JP4559750B2 - Content distribution system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a content distribution system for obtaining the content via the network.

  Conventionally, there are many systems that distribute data via a network regardless of a wired line or a wireless line. Such a system is a data communication that allows a user to acquire a right to use a network by, for example, a packet communication contract for a mobile phone or a contract with a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network) operator and acquire content on the network. It is common to do. The contract type includes, for example, charging according to time and packet usage status on a regular or temporary basis, and fixed amount charging including a fixed amount including free of charge.

  However, such advance contract / registration is not only cumbersome for the user, but also the possibility of incurring disadvantages due to unauthorized billing or information leakage due to the information for billing being made known to the network operator. There is. Because of such anxiety, the user often hesitates to make a contract / registration in advance, and when it is necessary, the user is not registered and cannot use it. This causes the inconvenience that it becomes impossible for the user to acquire desired information when necessary, and the network operator or the like has a disadvantage of loss of sales opportunities.

  On the other hand, there are free network services that do not require registration of billing information. Of course, such services cannot be charged for network usage. Even in such a case, it is necessary to register identification information to prevent unauthorized access (such as cracking), not for billing, and this registration results in the same problem as described above.

  In some cases, the network operator opens the network without registering the identification information for free. However, if the network is used illegally, the network operator bears the risk of having to take responsibility. For this reason, in order to open the network without registering identity verification information, it is necessary to satisfy limited conditions such as earning income in other businesses and keeping the eyes of the store clerk in mind. Have difficulty.

  Furthermore, as a problem of the current content providing business format, there is a point that the user has to bear the cost of delivering the content. In particular, the size of content has recently increased, and content transmission and reception using conventional mobile phones with a low bandwidth or PHS (Personal Handyphone System) takes a very long time to deliver content. Convenience is not good.

  In order to solve this problem, broadband network services such as ADSL, optical fiber, public wireless LAN service, and net cafe have been provided in recent years. However, as described above, the charging mode of these services is “charging according to time and packet usage status” or “fixed amount charging”, so it is charged regardless of the success or failure of content transfer. End up. For example, if the monthly charge is a fixed monthly fee, the network usage fee is charged even if no communication is performed during the contract period, that is, no content is received. In addition, if the charge is based on the connection time or the packet, even if the connection is cut off for some reason during the data reception and the data cannot be used, the charge is performed. Furthermore, most communication systems that perform pay-per-use based on the amount of information currently have a low transmission rate and a high bit unit price. Therefore, these communication systems have a problem that the cost of communication is high in order to send and receive large-capacity content.

  Flat-rate billing is common in broadband and inexpensive communication systems. This is because it is difficult to measure the amount of information for charging the amount of information (≈packet) in a broadband line. As described above, it is difficult to use a network at a low cost regardless of whether a fixed amount charge or a pay-per-use charge is used in a conventional system.

  The root cause of this problem is that in selling content, the user is forced to prepare for receiving the content (such as securing a communication line by contract). Content distributors need to make sure that users are prepared for receiving content only to a minimum.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above circumstances, and its purpose is to allow a user to acquire content without performing prior registration concerning network use, thereby making it cheap and worrying about information leakage. There is no content distribution system to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, when an access to a content management device comes from a user access device, the gateway device determines whether or not the access device of the access source is a user contractor of the gateway device. If the user is not a usage contractor, the access right management device is inquired of whether or not the access is permitted. The access right management device has an access right management table for storing access destination information or user identification information as information representing the access right. When the inquiry comes from the gateway device, the access right management table has this access right management table. And determines whether the access is permitted or not and responds to the gateway device. Based on a response from the access right management device, the gateway device performs the access when access is permitted, and disconnects the access when access is not permitted .
Further, the content management apparatus includes a first content management apparatus having a content sales management function and a second content management apparatus having a content providing function. In the first content management apparatus, purchase of content by an access device When an operation is performed, information indicating the access right necessary to acquire the content to be purchased is issued, the information indicating the access right is notified to the access device of the purchase source, and the access right of the access right management device Add to the management table. On the other hand, in the second content management device, when a content acquisition request arrives from the access device via the gateway device, the distribution information including the corresponding content is transmitted to the requesting access device. It is.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, even when an access occurs from an access device of a user who is not registered for use, the gateway device permits the access if the access right is set in the access right management device. That is, even a user who has not made a usage contract with a network operator is permitted to access a specific access destination or access from a specific access source. Conversely, access to an access destination other than the specific access destination or access from a specific access source is denied.

  Conventionally, when accessing a content management device operated by a content provider, the user had to access the network via the network operated by the network operator after making a use contract with the network operator. . However, according to the present invention, the user can access the content management apparatus via the network operator's network without making a use contract with the network operator. This eliminates the need for a user registration procedure for the network, and allows the user to access the content management apparatus at a low cost or free of charge without being charged for a fixed amount or a usage fee. In addition, for the network operator, the network usage fee can be collected more easily and more reliably than when the user is charged by receiving the amount for granting the access right from the content operator.

Further , each time a content purchase procedure is performed by the user, information indicating the access right necessary to acquire the content is issued from the first content management apparatus and presented to the user who purchased the access right management apparatus. Is additionally stored. For this reason, when the user acquires the purchased content, the user accesses the network using the information indicating the access right presented, even if this network is not a usage contract. It becomes possible to acquire content from the second content management device that is the content distribution source via the unsigned network. That is, the purchased content can be acquired easily and inexpensively without performing a usage contract procedure for the network in advance and without being charged by the network operator.

When an access destination address is used as information representing the access right , it is preferable to set this address in a complicated manner. In this way, it is possible to prevent other users who have not purchased the content from guessing the address of the content management apparatus that is the content distribution source and acquiring the content illegally.

  Further, according to the present invention, when content purchase processing is performed in the first content management device by access from a user access device, the prepared content distribution preparation is transferred from the first content management device to the content preparation device. Instruct. The content preparation device generates distribution information including the content to be distributed in response to the distribution preparation instruction and transmits the distribution information to the second content management device as the distribution source.

  With this configuration, when the content data content changes depending on the user, for example, when the user ID is embedded in the content for tracking copyright violations, the user can acquire the content. Also, when the user access device receives content using a specific protocol, for example, when using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), the purchased content is transferred from the content preparation device to the second content management device. By distributing via the protocol, it is possible to perform the protocol conversion and distribute.

The following forms are conceivable as management forms of information representing the access right stored in the access right management apparatus.
In the first mode, the gateway device detects the end of transmission of distribution information from the second content management device to the access device, and notifies the access right management device of information indicating the end of transmission. it is to delete the information indicating an access right associated from the access right management table according to the information indicating the notified transmission end.
In this way, when the content transmission is completed, the information indicating the access right corresponding to the content is automatically deleted. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from acquiring the same content a plurality of times by repeatedly using information representing the access right acquired from the first content management device.

In the second mode, the second content management device as the content distribution source detects the end of transmission of distribution information to the access device and notifies the access right management device of information indicating the end of transmission. it is to delete the information indicating an access right associated from the access right management table according to the information indicating the notified transmission end.
In this way, as described above, the same content can be prevented from being acquired a plurality of times, and the end of content transmission is detected by the content management device. It is possible to reliably detect and delete the information indicating the access right.

In the third mode, in the access right management device, for each piece of information representing the issued access right, the validity condition, for example, the validity period and the number of valid times are monitored, and the information representing the access right whose validity condition has expired is accessed. It is deleted from the right management table.
In this way, even if the content distribution ends, even if the end is not recognized for some reason, the access right is expressed when the content validity period elapses or the content distribution count reaches the effective number. Information is automatically deleted. For this reason, acquisition of the same content multiple times can be prevented more reliably.

  According to the present invention, the access device has a first network interface that accesses a first network that does not include a gateway device, and a second network interface that accesses a second network that includes the gateway device. The first and second network interfaces are selectively used to execute a content purchase procedure and a content acquisition process after purchase.

As the selection forms of the first and second network interfaces, the following forms are conceivable.
In the first mode, by using the first network interface, information representing the access right is received from the first content management device via the first network not including the gateway device, while the second network interface is used. By using the network interface, content is received from the second content management device via the second network including the gateway device.

In this way, when the user purchases content, for example, the user accesses the first content management device via the first network with which the user has subscribed in advance, for example, the mobile communication network, and performs the content purchase procedure. When acquiring this purchased content, a second network, for example, a public wireless LAN, for which a usage contract is not made by using the information indicating the access right presented from the first content management device can be used. The purchase content can be acquired from the second content management apparatus.
At that time, an access operation for receiving distribution information from the second content management apparatus may be started upon reception of information representing the access right. In this way, the content acquisition process is automatically executed according to the acquisition of the access right, so that the user need not perform the content acquisition operation.

  If the user identification information used by the content provider is the same as that used by the network operator at this time, a usage contract is made with the network operator only for communications related to the acquisition of purchased content. It is possible to have the same behavior as other users. Also, by making user identification information such as IDs and passwords disposable, it is possible to prevent other users who have not purchased the content from guessing the user identification information from which the content can be acquired and illegally acquiring the content. Is possible.

  The second form uses the first network interface to receive information representing the access right from the first content management device via the first network not including the gateway device, while the first and The content is received from the second content management apparatus by selectively using the second network interface.

For example, there are the following forms for selecting the network interface when acquiring the content.
In the first mode, first, when the second network interface is selected to try to access the second content management apparatus and access by the second network interface fails, the first network interface is subsequently selected. Selection is made to execute access to the second content management apparatus.
In this way, for example, even when the user's access device is present at a location where the user cannot access the second network, if the user can access the first network, the content can be transmitted via the first network. You can get it.

  In the second mode, the first network interface has a communication function at a first data transmission rate, while the second network interface has a communication at a second data transmission rate higher than the first data transmission rate. In the case of having the function, the feature of the distribution target content is determined, and the first and second network interfaces are selected according to the determination result.

  Note that the characteristics of the content to be determined include the type of content (whether it is an audio file, an image (including moving images and still images) file, a binary file, a document file, etc.), Content transmission information amount, communication protocol used to transmit content, content transmission source information, reception destination information (single destination or multiple destinations, presence of CC (Carbon Copy) and BCC (Bind Carbon Copy) Header information, etc., and content management information (creation date, update date, creator, number of characters, number of bits, file name, size, number of pages, comments, image files and music files) Track number, shooting date, creator name (artist name, etc.), screen size, bit rate, encoding method, album title, etc. It is also included.

  In this case, for example, when the content has a relatively small amount of information such as text data, the first network interface is selected. On the other hand, when the content has a relatively large amount of information such as music data or image data. The second network interface is selected. As a result, the content can be distributed using an optimal network according to the type of content and the amount of information.

In the third mode, an input of a network selection request by a user is received, and the first and second network interfaces are selected according to the network selection request input by the user.
In this way, the user can arbitrarily select and specify which of the first network and the second network is used according to the degree of necessity, the budget, and the like.

Further, according to the present invention, in the second content management apparatus, whether a network used for transmitting distribution information including the corresponding content satisfies a preset transmission condition when a content acquisition request arrives from the access device It is also characterized by transmitting distribution information including the corresponding content to the requesting access device when it is determined whether or not the transmission condition is satisfied.
In this way, the content management apparatus as the content distribution source determines whether or not the network selected by the user satisfies the transmission conditions, and when the transmission conditions are satisfied, the content is distributed via the network. . Therefore, it is possible to execute distribution control by manually distributing the content management device, for example, when the network has a bandwidth corresponding to the type of content and the amount of information, or when the network traffic is below a predetermined amount. .

  At this time, if it is determined that the transmission conditions are not satisfied, notification information to that effect may be transmitted to the requesting access device. In this way, the user can clearly know the reason why the content has not been distributed, thereby making it possible to more appropriately select the network.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the second content management device includes a plurality of content providing devices assigned with different first addresses, a transfer device is interposed between the gateway device and the plurality of content providing devices. When the access device transmits a content acquisition request to the plurality of second content providing devices, a common portion that is commonly given to the second content management device and a unique portion that is uniquely given Is accessed using a temporary second address comprised of In contrast, when the content acquisition request arrives from the access device, the gateway device selectively checks the access right by using the common part and the unique part of the second address included in the content acquisition request, When there is an access right, the content acquisition request is transferred to the transfer device. When the content acquisition request is sent from the gateway device, the transfer device converts the second address included in the content acquisition request into the first address based on the address conversion table, and the address is converted. The content acquisition request is also transferred to the second content providing apparatus.
In this way, when a content acquisition request comes from a normal network usage contractor with no restrictions on access rights, the access destination can be confirmed by the common part of the second address included in the content acquisition request. When a content acquisition request comes from a user other than the network subscriber, the access right can be confirmed by the unique part of the second address. In other words, there is no need to check individual access destinations for content acquisition requests from general users with no access rights restrictions, and access rights for access destinations are only given for requests from specific users with restricted access rights. You just have to check it. For this reason, the load on the gateway device and the access right management device is reduced.

Further, the present invention further includes a frequency management device capable of communicating with at least the content management device, and controls distribution of content to each access device based on the frequency stored in the frequency management device. Features.
For example, the frequency that can be used by the access device is stored in the frequency storage unit of the frequency management device in association with the access device. When a content acquisition request arrives from the access device, the content management device inquires the frequency management device about the frequency that the access device can use, and the frequency management device responds to the inquiry with the remaining frequency. Based on the value, it is determined whether or not the content can be provided, and distribution information including the content is transmitted if possible. Also, a frequency subtraction instruction corresponding to the price of distribution of the distribution information is given from the content management apparatus to the frequency management apparatus, and the frequency management apparatus performs a subtraction process for the frequency stored in the frequency storage unit in accordance with the subtraction instruction. .
In this way, the content management apparatus can provide a content distribution service, a telephone service, and the like to the access device user within the frequency range managed by the frequency management apparatus.

The following service forms using the above frequencies are conceivable.
In the first embodiment, when a frequency purchase operation is performed by the access device, an instruction to add the purchased frequency is given from the content management device to the frequency management device, and the frequency management device corresponds to the frequency according to the addition instruction. Is added to the above-mentioned additional purchase frequency.
If it does in this way, the user of an access device will be able to purchase the frequency as needed, when the residual value of frequency is insufficient.

In the second mode, the frequency management device notifies the content management device of the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process, and the content management device notifies the corresponding access device of the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process. .
In this way, the user of the access device can check the remaining value of the subsequent frequency every time content is acquired.

In the third mode, in the frequency management device, it is determined whether or not the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process has decreased below a certain value, and when it is determined that the residual value of the frequency has decreased below a certain value The frequency management information is notified to the content management apparatus. When a content acquisition request arrives from the access device, the content management device rejects provision of the content based on the notified frequency shortage information.
In this way, for example, when the frequency becomes zero, the content management device can refuse to provide the content without inquiring the frequency management device for the remaining value of the frequency.

In the fourth mode, in the frequency management device, it is determined whether or not the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process has become zero, and if the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process has become zero, an access right is issued. Notify the management device. When the deletion request is notified, the access right management device deletes information indicating the access right of the corresponding access device in the access right management table.
In this way, when the frequency becomes zero, information indicating the access right of the access right management device is automatically deleted. For this reason, the access right management apparatus does not need to separately execute a process of deleting information representing the access right.

In short, according to the present invention, an access right is granted to the content purchaser in accordance with the purchase of the content, and the content purchaser acquires the content via the unsigned network using the granted access right. By doing so, it becomes possible for the user to acquire the content without performing prior registration relating to the use of the network, thereby providing a content distribution system that is inexpensive and does not worry about information leakage.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a content distribution system according to the present invention, in which 11 is a gateway device, 12 is an access policy management device, 13 is an access device used by a user, and 14 is content. Each management device is shown.

  The gateway device 11 includes a base station device of a wireless communication network operated by a network operator. For example, if the wireless communication network is a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system, the base station is used. The access device 13 is composed of, for example, a personal computer having a wireless communication interface for public wireless LAN or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), and is connected to the gateway device 12 in the service area of the wireless LAN. The gateway device 11 is further connected to the content management device 14 via a computer network such as the Internet (not shown).

  The content management apparatus 14 is operated by a content provider, and includes, for example, a WWW (World Wide Web) server. An access destination management device 12 is connected to the gateway device 11. The access destination management device 12 is also operated by the network operator in the same manner as the gateway device 11 described above. Although the access destination management device 12 is provided as a device different from the gateway device 11 in the figure, it is of course possible to provide it in the gateway device 11. The access destination management device 12 can be operated and managed by a vendor other than the network operator.

By the way, the gateway device 11 and the access destination management device 12 are configured as follows.
That is, first, the gateway device includes an access destination detection function 1101, an access destination inquiry function 1102, and an access execution disconnection function 1103. When an access request is received from the user access device 13, the access destination detection function 1101 detects which content management device 14 is the access destination from the access request.

  The access destination inquiry function 1102 determines whether or not the access device 13 as an access source has a usage contract with its own network operator. If a usage contract is made, access to the content management apparatus 14 is performed as it is. On the other hand, when a usage contract is not concluded, an access permission inquiry is transmitted to the access destination management apparatus 12. Then, an instruction is given to the access execution disconnection function 1103 according to the content of the response from the access destination management apparatus 12 to this inquiry.

  The access execution disconnection function 1103 continues to access the content providing apparatus 14 in the case of access permission according to the instruction from the access inquiry function 1102 and then accesses the content management apparatus 14 from the access apparatus 13 thereafter. Will continue to be allowed. On the other hand, when access is not permitted, the access is interrupted.

  On the other hand, the access destination management apparatus 12 includes an access destination information table function 1201 and an access permission / rejection determination function 1202. The access destination information table function 1201 stores access destination information of a specific content management apparatus 14 set in advance by a contract between a network operator and a content operator. This access destination information enables a user who has not made a use contract with the network operator to access the specific content management apparatus 14 via the network.

  The access permission determination function 1202 determines whether the access is permitted based on the access destination information stored in the access destination information table function 1201 when an access permission inquiry is received from the access inquiry function 1102 of the gateway device 11. To do. Then, the access permission / rejection determination result is returned to the access inquiry function 1102 of the gateway device 11.

Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described.
Suppose now that the user access device 13 transmits an access request to the gateway device 11 of the wireless LAN system with the content management device 14 as an access destination. Then, the gateway device 11 knows that the access destination is the content providing device 14 by the access destination detection function 1101. Further, it is determined whether or not the access device 13 as the access source has a usage contract with the public wireless LAN system. If the access device 13 has a usage contract, the access device 13 accesses the content providing device 14. Is carried out as it is. On the other hand, when the usage contract is not concluded, the access destination inquiry function 1102 sends an access permission inquiry to the access destination management apparatus 12.

  When the inquiry arrives, the access permission determination function 1202 of the access destination management apparatus 12 searches the access destination information table function 1201 to determine whether the access destination information of the content providing apparatus 14 that is the access destination is stored. Determine. As a result of this determination, if the address is stored, the access is permitted. On the other hand, if the access destination information is not stored, the access is not permitted. Then, this permission / denial determination result is returned to the access destination inquiry function 1102 of the gateway device 11.

  When the access destination inquiry function 1102 of the gateway device 11 receives the determination result of permission / non-permission, the access destination inquiry function 1102 gives an access execution / disconnection instruction to the access execution disconnection function 1103 based on the determination result. The access execution disconnection function 1103 executes access execution / disconnection processing in accordance with the given instruction. For example, when the access is permitted, the access from the access device 13 to the content providing device 14 is continuously performed, and the subsequent access to the content providing device 14 is continuously permitted. On the other hand, when access is not permitted, this access is interrupted.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the access destination information of the specific content management apparatus 14 permitted as the access destination is obtained by the access destination management based on the contract between the public wireless LAN system business operator and the content business operator. It is stored in the access destination information table function 1201 of the device 12. When an access occurs from the access device 13, the gateway device 11 inquires the access destination management device 12, and the specific content management device 14 whose access destination is permitted to access in the access permission / rejection determination function 1201. It is determined based on the access destination information table function 1201 whether or not there is. Based on the determination result, the access is performed or disconnected by the access execution / disconnection function 1103.

  Therefore, it should be possible for only a user who has made a use contract to the network operator to communicate through the gateway device 11, but the access destination designated by the content operator is the same as the network operator. Even users who do not have a usage contract can access.

  This is because, for example, when the network operator is a public wireless LAN system operator and the content operator is a company that wants the user to browse a homepage of a certain advertisement, the user contracts with the public wireless LAN system. This means that it is possible to access the content provider's home page using the public wireless LAN system without linking.

  Therefore, the user can browse a specific homepage without signing a usage contract with the network operator, thereby knowing the details of the new product promotion on the homepage, applying for prizes, playing games, etc. It becomes possible. On the other hand, content providers can be differentiated from other operators, and this can be expected to increase user access to their websites. In addition, for network operators, it is possible to reduce the labor by eliminating the need to manage registered users and charge processing, and to obtain stable profits by collecting network usage fees from content providers. Is possible. It is also possible to provide a part of the paid content provided by the content provider as an advertisement and receive the network usage fee by increasing the sales of the paid content, thereby making a profit.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the content distribution system according to the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
The content management device 14 includes a content providing device 14a having a content distribution function and a content sales management device 14b having a content sales management function.

  The content providing apparatus 14a includes a content provision end notification function 1401, a content provision end detection function 1402, and a content preparation provision function 1403. The content preparation providing function 1403 prepares content to be distributed and stores it in the content storage unit. When a valid content acquisition request arrives from the user access device 13, the corresponding content is read from the content storage unit in response to the acquisition request and transmitted to the requesting access device 13. The content provision end detection function 1402 monitors the end during the distribution of content by the content preparation provision function 1403, and detects the end of the content distribution. When the content provision end detection function 1402 detects the end of content transmission, the content provision end notification function 1401 notifies the access destination management apparatus 12 of information to that effect.

  The content sales management apparatus 14b includes a content provision instruction function 1404 and a content access destination presentation function 1405. The content access destination presentation function 1405 issues an access right necessary for acquiring the content when processing for content purchase is performed with the access device 13. As the access right, for example, access destination information (URL: Uniform Resource Locator) of the content providing apparatus 14a that is a distribution source of the purchased content is used. Then, the issued access destination information is notified to the purchaser's user access device 13.

  The content provision instruction function 1404 notifies the access destination management apparatus 12 of the issued access destination information. At the same time, the content provision instruction function 1404 gives a content preparation instruction to the content preparation device 17. In response to the content preparation instruction given from the content provision instruction function 1404, the content preparation device 17 creates distribution information including the content to be distributed. Then, the distribution information including the created content is transmitted to the content providing apparatus 14a serving as the distribution source, and stored in the content storage unit.

  The gateway device 11 includes a distribution end detection function 1104 and a distribution end notification function 1105 in addition to an access destination detection function 1101, an access destination inquiry function 1102, and an access execution disconnection function 1103. The distribution end detection function 1104 detects the end of content transmission while the content is being transmitted from the content providing device 14 a to the access device 13 via the gateway device 11. When the distribution end detection function 1104 detects the end of content transmission, the distribution end notification function 1105 notifies the access measure management apparatus 12 of information to that effect.

  The access destination management apparatus 12 includes an access destination information addition function 1203 and an access destination information deletion function 1204 in addition to the access destination information table function 1201 and the access permission / rejection determination function 1202. The access destination information adding function 1203 additionally stores in the access destination information table function 1201 the access destination information notified as information indicating the access right for content acquisition from the content trading management apparatus 14b.

  The access destination information deletion function 1204 is provided when the content transmission end is notified from the delivery end notification function 1105 of the gateway device 11 and when the content transmission end is notified from the content providing device 14a. The corresponding access destination information is deleted from the information table function 1201. The access destination information deletion function 1204 monitors the expiration of the validity period for each access destination information additionally stored in the access destination information table function 1201. Then, when the valid period elapses, the corresponding access destination information is deleted from the access destination information table function 1201 even if the content transmission end notification or the transmission end notification does not arrive.

Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described.
When attempting to purchase desired content, the user accesses the content trading management device 14b from the access device 13 through the gateway device 11. At this time, as described in the first embodiment, the access destination information (URL) of the content trading management device 14b is accessed by the access destination management device 12 according to the contract between the content business operator and the network business operator. If stored in advance in the destination information table function 1201, the user can access the content trading management device 14b via the gateway device 11 even if the user has not registered for use with the network operator. Is possible.

  When content purchase processing is performed between the user access device 13 and the content sales management device 14b, the content sales management device 14b uses the content access destination presentation function 1405 to allow the user to acquire the purchased content. Necessary access destination information is issued. Then, the access destination information is notified to the access device 13 of the purchase source user via the gateway device 11. The issued access destination information is notified to the access destination management apparatus 12 by the content provision instruction function 1404. In the access destination management apparatus 12, the access destination information adding function 1203 additionally stores the notified access destination information in the access destination information table function 1201.

Further, when content purchase processing is performed in the content sales management device 14b, the content provision instruction function 1404 gives the content preparation device 17 a preparation instruction for the purchased content. When receiving this preparation instruction, the content preparation device 17 creates distribution information including the content to be distributed. Then, the created distribution information is sent to the content providing apparatus 14a serving as a content distribution source and stored in the content storage unit.
Thus, the prepared content is ready for distribution.

  In this state, it is assumed that the user accesses the content providing apparatus 14a via the gateway apparatus 11 in accordance with the access destination information notified from the content trading management apparatus 14b. Then, the gateway device 11 first determines whether or not the access device 13 is a user who has registered for use with the wireless communication network system. If the user has been registered for use, the access is performed as it is. Is done. On the other hand, if the user is not registered for use, the access destination inquiry function 1102 makes an inquiry about access permission to the access destination management device 12.

  In the access destination management apparatus 12, the access permission determination function 1202 determines whether or not the access destination information for which the inquiry has been made is stored in the access destination information table function 1201. If the content has been legally purchased by the content sales management device 14b, the access is permitted because the access destination information of the content is stored in the access destination information table function 1201, and a response to that effect. Is notified to the gateway device 11. On the other hand, if the content is not purchased through a legitimate procedure by the content trading management device 14b, the access destination information is not stored in the access destination information table function 1201, and therefore access is determined to be not permitted. The gateway device 11 is notified of a response to that effect.

  In the gateway device 11, if the content of the response notified from the access destination management device 12 is access permission, the access device 13 accesses the content providing device 14a as it is. Thus, communication can be performed thereafter between the access device 13 and the content providing device 14a. If the content of the response is not permitted to access, access from the access device 13 to the content providing device 14a is interrupted.

  When a content acquisition request arrives from the access device 13 in a state where communication is possible, the content providing device 14a selectively reads out the corresponding content from the content storage unit by the content preparation providing function 1403, and the read content Is transmitted to the requesting access device 13. The content distribution information transmitted from the content providing device 14 a is transmitted to the access device 13 via the gateway device 11 and stored in the memory of the access device 13.

  In the gateway device 11 during the content distribution operation, the content transmission end monitoring is performed by the distribution end detection function 1104. When the transmission end is detected, the transmission end notification function 1105 notifies the access destination management apparatus 12 of the transmission end. Upon receiving this notification, the access destination management apparatus 12 uses the access destination information deletion function 1204 to access the destination information. The corresponding access destination information is deleted from the table function 1201. For this reason, the content purchased by the user can be acquired only once.

  During the content distribution operation, the content providing device 14a also detects the content transmission end by the content providing end detection function 1402, and the access destination management device 12 deletes the corresponding access destination information according to the detection notification. . Therefore, even if the user accesses the content providing device 14a via, for example, another communication network registered for use without going through the wireless communication network including the gateway device 11, the access destination information is It is deleted from the access destination information table function 1201. For this reason, the malfunction that one content is repeatedly delivered over multiple times is prevented.

  Further, in the access right management device 12, the access destination information deletion function 1204 monitors the validity period for each access destination information stored in the access destination information table function 1201. Then, when the valid period elapses, the access destination information is deleted from the access destination information table function 1201. Therefore, even if the end of content transmission is not detected in the gateway device 11 for some reason, or the end of content transmission is not detected in the content providing device 14a, the access destination information stored in the access destination information table function 1201 is stored. Is automatically deleted after the valid period expires, and as a result, it is possible to prevent a problem that the content is distributed indefinitely.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following content distribution operation is possible.
That is, it is assumed that the content sales management device 14b is a Web server of a content distributor provided on the Internet, and the content providing device 14a is a download server installed by the content vendor. Suppose you are a wireless LAN system operator.

  In this state, after the user purchases the content by accessing the content trading management device 14b, the user clicks the access destination address (URL) of the content providing device 14a presented at the time of purchase in order to acquire the purchased content. To do. Then, the gateway device 11 and the access destination management device 12 determine whether or not the content providing device 14a that is the access destination is an access destination that is permitted by a proper content purchase procedure, and only when it is permitted. Access to the content providing device 14a via the device 11 and downloading of the content are possible.

  Therefore, even a user who has not registered for use with the public wireless LAN system can access the public wireless LAN system by using the access destination information given from the content sales management device 14b by purchasing the content. The content can be acquired from the content providing apparatus 14a via

  In the second embodiment, when content is purchased in the content sales management device 14b, the content sales management device 14b instructs the content preparation device 17 to prepare the content, and the content preparation device 17 follows the instruction. Is prepared and transferred to the content providing apparatus 14a. In this way, the user can acquire the content even when the data content of the content changes depending on the user, for example, when the user ID is embedded in the content in order to track copyright violations. Further, even when the user access device 13 receives content using a specific protocol such as SMTP, for example, it is possible to distribute the content after converting the protocol.

  Further, the access destination management device 12 deletes the corresponding access destination information from the access destination information table function 1201 when the end of content transmission is detected by the distribution end detection function 1104 of the gateway device 11. For this reason, the content purchased by the user can be acquired only once.

  The access destination management device 12 also deletes the corresponding access destination information when the content transmission end detection function 1402 of the content providing device 14a detects the end of content transmission. For this reason, when the user accesses the content providing apparatus 14a through another communication network such as a mobile phone communication network registered for use without going through the wireless LAN system including the gateway apparatus 11 However, the access destination information can be deleted. For this reason, the malfunction that one content is repeatedly delivered over multiple times is prevented.

  Further, the access right management device 12 monitors the validity period for each access destination information, and deletes the access destination information when the validity period elapses. Therefore, even if the end of content transmission is not detected in the gateway device 11 for some reason, or the end of content transmission is not detected in the content providing device 14a, the access destination information is automatically updated as the validity period elapses. It can be deleted, and this can prevent a problem that content is distributed without limit.

  As a method for monitoring the effective period, for example, when an access permission information inquiry about access destination information occurs in the access destination information table function 1201, a timer corresponding to the access destination information is started in response to the notification. For determining that the effective period has elapsed when a certain period of time elapses, or for determining that the effective period has elapsed after a certain period of time has elapsed since the access destination information addition function 1203 received the access destination addition request, Some of them determine that the valid period has passed when a predetermined date and time (end of day, weekend, end of month, etc.) has passed. Further, instead of the validity period, the number of times content is distributed may be counted, and when the count value exceeds a predetermined number, the corresponding access destination information may be deleted from the access destination information table function 1201. .

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment of the content distribution system according to the present invention issues user identification information as an access right necessary for acquiring the content at the time of purchasing the content, and the network operator accesses based on the user identification information. The user identification information is executed and the execution / disconnection is executed, and the user identification information is deleted after the content distribution is completed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the content distribution system according to the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The gateway device 11 is provided with a user detection function 1106 and a user inquiry function 1107 instead of the access destination detection function 1101 and the access destination inquiry function 1102 shown in FIGS. The user detection function 1106 detects the identification information of the access source user when an access request is received from the user access device 13. As user identification information to be detected, for example, a user ID, a password, a unique number such as a manufacturing number or a product number of an access device is used.

  The user inquiry function 1107 determines whether or not the access source user has a usage contract with his network operator. Then, when a usage contract is concluded, the access to the content providing apparatus 14a is performed as it is. On the other hand, when a usage contract is not concluded, a user permission inquiry is transmitted to the user authentication device 16. Then, an instruction is given to the access execution disconnection function 1103 according to the content of the response from the user authentication device 16 to this inquiry.

  The user authentication device 16 includes a user information management table function 1601, a user permission / rejection determination function 1602, a user information registration function 1603, and a user information deletion function 1604.

  The user information management table function 1601 includes access destination information of a specific content trading management device 14b set in advance by a contract between a network business operator and a content business operator, and access rights by the content trading management device 14b. The issued user identification information is stored. The access destination information enables a user who has not made a use contract with a network operator to access the specific content trading management apparatus 14b via a system operated by the network operator. In addition, the user identification information enables only the user who purchased the content to acquire the content.

  When a user permission inquiry is received from the user inquiry function 1107 of the gateway device 11, the user permission determination function 1602 determines the access source user based on the user identification information stored in the user information management table function 1601. Authenticate. Then, the result of the user authentication is returned to the user inquiry function 1107 of the gateway device 11.

  The user information registration function 1603 causes the user information management table function 1601 to store the user identification information notified as information indicating the access right for content acquisition from the content trading management device 14b.

  The user information deletion function 1604 is the user information management table when the content transmission end notification is notified from the delivery end notification function 1105 of the gateway device 11 and the content transmission end is notified from the content providing device 14a. The corresponding user identification information is deleted from the function 1601. The user information deletion function 1604 monitors the expiration of the validity period for each user identification information stored in the user information management table function 1601. Then, when the valid period has elapsed, the corresponding user identification information is deleted from the user information management table function 1601 even if the content transmission end notification or transmission end notification does not arrive.

Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described.
When attempting to purchase desired content, the user accesses the content trading management device 14b from the access device 13 through the gateway device 11. At this time, as described in the first embodiment, the access destination information (URL) of the content trading management device 14b is obtained from the user information of the user authentication device 16 according to the contract between the content business operator and the network business operator. If stored in the management table function 1601 in advance, the user can access the content trading management device 14b via the gateway device 11 even if the user has not registered for use with the network operator. It is.

  When content purchase processing is performed between the user access device 13 and the content sales management device 14b, the content sales management device 14b needs the user to acquire the purchased content by the content user presentation function 1405. User identification information consisting of a user ID and a password is issued as correct access right information. The user identification information is notified to the access device 13 of the purchase source user via the gateway device 11. The issued user identification information is notified to the user authentication device 16 by the content provision instruction function 1404. In the user authentication device 16, the user information registration function 1203 stores the notified user identification information in the user information management table function 1201.

Further, when content purchase processing is performed in the content sales management device 14b, the content provision instruction function 1404 gives the content preparation device 17 a preparation instruction for the purchased content. When receiving this preparation instruction, the content preparation device 17 creates distribution information including the content to be distributed. Then, the created distribution information is sent to the content providing apparatus 14a serving as a content distribution source and stored in the content storage unit.
Thus, the prepared content is ready for distribution.

  In this state, it is assumed that the user accesses the content providing device 14a via the gateway device 11 in accordance with the user identification information notified from the content trading management device 14b when purchasing the content. Then, the gateway device 11 first determines whether or not the access device 13 is a user who has registered for use with the wireless communication network system. If the user has been registered for use, the access is performed as it is. Is done. On the other hand, when the user is not registered for use, the user inquiry function 1107 makes an inquiry about whether or not the user is authorized to the user authentication device 16.

  The user authentication device 16 determines whether or not the user identification information for which the inquiry has been made is stored in the user information management table function 1601 by the user permission / rejection determination function 1602. If the content has been legally purchased by the content sales management device 14b, the user is permitted because the user identification information of the content is stored in the user information management table function 1601, and a response to that effect. Is notified to the gateway device 11. On the other hand, if the content is not purchased through a legitimate procedure by the content trading management device 14b, the user identification information is not stored in the user information management table function 1601, and thus the user is determined not to be permitted. The gateway device 11 is notified of a response to that effect.

  In the gateway device 11, if the content of the response notified from the user authentication device 16 is user permission, the access device 13 accesses the content providing device 14a as it is. Thus, communication can be performed thereafter between the access device 13 and the content providing device 14a. If the content of the response is not permitted by the user, access from the access device 13 to the content providing device 14a is interrupted.

  When a content acquisition request arrives from the access device 13 in a state where communication is possible, the content providing device 14a selectively reads out the corresponding content from the content storage unit by the content preparation providing function 1403, and the read content Is transmitted to the requesting access device 13. The content distribution information transmitted from the content providing device 14 a is transmitted to the access device 13 via the gateway device 11 and stored in the memory of the access device 13.

  In the gateway device 11 during the content distribution operation, the content transmission end monitoring is performed by the distribution end detection function 1104. When the transmission end is detected, the transmission end notification function 1105 notifies the user authentication device 16 of the transmission end. Upon receiving this notification, the user authentication device 16 uses the user information deletion function 1604 to perform the user information management table function 1601. The corresponding user information is deleted from. For this reason, the content purchased by the user can be acquired only once.

  During the content distribution operation, the content providing device 14a also detects the content transmission end by the content providing end detection function 1402, and the user authentication device 16 deletes the corresponding user identification information in accordance with the detection notification. Therefore, even if the user accesses the content providing device 14a via, for example, another communication network registered for use without going through the wireless communication network including the gateway device 11, the user identification information is It is deleted from the user information management table function 1601. For this reason, the malfunction that one content is repeatedly delivered over multiple times is prevented.

  Further, in the user authentication device 16, the user information deletion function 1604 monitors the validity period for each user information stored in the user information management table function 1601. Then, when the validity period elapses, the user identification information is deleted from the user information management table function 1601. Therefore, even if the end of content transmission is not detected in the gateway device 11 for some reason, or the end of content transmission is not detected in the content providing device 14a, the user identification information stored in the user information management table function 1601 is stored. Is automatically deleted after the valid period expires, and as a result, it is possible to prevent a problem that the content is distributed indefinitely.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the gateway device 11 and the user authentication device 16 determine whether or not the access source user is a user who has purchased content through a legitimate procedure through user authentication. Only when the access source user is permitted by this determination, the access to the content providing device 14a via the gateway device 11 and the download of the content are possible.
Therefore, even a user who has not registered for use with the wireless LAN system can access through the wireless LAN system by using the user identification information given from the content sales management device 14b by purchasing the content. Thus, the content can be acquired from the content providing device 14a.
In addition, the operation and effect obtained by providing the content preparation device 17 and the operation and effect obtained by deleting the user identification information after the content distribution is completed are the same as in the second embodiment described above.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, an access device used by a user is provided with first and second network interfaces including, for example, an interface for public wireless LAN and an interface for mobile phone communication. When purchasing content, the second network interface for mobile phone communication is used. On the other hand, when acquiring content, the first network interface for public wireless LAN and the second network interface for mobile phone communication are used. And are used selectively.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The user access device 18 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or a personal computer having a wireless communication interface, and includes first and second network interfaces 1801 and 1802. The first network interface 1801 corresponds to a communication network having a high transmission speed but a relatively limited service area, such as a public wireless LAN system. The second network interface 1802 corresponds to a communication network such as a mobile phone communication system that has a low transmission speed but can perform communication regardless of location.

  In such a system, when purchasing content first, the access device 18 selects the second network interface 1802 by its own communication control function (not shown). Then, the selected second network interface 1802 accesses the content trading management apparatus 14b via the mobile phone communication network. At this time, if the user is a subscriber of a cellular phone communication network, the access is performed without any trouble.

  Then, it is assumed that the user performs a content purchase operation in a state where the access device 18 and the content sales management device 14b are connected. Then, the content sales management apparatus 14b issues an access right necessary for acquiring the purchased content. For example, the access destination information (URL) of the content providing apparatus 14a that is the content providing source is issued. This access destination information is notified to the access device 18 through the mobile phone communication network from the content trading management device 14b. At the same time, the access destination information is notified from the content trading management device 14 b to the access destination management device 12, and is stored in the access destination information table function 1201 by the access destination addition function 1203 in the access destination management device 12.

  Next, it is assumed that the user moves to a service area of a public wireless LAN system laid in a station premises or a store, for example. Then, the access device 18 selects the first network interface 1801 by its communication control function. Then, the selected first network interface 1801 is used to access the content providing apparatus 14a via the public wireless LAN. For the access at this time, the access destination information previously notified from the content trading management apparatus 14b is used.

  In the gateway device 11, as in the second embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the access device 18 is a user who has registered for use in its own public wireless LAN system, and has been registered for use. If it is a user, the access is carried out as it is. On the other hand, if the user is not registered for use, the access destination inquiry function 1102 makes an inquiry about access permission to the access destination management device 12.

  In the access destination management apparatus 12, the access permission determination function 1202 determines whether or not the access destination information for which the inquiry has been made is stored in the access destination information table function 1201. If the content has been legally purchased by the content sales management device 14b, the access is permitted because the access destination information of the content is stored in the access destination information table function 1201, and a response to that effect. Is notified to the gateway device 11. On the other hand, if the content is not purchased through a legitimate procedure by the content trading management device 14b, the access destination information is not stored in the access destination information table function 1201, and therefore access is determined to be not permitted. The gateway device 11 is notified of a response to that effect.

  In the gateway device 11, if the content of the response notified from the access destination management device 12 is an access permission, the access device 18 accesses the content providing device 14a as it is. Thus, communication can be performed thereafter between the access device 18 and the content providing device 14a. If the content of the response does not permit access, access from the access device 18 to the content providing device 14a is interrupted.

  When a content acquisition request arrives from the access device 18 in a state where communication is possible, the content providing device 14a selectively reads out the corresponding content from the content storage unit and requests distribution information including the read content. Transmit to the original access device 18. The content distribution information transmitted from the content providing device 14 a is transmitted to the access device 18 via the gateway device 11 and stored in the memory of the access device 18.

  Thus, the content acquisition is completed. Note that the access destination information deletion process after the content distribution is completed is performed in the access destination management device 12 in exactly the same manner as in the second embodiment described above.

  That is, even for a user who has not registered for use with the public wireless LAN system, the content providing apparatus can be accessed from the first network interface 1801 using the access destination information provided from the content sales management apparatus 14b by purchasing the content. By accessing 14a, content can be acquired via the public wireless LAN system.

  Moreover, the access device 18 monitors the movement of the public wireless LAN system to the service area. When the access device 18 detects that the access device 18 has entered the service area, the access device 18 activates the first network interface 1801 to execute access for content acquisition. Therefore, after the access device 18 moves to the service area of the public wireless LAN system, access for content acquisition is automatically performed. Therefore, the user can acquire the content easily without performing any special operation for acquiring the content and without incurring a network usage fee for the public wireless LAN system.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the content acquisition operation is performed before the user moves to the service area of the public wireless LAN system. Then, in the access device 18, the second network interface 1802 is selected by the communication control function, and the content providing device 14 a is accessed by the second network interface 1802 via the mobile phone communication network. Therefore, the content is downloaded from the content providing device 14a to the access device 18 via the mobile phone communication network.
That is, when the user performs a content acquisition operation, the second network interface 1802 is selected, and the content is acquired via the mobile phone communication network. Therefore, the user can acquire the purchased content immediately.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when an access device used by a user is provided with first and second network interfaces including a wireless LAN interface and a mobile phone communication interface, for example, when purchasing content. Uses a second network interface for mobile phone communication, while the first network interface for public wireless LAN is fixedly used when acquiring content.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The user access device 18 includes the first and second network interfaces 1801 and 1802 as described in FIG. The first network interface 1801 corresponds to a communication network such as a public wireless LAN system that has a high transmission speed but a relatively limited service area. The second network interface 1802 corresponds to a communication network such as a mobile phone communication system that has a low transmission speed but can perform communication regardless of location.

  The communication control function of the access device 18 includes a second network interface 1802 for cellular phone communication when purchasing content, and a first network interface 1801 for public wireless LAN when acquiring content. Select and use fixed.

Because of this configuration, for example, the user performs a content purchase operation at an arbitrary location while moving. Then, the access device 18 accesses the content trading management device 14b via the mobile phone communication network by the second network interface 1802, and receives access destination information necessary for content acquisition. Thereafter, when the user moves to the service area of the public wireless LAN system installed in the station premises or in the store, the access device 18 accesses the content providing device 14a via the public wireless LAN system by the first network interface 1801. To get the content.
Therefore, the user can purchase content without choosing a place when he / she thinks, and the purchased content can be taken into the access device 18 using a waiting time until the train arrives at a platform of a station, for example. Become.

  Note that the first network interface 1801 may be used to communicate with the content trading management apparatus 14b, thereby receiving access destination information indicating an access right. This operation may be activated by a user's manual operation, or may be configured to be automatically selected according to a predetermined rule.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, for example, when a user purchases contents at a store, a scratch card in which access destination information is described is received, and the user is based on the access destination information described in the scratch card. The content is obtained by accessing the content providing device from its own access device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the content distribution system according to the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
The access destination information table function 1201 of the access destination management apparatus 12 stores in advance the access right necessary for acquiring the contents sold at the storefront, that is, the access destination information of the content providing apparatus 14a.

  In such a system, when a user purchases content at a store, the user receives a storage medium such as a scratch card or a wireless tag in which access destination information is described. When acquiring the purchased content, the user manually inputs the access destination information described in the scratch card in his / her access device 18 or reads the access destination information stored in the storage medium into the access device. Make it. Based on this access destination information, the access device 18 accesses the content providing device 14a.

  At this time, the user may manually select and specify which of the first and second network interfaces 1801 and 1802 is used, or an accessible network is detected and a network interface corresponding to this network is selected. You may make it select automatically. In addition, a selection priority order may be set in advance, and a network interface may be selected in accordance with this priority order. Further, an optimal network interface for downloading the content according to the type of content and the amount of information may be selected. You may comprise so that it may select automatically.

  When the first network interface 1801 is selected by these selection means, the access destination management apparatus 12 uses the access destination permission / refusal determination function 1202 based on the access destination information stored in the access destination information table function 1201. Judge access permission. Then, according to the determination result, the gateway device 11 controls the execution or disconnection of the access from the access device by the gateway connection execution / disconnection function 1108.

  Then, a content acquisition request is transmitted from the access device 18 in a state where communication is possible, and in response to this request, the content providing device 14a selectively reads out the corresponding content from the content storage unit, and the read content Is transmitted to the requesting access device 18. The content distribution information transmitted from the content providing device 14 a is transmitted to the access device 18 via the gateway device 11 and stored in the memory of the access device 18. Thus, the content is acquired.

  Accordingly, even a user who has not registered for use in a wireless communication network including the gateway device 11, for example, a public wireless LAN system, uses the access destination information received by the scratch card or the like when purchasing the content, By accessing the content providing device 14 a from the network interface 1801, the content can be acquired via the wireless communication network including the gateway device 11.

On the other hand, when the second network interface 1802 is selected by the selection means, the content providing apparatus 14b is accessed from the access device 18 through the wireless communication network registered for use, for example, the mobile phone communication network. . In this case, content can be acquired even when the user is outside the service area of the public wireless LAN system.
As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to purchase content not only at a purchase route using a network but also at a store, for example.

(Seventh embodiment)
In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the user of the access device purchases the frequency together with the access right and provides the content within the range of the frequency.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.

  The system of this embodiment newly includes a frequency management device 19. The frequency management device 19 can be connected to the content providing device 14a and the content trading management device 14b via a communication network. The communication network can be any public network, mobile communication network, leased line network, or IP network such as the Internet.

  The frequency management device 19 includes a transmission / reception function 1901, a remaining value determination function 1902, and a frequency storage unit 1903. The frequency storage unit 1903 stores, for example, the frequency purchased by the user in association with the address of the access device 13 or user identification information. The transmission / reception function 1901 performs reception of frequency inquiries, transmission of residual values of frequencies, reception of subtraction instructions, addition instructions, and the like with the content providing apparatus 14a and the content trading management apparatus 14b. The remaining value determination function 1902 determines whether or not the frequency after the subtraction process has become zero, and when it has become zero, the transmission / reception function 1901 transmits a notification message to that effect to the content providing apparatus 14a.

On the other hand, the content providing apparatus 14a further includes a frequency determination notification function 1501 and a frequency subtraction request function 1502, in addition to the content provision end notification function 1401, the content provision end detection function 1402, and the content preparation provision function 1403.
When a content acquisition request arrives from the access device, the frequency determination notification function 1501 makes a frequency inquiry to the frequency management device 19 using the address of the requesting access device or user identification information as a key. Then, based on the remaining frequency value returned from the frequency management device 19 in response to this inquiry, it is determined whether or not the requested content can be distributed, and content preparation is provided based on the result. The content distribution process by the function 1403 is controlled. The frequency subtraction request function 1502 transmits a frequency subtraction instruction commensurate with the content distribution to the frequency management device 19 after the content distribution ends.

  The content trading management apparatus 14b includes a frequency addition request function 1503 in addition to the content provision instruction function 1404 and the content access destination presentation function 1405. The frequency addition request function 1503 transmits an instruction to add the purchased frequency to the frequency management device 19 when a request for purchase of the frequency is sent together with the access right purchase request from the access device 13.

  With such a configuration, when the purchase request for the frequency is transmitted together with the access right purchase request from the access device 13, the content trading management device 14 b instructs the access destination management device 12 to register and set the access right. Then, an instruction to add the purchased frequency is transmitted to the frequency management device 19. When the frequency management device 19 receives an addition instruction from the content trading management device 14b, the frequency management device 19 determines whether or not the identification information of the corresponding access device or user has been registered. If registered, the frequency instructed to be added is added to the frequency stored in association with the identification information. On the other hand, when the information is not registered, the identification information of the access device or the user is newly registered in the frequency storage unit 1902, and the frequency instructed to be added is stored in association therewith.

  Assume that the content acquisition request transmitted from the access device 13 in this state is transferred to the content providing device 14a after the access right is confirmed by the gateway device 11 and the access right management device 12. Then, the content providing device 14a first transmits an inquiry about the remaining value of the frequency to the frequency management device 19. When the inquiry arrives, the frequency management device 19 accesses the frequency storage unit 1903, reads the remaining value of the frequency of the corresponding access device 13, and replies to the content providing device 14a.

  The content providing device 14a determines whether or not the remaining value of the answered frequency is equal to or more than a value commensurate with the requested content distribution. If there is a sufficient remaining frequency value and distribution is possible, the content preparation providing device 1403 reads out the corresponding content and transmits it to the access device 13. On the other hand, if the remaining frequency value is insufficient, the content is not distributed, and instead, a message indicating that the frequency is insufficient is transmitted to the access device 13 of the request source.

  In addition, prior to the content distribution, the content providing device 14a gives an instruction to the frequency management device 19 to subtract the frequency corresponding to the content to be distributed. When receiving the subtraction instruction, the frequency management device 19 subtracts the frequency corresponding to the corresponding access device or user stored in the frequency storage unit 1903 according to the subtraction instruction.

  Further, after the subtraction process, the frequency management device 19 notifies the content providing device 14a of the remaining value of the frequency after the subtraction. The content providing device 14a transmits the notified subtraction frequency remaining value to the content distribution destination access device 13. Thereby, the user of the access device 13 can confirm the remaining value of the frequency after the content acquisition.

  At the same time, the frequency management device 19 determines whether or not the residual value of the frequency after subtraction has become zero, and when it becomes zero, notifies the content providing device 14a to that effect. The content providing apparatus 14 a stores the notification content and transmits an access right deletion request to the access destination management apparatus 12. When the access destination management device 12 receives the deletion request, the access destination information deletion function 1204 deletes the access right of the corresponding access device or user from the access destination information table function 1201.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, contents can be distributed to the user of the access device 13 within the frequency range managed by the frequency management device 19. Moreover, since the frequency after the subtraction is notified to the user every time the content is distributed, the user can check the remaining value of the frequency, and performs the additional purchase procedure for the frequency to the content trading management apparatus 14b as necessary. be able to.

  Further, when the frequency remaining value becomes zero in the frequency management device 19, the frequency shortage information is notified to the content providing device 14a, and in response to this notification, a deletion request is sent from the content providing device 14a to the access right management device 12. It is done. Then, according to this deletion request, the access right of the corresponding access device or user is deleted. For this reason, the content providing device 14a can grasp the access device in which the residual value of the frequency is zero, and further, the access right is automatically deleted, so the access right management device separately executes the access right deletion process. There is no need to do it.

(Eighth embodiment)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where there is one content providing apparatus 14a has been described as an example. However, the present invention is applicable to a case where there are a plurality of content providing apparatuses 14a. In this case, a transfer device is provided between the gateway device 11 and the plurality of content providing devices. This transfer apparatus is provided with an address conversion table and means for converting a destination address according to this table. In the address conversion table, a temporary second address composed of a common part and a unique part for each of the content providing devices in association with the first address individually assigned to the plurality of content providing devices. Is memorized.

  In such a configuration, when transmitting a content acquisition request to the plurality of content providing devices, the access device 13 accesses using the temporary second address. When the content acquisition request arrives from the access device 13, the gateway device 11 or the access right management device 12 selectively uses the common part and the unique part of the second address included in the content acquisition request. Confirm.

  For example, when a content acquisition request comes from a general network usage contractor with no restrictions on access rights, the access destination is confirmed by the common part of the second address included in the content acquisition request, and the common part is correct. For example, the content acquisition request is directly transferred to the transfer device. The transfer device transmits the transferred content acquisition request to the content providing device after converting the destination address from the second address to the first address.

  On the other hand, when a content acquisition request comes from a specific user with limited access rights, the presence or absence of the access right is confirmed by the shared part and unique part of the second address, and if the access right exists, the content acquisition is performed. Transfer the request to the transfer device. The transfer device converts the destination address as described above, and transmits it to the content providing device that is the destination.

  In this way, it is not necessary to confirm the individual access destinations for content acquisition requests from general users with no access rights restrictions, and access rights to access destinations only for requests from specific users with restricted access rights. It will be sufficient to confirm. For this reason, the load on the gateway device and the access right management device is reduced.

  For example, out of 100 users, three specific users are only allowed to access the site shown in FIG. 8, and other 97 general users are allowed to access all sites. It shall be.

  In this case, if the 100 users transmit a content acquisition request using a real address uniquely assigned to each site, the gateway device 11 Since it is necessary to confirm whether or not the access destination is the above three sites, the number of confirmations is 3 × 100 = 300 times.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the transfer device has the address conversion table shown in FIG. 9 and the destination address is converted based on this table. In this case, when the content acquisition request arrives, the gateway device 11 first determines whether or not www.jkjkjkl.org, which is a common part, is included in the destination address. If the common part is included as a result of this determination, the unique part and the transmission source user are subsequently confirmed. Therefore, the number of times of confirmation of the gateway device 11 is 100 (first confirmation) + 3 × 3 (confirmation of which of the three sites the destination corresponds to) = 109 times. For this reason, if it is assumed that the addition of the individual confirmation processes is almost the same, the processing load required for confirmation of the gateway device 11 is greatly reduced.

If the number of accesses for general users is J, and the number of accesses for specific users and the number of accounts are K, the number of checks in the gateway device when this embodiment is not used is
(J + K) × K
And the number of times of confirmation of the barrier device 11 in this embodiment is
(J + K) + K ²
It is expressed.

When the number of checks of the gateway device 11 in this embodiment is subtracted from the number of checks in the gateway device when the above embodiment is not used,
(J + K) × K− (J + K) + K ²
= K ² + J × K−J−K−K ²
= J x K-J-K
= J (K-1) -K
It becomes.

For this reason, the number of confirmations according to this embodiment is larger than the number of confirmations when this embodiment is not used.
J (K-1) -K ≧ 0 (1)
It is time to satisfy. That is, the above relationship is satisfied when J and K are both 2 or more. Note that J (K-1) -K = 0 is obtained when J = K = 2. However, J and K are integers of 0 or more.

If the hierarchy of the temporary second address is further deepened, the processing load of the gateway device can be further reduced. For example, if J is the number of accesses for general users, K is the number of groups and accounts for access of specific users, and L is the number of accesses and accounts for specific sites in each group,
If there is no group
(J + KZ) K + (KL) ²
And if there is a group
(J + KZ) K + (KL) K + L ²
It becomes. And the difference is
(J + KZ) K + ( KL) 2 - ((J + KZ) K + (KL) K + L 2)
= (KL) ^2- (KL) K-K ²
= L (K ² L−K ² −L)
^{= L (K 2 (L-} 1) -L)
It becomes.

The condition that this formula is 0 or more is
L (K ² (L−1) −L) ≧ 0
It is. Here, since K and L are integers of 1 or more,
K ² (L−1) −L ≧ 0 (2)
It becomes.

The K ² of the inequality (2) J, placing the L and K, the above equation (1). For this reason, when K ² and L are both 2 or more, it can be seen that the number of confirmations is smaller when grouped. Further, there are cases where further effects can be obtained by further recursively performing grouping.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, when a content acquisition request arrives from a general user with no access right restriction, the access destination is determined only by the common part of the destination address included in the content acquisition request. On the other hand, when a content acquisition request comes from a specific user whose access destination is limited, the access right can be confirmed in consideration of the unique part of the destination address. Therefore, when a content acquisition request is received from a general user with no access right restrictions, it is not necessary to confirm the access right for each destination site, which greatly increases the processing load on the gateway device 11 and the access right management device 12. To be reduced.

(Other embodiments)
In the second and third embodiments, the access destination information table function 1201 at the time when the transmission or transmission of the content is completed, and further when the validity period of the access destination information or user identification information corresponding to the content has passed. Alternatively, the access destination information or the user identification information is deleted from the user information management table function 1601, respectively, but the corresponding content may be deleted from the content storage unit of the content providing apparatus 14a. In this way, even if the access right is abused, the content can be prevented from being acquired multiple times.

  Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments, when the end of content transmission is detected by the gateway device 11, when the end of content transmission is detected by the content providing device 14a, and the validity period of the access right has elapsed. The access destination information or the user identification information is deleted from the access destination information table function 1201 or the user information management table function 1601, respectively, according to each time point when the password is detected. However, only one or two of the above conditions may be provided as deletion conditions, and the access destination information or user identification information may be deleted when the one or two conditions are satisfied.

  Further, as a modification of the third embodiment, a form using a dedicated device accessible only to a specific access destination can be considered. That is, instead of allowing only the user to access a specific access destination, it is possible to implement a lower usage fee than usual. For example, a form such as a dedicated terminal capable of only downloading electronic book contents is conceivable, and a contract permitting only access for setting a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to the workplace is also conceivable. In these cases, the user ID and password presented by the content trading management device 15 are presented to the user in advance, and the access destination permitted to access is accessed using the user ID and password. realizable.

  Further, as an extension of the above embodiment, for example, access destination information is described in a scratch card, and when the described access destination information is input, a communication service using a public wireless LAN system, for example, voice communication A form in which the service can be implemented is also conceivable. In this way, when the content or the like is purchased once, it is possible to perform communication using the access right granted thereby for the effective number or the effective number.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when content is acquired, the first network interface, that is, the public wireless LAN system is preferentially selected in the normal case, and only when the user quickly acquires the content. The second network interface 1802, that is, the cellular phone communication network is selected in accordance with the content acquisition operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second network interfaces 1801 and 1802 can be selected according to the following conditions.

That is, the access device 18 determines the type of content to be downloaded or the amount of information using the communication control function. Then, according to the determination result, when the content type includes, for example, music data or image data, or when the amount of information is a predetermined amount or more, the first network interface having a high transmission speed is selected, thereby Content is downloaded via a wireless LAN system. On the other hand, if the type of content consists only of text data or the amount of information is less than a predetermined amount, for example, the second network interface with a low transmission speed is selected, thereby allowing the content to be transmitted via the cellular phone communication network. to download.
In this way, an optimal network can be used according to the nature of the content. Further, the traffic of each of the public wireless LAN system and the mobile phone communication system may be detected, and the content may be downloaded by selecting the side with low traffic.

  If communication is possible using both the first and second network interfaces 1801 and 1802, information about the network used for access is notified to the content providing apparatus 14a, and the content providing apparatus 14a is notified of the above. The information is checked against a predetermined condition, and content transmission is started only when the condition is satisfied.

  For example, it is assumed that the content providing device 14a is a mail server of a mobile phone terminal, a large amount of data is in the mail server of the mobile phone terminal, and the predetermined condition is “the bandwidth is wider than that of the mobile phone”. To do. In this case, the mail server does not send mail using the cellular phone communication network, and sends mail only when the user can use a broader line. For content that cannot be transferred without a broadband line, it is also possible to notify the existence of data using a network with a wide service area but a small amount of information that can be transmitted, for example, a cellular phone communication network. It is done.

  Furthermore, after purchasing paid content, when acquiring this content, it may be possible to acquire the content only from a network suitable for a certain condition. For example, among the second network interface 1802 for a mobile phone (band 9.6 kbps) and the first network interface 1801 for a public wireless LAN system (band 54 Mbps) for receiving content, the second network interface 1801 for a mobile phone is used. If only the network interface 1802 is usable and the condition for using the line is “the bandwidth is 1 Mbps or more”, it is assumed that the second network interface 1802 is usable. However, the content is not acquired.

  In this way, the situation that the user does not want, for example, even if one hour has passed, the content acquisition does not end, the user moves to the service area of the public wireless LAN system, and the information that has been downloaded up to that time is a few seconds Acquiring is possible, and the time taken for acquisition does not change, but it is possible to avoid problems such as enormous communication charges for mobile phone communication.

  In addition, if all the network interfaces that can be used do not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the information about the contents can be known by sending information about the contents via the usable network interfaces. The user can take appropriate measures depending on the contents.

In the fourth or fifth embodiment, when the second network interface 1802 is a network interface for a mobile phone, the content trading management device 14b receives the device ID of the access device 18 when purchasing the content. The e-mail address of the access device 18 may be known from the received device ID, and user identification information including an ID and a password may be determined based on this e-mail address and notified to the access device 18.
In this way, it is possible to pass in a format that can be easily used for secondary use such as the access device 18 notifying the other network interface immediately, without instructing the user how to acquire the content.

  When the content providing device 14a is a mail server, the device ID of the access device 18 is received by the content trading management device 14b or the content providing device 14a, and the mail address of the mobile phone is known from the information of the device ID. Then, the content preparation device 17 transmits the content by mail to the content providing device 14a. In this way, the user can also use the second network interface 1802 when acquiring content from the content providing apparatus 14a.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways as follows. For example, when anyone is allowed to access the content trading management device 14b, the location is not limited to the location of the content trading management device 14b. In other words, the location of the content trading management device 14b includes that it exists in the network managed by the network operator or the network managed by the content operator, and the network using the access means described in the first embodiment. This includes a case where a substantially unspecified number or limited users are permitted to access the content trading management apparatus 14b managed by the business or entrusted with management (including access related to content trading).

  Further, when a plurality of access destination management devices 12 or user authentication devices 16 are installed, the addition and update of information indicating the access right may be shared. In this case, the case where the other business owner owns or manages the access destination management device 12 or the user authentication device 16 is included. In this case, it also includes notifying the other access destination management device 12 or the user authentication device 16 from the device that has detected the end of content distribution via the content trading management device 14b or the dedicated device, and deleting the corresponding information. It also includes deleting the corresponding content in the content providing apparatus 14a. As a result, even when a plurality of network operators are requested to distribute content, it is possible to prevent content from being acquired multiple times.

  It is also possible to automatically execute an approval process between the network operator and the content operator using an approval server. For example, the content providing device 14a or the content trading management device 14b can be connected to an approval server operated by a credit company or a financial institution via a communication network. Then, when content purchase processing is performed in the content sales management device 14b, or when content distribution is performed in the content providing device 14a, the content sales management device 14b or the content providing device 14a gives an approval instruction to the approval server. Send the information to execute the approval process.

  For example, when the network operator operates the content trading management device 14b and the content providing device 14a, and the content operator holds the content right, the content with the royalty fee of X yen is sold for Y yen. To do. In this case, the content sales management device 14b and the content providing device 14a send the approval instruction information to the approval server so as to transfer the X yen corresponding to the right fee to the account of the content provider.

In addition, when the content operator himself / herself operates the content sales management device 14b and the content providing device 14a, and the content operator holds the content right, the right owned by the content sales price Y Yen Since the amount obtained by subtracting the fee X yen is the network usage fee, decision instruction information is sent to the decision making server in order to transfer the Y-X yen to the account of the network operator.
By doing as described above, the system can perform consistently from the process of accepting a content acquisition request to the process of finalizing the purchase price.

In addition, as a method of approval,
(1) A method of finalizing a fixed amount for each content or a predetermined amount for each content.
(2) A method of determining a fixed amount regardless of the number of transmitted contents or the amount of information.
(3) A method in which an advertising advertisement of a network operator is placed in content and the network usage fee is offset by the advertising fee.
And so on.

  Furthermore, the number of content distributions can be acquired from the statistics in the access execution disconnection function 1103 of the gateway device 11 by the network operator, and the content providing device 14a can be acquired from the IP address assigned by the network operator. Is possible. In this case, the content provider may predefine an address area to be assigned to a non-contracted user.

  In addition, as a settlement method between the user and the content provider, the user can receive the same amount regardless of whether or not the network operator's network is used, and payment to the network operator can be used as a sales promotion fee. It is also possible to add a network usage fee to the user.

  Further, it does not matter whether the content providing device 14a and the content trading management device 14b are installed inside or outside the network of the network operator. Further, the content trading management device 14b may be installed closer to the user access device 13 than the gateway device 11 so that the user can directly access the content trading management device 14b.

  Further, it is not always necessary to monitor the end of content communication in layer 4 such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), but it may be monitored in a session in a higher layer. Further, the output (communication) log may be monitored. Furthermore, the network interface to be used is not limited to wireless, but can also be applied to wired. Further, the access destination management device 12 and the content preparation device 17 may issue information indicating an access right, that is, user identification information including a user ID and a password, or access destination information. In that case, the issuer of the access right needs to notify the content trading management device 15 of the issued access right information.

  In addition to URL, the access destination includes IP (Internet Protocol) address, mail address, FQDN (Fully-Qualified domain Name), MAC (Media Access Control) address, other non-IP address, and telephone number. Furthermore, when using a user ID and password as an access destination, it is also possible to specify an ID and password from the user.

  Further, when the content cannot be pushed and delivered, when the user access device 13 changes to a communicable state (for example, wired connection, wireless movement within the area), it is detected and data is automatically accessed. You may do it. Means for detecting access to the service area of the access device 13 includes light, radio waves, sound waves, signals transmitted by modulating them, position recognition means such as character recognition, GPS (Global Positioning System), and the like.

  In addition, when there are multiple network interfaces and the content cannot be acquired with a communicable network interface, the trigger for notifying the existence of the content is that if the number of content changes, periodically, at a specified time, The case where it is detected that it is a position is included. The information notified at that time includes the content name, acquisition source, acquisition time, producer name, deadline, price, content identification number including ISBN number, publisher name, and other memos.

  In addition, the determination condition as to whether or not content distribution is performed using a network interface includes a communication fee, a time length required for acquisition, an electric energy, a time zone, and the like. These conditions may be arbitrarily changed by the user. Further, the content preparation device 17 may be integrated with the content providing device 14a.

  In the fourth to sixth embodiments, a plurality of network interfaces 1801 and 1802 are provided in one access device. However, the access device may be divided into two or more units. In this case, each unit may be provided with a plurality of network interfaces separately. That is, when the access device includes the first unit and the second unit, the first unit may include the first network interface 1801, and the second unit may include the second network interface 1802. It is.

  Furthermore, the device originally having the function of the network interface 1801 or 1802 can be an access device, a part of each unit, or itself. For example, the mobile phone terminal itself may be regarded as the first network interface 1801, and the mobile phone terminal itself that can access the network may be regarded as the first unit including the first network interface 1801. Further, the wireless LAN card may be regarded as the first network interface 1801, and the personal computer connected to the wireless LAN may be regarded as the second unit including the second network interface 1802.

  In other words, in the above example, the personal computer connected to the wireless LAN is regarded as the second unit including the second network interface 1802, and the mobile phone terminal itself that can access the network includes the first network interface 1801. By considering it as the first unit, a combination of these can be used as a logical access device. In addition, when a wireless LAN is connected to a mobile phone terminal that can access a network, it can be regarded as an access device including a first network interface 1801 and a second network interface 1802.

  Further, the first unit and the second unit do not need to be physically close to each other and need not be portable. For example, the first unit may be a mobile phone terminal that can access a mobile phone communication network, and the second unit may be a desktop personal computer having a wired network interface.

  Data transfer means include TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), NETBIOS (Network Basic Input / Output System), e-mail, etc. Including, but not limited to. The contents payment method includes bank transfer, credit card, mobile phone information amount billing, prepaid billing, deposit system, billing by other registration services, and the like.

  Moreover, the addition and deletion of the access right to the access destination information table function do not necessarily need to be the addition and deletion of the data itself, and other methods are also conceivable. For example, a flag indicating whether or not to refer to data representing the access right is stored, and the flag is turned on / off upon confirmation of purchase or detection of end of content transmission. Then, the presence or absence of the access right is determined from the state of this flag. In this way, it is possible to simplify the process of adding and deleting access rights to the access destination information table function.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the content distribution service provided by the content management device, for example, a service for downloading video or audio content or application program download using the user's own access device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the content management apparatus provides a telephone service such as an IP telephone service, the present invention may be applied to the telephone service.

  Other types of networks, types of access devices and their functions, gateway devices, functional configurations of access right management devices and content management devices, types of content providing services, content purchase processing procedures and details, acquisition of content of content The processing procedure and its contents can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

The block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The block diagram which shows 3rd Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The block diagram which shows 4th Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The block diagram which shows 5th Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The block diagram which shows 6th Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The block diagram which shows 7th Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the user and the access destination address where the said user is permitted for demonstrating 8th Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention. The figure which shows an example of the address conversion table provided in the transfer apparatus for describing 8th Embodiment of the content delivery system concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Gateway apparatus, 12 ... Access destination management apparatus, 13, 18 ... User access apparatus, 14 ... Content management apparatus, 14a ... Content trading management apparatus, 14b ... Content provision apparatus, 16 ... User authentication apparatus, 17 ... Content preparation Device, 19 ... Frequency management device, 1101 ... Access destination detection function, 1102 ... Access destination inquiry function, 1103 ... Access execution disconnection function, 1104 ... Distribution end detection function, 1105 ... Distribution end notification function, 1106 ... User detection function, 1107 ... User inquiry function, 1108 ... Gate connection execution disconnection function, 1201 ... Access destination information table function, 1202 ... Access permission determination function, 1203 ... Access destination information addition function, 1204 ... Access destination information deletion function, 1401 ... Content provision end notification Function, 1402 ... Content Provision end detection function, 1403 ... content preparation provision function, 1404 ... content provision instruction function, 1405 ... content access destination presentation function, 1501 ... frequency determination notification function, 1502 ... frequency subtraction request function, 1503 ... frequency addition request function, 1601 User information management table function 1602 User permission determination function 1603 User information registration function 1604 User information deletion function 1801 First network interface 1802 Second network interface 1901 Frequency control device Transmission / reception function, 1902... Residual value determination function, 1903.

Claims (17)

A content management device for managing content; an access device used by a user; a gateway device to which the content management device can be connected via a communication line; and an access right management device connectable to the gateway device;
The barrier device is
Means for determining whether or not the access device as the access source is a user contractor of the gateway device when access to the content management device comes from the access device;
Means for inquiring the access right management device whether the access is permitted or not when it is determined by the determination means that the access device of the access source is not a use contractor;
Based on a response from the access right management device to the inquiry, the access is performed when access is permitted, and the access is disconnected when access is not permitted,
The access right management device includes:
An access right management table that stores access destination information or user identification information as information representing the access right;
Means for responding to the gateway device by determining whether the access is permitted or not based on the access right management table when the inquiry comes from the gateway device;
The content management device includes:
A first content management device having a content sales management function;
A second content management device having a content providing function,
The first content management apparatus includes:
Means for issuing information indicating the access right necessary for obtaining the content to be purchased when a content purchase operation is performed by the access device;
Means for notifying information indicating the issued access right to the access device that has performed the purchase operation of the content;
Means for additionally storing information representing the issued access right in an access right management table of the access right management device;
The second content management device includes:
A content distribution system comprising: means for transmitting distribution information including corresponding content to a requesting access device when a content acquisition request is received from the access device via the gateway device. A content preparation device connectable to the first and second content management devices;
The first content management apparatus includes:
Means for instructing the content preparation device to prepare for distribution of the content to be purchased when a content purchase operation is performed by the access device;
The content preparation device includes:
Means for generating distribution information including content to be distributed in response to a distribution preparation instruction from the first content management device;
2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting the generated distribution information to a second content management apparatus as a distribution source. The barrier device is
Means for detecting the end of transmission of distribution information from the second content management device to the access device;
Means for notifying the access right management device of information indicating the end of transmission when the end of transmission of the distribution information is detected;
The access right management device includes:
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for deleting the information indicating the corresponding access right from the access right management table according to the information indicating the end of transmission notified from the gateway device. Content distribution system. The second content management device includes:
Means for detecting the end of transmission of distribution information to the access device;
Means for notifying the access right management device of information indicating the end of transmission when the end of transmission of the distribution information is detected;
The access right management device includes:
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that deletes the corresponding information indicating the access right from the access right management table according to the information indicating the end of transmission notified from the second content management apparatus. Or the content delivery system of 2 description. The access right management device includes:
It further comprises means for monitoring the expiration of the validity condition for each piece of information representing the access right issued, and deleting the information representing the access right for which the validity condition has expired from the access right management table. The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. When further comprising the access device,
The access device is:
A first network interface for accessing a first network that does not include the gateway device;
A second network interface for accessing a second network including the gateway device;
Communication control means for performing communication by selectively using the first and second network interfaces,
The communication control means includes
Means for receiving information representing the access right from the first content management device via the first network that does not include the gateway device using the first network interface;
Means for receiving distribution information including the content from the second content management device via the second network including the gateway device using the second network interface. The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When further comprising the access device,
The access device is:
A first network interface for accessing a first network that does not include the gateway device;
A second network interface for accessing a second network including the gateway device;
Communication control means for performing communication by selectively using the first and second network interfaces,
The communication control means includes
Means for receiving information representing the access right from the first content management device using the first network interface;
A means for selectively receiving the distribution information including the content from the second content management apparatus by selectively using the first and second network interfaces. The content distribution system according to Crab. The means for receiving distribution information including the content includes:
8. The content distribution system according to claim 6, wherein an access operation for receiving distribution information from the second content management apparatus is started upon reception of information representing the access right. The means for receiving distribution information including the content includes:
Means for selecting the second network interface and attempting to access the second content management device;
Means for determining whether or not access by the second network interface is successful;
And a means for selecting the first network interface and executing access to the second content management device when it is determined that access by the second network interface has failed. Item 8. The content distribution system according to Item 7. The first network interface has a communication function based on a first data transmission rate, while the second network interface has a communication function based on a second data transmission rate that is higher than the first data transmission rate. In addition,
The means for receiving distribution information including the content includes:
Means for determining the characteristics of the content to be transmitted;
8. The content distribution system according to claim 7, further comprising means for selecting the first and second network interfaces based on a determination result of the content feature. The means for receiving distribution information including the content includes:
Means for accepting a network selection request by a user;
8. The content distribution system according to claim 7, further comprising means for selecting the first and second network interfaces in response to a network selection request input by the user. The second content management device includes:
A determination means for determining whether a network used for transmission of distribution information including the corresponding content satisfies a preset transmission condition when a content acquisition request is received from the access device;
Means for transmitting the delivery information to the requesting access device;
2. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the transmission condition is satisfied, the distribution information including the corresponding content is transmitted to the requesting access device. Means for transmitting the delivery information to the requesting access device;
13. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein when the determination unit determines that the transmission condition is not satisfied, notification information to that effect is transmitted to the requesting access device. When the second content management device includes a plurality of content providing devices to which different first addresses are assigned, a transfer device is interposed between the gateway device and the plurality of content providing devices,
The access device is:
When a content acquisition request is transmitted to the plurality of second content providing devices, a temporary first configured of a common portion given in common to the second content providing device and a unique portion given uniquely. Access using the address of 2,
The gateway device or access right management device is:
When a content acquisition request arrives from the access device, the information representing the access right is confirmed by selectively using the common part and the unique part of the second address included in the content acquisition request. In some cases, the content acquisition request is transferred to the transfer device,
The transfer device is
A conversion table for storing information representing a correspondence relationship between the first address and the second address;
When a content acquisition request is sent from the gateway device, the second address contained in the content acquisition request is converted into a first address based on the conversion table, and the address-converted content acquisition request is content delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a means for transferring the second to the content providing device. A content management device for managing content; an access device used by a user; a gateway device to which the content management device can be connected via a communication line; an access right management device connectable to the gateway device; and at least the content A frequency management device capable of communicating with the management device;
The barrier device is
Means for determining whether or not the access device as the access source is a user contractor of the gateway device when access to the content management device comes from the access device;
Means for inquiring the access right management device whether the access is permitted or not when it is determined by the determination means that the access device of the access source is not a use contractor;
Based on a response from the access right management device to the inquiry, the access is performed when access is permitted, and the access is disconnected when access is not permitted,
The access right management device includes:
An access right management table that stores access destination information or user identification information as information representing the access right;
Means for determining whether or not to permit access based on the access right management table and responding to the gateway device when the inquiry comes from the gateway device ;
A means for deleting information indicating the access right of the corresponding access device in the access right management table when an access right deletion request is notified from the frequency management device ;
The content management device includes:
Means for inquiring of the frequency management device the frequency that the access device can use when a content acquisition request arrives from the access device;
Means for determining whether or not to provide content based on the remaining frequency value returned from the frequency management device in response to the inquiry, and permitting transmission of distribution information including the content when possible;
Means for giving a frequency subtraction instruction to the frequency management device corresponding to the price of transmission of the distribution information;
A unit for giving an instruction for adding the purchased frequency to the frequency management device when a purchase operation for the frequency is performed by the access device;
The frequency management device is
A frequency storage means for storing a frequency usable by the access device in association with the access device;
A means for reading out the remaining value of the frequency of the corresponding access device from the frequency storage means and responding to the frequency inquiry;
Means for subtracting the stored frequency in accordance with the subtraction instruction;
Means for performing the process of adding the purchased frequency to the corresponding frequency stored in the frequency storage in accordance with the addition instruction;
Means for determining whether or not the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process has become zero;
A content distribution system comprising: means for notifying the access right management device of a request to delete the access right when the remaining value of the frequency after subtraction processing becomes zero . The frequency management device further comprises means for notifying the content management device of the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process,
16. The content distribution system according to claim 15, wherein the content management device further comprises means for notifying a corresponding access device of a residual value of the frequency after subtraction processing notified from the frequency management device. The frequency management device is
Means for determining whether or not the residual value of the frequency after the subtraction process has decreased below a certain value;
Means for notifying the content management device of insufficient frequency information when it is determined that the residual value of the frequency has decreased to a certain value or less;
The content management device includes:
17. The device according to claim 15, further comprising: a unit that rejects provision of content based on the notified frequency shortage information when a request for content acquisition is received from the access device. Content distribution system.

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