JP2010171593A - Receiving set, method for viewing content, program thereof and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a viewer to purchase and view content with his/her portable information terminal. <P>SOLUTION: A communication interface 509 of this receiving set 50 transmits a receiving set recognition number to a content supply source on the basis of the viewer's request for content. A control part 510 receives an identifier generation instruction including a URL of a settlement authentication server and an ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiving set recognition number, and generates an identifier including the receiving set recognition number, the URL of the settlement authentication server and the ID of the content supply source. An identifier outputting part 512 transmits the identifier to the viewer's portable information terminal. A broadcast interface 509 receives the selection of the content from the portable information terminal that has received the identifier, a receiving set identifier received from a settlement authentication server that has completed settlement processing based on a settlement request for the content, and the content from the content supply source that has received a notification of an identifier of content whose settlement is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field related to a content sales system, a viewing system, and a usage method of a receiver and an information terminal, and more particularly, to a technology for realizing charging processing for content using a receiver and a small information terminal such as a mobile phone in a paid service. .

  In the realization of the conventional paid content distribution service, the service is provided at a flat rate (monthly basis or daily basis) or per content charge (VoD service) using a unique identifier assigned to each receiver such as CAS. It is common to be provided.

The realization is realized by a method as described in Non-Patent Document 1. The feature of this method is that the identifier assigned to the receiver is not duplicated and is extremely difficult to duplicate, so that the content distribution method using the billing account corresponding to the identifier and the identifier A content distribution system that is an indispensable key at the time of decryption, or a combination of these systems, realizes a paid content distribution mechanism.
Yoneya, Yamashita, Fujiwara, “Restricted Reception System for Digital Broadcasting”, Toshiba Review Vol. 55, no. 12, published by Toshiba Corporation, December 1, 2000, p. 26-29

  However, in the conventional method, since a billing account is linked to the receiver or an item belonging to the receiver, for example, in order to receive paid content distribution / viewing service on a receiver that is owned by another person, A process for switching the billing account associated with the receiver is required. This switching work is very complicated except for some systems that are designed to be switched when the distribution / viewing system is constructed, and the risk of leaking credit card numbers increases. It is not desirable in terms of surface.

  In addition, even if the owner is the same, if you have multiple receivers, you can view the content only on the receiver that has been charged, and you cannot view the content on other receivers. This is a factor that significantly impedes convenience.

  Accordingly, the receiver of claim 1 is a receiver that receives and outputs content through communication with the content supply source, and sends a receiver identification number to the content supply source based on the content request of the viewer. Receiving the identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiver identification number, and the payment processing of the receiver recognition number and the content. Identifier generating means for generating an identifier including the URL of the settlement authentication server to be performed and the ID of the content supply source; identifier output means for sending the generated identifier to the small information terminal of the viewer; and the generated identifier The payment authorization based on the selection of the content from the small information terminal that has received the payment and the payment processing based on the payment request for this content. And a content receiving unit receiving the content from the content source receives the notification of the identifier of the content that has completed the payment and receiver identifiers received from the server.

  The receiver according to claim 2 is a receiver that receives and outputs content through communication with the content supply source, and receives the image from the content supply source based on a request for content that has been settled in advance by the viewer. Receiving the identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiver recognition number; Identifier generating means for generating an identifier including a URL of a payment authentication server that performs content payment processing and the ID of the content supply source; identifier output means for sending the generated identifier to the viewer's small information terminal; Payment confirming electronic data certifying purchase of the content transmitted from the small information terminal that has received the generated identifier And a receiver identifier received from the witness server content source receives the notification of the identifier of the content and a content receiving unit receiving the content.

  The receiver according to claim 3 is the receiver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication method with the small information terminal is any one of an optical signal method, a radio signal method, an audio signal method, and the like. A combination of one or more selected.

  The content viewing method according to claim 4 is a content viewing method by a receiver that receives and outputs content by communication with a content supply source, the receiver receiving communication processing means, identifier generating means, and identifier output means. And a content receiving means, wherein the communication processing means sends a receiver identification number to a content supply source based on a viewer's content request, and the identifier generating means determines the receiver recognition number. Upon receipt of an identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the received content supply source, the receiver identification number, the URL of the payment authentication server that performs the payment processing of the content, and the content supply source Generating an identifier including an ID, and the identifier output means displays the generated identifier in the view. A payment authentication server that has completed the payment processing based on the selection of the content from the small information terminal that has received the generated identifier and the payment request for the content. Receiving the content from the content supply source that has received the notification of the receiver identifier received from and the identifier of the content for which the settlement has been completed.

  The content viewing method according to claim 5 is a content viewing method by a receiver that receives and outputs the content by communication with a content supply source, the receiver receiving communication processing means, identifier generating means, and identifier outputting means. And a content receiving means, wherein the communication processing means sends a receiver identification number to a content supply source based on a request for content that has been settled in advance by a viewer; and the identifier generating means, When receiving an identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiver identification number, the URL of the payment authentication server that performs the payment processing of the receiver identification number and the content And generating an identifier including the content source ID, and the identifier output means Sending the generated identifier to the viewer's small information terminal, and the content receiving means confirmed electronic data certifying the purchase of the content transmitted from the small information terminal that received the generated identifier Receiving the content from the content supply source that has received the notification of the receiver identifier received from the payment authentication server and the identifier of the content.

  A program according to a sixth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as each means constituting the receiver according to any one of the first to third aspects.

  A recording medium according to a seventh aspect is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to the sixth aspect is recorded.

  According to the above invention, content can be purchased and viewed using the small information terminal of the viewer.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a receiver 50 according to an embodiment of the invention.

  The receiver 50 is a digital receiver desired by a viewer, as exemplified by a television device. In the content distribution system related to the image receiver 50, the content desired by the viewer is selected on the image receiver 50 side by a small information terminal, for example, a small information terminal 10 or 20 such as a mobile phone illustrated in FIG. It is possible to realize a service and an application that allow viewing of the content after performing a charging process.

  The receiver 50 has a unique identifier (receiver identification number) and transmits it to the content storage / transmission unit 40 which is the content supply source illustrated in FIG. 8 in the content distribution system.

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 captures the image receiver 50 that the content viewer desires to view. The content storage / transmission unit 40 transmits the URL of the settlement / authentication server 30 illustrated in FIG. 7 and the identifier of the terminal itself to the receiver 50.

  Then, the receiver 50 receives the signal, performs an operation combined with an identifier (receiver recognition number) held inside, and the operation result is a small information terminal exemplified in FIGS. 10 and 20 are notified.

  The small information terminals 10 and 20 receive and analyze the calculation result, and the URL of the settlement / authentication server 30 included in the calculation result also includes the ID of the content storage / transmission unit included in the calculation result. And the receiver identification number are accessed as arguments.

  When the viewer operates the small information terminals 10 and 20, the selection and approval / purchase of the content are confirmed in the approval server.

  The settlement / authentication server 30 completes the purchase / approval of the content specified by the user to the content storage / transmission unit 40 in accordance with the ID of the content storage / transmission unit 40 passed as the access argument. As well as the receiver identification number passed as an argument.

  Upon receiving the notification, the content storage / transmission unit 40 has completed the approval for the captured receiver 50 having the same receiver identification number as the receiver identification number included in the notification. Content is distributed in a flow of starting to send out the content.

  In the flow of the content distribution system described above, a unique receiver identification number included in the receiver 50 which is a key for billing is simply notified to the content storage / sending unit 40 that transmits the content. In addition, in addition, the small information terminals 10 and 20, the settlement / authentication server 30, and the content storage / transmission unit 40 are sequentially returned in the order of processing, which is a difference from the conventional method.

  According to the content distribution system including the settlement / authentication server 30, the content storage / transmission unit 40, and the receiver 50 described above, the receiver identification of the receiver 50 without charging / settlement of content by the receiver 50. The content is transmitted to both the content storage / transmission unit 40 and the small information terminals 10 and 20 that transmit the content, and the small information terminals 10 and 20 that have received the number are used to view the content using the receiver identification number as a key. By the user's operation, content selection and billing settlement are performed, and the content is transmitted to the receiver 50 by assigning the receiver identification number on the system, so that the content can be viewed.

  That is, by using this method, billing / settlement becomes a user of the small information terminals 10 and 20, and the receiver 50 does not need to be billed / settled. Thereby, even when the owner of the receiver 50 and the viewer of the content are different, the viewer of the content uses the small information terminals 10 and 20 owned by the viewer to perform selection and charging / decision of the content. Thus, the charged content desired by the viewer can be viewed without charging the owner of the receiver 50 for the content.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a sequence 1 according to the first embodiment. Sequence 1 is the simplest and practically available embodiment. Sequence 1 is executed by a system including small information terminal 10, payment / authentication server 30, content storage / transmission unit 40, and receiver 50. In this system, the user can select the content to be viewed, the settlement action for viewing the content, and the receiver 50 to be viewed by operating the small information terminal 10.

  In sequence 1, information necessary for content selection and settlement is copied in advance between the content storage / transmission unit 40 and the settlement / authentication server 30, and the settlement / authentication server 30 receives information from the small information terminal 10. A response is directly returned to the content information (ECG) acquisition request, and the settlement process is completed.

  The small information terminal 10 is a terminal exemplified by a general mobile phone and the like. At least, an arbitrary application can be downloaded from the network according to a user instruction, its execution function, and a camera device. It has a function that can acquire information by analyzing video.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the small information terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the small information terminal 10 includes a communication processing unit 101, a message processing unit 102, an output processing unit 103, an output device 104, an input processing unit 105, an input device 106, an identifier analysis unit 107, and an identifier reading device 108. The communication processing unit 101 provides an input / output communication function with the outside using radio waves. The message processing unit 102 interprets the message received by the communication processing unit 101 and passes it to the output processing unit 103. In addition, the message processing unit 102 passes the information provided from the input processing unit 105 as a message to the communication processing unit 101. The output processing unit 103 converts the given information into information that can be output by the output device 104. The output device 104 outputs information to the user. Examples of the output device 104 include a liquid crystal display device and a speaker. The input processing unit 105 processes the electrical signal given from the input device 106 and converts it into information that can be processed by the message processing unit 102. The input device 106 is an input means and is exemplified by a pointing device such as a keyboard and buttons. The identifier analysis unit 107 analyzes the data received by the identifier reading device 108, extracts information, and passes it to the input processing unit 105. The identifier reading device 108 is means for reading the identifier generated by the receiver, and examples thereof include optical means, radio wave means, and audio means. In the case of using optical means, an optical sensor such as a CMOS, CCD, or photodiode is exemplified, in the case of using radio means, the antenna is exemplified, and in the case of using sound means, a microphone device is exemplified.

  The settlement / authentication server 30 has at least a function for presenting content information such as an electronic content guide (ECG) and a settlement function for the selected content.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the settlement / authentication server 30 according to the present embodiment. The settlement / authentication server 30 includes a communication processing unit 301, a message processing unit 302, a content information storage unit 303, a payment processing unit 304, an application storage unit 305, and an assertion creation unit 306. The communication processing unit 301 performs communication processing with the outside. The message processing unit 302 interprets the message received by the communication processing unit 301, and performs necessary processing together with each function unit. In addition, the message processing unit 302 generates a message to be sent. The content information storage unit 303 stores information other than the data of the content itself, such as the content name and billing conditions. The content information storage unit 303 is unnecessary when executing the sequence 1 ′ shown in FIG. 2 and the sequence 2 ′ shown in FIG. 4. 304 performs settlement processing. The application storage unit 305 stores an assertion management function unit (program) to be sent to the small information terminals 10 and 20. The application storage unit 305 is unnecessary when executing the sequence 1 and the sequence 1 ′ shown in FIG. 2. The assertion creation unit 306 generates an assertion that is a content purchase certificate. The assertion creation unit 306 is not necessary in the case of executing sequences 1 and 1 '.

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 includes at least the content itself, a function for storing information related to the content, a function for acquiring the receiver identification number sent from the receiver 50, and various types of information including the receiver recognition number. And a function of converting the input into an image that can be captured by the camera device.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the content storage / transmission unit 40 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the content storage / transmission unit 40 includes a communication processing unit 401, a message processing unit 402, a content information storage unit 403, a content storage unit 404, and a receiver identification table 406 as illustrated in FIG. The communication processing unit 401 performs communication processing with the outside. The message processing unit 402 interprets the message received by the communication processing unit 401 and performs necessary processing together with each function unit. In addition, the message processing unit 402 generates a message to be transmitted and performs content transmission processing. The content information storage unit 403 stores information other than the data of the content itself, such as the content name and billing conditions. The content storage unit 404 stores the content itself. The receiver identification table 406 is a table that records a correspondence between a receiver identification number (CAS card ID) and a receiver identifier.

  The receiver identification number acquired by the content storage / transmission unit 40 is based on the CAS card ID. Then, the content storage / transmission unit 40 stores the receiver identifier table that automatically stores the receiver identifier that is automatically generated without overlapping the acquired receiver identification number in a 1: 1 relationship, and the receiver identifier. It has a function unit that automatically generates information, and inputs information included in the apparatus to the image conversion function unit is various information including a receiver identifier. These functions are also executed in a sequence 2 'described later.

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 also converts the URI of the settlement / authentication server 30 into an image when converting information into an image. Further, when the content storage / transmission unit 40 converts information into an image, a method is adopted in which an identifier indicating its own device is combined and converted into an image. These functions are also executed in a sequence 2 'described later.

  The image receiver 50 can receive at least a signal by reception of radio waves or communication, and outputs video, audio, and other character information by processing the signal. In addition to general receiver functions that enable channel alignment and information uplink using communication means as required by the viewer, they are given in a form that cannot be rewritten to each receiver without duplication. A function for holding the received receiver identification number and performing an operation by combining the argument of the instruction and the aforementioned receiver recognition number in accordance with an instruction transmitted from the content storage / sending unit 40, and the calculation result as small information A function of notifying the terminal 10;

  FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a receiver 50 according to the present embodiment. The receiver 50 controls the broadcast interface 501, the encryption processing unit 502, the signal separation unit 503, the audio decoding unit 504, the video decoding unit 505, the character information decoding unit 506, the audio output unit 507, the video output unit 508, and the communication interface 509. Unit 510, user interface input function unit 511, and receiver identification number storage unit 512. The broadcast interface 501 receives broadcast waves and extracts signals. The encryption processing unit 502 decrypts the encryption of the extracted signal. The key for decryption is held in the receiver identification number storage unit 512. The signal separation unit 503 separates the audio signal, video signal, character information, and the like from the signal for each medium. The voice decoding unit 504 converts the voice signal into an analog signal. The video decoding unit 505 develops the video signal as a video in the frame buffer. The character information decoding unit 506 converts the information into a format that can be output as audio or video. The audio output unit 507 converts the given analog signal into audio. As the audio output unit 507, a speaker is exemplified. The video output unit 508 converts the signal stored in the frame buffer into a video. Examples of the video output unit 508 include a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, and a cathode ray tube. The communication interface 509 uses communication to extract a signal or send a signal. The control unit 510 performs processing related to communication. In addition, the control unit 510 performs user input processing and the like. The user interface input function unit 511 receives user input. An example of the user interface input function unit 511 is a remote controller. The receiver identification number storage unit 512 sends the identifier. In the case of an optical method, the video output unit 508 can also serve as the device. In the case of audio means, the audio output unit 507 can also serve as the audio means. In the case of radio wave means, an antenna is exemplified.

  In addition, as a communication method between the receiver 50 and the small information terminal 10 (small information terminal 20 to be described later), any one of an optical signal method, a radio signal method, an audio signal method, or two or more thereof is selected. A combination of these is used.

  The above devices 10 to 50 are equipped with normal hardware components such as a CPU (Central Processor Unit), a memory (RAM), a hard disk drive device, a communication device, and the like. The processing according to each of the functional blocks 101 to 108, 201 to 210, 301 to 306, 401 to 406, and 501 to 511 can be realized in cooperation with software. An image obtained by this processing can be appropriately displayed on a known display device (the same applies to the small information terminal 20 described later).

  Hereinafter, the sequence 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 5 to 10, 12, 15, and 18.

  The viewer uses the remote controller 11 to instruct the receiver 50 to issue a program acquisition request (step [1a] in FIG. 1). Receiving this instruction, the image receiver 50 sends a request (program acquisition request) to the content storage / transmission unit 40 (step [701] in FIG. 18).

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 has not completed content selection and settlement in steps [801] [802] [810] [811] [815] shown in FIG. Therefore, a guidance for channel selection operation for sending the receiver identification number is sent from the communication processing unit 401 to the viewer's receiver 50. Then, on the viewer side, the receiver 50 displays the guidance by the video output unit 508 (steps [702] [703] [704] in FIG. 18).

  When the viewer selects a channel for transmitting the receiver identification number (step [705] in FIG. 18), the content storage / sending unit 40 sends a signal including the receiver identification number acquisition request to the receiver 50. Transmit (steps [802] and [803] in FIG. 15). The image receiver 50 transmits the image receiver identification number to the content storage / transmission unit 40 (step [1b] in FIG. 1, steps [706] [707] [708] in FIG. 18).

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 that has received the receiver identification number in step [804] of FIG. 15 uses the settlement / authentication server (IDP) 30 that is determined by the settings that the content storage / transmission unit 40 uses in advance. An identifier generation instruction with information including the URL and ID indicating the own device / own terminal (ID indicating the content storage / transmission unit) is sent to the receiver 50 by the communication processing unit 401 (step [808 of FIG. 15] ], Step [1c] in FIG. In response to the instruction, the receiver 50 generates an identifier including the receiver identification number, the URL of the settlement / authentication server (IDP) 30 and the ID indicating the content storage / transmission unit 40 as information, and is present in the vicinity. Transmission is started to the assumed small information terminal (mobile phone) (step [708] in FIG. 18).

  When the transmission of the identifier starts, when the user receives it at the small information terminal 10 (step [1d] in FIG. 1), it becomes an instruction by the user to the small information terminal 10 (step [101] in FIG. 15). The URL designated by the identifier is accessed using the receiver identification number and the ID of the content storage / transmission unit 40 as arguments (step [1e] in FIG. 1, step [102] in FIG. 15).

  When there is an access from the small information terminal 10, the settlement / authentication server 30 sends an ECG while holding the given argument (step [1f] in FIG. 1, step [303] in FIG. 12). The terminal 10 receives the information and displays the information by the output processing unit 101 and the output device 104 (steps [105] [106] [108] [110] in FIG. 10).

  The settlement / authentication server 30 receives the content selection and settlement request from the user's small information terminal 10 (step [1g] in FIG. 1, steps [304] [305] in FIG. 12), and the receiver identification number. Is passed as an argument (step [306]), the settlement processing unit 304 performs settlement processing on the selected content (steps [307] [308] [309]).

  When the payment is processed correctly (step [310]), the payment / authentication server 30 sends the receiver identification number to the content storage / transmission unit 40 via the message processing unit 302 and the communication processing unit 304. The identifier of the content for which payment has been completed is notified (step [1h] in FIG. 1, step [311] in FIG. 12).

  Further, the settlement / authentication server 30 also sends a settlement confirmation notification to the small information terminal 10 (step [1i] in FIG. 1) and presents a completion notification to the user (step [110] in FIG. 10). ).

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 that has received the receiver identification number and the content identifier as the payment completion notification from the payment / authentication server 30 in steps [816] and [817] in FIG. 15 receives the receiver having the receiver recognition number. A request from 50 is searched (step [818]), and a transmission permission flag is set for the content requested by the request (step [819]). If an initial request screen is being sent to the receiver 50 (step [820]), a guidance is sent to the effect that the payment is completed and the moving image content is ready to be sent (step [821]).

  Thereafter, as the processing of the content storage / transmission unit 40, when the content with the transmission permission flag is detected (step [811]), transmission of the content to the designated receiver 50 is started (FIG. 1). Step [1j], Step [812] in FIG. The receiver 50 receives the content via the communication interface 509. When content transmission ends (step [813]), content transmission end processing is performed (step [814]).

  Further, as a modification of the sequence 1, the sequence 1 'illustrated in FIG. The sequence 1 'is the same as the sequence 1 except that it includes steps [2n] and [2o] of the sequence 2' described later. That is, in the sequence 1 ′, at least the various information related to the content is held by the content storage / transmission unit 40 between the steps [1e] and [1f] of the sequence 1, and the settlement / authentication server 30 Whenever there is a request for acquiring content information (ECG) from the small information terminal 10, the settlement / authentication server 30 makes an inquiry to the content storage / transmission unit 40, and the result is returned to the small information terminal 10 as a response. Return as.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 shows a sequence 2 ′ according to the second embodiment. The sequence 2 ′ is executed by a system including the small information terminal 20, the settlement / authentication server 30, the content storage / transmission unit 40, and the receiver 50. Also in this system, as in the first embodiment, the user can select the content to be viewed, the settlement action for viewing the content, and the receiver 50 to be viewed by operating the small information terminal 20. It is possible.

  In particular, the sequence 2 ′ is a content selection and settlement action obtained by removing the content identifier synchronization processing between the content storage / transmission unit 40 and the settlement / authentication server 30 in advance from the sequence 1 (sequence 1 ′ in FIG. 2). It has a mechanism that can be separated and separated in time and satisfies both characteristics at the same time.

  Further, the settlement / authentication server 30 according to the sequence 2 ′ includes at least a content information (ECG) presentation function, a settlement function for the selected content, and a function for generating electronic data (assertion) that proves the purchase of the content. And a function for storing and sending a program for a mobile phone having a function of receiving and storing them in a small information terminal such as a mobile phone and returning the electronic data certifying the stored purchase in response to an instruction from the server. It is supposed to run. Note that the function of generating the electronic data is executed by the assertion creating unit 306 described in the first embodiment.

  Various information regarding the content is held by the content storage / transmission unit 40, and each time the settlement / authentication server 30 requests acquisition of content information (ECG) from the small information terminal 20, the settlement / authentication server 30 Makes an inquiry to the content storage / transmission unit 40 and returns the result to the small information terminal 20 as a response.

  Further, the electronic data of the content purchase certificate generated by the settlement / authentication server 30 is provided with an expiration date or viewing number information, and a restriction is imposed on the effect of the purchase certificate (the same applies to sequence 2 described later). ).

  FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the small information terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The small information terminal 20 includes a communication processing unit 201, an application processing unit 202, a message processing unit 203, a storage unit 204, an output processing unit 205, an output device 206, an input processing unit 207, an input device 208, an identifier analysis unit 209, and an identifier reading unit. 210.

  The communication processing unit 201 provides an input / output communication function with the outside using radio waves. The application processing unit 202 executes an application (assertion management unit or its program) acquired from the outside. The message processing unit 203 interprets the message received by the communication processing unit 201 and passes it to the output processing unit 205. In addition, the message processing unit 203 provides a function of passing information provided from the input processing unit 207 as a message to the communication processing unit. The accumulation unit 204 accumulates information given from the outside. For example, an assertion management unit program and assertion information are accumulated. The output processing unit 205 converts the given information into information that can be output by the output device 206. The output device 206 outputs information to the user. Examples of the output device 206 include a liquid crystal display device and a speaker. The input processing unit 207 processes the electrical signal given from the input device 208 and converts it into information that can be processed by the message processing unit 203. The input device 208 is an input means and is exemplified by a pointing device such as a keyboard and buttons. The video analysis unit 209 analyzes the image captured by the video input device 210, extracts information, and passes it to the input processing unit 207. The identifier reading device 210 is a means for reading the identifier generated by the receiver, and examples thereof include optical means, radio wave means, and audio means. In the case of using optical means, an optical sensor such as a CMOS, CCD, or photodiode is exemplified, in the case of using radio means, the antenna is exemplified, and in the case of using sound means, a microphone device is exemplified.

  The sequence 2 ′ will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 to 18.

  Before using the system, the viewer uses the small information terminal 20 to access the settlement / authentication server 30 (step [2a] in FIG. 4) and downloads an application for handling the assertion (step [2b]), ready for execution.

  After that, the user operates the small information terminal 20 (steps [101] [102] [103] in FIG. 10) to access the content storage / transmission unit (step [2c] in FIG. 4) to obtain information on the content. A response is made (steps [601] [602] [610] [616] in FIG. 16, steps [623] [627] in FIG. 17).

  Next, when a content is selected by the user and a payment request is made, the content processing / transmission unit 40 generates an identifier of the content (step [630] in FIG. 17), and the content identifier and the content storage. The assertion accumulation response using the identifier of the sending unit as an argument is sent by the communication processing unit 401 (step [2d] in FIG. 4, step [631] in FIG. 17).

  The small information terminal 20 that has received the assertion accumulation response via the communication processing unit 201 in step [106] of FIG. 10 starts the assertion management program in the accumulation mode together with the argument (step [107]).

  The assertion management program of the small information terminal 20 activated in the accumulation mode (step [201] in FIG. 11) accesses the settlement / authentication server 30, and the arguments (content identifier and content accumulation / transmission unit 40) passed at the time of activation. Identifier (step [2e] in FIG. 4, step [202] in FIG. 11).

  The accessed settlement / authentication server 30 accesses the content storage / transmission unit 40 based on the passed identifier of the content storage / transmission unit 40 (step [2f] in FIG. 4), and information on the specified content identifier (Step [2g], Step [401] [402] [406] [418] [425] in FIG. 13). In response to the access, the content identifier transmits content information corresponding to the content identifier from the content storage / transmission unit 40 (steps [623] [624] [625] in FIG. 17).

  Thereafter, a transaction for confirming settlement between the small information terminal 20 and the settlement / authentication server 30 (steps [203] [204] [205] [209] [210] [211] [212] in FIG. The settlement process is performed through 13 steps [419] and [420] (step [421]).

  When the payment processing is correctly completed (step [422]), the payment / authentication server 30 sends the assertion created by the assertion generation unit 306 to the small information terminal (mobile phone) (step [2h in FIG. 4). ], Step [423] in FIG. The small information terminal 20 receives the assertion, accumulates the assertion ([206] in FIG. 11), and notifies the user of the completion of the accumulation of the assertion (step [207]).

  This completes the accumulation of assertions in the small information terminal 20.

  When the viewer actually views the content, the viewer instructs the receiver 50 to issue a program acquisition request using the remote controller 11 (step [2i] in FIG. 4). Receiving this instruction, the receiver 50 sends a request to the content storage / sending unit 40 (step [701] in FIG. 18).

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 has not completed the content selection and settlement in steps [601] [602] [610] [611] [615] shown in FIG. Therefore, a guidance for channel selection operation for sending the receiver identification number is sent to the viewer, and the receiver (television device) displays the guidance (steps [702] and [703 in FIG. 18). ] [704]).

  When the viewer selects a channel for transmitting the receiver identification number (step [705]), the content storage / sending unit 40 transmits a signal including the receiver identification number acquisition request to the receiver 50. (Steps [602] and [603] in FIG. 16), the receiver 50 sends the receiver identification number to the content storage / sending unit 40 (Step [2j], Steps [706] and [707] in FIG. 18). [708]).

  The content storage / transmission unit 40 that has received the receiver identification number in step [604] of FIG. 16 uses the settlement / authentication server (IDP) 30 that is determined by the settings that the content storage / transmission unit 40 uses in advance. An identifier generation instruction is sent to the receiver 50 with information including a URL and an ID indicating the own device / own terminal (an ID indicating the content storage / sending unit 40) ([2k] in FIG. 4, FIG. 16). Step [608]).

  In the image receiver 50, the control unit 510 that has received the instruction generates an identifier including as information the image receiver identification number, the URL of the settlement / authentication server (IDP) 30, and the ID indicating the content storage / transmission unit 40. . Then, transmission of the generated identifier is started from the identifier output unit 512 to the small information terminal 20 that is assumed to exist in the vicinity (step [708] in FIG. 18).

  When the transmission of the identifier starts, when the user receives the small information terminal 20 (step [21] in FIG. 4), the user gives an instruction to the small information terminal 20 (step [101] in FIG. 10). The URL designated by the identifier is accessed using the receiver identification number and the ID of the content storage / transmission unit 40 as arguments (step [2m] in FIG. 4, step [102] in FIG. 10).

  The accessed settlement / authentication server 30 requests content information from the content storage / transmission unit 40 (step [2n] in FIG. 4, steps [403] [404] in FIG. 13).

  In response to the access, the content storage / transmission unit 40 returns content information to the settlement / authentication server 30 (step [2o] in FIG. 4, steps [623] [624] [625] in FIG. 17).

  The settlement / authentication server 30 notifies the small information terminal 20 of the response as an ECG (step [2p] in FIG. 4, step [405] in FIG. 13).

  Next, when the user's small information terminal 20 selects not the content selection / settlement but the transmission of the already purchased assertion (step [2q] in FIG. 4, step [512] in FIG. 14), the settlement authentication server Notifies the activation of the assertion management program (assertion management function unit) in the sending mode (step [2r] in FIG. 4, step [513] in FIG. 14).

  When the assertion management function unit of the small information terminal 20 is activated in the sending mode (step [213] in FIG. 11), the program accesses the assertion storage unit of the small information terminal 20 (step [214]), and acquires the acquired assertion. A list is presented to the user (steps [215] [216]).

  When the selection of the assertion is completed (step [217]), the small information terminal 20 sends the assertion to the settlement / authentication server 30 (step [2s] in FIG. 4, [218] in FIG. 11).

  The settlement / authentication server 30 verifies the validity (step [503]) of the sent assertion (steps [501] and [502] in FIG. 14), the expiration date (step [504]), and the number of times of viewing (step [505]). Is confirmed by the message processing unit 302. If there is no problem in either case, the content identifier and the receiver identifier are sent to the content storing / sending unit (step [2t] in FIG. 4 and step [in FIG. 14] 506]).

  The settlement / authentication server 30 notifies the small information terminal 20 of the assertion acceptance notification and the viewing frequency subtraction process (step [2u] in FIG. 4, [515] in FIG. 14).

  When the small information terminal 50 is notified of the normal transmission of the assertion (step [219]), the small information terminal 50 notifies the user of the completion of the transmission (step [220]), and the subtraction process is performed for the number of times the assertion is viewed. (Step [221]).

  On the other hand, the content storage / transmission unit 40 that has received the receiver identifier and the content identifier as a payment completion notification from the payment / authentication server 30 in steps [616] and [617] in FIG. 16 receives the receiver having the receiver identifier. A request from 50 is searched (step [618]), and a transmission permission flag is set for the content requested by the request (step [619]). If an initial request screen is being sent to the receiver 50 (step [620]), a guidance is sent to the effect that the payment is completed and the moving image content is ready to be sent (step [621]).

  Upon detecting the content with the transmission permission flag (step [611] in FIG. 16), the content storage / transmission unit 40 starts transmitting the content to the designated receiver 50 (step in FIG. 4). [2v], step [612] in FIG. The receiver 50 receives the content via the communication interface 509. When the content transmission ends (step [613]), a content transmission end process is performed (step [614]).

  Further, as a modification of the sequence 2 ′, the sequence 2 illustrated in FIG. 3 can be given. Sequence 2 is the same as sequence 2 'except that it does not have step [2n] [2o] of sequence 2'.

  According to the distribution system for executing the sequences 1, 1 ′, 2, 2 ′ according to the embodiment described above, according to the invention of the above embodiment, the content viewer can use the existing small information terminal 10 that is extremely personal. , 20 can be used to arbitrarily select content to be viewed, make a payment, purchase viewing rights, and can be viewed on the receiver 50 desired by the viewer. Further, since the receiver 50 is not a key for billing / settlement, even if the owner of the receiver 50 is different from the owner of the small information terminals 10 and 20, the small information terminals 10 and 20 By ensuring that it is in the vicinity of the receiver 50, viewing is possible. In addition, both the small information terminals 10 and 20 and the receiver 50 have the effect that it is possible to provide the viewer with very great convenience, which is different from the conventional system, in that existing devices can be used as they are. Therefore, the cost of introducing the present invention can be kept very low.

  The content distribution system is premised on the distribution of broadcast content by IP. However, it is possible to use a conventional radio wave frequency infinitely, and the broadcasting station has a function corresponding to the content storage / transmission unit 40. By implementing it in a broadcasting system, this method can be realized on a broadcasting system using radio waves as it is. However, in this case, communication from the receiver 50 to the content storage / transmission unit 40 needs to be realized using a communication device included in a general existing digital television device.

  The small information terminals 10 and 20, the settlement / authentication server 30, the content storage / transmission unit 40, and the image receiver 50 that constitute the distribution system according to the above embodiment are not limited to the above embodiment. It is good also as a mode of the program which makes a computer function as a process concerning each functional block 101-108, 201-210, 301-306, 401-406, 501-511 which comprises the apparatus 10-50. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium or provided through a network.

Explanatory drawing of the sequence 1 which concerns on 1st embodiment of invention. Explanatory drawing of the sequence 1 'which concerns on 1st embodiment of invention. Explanatory drawing of the sequence 2 which concerns on 2nd embodiment of invention. Explanatory drawing of the sequence 2 'which concerns on 2nd embodiment of invention. The schematic block diagram of the small information terminal which concerns on 1st embodiment of invention. The schematic block diagram of the small information terminal which concerns on 2nd embodiment of invention. The schematic block diagram of the payment authentication server which concerns on embodiment of invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a content storage / transmission unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The schematic block diagram of the receiver which concerns on embodiment of invention. The flowchart explaining operation | movement of the small information terminal in sequence 1, 1 ', 2, 2'. The flowchart explaining the operation example of the small information terminal in sequence 2, 2 '. The flowchart explaining the operation example of the payment and authentication server in sequence 1,2. The flowchart explaining the operation example of the payment and authentication server in sequence 1 ', 2'. The flowchart explaining the operation example of the payment and authentication server in sequence 2, 2 '. The flowchart explaining the operation example of the content storage / transmission part in sequence 1,2. The flowchart explaining the operation example of the content storage / transmission part in sequence 1 ', 2'. The flowchart explaining the operation example of the content storage / transmission part in sequence 1 ', 2'. The flowchart explaining operation | movement of the receiver in sequence 1, 1 ', 2, 2'.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,20 ... Small information terminal 11 ... Remote control 30 ... Settlement / authentication server 40 ... Content storage / transmission part (content supply source)
50: Receiver 501 ... Broadcast interface (content receiving means)
510... Control unit (identifier generating means)
509 ... Communication interface (communication processing means)
512 ... identifier output unit (identifier output means)

Claims (7)

A receiver that receives and outputs content through communication with a content source,
Communication processing means for sending a receiver identification number to a content source based on a viewer's content request;
The URL of the payment authentication server that performs payment processing of the receiver recognition number and the content in response to an identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiver identification number And identifier generating means for generating an identifier including the content source ID.
Identifier output means for transmitting the generated identifier to the viewer's small information terminal;
Selection of the content from the small information terminal that has received the generated identifier and notification of the receiver identifier received from the payment authentication server that has completed the payment processing based on the payment request for the content and the identifier of the content that has completed the payment And a content receiving means for receiving the content from the received content supply source. A receiver that receives and outputs content through communication with a content source,
Communication processing means for sending a receiver identification number to a content supply source based on a request for content that has been settled in advance by the viewer;
Upon receipt of an identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiver identification number, the URL of the payment authentication server that performs the payment processing of the receiver recognition number and the content And an identifier generating means for generating an identifier including the ID of the content supply source;
Identifier output means for transmitting the generated identifier to the viewer's small information terminal;
The receiver identifier received from the payment authentication server that has confirmed the electronic data certifying the purchase of the content transmitted from the small information terminal that has received the generated identifier, and the content source that has received the notification of the identifier of the content An image receiver comprising: content receiving means for receiving the content.   3. The communication system with the small information terminal is any one of an optical signal system, a radio signal system, an audio signal system, or a combination of two or more selected from these. The receiver described in 1. A method for viewing content by a receiver that receives and outputs content through communication with a content source,
The receiver includes communication processing means, identifier generation means, identifier output means, and content reception means,
The communication processing means sending a receiver identification number to a content source based on a viewer's content request;
The identifier generation means receives an identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiver recognition number, and performs the payment processing of the receiver recognition number and the content. Generating an identifier including a URL of a settlement authentication server to perform and an ID of the content source;
The identifier output means sending the generated identifier to the viewer's small information terminal;
The content receiving means completes the payment with the receiver identifier received from the payment authentication server that has completed the selection of the content from the small information terminal that has received the generated identifier and the payment processing based on the payment request for the content. Receiving the content from a content supply source that has received the notification of the identifier of the content that has been received. A method for viewing content by a receiver that receives and outputs content through communication with a content source,
The receiver includes communication processing means, identifier generation means, identifier output means, and content reception means,
The communication processing means sending a receiver identification number to a content source based on a request for content that has been settled in advance by the viewer;
When the identifier generation means receives an identifier generation instruction including the URL of the payment authentication server and the ID of the content supply source from the content supply source that has received the receiver identification number, the payment processing of the receiver recognition number and the content is performed. Generating an identifier including a URL of a settlement authentication server to perform and an ID of the content source;
The identifier output means sending the generated identifier to the viewer's small information terminal;
The content receiving means notifies the receiver identifier received from the payment authentication server that has confirmed the electronic data certifying the purchase of the content transmitted from the small information terminal that has received the generated identifier and the identifier of the content. Receiving the content from the received content supply source.   A program for causing a computer to function as each means constituting the receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded.

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