JP2014002750A - Content distribution system, content distribution method, content distribution device, content viewing device, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content distribution system which enables a user who has obtained a distribution medium on which a two-dimensional code is printed to receive digital data from a server accessed on the basis of coded information such as the two-dimensional code, and store the received data in the user's terminal device.SOLUTION: A user terminal 1 connects to a server 2 by extracting URL information and a distribution medium ID from a data code 5 printed on a distribution medium 4. The server 2 comprises: content storage database 212; a distribution state management database which stores the distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal 1; means for registering the received distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of user terminal 1 in response to reception of an unregistered distribution medium ID from the user terminal 1; and means for distributing a content if the content is not distributed yet in response to reception of distribution request of the content from the user terminal 1. The user terminal 1 stores the distributed content.

Description

In the present invention, a person who has obtained a tangible object on which a two-dimensional code or the like is printed accesses a server based on information encoded in the two-dimensional code or the like, receives digital data from the server, The present invention relates to a content distribution system that stores this data in its own terminal device.

The present inventor has already devised a system that can easily enjoy a copyrighted work on a mobile phone or the like while ensuring protection of the copyrighted work (Patent Document 1).
When the system described in Patent Document 1 is used, only a person who has obtained a QR code (registered trademark) for downloading content through a legitimate route using a large-scale POS system or a simple system that does not require a billing process or the like. You can enjoy watching the content. In addition, in this system, model-specific information for identifying a mobile phone is used for user authentication. Therefore, it is convenient to access from the same mobile phone, that is, user authentication, and specify an individual. It also has safety that information input is unnecessary.

JP 2010-9492 A

In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the digital content is downloaded from the server every time the digital content is viewed. This is because the storage capacity of the mobile phone at the time of this application (2008) had a limit in storing digital contents having a large file size. However, downloading from the server every time viewing is not only expensive, but also has a problem that viewing may not be possible due to communication troubles. However, recent improvements in the performance of mobile phones have been remarkable, and at the time of this application (2013), products having a storage capacity of 64 GB have also appeared.
The invention described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the same mobile phone is continuously used. For this reason, even if a corner QR code is obtained, this service cannot be received if the model is changed. Changing the model is now commonplace, which is very unfortunate.

In view of such problems, it is an object of the present invention to save downloaded content in a mobile phone so that the subsequent download is unnecessary and the downloaded content can be viewed even after changing the model.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a content distribution system,
A user terminal that extracts URL information and a distribution medium ID from a data code printed on a medium for content distribution (hereinafter referred to as “distribution medium”) is connected via a communication network.
A content storage database for storing content;
A distribution status management database for storing a distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal;
If the distribution medium ID received from the user terminal is unregistered in the distribution status management database, user registration means for registering the received distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal in the distribution status management database;
Receiving a content distribution request from the user terminal, if the terminal identification information of the user terminal has been registered and the content has not been distributed, a content distribution means for distributing the requested content;
Have
The user terminal stores the distributed content in a storage unit connected to the user terminal.

The “content” may be any digital data that can be distributed over the Internet, such as music, photos, videos, novels, and games. The content is not limited to content that is widely assumed for general viewing, but may be content that records events that are of interest to a limited number of interested parties.
As an example of “distribution medium”, in the following embodiment, it is in the form of a card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any data code can be printed, such as a movie, exhibition brochure, or picture book cover. Anything If printing is possible, a three-dimensional article such as a mug can be used as the distribution medium. The data code may be directly printed on the article, but a seal printed with the data code may be attached to the article.
“Data code” is a display that can be obtained by imaging with a camera-equipped mobile phone, such as a one-dimensional code called a barcode or a meaningful code called a two-dimensional code in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Anything In the following embodiment, a QR code is used.
The “URL information” is information representing the location of the website on the Internet, although the system of the present invention is realized by accessing the website managed by the server (corresponding to the content distribution apparatus of claim 10). is there.

Thereby, when the distribution medium ID is unregistered, user registration with the system is possible, and only a download request from a user terminal having terminal identification information registered in association with the distribution medium ID is accepted. Therefore, even if a download request is made at a user terminal different from the user terminal used first, it cannot be accepted. In other words, only one user terminal, that is, one user can view the content on one distribution medium, and the distribution medium cannot be lent or borrowed.

The invention according to claim 2 is the content distribution system according to claim 1,
The content that can be distributed via one distribution medium is composed of one or more arbitrary number of content files,
Content list presentation means for transmitting a list of content files stored in the content storage database to the user terminal is further provided.
As a result, when a single distribution medium is obtained, a plurality of related contents can be viewed. For example, when the same artist performs live for three consecutive days, it is assumed that a certain user went to the venue only on the second day. If you get the distribution media on the second day, you can watch the first day that has already been uploaded to the server, you can watch the second day soon after the end of the live, the third day that you could not go to the third day You can watch it later if it is uploaded to the server. In this way, related content groups can be reliably viewed by obtaining one distribution medium.

The invention according to claim 3 is the content distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the received content is received when all or part of the content file is received together with the storage request from the user terminal. User file storage means for storing files;
If there is a return request for the stored content file, it is sent to the user terminal that has requested the return, and after transmission, further comprises a user file return means for deleting the content file,
The stored content file is deleted from the storage unit of the user terminal that is the storage request source.
Thereby, even if the model of the user terminal is changed, it is possible to continue viewing the downloaded content file on the changed user terminal.

The invention according to claim 4 is the content distribution system according to claim 3,
The content storage means inputs user authentication information when receiving the content file, and the content return means transmits the content file on condition that the information received from the user terminal matches the user authentication information. And
“User authentication information” includes a user ID and a password. Furthermore, in order to prevent fraud, a combination of a question and an answer that only the user can know (hereinafter, “secret question”) may be included.
The user authentication is required because the function of temporarily storing files by this system is a part of the user service, and the stored file of the person must not be transferred to another person.

The invention according to claim 5 is the content distribution system according to claim 3,
The user file storage unit or the user file return unit specifies terminal identification information of a user terminal having a right to receive an undelivered content file in the future when the content file is received.
As a result, even if there is a content file that has not been uploaded to the system when the model is changed, it can be downloaded after the model change.

The invention according to claim 6 is the content distribution system according to claim 3,
The user file storage means may calculate a consideration for storing the content file, and reflect the batch storage or partial storage of the content file in the calculation of the consideration.
Thereby, the system side can obtain the amount of money that is considered to be reasonable as storage consideration from the user terminal.

The invention according to claim 7 is the content distribution system according to claim 2,
If a mail address has been received from the user terminal, a new content notification means for notifying the mail address every time a new content file is stored in the content storage database is further provided.
Thereby, as soon as new content is uploaded to the server, the user can download it. This notification service can only be received by users who have registered their e-mail addresses in the system. For the present invention, it is important for many people to easily enjoy viewing content, and it does not force the input of personal information such as e-mail addresses.

Inventions related to the content distribution method according to claims 8 to 9, inventions related to the content distribution apparatus according to claims 10 to 11, inventions related to a computer program for the content distribution apparatus according to claims 12 to 13, and contents viewing apparatus according to claims 14 to 16. All of the inventions related to the computer program for the content viewing apparatus according to claims 17 to 19 achieve the object of the present invention.

Since the content is downloaded from the server via a distribution medium such as a card with a QR code, the trouble of producing the DVD is not required, and the sales cost can be kept low.
One file can be downloaded from the server only once and can be viewed only on the same user terminal, so there is no disadvantage for the copyright holder. That is, the same file is not downloaded a plurality of times via one distribution medium.
The file downloaded and stored in the mobile terminal through the QR code card of the present invention can be viewed on the mobile terminal after the model change.

It is a system configuration figure of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the card | curd (an example of a delivery medium) which printed the data code of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the user terminal of a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram of the server of a 1st embodiment. It is a table structure figure of the distribution situation management database of a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart of the user registration process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the content delivery process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the registration data of the delivery status management database of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the content list of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the user terminal of a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram of the server of 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the main menu displayed on the user terminal of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the process of collective deposit and return of the user file of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the registration data of the delivery status management database of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the process of partial deposit and return of a user file of a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the registration data of the delivery status management database of 2nd Embodiment.

(1) First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1-1) Configuration of System of First Embodiment A configuration of a system of the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “the present system”) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this system, a user terminal 1 connects to a server 2 of this system via the Internet N. Since this system assumes that a live sound source is sold immediately after the live ends, the system operates in cooperation with the content production system 100 that performs live recording and the like.
The user terminal 1 is connected to the server 2 via a mobile communication network (not shown), a wireless LAN (not shown), and the Internet N.
In FIG. 1, only two user terminals 1 are shown, but the number is not limited.

Here, the data code (hereinafter referred to as “QR code”) 5 that is read by the user terminal 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the QR code 5 is printed or pasted on the distribution medium 4. By capturing the QR code 5, the user terminal 1 can access a predetermined website. Information included in the QR code 5 includes a URL (5a) of a website for the user to access the system and a distribution medium ID (5b) unique to the distribution medium 4.

The user terminal 1 is an information processing apparatus used by a user who has purchased the distribution medium 4, and the “content viewing apparatus” in claim 14 corresponds to the user terminal. As the user terminal 1, a multi-function mobile phone or a tablet terminal called a smartphone is used. In the present system, description will be made on the assumption that a smartphone is used. This is because, at the time of filing of the present invention (2013), smartphones are spreading at a speed that surpasses conventional mobile phones, and specifications such as CPU performance and storage capacity are remarkably improved.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the user terminal 1 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, an image acquisition unit 13, an operation input unit combined display unit (hereinafter simply referred to as “display unit”) 14 such as a touch panel, An audio reproduction unit 15 and a communication unit 16 are provided.

The image acquisition unit 13 is a camera lens and an image sensor.
The display unit 14 functions as an operation unit or an input unit by displaying a screen and touching the screen.
The audio reproduction unit 15 is a speaker that reproduces audio data.
The communication unit 16 has a wireless communication function for connecting to the server 2 and the like through a mobile communication network.
The user terminal 1 also includes a microphone, an internal battery, and the like, which are not shown.

The storage unit 11 includes a program storage unit 111, a content file storage unit 112, an identification information storage unit 113, and other storage units 114.

The program storage unit 111 stores a program such as a web browser and an application program (hereinafter referred to as “dedicated application”) that is downloaded from the server 2 and is necessary for executing the system. This dedicated application can be easily obtained from a predetermined site. This dedicated application corresponds to a “computer program” in claim 17.
The content file storage unit 112 stores a content file downloaded from the server 2 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “file”).
The identification information storage means 113 stores identification information of the user terminal 1 main body, and information obtained by combining this identification information and the number on the SIM card SC side corresponds to “terminal identification information” according to claim 1.
The other storage means 114 stores necessary data other than the above, such as various data and intermediate processing results. These data include a distribution medium ID.

The control unit 12 includes a data code reading unit 121, a browsing unit 122, a content list display unit 123, a content distribution request unit 124, a content storage unit 125, a content reproduction unit 126, and a SIM card connection unit 127. .

The data code reading unit 121 analyzes the QR code 5 image acquired by the image acquisition unit 13 and extracts URL information and distribution medium ID included therein.
The browsing means 122 accesses the system website based on the URL information extracted by the data code reading means 121 according to a program called a browser or a web browser, and receives information from the website. The information is displayed on the display unit 14.
The content list display means 123 receives a list of files that can be viewed via the one distribution medium 4 from the server 2 and displays it on the screen.
The content distribution request unit 124 requests the server 2 to distribute an unreceived file. At the same time, the distribution medium ID and terminal identification information for specifying the user terminal 1 are also transmitted.
The content storage unit 125 stores the file received from the server 2 in the content file storage unit 112.
The content reproduction unit 126 retrieves and reproduces the file stored in the content file storage unit 112.
The SIM card connection means 127 is connected to a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card SC and reads a number in the SIM card SC.

The operation of each means of the control unit 12 is realized by loading a computer program stored in the program storage means 111 onto the memory and executing it by the CPU. Some processing may be realized by hardware instead of software. The classification of each means described above is not fixed, but merely for convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 4, the server 2 includes a storage unit 21, a control unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

The storage unit 21 stores a distribution status management database (hereinafter “distribution management DB”) 211, a content storage database (hereinafter “content DB”) 212, a program storage unit 213, various parameters, and a web page of the system. It includes other storage means 214 for storing the described HTML file, intermediate processing results, and the like.

The distribution management DB 211 will be described in detail later.
The content DB 212 stores content data recorded and converted by the content production system 100.
The program storage unit 213 stores a control program such as an OS, a program unique to this system (corresponding to a “computer program” in claim 12), and the like.

The control unit 22 includes a user registration unit 221, a content distribution unit 222, a content list presentation unit 223, a mail address registration unit 224, and a new content notification unit 225.

If the distribution medium ID received from the user terminal 1 is not yet registered in the distribution management DB 211, the user registration unit 221 registers the received distribution medium ID and the terminal identification information of the user terminal 1.
Upon receiving a content distribution request from the user terminal 1, the content distribution unit 222 distributes the requested content if the terminal identification information of the user terminal 1 has been registered and the content has not been distributed. At the same time, the content distribution status in the distribution management DB 211 is updated.
The content list presenting means 223 transmits a list of content files stored in the content DB 212 to the user terminal 1.
The mail address registration unit 224 receives a mail address from the user terminal 1 at the time of user registration or after registration, and registers the received mail address in the distribution management DB 211 in association with the distribution medium ID. Whether or not to register the mail address in the server 2 is arbitrary by the user. If the e-mail address is registered, there is an advantage that when new content is uploaded to the content DB 212, it is notified immediately by e-mail.
The new content notification means 225 notifies the registered e-mail address each time a new file is stored in the content DB 212.

The classification of each means described above is not fixed, but merely for convenience of explanation.
Each means of the memory | storage part 21 and the control part 22 is mounted with hardware and software according to the function. In the case of software, it is realized by a CPU (not shown) reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 21.
The server 2 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 1 and the content production system 100 via the communication unit 23 and the communication network N.
The server 2 may be configured to be distributed to a plurality of servers such as a web server, a database server, a server dedicated to content distribution, and to realize system processing in cooperation.
For example, the content DB 212 for storing a large amount of data may be stored in the storage unit 21 included in the server 2 or may be provided in a computer separate from the server 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the distribution management DB 211, the terminal identification information (211b) is associated with the distribution medium ID (211a), and the distribution status (211c) of the content that has been uploaded to the content DB 212, that is, is ready for distribution. Is memorized.
The distribution status includes “distributed”, “undistributed”, and “no content”. “Distributed” means that it has already been transmitted in response to a distribution request from the user terminal 1 and that the file is stored in the content file storage unit 112 of the user terminal 1. “Undelivered” means that the content has been uploaded to the content DB 212 but has not yet been requested from the user terminal 1. “No content” means that the content DB 212 has not yet been uploaded. In FIG. 5, there are other distribution statuses “in custody”, “transferred”, and “undistributable”, which will be referred to in the description of the second embodiment.
The other column (211d) stores a mail address for the user who registered the mail address.

(1-2) System Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of this system will be described by dividing it into the following two steps.
-User registration to this system-Viewing content Apart from this basic operation, the content production system 100 performs upload processing of content such as live recording data within a short time after the end of the live, but the explanation is omitted. To do.

First, user registration will be described with reference to FIG.
When the user obtains the distribution medium 4, the QR code 5 is read by the image acquisition unit 13 of the user terminal 1 (step S1).
Information such as a URL is extracted from the QR code 5 by the data code reading unit 121. The browsing means 122 accesses the website of the server 2 via the Internet N based on the extracted URL. At the time of access, the dedicated application stored in the program storage unit 111 is activated, and the terminal identification information of the user terminal 1 is added to the URL and transmitted together with the distribution medium ID (step S2).

Here, an example of transmission of terminal identification information will be described. When a user registration request is made in step S2, the browsing means 122 of the user terminal 1 displays an icon instructing activation of a dedicated application or downloading of the dedicated application for transmitting terminal identification information to the server 2. If the dedicated application is not installed in the user terminal 1, it is downloaded from a predetermined server (not necessarily the server 2 of this system) and stored in the program storage unit 111. When the installed dedicated application is activated, the dedicated application extracts the identification information of the main body of the user terminal 1 from the identification information storage unit 113 and also extracts the number on the SIM card SC side via the SIM card connection unit 127 and combines them. Terminal identification information is generated and transmitted to the server 2. The terminal identification information may be generated every time transmission / reception with the server 2 is performed, but once generated, the terminal identification information may be stored in the storage unit 11 and read out and transmitted to the server 2 each time it is activated. The distribution medium ID is also stored in the storage unit 11.
Note that the terminal identification information for specifying the user terminal 1 may be only the identification information of the user terminal 1 main body.

The user registration means 221 of the server 2 searches the distribution management DB 211 for the transmitted distribution medium ID, and if there is no match (Yes in step S3), the distribution management DB 211 stores this distribution medium ID and terminal identification information. Are newly registered in association with each other (step S4). By this registration, even if the QR code 5 is read by another user terminal, it cannot be downloaded by the user terminal. Further, once the terminal identification information is registered, it can be downloaded without transmitting the distribution medium ID. That is, the QR code 5 of the acquired distribution medium 4 needs to be read only once.
As described above, the user registration is completed by an extremely simple operation of reading the QR code 5 and accessing the server 2. At the time of registration, the server 2 may register a mail address.

If there is already one that matches the distribution medium ID transmitted to the distribution management DB 211 (No in step S3), the registered terminal identification information is compared with the transmitted terminal identification information. In step S5, “Disagree”), this distribution medium ID has already been registered by another person and cannot be used. Therefore, an error message is transmitted to the user terminal 1 (step S6), and the process is aborted. If the terminal identification information is the same (“match” in step S5), it is determined that there is a distribution request from a legitimate person, a viewable content list is generated (step S7), and transmitted to the user terminal 1. The content list display means 123 displays this (step S8). Even when user registration is completed in step S4, a viewable content list is generated and transmitted (steps S7 and S8).

When viewing content using this system, the content list generated in step S7 in FIG. Hereinafter, viewing of content will be described with reference to FIG.
The user activates the dedicated application by an operation such as tapping a predetermined icon (not shown) on the display unit 14 of the user terminal 1. The user terminal 1 communicates with the server 2 and requests transmission of the latest content list (step S101).

The server 2 refers to the distribution management DB 211 and transmits to the user terminal 1 a list of the files that have been distributed by the user and the files that have been uploaded to the content DB 212 but have not yet been distributed. For example, (a) in FIG. 8 is data related to the user in the distribution management DB 211 of the user, the content A and the content B are currently uploaded to the content DB 212, and the user has already downloaded the content A. However, the content B has not yet been downloaded. The content list presenting means 223 of the server 2 refers to this to generate a content list (step S102) and transmits it to the user terminal 1. Based on the content list, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 9A is generated and displayed on the display unit 14 of the user terminal 1 (step S103). Here, “content A reproduction” of the menu item M1 means that the downloaded content A can be reproduced when this menu item is selected. “Content B download” of menu item M2 means that content B can be downloaded when this menu item is selected.

When the user terminal 1 selects the menu item M2, it is not distributed (Yes in step S104), so a distribution request for the content is transmitted to the server 2 (step S105). At this time, the content distribution request unit 124 also transmits the terminal identification information and the distribution medium ID stored in the storage unit 11.
The content distribution unit 222 of the server 2 retrieves the file from the content DB 212 and transmits it to the user terminal 1 when confirming that the transmitted terminal identification information has been registered and the specified content has not been distributed. (Step S106).
At the same time, the server 2 changes the distribution status column corresponding to the content B in the distribution management DB 211 from “undistributed” to “distributed”. The distribution management DB 211 at this time is as shown in FIG.
When a file that has not been downloaded is specified in this way, terminal identification information is transmitted to the server 2 together with a distribution request for the file. Here, it is not necessary to read the QR code 5 again. This is because the distribution medium ID is stored in the storage unit 11 at the time of the first reading, so that it is taken out from the storage unit 11 and transmitted together with the transmission request when transmitting to the server 2. As a result, even if the distribution medium 4 on which the QR code 5 is printed is lost or not at hand, downloading is possible.
The content storage unit 125 of the user terminal 1 stores the received content B in the content file storage unit 112 (step S107). In the case of continuing viewing (Yes in step S108), the display unit 14 and the audio reproduction unit 15 controlled by the content reproduction unit 126 reproduces (step S109).

When the menu item M1 is selected in step S104, since it has already been downloaded (No in step S104), the content A file is taken out from the content file storage means 112 (step S110) and reproduced (step S109).
As described above, when the saved file is specified in the content list, it is taken out from the content file storage means 112 and reproduced. This file is preferably played only by a dedicated application. Therefore, when storing in the content DB 212 of the server 2, if there is no dedicated application by modifying the entire file data (including encryption) or adding information not included in a normal file to the header, Prevent playback. As a result, viewing on a video posting site such as YouTube (registered trademark) or general application software can be prevented.

If the upload time of content is not known in advance, the user may not be able to download in a timely manner. Therefore, when a new content is uploaded, the new content notification unit 225 of the server 2 may notify that the new content has been uploaded to the registered mail address.
For example, assume that the content C is newly uploaded in the state of FIG. 8B, that is, only the content A and B are uploaded. At this time, the distribution management DB 211 changes as shown in FIG. If the mail address is registered in the server 2, it is notified that the content C is newly uploaded. The latest content list corresponding to FIG. 8C is displayed on the display unit 14 of the user terminal 1 in the menu format shown in FIG.

Since this system can be viewed on the user terminal 1 on the way home before the live audience has cooled down, it is possible to diversify how to enjoy the live. However, digital data for viewing is not limited to music and live performances.
For example, one of the biggest events in a person's life is a wedding. Although it is common practice to take a video of a wedding or reception, and commemorate it later, this system can also be used. The bride and groom's greetings before the wedding ceremony, the day of the ceremony including the reception, and greetings to relatives and related parties after the wedding ceremony are uploaded to the server as digital content, and QR code 5 is distributed to the relevant parties for download. That's why I get it. If QR code 5 is printed on the invitation and accessed, you can view voice greetings and profiles with photos of the parties. You can view the expression of the bride and groom on the day of the ceremony and the appearance and interior of the wedding hall during the time between the wedding ceremony and the reception, and you can view the greetings of the bride and groom from the bride and the image of the new house after the honeymoon. To. It will be valuable content for the elderly with limited mobility who couldn't attend, and for the best friends who couldn't attend for the purpose.

It can also be used for sports-related club activities such as junior and senior high school students. By uploading the district tournament, prefectural tournament, and Kanto tournament as soon as the match is over, parents and teachers who have received QR Code 5 can watch their children and students play an active role without going to the game. In addition, it is not only a memorial for the player himself, but also a reflection.
In short, it is important that this system prevents irrelevant persons from browsing and that only authorized persons can easily view content.

In addition, this system can be used for introduction and promotion of the person and the company where the person works. For example, a sales staff member of a food / beverage manufacturer prints and distributes the QR code 5 of this system on his / her business card. That is, the business card becomes the distribution medium 4.
Even if a new product comes out, if it does not sell well, it will be removed from the supermarket or convenience store shelf in a short period of time. Therefore, it does not make sense to advertise all new products on TV, newspapers and magazines. By using this system and uploading videos of new products before and after the release date of new products, there is a possibility that many interested parties will view them.

(2) Second Embodiment Although this embodiment is not different from the first embodiment in terms of content download and playback, a mechanism for enabling viewing even after changing the model of the user terminal has been added. It is different in point. Hereinafter, different points will be described. Accordingly, in the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same functions as those in the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram of the user terminal 6, and FIG. 11 shows a functional block diagram of the server 7.

The control unit 62 of the user terminal 6 of this embodiment further includes a user file depositing unit 621 and a user file receiving unit 622 in addition to each unit of the user terminal 1 of the first embodiment.
The user file depositing unit 621 transmits all or part of the files stored in the content file storage unit 112 to the server 7 and deletes the transmitted file from the content file storage unit 112.
The user file receiving unit 622 receives a file stored by the server 7 by depositing from another user terminal and stores it in the content file storage unit 112.

The storage unit 71 of the server 7 of this embodiment includes a user file storage database (hereinafter “user file storage DB”) 711 in addition to the units of the server 2 of the first embodiment. In addition to each unit of the server 2 of the first embodiment, a user file storage unit 721 and a user file return unit 722 are provided.
The user file storage unit 721 stores all or part of the files received from the user terminal 6 in the user file storage DB 711.
If there is a return request for the stored file, the user file return means 722 transmits it to the user terminal 6 that requested the return, and deletes the file from the user file storage DB 711 after the transmission.

When it is desired to store the file stored in the user terminal 6 by the server 7, "File Deposit (Batch Deposit)" or "File Deposit (partial) from the menu screen of this system as shown in FIG. Select “Deposit”.

First, collective depositing will be described with reference to FIG.
The user terminal 6X before the model change registers authentication information (user ID, password, secret question, etc.) required when the deposited file is downloaded by the user terminal 6Y after the model change (step S201). An arbitrary character string designated by the user is used for the user ID and password. However, the user ID is unique.
The user terminal 6X before the model change retrieves all files from the content file storage means 112 and transmits them to the server 7 (step S202). In this example, two objects, file A and file B, are targeted. At the same time, these files are deleted from the content file storage means 112 (step S203). Thereby, the file downloaded by the user terminal 6X exists only in the server 7.

The server 7 stores all the received files in the user file storage DB 711 (step S204) and changes the distribution status of the distribution management DB 211 from “distributed” to “custody” as illustrated in FIG. 14 (a) → (b). Change to "Medium" and register the authentication information to be used at the time of download.
The user terminal 6X may be charged for the price for storing the file. The payment method of the consideration may be a known method.

When the user wants to transfer the stored file to the user terminal 6Y after the model change, the user selects “file return” from the menu screen of FIG. The user terminal 6Y inputs the user ID, password, and secret question registered in step S201 (step S205).

The server 7 searches the distribution management DB 211 for information that matches the input authentication information. If there is a matching record and there is a file in custody, all files are extracted from the user file storage DB 711 (step S206) and transmitted to the user terminal 6Y (step S207). At the same time, the file returned from the user file storage DB 711 is deleted, and the distribution status corresponding to the contents A and B in the distribution management DB 211 is changed from “on hold” to “transferred” as shown in FIG. To do. The distribution status corresponding to the content C is changed from “undistributed” to “undistributable”. Thus, after transferring all existing files to the user terminal 6Y, the user terminal 6X also loses the right to receive files that have not yet been downloaded.
On the other hand, information on the user terminal 6Y is newly created as shown in FIG.
By the file batch transfer process described above, the file downloaded by the user exists only in the user terminal 6Y after the model change, and the file that has not yet been downloaded can be downloaded only by the user terminal 6Y. When transmitting the file in step S207, the server 7 also transmits the distribution medium ID to the user terminal 6Y, and the user terminal 6Y stores the distribution medium ID in the storage unit 111. As a result, the user terminal 6Y can receive a file that has not yet been downloaded if the distribution medium ID is extracted from the storage unit 111 and transmitted to the server 7 without the distribution medium 4.

Next, partial deposit will be described with reference to the flow of FIG.
“File deposit (partial deposit)” is selected from the menu of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, a list of files stored in the user terminal 6X before the model change is displayed.
The registered contents of the distribution management DB 211 at this time are as shown in FIG.
Here, it is assumed that only the content A file is deposited and the content B file is left. The authentication information necessary for downloading the deposited file is registered (step S301).
The user terminal 6X before the model change retrieves the content A file stored from the content file storage unit 112 and transmits it to the server 7 (step S302), and at the same time deletes this file from the content file storage unit 112 (step S302). Step S303). Thereby, among the files downloaded by the user, the content A exists only in the server 7, and the file of the content B exists in the user terminal 6X.

The server 7 stores the received file in the user file storage DB 711 (step S304) and changes the distribution status of the distribution management DB 211 from “distributed” to “custody” as illustrated in FIG. 16B. At the same time, authentication information is also registered.

When the user terminal side is charged for storing the file, it may be more expensive than collective storage for the following reason.
This is because if the batch storage is selected, the model change is actually performed. However, some custody may be intended for resale to others. Although it is required to input authentication information such as a user ID, if the user intends to resell, the information may be transmitted to the purchase applicant. Such a situation cannot be understood by the system, and it is reasonable to make it more expensive than collective storage with the possibility of resale in mind. There is room for consideration in an arrangement that pays for the higher price to the copyright holder.

When the user wants to transfer the stored file to the user terminal 6Y after the model change, the user selects “file return” from the menu screen of FIG. The user terminal 6Y inputs the authentication information specified in step S301 (step S305).
The server 7 searches the distribution management DB 211 for information that matches the input user authentication information. If there is a matching record and there is a file in custody, the corresponding file is extracted from the user file storage DB 711 (step S306) and transmitted to the user terminal 6Y (step S307). At the same time, the file returned from the user file storage DB 711 is deleted, and the distribution status of the distribution management DB 211 is changed from “in storage” to “transferred” as shown in FIG. The terminal identification information remains the user terminal 6X, and information relating to the user terminal 6Y is newly created as shown in FIG.
Thereby, the content A among the files downloaded by the user exists only in the user terminal 6Y. The right to receive the content C file that has not yet been downloaded and the content B file that has not been transferred are on the user terminal 6X side. The user terminal 6Y can view only the content A that is the transfer target, and other content cannot be distributed, that is, cannot be downloaded from the server 7.

In addition to the case of changing the model, the above-mentioned batch storage or partial storage by the server 7 can not be stored in a single user terminal by a person who owns multiple user terminals, and the storage capacity is sufficient. It can also be used to transfer to other user terminals.
However, when the old file is simply deleted from the content file storage unit 112, the storage function by the server 7 need not be used. A file deletion function may be included in the dedicated application of the present system installed in the user terminal (1, 6) to delete the specified file. Or you may delete by general application software. Even after the file is deleted, the distribution status of the distribution management DB 211 may remain “distributed”. This is because the user terminal 6X cannot be downloaded again from the server 7 if “distributed”. Also, the user can freely save the file once downloaded or delete it.

The above embodiments are merely exemplary. Various data structures, processing flows, and the like are conceivable on the condition that they do not depart from the scope of the claims.
In the second embodiment, partial transfer is permitted in the case of model change, but only batch transfer may be permitted. If partial transfer is permitted, the user may select whether to leave the right to acquire an undownloaded file in the user terminal before or after the model change.
The storage and return service at the time of model change according to the second embodiment may be provided by a server different from the server that provides the user registration and file download service. However, it is necessary that the distribution management DB 211 can be read and written.

By using the present invention, it is possible to enjoy content easily and inexpensively using a portable terminal whose specifications are constantly improving. In addition, since viewing by only legitimate persons is ensured and consideration is given to model changes, it can be expected to be supported as an attractive distribution system for both users and content providers.

1: User terminal 11: Storage unit 111: Program storage unit 112: Content file storage unit 113: Identification information storage unit 114: Other storage unit 12: Control unit 121: Data code reading unit 122: Browsing unit 123: Content list display Means 124: Content distribution request means 125: Content storage means 126: Content reproduction means 127: SIM card connection means 13: Image acquisition unit 14: Display unit 15: Audio reproduction unit 16: Communication unit 2: Server 21: Storage unit 211: Distribution status management database 212: Content storage database 213: Program storage unit 214: Other storage unit 22: Control unit 221: User registration unit 222: Content distribution unit 223: Content list presentation unit 224: Email address Recording unit 225: New content notification unit 23: Communication unit 4: Distribution medium 5: QR code 6: User terminal (second embodiment) 62: Control unit 621: User file depositing unit 622: User file receiving unit 7: Server 71 (second embodiment) 71: Storage unit 711: User file storage database 72: Control unit 721: User file storage unit 722: User file return unit 100: Content production system N: Internet

Claims (19)

A user terminal that extracts URL information and a distribution medium ID from a data code printed on a medium for content distribution (hereinafter referred to as “distribution medium”) is connected via a communication network.
A content storage database for storing content;
A distribution status management database for storing a distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal;
If the distribution medium ID received from the user terminal is unregistered in the distribution status management database, user registration means for registering the received distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal in the distribution status management database;
Receiving a content distribution request from the user terminal, if the terminal identification information of the user terminal has been registered and the content has not been distributed, a content distribution means for distributing the requested content;
Have
The content distribution system, wherein the user terminal stores the distributed content in a storage unit connected to the user terminal. The content that can be distributed via one distribution medium is composed of one or more arbitrary number of content files,
The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising content list presenting means for transmitting a list of content files stored in the content storage database to the user terminal. User file storage means for storing the received content file when receiving all or part of the content file together with the storage request from the user terminal;
If there is a return request for the stored content file, it is sent to the user terminal that has requested the return, and after transmission, further comprises a user file return means for deleting the content file,
The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the stored content file is deleted from a storage unit of the user terminal that is the storage request source. The user file storage means inputs user authentication information when receiving the content file, and the user file return means transmits the content file on condition that the information received from the user terminal matches the user authentication information. The content distribution system according to claim 3. The user file storage unit or the user file return unit specifies terminal identification information of a user terminal having a right to receive an undelivered content file in the future when the content file is received. Content distribution system. 4. The content distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the user file storage means calculates a consideration for storing the content file, and reflects whether the content file is stored in a batch or a part thereof in the calculation of the consideration. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a new content notification means for notifying the e-mail address every time new content is stored in the content storage database if an e-mail address has been received from the user terminal. The content distribution system described. A user terminal that extracts URL information and a distribution medium ID from the data code printed on the distribution medium is connected via a communication network;
A content storage database for storing content;
A computer having a distribution medium ID and a distribution status management database that stores terminal identification information of a user terminal,
If the distribution medium ID received from the user terminal is unregistered in the distribution status management database, registering the received distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal in the distribution status management database;
Receiving a content delivery request from the user terminal, if the terminal identification information of the user terminal has been registered and the content has not been delivered, delivering the requested content;
The content delivery method characterized by performing. When receiving all or part of the content file together with the storage request from the user terminal, storing the received content file;
9. The content according to claim 8, wherein if there is a return request for the stored content file, the content file is transmitted to the user terminal requesting the return, and after the transmission, the step of deleting the content file is further executed. Delivery method. A user terminal that extracts URL information and a distribution medium ID from the data code printed on the distribution medium is connected via a communication network;
A content storage database for storing content;
A distribution status management database for storing a distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal;
If the distribution medium ID received from the user terminal is unregistered in the distribution status management database, user registration means for registering the received distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal in the distribution status management database;
Receiving a content distribution request from the user terminal, if the terminal identification information of the user terminal has been registered and the content has not been distributed, a content distribution means for distributing the requested content;
A content distribution apparatus comprising: User file storage means for storing the received content file when receiving all or part of the content file together with the storage request from the user terminal;
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising user file return means for transmitting a stored content file to a requesting user terminal if there is a return request, and deleting the content file after transmission. Content distribution device. A user terminal that extracts URL information and a distribution medium ID from the data code printed on the distribution medium is connected via a communication network;
A content storage database for storing content;
A computer having a distribution medium ID and a distribution status management database for storing terminal identification information of a user terminal;
If the distribution medium ID received from the user terminal is unregistered in the distribution status management database, registering the received distribution medium ID and terminal identification information of the user terminal in the distribution status management database;
Receiving a content delivery request from the user terminal, if the terminal identification information of the user terminal has been registered and the content has not been delivered, delivering the requested content;
A computer program for executing When receiving all or part of the content file together with the storage request from the user terminal, storing the received content file;
13. The computer according to claim 12, wherein if there is a return request for the stored content file, it is transmitted to the user terminal that has requested the return, and after the transmission, the step of deleting the content file is further executed. program. It connects with the content delivery apparatus in any one of Claim 10 or 11 via a communication network,
Data code reading means for extracting URL information and distribution medium ID from the data code printed on the distribution medium;
Content storage means for storing content files received from the content distribution device in storage means;
Content distribution request means for transmitting a distribution request for an unreceived content file to the content distribution device;
Content reproducing means for retrieving and reproducing the content file stored in the storage means;
Content list display means for receiving a list of content files that can be viewed via one distribution medium from the content distribution device and displaying the list on a screen;
A content viewing apparatus comprising: The apparatus further comprises a user file depositing unit that transmits all or a part of the content file stored in the storage unit to the content distribution apparatus and deletes the transmitted content file from the storage unit. 14. The content viewing device according to 14. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a user file receiving unit that receives a content file stored by depositing from another or the same content viewing device and stores the content file in a storage unit. Content viewing device. To a user terminal connected via a communication network with a content distribution device having a content storage database for storing content,
Extracting URL information and a distribution medium ID from a data code printed on the distribution medium;
Storing the content file received from the content distribution device in a storage means;
Transmitting a delivery request for an unreceived content file to the content delivery device;
Retrieving and playing back the content file stored in the storage means;
Receiving a list of content files viewable via one distribution medium from the content distribution device and displaying the list on a screen;
A computer program for executing 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: transmitting all or a part of the content files stored in the storage unit to the content distribution apparatus, and further deleting the transmitted file from the storage unit. Computer program. 18. The computer program according to claim 17, further comprising the step of receiving a content file stored by depositing from another or the same user terminal by the content distribution apparatus and storing it in a storage means. .

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