JP2015146190A - content management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content management method of allowing a user to easily browse digital contents, while preventing the digital contents from being illegally browsed.SOLUTION: A content management method includes: a step in which a user, who is verified as a registrant user with user authentication data of a management server device, to install electronic book viewer with information embedded for certifying a legitimate viewer to be used by the registrant user, to a mobile display device from the management server device; a step in which the management server device registers device management data for managing a viewer of the registrant user; and a step in which the mobile display device displays an electronic book with content management data indicating a legitimate electronic book, after the electronic book viewer started by the user confirms that the viewer is a legitimate viewer.

Description

The present invention relates to a method, system, apparatus, program, and recording medium for managing digital content.

The present invention provides content browsing management that makes it possible to easily change a device for browsing content, particularly for purchasers of digital content (contents expressed in electronic video, still images, audio, text, etc.). Useful when providing.

With the widespread use of portable display devices, digital contents such as electronic books and electronic comics can be purchased regardless of location and time, and an environment in which the content can be viewed has been prepared.

<< A. Viewer for browsing >>
Now, in order to browse digital content, browsing application software (a viewer program for digital content, hereinafter referred to as a viewer) is required.
In general, since a data file of digital content is in a format unique to application software, a dedicated viewer corresponding to the data format is required. The viewer usually does not have functions such as editing and saving such as rewriting.
In order to enable comfortable browsing, the viewer realizes excellent operability (for example, a page turning function) and an aesthetic display form (easily readable font and typesetting).

<< B. Measures to prevent unauthorized use >>
On the other hand, it is necessary to prevent digital contents that can be easily copied from being illegally copied.
As an example of the unauthorized use prevention method, a private use restriction method for designating a terminal device capable of browsing digital contents is used. For example, the technique of Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a terminal device or a user who can use purchased software can be specified and managed by a server.
Alternatively, as another example of the unauthorized use prevention method, when the terminal device to be browsed is changed, the device is temporarily moved to the content distribution server device that manages the digital content and downloaded to another terminal via the content distribution server device. In some cases, a browsing control method that enables browsing is used.
For example, in the technology of Non-Patent Document 1, an electronic book downloaded to a personal computer at a company can be stored in a trunk room (content distribution server device) and then downloaded to a home personal computer to read the moved electronic book. Techniques to do this are disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 3366143 (paragraph [0027], FIGS. 6 and 7)

? eBook Trunk Room ", [online], eBookJapan, [Search on January 25, 2010], Internet <URL: https://sys.ebookjapan.jp/trunk/help/about#trunk.asp>

However, the above-described private usage restriction method has a problem that digital content cannot be browsed unless the environment can be connected to a managed server.
That is, the method of designating a user as in the technique of Patent Document 1 must access a server device when browsing purchased content.
The method of changing the browsing device as in the technique of Non-Patent Document 1 requires time and effort to move the content to the distribution server device and to download it from the server device to another terminal device, and is convenient. Damaged. In addition, since the content distribution server requires an area for storing content, there is a problem of placing a burden on computer resources.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to enable easy browsing of digital contents and to prevent illegal browsing of digital contents. It is to provide a content management method.

This invention solves the said subject by the means as described in each following aspect.
That is, the first invention of the present invention is:
A management server device that stores device management data in which a user identifier is associated with a device identifier that identifies a browsing device registered for use by the user;
A viewer for electronic books with a built-in record of a user identifier and a device identifier that identifies a browsing device that is allowed to activate its viewer function;
A browsing device that stores its own device identifier and is connected to the management server device via a network;
A content management method using
A content request receiving step in which the management server device receives a content request including a user identifier and a content identifier;
The management server device refers to the device management data using the user identifier specified in the content request as a key, reads the device identifier corresponding to the user identifier, and includes a combination of the device identifier and the user identifier. A content management creation step of creating content management data, which is data for indicating an acquired electronic book, in relation to the content identifier of the content request;
The management server device providing electronic book data identified by the content identifier of the content request and the created content management data to the request source;
On the browsing device that is permitted to start the viewer function, the viewer for the electronic book compares the user identifier incorporated therein with the user identifier of the content management data related to the content designated as the browsing target, A user identifier determination step for determining whether or not they match,
This step is executed only when the determination result of the user identifier determination step is coincident, and the electronic book viewer compares the device identifier incorporated therein with the device identifier associated with the content management data. A device identifier determination step for determining whether or not they match,
If the determination result of the device identifier determination step is coincident, a content browsing step for displaying an electronic book;
It is made in the procedure including
A content management method characterized by distinguishing whether the determination result of the user identifier determination step is mismatched or the determination result of the device identifier determination step is mismatched when an electronic book cannot be displayed .

In this way, only the viewer for electronic books on the browsing device that is permitted to start the viewer function can display and browse electronic books. That is, the electronic book cannot be browsed by an electronic book viewer other than the predetermined portable display device.

The second invention of the present invention is:
In the content management method described in the first invention,
A device management registration request in which the electronic book viewer of the browsing device receives a user identifier input by the viewer and transmits a device management registration request including the user identifier and the device identifier stored in the browsing device to the management server device Steps,
After the management server confirms that the user identifier of the device management registration request is a user identifier that has been successfully authenticated, it creates new device management data that associates this user identifier with the device identifier of the device management registration request. Device management registration step to register,
A registration completion report step in which the management server device returns a registration completion report to the browsing device of the device management registration request source;
An electronic book viewer accepts the received registration completion report, records the user identifier and device identifier used in the device management registration request, and incorporates an identifier built-in step,
The content management method is characterized in that the procedure includes:

This makes it possible to change the portable display device after purchasing the content.

The third invention of the present invention is:
In the content management method according to the second invention,
The content management change in which the electronic book viewer of the browsing device transmits a content management change request including the user identifier and the device identifier built in the viewer itself to the management server device only when the comparison result of the device identifier determination step does not match A request step,
After the management server device confirms that the user identifier of the content management change request has been successfully authenticated and is a user identifier, the user identifier and device identifier of each device management data are used using the combination of this user identifier and device identifier. A renewal permission reply step for returning the content management rewrite permission to the requesting browsing device if they match with the combination of
Content management change in which the electronic book viewer of the browsing device accepts content management rewrite permission and rewrites and updates the device identifier of the content management data associated with the electronic book using the device identifier specified by the content management change request Steps,
It is a content management method characterized by being performed by the procedure including.

According to the present invention,
(1) The electronic book viewer of the portable display device for browsing can determine by itself whether or not activation is permitted.
(2) Even when the portable display device for browsing is changed, the viewer for electronic books can browse and display previously acquired electronic books.
In this way, in order to determine whether or not the electronic book viewer can be activated, another device such as a management server device is unnecessary, and it can be determined by itself on the browsing portable display device. Realized high convenience.

1 is an overall view illustrating an outline of an electronic content distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the rough work procedure and process sequence of the electronic content delivery system. It is a figure explaining the format of various data. It is a figure explaining the detailed processing procedure of viewer installation and personal authentication. It is a figure explaining the detailed process sequence of device management registration and embedding of valid viewer certification information. It is a figure explaining the detailed procedure of the application and browsing process of an electronic book. It is a figure explaining the detailed procedure of the process which changes the device ID which the viewer for electronic books incorporates. It is a figure explaining the detailed procedure of the process which changes the device ID which the viewer for electronic books incorporates. It is a figure explaining the detailed procedure of the process which changes the content management data of an electronic book. It is a figure explaining the detailed procedure of the process which changes the content management data of an electronic book. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a portable display device 100. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the starting process of the viewer for electronic books. It is a flowchart of an electronic book browsing process. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of a management server device 300. FIG. (Example 2) It is a figure explaining the rough work procedure and processing procedure of the electronic content delivery system 2. FIG. (Example 2) It is explanatory drawing of device management data. (Example 2) This is an example of a temporary deletion candidate list. (Example 2) It is a detailed block diagram of portable display apparatus 100 '. (Example 2) It is a detailed block diagram of the content management server apparatus 300 '. (Example 2) It is a flowchart of a temporary deletion / temporary registration process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an overview of an electronic content distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The electronic content distribution system 1 is configured by connecting a portable display device 100 (= browsing device) and a management server device 300 to a network 900.

The portable display device 100 is, for example, an existing mobile phone or an existing electronic book terminal (electronic book reader), and is equipped with a WEB browser and a dedicated program described later.
The portable display device 100 communicates wirelessly with an antenna (base station) 600 and connects to the network 900 via the gateway 610.

The management server device 300 is a server computer equipped with an existing database management program, and a management database and a dedicated program described later are installed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a rough work procedure and processing procedure of the electronic content distribution system 1.

<< A. Initial registration of viewer for e-books >>
(1) A viewer who is confirmed to be a registered user by the user authentication data of the management server device 300 downloads data for installing a viewer from the management server device 300 to the portable display device 100, and is registered by the registered user. Install a viewer for e-books with embedded information proving that it is a legitimate viewer. (Details will be described later)
(2) The management server device 300 registers device management data for managing the viewer installed by the registered user. (Details will be described later)

<< B. Acquisition of e-books >>
(3) The viewer registered as a user accesses the management server apparatus 300, displays a list of digital contents (= electronic books) on the portable display device 100, and stores the electronic books on the accessed management server apparatus 300. Apply.
(4) The management server device 300 transmits to the portable display device 100 an electronic book with content management data indicating that it is a legitimate electronic book acquired (= purchased) by a registered user.

<< C. Browsing electronic books >>
(5) In the portable display device 100, the electronic book viewer activated based on the operation of the viewer confirms that the electronic book is a valid viewer, and then confirms that the electronic book is a valid electronic book. And display the electronic book. (Details will be described later)

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining various data formats.

FIG. 3A illustrates the format of the device management data 392.
The device management data 392 is data for indicating that the viewer is a legitimate viewer installed by a registered user.
The device management data 392 includes a user ID 192, a device ID 191 and the like. The user ID 192 is a character string that identifies the user. The device ID 191 is a character string that identifies the mobile display device 100. (ID = identifier)

FIG. 3B illustrates the format of the content management data 394.
The content management data 394 is data for indicating that the electronic book is a legitimate electronic book acquired by a registered user.
The content management data 394 is composed of a user ID 3941, a device ID 3942, bibliographic information 3943, and the like. The user ID 3941 is the same as the user ID 192. The device ID 3942 is the same as the device ID 191. The bibliographic information 3943 is a character string including a content ID and a title.

FIG. 3C illustrates the format of the user authentication data 395.
The user authentication data 395 includes a user ID 3951, password information, and a viewer password. The user ID 3951 is the same as the user ID 192. The password information is, for example, a password and a character string. The viewer password (details will be described later) is a character string.

4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the details of the initial registration processing of the electronic book viewer.
Hereinafter, << A. A detailed processing procedure of “initial registration of viewer for electronic book” will be described.

<< A. Initial registration of viewer for e-books >>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed procedure of the personal authentication process at the time of viewer installation.
The portable display device 100a stores a device-specific information value 191a (for example, a device ID value “xyz”).
<< A-1. Viewer installation
(1-1) The management server device 300 receives the viewer request transmitted from the mobile display device 100a, and returns the viewer installation data 391 to the requesting mobile display device 100.
(1-2) The portable display device 100 receives the viewer installation data 391, and creates and installs an electronic book viewer 193a having a viewer unit, an ID recording unit 1931, and a viewer password recording unit 1932. In the ID recording unit 1931 and the viewer password recording unit 1932, data having appropriate contents is recorded in a later step.
<< A-2. Identity verification >>
(1-3) The electronic book viewer 193a of the portable display device 100a accepts the combination of the user ID value “ABC” 192a and the password (= PW) input by the registered user, and this combination and the portable The device management registration request including the device ID value “xyz” 191 a stored in the display device 100 is transmitted to the management server device 300.
(1-4) The management server device 300 receives a device management registration request.
(1-5) The management server apparatus 300 refers to each user authentication data 395i in the registered user file of the management database using the combination of the user ID value “ABC” 192a of the received device management registration request and the password. In comparison with the combination of the user ID 3951 and the password, it is determined that the personal authentication is successful only when there is a matching combination.
(1-6) The management server device 300 uses at least the user ID value “ABC” 192a and the device ID value “xyz” 191a to authenticate the viewer password (= VPW) only when the user authentication is successful. ), And this VPW is recorded in the user authentication data 395a having a matching combination of the user ID and password, and the data of the registered user file in the management database is updated / registered.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining detailed procedures of device management registration at the time of viewer installation and embedding processing of valid viewer certification information.
<< A-3. Device management registration >>
(2-1) The management server apparatus 300 creates device management data 392a in which the user ID value “ABC” 192a and the device ID value “xyz” 191a are associated with each other, and registers and stores them in the device management file managed by the management database. To do.
(2-2) The management server device 300 returns a registration completion report having the registered / recorded VPW to the requesting mobile display device 100.
<< A-4. Record ID >>
(2-3) The electronic book viewer 193a of the portable display device 100a receives the registration completion report.
(2-4) The electronic book viewer 193a of the portable display device 100a uses the combination of two IDs 1931a (= the combination of the user ID value “ABC” 192a and the device ID value “xyz” 191a) used in the device management registration request. ) Is recorded in the ID recording unit 1931 of the electronic book viewer, and the registration completion report VPW is recorded in the viewer password recording unit 1932 and incorporated.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the detailed procedure of the electronic book application and browsing process.
In the following, FIG. Acquisition of electronic books >> and << C. A detailed processing procedure of “browse electronic book” will be described.

<< B. Acquisition of e-books >>
(3-1) The portable display device 100a in which the viewer for electronic books is installed displays the content list acquired from the management server device 300 and accepts information (for example, content ID) specifying the content input by the viewer. Then, a content request including the received content ID (not shown) and the user ID value “ABC” 192a input in advance is created. The user ID is a user ID that has been successfully authenticated.
(3-2) The portable display device 100a transmits a content request.

(4-1) The management server apparatus 300 refers to each device management data 392i of the device management file managed by the management database, and receives a device ID value (for example, the user ID value “ABC” 192a of the received content request). , “Xyz”) to create content management data 394a including a user ID value “ABC” and a device ID value “xyz”.
(4-2) The management server device 300 combines the created content management data 394a and the electronic book 393a corresponding to the content ID, and sends it back to the portable display device 100a.
(4-3) The portable display device 100a receives the content management data 394a and the electronic book 393a, associates them, and stores them.

In steps (3-1) and (3-2), a different terminal device (for example, a personal computer = PC) transmits a predetermined content request instead of the portable display device 100a in which the viewer for electronic books is installed. May be. At this time, the management server device 300 receives and holds the content request, and when the portable display device 100a requests download of the requested content, the content management data 394 and the electronic book are based on the content request. 393 may be prepared and transmitted.

<< C. Browsing electronic books >>
<< C-1. Viewer Judgment >>
(5-1) The electronic book viewer 193 installed in the portable display device 100 is activated based on a viewer's operation, and the electronic book viewer 193 incorporates the device ID 191 stored in the portable display device. A viewer determination process is performed in which the device ID is compared and verified to check whether the device is an electronic book viewer (= authorized electronic book viewer) initially registered by the registered user.
The electronic book viewer 193a executes a viewer determination process, and compares and collates the device ID value “xyz” 191a stored in the portable display device with the device ID value “xyz” built in the electronic book viewer itself. Since the comparison / collation results match, the legitimacy of the electronic book viewer is confirmed, and the viewer function is activated (= to enable browsing of the electronic book).
In this way, the case where the comparison / collation results match indicates that the viewer is an electronic book viewer that has been initially registered by the registered user. The case where the comparison / collation results do not match indicates that the viewer is an electronic book viewer that has not undergone initial registration processing. The electronic book viewer can self-diagnose whether or not it is a legitimate electronic book viewer.

<< C-2. Content determination >>
(5-2) The electronic book viewer 193 whose validity has been confirmed by the viewer determination process executes a content determination process for checking whether or not the electronic book has been properly acquired by the viewer (registered user). (The case where the user IDs match and the device IDs do not match will be described later)
The electronic book viewer 193a permitted to view the electronic book by the viewer determination process executes the content determination process, and the user ID value “ABC”, the device ID value “xyz” of the content management data 394a, and the electronic book Comparison / collation result by comparing / collating two ID value combinations 1931a (= combination of user ID value “ABC” and device ID value “xyz”) recorded and built in the ID recording unit 1931 of the viewer 193a Are “matched”, it is determined that the content is displayable.
As described above, the case where the comparison / collation results are the same indicates that the content is the legitimate content acquired by the viewer himself / herself. The case where the comparison / collation result does not match the user ID indicates that the electronic book to be browsed is content acquired by another person.

(5-3) The electronic book viewer 391a displays the electronic book 393a when the content determination process determines that the content is displayable.
As described above, only the electronic book viewer installed in the predetermined portable display device 100 can display the electronic book that has been acquired properly.
At this time, the viewer determination process and the content determination process are executed only on the portable display device, and the management server device is not required.

Next, a case where the electronic book viewer is moved from another portable display device and the electronic book viewer is initially registered will be described.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams for explaining the detailed procedure of the process of initially registering the electronic book viewer using the electronic book viewer of another portable display device. This process corresponds to a process of changing the device ID of the electronic book viewer.
In the following description, the viewer of the user ID value “ABC” uses the electronic book viewer of the portable display device (= first portable display device) 100a including the device ID value “xyz” to use the device ID value. An example is used in which a viewer for electronic books is registered in a portable display device (= second portable display device) 100b that records and incorporates “jkl” in the ID recording unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a detailed procedure of processing performed when the electronic book viewer is duplicated by two portable display devices.
<Deleting own device management data>
(1′-1) The electronic book viewer of the first portable display device 100 a issues a device management deletion request including a device ID and a user ID to the management server device 300. The user ID is a user ID that has been successfully authenticated.
(1′-2) The management server device 300 refers to the device management file using the combination of the device ID and user ID of the received device management deletion request, and deletes device management data having a matching combination.
《Copy of viewer for electronic books》
(1′-3) The first portable display device 100a is installed and initially registered by making a direct connection with the second portable display device 100b, for example, by a close proximity wireless connection based on the operation of the viewer. The electronic book viewer 193a (= the electronic book viewer in which the user ID “ABC” and the device ID “xyz” are recorded and incorporated in the ID recording unit) is moved (or may be duplicated). The second portable display device 100b stores and stores the received electronic book viewer 193a.

《Viewer judgment》
The second portable display device 100b activates the stored electronic book viewer 193a based on the operation of the viewer, and starts the initial registration process of the electronic book viewer.
(1′-4) The electronic book viewer 193a of the second portable display device 100b executes the viewer determination process, and uses the device ID “jkl” 191b stored in the portable display device 100b as the ID of the electronic book viewer. Compared with the device ID “xyz” recorded in the recording unit 1931, the comparison / collation result is inconsistent. Therefore, the recording of the viewer's own ID recording unit 1931 and the viewer password recording unit 1932 is erased, and then Instructing the execution of the personal authentication process.
<Authentication>
(1′-5) The electronic book viewer 193a of the second portable display device 100b performs the same processing as (1-3) of FIG. 4, and the user ID value “ABC” 192a, the password, and the device ID “jkl”. "A device management registration request including 191b" is transmitted to the management server apparatus 300.
(1′-6) The management server device 300 performs the same processing as (1-4) in FIG.
(1′-7) The management server device 300 performs the same processing as (1-5) in FIG.
(1′-8) The management server device 300 uses at least the user ID value “ABC” 192a and the device ID value “jkl” 191b, and the viewer password (= VPW).
(1′-9) The management server device 300 reads out the user authentication data 395a having a matching combination when the personal authentication is successful from the registered user file of the management database, rewrites it in the created VPW, and performs this user authentication. The user authentication data 395a of the registered user file is updated using the data for data 395a.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a detailed procedure of processing performed when the electronic book viewer copied by the second portable display device is initially registered.
《Device management registration》
(2′-1) The management server apparatus 300 performs the same processing as (2-1) in FIG. 5, and device management data 392b in which the user ID value “ABC” 192a and the device ID value “jkl” 191b are associated with each other. Is created and registered in the device management file managed by the management database.
(2′-2) The management server device 300 performs the same processing as (2-2) in FIG.

<Recording ID>
Since the device management data is registered, the process of recording and storing two IDs in the ID recording unit of the electronic book viewer is performed.
(2′-3) The electronic book viewer 193a of the second portable display device 100b performs the same processing as (2-3) of FIG.
(2′-4) The electronic book viewer 193a of the second portable display device 100b performs the same processing as (2-4) in FIG. 5 and sets the user ID value “ABC” used for the device management registration request. The combination 1931b of the device ID value “jkl” is recorded in the ID recording unit 1931 of the electronic book viewer, the registration completion report VPW is recorded in the viewer password recording unit 1932, and the initially registered electronic book viewer 193b is created. To do.

Thus, by rewriting and changing the device ID of the electronic book viewer 193a copied or moved from the other portable display device 100a to its own device ID, the initial registration process of the electronic book viewer is completed. The electronic book viewer 193b subjected to the initial registration process is an electronic book viewer capable of browsing the electronic book by the viewer determination process.

Next, a case will be described in which an electronic book is moved (or duplicated) from another portable display device for browsing display.
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams for explaining the detailed procedure of processing for enabling display of an electronic book moved (or duplicated) from another portable display device on the portable display device. This process is a process for changing the content management data.
In the following description, an electronic book that can be displayed on the portable display device 100a (= first portable display device) having the device ID “xyz” is converted into the portable display device 100b (= An example of enabling display on the second portable display device is used.

<< C. Browsing electronic books >>
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the detailed procedure of the process of authenticating the person based on the content determination result.
<Copying and moving content>
(4′-1) The first portable display device 100a displays the combination of the content management data 394d (= content management data including the user ID “ABC” and the device ID “xyz”) and the electronic book in the second portable display. It transmits to the apparatus 100b.
(4′-2) The second portable display device 100b receives and stores the combination of the content management data 394d (= content management data including the user ID “ABC” and the device ID “xyz”) and the electronic book. .
《Content judgment》
(5′-1) The electronic book viewer 193b of the second portable display device 100b executes content determination processing, and uses the user ID “ABC” and the device ID “xyz” of the content management data 394a for the electronic book. Compared with two IDs (= user ID “ABC” 192a and device ID “jkl” 191b) built in the viewer 193b, the comparison result is a match of the user ID and a mismatch of the device ID, so the content management change process Is instructed to execute.
<Authentication>
(5′-2) The electronic book viewer 193b of the second portable display device 100b manages the content management change request including the user ID value “ABC”, the device ID “jkl”, and the VPW value built in the viewer itself. It transmits to the server apparatus 300.
(5′-3) The management server device 300 receives the content management change request.
(5′-4) The management server device 300 refers to each user authentication data 395i in the registered user file of the management database using the combination of the user ID value “ABC” 192a of the received authentication request and the value of VPW. In comparison with the combination of the user ID 3951 and the VPW 3952, it is determined that the personal authentication is successful only when there is a matching combination.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed procedure of processing for changing content management data.
《Content management rewrite permission》
(6-1) The management server device 300 refers to the device management file using the combination of the user ID 192 and the device ID of the received content management change request only when the personal authentication is successful, and the matching combination is found. Create a content management rewrite permission only if it exists. If there is no matching combination, a rewrite impossible is created.
(6-2) The management server device 300 returns a content management rewrite permission (or no rewrite) to the portable display device 100.
(6-3) The electronic book viewer 193b of the second portable display device 100b receives the content management rewrite permission, and uses the device ID value “jkl” of the viewer itself to use the device ID value of the content management data 394a. Is updated and stored in the content management data 394b including the user ID value “ABC” and the device ID value “jkl”. In addition, when rewriting impossible is received, display impossible is displayed and it complete | finishes, for example.

《Content judgment》
(7-1) The electronic book viewer 193b of the second portable display device 100b executes the content determination process, and obtains the user ID value “ABC” and the device ID value “jkl” of the updated content management data 394b. The user ID value “ABC” and the device ID value “jkl” built in the viewer for electronic books are compared and collated, and the comparison / collation result is “matched”, so it is determined that the content can be displayed.
(7-2) The electronic book viewer 193b of the second portable display device 100b displays the electronic book 393a determined to be displayable content by the content determination processing.

In this way, since the user ID of the electronic book that is properly acquired always matches the user ID built in the electronic book viewer 193 of the portable display device, the change is made even if the portable display device that browses the electronic book is changed. It is possible to browse an electronic book acquired previously.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the mobile display device 100.
The portable display device 100 includes at least a CPU 101, a display unit 103, an input detection unit 102, an electronic camera 104, a speaker 106, a power supply unit 107, a storage unit 109, and a dedicated program.
The CPU 101, the display unit 103, the input detection unit 102, the electronic camera 104, the microphone 105, the speaker 106, and the storage unit 109 are connected by a BUS199.

The CPU 101 is a central processing unit.
The display unit 103 is a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a plasma display device, or the like.
The input detection unit 102 is a touch sensor. The input detection unit 102 detects a position when a finger of an input operator touches the screen, and outputs coordinate information.
The display unit 103 and the touch sensor constitute a touch panel.
The input detection unit 102 may be a key button.

The power supply unit 107 is a secondary battery. The power supply unit 107 supplies power to other circuits.

The portable display device 100 may include a wireless communication unit 108.
The wireless communication unit 108 is a wireless oscillation circuit (RF circuit) connected with an antenna coil. The radio oscillation circuit includes a reception circuit that converts a radio signal into data, a transmission circuit that converts data into a radio signal, and the like. The radio signal is transmitted / received to / from the base station 600 via the antenna coil. The wireless communication unit 108 includes a W-CDMA wireless communication function. The W-CDMA system is a wireless communication format of a third generation mobile communication system that complies with the communication standard “IMT-2000” defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

The storage unit 109 is a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory.
The storage unit 109 stores an operating system 185 (= OS), a WEB browser 184, a device ID storage area 1091, a viewer storage area 1093, a content storage area 1095, and a dedicated program.

The operating system 185 manages and controls the hardware of the mobile display device 100 (for example, the CPU 101, the display unit 103, the input detection unit 102, the network communication unit 108, the storage unit 109, and the like) This is basic software that provides a service that can use these hardware for application software (for example, WEB browser 184, electronic book viewer 193, dedicated program, etc.).

The WEB browser 184 is an existing browser. The browser is a program for displaying and browsing resources (for example, text and images written in HTML) obtained through communication with a Web server. Further, the WEB browser 184 accepts an input operation (text input, hyperlink selection, etc.) for the displayed text and images.
Note that the WEB browser 184 may receive and display a content list screen in which a hyperlink (= URL) is embedded from the management server device 300. At this time, the WEB browser 184 transmits, as a content request, the URL of the content selected and input to the content list screen, and receives and acquires the returned content management data 394 and the electronic book 393. (In this case, the WEB browser 184 also serves as the content requesting unit 140)

The device ID storage area 1091 stores device ID data 191 in a non-rewritable manner.
The viewer storage area 1093 stores an electronic book viewer 193 that contains device ID data and user ID data.
The content storage area 1095 stores an electronic book 393 and content management data 394.

In addition, a viewer request unit 110, a content request unit 140, and a device management change unit 150 are provided. Each of these means is realized by each dedicated program and functions by the CPU 101 interpreting and executing the dedicated program.

The viewer request means 110
A user ID reception function for receiving and temporarily holding a character string based on a finger contact coordinate position detected by the input detection unit 102 of the touch panel with respect to a user ID input screen displayed on the display unit 103;
A request function for transmitting a viewer request including a user ID 192 and device ID data 191 in the device ID storage area 1091 to the management server device 300;
A viewer reception function for receiving the viewer installation data 391 returned by the management server device 300;
Is an application program that executes

The viewer installation data 391 creates and installs an electronic book viewer 193.

The content requesting unit 140 has a content specifying function for receiving an input content ID on the content list screen displayed on the display unit 103 based on the finger contact coordinate position detected by the input detection unit 102 of the touch panel.
A content request function for transmitting a content request including a user ID and a content ID to the management server device 300;
A content reception function for receiving the content management data 394 and the electronic book 393 transmitted by the management server device 300;
Is an application program that executes

The viewer for electronic books 193
A device management registration request transmission function for transmitting a device management registration request including a user ID and a device ID in the device ID storage area 1091 (= a device ID for specifying a browsing device) to the management server device 300;
An ID built-in function that incorporates a record of the user ID and device ID specified in the device management registration request,
Is an application program that executes

Furthermore, the viewer for electronic books 193
An electronic book reading function for reading content management data and an electronic book in the content storage area 1095;
When the device ID value built in the viewer for electronic books and the device ID value in the device ID storage area 1091 are compared and collated to determine whether the comparison / collation results match, If viewers are allowed to view e-books and there is a discrepancy,
Is an application program that executes

Furthermore, the viewer for electronic books 193
When browsing of the electronic book is permitted by the viewer determination function, the user ID value and the device ID value incorporated in the electronic book viewer are compared with the user ID value and the device ID value of the content management data 394, respectively. When the comparison / collation results match both IDs, the content is determined to be displayable, and when the comparison / collation results do not match the user IDs, it is determined to be non-displayable content. A content determination function that creates a content management change request including a user ID if the collation results match the user ID and the device ID does not match;
If the content determination function determines that the content is displayable, an electronic book display function for displaying an electronic book;
Is an application program that executes

Furthermore, the viewer for electronic books 193
A content management change request function for transmitting a content management change request including a user ID and a device ID incorporated in the viewer itself to the management server device 300;
Content management that rewrites and updates the device ID of the content management data read by the electronic book reading function using the device ID specified in the content management change request only when content management rewrite permission is returned from the management server device 300 Update function,
Is an application program that executes

12 and 13 are flowcharts of the processing of the electronic book viewer.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the activation process of the electronic book viewer.
"Viewer startup process"
(1) The viewer for electronic books reads the device ID in the device ID storage area 1091. (Step S110)
(2) The electronic book viewer compares the device ID built in the electronic book viewer 193 with the device ID in the device ID storage area 1091 to determine whether or not they match.
If the determination results of the viewer determination function match, the process proceeds to “1” (step S215) in FIG. If the determination result of the viewer determination function is NO (= no match), the process proceeds to step S125. (Step S120)
(3) The electronic book viewer ends. (Step S125)

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the electronic book browsing process.
"Content reading process"
(1) The electronic book viewer reads the content management data and the electronic book in the content storage area 1095. (Step S200)
"User judgment process"
(2) The electronic book viewer compares the user ID of the read content management data with the user ID built in the electronic book viewer 193 and determines whether or not they match. If the determination result is NO (= no match), the process proceeds to step S215. If the determination result is a match, the process proceeds to step S220. (Step S210)
(3) The electronic book viewer does not permit browsing of the electronic book because the determination result is NO (= no match). (Step S215)
"Device judgment processing"
(4) Since the determination result of the user determination function is the same for the electronic book viewer, the device ID built in the electronic book viewer 193 is compared with the device ID of the read content management data to determine whether they match Determine whether or not. If the determination result is a match, the process proceeds to step S225. If the determination result is NO (= no match), the process proceeds to step S230. (Step S220)
"Electronic book display process"
(5) The electronic book viewer displays the electronic book read by the electronic book reading function (since the user ID and the device ID match). (Step S225)
"Content management change request processing"
(6) The electronic book viewer transmits a content management change request including the user ID to the management server device 300. (Step S230)
"Content management update process"
(7) The electronic book viewer receives a response to the content management change request. (Step S240)
(8) The electronic book viewer determines whether or not the response to the content management change request is rewrite permission. Only when rewriting is permitted, the process proceeds to step S250. If NO (= not rewriteable), the process ends. (Step S245)
(9) The electronic book viewer updates the device ID of the content management data using the device ID built in the viewer itself. The process returns to step S220. (Step S250)

FIG. 14 is a detailed configuration diagram of the management server device 300.
The management server device 300 includes a CPU 301, a display unit 303, an input unit 302, a network communication unit 304, a storage unit 309, and a dedicated program.
The CPU 301, the display unit 303, the input unit 302, the network communication unit 304, and the storage unit (storage unit) 309 are connected by a BUS 399.

The CPU 301 is a central processing unit.
The display unit 303 is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device.
The input unit 302 is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard.
The network communication unit 304 is a LAN adapter.

The storage unit 309 is a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory.
The storage unit 309 stores an operating system 385 (= OS), an existing database management program 383, an existing Web server program, and a dedicated program.
In addition, the storage unit 309 includes a content storage area 3091, a viewer storage area 3093, a registered user storage area 3094, and a device management storage area 3095.
The content storage area 3091 stores a content file that records content data 393 associated with a content ID as a record.
The viewer storage area 3093 stores the viewer 391.
The registered user storage area 3094 stores a content file that records user authentication data 395 as a record.
The device management storage area 3095 stores a content file that records the device management data 392 as a record.

The operating system 385 manages and controls the hardware (for example, the CPU 301, the display unit 303, the input unit 302, and the like) of the management server device 300, and applies software (for example, the database management program 383 and a dedicated program). On the other hand, it is basic software that provides services that can use these hardware.

The database management program 383 is an existing program that performs operations (for example, reading, updating, deleting, writing, etc.), maintenance, and management of files constituting the database and data (= records) in the files.
In the present invention, the management database includes the above-described registered user file, device management file, content management file, content file, viewer installation data 391, and the like.

The Web server program operates according to the HTTP agreement, and the HTML file HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperText#Markup#Language" \ o "HyperText Markup Language" and images to the WEB browser It is a service program to be provided.

In addition, a viewer distribution unit 310, a device management registration unit 320, a content distribution unit 330, a rewrite permission unit 340, a device management deletion unit 350, and a registered user confirmation unit 360 are provided. Each of these means is realized by each dedicated program, and functions when the dedicated program is interpreted and executed by the CPU 301.

The registered user confirmation unit 360 refers to the registered user file using the combination of the user ID and password of the authentication request, and compares the user ID and password combination of each user authentication data with the matching user. If the authentication data exists, it is determined that the personal authentication is successful, and it is confirmed that the user ID of the request is the user ID of the registered user.

The device management registration unit 320
An inquiry reception function for receiving a viewer request including a user ID and a device ID transmitted by the mobile display device 100;
A function of creating device management data in which a user ID confirmed to be a registered user's user ID and a device ID of a received viewer request are associated;
A registration function that registers and records the created device management data in the management file;
A registration completion report reply function for returning a registration completion report to the portable display device 100 that is the source of the viewer request;
Is an application program that executes

The viewer distribution unit 310 receives a viewer request and returns viewer installation data 391 to the requesting mobile display device 100.
Is an application program that executes

The content distribution means 330
An inquiry reception function for receiving a content request including a user ID transmitted by the portable display device 100;
Using the user ID confirmed to be the user ID of the registered user, the device ID corresponding to the matched user ID is read by comparing with the user ID of each device management data 392 of the device management file, and this device ID A content management data creation function for creating content management data in which a user ID confirmed to be a user ID of a registered user is associated;
An electronic book reply function for associating the content management data with the electronic book and returning it to the portable display device 100;
Is an application program that executes

The rewrite permission means 340
An inquiry reception function for receiving a content management change request including a user ID and a device ID transmitted by the mobile display device 100;
An ID for referring to a device management file using a combination of a user ID and a device ID of a content management change request, and determining whether or not they match with a combination of a user ID and a device ID of each device management data Judgment function,
A reply function that returns a content management rewrite permission to the requesting mobile display device 100 only when the determination results of the ID determination function match;
Is an application program that executes

Device management deletion means 350
An inquiry reception function for receiving a device management deletion request including a password input by a registered user, a user ID, and a device ID transmitted by the mobile display device 100;
Using the combination of the user ID and the device ID confirmed to be the registered user's user ID, refer to the device management file and match the combination of the user ID and device ID of each device management data Delete function to delete device management data,
Is an application program that executes

The distribution of the viewer 391 may be distributed from a server device different from the management server device. Further, the content data may be distributed from a server device different from the management server device.

As described above, according to the present invention,
(1) The electronic book viewer that is installed and initially registered by the viewer registered in the management server device self-determines whether or not it can be used.
(2) The electronic book viewer displays only the electronic books acquired by the viewer registered as a user in the management server device.
(3) The electronic book is browsed and displayed even after the portable display device for browsing is changed after acquisition.
(4) By using the electronic book viewer that is initially registered, the portable display device can determine the legitimacy of browsing the electronic book without using the management server device.

In the first embodiment, it has been described that the portable display device that has registered device management data can instruct the management server device to delete only its own device management data.
Therefore, in the first embodiment, when there is no portable display device that has registered its own device management data, the corresponding device management data cannot be deleted.

An electronic content distribution system for “registering” an electronic book viewer in a new portable display device when there is no portable display device in which the electronic book viewer is initially registered (that is, the portable display device in which device management data is registered). The example of 2 is demonstrated.
In the second embodiment, the case where the registration limit number is “plurality” will be described as an example, but it may be “one”.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a rough work procedure and processing procedure of the electronic content distribution system 2.
The apparatus configuration of the electronic content distribution system 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

<< AA. Temporary registration of viewer for electronic books >>
<< AA-1. Viewer installation
(1) The new portable display device 100 receives the viewer installation data 391 requested from the management server device 300 and installs the electronic book viewer 193. (This is the same processing procedure as (1-1) and (1-2) in FIG. 4)

<< AA-2. Identity verification >>
(2) The electronic book viewer 193 of the portable display device 100 includes a device management registration including a combination of a user ID 192 and a password input by a user who has registered as a user in order to perform device management registration of a new portable display device. The request is transmitted to the management server device 300.
(3) The management server device 300 authenticates the user who has requested the received device management registration based on the user authentication data. (Same processing procedure as (1-3) to (1-5) in FIG. 4)

<< AA-3. Displaying temporary deletion candidate list on portable display device >>
(4) When it is confirmed that the viewer is a registered user, the management server apparatus 300 determines whether or not the viewer has reached the registration limit number based on the device management data, and registers it. When the limit number has not been reached, normal device management registration (same as the initial registration in the first embodiment) is performed.
When the registration limit number has been reached, a list (provisional deletion candidate list. Registration list) of portable display devices (registered portable display devices) that are permitted to start the viewer function of the electronic book viewer is created, It is displayed on the new portable display device 100.

<< AA-4. Temporary deletion of device management data >>
(5) The viewer of the registered user refers to the temporary deletion candidate list displayed on the new mobile display device, and selects the mobile display device to be deleted.
(6) The management server device 300 temporarily deletes the device management data of the portable display device to be deleted and selected by the viewer.

Here, since the device management data to be temporarily deleted is not the device management data of the new portable display device itself, it cannot be deleted. Therefore, it is temporarily deleted.
In addition, since the temporarily deleted mobile display device is not a registered mobile display device when the device management data is temporarily deleted, the newly applied electronic book cannot be browsed.

<< AA-5. Temporary registration of viewer for electronic books >>
(7) The management server device 300 embeds information verifying that the registered user is a valid viewer and valid period information in the electronic book viewer of the new portable display device, and the registration limit number of electronic book viewers Therefore, it is registered “tentatively”. Further, the management server apparatus 300 temporarily registers device management data.

The new portable display device may replicate the electronic book viewer from another portable display device.
The temporarily registered electronic book viewer can browse the electronic book only during a predetermined effective period. After the predetermined validity period has elapsed, the electronic book cannot be viewed (inactivated). (Details will be described later)

<< AA-6. Temporary deletion Device management data deletion >>
(8) The viewer deletes his / her temporary device management data using the temporarily deleted mobile display device (the mobile display device in which the device management data subject to temporary deletion is registered).

<< AA-7. Initial Registration of Temporary Registration Viewer >>
(9) Since it is within the registration limit number, the new portable display device can formally register (initial registration) the temporarily registered electronic book viewer.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the device management data 396.
FIG. 16A illustrates the format of the device management data 396.
The device management data 396 is configured by adding a model number 3961, a name 3962, and temporary registration / temporary deletion 3963 to the device management data 392 described with reference to FIG.
The model number 3961 is a model number of the portable display device.
The name 3962 is a product name of the portable display device.
Temporary registration / temporary deletion 3963 describes “effective period information”, “temporary deletion”, or blank. “Effective period information” indicates that device management data has been provisionally registered until the date and time indicated by the effective period information, “Temporary deletion” indicates provisional deletion, and blank indicates that device management data is initially registered Indicates that it is registered.
The device ID 3964 is the same as the device ID 191 of the device management data 392.
The user ID 3965 is the same as the user ID 192 of the device management data 392.

FIG. 16B illustrates device management data 392 ′.
For example, the meaning of the device management data exemplified by the device ID “D001” and the name “smartphone” means that the device management data corresponding to the portable display device having the device ID “D001” has been temporarily deleted. It is.
The meaning of the device management data exemplified by the device ID “D002” and the name “smartphone” is that the device management data corresponding to the portable display device having the device ID “D002” has an effective period of “2011.03.15 "Is device management data provisionally registered until". "
The device management data whose device management data is exemplified by the device ID “D003” and the name “smartphone” means that the device management data corresponding to the portable display device having the device ID “D003” is obtained by initial registration. This is registered device management data.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a temporary deletion candidate list display screen.
The temporary deletion candidate list 397 is a list in which information for specifying a portable display device in which an electronic book viewer is initially registered and created is associated with a device ID.

FIG. 17A illustrates a temporary deletion candidate list display screen.
The temporary deletion candidate list display screen includes a temporary deletion candidate list 397 and a serial number input field 3975.
The temporary deletion candidate list 397 includes a serial number 3971, a model number 3972, a name 3973, and a device ID 3975.
The serial number 3971 is a continuous integer.
The model number 3972 is the same as the model number 3961 of the device management data.
The name 3973 is the same as the name 3962 of the device management data.
The device ID 3975 is the same as the device ID 191 of the device management data.
The serial number input column 3975 is a column for displaying an integer value (a value corresponding to one of the serial numbers 3971 in the temporary deletion candidate list) input by the viewer.

Here, the serial number 3971, the model number 3972, and the name 3973 correspond to information for specifying the portable display device.

FIG. 17B shows an example in which a portable display device whose registration is to be deleted is selected.
The meaning of the temporary deletion candidate list display screen exemplified in the serial number input field “1” is that the serial number “1”, the name “smartphone”, and the device are selected from three portable display devices as portable display devices to be deregistered. This indicates that the portable display device with ID “D0001” has been selected.

Thus, the viewer can specify the device ID of the portable display device to be unregistered by inputting the serial number 3971 using the temporary deletion candidate list 397.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the portable display device 100 ′ in the electronic content distribution system 2.

The portable display device 100 is obtained by adding a mechanism described below to the portable display device 100 (see FIG. 11) in the electronic content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment.

The storage unit 109 further stores a temporary deletion candidate list data storage area 1097.
The temporary deletion candidate list data storage area 1097 stores temporary deletion candidate list data 397 for displaying a temporary deletion candidate list in which information for specifying a portable display device is associated with a device ID.

The viewer for electronic books 193
A list display function for receiving temporary deletion candidate list data transmitted by the management server device 300 and displaying the temporary deletion candidate list;
Based on the displayed temporary deletion candidate list, information (for example, a serial number of the temporary deletion candidate list) that is selected and input by the viewer and that specifies the mobile display device to be deleted is received and associated with the specified information. A temporary deletion request function that transmits a temporary deletion request including the device ID (the device ID of the portable display device to be deregistered) to the management server device 300,
A temporary ID built-in function for receiving a temporary registration completion report transmitted by the management server device 300 and storing a user ID, a device ID, and valid period information specified in the viewer request or the device management registration request;
An effective period confirmation function for deleting the built-in user ID and device ID only when it is determined whether the effective period has expired by referring to the effective period information and it is determined that the effective period has expired. ,
Is an application program that executes

Note that the electronic book viewer 193 from which the built-in user ID and device ID have been deleted cannot browse the electronic book.

FIG. 19 is a detailed configuration diagram of the management server device 300 ′ in the electronic content distribution system 2.

The management server device 300 is obtained by adding a storage area or means described below to the management server device 300 (see FIG. 14) in the electronic content distribution system 1 of the first embodiment.

Furthermore, a device management registration number determination unit 370, a temporary deletion candidate list creation unit 375, a temporary device management registration unit 325, and a temporary device management deletion unit 355 are provided. Each of these means is realized by each dedicated program, and functions when the dedicated program is interpreted and executed by the CPU 301.

The device management registration number judging means 370
Based on the user ID of the received viewer request or device management registration request, the device management data 396 in the device management storage area 3095 is referred to calculate the number of device management data having the same user ID, and the calculated device A device management registration number determination function for determining whether the value of the number of management data is less than the value of the registration limit number;
Of the device management data having the same user ID as the user ID of the received viewer request or device management registration request, at least one device management data temporarily deleted (“preliminary item“ temporary registration / temporary deletion ”3963“ A function for determining whether or not (device management data in which “temporary deletion” is described) is included;
Is an application program that executes

The temporary deletion candidate list creation means 375
If the determination result of the device management registration number determination means 370 is “No” (the number of device management data having the same user ID as the user ID of the received viewer request or device management registration request is the registration limit number) If it is not less than the value (corresponding to the calculated number of device management data reaching the limit number), the device management data having the same user ID as the user ID of the viewer request is referred to the device management data. A list creation function for creating temporary deletion candidate list data capable of identifying a portable display device to be unregistered based on 396;
A list reply function for replying temporary deletion candidate list data to the portable display device 100 that is the viewer request source;
Is an application program that executes

The temporary device management deletion means 355
A temporary deletion inquiry reception function for receiving a temporary deletion request including a device ID transmitted by the mobile display device 100;
Based on the combination of the user ID confirmed to be the user ID of the registered user and the device ID included in the received temporary deletion request, the combination of the user ID and device ID of the device management data in the device management file is determined. Referring to the temporary deletion function for temporarily deleting device management data matching the two (updated by writing “temporary deletion” in a predetermined item “temporary registration / temporary deletion” 3963 of the device management data);
Is an application program that executes

The temporary device management registration means 325
Device management data including valid period information in which the user ID confirmed to be the user ID of the registered user and the device ID of the received viewer request are associated (a predetermined item “provisional registration / Provisional device management data creation function for creating “device management data in which“ valid period information ”is described in“ temporary deletion ”3963,
A temporary registration function that registers and records the created device management data in a management file;
A provisional registration completion report reply function for returning a provisional registration completion report to the portable display device 100 of the viewer request source;
Refers to the validity period information of the device management data, determines whether the validity period has expired, and only when it is determined that the validity period has expired ,
Is an application program that executes

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of temporary deletion / temporary registration processing.

(1) The device management registration number determining unit 370 refers to the user ID of the device management data 396 in the device management storage area 3095, calculates the number of device management data identical to the user ID of the received viewer request, It is determined whether or not the calculated value of the number of device management data is less than the value of the registration limit number. (Step S310)
When the value of the registration limit number is not less than (when the registration limit number is reached), the process proceeds to step S330.
When the value of the registration limit number is less, the process proceeds to the next step.
(2) Finish. (Transfer to device management registration process) (step S320)

(3) The device management registration number determination means 370 includes at least one device management data temporarily deleted in the same device management data as the user ID of the received viewer request (predetermined item “temporary registration / temporary deletion”). It is determined whether or not 3963 includes device management data in which “tentative deletion” is described.
If it is included, the process ends.
If not, go to the next step. (Step S325)

(4) The temporary deletion candidate list creation unit 375 creates temporary deletion candidate list data and sends it back to the portable display device 100 that is the viewer request source. (Step S330)

(5) The temporary device management deletion unit 355 receives the temporary deletion request transmitted from the portable display device 100, and temporarily deletes the device management data specified by the temporary deletion request. (Step S340)

(6) The temporary device management registration unit 325 manages device management data including validity period information in which the user ID confirmed to be the user ID of the registered user is associated with the device ID of the received viewer request. It registers in the file and returns a temporary registration completion report to the portable display device 100 that is the viewer request source. (Step S350)

When the registration limit number is 1, the creation and reply of the temporary deletion candidate list is omitted, and the temporary device management registration unit 325 suddenly creates device management data including the validity period information, and the management file. The temporary registration completion report may be returned to the portable display device 100 that is the viewer request source. At this time, if the device management data used to create the temporary deletion candidate list is temporarily deleted device management data, the process ends without creating device management data including valid period information in the management file.

As described above, according to the present invention,
(1) The viewer increases the registered number by temporarily deleting the registered portable display device even if the portable display device (registered portable display device) equipped with the initially registered electronic book viewer is not at hand. It is possible to temporarily register a new portable display device without any problem.
(2) Therefore, when the initial registration of the portable display device is not carried, while maintaining the limit of the number of registered portable display devices, the predetermined time is obtained by temporarily registering the unregistered portable display device. There is an effect that an electronic book can be browsed.

Note that browsing electronic books by temporary registration / temporary deletion of a mobile terminal device is different from browsing by lending contents or licenses because the number of registered mobile display devices is always kept within the limited number.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic content delivery system 2 Electronic content delivery system 100 Portable display device, touch-panel portable display device 110 Viewer request means 130 Viewer setting means 140 Content request means 150 Device management change means 191 Device ID, device ID data 192 User ID, User ID Data 300 Management server device 310 Viewer distribution means 320 Device management registration means 325 Temporary device management registration means 330 Content distribution means 340 Rewrite permission means 350 Device management deletion means 355 Temporary device management deletion means 360 Registered user confirmation means 370 Device management registration number determination Means 375 Temporary deletion candidate list creation means 391 Viewer installation data 392 Device management data 393 Content data 394 Content Tsu management data 395 User authentication data 396 device management data (Example 2)
600 Antenna (base station)
610 Gateway 900 Network

Claims (3)

A management server device that stores device management data in which a user identifier is associated with a device identifier that identifies a browsing device registered for use by the user;
A viewer for electronic books with a built-in record of a user identifier and a device identifier that identifies a browsing device that is allowed to activate its viewer function;
A browsing device that stores its own device identifier and is connected to the management server device via a network;
A content management method using
A content request receiving step in which the management server device receives a content request including a user identifier and a content identifier;
The management server device refers to the device management data using the user identifier specified in the content request as a key, reads the device identifier corresponding to the user identifier, and includes a combination of the device identifier and the user identifier. A content management creation step of creating content management data, which is data for indicating an acquired electronic book, in relation to the content identifier of the content request;
The management server device providing electronic book data identified by the content identifier of the content request and the created content management data to the request source;
On the browsing device that is permitted to start the viewer function, the viewer for the electronic book compares the user identifier incorporated therein with the user identifier of the content management data related to the content designated as the browsing target, A user identifier determination step for determining whether or not they match,
This step is executed only when the determination result of the user identifier determination step is coincident, and the electronic book viewer compares the device identifier incorporated therein with the device identifier associated with the content management data. A device identifier determination step for determining whether or not they match,
If the determination result of the device identifier determination step is coincident, a content browsing step for displaying an electronic book;
It is made in the procedure including
A content management method characterized by distinguishing between a case where the determination result of the user identifier determination step is inconsistent and a case where the determination result of the device identifier determination step is inconsistent. The content management method according to claim 1,
A device management registration request in which the electronic book viewer of the browsing device receives a user identifier input by the viewer and transmits a device management registration request including the user identifier and the device identifier stored in the browsing device to the management server device Steps,
After the management server confirms that the user identifier of the device management registration request is a user identifier that has been successfully authenticated, it creates new device management data that associates this user identifier with the device identifier of the device management registration request. Device management registration step to register,
A registration completion report step in which the management server device returns a registration completion report to the browsing device of the device management registration request source;
An electronic book viewer accepts the received registration completion report, records the user identifier and device identifier used in the device management registration request, and incorporates an identifier built-in step,
A content management method comprising: The content management method according to claim 2,
Content management in which the electronic book viewer of the browsing device transmits a content management change request including the user identifier and the device identifier built in the viewer itself to the management server device only when the comparison result of the device identifier determination step does not match A change request step;
After the management server device confirms that the user identifier of the content management change request is a user identifier that has been successfully authenticated, this user identifier and device identifier combination is used to match this user identifier and device identifier combination. A renewal permission reply step for returning the content management rewrite permission to the requesting browsing apparatus if there is a matching combination of device management data.
Content management change in which the electronic book viewer of the browsing device accepts content management rewrite permission and rewrites and updates the device identifier of the content management data associated with the electronic book using the device identifier specified by the content management change request Steps,
A content management method characterized by comprising a procedure including: