is determined based on whether or not the characters constituting the 15-character string are combinations generated according to a predetermined rule. You may make it do.

  If the RSS information distribution server 3x determines that the inquired 15-character string is a regular one-time password, the RSS information distribution server 3x transmits an approval message (step S27). On the other hand, if it is determined that the inquired 15-character string is not a regular one-time password, an approval disapproval message is transmitted to the content distribution server 5 (step S28).

  The CPU 223 of the content distribution server 5 determines whether or not “approval” is received (step S30). If the “approval” is received, the approval is given. If the approval disapproval message is received, the approval is given. Judge that it was not. If approved, the identified content file is targeted for distribution (step S31). In this case, the download request was for the content file `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3 '' and the content file `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012-p1000tscpq57902.mp3 '' However, the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011.mp3” and the content file “www.contents.jp/music/” specified by the file name obtained by removing the one-time password from the file name. “mp3 / abc012.mp3” is targeted for distribution.

  On the other hand, if it is not approved in step S30, the CPU 223 sets a transmission impossible message as a transmission target (step S32). Such a transmission impossible message may be created in advance and stored as a file, or may be created each time.

  In this case, the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011.mp3” and the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012.mp3” are targeted for distribution. There were content file `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3 '' and content file `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012-p1000tscpq57902.mp3 '' with file names Does not match. Therefore, the CPU 223 of the content distribution server 5 uses the main program 226s to download the file name “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3” and the content file “www.contents.jp/ `` music / mp3 / abc011.mp3 '' with the file name `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012-p1000tscpq57902.mp3 '' and the content file `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012.mp3 '' Distribute to the computer 3x (step S33). For such distribution history, the history storage unit 226r may store the date and time, the distributed content file, and the like for each ID.

  The CPU 123 of the user computer 3x determines whether or not the file name has been requested for download in step S15 by the podcast program 126p (step S41), and if it is the same, stores it (step S44). In this case, the download request in step S17 is the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3” and the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012-”. p1000tscpq57902.mp3 ", and the received file names are the same as these. Therefore, two such files are stored.

  On the other hand, if it is not the file name requested for download in step S15, the CPU 123 displays the received error message (step S42).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the one-time password is incorporated in the URL of the content file requested to be downloaded, the RSS information is transferred to the user computer 3x, and is transmitted to the content distribution server 5. Inquires whether or not the extracted one-time password is a properly issued password from the URL requested to be downloaded. Therefore, even when the podcast program in the user computer cannot handle the one-time password, the password issued by the RSS information distribution server can be transferred to the content distribution server.

  In the present embodiment, the content file specified by the file name from which the one-time password is removed is distributed under the file name for which the download request has been made. Therefore, since it is not necessary to copy a plurality of contents having the same content with different file names, the storage area of the content distribution server can be saved even when RSS information with different file names is distributed.

  If it is not necessary to reduce the storage capacity, multiple copies may be made. For example, if a download request is made for "www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3", the file that is actually stored in the content is "www.contents.jp/music/mp3/ Since it is “abc011.mp3”, such a file may be copied with another file name “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011-p1000tscpq57902.mp3” and distributed.

  Further, if the one-time password issued by the RSS information distribution server is sent to the content distribution server, the content distribution server 5 distributes the requested content file without inquiring each time. It can be determined whether or not.

  Furthermore, in this case, when the RSS distribution server 2x issues an RSS distribution to which a one-time password is added, this is notified to the content distribution server 5, and the content distribution server 5 receives this and the file name to which the one-time password is added. May be copied to the URL and distributed to the user computer that has made the download request. Thus, by storing content in the one-time password added URL, the content distribution server 5 can perform authenticated distribution only by performing distribution processing in a normal www server. Thereafter, the distributed content may be deleted.

  Further, user authentication is performed from the content distribution server 5 to the table of contents information distribution server 2, but it is determined whether or not the character string of the added one-time password is generated in the content distribution server 5 by a predetermined algorithm. The determination program to be stored may be stored, and if it is generated by a predetermined algorithm, it may be determined that the authentication has been completed. Thereby, the inquiry to the RSS information distribution server 2x becomes unnecessary.

  Also, when the one-time password to be generated is generated by a predetermined algorithm and is determined by the content distribution server, for example, the file name of the content file, the IP address of the user computer 3 that issues the download request, etc. A one-time password may be created based on

  In the present embodiment, authentication processing is performed when RSS information is distributed. Accordingly, a plurality of contents can be downloaded together by one authentication.

  The generated one-time password is the same (in the above example, both abc011.mp3 and abc012 are “p1000tscpq57902”), but may be changed for each file. The generated one-time password may be generated by random number processing, and may be generated based on the file name. As an example of the latter case, the content distribution server is particularly useful for determining that the password is a legitimate password.

  In this embodiment, the one-time password is embedded in the URL. However, if a tag for rss authentication is separately determined and the tag can be handled by the podcast program, the tag is used for authentication. The data may be transmitted. Further, even when the URL is embedded in the URL, it is not limited to the one before the extension. Further, the number of characters of the one-time password is not limited.

  In this embodiment, authentication data input processing or the like is not required directly between the user computer and the content distribution server. Therefore, by performing the authentication process when acquiring RSS information, the content can be downloaded without requiring authentication data input by the user when the content is downloaded.

4). Authentication at Content Distribution In the above embodiment, authentication is performed when RSS information is distributed. However, authentication may be performed at the time of content file distribution. FIG. 11 illustrates processing when authentication is not performed when RSS information is distributed, but authentication processing is performed when content is distributed.

  In this case, since the hardware is the same, the description is omitted.

  The user computer 3x requests RSS information from the RSS distribution server 2x (step S101 in FIG. 11). The RSS distribution server 2x determines whether or not there is a request for downloading RSS information (step S102), and when there is a request, transmits the RSS information (step S107 in FIG. 11). Here, it is assumed that the RSS information shown in FIG. 9 has been distributed.

  The user computer 3x determines whether or not to receive RSS information (step S110 in FIG. 11). If received, it determines whether or not there is content that has not been downloaded in the RSS information (step S113). ). If it is determined that there is at least one content that has not been downloaded, the user computer 3x makes a download request specifying the URL of the content to be downloaded to the content distribution server 5 (step S115). In the following, it is assumed that there is a download request for the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011.mp3” and the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012.mp3”.

  Upon receiving the download request specifying the download target file (step S116), the content distribution server 5 transmits screen data for inputting the ID and password (step S117).

  In the user computer 3x, an ID and a password are input (step S118) and transmitted (step S119).

  The content distribution server 5 determines whether or not it has received this ID and password (step S120), and when received, inquires of the RSS information distribution server 2x whether it is a registered user (step S121). Since the authentication process in the CGI authentication program 26c of the RSS information distribution server 2x is the same as that in the above embodiment, the description thereof is omitted (steps S125 to 128).

  The content distribution server 5 determines whether or not it has been approved (step S130). When the approval message is received, the content distribution server 5 determines that it has been approved. If approved, the identified content file is targeted for distribution (step S131). In this case, the download request was for the content file `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011.mp3 '' and the content file `` www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012.mp3 '' The content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc011.mp3” and the content file “www.contents.jp/music/mp3/abc012.mp3” specified by the file name are to be distributed.

  On the other hand, if it is not approved in step S30, a transmission impossible message is set as a transmission target (step S132).

  The content distribution server 5 distributes the content file requested for download to the user computer 3x (step S133).

  The user computer 3x determines whether or not it is the name of the file requested for download in step S15 (step S141), and if it is the same, stores it (step S144).

  On the other hand, if it is not the file name requested for download in step S15, the received error message is displayed (step S142).

5). Other Embodiments In this embodiment, hodcasting has been described as an example. However, in other cases, authentication is required for the file distribution of the type in which the table of contents is acquired and the user computer acquires the content based on this information. The same can be applied to.

  In this embodiment, the case of music data or moving image data has been described as the content file. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to still images or various documents.

  In the above embodiment, the determination of whether there is new content is made using a tag or compared with a file name that has already been downloaded. However, the XML file in which the previous RSS information is described is stored in advance. This may be compared with the description of the XML file acquired this time.

  In the present embodiment, the RSS information distribution server and the authentication server are integrally configured, but may be configured separately.

  Further, although the password to be generated is a one-time password, it is not limited to this. An expiration date may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, in order to realize each function, a CPU is used and this is realized by software. However, some or all of them may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

  In addition, you may make it make an operating system (OS) process a part of said program.

It is a functional block diagram of the content distribution system 1 concerning this invention. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a content distribution system 1 according to the present invention. It is an example of the hardware constitutions of RSS information delivery server 2x. It is an example of the hardware constitutions of the user computer 3x. 3 is an example of a hardware configuration of a content distribution server 5. A hierarchical structure of content files stored in the content distribution server 5 is shown. It is a flowchart of the authentication process using RSS information. It is an example of the screen which inputs ID and a password. It is an example of RSS information. It is an example of RSS information to which a one-time password is added. It is a flowchart in the case of performing an authentication process individually when downloading content.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content delivery system 2 ... Contents information delivery server 2x ... RSS information delivery server 3 ... Download computer 3x ... User computer 5 ... Content delivery server 23 ... CPU
27 ... Memory 123 ... CPU
127 ... Memory 223 ... CPU
227 ... Memory

Claims (15)

A content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the URI of the content file is made from a data download computer;
An RSS information distribution server for distributing an XML file storing RSS information of a content file in the content distribution server;
When a registered RSS information distribution server makes an acquisition request for the XML file every predetermined time and the RSS information in the acquired XML file has been updated, the content distribution described in the RSS information A data download computer that makes a distribution request specifying the URI of the content file to the server;
When there is an authentication request from the RSS information distribution server, the content distribution system includes an authentication server that performs authentication and returns a result,
When the RSS information distribution server receives the XML file acquisition request from the data download computer, the RSS information distribution server transmits an ID authentication request to the data download computer. When the RSS information distribution server receives a reply result, the RSS information distribution server sends the reply result to the authentication server. When a response indicating that the ID is registered is received from the authentication server, a one-time password addition URI is generated by adding a one-time password at a predetermined position of the URI of the XML data, and the one-time password is added. Providing a URI to the data download computer;
When there is a request for downloading a content file specifying a URI from the data download computer, the content distribution server determines whether the URI is a one-time password-added URI. Gives an authentication request by giving the one-time password to the approval server, and receives a reply that it is a registered user, the content file specified by the URI other than the one-time password from the one-time password addition URI, Delivering to the data download computer as a content file for which the delivery request has been made;
Content distribution system characterized by A content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from a data download computer;
A table of contents information distribution server for distributing table of contents information including storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server;
For the registered table of contents information distribution server, when the acquisition request for the table of contents information is made and it is determined that a new content file exists in the content distribution server based on the accumulation time information, the content distribution server A data download computer that makes a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file;
In a content distribution system equipped with
When there is an authentication request from the table of contents information distribution server, an authentication server is provided for performing authentication and returning the result,
Upon receipt of the table of contents information acquisition request from the data download computer, the table of contents information distribution server transmits an ID authentication request to the data download computer, and upon receiving a reply result thereto, sends the reply result to the authentication server. When the response indicating that the ID is a registered ID is received from the authentication server, approval information-added table of contents information in which a password is added to the table of contents information is generated, and the approval information-added table of contents information is transmitted to the data download computer. And
When the content distribution server receives the approval information additional table of contents information from the data download computer, the content distribution server extracts the approval information from the received approval information additional table of contents information, and whether or not the authentication information has been properly issued by the authentication server. If it is determined that the approval information is properly issued, the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer,
Content distribution system characterized by A content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from a data download computer;
A table of contents information distribution server for distributing table of contents information including storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server;
In a content distribution system equipped with
When the contents information distribution server receives the contents information acquisition request from the data download computer, the contents information distribution server transmits an ID authentication request to the data download computer, and when receiving a reply result, gives the reply result to the authentication server, When receiving a reply that it is a registered ID from the authentication server, it generates approval information additional table of contents information in which a password is added to the table of contents information, and transmits the approval information addition table of contents information to the data download computer.
When the content distribution server receives the approval information additional table of contents information from the data download computer, the content distribution server extracts the approval information from the received approval information additional table of contents information, and whether or not the authentication information has been properly issued by the authentication server. If it is determined that the approval information is properly issued, the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer,
Content distribution system characterized by When a distribution request specifying content file storage location information is made from a data download computer, the content distribution server distributes the specified content file,
When the approval information additional table of contents information including the storage location information, accumulation time information and password of the content file in the content distribution server is received, the approval information is extracted from the received approval information additional table of contents information, and is the normally issued approval information. A content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer;
Content distribution server characterized by In the content delivery server of Claim 4,
The password is embedded in the storage location information and constitutes a part of a content file name.
The content distribution server distributes the content file specified by the storage position information obtained by removing the password from the storage position information as the content file for which the distribution request has been made;
It is characterized by. In the content delivery server of Claim 5,
A determination unit that extracts the password from the storage position information in which the password is embedded, and determines whether the password is generated in accordance with a predetermined generation rule;
If the determination means determines that the password is generated according to a predetermined generation rule, delivering the content file;
It is characterized by. In the content delivery server of Claim 5,
Taking out the password from the storage location information in which the password is embedded, giving the password to an authentication server, and receiving the approval result from the authentication server, delivering the content file;
It is characterized by. In the content delivery server in any one of Claims 5-7,
The password is a disposable password that can be used only once for authentication,
It is characterized by. A content information distribution server for a content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from a data download computer,
The table of contents information includes storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server,
Upon receipt of the table of contents information acquisition request from the data download computer, an ID authentication request is transmitted to the data download computer. When a reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server, and the ID is registered. Receiving the reply from the authentication server, generating approval information additional table of contents information in which a password is added to the table of contents information, and transmitting the approval information additional table of contents information to the data download computer,
A table of contents information distribution server. A content distribution server that distributes the specified content file when a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file is made from a data download computer;
A table of contents information distribution server for distributing table of contents information including storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server;
For the registered table of contents information distribution server, when the acquisition request for the table of contents information is made and it is determined that a new content file exists in the content distribution server based on the accumulation time information, the content distribution server A data download computer that makes a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file;
In a content distribution system equipped with
When there is an authentication request from the content distribution server, the authentication server performs authentication and returns a result,
When the content distribution server receives a distribution request specifying the storage location information of the content file from the data download computer, it makes an authentication request to the data download computer, sends the result to the authentication server, and approves from the authentication server. Is obtained, the content file is distributed to the data download computer,
Content distribution system characterized by When a distribution request specifying content file storage location information is made from a data download computer, the content distribution server that distributes the specified content file, and content file storage location information and accumulation time information in the content distribution server A content distribution system is constructed with a table of contents information distribution server that distributes table of contents information, and an authentication server that authenticates and returns a result when there is an authentication request from the table of contents information distribution server,
When an acquisition request for the table of contents information is given from the data download computer to the table of contents information distribution server, the table of contents information distribution server sends an ID authentication request to the data download computer,
When the table of contents information distribution server receives a reply result to the data download computer from the data download computer, the table of contents information distribution server gives the reply result to the authentication server and receives a reply that the registered ID is from the authentication server. Generating approval information additional table of contents information with a password added thereto, and sending the approval information additional table of contents information to the data download computer,
When the content distribution server receives the approval information additional table of contents information from the data download computer, the content distribution server extracts the approval information from the received approval information additional table of contents information, and whether or not the authentication information has been properly issued by the authentication server. If it is determined that the approval information is properly issued, the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer,
A content distribution method characterized by the above. When a distribution request specifying content file storage location information is made from a data download computer, the content distribution method distributes the specified content file from a content distribution server,
When receiving the approval information additional table of contents information including the storage location information, accumulation time information and password of the content file in the content distribution server, the approval information is extracted from the received approval information additional table of contents information, If it is determined that the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information is distributed to the data download computer,
A content distribution method characterized by the above. When a distribution request specifying content file storage location information is made from a data download computer, a program for causing a computer to execute processing for distributing the specified content file from a content distribution server,
When the computer receives the approval information additional table of contents information including the storage location information, storage time information and password of the content file in the content distribution server, the computer extracts the approval information from the received approval information additional table of contents information and is issued normally. Distribution of the content file specified by the approval information additional table of contents information to the data download computer,
Content distribution program characterized by When a distribution request specifying the storage location information of a content file is made from a data download computer, the table of contents information is distributed from the table of contents information distribution computer for the content distribution server that distributes the specified content file. And
The table of contents information includes storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server,
Upon receipt of the table of contents information acquisition request from the data download computer, an ID authentication request is transmitted to the data download computer. When a reply result is received, the reply result is given to the authentication server, and the ID is registered. Receiving the reply from the authentication server, generating approval information additional table of contents information in which a password is added to the table of contents information, and transmitting the approval information additional table of contents information to the data download computer,
A table of contents information distribution method characterized by When a distribution request specifying content file storage location information is made from a data download computer, a program for distributing table of contents information for a content distribution server for distributing the specified content file by the computer,
The table of contents information includes storage position information and accumulation time information of content files in the content distribution server,
When the computer receives an acquisition request for the table of contents information from the data download computer, it sends an ID authentication request to the data download computer, and when it receives a reply result, gives the reply result to the authentication server and is registered. Receiving a reply indicating that it is an ID from the authentication server, generating approval information additional table of contents information in which a password is added to the table of contents information, and transmitting the approval information addition table of contents information to the data download computer;
Table of contents information distribution program.

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