JP2010183148A - Device and method for reproducing content, program, content distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To bring convenience to a user, by saving time and effort required from when the user hears a digest content until the user obtains an original content file utilized for the digest content. <P>SOLUTION: A content reproducing device can operate reproduction if the device obtains a digest content. In addition, the device includes a user interface for enabling a selecting determination operation for an original content utilized for creation of the digest content. Then, in response to execution of the selecting determination operation, the device obtains substance data capable of reproducing the content as an original content specified by an editing content information on digest content data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction apparatus that reproduces data, for example, as audio content, a method thereof, and a program executed by the content reproduction apparatus. The present invention also relates to a content distribution system comprising the content reproduction apparatus.

  For example, a genre called MIXCD (mixed CD) is known. This is what a creator called so-called DJ or the like edits and creates a plurality of pieces of music in a continuous manner by a technique called a mix, which is a single piece of work and content. In general, such edited content is provided as a package medium such as a CD. Because of this, it is called MIXCD.

  The contents of the MIXCD reflect at least a part of a plurality of pieces of music as described above, and reflect the intention and technique of the creator's editing. For this reason, for example, listeners can enjoy listening to MIXCD while enjoying many songs, and have the advantage of being able to find interesting songs that they do not know. For this reason, MIXCD is often used for the purpose of advertising new songs by record companies and the like.

  Also, in recent years, as a method for obtaining audio content or the like, instead of obtaining a package medium represented by a CD or the like, audio data as music is obtained from a server on the network by a network terminal as a personal computer, for example. Downloading is widely done.

Republished Patent International Publication Number WO99 / 25082 JP 2005-92477 A

However, as a practical problem, if there is a song that the MIXCD listener wants to obtain by listening to the sound source of the MIXCD, it will be troublesome to obtain this song. For example, if a listener wants to know a song name, an artist, etc. in order to specify a song that he / she wants to obtain, if there is a song list attached to the MIXCD with paper or the like, this can be viewed. However, without a song list, it is difficult to specify the song.
Further, MIXCD is merely one piece of content that is independent by itself, and is not related to the song content originally used as a sound source of MIXCD. For this reason, for example, even if a song to be obtained can be specified, a store or a mail order is used again to obtain the package media of the song, or a web page of a song download site is searched and accessed and downloaded. It will take time and effort.

  From this point of view, if it is to be convenient for the user, it will not be necessary to start listening to digest content such as MIXCD and to obtain the content of the song used in this content. It can be said that it is preferable to do so.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention considers at least the original content used in the digest content by the content identifier as digest content data created by editing the content contents of a plurality of original contents. Edit content information including information indicating the use result of the original content in the digest content, one content entity data capable of reproducing and outputting the content of the digest content, and / or the content of the digest content in total. Using digest content data acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of discrete content entity data that can be reproduced and output, and using the one content entity data or the plurality of discrete content entity data Digest content playback means for playing back the content of the digest content, and user interface providing means for providing a user interface capable of selecting and determining any original content from the original content used in the digest content And the original content specifying means for specifying the original content selected and determined by the selection determining operation with reference to the editing content information, and the original content specified by the original content specifying means. The content reproduction apparatus is configured to include original content data acquisition means for acquiring reproducible original content data that is entity data in a format that can be reproduced by the reproduction apparatus.

  In the above configuration, the content reproduction apparatus acquires digest content created using a plurality of original contents and can reproduce it. There is also provided a user interface that enables an operation of selecting and determining an arbitrary content from the original content used for creating the digest content. Then, in response to the operation of selecting and determining the original content, the content reproducing apparatus acquires entity data that can reproduce the content content as the selected and determined original content. After the actual data is acquired, the content reproducing apparatus can reproduce and output the original content selected and determined at any time.

In this way, according to the present invention, in the content reproduction apparatus, the user can perform an operation (selection determination operation) for acquiring the original content used to create the digest content. In response to this operation, entity data in a format that can be reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus is acquired as the selected original content.
In other words, the user only performs an operation on the content playback device, and selects an original content used in the digest content for which the user wants to appreciate the content, and obtains actual data of the selected original content. Yes.
In other words, depending on the present invention, it is possible to save the user from listening to the digest content and obtaining the original content file used for the digest content. Will be.

It is a figure which shows the 1st structural example of the content distribution system as a form (embodiment) for implementing invention of this application. It is a figure which shows typically the audio | voice content example of digest content. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an original content file. It is a figure which shows the structural example of digest content data. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an edit content file. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of utilization content information. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of edit content description information. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the digest content data for users corresponding to a 1st structural example. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a content reproduction apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process procedure corresponding to the purchase operation of the original content performed with respect to the original content list which the content reproduction apparatus of a 1st structural example performs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence for the confirmation reproduction | regeneration of the purchased original content which a content reproduction apparatus performs. It is a figure which shows typically the example of an aspect of original content confirmation reproduction | regeneration. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence corresponding to purchase operation of the original content performed during the reproduction | regeneration of digest content which the content reproduction apparatus of a 1st structural example performs. It is a figure which shows the 2nd structural example of the content distribution system of this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by a portable content playback device, a content storage device, and a billing server in response to billing processing in the second configuration example. It is a figure which shows the 3rd structural example of the content distribution system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 4th structural example of the content distribution system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 5th structural example of the content distribution system of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention of the present application (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in the following order.

<1. Content distribution system: first configuration example>
[1-1. overall structure]
[1-2. Configuration of content playback device]
[1-3. Example of content playback device algorithm]
<2. Content Distribution System: Second Configuration Example>
<3. Content Distribution System: Third Configuration Example>
<4. Content Distribution System: Fourth Configuration Example>
<5. Content Distribution System: Fifth Configuration Example>

<1. Content distribution system: first configuration example>
[1-1. overall structure]
As this embodiment, a content distribution system that distributes music contents having the contents of music is given as an example. The music content distributed here is also referred to as audio content, and its substance is, for example, digital audio data.
First, an overall configuration of a content distribution system as a first configuration example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in this figure, first, users of the content distribution system of the present embodiment are content providers, content creators, and general users.
The content provider is a person who owns a large number of music contents such as a record company and intends to provide them to general users through sales, distribution, or the like. The song content here refers to, for example, content having the audio content of one song as the content content, and is treated as the original content in the content distribution mode described later.

In this case, the content creator receives a request from the content provider, performs mixing / editing using a plurality of song contents (original contents), and at least each of the plurality of song contents. Create a piece of content with audio content that is partly connected.
The content created in this way corresponds to audio content generally referred to as MIXCD, for example.
As mentioned earlier, MIXCD is an artist (creator) called DJ who edits multiple pieces of music in a continuous manner using a technique called mix. The one created as. Since such edited content is provided as a package medium such as a CD, the content itself is generally referred to as MIXCD.

  In the present embodiment, the content created by the content creator is called digest content because it is regarded as having audio content as a digest of multiple songs.

The general user is a person who owns the content reproduction apparatus 1.
This general user obtains an audio data file as a music content provided by the content provider or a digest content (a user digest content) created by the content creator. The obtained content (audio data file) data can be reproduced and viewed by the content reproduction apparatus 1.

Further, the server, the device, and the like that form the system of FIG. 1 are a content reproduction device 1, an original content server 2, a digest content server 3, a digest content transfer device 4, a content creation device 5, and a billing server 6.
The operation of these devices in the system and an example of how the system is used will be described with reference to FIG. This description will be made according to the procedure numbers indicated by the numbers in the circles in the figure.

[Procedure 1]
First, the content provider selects and collects N pieces of music contents to be included in the digest contents, that is, the original contents 1 to N, among the music contents owned by the content provider. The “original content” is another name for the song content due to the content being the source of use in creating the digest content.
As a procedure 1, the content provider transfers these original content files 1 to N (original content files) to the original content server 2 via the network for registration. At the time of registration, the content provider transfers the data of the original content file through the network terminal device that it owns. The original content server 2 stores and manages the transferred original content file.

Here, an example of the structure of the original content file is shown in FIG.
As shown in this figure, the original content file is composed of a header and audio data.
Various information (header information) necessary for the corresponding original content file is stored in the header. As one of these header information, a content ID is shown in the figure. The content ID is an identifier assigned so as to be unique to the corresponding original content file.
The header information in this case can store, for example, various metadata including the song name, artist name, playback time, genre, audio data format, etc. of the corresponding original content music.
The audio data in the original content file is an area for storing digital audio data of a predetermined format having the music contents as the original content.
The original content file can be viewed as one content entity data that can be reproduced and output the content of the digest content.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the content ID is stored in the header of the original content file. This means that the original content file is associated with the content ID. In the present embodiment, as long as the original content file is associated with the content ID or information that functions as an ID, the management mode is not particularly limited.
For example, it is conceivable that management is performed by using unique data obtained as the content ID, such as a fingerprint of the original content file, uniquely obtained according to the content content of the original content file.
It is also possible to adopt a mode in which database management is performed by adding an external ID to the original content file.

[Procedure 2]
Further, as shown as procedure 2 in FIG. 1, the content provider delivers the original content list for the original contents 1 to N selected this time to the content creator. Here, the original content list is information indicating the breakdown contents of the original contents 1 to N, and has contents that allow the content creator to specify the original contents 1 to N. .

Note that the delivery of the original content list can be, for example, handed over or in conformity with it, but can also be automated as follows.
In other words, for example, the content provider uses a specific application program by an information processing device such as a computer device to select the original content from among the song content owned and managed by the content provider. To do. Then, the application program automatically creates an original content list based on the selected result of the original contents 1 to N. This original content list can be obtained as a file of a predetermined format, for example. The application program transmits the automatically created original content list to the information processing apparatus owned by the content creator via the network. At this time, the content creator may receive the original content list directly by the content creation device 5.

[Procedure 3]
The content creator that has received the original content list acquires the data of the original content indicated in the received original content list from the original content server 2 and stores it, for example, locally in the content creation device 5. The original content stored in this way becomes the sound source material used when creating the digest content.
The procedure for acquiring the original content can also be automated.
For example, the content creation device 5 (or other information processing device may analyze the read original content list to recognize what the original content shown there is, and download the recognized original content. It is configured to execute. This process can be realized by, for example, a program executed by the content creation device 5.
In addition, when the original content list is automatically downloaded as described above, the content ID stored in the header may be used as shown in FIG. 3 in order to specify the original content to be downloaded. For this purpose, at least the content ID is used to indicate the original content list in the original content list.

[Procedure 4]
In this case, the content creation device 5 creates one new song content by connecting at least a part of each of a plurality of songs using the original content file (that is, digital audio data) according to the operation of the content creator. It is possible to execute an editing process corresponding to the process. Such editing work corresponds to, for example, a so-called DJ performance and editing method called a mix, and content obtained by editing becomes digest content. That is, as the procedure 4, the content creator operates the content creation device 5 to create the digest content.

FIG. 2 schematically shows one example of the editing result of digest content viewed from the audio content.
The digest content is created so that the original content 1, the original content 4, the original content 2, the original content 5, and the original content 3 are sequentially connected according to the reproduction time. In addition, as the original content to be used, the entire section from the start to the end may be used, or a section obtained by extracting any part of the entire section may be used.
In this figure, each original content is indicated by time for a section used in all the sections.
It is indicated that the original content 1 to be reproduced first in the digest content uses the section from time aa: aa to bb: bb in the entire section (00:00 to end (end)) of the original content 1. ing.
It is shown that the original content 4 reproduced next to the original content 1 in the digest content uses the section from time cc: cc to dd: dd in the entire section.
It is shown that the original content 2 reproduced next to the original content 1 in the digest content uses a section from time ee: ee to ff: ff in all sections.
It is shown that the original content 5 reproduced next to the original content 1 in the digest content uses the interval from time gg: gg to hh: hh in the entire interval.
It is shown that the original content 5 reproduced next to the original content 3 in the digest content uses a section from time ii: ii to jj: jj in all sections.

FIG. 4 shows the actual structure of data (digest content data) as digest content created by the content creation device 5.
As shown in this figure, the digest content data is composed of a set of an edit content file and a complete package digest content file.
The content creation device 5 creates at least the data of the edited content file and the data of the complete package digest content file as the substance of the digest content created according to the editing operation of the content creator.

  First, the data structure of a complete package / digest content file is based on the original content file shown in FIG. That is, it consists of a header and audio data. In addition, the audio data stores digital audio data having audio contents as digest contents. The header stores various types of header information in accordance with the original content file, including the content ID attached to the digest content.

  The complete package / digest content file has audio data of the audio content as the digest content as described above, whereas the edit content file does not particularly include the audio data of the audio content as the digest content. . The edit content file has data describing the edit content of the digest content as a data body instead of the audio data.

An example of the structure of the edited content file is shown in FIG.
The editing content file shown in this figure is composed of a header, usage content information, and editing content description information.
In the header, necessary header information is stored in addition to a file ID given to each editing content file.

The used content information is list information indicating a breakdown of the original content used to create the corresponding digest content.
This usage content information is formed by sequentially arranging unit content information, for example, as shown in FIG. One unit content information corresponds to one of the original contents used for the digest contents. In other words, the used content information includes a set of unit content information corresponding to each original content used for the digest content.

  Each unit content information includes, for example, a content ID, an artist name, and a song name as shown in the figure. The content ID stores the content ID of the corresponding original content. In the artist name and the song name, data indicating the artist name and song name of the corresponding song as the original content is stored.

The editing content description information is data describing how the original content indicated by the usage content information is used in the corresponding digest content.
An example of the description content of the edit content description information is shown in FIG.
In this figure, a description part enclosed by [] corresponds to a temporally continuous section (use section) using one original content, and is referred to as use section information here.
First, in the usage section information shown at the top in the figure,
[
file_id = AAAAAA;
time = 00: 00-00: 10;
position = vv-zz
]
It is described. This is because the original content being used is specified by the content ID = AAAAAA, and the reproduction time of the digest content for this original content is from 00:00 (start time) to 00:10 (reproduction time 10 The data section (usage section) of the primary usage content used in this playback time is a range corresponding to the address vv to the address zz.
The following usage section information is
[
file_id = CCCCCC;
time = 00: 10-00: 15;
position = ss-tt
]
It is described. This is because the original content is specified by content ID = CCCCCC, and the playback time in the digest content for this original content is 00:10 to 00:15, and the data section of the original content used in this playback time Indicates a range corresponding to the address ss to the address tt.
The following usage section information is
[
file_id = BBBBBB;
time = 00: 15-00: 20;
position = ss-tt
]
It is described. This is because the original content is specified by the content ID = BBBBBB, and the reproduction time of the original content in the digest content is 00:15 to 00:20, and the data of the original content used in this reproduction time The section indicates a range corresponding to the address pp to the address uu.

  In this way, the edited content description information includes information indicating how the original content is used to make the audio content as the digest content. In other words, such information has contents that can reproduce the audio contents as digest contents by appropriately reproducing the audio data of the original content file used in accordance with the contents of the editing content description information. It can be said that.

[Procedure 5]
If the digest content is created by the above procedure 4, the content creator transfers the created digest content data from the content creation device 5 to the digest content server 3. The digest content data transferred at this time is the digest content data having the structure shown in FIG.
The digest content server 3 stores and manages the transferred digest content data.

[Procedure 6]
With respect to the digest content created this time through steps 1 to 5 above, the original content file data used for the digest content is stored in the original content server 2. Digest content data corresponding to the digest content is stored in the digest content server 3.
The procedure 6 is a process in which the digest content transfer device 4 creates “user digest content data” corresponding to one designated digest content at an appropriate opportunity and timing.

For example, the user digest content data is created as follows.
It is assumed that an instruction to generate digest content data corresponding to the digest content described so far is given to the digest content transfer device 4 at an appropriate opportunity and timing. This instruction is performed by, for example, an operation from the content provider side or by sending a command via the network.

  If the above instruction is obtained, the digest content transfer device 4 transfers the digest content data corresponding to the specified digest content to the digest content server 3 via, for example, a network and takes it in. At this time, the digest content transfer device 4 receives the specification of the digest content to be transferred by the content ID of the digest content. Therefore, a request to the digest content server 3 is also made with the designated content ID.

The digest content transfer device 4 requests the original content server 2 to transfer all the original content files 1 to N used in the designated digest content. Then, the data of the original content files 1 to N transferred in response to the request is acquired.
Here, the digest content transfer device 4 determines the original content file that should be requested to be transferred to the original content server 2 based on the used content information in the edited content file of the digest content data acquired from the digest content server 3. Can be recognized as a content ID. Then, the transfer of data to the original content server 2 is requested by the recognized content ID.

Next, the digest content transfer device 4 encrypts each of the original content files 1 to N acquired from the original content server 2.
Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the digest content transfer device 4 includes the original content files 1 to N (encrypted as described above) together with the edited content file and the complete package digest content file acquired as digest content data. The original content files 1 to N) are combined into one user digest content data.
The set of original content files 1 to N (encrypted original content files 1 to N) is a plurality of discrete content entity data that can be reproduced and output the contents of the digest content as a whole.

[Procedure 7]
The digest content transfer device 4 transfers the user digest content data created as described above to the content reproduction device 1 via the network at an appropriate opportunity and timing.

  The content creation / transfer apparatus according to the present invention can be viewed as a collection of the content creation apparatus 5 and the digest content transfer apparatus 4. The content creation / transfer device may actually be a single device, but the person who operates the content creation device 5 is an individual called a content creator, while the digest content transfer device 4 exists on the network. For example, it is preferable to make it exist like a server device. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the content creation device 5 and the digest content transfer device 4 are different devices.

Various triggers for the timing of transferring digest content data can be considered. For example, the following can be specifically considered.
For example, it is assumed that the digest content transfer device 4 is also provided with a function as a Web server that provides a Web site where the created user digest content data is uploaded. The general user causes the content reproduction apparatus 1 to access the Web server via the network at any time, and select and download an arbitrary digest content from the Web site. In response to this, the digest content data for the user is transferred from the digest content transfer device 4 to the content reproduction device 1.

  It is also conceivable that the digest content data for the user is transferred all at once from the digest content transfer device 4 to the content reproduction device 1 at a predetermined time. In this case, the content reproduction device 1 connected to the network at the above time automatically receives and acquires the digest content data for the user transmitted from the digest content transfer device 4.

[Procedure 8]
It is assumed that the content reproduction device 1 locally stores and manages the user digest content data transferred as described above. In this way, the content reproduction apparatus 1 can reproduce the digest content for the user thus stored in accordance with, for example, a user operation.

As one example of the content reproduction apparatus 1, for example, a personal computer installed with a program for realizing a function related to reproduction of digest content can be cited as a representative example.
In addition, a mobile phone device, a dedicated device for content reproduction having a network connection function, and the like can be given.

In addition, the digest content playback as the procedure 8 is performed by executing playback signal processing corresponding to the audio data format of the complete package digest content file in the digest content data for user, for example.
A general user can enjoy listening to the digest content reproduced in this way.

  Note that the content reproduction apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a function of decrypting and reproducing the encrypted original content file. However, the decryption process is not executed until the purchase procedure of the original content file is completed as will be described later.

In addition, as a business model corresponding to the system of this embodiment, download of the digest content to the content reproduction apparatus 1 is assumed to be free. This is because the distribution of the digest content is intended to promote the sales of the song content (original content) included in the digest content for the content provider. That is, the digest content can be viewed as a trial version of a plurality of song contents.
Of course, this is only an example, and even if the digest content itself is distributed for a fee, it does not interfere with the configuration of the present embodiment. For example, when digest content is viewed as a so-called MIXCD sound source, it is often considered that the content itself has a considerable musical value.
In addition, although the download is free, it is also possible to adopt a mechanism in which the number of playbacks is limited.

[Procedure 9]
It is assumed that when the user reproduces and listens to the digest content, a favorite original content is found among the original content (song content) used for the digest content.
In the content playback apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an operation for selecting and purchasing original content used in digest content that can be played back by a predetermined operation is made possible by a predetermined operation.
For example, the following can be considered as an aspect of the user interface corresponding to the original content purchase operation.
For example, in the content reproduction apparatus 1, it is assumed that a list of original contents used in the stored digest contents can be presented by display. Note that such an original content list can be created using, for example, usage content information in stored user digest content data.
The user performs an operation of determining purchase after performing an operation of selecting a title (song name) of the original content to be purchased from the list presented in the original content list.

The following user interface modes are also conceivable.
Here, it is assumed that one digest content data (complete package digest content file) is reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus 1. While listening to this, the user can perform a purchase decision operation when the original content that he likes is being played. As a result, the original content reproduced when the purchase operation is performed is determined as the purchase target.
As a modification of this, an operation for marking is performed while playing back the favorite song content while playing back the digest content data. In response to this operation, the original content reproduced when the marking operation is performed is set as a purchase target candidate. After completing the marking operation, a list of original contents of the marked purchase target candidates is displayed, and the purchase determination operation is performed after selecting the original content to be purchased from this list. To do.

[Procedure 10]
Assuming that the purchase determination operation is performed by selecting the original content as described above, it is assumed here that the original content has been purchased by a general user in response to the purchase determination operation being performed. Shall.
As understood from the above description, the encrypted original content file is already stored locally in the content reproduction apparatus 1 for the original content on which the purchase determination operation has been performed. After the purchase determination operation is performed, the content reproduction apparatus 1 sets the original content file (reproducible original content data) obtained by decrypting the encrypted original content file in the same manner as other ordinary music content files. Can be played.

[Procedure 11]
In response to the purchase determination operation performed as described above, the content reproduction device 1 accesses the accounting server 6. In response to this, the billing server 6 executes billing processing for the fee of the original content that is assumed to be purchased by the current purchase determination operation.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the original content used in the digest content that can be played back by the content playback device 1 can be purchased by a purchase operation performed on the same content playback device 1. In other words, the purchase operation can be immediately performed by the same device that reproduces the original content. Also, as a user interface for the purchase operation, for example, select from the displayed list of the original content, or specify the content to be purchased by performing an operation such as purchase or marking during reproduction of the desired original content in the digest content I can do it. And according to purchase operation, the original content purchased can be reproduced | regenerated with the same content reproduction | regeneration apparatus 1. FIG. That is, the same result as that obtained when the purchased original content is downloaded locally in the content reproduction apparatus 1 can be obtained.

For example, in the past, in order to obtain a song content that the user likes by listening to MIXCD, as described above, there are relatively many routes such as the route from the identification of the title of the song content to the acquisition. It takes time and effort.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, a desired music content (original content) is selected and purchased by the content reproduction apparatus 1 without taking the trouble of examining and specifying the music content as described above. it can.
Further, since the purchased original content is originally downloaded to the content reproduction apparatus 1 via the network, it can be listened to immediately after the purchase determination operation. That is, in accordance with the purchase operation, an environment in which the original content can be purchased and played back by the content playback device 1 can be obtained.
In this way, depending on the present embodiment, the time from trial listening to digest content equivalent to MIXCD to obtaining the original content that the user likes is greatly reduced.

[1-2. Configuration of content playback device]

FIG. 9 shows an internal configuration example of the content reproduction apparatus 1.
The content playback apparatus 1 shown in this figure includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a content playback processing unit 13, an audio output unit 14, a display unit 15, a descrambling processing unit 16, a charge handling processing unit 17, and a communication processing unit 18. The operation unit 19 is included.

  The control unit 11 performs control on the functional part shown in this figure, and becomes a part that realizes the function as the content reproduction apparatus 1. The operation of the control unit 11 is realized by, for example, a CPU included in the content reproduction apparatus 1, hardware such as a RAM serving as a main storage device, a program executed by the CPU, and the like.

The storage unit 12 is a part in which content data, program data, and the like are stored. For example, the storage unit 12 may be an HDD (hard disk drive) or a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory. Here, the content file stored in the storage unit 12 is an original content file, user digest content data, or the like in correspondence with the above description. Note that data of an audio content file acquired by a route other than the content distribution shown in FIG. 1 may be stored.
The control unit 11 controls writing and reading of data to and from the storage unit 12.

The content reproduction processing unit 13 can execute signal processing for reproducing audio data read from the storage unit 12, for example. The reproduced audio signal obtained by the reproduction signal processing of the content reproduction processing unit 13 is output to the audio output unit 14.
The audio output unit 14 in this case, for example, amplifies the input reproduction audio signal and outputs a drive signal such as a headphone terminal and a speaker not shown here. The user can listen to the playback sound of the content as a sound coming out of a headphone connected to the headphone terminal or a speaker.

  The display unit 15 is a part where a user interface image or the like is displayed by the display control of the control unit 11. For example, when the content reproduction apparatus 1 has a function of reproducing video content, an image of the reproduced video content can also be displayed on the display unit 15.

  The descrambling processing unit 16 is a part for canceling the encryption of the encrypted original content, that is, for executing a decryption process for the encryption. The descrambling processing unit 16 can be configured by hardware or can be configured by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Moreover, it is also realizable by what is called software by CPU executing a program.

  The accounting processing unit 17 performs processing for connecting the accounting server 6 to the accounting server 6 via the network according to the control of the control unit 11 and the original content determined to be purchased between the connected accounting server 6. This is a part used to execute processing corresponding to the billing performed. This accounting corresponding processing unit 17 can be realized by software, for example.

  The communication processing unit 18 is configured by a configuration corresponding to a physical layer according to a predetermined network communication protocol and a program corresponding to a predetermined layer higher than this, and the content reproduction apparatus 1 communicates via a network. It is the site | part provided in order to perform.

  The operation unit 19 collectively indicates operators provided for the content reproduction apparatus 1 or input devices that can be handled as operators. An operation signal is output to the control unit 11 in response to an operation performed on the operation element that is to form the operation unit 19. The control unit 11 performs appropriate processing according to the detected operation signal. Thereby, the operation as the content reproduction apparatus 1 in response to the operation is obtained.

[1-3. Example of content playback device algorithm]

The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows an algorithm for processing executed by the content reproduction apparatus 1 corresponding to the procedures 9 and 10 of FIG. As a user interface for original content purchase operation, the following example is given above. One is to display a list of original contents stored as encrypted original contents in the content reproduction apparatus and to select original contents to be purchased from the original contents list. The other is to use the original content reproduced when the purchase decision operation is performed during the reproduction of the digest content as the original content to be purchased.
First, the algorithm when the former user interface is employed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S101 of FIG. 10, first, the control unit 11 of the content reproduction apparatus 1 uses the used content information in the edited content file in the digest content data stored by itself, and uses the user interface image of the original content list. And control for displaying this on the display unit 15 is executed.

In the next step S102, the control unit 11 executes a process of selecting original content as a purchase candidate every time an original content selection operation is performed on the original content list displayed in step S101.
In step S103, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a purchase determination operation is performed. If a negative determination result is obtained, the process returns to step S102. That is, the original content selection operation for the original content list can be performed any number of times until the purchase determination operation is performed.
When it is determined in step S103 that a purchase determination operation has been performed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the content ID of the original content selected at the time of the purchase determination operation is acquired. For example, in the original content list, the content ID read from the used content information is associated with each listed original content at the time of creation.

Here, the billing process corresponding to the purchase determination operation in step S103 is executed in the next step S105.
The billing process is executed by the billing response processing unit 17. The accounting correspondence processing unit 17 controls the communication processing unit 18 to connect the content reproduction apparatus 1 to the accounting server 6 via the network. Then, under this connected state, for example, the charging server 6 is notified of the content ID of the original content for which the current purchase decision operation has been performed.
The billing server 6 manages the fee of the original content based on fee information in which the content ID and the fee are associated with each other. Therefore, the fee associated with the notified content ID is recognized from the fee information, and the process is executed so that this fee is charged to the user side. The billing server 6 communicates with the content reproduction apparatus 1 as necessary during the billing process. The billing corresponding processing unit 17 of the content reproduction apparatus 1 executes a required process corresponding to each communication.

  If it is assumed that the above billing process is completed, in this case, the control unit 11 searches for an encrypted original content having a content ID that matches the content ID acquired in the previous step S104 in step S106. In this search process, when the header is encrypted together with the audio data as the encrypted original content, the decryption processing unit 16 may decrypt the header, for example, and read the content ID.

  Next, in step S107, the control unit 11 performs decryption processing on the encrypted original content retrieved in step S106 by the descrambling processing unit 16, and the original content file in the normal format completely decrypted. Get. Then, in step S108, for example, the original content file obtained by decryption is re-stored in the storage unit 12, and then newly registered in the reproduction content list managed by the content reproduction apparatus 1. By being in the state registered in the reproduction content list in this way, the original content decrypted this time will be reproduced by a normal reproduction operation on the content reproduction apparatus 1 in the same manner as other music content. Can do.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that confirmation playback is performed for the original content that the user has purchased this time, that is, the original content newly registered in the content playback list in step S108. The confirmation playback here is intended to make it possible to confirm whether or not the original content purchased by the purchase determination operation in step S103 is actually different from the original content that the user wanted to purchase. It is what.
This step S109 is a process for the confirmation reproduction.

  The process for confirmation playback as step S109 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the description of FIG. 11, the original content to be confirmed and reproduced is referred to as “reproduction target content”.

  First, in step S201, the control unit 11 reads and refers to the edited content description information in the edited content file from the digest content data that uses the playback target content as the original content. Then, the start position Ts of the section (usage section) of the content to be played used in the digest content is recognized from the edited content description information. In FIG. 7, the use section is shown by describing the start address and end address of the use section as position = xx-xx. Therefore, in order to recognize the start position (start address) Ts, the start address indicated in the use section corresponding to the content ID of the content to be reproduced may be acquired.

Next, in step S202, the control unit 202 causes the content reproduction processing unit to reproduce the original content file of the content to be reproduced that has already been decoded and stored in the storage unit 12 from the start position Ts.
This reproduction processing ends when reproduction is completed up to the end of the content to be reproduced, for example. During playback, operations such as stop, fast forward, fast reverse, and pause by the user may be performed in the same manner as during normal playback.

As this confirmation playback, for example, FIG. 12 shows a case where the original content 2 in the digest content shown in FIG.
FIG. 12A shows the same digest content as in FIG. Here, in the digest content, the original content 2 is timed ee: ee to ff: in all sections from the start time (00:00) to the end (end), as shown in correspondence with FIG. It is assumed that a partial section up to ff is a use section.
In step S201 in FIG. 11, the address corresponding to the time ee: ee is recognized as the start position Ts of the use section of the original content 2 that is the content to be reproduced. Then, depending on the reproduction processing in step S202, reproduction is started from time ee: ee in the middle of all sections from the start to the end of the original content 2 shown in FIG.

For example, as the confirmation playback, it may be possible to start playback from the start position in all sections of the playback target content. However, if the original content purchased this time is a song that the user has not listened to before listening to the digest content, the user can only listen to the sound of the usage section that is played back in the digest content for the playback target content. I don't remember.
Assume that the playback is started from the start position in the entire section of the content to be played back as confirmation playback. In this case, the possibility that the beginning part is different from the section used in the digest content is not low. In this case, the user does not remember listening to the beginning part. In this case, it is difficult for the user to immediately determine whether the purchased content is correct. The user must wait for the playback to progress to a part he / she hears. Or it may be thought that it is not the music content that I purchased.
Therefore, if the confirmation playback is started from the start position Ts of the use section as in the present embodiment, the playback of the original content is started from the part that the user is familiar with. That is, immediately after the confirmation playback is performed, the user can confirm whether or not the purchased content is correct.

  Next, in response to the case where the original content reproduced when the purchase determination operation is performed during the reproduction of the digest content is handled as the original content to be purchased, the processing executed by the content reproduction device 1 An example algorithm will be described. An example of this algorithm is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the process shown in FIG. 13 is started, the content reproduction processing unit 13 reproduces and outputs digest content (complete package digest content file). At this time, the general user is listening to the sound of the digest content being played back by the content playback device 1.

  In the state where the digest content is being reproduced as described above, first, the control unit 11 waits for a purchase determination operation to be performed in step S301. If a purchase determination operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S302 and subsequent steps.

  In step S302, the control unit 11 acquires the current playback time (current playback time) for the digest content being played back at that time. For example, if 1 minute has elapsed since the start of digest content playback, a value indicating 1 minute (01:00) is acquired for the current playback time.

  In addition, here, the reproduction of the digest content so far is stopped in step S303. For this purpose, the control unit 11 may instruct the content reproduction processing unit 13 to stop the current reproduction signal processing.

In the next step S304, the control unit 11 refers to the edited content description information of the digest content data corresponding to the digest content that has been reproduced so far, and is used at the current reproduction time acquired in step S302. The content ID of the existing original content is acquired.
For example, assume that the current playback time acquired in step S302 is 00:18. Further, it is assumed that the edited content description information of the digest content being reproduced is as shown in FIG.
Then, the use section including the current playback time = 00: 18 becomes the third use section. This is because time = 00: 15−00: 20 is described in the third usage interval, and the current playback time = 00: 18 is included in this usage interval. In this usage section, file_id = BBBBBB. That is, in this case, ID = BBBBBB is acquired as the content ID of the original content in step S304.

  In this case, the processes in steps S305 to S308 are the same as steps S105 to S108 in FIG. However, the content ID notified in step S305 and the content ID serving as a search key in step S306 are those acquired in step S304.

  In step S309, content confirmation playback is executed as in step S109 of FIG. It is relatively short from the stop of digest content playback in step S303 to the start of confirmation playback in step S309, and during execution of the processing in steps S304 to S308, for example, a message indicating the processing progress status is displayed on the display unit 15. Can be displayed. Therefore, from the user's point of view, the content playback apparatus 1 operates in such a manner that the digest content playback is stopped in response to the purchase determination operation and the confirmation playback of the original content is started after a short time. It seems to be. In addition, when a certain amount of time is required for the decryption processing for encryption, for example, when the time from the digest content playback stop to the content confirmation playback becomes more than a certain value, the processing is being executed internally. What is necessary is just to perform the display etc. which show the progress condition of being. As a result, the user will not be confused by misunderstanding that it is a malfunction or the like.

In addition, as a user interface for the purchase determination operation, as a modification of the above example, a marking operation can be performed when the sound of the favorite original content is played during the reproduction of the digest content. . Thereafter, an operation of selecting and determining the original content to be purchased from the marked original content list is performed.
In this case, although description by the flowchart is omitted, the content ID of the marked original content is held in accordance with the processing in steps S302 and S304 in FIG. 13 in accordance with the marking operation. Like that. After that, when displaying the marked original content list, an image of the original content list in which the original content corresponding to the held content ID is visually understood with reference to the used content information is displayed. Generate and display. In addition, the original content to be purchased may be selected and determined by an operation on the displayed original content list. Thereafter, for example, processing according to steps S305 to S309 in FIG. 13 may be executed.

<2. Content Distribution System: Second Configuration Example>

FIG. 14 shows a second configuration example as the content distribution system of the present embodiment. In this figure, the description of the same parts as in FIG. 1 corresponding to the first configuration example will be omitted, and here, the differences from the first configuration example will be described.

In the system configuration shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that a general user owns the content storage device 7 and the portable content playback device 1A.
In this case, the content storage device 7 includes a large-capacity storage device therein, and can store and manage data of a large number of content files. It is assumed that the network communication function has a communication speed sufficient for downloading content data. Note that the content storage device 7 may actually be a personal computer, for example.
The portable content playback device 1A has a storage medium having a smaller capacity than the content storage device 7, plays back the content file data stored in the storage medium, and the user can listen to it. However, it does not have a network connection function.
As the configuration of the portable content playback device 1A, for example, the outer shape and size thereof are adapted to be portable, and the communication processing from the configuration of the content playback device 1 shown in FIG. The configuration may be such that the unit 18 and the charge handling processing unit 17 are omitted. The billing process is performed between the content storage device 7 and the billing server 6 as shown as procedure 14 in FIG.

In this case, the digest content data for the user created and transferred by the digest content transfer device 4 according to the procedure 7 is received by the content storage device 7 and stored here.
In this case, the user digest content data may have the structure shown in FIG. 8 as in the first configuration example.

As described above, the content storage device 7 can store and save a plurality of digest content data. When the portable content playback device 1A is connected to the content storage device 7 through a predetermined data interface or the like, the digest stored in the content storage device 7 as shown in step 8 of FIG. The content data selected can be transferred and stored in the storage medium of the portable content playback device 1A.
It should be noted that not only the digest content data but also a normal music content file can be transferred and stored from the content storage device 7 to the portable content playback device 1A.

  In the portable content playback apparatus 1A that stores the digest content data in the storage medium as described above, the digest content is played back as shown in step 9, and the general user can listen to it. Note that the reproduction by the procedure 9 reproduces the complete package digest content file in the digest content data as in the case of the procedure 8 in FIG.

Further, in the procedure 10 of FIG. 14, the purchase determination operation of the original content can be performed in the same manner as the procedure 9 of FIG. 1 as an operation for the portable content reproduction apparatus 1A.
However, since portable content playback apparatus 1A does not have a network connection function, it cannot perform billing processing with billing server 6 in response to a purchase decision operation. Therefore, the portable content playback device 1A creates, updates, and stores purchase information in accordance with the purchase determination operation as step 11. This purchase information may be information having contents that list the content IDs of the original contents on which the purchase determination operation is performed, for example. In addition, the recognition of the content ID of the original content on which the purchase determination operation has been performed may be performed in accordance with, for example, step S104 in FIG.

In this system, the portable content playback apparatus 1A regards the original content in which the content ID is registered in the purchase information according to the procedure 11 as having been purchased.
In response to this, the portable content playback apparatus 1A decrypts the data of the encrypted original content file that is the substance of the original content registered in the purchase information by the procedure 11 as shown in the procedure 12. Can be played normally.

Assume that the portable content playback device 1A is connected to the content storage device 7 at a certain opportunity after the purchase determination operation for the original content is performed as described above.
At this time, the portable content player 1A stores purchase information. The purchase information includes a list of content IDs of one or more original contents that are considered to have been purchased by a purchase determination operation that has been performed in a state where the portable content player 1A has not been connected to the content storage device 7 so far. It is shown.
Therefore, as shown as the procedure 13, when the purchase information is stored in the portable content playback device 1A, the content storage device 7 transfers and acquires the purchase information.

  In response to the acquisition of the purchase information, the content storage device 7 executes billing processing through communication with the billing server 6 as shown in step 14. At this time, the content storage device 7 notifies the content ID indicated in the purchase information, and executes a billing process for all the original content corresponding to the notified content ID.

  Note that after the purchase information is transferred from the portable content playback device 1A to the content storage device 7 according to the procedure 13, the purchase information stored in the portable content playback device 1A until then at an appropriate timing and opportunity. In this case, a process such as deleting this or invalidating it as already used for the accounting process is performed.

At present, there are many devices that are not provided with a network communication function due to, for example, cost or a problem of miniaturization technology, as actual devices corresponding to the portable content playback device 1A.
In the present embodiment, the original content purchase procedure (billing process) is performed by communication via a network. For this reason, in the case where the portable content playback device 1A does not have a network communication function, even if the digest content can be played back as it is, it is not possible to perform a purchase determination operation and a billing process corresponding thereto.
Assume that the encryption of the original content determined to be purchased cannot be decrypted and played back unless the billing process is actually executed with the billing server 6. Then, even if it is desired to purchase the original content used for the digest content and immediately listen to it in the surrounding environment where the content storage device 7 cannot be connected, this is impossible. .
Accordingly, in response to the case of the system configuration of FIG. 14, as shown in the flow of steps 10 and 11, in response to the purchase determination operation of the original content being performed on the portable content playback apparatus 1 </ b> A. Will create and update purchase information. In this way, if the history of the purchase determination operation is ensured in the portable content playback apparatus 1A, the charging process is performed by the portable content playback apparatus 1A connected to the content storage device 7 even at a later opportunity. When it is done. That is, when the purchase information is created / updated, the original content can be handled as purchased. Therefore, as shown in step 12, the portable content playback apparatus 1A can be an algorithm that decrypts and plays back the encrypted original content that is purchased after the purchase information is created and updated. .

The sequence diagram of FIG. 15 shows an example of a processing procedure that is executed by the portable content playback device 1A, the content storage device 7, and the billing server 6 in response to the procedure 13 and the procedure 14 of FIG.
Here, for example, in order to connect the portable content playback device 1A to the content storage device 7 via the data interface, a cable is connected if wired, and an environment where communication is possible if wireless is set. Is performed by the user. In response to this, the portable content playback device 1A and the content storage device 7 execute a connection process as shown as step S401 in FIG. 15 to establish a connection state.

  In this case, it is assumed that the portable content playback apparatus 1A stores purchase information in an internal storage medium (storage unit). In this case, the portable content playback device 1A transmits purchase information to the content storage device in step S402.

  In this case, when the content storage device 7 receives the purchase information transmitted in step S402, the content storage device 7 accesses the charging server 6 via the network in step S403. Then, the received purchase information is further transmitted to the accounting server 6. At this time, if necessary, the received purchase information may be converted into a format that can be processed by the accounting server 6.

  In this case, the charging server 6 transmits a charging processing request to the content storage device 7 in step S404 in response to receiving the purchase information. In response to this billing request, the content storage device 7 executes billing processing with the billing server 6 as shown in step S405.

Although not shown here, for example, the charging process in step S405 has been completed for the process of deleting or invalidating the purchase information transmitted in step S402 from the storage medium of the portable content player 1A. It can be considered to be executed later.
For this purpose, for example, in response to the completion of the billing process in step S405, the content storage device 7 notifies the portable content reproduction device 1A to that effect. Then, in response to the reception of the above notification, the portable content playback apparatus 1A causes the purchase information stored in the storage medium to be erased or invalidated.

<3. Content Distribution System: Third Configuration Example>

FIG. 16 shows a third configuration example as the content distribution system of the present embodiment. In this figure as well, the description of the same parts as in FIG. 1 corresponding to the first configuration example will be omitted. Also, here, differences from the first configuration example and the second configuration example will be described.

First, in the third configuration example shown in FIG. 16, the structure of the user digest content created by the digest content transfer apparatus 4 is different from that of the first configuration example.
The structure of the user digest content is as shown in FIG. 8 in the first configuration example. On the other hand, the user digest content in the third configuration example is the same as that shown in FIG. That is, only the edited content file and the complete package / digest content file are included, and the encrypted original content file is not included.
For this reason, in the third configuration example, the digest content transfer device 4 needs to perform the process of downloading and encrypting the original content from the original content server 2 when creating the digest content for the user as the procedure 6. Absent. In other words, the digest content data for the user need only be downloaded from the digest content server 3 as the digest processing for the user.
Also, the digest content data for user transferred from the digest content transfer device 4 to the content reproduction device 1 by the procedure 7 has the structure shown in FIG.

  In this case, the content reproduction apparatus 1 performs the reproduction of the digest content and the purchase determination operation of the original content used in the digest content in the same manner as the procedures 8 and 9 in FIG. Yes. In response to this operation, in the case of FIG. 1, the encrypted original content file already stored in the content reproduction apparatus 1 is decrypted and can be reproduced. However, in the case of FIG. 16, the original content file does not exist in the user digest content data, that is, the original content file that should be made playable by the purchase determination operation is stored in the content reproduction device 1. is not.

Therefore, in the case of FIG. 16, as shown as procedure 10, in response to the purchase determination operation, the content reproduction apparatus 1 itself accesses the original content server 2 and is the original content file that is the target of the purchase determination operation. Is downloaded, stored in the storage unit 12, and registered in the reproduction list. When downloading the original content, the original content to be downloaded may be specified by the content ID acquired in step S104 in FIG. 10, step S304 in FIG.
In this case, the data of the original content file to be downloaded does not need to be encrypted.

As the procedure 11, the content reproducing apparatus 1 can download and store the data of the original content file downloaded from the original content server 2 and stored in the storage unit 12 and registered in the reproduction list at any time.
Further, the accounting process as the procedure 12 may be performed in the same manner as the procedure 11 in FIG.

The third configuration example shown in FIG. 16 is effective when, for example, the content playback apparatus 1 is a portable device having a network communication function, such as a small personal computer or a smartphone.
At present, these mobile devices tend to have lower network communication speeds than, for example, stationary devices. Further, the capacity of the built-in storage device (storage unit) is also limited. On the other hand, the digest content for a user having the structure shown in FIG. 8 has a considerable data size if the number of encrypted original content files increases. For example, it may be possible to use hundreds to hundreds of original contents in one digest content.

  In consideration of this, it is not always preferable to have the portable content playback device 1 transfer and download the user digest content data having the structure shown in FIG. 8 at a time. For example, there is a possibility that the communication may be impossible during the download of the digest content for the user and the download may fail. In addition, there is a possibility that the storage capacity of the storage device in the content reproduction apparatus 1 will be compressed more than necessary.

Therefore, in such a case, the system configuration of FIG. 16 may be adopted, and the content playback apparatus 1 may be configured to correspond to this. As a result, there is no encrypted original content file in the digest content for the user, and the data size is reduced accordingly, so the download load is remarkably reduced, and the storage device does not use much storage capacity.
In addition, according to the purchase determination operation, only the original content file that is the target of the operation needs to be downloaded. In this case, the download can be completed in a short time. Also, since only the original content file that the user wants to listen to is stored in the storage device of the content playback apparatus 1 in accordance with the purchase decision operation, the storage capacity of the storage device is not wasted in this respect as well. become.

<4. Content Distribution System: Fourth Configuration Example>

FIG. 17 shows a fourth configuration example as the content distribution system of the present embodiment. In this figure, the content provider is not shown, but the content provider transfers the original content used for the digest content to the original content server 2 and registers it according to the procedures 1 and 2 in FIG. It is assumed that the original content list is passed to the content creator.

  With reference to FIG. 17, an example of content distribution in the fourth configuration example will be described. In this description, the procedure numbers shown in circles in the figure are followed.

[Procedure 1]
In this case, the content creator acquires the original content from the original content server 2 via the network in the same manner as the procedure 3 in FIG. The original content acquired here is the same as in the case of FIG. 1 in that it follows the original content list delivered from the content provider.

[Procedure 2]
The content creator creates digest content in the same manner as in step 4 in FIG. The entity of the digest content obtained here is digest content data including an edit content file and a complete package digest content file shown in FIG. 4 as in the first configuration example.

[Procedure 3]
The content creator in this case creates a package medium 20 in which audio data of a complete package / digest content file as the created digest content is recorded. The created package media 20 is distributed through an appropriate distribution channel so that a general user can obtain it for a fee or free of charge.
Here, it is assumed that the package medium 20 is a CD (Compact Disc) (trademark), which has a high diffusion rate even in the present situation. However, the medium of the package medium 20 is not particularly limited.

[Procedure 4]
In the configuration example of FIG. 17, a content purchase server 8 is provided in the system. The content purchase server 8 includes the function as the billing server 6 in the first configuration example, and, as will be described later, is a procedure for purchasing original content that is executed by accessing from the content reproduction device 1 via the network. Process related to.

  Further, in response to the creation of the package medium 20 according to the procedure 3, the TOC of the package medium 20 is also generated, but the content creator keeps the data of this TOC.

Then, the content creator connects the content creation device 5 and the content purchase server 8 via a network, and purchases the content of the above TOC and the edited content file data in the digest content data created in the procedure 2. Transfer to server 8.
The content purchase server 8 registers the transferred TOC and the edited content file data so as to be managed in association with each other.

[Procedure 5]
The content reproduction apparatus 1 in this case is configured to be able to reproduce a CD. The package medium 20 on which the complete package digest content file is recorded is not different from a normal audio CD. Accordingly, the general user can obtain the package media 20 and play and listen to the package media 20 at any time using the content reproduction apparatus 1.

[Procedure 6]
Further, the content reproduction apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a network connection function, and when a CD is loaded, the TOC data of the loaded CD is transmitted to the content purchase server 8 via the network. To send.

[Procedure 7]
The content purchase server 8 stores and manages the edited content file and the TOC data of the package media 20 in association with each digest content as described in the procedure 4.
Therefore, when the content purchase server 8 receives the TOC data from the content reproduction apparatus 1, the content purchase server 8 searches for an edit content file associated with the TOC data that matches the received TOC data.

[Procedure 8]
When the edited content file is retrieved by the search in the procedure 7, the retrieved edited content file is transmitted to the content reproduction device 1 that is the transmission source of the TOC data. In the content reproduction apparatus 1, the received editing content file is stored.

[Procedure 9]
After acquiring and storing the edited content file as described above, for example, in accordance with a user operation, an original content list image for selecting and purchasing the original content used in the digest content is displayed. Can do. As described above, the image of the original content list can be created using the used content information of the edited content file.
A general user can perform a purchase decision operation after performing an operation on an image of the original content list and selecting the original content.

[Procedure 10]
In response to the operation for determining the purchase of the original content according to the procedure 9, the content reproduction apparatus transmits a purchase request specifying the content ID of the original content to the content purchase server 8.

[Procedure 11]
In response to receiving the purchase request, the content purchase server 8 transmits a notification to the original content server 2 that the original content purchase request has been made to the original content server. At this time, the content purchase server 8 stores the designated content ID and the address (for example, IP address) of the content reproduction device that is the transmission source of the purchase request in the operand of the notification information.

[Procedure 12]
When receiving the above notification, the original content server 2 first searches for the original content file to which the content ID stored in the notification information is attached. Next, data transmission for uploading the retrieved original content file is executed with the IP address stored in the same notification information as the transmission destination. It is assumed that the original content file data to be transmitted is not encrypted.
On the content reproduction apparatus 1 side, the uploaded original content file data is received and stored in the storage device (storage unit 12). That is, the content reproduction apparatus 1 has downloaded the original content file.

[Procedure 13]
After the original content file data is stored in the storage device as described above, the general user can store the original content file data stored in the storage device by a normal playback operation on the content playback device 1. You can play and listen.

Currently, downloading of music data via a network is widespread, but music data is still provided using package media such as CDs.
With this fourth configuration example, even if a general user is provided with digest content data using package media, as with the configuration examples of the content distribution system so far, only the operation on the content reproduction device 1 can save time and effort. The original content desired by the general user can be purchased and played back without being applied.

<5. Content Distribution System: Fifth Configuration Example>

FIG. 18 shows a fifth configuration example as the content distribution system of the present embodiment. In this figure, the content provider is not shown, but the content provider transfers the original content used for the digest content to the original content server 2 and registers it according to procedures 1 and 2 in FIG. The original content list is passed to the content creator. Moreover, in the description of this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 17 as the fourth configuration example are omitted, and mainly the differences will be described.

In FIG. 18, steps 1 to 4 are the same as steps 1 to 4 in FIG. 17.
However, the package medium 20A in this case is a Blu-ray disc (BD). Blu-ray Disc (BD) has a standard called Blu-ray Java (registered trademark). Therefore, when creating the package medium 20A as the procedure 3 of the fourth configuration example, the audio data as the complete package digest content file is recorded, and the Java program is also recorded. The Java program is described so that the playback device can purchase (download) the original content using the edited content file of the digest content. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the package medium 20A in this case records a complete package / digest content file corresponding to the created digest content, an edited content file, and a program corresponding to java. You can see.
Further, depending on the procedure 4, only TOC data may be transmitted. In the case of the fourth configuration example, the editing content file is not always necessary.
The package medium 20A is not limited to the Blu-ray disc, and any media format that can record and play back content data and Java or equivalent program data may be used.

  The content playback apparatus in this case is configured to be able to play back in accordance with the format of the package medium 20A. Therefore, if the general user obtains the package media 20A, the package media 20A can be played back by the content playback device 1 as shown in step 5.

Here, in the case of FIG. 17, the content reproduction apparatus 1 stores the TOC data of the loaded package medium 20 as the contents as shown in steps 6 to 8 in response to the loading of the package medium 20. The edited content file of the corresponding digest content is acquired by transmitting to the purchase server 8.
However, in the example of FIG. 18, since the edited content file is recorded in the package medium 20A, steps 6 to 8 in FIG. 17 are omitted. In FIG. 18, steps 6 to 8 are omitted corresponding to FIG. 17, and step 9 follows step 5.

  In a state where the package media 20A is loaded in the content reproduction apparatus 1, the user activates Java by a predetermined operation, and displays a list of original contents used in the digest content recorded in the package media 20A. An image can be displayed. In addition, as shown in step 9, by performing an operation on the image of the original content list, the original content can be selected and a purchase determination operation can be performed.

In response to the purchase determination operation, the content reproduction device 1 transmits a request for purchasing the original content to the content purchase server 8 according to the procedure 10. Also in the case of the fourth configuration example, when the purchase request is transmitted, the original content ID of the original content to be purchased is transmitted.
Henceforth, it becomes the same as that of the case of FIG.

  By the way, in the first and second configuration examples in the content distribution system of the present embodiment, the digest content data is an edited content file, a complete package digest content file, and an encrypted original content file used for creating the digest content. It is said that.

Here, the edit content description information in the edit content file is information indicating how the original content is used and the audio content as the digest content is established as described above.
Therefore, it is assumed that the audio data in the specified section is reproduced for the original content file (content ID: file_ID) specified by the description content of the edit content description information during the playback time in the specified digest content. Then, audio reproduction is performed so that the content as the digest content is reproduced.
That is, the edited content description information can be regarded as reproduction instruction information for instructing how to reproduce the data of the original content file used for reproducing and reproducing the digest content.

Therefore, for example, for the content playback device 1 of the first configuration example or the portable content playback device 1A of the second configuration example, the content playback processing unit 13 reads the edited content description information, interprets the description content, and interprets the description content. According to the result, the data of the original content file can be reproduced as described above.
With such a configuration, the following processing can be performed for digest content playback in the procedure 8 of FIG. 1 or the procedure 9 of FIG. In other words, the content reproduction processing unit 13 performs a process of reproducing the data of the encrypted original content file in the same digest content data based on the result of interpreting the edited content description information in the digest content data. At this time, the encrypted original content file is temporarily decrypted and used for the reproduction process. However, since the original content file has not yet been purchased, the process of registering in the playlist is not executed.
If the digest content is reproduced as described above, in the first and second configuration examples, the complete package digest content file is omitted from the digest content data, the edited content file, and the encryption source file are omitted. It can also consist of content files.
In terms of the relationship with the edited content file (edited content description information), both the complete package digest content file and the encrypted original content file data included in the same digest content data have the edited content description information. It can be regarded as entity data (audio data) that can reproduce at least part of the audio content of the digest content shown.

  Further, the processing of the apparatus described so far with reference to the flowcharts and sequence diagrams can be regarded as being obtained by the CPU of the apparatus executing the program. Such a program may be stored in a removable storage medium and then stored in a flash memory or the like by being installed (including update) from the storage medium. It is also conceivable that the program can be installed by control from a device serving as another host via a predetermined data interface. Further, it may be possible to store the information in a storage device such as a server on a network and then download the device from the server using the network function so that the device can be installed.

  In addition, the content handled by the present embodiment is audio content so far, but the same content distribution as described above can be realized as video content using moving image audio.

  1 content playback device, 1A portable content playback device, 2 original content server, 3 digest content server, 4 digest content transfer device, 5 content creation device, 6 charging server, 11 control unit, 12 storage unit, 13 content playback processing unit , 14 Audio output processing unit, 15 Display unit, 16 Decryption processing unit, 17 Charge handling processing unit, 18 Communication processing unit, 19 Operation unit

Claims (8)

As digest content data created by editing content contents of a plurality of original contents, at least the original contents used in the digest contents are indicated by content identifiers, and the use results of the original contents in the digest contents are indicated. Digest content for acquiring edit content information having information and one content entity data capable of reproducing and outputting the content of the digest content and / or entity data of the original content used in the digest content・ Data acquisition means,
Digest content playback means for playing back the content of the digest content using the one content entity data or the plurality of discrete content entity data;
User interface providing means for providing a user interface capable of a selection decision operation for selecting and deciding arbitrary original content from among the original content used in the digest content;
Original content specifying means for specifying what is the original content selected and determined by the selection determination operation with reference to the editing content information;
Reproducible original content data acquisition means for acquiring reproducible original content data, which is entity data in a format that can be reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus, with respect to the original content identified by the original content identification means;
A content playback apparatus comprising: After acquiring the reproducible original content data by the reproducible original content data acquisition means, the start position of the use section, which is the section in which the original content corresponding to the reproducible original content data is used in the digest content, is Starting position identifying means for identifying based on the editing content information;
Confirmation reproduction means for starting confirmation reproduction of the reproducible original content data from the start position identified by the start position identification means;
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1. Purchase information holding means for holding purchase information indicating that the original content specified by the original content specifying means has been purchased;
A communication unit that has a network connection function and communicates via a data interface with a content storage device that executes processing corresponding to charging for the purchased original content by network communication using the acquired purchase information;
Purchase information transmitting means for transmitting the purchase information when the communication means is connected to the content storage device and causing the content storage device to acquire the purchase information;
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The digest content / data acquisition means acquires encrypted entity data as entity data of the original content used in the digest content,
The original content data acquisition unit obtains a format that can be played back by the content playback device by decrypting the entity data of the original content specified by the original content specifying unit.
The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. As digest content data created by editing content contents of a plurality of original contents, at least the original contents used in the digest contents are indicated by content identifiers, and the use results of the original contents in the digest contents are indicated. Digest content for acquiring edit content information having information and one content entity data capable of reproducing and outputting the content of the digest content and / or entity data of the original content used in the digest content・ Data acquisition procedure,
One content entity data that can reproduce and output the content of the digest content and / or entity data of the original content used in the digest content;
Digest content playback procedure for playing back the content of the digest content using the one content entity data or the plurality of discrete content entity data. Arbitrary original content is selected from the original contents used in the digest content. A user interface providing procedure for providing a user interface capable of performing a selection determining operation for selecting and determining;
An original content specifying procedure for specifying what is the original content selected and determined by the selection determination operation with reference to the editing content information;
Reproducible original content data acquisition procedure for acquiring reproducible original content data, which is entity data in a format that can be reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus, for the original content identified by the original content identification procedure;
Content playback method to execute. As digest content data created by editing content contents of a plurality of original contents, at least the original contents used in the digest contents are indicated by content identifiers, and the use results of the original contents in the digest contents are indicated. Digest content for acquiring edit content information having information and one content entity data capable of reproducing and outputting the content of the digest content and / or entity data of the original content used in the digest content・ Data acquisition procedure,
Digest content playback procedure for playing back the content of the digest content using the one content entity data or the plurality of discrete content entity data. Arbitrary original content is selected from the original contents used in the digest content. A user interface providing procedure for providing a user interface capable of performing a selection determining operation for selecting and determining;
An original content specifying procedure for specifying what is the original content selected and determined by the selection determination operation with reference to the editing content information;
Reproducible original content data acquisition procedure for acquiring reproducible original content data, which is entity data in a format that can be reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus, for the original content identified by the original content identification procedure;
Is a program that causes a content reproduction apparatus to execute the program. It consists of a content creation / transfer device and a content playback device,
Content creation / transfer device
In accordance with the editing operation, a process for creating a digest content having content contents formed by combining at least some playback sections of a plurality of original contents is executed. At least digest content as entity data of the digest content Digest content creating means for executing a process of creating edit content information having information indicating a use result of the original content and one content entity data capable of reproducing and outputting the content of the digest content;
First network communication means for performing communication via a network;
The edited content information and one content entity data capable of reproducing and outputting the content of the digest content and / or entity data of the original content used in the digest content are transmitted by the first network communication means. Digest content data sending means for sending out as digest content data for users,
The content playback device
A second network communication means for performing communication via the network;
Digest content data acquisition means for receiving and acquiring digest content data for a user sent by the content creation / transfer apparatus by the network communication means;
Digest content playback means for playing back the content of the digest content using the one content entity data or the plurality of discrete content entity data;
User interface providing means for providing a user interface capable of a selection decision operation for selecting and deciding arbitrary original content from among the original content used in the digest content;
Original content specifying means for specifying what is the original content selected and determined by the selection determination operation with reference to the editing content information;
Reproducible original content data acquisition means for acquiring reproducible original content data, which is entity data in a format that can be reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus, with respect to the original content identified by the original content identification means;
Charging corresponding processing means for performing processing corresponding to charging for the original content specified by the original content specifying means by communicating with the charging server by the second network communication means;
Content distribution system. The content playback device is composed of a content storage device and a portable content playback device,
The digest content / data sending means of the content creation / transfer apparatus includes the edit content information, one content entity data capable of reproducing and outputting the content of the digest content, and the original content used in the digest content And the encrypted entity data are transmitted as digest content data for the user by the first network communication means,
The content storage device includes:
The second network communication means;
The digest content data acquisition means;
Storage means for storing the digest content data for a user acquired by the digest content data acquisition means;
First data interface communication means for executing communication via the data interface;
User digest content data for transferring the user digest content data stored in the digest content data storage means to the portable content player connected by the first data interface communication means. Transfer means;
Based on the purchase information transferred from the portable content player connected via the first data interface communication means, the second network communication means communicates with the billing server, and Charging corresponding processing means for executing processing corresponding to charging for the original content specified by the content specifying means,
The portable content playback device is
A second data interface communication means for performing communication via the data interface;
User digest content data acquisition means for acquiring user digest content data transferred from the content storage device via the data interface by the second data interface communication means;
The digest content playback means;
The user interface providing means;
The original content specifying means;
Reproducible original content data acquisition means for obtaining a format that can be played back by the portable content playback device by releasing encryption of the encrypted entity data of the original content specified by the original content specifying means; ,
Purchase information creating means for creating purchase information indicating that purchase of the original content specified by the original content specifying means is determined;
Purchase information transfer means for transferring the purchase information to the content storage device connected via the second data interface communication means;
The content distribution system according to claim 7.

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