JP2010004108A - Content distribution system, content distribution device, content distribution method, and program for content distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide contents without the need of a communication charge or an information charge limiting object persons. <P>SOLUTION: The content distribution system includes the content distribution device which executes the processing of distributing contents to the mobile terminal of a user, and the content distribution device includes a content distribution means for distributing free contents using Bluetooth (R), and a distribution area limiting means for limiting a radio area using Bluetooh inside a prescribed range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a content distribution device, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program for distributing content to a mobile terminal of a user.

  There is a potential need to know the music information of BGM that is being played in stores and throughout the city. For example, a mobile phone company or the like pays attention to this point and provides a service for searching for music by letting a mobile terminal listen to music that is flowing.

  As a system that can use content, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a method that can use a content distribution service using a wireless terminal.

JP 2006-85353 A

  Since the BGM provided by the restaurant chain store is an original music selection, the music information is posted next to the electronic register (register) for PR purposes in the store. However, there was a problem that it was difficult for customers in the eat-in area to use and timely information could not be provided. It is also possible to sell content for mobile phones to users who are interested in music, but it is necessary to reduce the burden of packet charges and ensure the stability of download speed.

  If the method described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is possible to provide content using wireless communication that does not incur communication charges. However, the method described in Patent Document 1 cannot limit the content providing area. Therefore, even if the chain store tries to provide content as an extension of the attached service (BGM) only to customers who are in the eat-in area, the target person cannot be limited and free riders cannot be excluded.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a content distribution system, a content distribution device, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program capable of providing content that does not require a communication fee or an information fee while limiting the target person. With the goal.

  A content distribution system according to the present invention includes a content distribution device that executes processing for distributing content to a user's mobile terminal, and the content distribution device distributes free content using Bluetooth (registered trademark). And a distribution area restriction means for restricting a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range.

  The content distribution apparatus according to the present invention includes content distribution means for distributing free content using Bluetooth, and distribution area restriction means for limiting a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range.

  The content distribution method according to the present invention includes a content distribution step of distributing free content using Bluetooth and a distribution area limiting step of limiting a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range.

  A content distribution program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute content distribution processing for distributing free content using Bluetooth and distribution area restriction processing for limiting a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range. Is.

  According to the present invention, content that does not require communication charges or information charges can be provided by limiting the target person.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content distribution system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system includes a mobile terminal 10, a wireless information marker device 20, a store PC 30, a carrier service server 40, a chain headquarters management server 50, and Bluetooth (hereinafter referred to as BT) access. Point 60. Moreover, the portable terminal 10, the radio | wireless information marker apparatus 20, store PC30, and BT access point 60 are installed in a store, and are mutually connected via BT network. The mobile terminal 10, the carrier service server 40, and the chain headquarters management server 50 are a communication network (specifically, a BT network, a BT access point 60, a broadband (hereinafter referred to as BB) fixed network, an Internet network). ).

  In this embodiment, the case where the content distribution system is a music distribution system will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to music, and may be a system that distributes various contents such as images.

  The mobile terminal 10 is a terminal held by a user. Specifically, the mobile terminal 10 is realized by a mobile information processing terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA that operates by program control. The mobile terminal 10 is loaded with an application program. The mobile terminal 10 also has a function of performing BT communication with a serial interface. In FIG. 1, one mobile terminal 10 is shown, but the content distribution system may include a plurality of mobile terminals 10.

  The wireless information marking device 20 is a device installed in a store, and is specifically an information processing device such as a personal computer that operates under program control and can only perform communication communication by BT. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storage area of the wireless information marker 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless information marker device 20 includes a storage unit (for example, a hard disk device or a memory) whose storage area is divided into a list area and a content area. The wireless information labeling apparatus 20 stores a music list (including partial trial listening data) in the list area, and stores music data of “this month's music” provided free of charge in the content area. Moreover, the radio | wireless information marker apparatus 20 is provided with the function to transmit / receive information with the information processing terminal corresponding to BT.

  The store PC 30 is a device installed in the store, and is specifically realized by an information processing device such as a personal computer that operates under program control. The store PC 30 has a function of receiving information such as content from the chain headquarters management server 50. Further, the store PC 30 has a function of registering contents and the like in the wireless information sign apparatus 20. In addition, the store PC 30 includes a BT adapter and an access point. The store PC 30 and the chain headquarters management server 50 are connected via a dedicated network between chain stores or a communication network such as the Internet.

  The telecommunications carrier service server 40 is a device installed by the telecommunications carrier, and is specifically realized by an information processing device such as a workstation or a personal computer that operates by program control. The telecommunications carrier service server 40 has a function of providing a telecommunications carrier's content service.

  The chain headquarters management server 50 is a device installed by the chain headquarters, and is specifically realized by an information processing device such as a workstation or a personal computer that operates by program control. The chain headquarters management server 50 has a function of managing the sales status and purchase status of each store. The chain headquarters management server 50 has a function of providing content (for example, information on customer service and in-store service) to each chain store via a dedicated network or a communication network such as the Internet. In addition, the chain headquarters management server 50 has a function of providing a service to the mobile terminal 10 via the communication carrier service server 40 and the communication network.

  The BT access point 60 is a BT access point connected to the store PC. The BT access point 60 has a function of communicating with a terminal or device capable of BT communication using the BT. In addition, by using the BT access point 60, the mobile terminal 10 can perform communication via the BT network and the BB fixed network, and the packet usage fee for the mobile phone becomes unnecessary.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the content distribution system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 10 includes a content request unit 11, a content reception unit 12, and a content purchase unit 13.

  Specifically, the content request unit 11 is realized by a control unit and an operation unit of the mobile terminal 10. The content request unit 11 has a function of transmitting a request for free content to the wireless information marker 20 via the BT network in accordance with a user operation.

  Specifically, the content receiving unit 12 is realized by the control unit and the BT communication unit of the mobile terminal 10. The content receiving means 12 has a function of receiving free content from the wireless information marker 20 via the BT network. In addition, the content receiving unit 12 has a function of receiving paid content from the chain headquarters management server 50 via a communication network.

  Specifically, the content purchase unit 13 is realized by a control unit, an operation unit, and a BT communication unit of the mobile terminal 10. The content purchase means 13 has a function of executing processing for purchasing paid content from the chain headquarters management server 50 via the communication network.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless information marker device 20 includes a content storage unit 21, a content distribution unit 22, and a distribution area restriction unit 23.

  Specifically, the content storage unit 21 is realized by a storage device such as a magnetic disk device or an optical disk device. The content storage means 21 includes a list area and a content area as storage areas. The content storage means 21 stores, for example, a music list (including partial trial listening data) in the list area, and stores, for example, music data of “this month's music” provided free of charge in the content area.

  Specifically, the content distribution unit 22 is realized by the control unit and the BT communication unit of the wireless information marker 20. The content distribution unit 22 has a function of distributing content via the BT network based on the request received from the content request unit 11.

  Specifically, the distribution area restriction unit 23 is realized by the control unit and the BT communication unit of the wireless information marker 20. The distribution area restriction unit 23 has a function of restricting an area where content is distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the store PC 30 includes a content acquisition unit 31 and a content registration unit 32.

  Specifically, the content acquisition unit 31 is realized by a control unit and a communication unit of the store PC. The content acquisition unit 31 has a function of acquiring (for example, receiving) information such as content from the chain headquarters management server 50 via a dedicated network or a communication network such as the Internet.

  Specifically, the content registration unit 32 is realized by a control unit and a BT communication unit of the store PC. The content registration means 32 has a function of registering the content acquired from the chain headquarters management server 50 in the wireless information marker 20 via the BT network.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the telecommunications carrier service server 40 includes a charging unit 41 and a license cost payment unit 42.

  Specifically, the billing unit 41 is realized by the control unit of the communication carrier service server 40. The charging unit 41 has a function of executing a process of charging a fee for paid content based on the content purchase request received from the mobile terminal 10.

  Specifically, the license cost payment unit 42 is realized by the control unit of the communication carrier service server 40. The license cost payment unit 42 has a function of executing processing for paying the license cost of the content charged by the charging unit 41 to the chain headquarters management server 50 using, for example, electronic payment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the chain headquarters management server 50 includes content transmission means 51.

  Specifically, the content transmission unit 51 is realized by a control unit and a communication unit of the chain headquarters management server 50. The content transmission means 51 has a function of transmitting content to the store PC 30 via a dedicated network or a communication network such as the Internet. In addition, the content transmission unit 51 has a function of transmitting content to the mobile terminal 10 via a communication network.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the BT access point 60 includes a BT communication unit 61 and a BT communication area restriction unit 62.

  The BT communication unit 61 is specifically realized by a BT communication unit of the BT access point 60. The BT communication means 61 has a function of communicating with a terminal or device capable of BT communication using the BT.

  Specifically, the BT communication area restriction unit 62 is realized by a control unit of the BT access point 60 and a BT communication unit. The BT communication area limiting unit 62 has a function of limiting an area for performing BT communication.

  Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the content distribution system. When receiving a music distribution service provided by a restaurant chain store, the user first uses the mobile terminal 10 to download a music search application program. Then, the mobile terminal 10 transmits a download request to the communication carrier service server 40 via a communication network such as the Internet in accordance with a user operation.

  When receiving a download request from the mobile terminal 10, the communication carrier service server 40 transmits a music search application program to the mobile terminal 10 via a communication network such as the Internet (step S1). The portable terminal 10 receives the application program from the telecommunications carrier service server 40 and stores it in the storage unit (step S2).

  The chain headquarters management server 50 stores music contents provided by BGM at each store. Further, the chain headquarters management server 50 updates the stored music content at predetermined intervals (for example, every month) according to the theme (step S3).

  The chain headquarters management server 50 periodically distributes the stored music content to the store PC 30 of each chain store via a dedicated network or a communication network such as the Internet. The store PC 30 receives the music content distributed by the chain headquarters management server 50 (step S4) and provides it as in-store BGM.

  Here, the music content distributed by the chain headquarters management server 50 includes a music list (including partial audition data) as an appendix. In addition, the music content includes content that is provided free of charge as a “music of the month” for shop-in-area users only.

  Next, the store staff performs an operation of registering the music list and “this month's song” in the wireless information marker 20 from the store PC 30 using the BT adapter. Then, the store PC 30 transmits the song list and the song data of “this month's song” to the wireless information marker 20 via the BT network according to the operation of the store staff (steps S5 and S6). Then, upon receiving the song list and the song data of “this month's song” from the store PC 30, the wireless information sign apparatus 20 stores the received song list in the list area and the song data of “this month's song” in the content area. (Step S7, Step S8).

  Next, the store staff restricts the wireless area of the wireless information marker 20 and the BT access point 60 within the eat-in area of the store in order to restrict the music distribution service provision range to the eat-in area. Then, according to the operation of the store staff, for example, the wireless information marker device 20 limits the wireless area to a predetermined range by setting the transmission power within a predetermined value. Further, the store PC 30 limits the wireless area of the BT access point 60 within a predetermined range by causing the BT access point 60 to set the transmission power within a predetermined value in accordance with the operation of the store staff, for example.

  Next, when using the service, the user enters the service providing area and uses the portable terminal 10 to perform an operation for starting a music search application. The portable terminal 10 starts a music search application according to the user's operation (step S8). Next, the mobile terminal 10 communicates with the chain headquarters management server 50 via the communication network according to the user's operation, and performs user authentication processing (step S9, step S10, step S11, step S12, step S13, Step S14).

  Next, when the user authentication is successful (for example, the service use permission screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed), the user performs an operation of downloading the music list using the mobile terminal 10. Then, the portable terminal 10 transmits a music list request to the wireless information marker 20 via the BT network according to the user's operation (step S15). When receiving the music list request from the mobile terminal 10, the wireless information marker device 20 extracts the music list stored in the list area. And the radio | wireless information label | marker apparatus 20 transmits the extracted music list to the portable terminal 10 via BT network (step S16).

  Next, when the music list is confirmed (for example, the music list browsing screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed), the user performs an operation of downloading “this month's music” free of charge using the mobile terminal 10 according to preference. . Then, the portable terminal 10 transmits a free download request to the wireless information marker device 20 via the BT network according to the user's operation (steps S17 and S18). When receiving the free download request from the mobile terminal 10, the wireless information marker 20 extracts the music data of “this month's song” stored in the content area. Then, the wireless information labeling apparatus 20 transmits the extracted music data of “this month's music” to the mobile terminal 10 via the BT network. Then, the mobile terminal 10 receives the music data of “this month's music” via the BT network (step S19).

  In addition, the user uses the mobile terminal 10 to perform an operation of listening to music. Then, the portable terminal 10 transmits a trial listening request to the wireless information marker 20 via the BT network according to the user's operation. When receiving the audition request from the mobile terminal 10, the wireless information marker device 20 extracts the content for partial audition stored in the list area. Then, the wireless information marker 20 transmits the extracted partial viewing content to the mobile terminal 10 via the BT network. The mobile terminal 10 receives the content for partial audition from the wireless information marker 20 and plays it back (step S20, N in step S21, step S22, step S23). The audition can be performed any number of times and can be stopped halfway.

  Further, the user uses the mobile terminal 10 to perform a music purchase operation (for example, perform a purchase operation from the music purchase screen shown in FIG. 7). Then, the portable terminal 10 transmits a purchase request to the communication carrier service server 40 via the communication network (Y in step S21, step S24, step S25). When receiving a purchase request from the mobile terminal 10, the communication carrier service server 40 performs billing processing and transmits sales information to the chain headquarters management server 50 (step S26).

  The content purchaser can purchase the content without incurring communication costs by accessing the headquarters management server via the BT access point 60 installed in the vicinity of the eat-in area.

  Next, when the chain headquarters management server 50 receives the sales information from the telecommunications carrier service server 40, the chain headquarters management server 50 transmits the music data to the mobile terminal 10 via the communication network. The portable terminal 10 receives the music data from the chain headquarters management server 50 (step S27).

  Next, the telecommunications carrier service server 40 executes, for example, a process of paying a license fee for music by electronic settlement to the chain headquarters management server 50 (step S28, step S29). In addition, charging associated with the music purchase is performed by the telecommunications carrier service server 40, but the license fee generated by the charging processing may be paid by the telecommunications carrier to the chain headquarters at the end of the month.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wireless information marker device 20 limits the communication range to some extent by using Bluetooth for short-range communication. Further, the wireless information marker device 20 limits the communication output. Therefore, people other than the eat-in area can be prevented from using the service. Therefore, it is possible to provide a service that does not require a communication fee or an information fee while limiting the target person. In addition, when the music is purchased, the telecommunications carrier performs a settlement process. At the same time, the license fee is paid to the chain headquarters, so that the telecommunications carrier and the restaurant can generate profits.

  Next, the minimum configuration of the content distribution system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a minimum configuration example of the content distribution system. As shown in FIG. 8, the content distribution system includes a mobile terminal 10 and a wireless information marking device 20 that executes a process of distributing content to the mobile terminal as the minimum components. The wireless information marker 20 includes content distribution means 22 for distributing free content using Bluetooth and distribution area restriction means 23 for limiting a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range.

  According to the content distribution system with the minimum configuration shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to provide a service that does not require a communication fee or an information fee while limiting the target person.

  In this embodiment, the characteristic configuration of the content distribution system as shown in the following (1) to (7) is shown.

  (1) The content distribution system includes a content distribution device (for example, a wireless information marker device 20) that executes processing for distributing content to a user's mobile terminal (for example, the mobile terminal 10). Content distribution means for distributing free content (for example, realized by the content distribution means 22) and distribution area restriction means for restricting a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range (for example, distribution area restriction means) 23))

  (2) In the content distribution system, the mobile terminal includes a content requesting unit (for example, realized by the content requesting unit 11) for transmitting a free content request and a content receiving unit (for example, the content receiving unit 12) for receiving free content. The content distribution means may be configured to distribute the free content based on the free content request received from the mobile terminal.

  (3) In the content distribution system, the content requesting unit transmits a pay content list request to the content distribution device, and the content distribution unit receives a pay content list (for example, music) based on the pay content list request received from the mobile terminal. List) is distributed to the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal purchases paid content (for example, music data) based on the received paid content list (for example, realized by the content purchasing means 13). May be included.

  (4) The content distribution system includes an information management device (for example, chain headquarters management server 50) that manages content, and an access point (for example, BT access point 60) that relays communication between the mobile terminal and the information management device. Provided, the access point uses Bluetooth to communicate with a mobile terminal using Bluetooth communication means (for example, realized by the BT communication means 61), and a Bluetooth communication area restriction that restricts a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range. Means (for example, realized by the BT communication area restriction means 62), the content purchase means transmits a purchase request for paid content to the information management apparatus, and the information management apparatus responds to the purchase request received from the portable terminal. Content transmission means for transmitting paid content based on (for example, If, include to) implemented by the content transmission unit 51, the content receiving means, from the information management device may be configured to receive the pay content.

  (5) The content distribution system includes a charging device (for example, a communication service provider server 40), and the charging device performs a charging process (for example, a charging unit 41) based on a purchase request received from the mobile terminal. And a license cost payment means (for example, realized by the license cost payment means 42) for executing processing for paying the information management apparatus for the license cost of the content charged by the charging means. May be.

  (6) In the content distribution system, the distribution area limiting unit may be configured to limit the wireless area by setting the transmission power within a predetermined value.

  (7) In the content distribution system, the BT communication area control means may be configured to limit the radio area by setting the transmission power within a predetermined value.

  The present invention can be applied to a purpose of distributing content to a user's mobile terminal.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the content delivery system by this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the content delivery system by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory area of a radio | wireless information marker apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process example which a content delivery system performs. It is an example of the service use permission screen which a portable terminal displays. It is an example of the music list browsing screen which a portable terminal displays. It is an example of the music purchase screen which a portable terminal displays. It is a block diagram which shows the minimum structural example of a content delivery system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mobile terminal 11 Content requesting means 12 Content receiving means 13 Content purchasing means 20 Wireless information indicator 21 Content storage means 22 Content distribution means 23 Distribution area restriction means 30 Store PC
31 Content Acquisition Unit 32 Content Registration Unit 40 Network Service Server 41 Charging Unit 42 License Cost Payment Unit 50 Chain Headquarters Management Server 51 Content Transmission Unit 60 BT Access Point 61 BT Communication Unit 62 BT Communication Area Limiting Unit

Claims (13)

A content distribution device that executes a process of distributing content to a user's mobile terminal;
The content distribution device includes:
Content distribution means for distributing free content using Bluetooth (registered trademark);
A distribution area restriction unit for restricting a wireless area using the Bluetooth within a predetermined range. Mobile devices
A content requesting means for sending a free content request;
Content receiving means for receiving free content,
The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution means distributes the free content based on the free content request received from the mobile terminal. The content request means transmits a paid content list request to the content distribution device,
The content distribution means distributes the paid content list to the mobile terminal based on the paid content list request received from the mobile terminal,
The mobile terminal includes content purchase means for performing a purchase process of paid content based on the received paid content list.
The content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2. An information management device for managing content;
An access point that relays communication between the portable terminal and the information management device;
The access point is
Bluetooth communication means for communicating with the mobile terminal using Bluetooth;
Bluetooth communication area limiting means for limiting a wireless area using the Bluetooth within a predetermined range,
The content purchase means transmits a request for purchasing paid content to the information management device,
The information management device includes:
Based on the purchase request received from the mobile terminal, including content transmitting means for transmitting the paid content;
The content distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the content receiving unit receives the pay content from the information management device. With a billing device,
The charging device is
Billing means for performing billing processing based on the purchase request received from the mobile terminal,
The content distribution system according to claim 4, further comprising: a license fee payment unit that executes a process of paying an information management apparatus a license fee of the content charged by the charging unit. The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distribution area restriction unit restricts the wireless area by setting the transmission power within a predetermined value. The content distribution system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the Bluetooth communication area control means limits the wireless area by setting the transmission power within a predetermined value. Content distribution means for distributing free content using Bluetooth,
A content distribution apparatus comprising: a distribution area limiting unit that limits a wireless area using the Bluetooth within a predetermined range. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the content distribution means distributes free content based on a content request received from a mobile terminal. A content distribution step for distributing free content using Bluetooth,
A distribution area restriction step of restricting a wireless area using Bluetooth within a predetermined range. A content requesting step for sending a free content request;
A content receiving step for receiving free content,
The content distribution method according to claim 10, wherein in the content distribution step, the free content is distributed based on the free content request. On the computer,
Content distribution processing that distributes free content using Bluetooth,
A content distribution program for executing a distribution area restriction process for restricting a wireless area using Bluetooth to a predetermined range. On the computer,
The content distribution program according to claim 12, wherein processing for distributing free content is executed based on a content request received from a mobile terminal.

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