JP4585233B2 - A program that manages the transfer of digital content - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, a method, and a terminal for grasping a distribution route and a current location of digital content transmitted via a network or a broadcast.

  In recent years, the broadband Internet environment has progressed, and the number of broadband subscribers has been steadily increasing. This trend is expected to continue. Under such an environment, it is considered that the distribution of content by a P2P (Peer-To-Peer) file exchange system is spreading.

  As a digital content distribution method corresponding to this P2P file exchange system, means for holding an advertisement or content browsing history in metadata called “capsule”, information on usable content according to the content of the history, and There is a method for distributing content from a content distribution server in accordance with the use of an advertisement (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, as another digital content distribution method corresponding to the P2P file exchange system, the content includes a means for holding the browsing time and the browsing address as the browsing history of the content, and the history data each time the content is reproduced There is a method for grasping the distribution route of content by making a license inquiry to the distribution destination and collecting the history data by the content distribution server (see Non-Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-6513 A NTT Communications, “NetLeader”, [online], [Search April 16, 2004], Internet <URL: http://netleader.mtf.ntt.ocn.ne.jp/>

  According to the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, metadata called capsules can be distributed by P2P file exchange or the like. Therefore, the server can always grasp the content distribution destination. However, since the content is always distributed from the content distribution server to the user's terminal, the user cannot view the content on a terminal that is not connected to the network.

  According to the method shown in Non-Patent Document 1, it is possible to grasp a distribution route by collecting address data recorded in content. However, since the address data is recorded only when the content is reproduced, it is not possible to grasp the distribution route between the reproduction of the content and the next reproduction. Furthermore, the distribution route of the content is not collected until the license is issued when the content is played back, so the location of the content cannot always be grasped.

  In addition, when content is moved to a removable recording medium (for example, CD-R or DVD-R) or a terminal (for example, PDA) that is not always connected to the network, I can't figure out where.

The present invention relates to a communication medium that is communicably connected to one or a plurality of other terminals and / or a terminal that is connected to a recording medium that can record and replace data. Or a program for causing a processor to execute processing for managing transfer of digital content to and from the recording medium, and a content identifier for identifying the digital content when the digital content is transferred, and a transfer source terminal Or a procedure for generating a transfer record including a transfer source identifier for identifying the recording medium, a transfer destination identifier for identifying a transfer destination terminal or the recording medium, and a transfer time indicating a time at which the transfer is performed; the transfer recording, the transfer destination terminal, and transmitting to said transfer destination recording medium and / or said other terminal via the other terminal, prior to And a step of predicting a ratio of the number of times of successful connection to a number of times of trying to connect to a server that has distributed digital content, and the step of transmitting the transfer record includes a predetermined number of items in descending order of the ratio. The method includes a step of transmitting the transfer record to the other terminal .

  According to the present invention, the server can grasp the distribution route of the content regardless of whether the content is reproduced or not.

  Further, according to the present invention, the server can grasp the distribution route and the current location of content stored in a recording medium or a terminal that is not always connected to the network. Therefore, the server can grasp the distribution route and location of the content that has moved to the home appliance or PDA that is frequently turned off.

  Further, according to the present invention, the server can grasp statistical information related to content usage.

  Further, according to the present invention, the server can detect a copy that may have been made beyond the scope of private use.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the content is mainly video such as stream content, storage-type content, or broadcast content, but audio, music, video game software, general data, and any other content is assumed. Do not exclude.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a system for grasping a distribution route of contents according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The server 101 of the service provider includes a content distribution management unit 102 that manages distribution of content, a content distribution unit 103 that distributes content to a content receiving device, and a copyright protection unit 104 that has a DRM (Digital Rights Management) function. The copyright protection unit 104 encrypts the content to be distributed and issues a release key that can be decrypted only by the user who purchased the content.

  The server 101 distributes content to the content receiving device 105 via the communication medium 117 and receives metadata (described later) from the content receiving device 105.

  Further, the server 101 may transmit a data transfer unit 109, a metadata transfer unit 111, and a transfer recording unit 112, which will be described later, to the content receiving apparatus 105 via the communication medium 117.

  The content receiving device 105 includes a content receiving unit 106, a content reproduction unit 107, a copyright protection unit 108, a data transfer unit 109, a content storage unit 110, a metadata transfer unit 111, a transfer recording unit 112, and a media recording unit 113.

  The content receiving unit 106 receives encrypted content from the server 101.

  The content reproduction unit 107 transmits the content converted into HDCP (described later) or DTCP (described later) by the copyright protection unit 108 to the output device 114.

  The copyright protection unit 108 has a copyright protection function for data processed by the content receiving apparatus 105. Specifically, the copyright protection unit 108 uses the release key issued from the server 101 for the encrypted content received by the content reception unit 106 or the encrypted content stored in the content storage unit 110. To decrypt. Next, the decrypted content is converted into HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection), CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media), or the like, and the content reproduction unit 107 and the data transfer unit 109 Alternatively, it is passed to the media recording unit 113.

  Here, HDCP is for encrypting uncompressed digital video, DTCP is for encrypting a connection to a digital home appliance, and CPRM is recorded on a medium such as a DVD-RAM. It protects your data. Further, the copyright protection unit 108 prohibits the movement or copying of content unless the transfer recording unit 112 creates metadata to be transferred by the metadata transfer unit 111.

  The data transfer unit 109 transmits data encrypted by DTCP to a digital home appliance (not shown), the portable terminal 115, or the like.

  The content storage unit 110 stores the received content in an encrypted state.

  The metadata transfer unit 111 transmits the metadata recorded by the transfer recording unit 112 to another content receiving device (not shown) or the server 101.

  The transfer recording unit 112 generates a record of the situation in which the content is transferred (that is, transfer record) and records it as metadata.

  The media recording unit 113 records the content encrypted in the CPRM by the copyright protection unit 108 on the media 116 corresponding to the encryption.

  In the present embodiment, content receiving apparatus 105 includes means (not shown) for associating each content with a provided content ID. Here, as will be described later, the provided content ID is an identifier of each content and is recorded as a part of the metadata (see FIG. 11).

  When each content is stored in the content storage unit 110 as one or a plurality of files, this means is, for example, a table that associates a provided content ID with a file name.

  When the user designates the provided content ID and transfers the content to another terminal or medium 116, the data transfer unit 109 or the media recording unit 113 refers to the table and searches for a file name to be actually moved And transfer the file.

  In addition, when the user designates a file name and transfers the content to another terminal or medium 116, the transfer recording unit 112 refers to the table and determines the provided content ID of the content corresponding to the transferred file. Search and update the metadata including the provided content ID.

  The output device 114 is a device that provides content in a form that can be used by the user, and is, for example, a digital video display device.

  The mobile terminal 115 is a so-called personal digital assistant (PDA), is connected to the content receiving device 105 via a wired or wireless communication medium, and records the content transferred by the data transfer unit 109 in a built-in storage device (not shown). For example, even if the connection with the content receiving apparatus 105 is disconnected, the use of the content can be provided to the user.

  The medium 116 is a changeable recording medium, and is, for example, a DVD-RAM. Further, the medium 116 may be a memory card using a flash memory or the like.

  The communication medium 117 is a communication medium that enables communication between the server 101 and the content receiving apparatus 105, and is, for example, an IP network (Internet) or a television broadcast network. The communication medium 117 may be composed of a plurality of media. For example, the communication medium 117 when content is distributed from the server 101 to the content receiving apparatus 105 is a wired or wireless television broadcast network, and the communication medium when metadata is transferred from the content receiving apparatus 105 to the server 101. 117 may be the Internet.

  In this way, the server (service provider) distributes the content by recording that the content has been moved / copied from the content receiving device to another terminal or medium, and transferring the information to the server 101 as metadata. The route can be grasped in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a system that grasps the distribution route of content according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The server 101 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, a storage device 203, and a communication interface (I / F) 204.

  The processor 201 executes a program stored in the memory 202.

  The memory 202 stores a program executed by the processor 201. The content distribution management unit 102, the content distribution unit 103, and the copyright protection unit 104 are programs stored in the memory 202. The memory 202 may temporarily store data processed by these programs.

  The storage device 203 stores content to be provided to the content reception device 105. The storage device 203 is, for example, a hard disk device.

  The communication I / F 204 transmits / receives content and metadata to / from the content receiving apparatus 105 via the communication medium 117.

  The content receiving apparatus 105 includes a processor 205, a memory 206, a storage device 207, a communication I / F 208, an output I / F 209, a transfer I / F 210, and a media I / F 211.

  The processor 205 executes a program stored in the memory 206.

  The memory 206 stores a program executed by the processor 205. The content reception unit 106, the content reproduction unit 107, the copyright protection unit 108, the data transfer unit 109, the metadata transfer unit 111, the transfer recording unit 112, and the media recording unit 113 are programs stored in the memory 206. The data transfer unit 109, the metadata transfer unit 111, and the transfer recording unit 112 may be distributed by a medium such as a CD-ROM and installed in the memory 206, but may be received from the server 101 via the communication medium 117, It may be installed in the memory 206. The memory 206 may temporarily store data processed by these programs.

  The storage device 207 is a storage device that constitutes the content storage unit 110, and is, for example, a hard disk device. Further, the storage device 207 may be a flash memory or the like.

  The communication I / F 208 transmits and receives content and metadata to and from the server 101 via the communication medium 117. For example, when the communication medium 117 is the Internet, the communication I / F is a network interface. When the communication medium 117 is a television broadcasting network, the communication I / F is a wired or wireless communication device.

  The output I / F 209 outputs the content converted (decrypted) by the copyright protection unit 108 to the output device 114. For example, when the output device 114 is an image display device, the output I / F is a video card.

  The transfer I / F 210 outputs the content converted by the copyright protection unit 108 to the mobile terminal 115. The transfer I / F 210 is, for example, an IEEE 1394 interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface.

  The media I / F 211 outputs the content converted by the copyright protection unit 108 to the media 116. The media I / F 211 is, for example, an IDE interface or a USB interface.

  The content receiving apparatus 105 may include a plurality of communication I / Fs 208, output I / Fs 209, transfer I / Fs 210, and media I / Fs 211. In addition, the content receiving apparatus 105 may not include an unnecessary output I / F 209, transfer I / F 210, or media I / F 211.

  When the content receiving device 105 is a computer device, for example, the communication I / F 208 is a network interface connected to a LAN or an IP network, and the output I / F 209 is a video card connected to a display device. F210 is an IEEE 1394 interface, the storage device 207 is a hard disk device, and the media I / F 211 is an IDE interface and a DVD-RAM drive.

  When the content receiving device 105 is a DVD recorder, for example, the communication I / F 208 is a television broadcast receiver (tuner), the output I / F 209 is a video card connected to a display device, and the storage device 207 is It is a hard disk device, and the media I / F 211 is an IDE interface and a DVD-RAM drive. In this case, for example, the server 101 is a television broadcasting station, and the communication medium 117 is a wired or wireless broadcasting network. In this case, the communication medium for the content receiving apparatus 105 to transfer metadata (described later) to the server 101 may be the Internet.

  When the content receiving device 105 is a PDA device, for example, the communication I / F 208 is an IEEE 1394 interface, the output I / F 209 is a video chip connected to a built-in display device, and the transfer I / F 210 is an IEEE 1394 interface. The storage device 207 is a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory (for example, a flash memory), and the media I / F 211 is a memory card adapter.

  When the content receiving device 105 is a mobile phone, for example, the communication I / F 208 is a wireless signal receiving device, the output I / F 209 is a video chip connected to a built-in display device, and the storage device 207 is a semiconductor memory. (For example, a flash memory), and the media I / F 211 is a memory card adapter.

  When the content receiving device 105 is a game machine, for example, the communication I / F 208 is a network interface connected to a LAN or an IP network, the output I / F 209 is a video card connected to a display device, and the storage device 207. Is a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory (for example, a flash memory).

  When the content receiving device 105 is a game machine, the server 101 may distribute game software as content to the content receiving device 105.

  When the content receiving device 105 is an in-vehicle content providing device, for example, the communication I / F 208 is a wireless signal receiving device, the output I / F 209 is a video chip connected to the built-in display device, and the transfer I / F 210 is The wireless signal transmission device, and the storage device 207 is a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory (for example, a flash memory).

  When the content receiving device 105 is an in-vehicle content providing device, the server 101 may distribute road map information, road congestion information, and the like as content to the content receiving device 105. In this case, the received content receiving device 105 may display the received content and allow the user to view the content, and may transfer the content to the content receiving device 105 installed in another nearby vehicle.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of transfer recording when the copy-once content according to the embodiment of this invention is recorded on a medium and moved.

  Here, the copy-once content refers to content that is allowed to be transferred only when the transfer source content is deleted after transfer. Hereinafter, the operation of transmitting content existing in a certain device or the like (including media) to another device or the like (including media) and creating a copy of the content to another device or the like that received the content is “transfer”. If the transfer source content is deleted after the transfer, the transfer is described as “move”. If the transfer source content is not deleted after the transfer, the transfer is described as “copy”. An operation in which the server (service provider) 101 transfers content to a content receiving device or the like is referred to as “distribution”. In the following, devices and the like that exchange contents and transfer records will be collectively referred to simply as “terminals”. That is, the server, the content receiving device, and the mobile terminal are a kind of “terminal”.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which the content C is distributed from the service provider S301 to the content receiving device A and moves to the content receiving device B via the medium M.

  The service provider S301 corresponds to the server 101 in FIG. 1, and sells and distributes content to the content receiving device.

  The content receiving device A302 corresponds to the content receiving device 105 in FIG.

  When the service provider S301 sells the content C to the content receiving device A302 and the content distribution unit 103 distributes the content C encrypted by the copyright protection unit 104, the content distribution management unit 102 stores the sales record 304 in the memory 202 or the storage device. Save to 203. The sales record 304 includes an ID for identifying the content C, a time T1 when the content is transferred, and addresses of the transfer source S and the transfer destination A.

  For example, the display “C, T1: S → A” of the sales record 304 indicates that “the content C is distributed from the service provider S301 at time T1 and received by the content receiving device A302”. On the other hand, for example, the display “C, T3: B ← M” of the transfer record 309 indicates that “the content C is moved from the medium M306 at the time T3 and received by the content receiving device B303”. Here, “C” is an identifier for uniquely identifying the content C. “S”, “A”, “B”, and “M” are addresses of the service provider S301, the content receiving device A302, the content receiving device B303, and the medium M306, respectively. Identify.

  On the other hand, in the content receiving device A302, a record for receiving the content C is generated. FIG. 3 shows a case where the content receiving apparatus A302 moves the purchased content C to the medium M305.

  The content receiving unit 106 of the content receiving device A302 receives the content C via the communication I / F and stores it in the storage device 207. Next, the media recording unit 113 of the content receiving device A302 transfers the content C to the media M305 via the media I / F 211. At this time, the transfer recording unit 112 transfers the transfer record 307 “C, T2: A including the transfer source address“ A ”, the transfer destination address“ M ”, the ID“ C ”for identifying the content, and the transfer time“ T2 ”. → M "is generated. The transfer record 307 is content C metadata.

  The transfer record 307 is recorded in the memory 206 or the storage device 207 of the content receiving device A302. Further, the transfer record 307 is transmitted to the media M 305 by the metadata transfer unit 111 via the media I / F 211 and recorded as the transfer record 308. The transfer record 307 is transferred by the metadata transfer unit 111 toward the service provider S301. The procedure for transferring the transfer record to the service provider (server) will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In this example, since the content C is a copy-once license, copying without deleting the transfer source is prohibited, but movement for deleting the transfer source is permitted. Accordingly, the content C is deleted from the content receiving device A302, and only the transfer record 307 remains.

  When the content C and the transfer record 307 are transferred to the medium M305, the copyright protection unit 108 performs processing for converting the content C and the like into CPRM and the like.

  In addition, until the content C is transferred to the medium M305, the content C stored in the storage device 207 can be output to the output device 114 and used. At this time, the copyright protection unit 108 performs processing such as descrambling, and the content reproduction unit 107 outputs the content C to the output device 114 via the output I / F 209.

  When the transfer record 307 is transferred to the service provider S301 as the transfer record 310, the service provider S301 can grasp that the content C has been transferred in the order of S → A → M.

  Next, the medium M305 is moved to the content receiving device B303 (media M306). The content receiving device B303 generates a transfer record 309 when the content C is moved from the medium M306 to the content storage unit 110 of the content receiving device B303. The transfer record 309 “C, T3: B ← M” includes an ID “C” for identifying content, a transfer source address “M”, a transfer destination address “B”, and a transfer time “T3”. When the transfer record 309 is transferred to the service provider S301 as the transfer record 311, the service provider S301 can grasp that the content C has been transferred in the order of S → A → M (312).

  Further, the content receiving device B303 may receive (that is, read) the transfer record 308 from the medium M306 and transfer it to the service provider S301. As a result, even when the transfer record 307 is not transferred from the content receiving device A302 to the service provider S301, the service provider S301 can recognize that the content C has been transferred in the order of S → A → M.

  As described above, even when the content is moved from the content receiving device to the medium, and the content is moved to another content receiving device by moving the medium itself, the service provider also distributes the content and the current location of the content. Can be grasped.

  Next, a case where content moves from a service provider via a content receiving device and a portable terminal will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the mobile terminal may be connected to a local network to communicate with a content receiving device in the network, or may be disconnected from the local network and used alone.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of transfer recording when the copy-once content according to the embodiment of this invention moves to the mobile terminal via the content receiving device.

  When the copy once content C is sold from the service provider S301 to the content receiving device A302, the sales record 304 remains in the service provider S301 as described in FIG. Further, when the content C moves to the portable terminal M1 (401), the transfer record 403 is recorded in the content receiving device A302, and the transfer record 404 indicating that the content is accepted is recorded in the portable terminal M1 (401).

  At this time, the content C is transferred by the data transfer unit 109 to the portable terminal M1 (401) via the transfer I / F 210.

  The transfer record 403 is transferred from the content receiving apparatus A302 to the service provider S301 via the communication I / F 208 by the metadata transfer unit 111. The transfer record 404 is transferred to the service provider S301 via the content receiver A302 when the portable terminal M1 (401) is connected to the content receiver A302 via the network. Further, when the portable terminal M1 (401) is connected to the content receiving device B303 via a network, it is transferred to the service provider S301 via the content receiving device B303 (407). When the mobile terminal M1 (401) is connected to the mobile terminal M2 (402) and the mobile terminal M2 (402) is connected to the content receiving device B303 via a network, the mobile terminal M2 (402) and the content receiving device The data is transferred to the service provider S301 via B303 (406, 407). If there is a transfer record having the same contents as the transfer record 405 in which the transfer record 403 is transferred to the service provider S301 and the transfer record 408 in which the transfer record 407 is transferred to the service provider S301, the service provider S301 is either Is adopted. As a result, the service provider S301 can grasp that the distribution route of the content C is S → A → M1 (409), and the current location of the content C is the mobile terminal M1 (401).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of transfer recording when the copy-once content according to the embodiment of this invention moves between portable terminals.

  When the content C moves from the portable terminal M1 (401) to the portable terminal M2 (402), a transfer record 501 and a transfer record 504 are generated in each portable terminal. When the portable terminal M1 (401) is connected to the content receiving device A302 via the network, the transfer record 501 is transferred to the content receiving device A302 as the transfer record 502. The transfer record 502 is transferred to the service provider S301 as the transfer record 503.

  On the other hand, when the portable terminal M2 (402) is connected to the content receiving device B303 via the network, the transfer record 504 is transferred to the content receiving device B303 as the transfer record 505. The transfer record 505 is transferred as a transfer record 506 to the service provider S301.

  Since the portable terminals M1 and M2 are not always connected to the network, the transfer records 501 and 502 are not always transferred to the service provider S301 immediately. However, since the same transfer record is recorded in the two mobile terminals, if one of the mobile terminals is connected to the network and one of the transfer records is transferred, the service provider S301 distributes M1 → M2. The route can be grasped (507).

  Note that either portable terminal may transfer the transfer record directly to the service provider S301 via the network.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of transfer recording when the copy-once content according to the embodiment of the present invention moves to the content receiving device through movement between portable terminals.

  When the content C moves from the portable terminal M2 (402) to the content receiving device B303, a transfer record 601 is generated in the portable terminal M2 (402), and a transfer record 605 is generated in the content receiving device B303. The transfer record 605 is transferred to the service provider S301 as the transfer record 606. The service provider S301 can grasp the distribution route of the content C as M2 → B from the transfer record 606 (607).

  Here, the portable terminal M2 (402) is connected to the portable terminal M1 (401) even when the transfer record 605 cannot be transferred to the service provider S301 for some reason, such as when the content receiving device B303 fails or is turned off for a long time. If there is, the transfer record 601 is transferred to the portable terminal M1 (401) as the transfer record 602. Furthermore, if the portable terminal M1 (401) is connected to the content receiving device A302, the transfer record 602 is transferred to the content receiving device A302 as the transfer record 603. If the content receiving device A302 transfers the transfer record 603 to the service provider S301 as the transfer record 604, the service provider S301 can also grasp the distribution route of the content C as M2 → B from the transfer record 604 (607).

  As described above, even when the content moves from the content receiving device to the mobile terminal, and further when the content moves between mobile terminals that are not always connected to the network, the service provider can change the content distribution route and the current The location of In addition, when each mobile terminal or content receiving device embeds data such as content audience rating in the transfer record and aggregates the data every time the content moves, the service provider obtains the result of the audience rating data in the distribution channel. Can be obtained.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of transfer recording when the copyable content according to the embodiment of the present invention is copied to the portable terminal via the content receiving device.

  The method of grasping the distribution channel when copying copyable content is basically the same as that for copy-once content. However, the transfer record includes information in which the content remains at the transfer source. In some cases, copyright protection by encryption is not added to the content itself.

  Specifically, when copyable content C is copied from content receiving device A302 to portable terminal M1 (401), transfer record 703 “C, T2: A, A → M1”, transfer record 704 “C, T2” : A, M1 ← A ”is generated. Here, the transfer record “C, T2: A, A → M1” indicates that “content C was transmitted to M1 while being left at A at time T2 (that is, copied)”. Thereby, it is understood that the content C exists in both the content receiving device A302 and the portable terminal M1 (401) when the transfer at the time T2 is completed.

  The transfer record 703 is transferred to the service provider S301 as the transfer record 705, and the transfer record 704 is transferred to the service provider S301 as the transfer record 708 via the content reception device B303 (707). The service provider S301 transfers the content C to the portable terminal M1 (401) via the content receiving device A302 by the transfer record 705 or the transfer record 708, and currently stores it in the content receiving device A302 and the portable terminal M1 (401). (709).

  As described above, even when content is copied from the content receiving device to the mobile terminal, the service provider can grasp all the distribution routes and the current location of the content.

  Even when the content is copied from the content receiving device to the medium, the service provider can grasp the distribution route by similarly transferring the transfer record.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of transfer recording when copyable content according to the embodiment of the present invention is copied from a mobile terminal to a plurality of content receiving apparatuses.

  Here, the portable terminal M1 (801) is the same as the portable terminal M1 (401) of FIG. In FIG. 8, the content C is copied from the content receiving device A302 to the portable terminal M1 (801) as a starting point, and the copyable content C is transferred from the portable terminal M1 (801) to the content receiving device X802 and the content receiving device Y803. And the case where it copied sequentially to the content receiver Z804 is shown.

  Initially, “C, T2: A, M1 ← A” is recorded as the transfer record 805 in the portable terminal M1 (801).

  When the content C is copied from the mobile terminal M1 (801) to the content receiving device X802, the mobile terminal M1 (801) generates a transfer record “C, T3: M1, M1 → X” and adds it to the transfer record 805. Is done. On the other hand, a transfer record 805 (that is, “C, T2: A, M1 ← A”) just before the content C is copied is transferred to the content receiving device X802, and the transfer record “C, T3: M1, X ← M1 ”is generated, and these transfer records are recorded as transfer records 806.

  Next, when the content C is copied from the portable terminal M1 (801) to the content receiving device Y803, the portable terminal M1 (801) generates a transfer record “C, T4: M1, M1 → Y” and transfers the record. Added to 805. On the other hand, the transfer record 805 (that is, “C, T2: A, M1 ← A” and “C, T3: M1, M1 → X”) immediately before the content C is copied is transferred to the content receiving device Y803. At the same time, transfer records “C, T4: M1, Y ← M1” are generated, and these transfer records are recorded as transfer records 807.

  Furthermore, when the content C is copied from the portable terminal M1 (801) to the content receiving device Z804, the transfer record is generated and transferred in the same manner. As a result, the content receiving device Z804 stores the transfer record 808 (that is, , “C, T2: A, M1 ← A”, “C, T3: M1, M1 → X”, “C, T4: M1, M1 → Y” and “C, T5: M1, Z ← M1”) To be recorded.

  The transfer record 809 of the service provider S301 is obtained by deleting an overlapping portion from the transfer records transferred from the content receiving devices X, Y, and Z. By referring to the transfer record 809, the service provider S301 can grasp that the content C sold to the content receiving device A302 has been copied from the portable terminal M1 (801) to the content receiving devices X802, Y803, and Z804. it can.

  As described above, when the service provider S301 grasps that a large amount of content has been copied, the service provider S301 determines that there is a possibility that the content receiving device A302 or the portable terminal M1 (801) has infringed the copyright. be able to. Moreover, if it is found that the content receiving devices X802, Y803, and Z804 are in a different home from the home where the content receiving device A302 is installed based on other information, the scope of private use of the copyrighted work It can be determined that the image was copied beyond the limit.

  On the other hand, when the content C is recommended to be copied in large quantities, it is possible to grasp the terminals that have contributed to the promotion of the content distribution by the large amount of copying. As a result, the administrator of the service provider S301 can distribute coupon points and the like corresponding to the degree of contribution to the users of the terminals.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of transfer record erasure data according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The transfer record recorded on the content receiving device, the portable terminal or the medium becomes unnecessary after the transfer record or the transfer record of the same content is transferred to the service provider. For this reason, the service provider transfers an instruction to delete the transfer record having the same content as the already acquired transfer record from the other device to the other device.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which the service provider S301 that acquired the transfer records 405 and 408 in FIG. 4 deletes transfer records that are no longer needed.

  When the service provider S301 acquires the transfer records 405 and 408, the service provider S301 generates transfer record deletion data 901 and sends it to a content receiving apparatus or the like in which the transfer record to be deleted is recorded.

  The transfer record erasure data 901 includes an expiration date of the transfer record erasure data 901 itself and information designating an erasure target. The erasure data 901 “Delete, Td: C, T2” has the transfer record erasure data itself having an expiration date of “Td”, a content ID designated as an erasure target, and a transfer time designated as an erasure target. The upper limit of “T2” is indicated. In other words, the transfer record erasure data 901 is a transfer record whose content ID is “C” and whose transfer time is before “T2”, and when the time Td has passed, the transfer record erasure data 901 (and The transfer record erasure data 901 generated by another device or the like by the transfer record erasure data 901 being transferred is erased.

  In FIG. 9, transfer record erase data 902, 903, 904, 905 and 906 are transfer record erase data generated by transferring the transfer record erase data 901 to each device. FIG. 9 shows that the transfer record erasure data has been transferred along the route 901 → 902 → 903 → 906 and the route 901 → 905 → 906.

  In the content receiving device or the like through which the transfer record deletion data has passed, the transfer record to be deleted is deleted. For example, the portable terminal M2 (402) to which the transfer record deletion data 906 has been transferred first compares “Td” with the current time to confirm that the transfer record deletion data 906 is within the expiration date, and In addition, the transfer record 904 whose content ID is “C” and whose transfer time is before “T2” is deleted. Next, the transfer record erasure data 906 is transferred to another device or the like. Here, if the portable terminal M2 (402) is not connected to a device other than the content receiving device B303, which is the transfer source of the transfer record deletion data 906, there is no transfer destination of the transfer record deletion data 906, so transfer The record erasure data 906 is held until the expiration date Td.

  However, each terminal does not have to delete the transfer record when there is a sufficient capacity of the memory or the storage device or when the transfer record is used for another purpose. This is because the transfer record is erased in order to prevent the capacity of the memory or the storage device of each terminal from being wasted due to the transfer record that has become unnecessary. Whether or not to actually delete the transfer record is left to each device or the like. For example, when using the transfer record 904 for content search or the like, the portable terminal M2 (402) does not have to delete the transfer record 904 after receiving the transfer record deletion data 906.

  In this way, each content is received by sending metadata (that is, transfer record erasure data) that gives permission to delete the same transfer record acquired by the service provider from each content receiving device or the like. A free capacity of a memory or a storage device such as a device can be secured.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of content location search when the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a home information device.

  When content provided from a home server is stored and used in a terminal, portable terminal, or media at home, it is difficult to search for the content that you want to use manually if the number of terminals and media increases. become. FIG. 10 shows a method for inquiring the home server to find out where the content that the user wants to use exists, such as a terminal or media that he / she owns.

  In the home 1000, as an information device, a home server H1001 that stores the content C1, a terminal A1002 that stores the content C5, a mobile terminal M11003 that stores the content C2, a medium M21004 that stores the content C3, and a medium that stores the content C4 There is M3 (1005). Further, the content location data 1006 is recorded in the home server H1001. This is generated by the home server H1001 having the same function as the content distribution management unit 102 in FIG. 1 and performing the content distribution management shown in FIGS.

  Here, for example, the user of the terminal A 1002 issues a search request 1007 for the content C3. The search request 1007 is transmitted to the home server H1001 via a network (not shown). The home server H1001 searches the content location data 1006 for the content C3 and returns a search result indicating that the content is in the medium M2 to the terminal A1002. Terminal A 1002 presents the search result to the user. As a result, the user can know that the content C3 exists in the medium M2.

  If the content to be searched is stored only in another terminal (not shown) connected via the network, the search result is presented to the user, and the content itself is moved via the network. It can also be played back by the terminal A1007.

  The search target content is searched by various methods such as a file name search by keyword, a full-text search for explanatory text, or a search specifying a path of a hierarchical structure of a predetermined category classification. Also good.

  In this way, not only devices connected to the network, but also content stored in mobile devices that are not always connected to the media or network, It is possible to inform the location by making an inquiry.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of transfer recording according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The transfer record data group 1100 has a data structure in the case of storing a plurality of transfer records, and includes a data number 1101 and a transfer record data block 1102 that continues by that number.

  The transfer record data block 1102 includes a block length 1103 indicating the size of the entire transfer record data block, a metadata ID 1104 that uniquely identifies the transfer record, a provided content ID 1105 that identifies the sold content, and a time when the transfer was performed. Transfer time 1106 to be recorded, transmission / reception flag 1107 indicating whether the content has been received, transmitted, or transmitted with a copy remaining, a transfer source address 1108 indicating the content transfer source, and a transfer indicating the content transfer destination The destination address 1109 and the transfer path 1110 of the transfer record data itself are included.

  Here, the metadata ID 1104 does not change when it is generated by the content receiving device to which the content is distributed from the service provider and transferred from the content receiving device to another terminal or the like. The metadata ID 1104 may be, for example, a hash value generated from values from the provided content ID 1105 to the transfer destination address 1109 when the content is distributed from the service provider. Further, the metadata ID 1104 may include information indicating that the data string following the metadata ID 1104 is the transfer recording data block 1102.

  When transferring the transfer record itself, the transfer record data block 1102 to be transferred is cut out from the transfer record data group 1100 and transferred according to a distribution route related to the content indicated by the transfer record data block 1102.

  The transfer record data transfer path 1110 is mainly used for transferring erase data of transfer record data.

  The actual data format of the transfer record data group 1100 and each transfer record data block 1102 may be binary data, but may be implemented in a format that assumes standardization such as XML or MPEG-21 based on XML.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the data structure of the provided content ID 1105, the transfer source address 1108, and the transfer destination address 1109 according to the embodiment of this invention shown in FIG.

  The provided content ID 1105 includes a block length 1201 indicating the data size of the provided content ID 1105, a provider ID 1202 that identifies the provider of the content (for example, a provider that sold the content), and a purchaser that identifies the purchaser. It is composed of an ID 1203, a content ID 1204 for identifying content distributed in the market, and a content description text 1205 including text describing the content, a category to which the content belongs, other content and attribute information related to the user.

  Among these, the content ID 1204 may include a serial number for distinguishing the distribution of each content from the service provider S301 to each content receiving device, in addition to the information for identifying the content distributed in the market. For example, when one terminal purchases the same content multiple times, or when one terminal purchases one content and the same content is transferred from another terminal, a plurality of the same content is stored in one terminal. Is done. In such a case, each content is identified by the serial number.

  When analyzing the acquired transfer record data block, the service provider S301 can distinguish and grasp distribution routes of a plurality of identical contents stored in one terminal by referring to the serial number. However, in order to identify the same content in this way, the license of each content needs to be copy-once.

  The transfer source address 1108 includes a block length 1211 indicating the data size of the transfer source address 1108, a format flag 1212 indicating the format of the ID data 1214, an explanatory text 1213 describing the address itself, and ID data indicating the address of the transfer source 1214.

  The format flag 1212 specifies whether the ID data 1214 is a URL specifying a location on the network, a folder hierarchical structure, or a medium. When the format flag 1212 specifies a URL, the ID data 1214 stores a URL starting with http: or the like. Similarly, when the format flag 1212 designates the hierarchical structure of the folder, the ID data 1214 stores the path name of the file. When the format flag 1212 designates the medium, the ID data 1214 distinguishes the media. The media ID to be stored is stored.

  The format flag 1212 may specify a URL, a hierarchical structure of folders, or a medium other than media, and the ID data 1214 includes information indicating a transfer source address other than the URL, file path name, or media ID. It may be stored.

  In the explanatory text 1213, information on the terminal indicated by the transfer source address 1108 is stored. For example, the description text 1213 stores the place where the media is usually stored, the date when it was first used, text data that the user explicitly entered in the terminal or media, and the like.

  The data structure of the transfer destination address 1109 is the same as that of the transfer source address 1108. However, the format flag 1212 of the transfer destination address 1109 may include an erasure code (not shown). The erasure code is a specific code written in the format flag 1212 by a terminal when the terminal erases the content.

  When the deletion code is written in the format flag 1212 of the acquired transfer record data block 1102, the service provider S 301 determines that the content specified by the content ID 1105 has been deleted at the terminal specified by the transfer source address 1108. .

  The terminal that has deleted the content can acquire the same content from the service provider S again if the content license has not been lost.

  In this way, information necessary for grasping the location and distribution route of content or searching for the location of content can be expressed as a data structure.

  In addition, the terminal embeds viewing rate data such as the number of times the user has viewed this content, time, etc. in the content description text 1205, or data such as usage frequency if the content is game software, and other statistical data. Can also be updated. The service provider can collect statistical data such as audience ratings regarding the content by acquiring and analyzing the data.

  Similarly, the service provider can obtain the information about the distribution route by acquiring the explanatory text 1213 and analyzing the information of the terminal stored therein.

  In this manner, the service provider can analyze the acquired transfer record data block and grasp the information about the audience rating of the content and the distribution route. Further, the service provider can sell the information grasped in this way to a content provider (content holder).

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the data structure of transfer record erasure data according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The transfer record erasure data 1300 includes a metadata ID 1301 for identifying metadata, an expiration date 1302 of the transfer record erasure data 1300, a data number 1303 indicating the number of erasure target blocks 1304 included in the transfer record erasure data 1300, and an erasure target. Configured by block 1304.

  The metadata ID 1301 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the transfer record deletion data 1300. Further, the metadata ID 1301 may include information indicating that the data string following the metadata ID 1301 is the transfer record erasure data 1300.

  There are two types of erasure target blocks 1304. One is an erasure target block 1304 (time mode) that designates transfer records by the provided content ID and the upper limit of the transfer time, and the other is an erasure target block that directly designates transfer records to be erased by the metadata ID. 1304 (metadata ID mode).

  The erasure target block 1304 in the time mode is a block length 1305 indicating the data size of the erasure target block 1304, and the erasure target block 1304 is in the time mode (that is, transfer recording is designated by the provided content ID and the upper limit of the transfer time. ), A deletion content tag 1306 indicating that the transfer record is to be deleted, and an upper limit time 1308 indicating the upper limit of the transfer time of the transfer record to be deleted.

  Here, the provided content ID 1307 designates the provided content ID 1105 of the transfer record to be erased.

  In the device or the like that has received the transfer record deletion data 1300 including the block to be deleted 1304 in the time mode, the transfer record data block 1102 in which the provided content ID 1105 is the same as the provided content ID 1307 and the transfer time 1106 is the upper limit time 1308 or earlier. Erase.

  The erasure target block 1304 in the metadata ID mode has a block length 1305 indicating the data size of the erasure target block 1304, and the erasure target block 1304 is in the metadata ID mode (that is, the transfer record of the erasure target is recorded by the metadata ID). Erasing type tag 1306 indicating that the data is directly designated) and the metadata ID 1309 of the transfer record to be erased.

  Here, the metadata ID 1309 designates the metadata ID 1104 of the transfer record to be erased.

  A device or the like that has received the transfer record deletion data 1300 including the deletion target block 1304 in the metadata ID mode deletes the transfer record data block 1102 whose metadata ID 1104 is the same as the metadata ID 1309.

  In this way, information necessary for erasing transfer record data recorded in each content receiving device or terminal is expressed as a data structure of transfer record erasure data.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a metadata structure indicating the location of content, which is generated by aggregating distribution route information according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The location metadata 1400 is data generated from the acquired transfer record by the service provider S301 in FIG. 3 and the home server 1001 in FIG. 10, and includes information indicating the location of the content distributed by itself. Content location data 1006 in FIG. 10 is information included in the location metadata 1400.

  The location metadata 1400 is recorded for each metadata ID 1401, creation time 1402 indicating the creation time of the location metadata 1400, data number 1403 indicating the number of location data blocks 1404 included in the location metadata 1400, and content. Are located data block 1404.

  The metadata ID 1401 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the location metadata 1400. Further, the metadata ID 1401 may include information indicating that the data string following the metadata ID 1401 is the location metadata 1400.

  The location data block 1404 includes a provided content ID 1405 for identifying the content indicated by the location data block 1404, search data 1406 used for search and data designation as a virtual directory, and the time when the content is transferred to the current location. A reception time 1407 and an address 1408 indicating the location of the content.

  Here, the data structure of the provided content ID 1405 is the same as the provided content ID 1105 (FIG. 12).

  The search data 1406 is data added to improve the convenience when the user searches for content. For example, the type of content (for example, movies, music, sports, etc.), the creator of the content, the performer, etc. , Including text information that is assumed to be used as a keyword when the user searches for content. The search data 1406 may be set by the user himself / herself, may be set by a distribution source when content is distributed, or may be set by information acquired via the Internet or the like.

  The data structure of the address 1408 is the same as the transfer source address 1108 (FIG. 12).

  The procedure for acquiring the reception time 1407 and the address 1408 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The location metadata 1400 expresses the data structure of data used when searching for content and information for storing the location of the content as a search result.

  FIG. 15 is a PAD diagram showing a procedure of content transfer processing from the content storage unit to the medium according to the embodiment of this invention.

  In the content movement process 1501, when the content is moved from the storage (content storage unit 110) to the medium 116, the media recording unit 113 cooperates with the copyright protection unit 108, the metadata transfer unit 111, and the transfer recording unit 112. This is a process to be executed (FIG. 1).

  The content transfer process 1501 is called mainly when the content is given a copy-once license. Even in the case of a license with a copy number limit of 2 or more, it may be called if it is desired to move.

  When the content movement processing 1501 starts, it is determined whether or not the movement target medium 116 corresponds to the movement to be executed (1502). For example, when the copyright protection function is CRPM, it is determined whether or not the medium 116 is a DVD-RAM or DVD-RW corresponding to the CRPM. If it is determined that the content does not correspond, the content cannot be moved to the medium 116, so an error message is displayed (1503), and the content movement processing 1501 is stopped (1504).

  If it is determined in step 1502 that it corresponds, a part of the data encrypted by DRM or the like is read from the storage (content storage unit 110) (1506), the encrypted data is decrypted (1507), and the medium 116 is read. (1508) and recording on the media 116 (1509). Steps 1506 to 1509 are repeated until the entire content data is recorded on the medium 116 (1505). Note that the decryption and re-encryption of encryption are executed by the media recording unit 113 calling the copyright protection unit 108.

  The reason why the data is read out part by part and moved in this way is to prevent the unencrypted complete content from appearing on the storage even for a moment.

  Next, the encrypted data of the read content is deleted from the storage (1510).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the movement of the content data has been completed normally (1511). If the transfer is completed normally, transfer record data is generated and recorded (1512). Next, transfer processing of transfer record data is performed (1513). The transfer processing of transfer record data will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The generation and recording of the transfer record data is executed when the media recording unit 113 calls the transfer recording unit 112, and the transfer record data is transferred when the media recording unit 113 calls the metadata transfer unit 111. The

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not all of the content transfer processing 1501 has been normally completed (1514). If the content transfer processing 1501 has not been completed normally, processing for canceling the content transfer processing 1501 is performed (1515).

  In this manner, content transfer processing from the storage to the medium is executed, and transfer record data is generated and transferred.

  Note that the media recording unit 113 may move the data received by the content receiving unit 106 (FIG. 1) directly to the media 116.

  Also, when the data transfer unit 109 moves content to the mobile terminal 115 or another content receiving device 105 connected to the communication medium 117, the same processing as in FIG. 15 is performed. In this case, for example, DTCP is used as the copyright protection function. In step 1502, it is confirmed whether or not the content transfer target is a DTCP compatible device. In step 1508, the decrypted data is encrypted by DTCP. In step 1509, the encrypted data is moved to the portable terminal 115 or other content receiving device 105.

  FIG. 16 is a PAD diagram showing a procedure of content copying processing from the content storage unit to the medium according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The content copying process 1601 is a process executed by the media recording unit 113 in cooperation with the metadata transfer unit 111 and the transfer recording unit 112 when copying content from the storage (content storage unit 110) to the medium 116 ( FIG. 1).

  The content copying process 1601 is called when copying content for which unlimited copying is permitted from the storage to the medium 116.

  If the content has a license with a limited number of copies and the number of copies is within the limit, the processing of FIG. 15 is executed. However, if the copy count management is added to the processing of FIG. 15 and the copy count is within the limit, step 1510 is not executed.

  FIG. 16 shows the procedure for copying content that is not specifically copyright protected.

  When the content copying process 1601 starts, first, the presence / absence of a media ID is confirmed (1602). Although the media ID may be used for copyright protection, in this embodiment, the media ID is used to generate transfer record data. If there is no media ID, the content cannot be moved to the media 116, so an error message is displayed (1603), and the content copying process 1601 is stopped (1604).

  If there is a media ID, a part of the unencrypted data is read from the storage (1606) and recorded on the media 116 (1607). Steps 1606 to 1607 are repeated until all the content data is recorded on the medium 116 (1605). In step 1606, the entire content data may be read at once and recorded on the medium 116.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the copying of the content data has been completed normally (1608). If the transfer is completed normally, transfer record data is generated and recorded (1609). Next, transfer processing of transfer record data is performed (1610). The transfer processing of transfer record data will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The generation and recording of the transfer record data is executed when the media recording unit 113 calls the transfer recording unit 112, and the transfer record data is transferred when the media recording unit 113 calls the metadata transfer unit 111. The

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not all of the content copying process 1601 has been normally completed (1611). If not, the content copying process 1601 is canceled (1612).

  In this way, the content copying process from the storage to the medium is executed, and the transfer record data is generated and transferred.

  Note that when the data transfer unit 109 copies content to the portable terminal 115 or another content receiving device 105 connected to the communication medium 117, the same processing as in FIG. 16 is performed. In this case, in step 1602, it is confirmed whether or not there is a terminal ID or device ID for identifying a content movement target. In step 1607, the content is copied to the portable terminal 115 or another content receiving device 105.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a connectivity data group storing information indicating the connectivity to the service provider server according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The connectivity data group 1701 is stored in each terminal and used when the metadata transfer unit 111 transfers the transfer record to another terminal. Here, the “terminal” is a concept including the content receiving device 105, the mobile terminal 115, and the server 101.

  If each terminal can directly communicate with the server 101, the transfer record is directly transferred to the server 101. However, if direct communication with the server 101 is not possible, the transfer record is transferred to another terminal. At this time, if the transfer record can be transferred to a plurality of terminals, it is desirable to select and transfer a terminal that is easier to connect to the server 101. The server connection degree is a numerical value indicating the ease of connection to the server, and the larger this numerical value, the easier it is to connect to the server. The connectivity data group 1701 stores server connectivity and information necessary for calculating server connectivity, and is used to select a transfer destination terminal when the metadata transfer unit 111 transfers a transfer record. Referenced.

  The connectivity data group 1701 includes a data number 1702 and a connectivity data block 1703.

  The number of data 1702 indicates the number of connectivity data blocks 1703 included in the connectivity data group 1701.

  The connectivity data block 1703 is provided for each other terminal that has a record of direct connection with the terminal (the terminal) in which the connectivity data group 1701 is stored, and passes through the address 1704 of the other terminal and the other terminal. The degree of connection 1705 with the terminal indicating the ease of connection to the server when the connection is made, the number of connections 1706 between the terminal and the other terminal, the number of connection attempts 1707 between the terminal and the other terminal, and the It is configured by a server connection degree 1708 indicating the ease of connection of another terminal itself to the server.

  FIG. 18 is a PAD diagram showing a procedure for examining and calculating the server connectivity according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The server connectivity check 1801 is executed by the metadata transfer unit 111 when the device (terminal) is started up, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing until the device (terminal) ends its operation (1802). For example, this investigation may be executed at a predetermined interval or may be executed in response to a request from the terminal.

  When the server connection degree survey 1801 starts, a terminal that can be connected to the terminal that performs the investigation or one of the terminals that has been connected in the past is selected, and whether or not the terminal can be connected is investigated (1804). . If the terminal is not connectable, another terminal is selected and the process returns to step 1804.

  If connection is possible, the connection count 1706 with the terminal and the connection attempt count 1707 with the terminal are each increased by 1 (1806).

  Next, it is investigated whether or not the terminal is a server (1807). If the terminal is a server, the server connection degree 1708 of the terminal is recorded as 1 (1808). On the other hand, if the terminal is not a server, a request is made to the terminal to obtain the maximum one of the degrees of connection 1705 with the terminals included in the terminal connectivity data group 1701 (server connectivity calculation 1821). The obtained value is recorded in the server connection degree 1708 with the terminal (1809), and the connection degree 1705 with the terminal is calculated from the server connection degree 1708, the terminal connection number 1706, and the terminal connection attempt number 1707. And update (1810). Specifically, first, the number of times of connection with a terminal 1706 is divided by the number of times of connection attempt with the terminal 1707 to calculate a connection rate with the terminal. Next, when the server connection degree 1708 of the terminal is not “0”, the server connection degree 1708 is multiplied by the connection rate with the terminal, and the result is set as the connection degree 1705 with the terminal. On the other hand, when the server connection degree 1708 is “0”, the connection rate with the terminal is multiplied by a predetermined value (for example, 0.05), and the result is set as the connection degree 1705 with the terminal.

  The above steps 1804 to 1810 are executed for all terminals (1803). Then, it waits until the next execution timing.

  The server connection degree calculation 1821 is executed by the metadata transfer unit 111 from the start of the device (terminal) until the device (terminal) finishes operation (1822).

  The server connectivity calculation 1821 waits for the request in step 1809 (1823). Upon receiving the request in step 1809, the maximum value of the connectivity 1705 with the terminal is retrieved from the connectivity data block 1703 related to the terminal other than the terminal that transmitted the request among the connectivity data blocks 1703 included in the connectivity data group 1701. (1824). Next, the maximum value of the degree of connection 1705 with the searched terminal is returned to the terminal that has made the request in Step 1809 (1825), and the process returns to the next request waiting state in Step 1809 (1823).

  After all, the degree of connection 1705 with a terminal calculated for a certain terminal is a predicted value (a server connection success rate) of the ratio of the number of successes to the number of trials when communication with the server is attempted via that terminal.

  That is, the procedure shown in FIG. 18 is a procedure of trying to connect to another terminal, a procedure of measuring the number of times of trying to connect to the other terminal and the number of times of successful connection to the other terminal, In the case where the connection rate is calculated by dividing the number of times the connection has been successful by the number of times the connection has been attempted, and when the other terminal is a server that has distributed digital content, the connection rate is determined as the other terminal. And when the other terminal is not the server, the other terminal further multiplies the server connection success rate calculated for the other terminal by the connection rate. A procedure for calculating a server connection success rate of another terminal, and a procedure for transmitting the transfer record to a predetermined number of the other terminals in descending order of the server connection success rate.

  With the above data structure and processing procedure, the server connectivity and the connectivity with each terminal can be investigated.

  FIG. 19 is a PAD diagram showing a procedure of transfer processing of transfer record data according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The transfer record data transfer process 1901 is called from step 1513 (FIG. 15) in the content transfer process 1501 or step 1610 (FIG. 16) in the content copy process 1601 and executed by the metadata transfer unit 111.

  When the transfer record data transfer process 1901 starts, a predetermined number (for example, three) of terminals are transferred and recorded in order from the terminal having the highest connection degree 1705 in the connection degree data block 1703 (FIG. 17). A data transfer destination is selected (1902).

  In step 1902, if the content transfer destination in the content transfer process 1501 or the content copy process 1601 that called the transfer record data transfer process 1901 is the medium 115, the medium 115 is added to the transfer destination of the transfer record data.

  Next, the following steps 1904 and 1905 are executed for the transfer destinations of all transfer record data selected in step 1902 (1903).

  First, if there is no transfer source address in the transfer record data transfer path 1110 (FIG. 11) for one of the selected transfer record data transfer destinations, the transfer source address is added (1904).

  Next, the transfer record data is transferred to the transfer destination of the transfer record data (1905).

  With the configurations of FIGS. 17 to 19, the connection degree to the server can be investigated, a terminal having a high connection degree to the server can be selected, and the transfer record data can be transferred to the selected terminal. As a result, the transfer record of the content can be reliably transferred to the server.

  17 to 19, the server may be a service provider server or a home server installed in a home.

  FIG. 20 is a PAD showing a processing procedure for the server that has acquired the transfer record data according to the embodiment of the present invention to grasp the distribution route of the content.

  The distribution route grasping process 2001 is a process executed by the content distribution management unit 102 (FIG. 1).

  When the distribution route grasping process 2001 is started, the provision content ID is first prepared (2002). That is, all provided content IDs 1105 included in all acquired transfer record data are listed. However, the duplicate provided content ID 1105 is omitted.

  Next, the following steps 2004 to 2011 are executed for all provided content IDs 1105 listed in step 2002 (2003).

  First, for one provided content ID 1105, all transfer record data blocks 1102 having the provided content ID 1105 are collected (2004).

  Next, the transfer record data block 1102 having the same contents is deleted to eliminate duplication (2005).

  Next, the transfer record data block 1102 is rearranged in the order of the transfer time 1106 (2006).

  Next, a distribution route is generated by following the address of the rearranged transfer record data block 1102 (2007). That is, it is confirmed that the transfer destination address 1109 of the transfer record data block 1102 with the earliest transfer time 1106 and the transfer source address 1108 of the transfer record data block 1102 with the second earliest transfer time 1106 are the same. It is determined that the content related to the transfer record data block 1102 has been transferred to the transfer destination address 1109. Similarly, the transfer destination address 1109 and the transfer source address 1108 are collated in the order of the transfer time 1106. As a result, the transfer destination address 1109 and the transfer source address 1108 extracted in the order of the transfer time 1106 are the reproduced transfer paths of the content. The transfer destination address 1109 and transfer time 1106 of the transfer record data block 1102 with the latest transfer time 1106 are the current location of the content related to the transfer record data block 1102 (address 1408 in FIG. 14) and the content is currently Shows the time of transfer to the location (reception time 1407 in FIG. 14).

  Next, the generated transfer path is recorded in the transfer path 1110 of the transfer record data block 1102. Further, the search data 1406, the address 1408, and the reception time 1407 are recorded in the location data block 1404 in which the same provided content ID 1405 as the provided content ID 1105 is recorded (2008).

  Next, it is checked whether or not there is a portion where copying is performed from one terminal to a plurality of terminals in the generated transfer path (2009). For example, the transfer record data block 1102 collected for one provided content ID 1105 is further classified for each transfer source address 1108. Next, the number of transfer recording data blocks 1102 having the same transfer source address 1108 and different transfer destination addresses 1109 is counted. If the result of this count is greater than 1, there is a portion that is copied from one terminal to multiple terminals, so there is a possibility that copying beyond the scope of private use of the copyrighted work was performed. is there. Therefore, the provided content ID and the transfer route are separately recorded as routes copied to a plurality of terminals (2010).

  Next, a process of sending the erasure data 1300 of the transfer record data to the transfer source terminal of the acquired transfer record data block 1102 is performed (2011).

  In this way, the server that acquired the transfer record data can grasp the distribution route (transfer route) of the content, and understand how the content is distributed and in what form it is currently held. In addition, it is possible to detect use that may have been copied beyond the scope of private use of the copyrighted work. However, in practice, in order to confirm that it is out of the scope of private use, it is necessary to confirm that the transfer destination is outside the home by another method. Further, it is possible to send data for deleting transfer record data that is no longer needed.

  The server can provide the content holder with the content transfer path information generated by the procedure of FIG. 20 for a fee. Here, the content holder refers to a company or an individual who owns or manages the copyright of the content (for example, a movie, music, etc.).

  For example, the server is entrusted with distribution of specific content from a content holder. That is, the server 101 receives the content transmitted from the content holder, records it in the storage device 203, and distributes it to the content receiving device 105. This content is transferred from the content receiving device 105 to another content receiving device 105. Similarly, the content is sequentially transferred to the plurality of content receiving devices 105.

  The server 101 acquires transfer record data created for each transfer, and generates transfer route information of the content according to the procedure described in FIG. Next, the server 101 transmits the generated transfer path information to the content holder in exchange for the consideration. For example, the server 101 may transmit the transfer route information to the content holder after confirming that the consideration has been paid. Here, the amount of consideration may be a fixed amount per information provision, or may be an amount substantially proportional to the amount of information to be provided.

  According to the present invention, the server can also grasp that content is stored in a terminal or a recording medium disconnected from the network (communication medium) and notify the content holder.

  In addition, the server can give a reward to a user who has transferred a copy of the content to a large number of users, based on the content transfer path information generated by the procedure of FIG. In this case, the content is, for example, content distributed with the expectation that many users will view and charge, or content that includes an advertisement distributed with the expectation that many users will view.

  The server grasps the terminals whose contents are copied to a plurality of terminals by the procedure of FIG. 20 (2009, 2010). Next, a reward is sent to a terminal (a user) whose contents are copied to a plurality of terminals. Here, the amount of remuneration (amount) may be an amount approximately proportional to the number of terminals that have copied the content.

  FIG. 21 is a PAD diagram showing a processing procedure for erasing transfer record data according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The transfer record data erasing process 2101 is executed by the transfer recording unit 112 when a terminal that transmits and receives transfer record data receives the erase data 1300 of the transfer record data in order to erase the transfer record data block 1102 that is no longer needed. Is done.

  When the transfer record data erasing process 2101 starts, erase data 1300 of the transfer record data is read (2102).

  Next, referring to the expiration date 1302 of the erasure data 1300, it is confirmed whether the erasure data 1300 is within the expiration date (2103). If it is not within the expiration date, the erased data 1300 itself is erased (2104), and the transfer record data erasing process 2101 is terminated (2105).

  On the other hand, if the erase data 1300 is within the expiration date, the transfer record data erase process 2101 is continued. That is, the following processing from step 2107 to 2113 is executed for all transfer recording data blocks 1102 recorded in the terminal (2106).

  First, it is determined for one transfer record data block 1102 whether or not the transfer record data block 1102 is an erasure target (2107 to 2111). That is, the erasure type tag 1306 of the erasure target block 1304 is referred to (2107), and in the metadata ID mode, the metadata ID 1104 of the transfer recording data block 1102 and the metadata ID 1309 of the erasure target block 1304 are the same. It is determined whether or not (2108). As a result, if they are not the same, the transfer record data block 1102 is not an erasure target, and the process returns to step 2107 to determine whether or not the next transfer record data block 1102 is an erasure target (2109).

  On the other hand, if it is the time mode in step 2107, the provided content ID 1105 and the transfer time 1106 are read from the transfer record data, the provided content ID 1105 is the same as the provided content ID 1308 of the erasure data 1300, and the transfer time 1106 is It is determined whether it is before the upper limit time 1308 (2110). As a result, if any of the conditions is not met, the transfer record data block 1102 is not an erasure target, and the process returns to step 2107 to determine whether or not the next transfer record data block 1102 is an erasure target. (2111).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2108 that the metadata ID is applicable, and if it is determined that the condition of step 2110 is satisfied, the transfer record data 1102 is an erasure target. The erase data is transferred to the transfer destination address 1109 of 1102 (2112), and the transfer record data is erased (2113).

  In this way, the terminal that has received the erase data of the transfer record data can transfer the erase data to another terminal while erasing unnecessary transfer record data.

  FIG. 22 is a PAD diagram showing a procedure of content search processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The content search processing 2201 shown in FIG. 22 is executed by the server when the server (eg, home server H1001) receives an inquiry about the location of the content from the terminal (eg, terminal A1002) (FIG. 10). Specifically, for example, when a user of a terminal specifies a keyword such as a title of a target content, a category, or the like and requests a search from the server, the server searches for the content in response to the request. The content search processing 2201 executed at this time will be described below.

  When the server receives a content search request from the terminal, the server starts content search processing 2201.

  First, it is determined whether or not the last address recording process 2008 for updating the address 1408 of the location metadata 1400 stored in the server has been performed (2202). When the final address recording process 2008 is performed, since there is a new final address, the content explanation text of the corresponding provided content ID is extracted (2203), the keyword index used for text search, the hierarchical structure of the data, An index such as a category is constructed according to the search method (2204).

  Next, the search request received from the terminal is read (2205), and the search by the index is executed (2206). At this time, full text search, keyword search, specification by hierarchy designation, or search by attributes such as a category is performed according to the search method.

  Next, each provided content ID corresponding to the search result and its final address are returned to the search requesting terminal (2207).

  In this manner, for example, the home server or the like can be searched for the location of the content whose location is unknown in the home.

  FIG. 23 is a PAD diagram illustrating a procedure of content usage rate aggregation processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  When the content is used at the terminal (for example, when the content is a movie, it is viewed), the content usage data totaling process 2301 is executed each time the usage ends. When the content usage data tabulation process 2301 starts, usage data is acquired from the provided content ID 1105 (2302).

  Here, the usage data is data stored in the content description text 1205, and includes statistical information regarding the usage of the content. In the present embodiment, the usage data includes the content usage count indicating the number of times the content has been used in the past, the content usage time indicating the cumulative amount of time the content has been used in the past, and the content. Content retention time indicating the time to date is included. In step 2302, if usage data is not stored in the content description text 1205, usage data with all values set to “0” is newly generated.

  Next, the content usage count is added once (2303). Next, the time when the content is used this time is added to the content usage time (2304). Next, the time from the last use of the content to the current time is added to the content holding time (2305). Next, the usage data of the provided content ID 1105 is updated to the data added in steps 2303 to 2305, and the content usage data totaling process 2301 is ended.

  On the other hand, the content usage rate totaling process 2310 is called by a server that counts content usage rates. The content usage rate totaling process 2310 may be executed by each terminal, but may also be executed by a server that acquires transfer record data, such as a home server or a service provider server.

  When the content usage rate totaling process 2310 starts, the provided content ID 1105 is classified for each content ID 1204 (2311).

  Next, the following steps 2313 and 2314 are executed for all content IDs 1204 (2312).

  First, usage data is extracted for one content ID 1204 (2313). That is, the usage data updated in step 2306 is extracted from the content explanation text 1205 of all the provided content IDs 1105 having the content ID 1204.

  Next, the extracted usage data is totaled (2314). For example, the total value of the extracted content usage count, content usage time, and content holding time is obtained.

  Next, usage statistics are calculated from the usage data tabulated at step 2314 (2315). For example, the content usage rate can be calculated by dividing the content usage time by the content holding time. In addition, the average usage time of content can be calculated by dividing the content usage time by the content usage count.

  Next, the usage statistics calculated in step 2315 are recorded and output (2316).

  In this way, the server can collect and collect statistical data such as the number of usages and usage time of the provided content, and calculate statistical information such as the usage rate of the content.

  Further, the server may provide the calculated statistical information to a customer (for example, an advertiser who places an advertisement on the content) in exchange for consideration. In this case, the server may send a bill for the price to the customer, confirm that the price has been paid, and then send the statistical information to the customer.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of terminal control data according to the embodiment of this invention.

  Terminal control data 2400 shown in FIG. 24 is data distributed by a terminal (mainly a service provider) in order to control other terminals.

  For example, in FIG. 8, the service provider S301 distributes the content C to the portable terminal M1 (801) together with a license that permits a predetermined number of copies. After that, when the service provider S301 grasps that the copying exceeding the predetermined number of times has been performed by the portable terminal M1 (801), the service provider S301 controls the portable terminal M1 (801) by distributing the terminal control data 2400. .

  Specifically, for example, a warning message may be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal M1 (801), and at the same time as the warning message is displayed, it is confirmed whether or not the user agrees not to copy any more. Also good. Further, the portable terminal M1 (801) may be controlled to prohibit further copying.

  In this case, a “consent” button is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal M1 (801) together with a message asking whether or not to agree to no further copying. When the user presses the button, Terminal control data 2400 including information indicating consent may be transferred from the portable terminal M1 (801) to the service provider S301. When the service provider S301 receives the terminal control data 2400, the service provider S301 distributes the terminal control data 2400 including a control code enabling copying to the portable terminal M1 (801). When the portable terminal M1 (801) receives the terminal control data 2400, the prohibition of copying is canceled and copying can be performed again.

  Further, the portable terminal M1 (801) may be connected to the service provider S301 to cancel the prohibition of copying online.

  The example in which the service provider S301 controls the portable terminal M1 (801) has been described above with reference to FIG. 8, but the service provider can similarly control other terminals.

  Next, the configuration of terminal control data 2400 will be described.

  The terminal control data 2400 includes a metadata ID 2401 for identifying metadata, an expiration date 2402 of the terminal control data 2400, a data number 2403 indicating the number of terminal control data blocks 2404 included in the terminal control data 2400, and a terminal control data block 2404.

  The metadata ID 2401 is an identifier for uniquely identifying the terminal control data 2400. Further, the metadata ID 2401 may include information indicating that the data string following the metadata ID 2401 is the terminal control data 2400.

  The terminal control data block 2404 includes a block length 2405 indicating the data size of the terminal control data block 2404, a control code 2406 indicating the content of control, a provided content ID 2407 indicating the content to be controlled, and the address of the terminal to be controlled. Terminal address 2408 shown.

  The control indicated by the control code 2406 is, for example, control for displaying a warning message on the terminal, control for prohibiting copying at the terminal, or control for permitting copying at the terminal. The control code 2406 may indicate other control or may include a message from the terminal to the other terminal (for example, a message agreeing not to perform further copying).

  The provided content ID 2407 is an identifier for specifying the content to be controlled (for example, the target for which copying is prohibited). If the content to be controlled is not specified, the value of the provided content ID 2407 is a code indicating “undefined”.

  The terminal that has received the terminal control data 2400 determines whether or not the terminal address 2408 of each terminal control data block 2404 matches the address of the terminal. If they match, it is determined that the terminal control data block has been transferred to the terminal, and the control indicated by the control code 2406 is executed for the content indicated by the provided content ID 2407.

  Thus, by transferring the terminal control data 2400, a terminal (mainly a service provider) can control other terminals.

  According to the present invention described above, the server can grasp the distribution route of the content regardless of whether the content is reproduced or not.

  Further, according to the present invention, the server can grasp the distribution route and the current location of content stored in a recording medium or a terminal that is not always connected to the network. Therefore, the server can track the distribution route and location of the content that has been moved to the recording medium removed from the home appliance or PDA, or the device that is frequently turned off, and can perform copyright management, charging, or remuneration.

  Further, according to the present invention, the server can grasp statistical information related to content usage, such as content usage rate.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the server can perform control such as permitting or prohibiting copying of content to the terminal.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in a content aggregate business that deposits content from a content holder, distributes content to consumers, and performs accounting processing. That is, according to the present invention, the content holder can grasp how the content is currently held and used, and can grasp the usage status of the content in a copyrighted server-type broadcasting service or the like. Can do.

  In addition, the present invention can be used for home digital devices. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital audio visual device in the home with a function of searching for content moved to media or a portable terminal.

It is a functional block diagram of the system which grasps | ascertains the distribution route of the content of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the hardware constitutions of the system which grasps | ascertains the distribution route of the content of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the transfer recording when the copy once content of embodiment of this invention is recorded on a medium, and moves. It is explanatory drawing of the transfer recording when the copy once content of embodiment of this invention moves to a portable terminal via a content receiver. It is explanatory drawing of the transfer recording when the copy once content of embodiment of this invention moves between portable terminals. It is explanatory drawing of the transfer recording when the copy once content of embodiment of this invention moves to a content receiver via the movement between portable terminals. It is explanatory drawing of the transfer recording when the copyable content of embodiment of this invention is copied to a portable terminal via a content receiver. It is explanatory drawing of the transfer recording when the copyable content of embodiment of this invention is copied from a portable terminal to several content receivers. It is explanatory drawing of the transfer recording erasure | elimination data of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the search of the location of the content at the time of applying embodiment of this invention to the information equipment in a home. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of the transfer recording of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of provision content ID of the embodiment of this invention, a transfer source address, and a transfer destination address. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of the transfer recording erasure | elimination data of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the structure of the metadata which shows the location of the content produced | generated by totaling the distribution channel information of embodiment of this invention. It is a PAD figure which shows the procedure of the content movement process from the content storage part of embodiment of this invention to a medium. FIG. 10 is a PAD diagram showing a procedure of content copying processing from the content storage unit to the medium according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the connectivity data group which stores the information which shows the connectivity to the server of the service provider of embodiment of this invention. It is a PAD figure which shows the procedure of the investigation and calculation of a server connectivity of embodiment of this invention. It is a PAD figure which shows the procedure of the transfer processing of the transfer recording data of embodiment of this invention. It is a PAD figure which shows the procedure of the process in which the server which acquired the transfer record data of embodiment of this invention grasps | ascertains the distribution route of content. It is a PAD figure which shows the procedure of the process which erases the transfer recording data of embodiment of this invention. It is a PAD figure which shows the procedure of the search process of the content of embodiment of this invention. It is a PAD figure which shows the procedure of the total process of the content usage rate of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of the terminal control data of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 server (service provider)
102 content distribution management unit 103 content distribution unit 104, 108 copyright protection unit 105 content reception device 106 content reception unit 107 content reproduction unit 109 data transfer unit 110 content protection unit 111 metadata transfer unit 112 transfer recording unit 113 media recording unit 114 Output device 115 Portable terminal 116 Media 117 Communication medium 201, 205 Processor 202, 206 Memory 203, 207 Storage device 204, 208 Communication I / F
209 Output I / F
210 Transfer I / F
211 Media I / F
301 Service Provider S
302 Content receiving apparatus A
303 Content receiving device B
305, 306 Media M
401, 801, 1003 Mobile terminal M1
402 Mobile terminal M2
802 Content receiving device X
803 Content receiving device Y
804 Content receiving device Z
1001 Home server H
1002 Terminal A
1004 Media M2
1005 Media M3

Claims (2)

In a terminal connected to a communication medium and / or a recording medium capable of recording and switching data, which is communicably connected to one or a plurality of other terminals, the terminal and the other terminal and / or the recording medium A program for causing a processor to execute processing for managing the transfer of digital content between and
When the digital content is transferred, a content identifier for identifying the digital content, a transfer source identifier for identifying the transfer source terminal or the recording medium, and a transfer destination identifier for identifying the transfer destination terminal or the recording medium Generating a transfer record including a transfer time indicating a time at which the transfer is performed;
Transmitting the transfer record to the transfer destination terminal, the transfer destination recording medium and / or the other terminal;
A step of predicting a ratio of the number of times of successful connection to the number of times of trying to connect to the server that has delivered the digital content via the other terminal,
The program for transmitting the transfer record includes a procedure for transmitting the transfer record to a predetermined number of the other terminals in descending order of the ratio. The procedure for predicting the ratio of the number of times the connection is successful includes a procedure for trying to connect to the other terminal, a number of times of trying to connect to the other terminal, and a number of times of successfully connecting to the other terminal. A procedure for calculating a connection rate obtained by dividing the number of successful connections by the number of times the connection has been attempted, and when the other terminal is a server that has delivered the digital content, the connection The server connection success rate calculated for the other terminal and the server connection calculated by the other terminal for the other terminal if the other terminal is not the server that delivered the digital content. Multiplying the success rate by the connection rate to calculate the server connection success rate of the other terminal, and
The procedure for transmitting the transfer records in descending order of the ratio includes transmitting the transfer records to a predetermined number of the other terminals in descending order of the server connection success rate. The listed program.

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