JP4950594B2 - Content distribution system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system for downloading copyrighted content from a server device to a client device by a streaming method.

  In recent years, services for downloading rich content such as audio content from a server device to a mobile client device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) have begun to spread. In a client device that uses this type of service, for example, downloaded content is temporarily stored in a memory, and the content is read from the memory and played according to a user's playback operation. Some contents are provided with rights information in order to protect copyrights and the like. The right information includes, for example, the number of reproductions. In this case, each time the content is played once, the number of times is counted. When the count value of this number reaches the upper limit value, subsequent playback is restricted.

However, when the client device is a mobile terminal, the content playback is forcibly stopped if an incoming call occurs during playback, the battery runs out, or the alarm sound generation function is activated. For this reason, simply limiting the number of reproductions is not preferable because the number of reproductions is counted up even though the reproduction of the content is not completely completed. Therefore, in the past, if an unforeseen event such as an incoming call or battery exhaustion occurred during content playback, and the content playback was forcibly stopped by this, the count of the number of playbacks was prohibited. Techniques have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-167787 A

  However, such a conventionally proposed method is not effective in the following cases. That is, the content distribution method includes a method that employs streaming in addition to a method that stores and plays back downloaded content. This method employing streaming reproduces content while downloading it from the server device by streaming. For this reason, it is expected that a transmission error occurs due to deterioration of the communication environment or the like during content download. However, since the conventional technique does not assume this point, the reproduction count prohibition process for such a transmission error is not performed.

  On the other hand, as a method for protecting the copyright of the content that is streamed, the Open Mobile Alliance Digital Rights Management V2.0 (hereinafter referred to as OMA DRM V2.0) defines the following method. That is, when streaming the content, the client device first acquires a streaming token from the server device, then starts a streaming session and acquires a streaming header. Then, the right information is acquired from the server device. At this time, the server device performs billing processing for content download. Next, the client device downloads the content from the server device by streaming and plays it back.

  That is, the copyright protection method for streaming playback stipulated in the OMA DRM V2.0 performs billing processing in the server device before downloading the content by streaming. For this reason, if a transmission error occurs due to deterioration of the communication environment or the like during content download, charging is unconditionally performed. That is, even in this method, appropriate billing processing is not performed.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is in the case where content download has been hindered due to factors on the network side when the content is downloaded and played by the streaming method. Another object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution system in which inappropriate charging processing or right consumption processing is not performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content comprising a server device that manages content to which rights information is assigned, and a client device that can be connected to the server device via a communication network. In the distribution system, the execution status of the download of the content is monitored by the client device while the content is being downloaded from the server device by the streaming method. Then, in either one of the client device and the server device, the download execution status monitoring result is compared with a predetermined charging condition to determine whether the download execution status monitoring result satisfies the charging condition. Based on the determination result, the server device performs a billing process for the content download.

  Therefore, only when the content is downloaded with quality satisfying a certain charging condition, the server device performs charging processing. On the other hand, during streaming playback, for example, a transmission error occurs in the downloaded content due to deterioration of the communication environment, and the charging condition If it is no longer satisfied, the charging process is not performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that inappropriate charging processing is performed on content whose quality has deteriorated.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system in which a client device obtains right information and the like with a server device via a proxy server device, and execution of downloading of the content during a streaming playback period of the content The status is monitored by the client device, and the monitoring result of the download execution status is compared with a predetermined charging condition in either the client device or the proxy server device, and the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition It is determined whether or not to do. Based on the determination result, the proxy server device performs a billing process for the content download.

  Accordingly, also in this case, if a transmission error occurs in the download content due to a network-side factor during streaming reproduction and the charging condition is not satisfied, the charging process is not performed in the proxy server device. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that inappropriate charging processing is performed on content whose quality has deteriorated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a server device that manages content to which right information is given, and a client device that can be connected to the server device via a communication network. Thus, during the streaming playback period of the content, the execution status of the content download is monitored, the monitoring result is compared with a predetermined right consumption condition, and the execution status monitoring result satisfies the right consumption condition. It is determined whether or not. Based on the determination result, a parameter indicating the remaining consumption amount of the right information given to the download content is controlled.

  Therefore, only when content is downloaded with a quality that satisfies certain rights consumption conditions, the client device performs processing to reduce the remaining amount of rights consumed. On the other hand, during streaming playback, for example, it is transmitted to the downloaded content as the communication environment deteriorates When an error occurs and the right consumption condition is not satisfied, the process for reducing the remaining consumption amount of the right is not performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that inappropriate right consumption processing is performed on content whose quality has deteriorated.

In short, in the present invention, during the streaming playback period of the content, the execution status of the download of the content is monitored by the client device, the monitoring result is compared with a predetermined charging condition or right consumption condition, and Only when it is determined that the monitoring result satisfies the charging condition or the right consumption condition, the charging process or the right consumption process for downloading the content is performed.
Therefore, according to the present invention, when content is downloaded by the streaming method and played back, if the content download is hindered due to network factors, improper billing processing or right consumption processing is performed. It is possible to provide a content distribution system that does not exist.

(First embodiment)
In a content distribution system including a content distribution server as a server device and a mobile terminal as a client device, the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to download the content during a period in which the content is downloaded from the content distribution server by a streaming method. Monitor the download execution status of the mobile phone. Then, after the download is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is compared with the charging condition acquired in advance from the content distribution server by the mobile terminal, and it is determined whether the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition. Only when it is determined and satisfied that the content distribution server performs billing processing and right consumption processing.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a content distribution server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a content distribution server CSV, and a plurality of portable terminals MS1 to MSn can be connected to the content distribution server CSV via a communication network NW.

  The communication network NW includes, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) network represented by the Internet and a plurality of access networks for accessing the IP network. As the access network, for example, a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or a wired subscriber network using an optical transmission line, a LAN, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a mobile communication network, or a dedicated line network is used.

  The content distribution server CSV includes a web server having a content issuer portal function CIP, a streaming processing service function SS, and a right issuer portal function RIP. Configured. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration.

  That is, the content distribution server CSV has a central processing unit (CPU) 11, which has a program memory 13, a data memory 14, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 15 via a bus 12. An input / output interface (input / output I / F) 16 is connected.

  Among these, the data memory 14 includes a content storage area, a right information storage area, a user information area, and a control information storage area. Content to be distributed is stored in the content storage area. In the right information storage area, right information given to the content stored in the content storage area is stored. In the user information area, user personal information of the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn that are users of the content distribution service provided by the present system is stored. Information indicating predetermined charging conditions is stored in the control information storage area.

As the charging condition, for example, the following can be considered.
Condition 1: If the user intentionally terminates abnormally (end of call, battery removal, etc.) during the content download period by streaming, the user is charged.
Condition 2: Even if the user intentionally terminates abnormally during the content download period by streaming, the user is not charged if it is within a certain period after the download is started.
Condition 3: When an abnormal termination occurs due to an error caused by the network side (content quality unachieved, etc.) during the content download period by streaming, it is not charged.
Condition 4: When an abnormal termination occurs due to an error caused by the network side, if the number of times is within a preset number of times, it is not charged, and if it exceeds the set number of times, it is charged.

  The communication I / F 15 performs communication for distributing content by streaming with the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn via the communication network NW under the control of the CPU 11. An input device 17 composed of a keyboard and a mouse and a display device 18 such as a liquid crystal display are connected to the input / output I / F 16. The input / output I / F 16 captures operation information input from the input device 17 and causes the display device 18 to display display data under the control of the CPU 11.

The program memory 13A stores a content issuance acceptance control program 131, a streaming processing program 132, and a right issuance acceptance control program 133 as application programs necessary for realizing the first embodiment of the present invention. Yes.
The content issuance acceptance control program 131 is for realizing the above-mentioned content issuance acceptance (Content Issuer Portal) function CIP, accepts a data selection request transmitted from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn, returns a streaming token, and charges The CPU 11 is caused to execute a process of reading information representing a condition from the data memory 14 and transmitting the information to the requesting mobile terminals MS1 to MSn.

  The streaming processing program 132 is for realizing the above streaming processing (Streaming Service) function SS, and returns a stream header in response to a session start request from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn, and also from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn. The CPU 11 is caused to execute processing for downloading the encrypted content in response to the download start request.

  The right issue acceptance control program 133 is for realizing the right issuer portal (Right Issuer Portal) function RIP, and collates user information sent from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn with user personal information stored in the data memory 14. Then, when the user's conditions are satisfied, the CPU 11 is caused to execute a process of reading the right information given to the content to be distributed from the data memory 14 and transmitting it to the requesting mobile terminal. In addition, when the right information is transmitted, a charging process is not performed, and when a content end status including information indicating whether charging is possible is sent from the mobile terminal, charging is performed based on the information indicating whether charging is possible. The CPU 11 is caused to execute.

On the other hand, the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn are configured as follows. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration.
That is, a radio signal transmitted from the communication network NW is received by the antenna 21, further demodulated by the radio unit 22, converted into a baseband signal, and then input to the baseband unit 23A. The baseband unit 23A includes a control unit 31A, an audio codec 32, a video codec 33, and a memory 34. Of these, the control unit 31A is configured by a microcomputer, and the audio codec 32 and the video codec 33 are configured by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 34 is constituted by a flash memory, for example, and is used for storing control data and the like necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal.

  The audio codec 32 decodes the received audio content and outputs it from the speaker 42 of the user interface unit 24 in the content reception / playback mode. In the call mode, the transmission signal output from the microphone 41 of the user interface unit 24 is encoded and output to the control unit 31A, and the received reception voice data is decoded and output from the speaker 42 as a loud voice.

  The video codec 33 decodes the received video content and displays it on the display unit 44 of the user interface unit 24 in the content reception / playback mode. In the videophone mode, the transmission video signal output from the camera 43 of the user interface unit 24 is encoded and output to the control unit 31A, and the received video data is decoded and displayed on the display unit 44. .

The control unit 31A includes, as functions necessary for realizing the first embodiment of the present invention, a charging condition acquisition control unit 311, a download status monitoring unit 312, a charging availability determination processing unit 313, and a right consumption processing unit. 314.
When acquiring the streaming token from the content distribution server CSV, the charging condition acquisition control unit 311 acquires information representing the charging condition and stores it in the memory 34 at the same time.

  The download status monitoring unit 312 monitors the download status, for example, whether the content has been normally received during the period in which the content is downloaded from the content distribution server CSV, and the factors in the case where the content has not been received normally. To do. Specifically, the packet loss rate, delay time rate, and received data error rate of the downloaded content are detected, and whether or not the content has been successfully received is determined by comparing the detection result with a threshold value. . Further, it is determined that the factor in this case is the deterioration of network quality.

  The chargeability determination processing unit 313 compares the download condition monitoring result detected by the download condition monitoring unit 312 with the charge condition acquired by the charge condition acquisition control unit 311 after the download of the content by streaming is completed, It is determined whether or not the download status monitoring result satisfies the charging condition. Then, information indicating whether or not charging corresponding to the determination result is transmitted to the content distribution server CSV together with the content end status.

  The right consumption processing unit 314 determines that the chargeability determination processing unit 313 determines that the monitoring result of the download status satisfies the charging condition and sends a charging end status from the content distribution server CSV to the content. Perform consumption processing of the granted rights. For example, when the rights information defines the number of times of reproduction, the number of times of reproduction is counted up or the remaining number of times of reproduction is reduced.

  Next, the content distribution operation in the content distribution system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation sequence and operation contents. Here, a case where the mobile terminal MS1 downloads content from the content distribution server CSV by streaming and reproduces it will be described as an example.

  When the user performs a content selection operation on the mobile terminal MS1, the mobile terminal MS1 detects this operation in step S41 and transmits a data selection request to the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, when the content distribution server CSV accepts the data selection request by the content issuance acceptance function CIP, the content distribution server CSV returns a streaming token and reads information representing the charging condition from the data memory 14 and transmits it to the requesting mobile terminal MS1. To do. The portable terminal MS1 receives the streaming token and information indicating the charging condition in step S42.

  Subsequently, the mobile terminal MS1 executes processing for establishing a streaming session in step S43. As a result, a session start request is transmitted from the mobile terminal MS1 to the content distribution server CSV. When receiving the session start request by the streaming processing function SS, the content distribution server CSV transmits a stream header to the requesting mobile terminal MS1. The portable terminal MS1 receives the stream header at step S44.

  Next, processing for transmitting the right information (Rights) given to the selected content from the content distribution server CSV to the mobile terminal MS1 is performed between the mobile terminal MS1 and the content distribution server CSV. That is, portable terminal MS1 transmits user information in step S45. On the other hand, when the content distribution server CSV receives the user information, after confirming the user by the right issue acceptance function RIP, the content distribution server CSV reads out the corresponding right information from the data memory 14, and transmits this right information to the portable terminal MS1. At this time, the content distribution server CSV does not perform billing processing. The portable terminal MS1 receives the right information in step S46 and stores it in the memory 34.

  Subsequently, streaming processing is performed between the mobile terminal MS1 and the content distribution server CSV. That is, the mobile terminal MS1 starts a content download process in step S47. Then, a download request is sent from the mobile terminal MS1 to the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, the content distribution server CSV downloads content by the streaming processing function SS. The portable terminal MS1 receives and plays back the downloaded content in step S48. During the download of the content, the portable terminal MS1 monitors the town road status, that is, whether or not the content has been normally received in step S49. If the signal cannot be normally received, the factor is detected.

  Now, when the download of the content is completed, the mobile terminal MS1 proceeds from step S50 to step S51, and the chargeability determination processing unit 313 determines whether or not charge is possible. That is, the monitoring result of the download status detected in step S49 is compared with the charging condition received in step S46, and it is determined whether or not the monitoring result of the download status satisfies the charging condition. Then, information indicating whether or not charging corresponding to this determination result (billing control information) is transmitted to the content distribution server CSV together with the content end status. On the other hand, when the content distribution server CSV receives the content end status and the billing control information, the right issue acceptance function RIP executes billing processing according to the billing control information in step S53.

  For example, it is assumed that the download of the content has been completed without interruption to the end. This download situation satisfies the conditions set as the accounting conditions. For this reason, charging control information indicating that charging is possible is sent from the mobile terminal MS1 to the content distribution server CSV. As a result, the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV charges for the download of the content in step S53.

  On the other hand, for example, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of content download, the user of the mobile terminal MS1 intentionally performs an end operation or removes the battery, or the stream is deteriorated due to deterioration in communication quality of the communication network NW. Is interrupted. The download situation in this case does not satisfy the accounting conditions exemplified above. For this reason, charging control information indicating that charging is not possible is transmitted from the mobile terminal MS1 to the content distribution server CSV. As a result, the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV does not charge for the download of the content in step S53.

  When the billing process ends, the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV transmits a billing end status to the mobile terminal MS1. On the other hand, when the portable terminal MS1 receives the billing end status, the portable terminal MS1 performs a right consumption process based on the billing determination result performed in step S51. For example, if billing is possible, in step S54, the number of times the content has been played is counted up, or the remaining number of times that can be played is reduced by one. On the other hand, if charging is not possible, the process is terminated without performing the right consumption process in step S54.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the download execution status of the content is monitored by the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn during the period in which the content is downloaded from the content distribution server CSV by streaming. Then, after the download is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is compared with the charging condition acquired in advance from the content distribution server CSV in the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn, and whether the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition Determine whether or not. Only when it is determined that the content is satisfied as a result of the determination, the content distribution server CSV performs the charging process and the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn perform the right consumption process.

  Accordingly, only when the content is downloaded with quality satisfying the charging condition, the content distribution server CSV performs the charging process, and the portable terminals MS1 to MSn perform the right consumption process. On the other hand, during streaming playback, for example, the user of the mobile terminal intentionally performed a termination operation or battery removal after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of content download, or the communication quality of the communication network NW has deteriorated. If a transmission error occurs and the charging condition is not satisfied, the charging process is not performed and the right consumption process is not performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that improper billing processing is performed for download of content whose quality has deteriorated, and there is no fear that rights are consumed inappropriately.

(Second Embodiment)
In a content distribution system including a content distribution server as a server device and a mobile terminal as a client device, the second embodiment of the present invention is configured to download the content during a period in which the content is downloaded from the content distribution server by a streaming method. The execution status of the download is monitored by the mobile terminal, and after the download is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is notified from the mobile terminal to the content distribution server. On the other hand, the content distribution server compares the notified monitoring result with the charging condition acquired in advance from the mobile terminal, and determines whether the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition. Only when it is determined, the content distribution server performs the billing process, and the mobile terminal performs the charge consumption process.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution server CSV used in the content distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
In the program memory 13B, in addition to the content issuance acceptance control program 131, the streaming processing program 132, and the right issuance acceptance control program 133 as application programs necessary for realizing the second embodiment of the present invention, a chargeability determination is made. A program 134 is newly stored.

  The chargeability determination program 134 causes the CPU 11 to execute the following processing. That is, first, information indicating a charging condition is received from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn prior to downloading the content. On the other hand, after the download of the content is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is received from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn. Then, the received download status monitoring result is compared with the charging condition to determine whether or not the download execution status monitoring result satisfies the charging condition, and only when it is determined to satisfy the charging process I do.

On the other hand, the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn are configured as follows. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
The control unit 31B includes a download status monitoring unit 312, a right consumption processing unit 314, and a monitoring result notification control unit 315 as functions necessary to realize the second embodiment of the present invention.
Among these, the monitoring result notification control unit 315 transmits information indicating the monitoring result of the download status obtained by the download status monitoring unit 312 during the download of the content to the content distribution server CSV after the download of the content is completed. Execute.

  Next, the content distribution operation in the content distribution system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation sequence and the operation content. In the figure, steps having the same processing contents as those in FIG.

  When the user performs a content selection operation on the mobile terminal MS1, the mobile terminal MS1 detects this operation in step S71 and transmits a data selection request to the content distribution server CSV. At the same time, information indicating the preset charging conditions is transmitted to the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, when the information indicating the data selection request and the charging condition is sent, the content distribution server CSV receives the information indicating the charging condition in step S72 and stores it in the data memory 14. Then, the status is notified from the right issuance acceptance function RIP to the content issuance acceptance function CIP, and the streaming token is returned from the content issuance acceptance function CIP to the mobile terminal MS1 that is the transmission source. The portable terminal MS1 receives the streaming token at step S73. Thus, the content distribution server CSV acquires the charging conditions from the mobile terminal MS1 prior to downloading the content.

  Subsequently, the mobile terminal MS1 executes processing for establishing a streaming session in step S43. As a result, a session start request is transmitted from the mobile terminal MS1 to the content distribution server CSV. When receiving the session start request by the streaming processing function SS, the content distribution server CSV transmits a stream header to the requesting mobile terminal MS1. The portable terminal MS1 receives the stream header at step S44.

  Next, processing for transmitting the right information (Rights) given to the selected content from the content distribution server CSV to the mobile terminal MS1 is performed between the mobile terminal MS1 and the content distribution server CSV. That is, portable terminal MS1 transmits user information in step S45. On the other hand, when the content distribution server CSV receives the user information, after confirming the user by the right issue acceptance function RIP, the content distribution server CSV reads out the corresponding right information from the data memory 14, and transmits this right information to the portable terminal MS1. At this time, the content distribution server CSV does not perform billing processing. The portable terminal MS1 receives the right information in step S46 and stores it in the memory 34.

  Subsequently, streaming processing is performed between the mobile terminal MS1 and the content distribution server CSV. That is, the mobile terminal MS1 starts a content download process in step S47. Then, a download request is sent from the mobile terminal MS1 to the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, the content distribution server CSV downloads content by the streaming processing function SS. The portable terminal MS1 receives and plays back the downloaded content in step S48. During the download of the content, the portable terminal MS1 monitors the town road status, that is, whether or not the content has been normally received in step S49. If the signal cannot be normally received, the factor is detected.

  When the download of the content is completed, the mobile terminal MS1 proceeds from step S50 to step S74, where information representing the monitoring result of the content download status obtained by the monitoring in step S49 is sent to the content distribution server CSV. Send. On the other hand, when the content distribution server CSV receives the information indicating the download status monitoring result, the right issue acceptance function RIP determines whether or not charging is possible in step S75. That is, the received monitoring result of the download status is compared with the charging condition acquired in advance in step S72, and it is determined whether or not the monitoring result of the download status satisfies the charging condition. Based on the determination result, a charging process is executed in step S76.

  For example, when the download of the content is completed without interruption, the charging condition is satisfied, so the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV charges for the download of the content. On the other hand, for example, assume that the user of the mobile terminal MS1 intentionally performs a termination operation or removes the battery during the content download period, or the stream is interrupted due to deterioration in communication quality of the communication network NW. Since the download status in this case does not satisfy the charging conditions exemplified above, the right issue acceptance function RIP does not charge for downloading the content.

  When the charging process ends, the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV transmits a charging end status to the mobile terminal MS1. On the other hand, when the mobile terminal MS1 receives the charging end status, the mobile terminal MS1 determines that the right can be consumed and counts up the number of times the content has been reproduced in step S77, or reduces the remaining number of reproduction by one. . On the other hand, if the charging end status is not received, it is determined that the right cannot be consumed, and the processing is ended without performing the right consumption processing.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the download execution status is monitored by the mobile terminal MS1 during the period when the content is being downloaded, and the monitoring result is notified to the content distribution server CSV after the download is completed. Then, the content distribution server CSV compares the notified monitoring result with the charging condition acquired in advance, and determines whether or not the download execution status monitoring result satisfies the charging condition. As a result of the determination, only when it is determined that the content is satisfied, the content distribution server CSV performs the charging process, and the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn perform the right consumption process.

Therefore, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, charging processing is performed by the content distribution server CSV only when the content is downloaded with quality satisfying the charging condition, and further, the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn Rights consumption processing is performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that improper billing processing is performed for download of content whose quality has deteriorated, and to prevent inappropriate consumption of rights.
Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the content distribution server CSV performs a determination process as to whether or not the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition. For this reason, the processing load of portable terminal MS1-MSn can be reduced.

(Third embodiment)
According to a third embodiment of the present invention, in a content distribution system including a content distribution server as a server device, a mobile terminal as a client device, and a proxy server acting on behalf of acquisition of right information, streaming from the content distribution server. The content download execution status is monitored by the mobile terminal during the period in which the content is downloaded by the method. Then, after the download is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is compared with the charging condition acquired in advance from the content distribution server by the mobile terminal, and it is determined whether the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition. judge. Subsequently, the proxy server notifies the proxy server of information indicating whether or not charging corresponding to the determination result, and the proxy server performs a charging process by giving a charging request to the content distribution server when the notified information is chargeable. It was made to let you.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a content distribution server according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
The content distribution system of this embodiment includes a content distribution server CSV and a proxy server PSV, and exchanges rights information between the content distribution server CSV and the plurality of mobile terminals MS1 to MSn via the proxy server PSV. It is a thing.

  The proxy server PSV is configured as follows. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration. That is, the proxy server PSV has a central processing unit (CPU) 51, which is connected to a program memory 53, a data memory 54, a communication interface (communication I / F) 55 via a bus 52. An input / output interface (input / output I / F) 56 is connected.

Among these, the data memory 54 has a user information area. In the user information area, user personal information of the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn that are users of the content distribution service provided by the present system is stored.
Under the control of the CPU 51, the communication I / F 55 performs communication for right information transmission and billing control with the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn and the content distribution server CSV via the communication network NW. To the input / output I / F 56, an input device 57 including a keyboard and a mouse and a display device 58 such as a liquid crystal display are connected. The input / output I / F 56 takes in operation information input from the input device 57 and causes the display device 58 to display display data under the control of the CPU 51.

  The program memory 53A stores a right information acquisition control program 531 and a charge control program 532 as application programs necessary for realizing the third embodiment of the present invention.

  When user information is sent from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn, the right information acquisition control program 531 sends a right acquisition request to the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV. The CPU 51 is caused to execute a process of transferring the transmitted right information to the transmission source mobile terminals MS1 to MSn.

  When the accounting control information is sent together with the content end status from the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn, the accounting control program 532 sends an accounting request to the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV to perform accounting processing. Further, when a charging end status is transmitted from the right issue acceptance function RIP, the CPU 51 is caused to execute a process of transferring the charging end status to the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn.

  Next, the content distribution operation in the content distribution system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation sequence and operation contents. In the figure, steps having the same processing contents as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  A sequence in which the mobile terminal MS1 acquires a streaming token and a charging condition from the content issue / acceptance function CIP of the content distribution server CSV, and the mobile terminal MS1 sends a session start request to the streaming processing function SS of the content distribution server CSV to perform the streaming. The sequence for receiving the stream header from the processing function SS is the same as in the first embodiment.

  When receiving the stream header, the mobile terminal MS1 next transmits user information to the proxy server PSV in step S101. On the other hand, when the proxy server PSV receives the user information, it sends a right acquisition request to the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, the right issue acceptance function RIP performs user authentication of the requesting mobile terminal MS1 based on the user information, and if the right is confirmed, the right information is read from the data memory and sent to the proxy server PSV. Send. The proxy server PSV transfers the right information to the mobile terminal MS1 that is the user information transmission source. The portable terminal MS1 receives and stores the right information in step S102.

  When the acquisition of the right information is completed, the portable terminal MS1 subsequently executes the content download processing by streaming and the download status monitoring processing in steps S47 to S50. The details of the operation are described in the first embodiment. It is the same as described in.

  When the download of the content is completed, the mobile terminal MS1 proceeds to step S51, where the chargeability determination processing unit 313 executes chargeability determination processing. That is, the monitoring result of the download status detected in step S49 is compared with the charging condition received in step S46, and it is determined whether or not the monitoring result of the download status satisfies the charging condition. Then, information (billing control information) indicating whether or not charging corresponding to the determination result is transmitted to the proxy server PSV together with the content end status.

  When the charge control information is sent together with the content end status from the mobile terminal MS1, the proxy server PSV sends a charge request to the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV. The right issue acceptance function RIP performs a billing process in step S104 based on the billing control information. For example, if the charging control information indicates that “charging is possible”, the charging process is performed. On the other hand, if the charging control information indicates that “charging is not possible”, the charging process is not performed.

  When the above billing process is performed, the right issue acceptance function RIP returns a billing end status to the proxy server PSV. The proxy server PSV transfers the charging end status to the mobile terminal MS1. When the portable terminal MS1 receives the charging end status, the portable terminal MS1 executes processing for consuming the right in step S105. That is, the number of times the content has been reproduced is counted up, or the remaining number of reproducible times is reduced by one.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the period during which content is downloaded in the system that exchanges rights information between the content distribution server CSV and the plurality of mobile terminals MS1 to MSn via the proxy server PSV. The execution status of the download of the content is monitored by the mobile terminal MS1. Then, after the download is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is compared with the accounting conditions acquired in advance from the content distribution server CSV, and it is determined whether or not the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the accounting conditions. Then, information representing whether or not charging corresponding to the determination result is notified to the proxy server PSV, and the proxy server PSV performs a charging process by giving a charging request to the content distribution server CSV based on the notified information. I try to make it.

  Therefore, as in the first embodiment, only when the content is downloaded with quality satisfying the charging condition, the charging process is performed by the content distribution server CSV, and further, the consumption process of the right is performed by the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn. Done. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that inappropriate charging processing is performed when transmission quality deteriorates due to the communication network side, and inappropriate consumption of rights is also prevented. In addition, in this embodiment, since the acquisition of the rights information and the charging control are performed via the proxy server PSV, it is possible to improve the security for the handling of the rights and the accounting.

(Fourth embodiment)
According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in a content distribution system including a content distribution server as a server device, a mobile terminal as a client device, and a proxy server acting on behalf of acquisition of right information, streaming from the content distribution server. The content download execution status is monitored by the mobile terminal during the period in which the content is downloaded by the method. Then, after the download is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is notified to the surrogate server, and the monitoring result notified by the surrogate server is compared with the accounting condition acquired in advance from the mobile terminal, and the download execution status is monitored. It is determined whether or not the result satisfies the charging condition. As a result of this determination, only when it is determined that the content distribution server is satisfied, a charging request is given to the content distribution server to perform the charging process.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a proxy server PSV used in the content distribution system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
In the program memory 53B of the proxy server PSV, there are a right information acquisition control program 531, a charge control program 532, and a chargeability determination program 533 as application programs necessary for realizing the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Each is stored.

  Among these, the chargeability determination program 533 receives information indicating the monitoring result of the download execution status from the portable terminals MS1 to MSn, and compares the received monitoring result with the charging conditions acquired from the portable terminals MS1 to MSn in advance. Then, it is determined whether the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition. Then, only when it is determined that the content distribution server CSV is satisfied, the right issuance receiving function RIP of the content distribution server CSV is given a charging request to perform the charging process, and the mobile terminal MS1 to MSn performs the consumption process of the right. The CPU 51 is caused to execute a process of transferring the accounting end status returned from the issue acceptance function RIP to the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn.

  Next, a content distribution operation using the proxy server PSV configured as described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation sequence and the operation content. In the figure, steps having the same processing contents as those in FIGS. 4 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the user performs a content selection operation on the mobile terminal MS1, the mobile terminal MS1 detects this operation in step S71 and transmits a data selection request to the content distribution server CSV. At the same time, information indicating the preset charging conditions is transmitted to the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, when the content distribution server CSV is sent with the data selection request and information indicating the charging condition, the content issuance receiving function CIP transfers the information indicating the charging condition to the proxy server PSV. The proxy server PSV receives the transferred information representing the charging condition in step S121 and stores it in the data memory 54. Then, the status is notified to the content issuance acceptance function CIP of the content distribution server CSV. When the content issuance acceptance function CIP receives the above status, it returns a streaming token to the mobile terminal MS1 that is the transmission source. The portable terminal MS1 receives the streaming token at step S73.

  Subsequently, the mobile terminal MS1 executes processing for establishing a streaming session in step S43. As a result, a session start request is transmitted from the mobile terminal MS1 to the content distribution server CSV. When receiving the session start request by the streaming processing function SS, the content distribution server CSV transmits a stream header to the requesting mobile terminal MS1. The portable terminal MS1 receives the stream header at step S44.

When receiving the stream header, the mobile terminal MS1 next transmits user information to the proxy server PSV in step S122. On the other hand, when the proxy server PSV receives the user information, it sends a right acquisition request to the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, the right issue acceptance function RIP performs user authentication of the requesting mobile terminal MS1 based on the user information, and if the right is confirmed, the right information is read from the data memory and sent to the proxy server PSV. Send. The proxy server PSV transfers the right information to the mobile terminal MS1 that is the user information transmission source. The portable terminal MS1 receives and stores the right information in step S123.
When the acquisition of the right information is completed, the portable terminal MS1 subsequently executes the content download processing by streaming and the download status monitoring processing in steps S47 to S50. The details of the operation are described in the first embodiment. It is the same as described in.

  When the download of the content is completed, the mobile terminal MS1 proceeds from step S50 to step S124, where information representing the monitoring result of the content download status obtained by the monitoring in step S49 is transmitted to the proxy server PSV. To do. On the other hand, when the proxy server PSV receives the information indicating the monitoring result of the download status, the proxy server PSV determines whether or not charging is possible in step S125. That is, the received monitoring result of the download status is compared with the charging condition acquired in advance in step S121, and it is determined whether or not the monitoring result of the download status satisfies the charging condition.

  Then, when it is determined that the download status monitoring result satisfies the charging condition, for example, when downloading of the content is completed without interruption, the proxy server PSV issues a charging request to the content distribution server CSV. The reception function RIP is notified. When the right issuance acceptance function RIP receives the above billing request, it performs billing processing in step S126.

  When the above billing process is performed, the right issue acceptance function RIP returns a billing end status to the proxy server PSV. The proxy server PSV transfers the charging end status to the mobile terminal MS1. When the portable terminal MS1 receives the charging end status, the portable terminal MS1 executes a process of consuming the right in step S127. That is, the number of times the content has been reproduced is counted up, or the remaining number of reproducible times is reduced by one.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user of the mobile terminal MS1 intentionally performs a termination operation or removes the battery during the content download period, or when the stream is interrupted due to deterioration of the communication quality of the communication network NW, the download is performed. When the monitoring result of the situation does not satisfy the charging condition, the proxy server PSV does not transmit a charging request to the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV. As a result, there is no charge for downloading the content. Further, when the charging process is not performed, the right issue acceptance function RIP does not return a charging end status. Accordingly, the portable terminal MS1 does not perform the right consumption process.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, only when the content is downloaded with quality satisfying the charging condition, in the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV. Billing processing is performed, and further, consumption processing of rights is performed in the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that inappropriate charging processing is performed when transmission quality deteriorates due to the communication network NW side, and inappropriate consumption of rights is also prevented. In addition, the proxy server PSV performs a determination process as to whether the monitoring result of the download execution status satisfies the charging condition. For this reason, the processing load of the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV as well as the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn can be reduced.

(Fifth embodiment)
According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in a content distribution system including a content distribution server as a server device and a mobile terminal as a client device, the content is downloaded during a period in which the content is downloaded from the content distribution server by a streaming method. Monitor the download execution status on your mobile device. Then, after the download is completed, the monitoring result of the download execution status is compared with the right consumption condition acquired from the content distribution server in advance by the mobile terminal, and whether or not the download execution status monitoring result satisfies the right consumption condition Determine whether. As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the content is satisfied, the mobile terminal performs a consumption process for reducing a parameter indicating the remaining consumption amount of the right granted to the content.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal used in the content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
The control unit 31C includes, as functions necessary for realizing the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a consumption condition acquisition control unit 316, a download status monitoring unit 312, a consumption availability determination processing unit 317, and a right consumption processing unit. 318.

When acquiring the streaming token from the content distribution server CSV, the consumption condition acquisition control unit 316 simultaneously acquires information indicating the right consumption condition and stores it in the memory 34.
The right consumption condition is set as follows, for example.
Condition 1: If the user intentionally terminates abnormally (end of call, battery removal, etc.) during a content download period by streaming, the content is consumed.
Condition 2: Even if the user intentionally terminates abnormally during the content download period by streaming, the content is excluded from consumption if it is within a certain period after the download is started.
Condition 3: When an abnormal termination occurs due to an error (such as content quality not being achieved) on the network side during the content download period by streaming, it is excluded from consumption.
Condition 4: When an abnormal termination occurs due to an error caused by the network side, if the number of times is within a preset number of times, it is not subject to billing, and if it exceeds the set number of times, it is subject to consumption.

The download status monitoring unit 312 monitors the download status, for example, whether the content has been normally received during the period in which the content is downloaded from the content distribution server CSV, and the factors in the case where the content has not been received normally. To do.
The consumption permission determination processing unit 317 compares the monitoring result of the download status detected by the download status monitoring unit 312 with the right consumption condition acquired by the consumption condition acquisition control unit 316 after the download of the content by streaming is completed. Then, it is determined whether or not the download status monitoring result satisfies the right consumption condition.

  The right consumption processing unit 318 performs the consumption processing of the right given to the content when the consumption permission determination processing unit 317 determines that the monitoring result of the download status satisfies the right consumption condition. For example, when the rights information defines the number of times of reproduction, the number of times of reproduction is counted up or the remaining number of times of reproduction is reduced.

Next, the content distribution operation in the content distribution system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the operation sequence and the operation content. In the figure, steps having the same processing contents as those in FIG.
When the user performs a content selection operation on the mobile terminal MS1, the mobile terminal MS1 detects this operation in step S41 and transmits a data selection request to the content distribution server CSV. On the other hand, when the content distribution server CSV accepts the data selection request by the content issuance acceptance function CIP, the content delivery server CSV returns a streaming token, and sends information indicating the preset consumption condition of the right to the requesting mobile terminal MS1. Send to. The portable terminal MS1 receives information representing the streaming token and the right consumption condition in step S141.

  Subsequently, the portable terminal MS1 acquires the right information from the sequence of receiving the stream header from the streaming processing function SS of the content distribution server CSV in steps S43 to S44 and from the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV in steps S45 to S46. The sequence to be executed is sequentially executed, and the execution procedure and processing contents are the same as those described in the first embodiment. However, in the right information acquisition sequence, the right issue acceptance function RIP of the content distribution server CSV receives the user information from the mobile terminal MS1 and completes the personal authentication, and executes the billing process in step S142.

  When the acquisition of the right information is completed, the portable terminal MS1 subsequently executes a content download process by streaming and a download status monitoring process in steps S47 to S50. When the download of the content is completed, the mobile terminal MS1 proceeds to step S143, where the consumption permission determination processing unit 317 executes the right information consumption permission determination process. That is, the monitoring result of the download status detected in step S49 is compared with the right consumption condition received in step S141, and it is determined whether the download status monitoring result satisfies the right consumption condition. Then, based on the determination result, a consumption information consumption process is executed in step S144.

  For example, when the download of the content is completed without interruption, the mobile terminal MS1 counts up the number of times the content has been played or sets the remaining number of times that can be played back to satisfy the right consumption condition. Reduce. On the other hand, for example, assume that the user of the mobile terminal MS1 intentionally performs a termination operation or removes the battery during the content download period, or the stream is interrupted due to deterioration in communication quality of the communication network NW. Since the download situation in this case does not satisfy the right consumption conditions exemplified above, the portable terminal MS1 ends the process without performing the right consumption process.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, only when content is downloaded with quality satisfying the charging condition, the consumption processing of the right is performed in the mobile terminals MS1 to MSn. On the other hand, during streaming playback, for example, the user of the mobile terminal intentionally performed a termination operation or battery removal after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of content download, or the communication quality of the communication network NW has deteriorated. If a transmission error occurs and the charging condition is not satisfied, the right consumption process is not performed. Therefore, when there is a cause on the communication network NW side and quality degradation that the user is not responsible for occurs, inappropriate right consumption processing can be prevented from being performed.

(Other embodiments)
In the first and third embodiments, the mobile terminal acquires information representing the charging conditions from the content distribution server or the proxy server. However, the charging conditions are initialized by setting the charging conditions in advance in the mobile terminal. The condition acquisition procedure may be omitted. Similarly, the right consumption condition acquisition procedure described in the fifth embodiment may be omitted by initializing the right consumption condition in the mobile terminal in advance.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the content issuance acceptance function, the streaming processing function, and the right issuance acceptance function are provided in one content distribution server has been described as an example. However, the above functions may be distributed to a plurality of servers.
In addition, the type and configuration of the mobile terminal, the configuration of the server device and the proxy server device, the monitoring contents of the download execution status, the contents of the charging conditions and the rights consumption conditions, and the like are variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be implemented.

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

It is a schematic block diagram of the content delivery system concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the content delivery server used with the content delivery system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable terminal used with the content delivery system shown in FIG. The figure which shows the operation | movement sequence and operation | movement content between the portable terminal and content delivery server of the content delivery system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the content delivery server used with the content delivery system concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable terminal used with the content delivery system concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence and operation | movement content between the portable terminal and content delivery server of a content delivery system concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the content delivery system concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the proxy server used with the content delivery system shown in FIG. The figure which shows the operation | movement sequence and operation | movement content between the portable terminal of the content delivery system shown in FIG. 9, an agency server, and a content delivery server. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the proxy server used with the content delivery system concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the operation | movement sequence and operation | movement content between the portable terminal of a content delivery system concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention, an agency server, and a content delivery server. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable terminal used with the content delivery system concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence and content of operation | movement between the portable terminal of a content delivery system concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention, and a content delivery server.

Explanation of symbols

  NW: Communication network, CSV: Content distribution server, CIP: Content issue acceptance function, SS: Streaming processing function, RIP: Rights issue acceptance function, 11: CPU, 12: Bus, 13A, 13B, 13C ... Program memory, 14 ... Data memory, 15 ... Communication interface (communication I / F), 16 ... Input / output interface (input / output I / F), 17 ... Input device, 18 ... Display device, 131 ... Content issue acceptance control program, 132 ... Streaming processing program 133 ... Rights issue acceptance control program, 134 ... Chargeability determination program, MS1 to MSn ... Mobile terminal, 21 ... Antenna, 22 ... Wireless unit, 23A, 23B ... Baseband unit, 24 ... User interface unit, 25 ... Power supply unit , 31A, 1B31C ... control unit, 32 ... audio codec, 33 ... video codec, 34 ... memory, 41 ... microphone, 42 ... speaker, 43 ... camera, 44 ... display unit, 45 ... key input unit, 311 ... charge condition acquisition control unit, 312: Download status monitoring unit, 313: Billing permission / inhibition determination processing unit, 314 ... Rights consumption processing unit, 315 ... Monitoring result notification control unit, 316 ... Consumption condition acquisition control unit, 317 ... Consumption permission determination processing unit, 318 ... Rights consumption Processing unit, RSV ... proxy server, 51 ... CPU, 52 ... bus, 53A, 53B ... program memory, 554 ... data memory, 55 ... communication interface (communication I / F), 56 ... input / output interface (input / output I / F) ), 57 ... input device, 58 ... display device, 531 ... right information acquisition control program, 532 ... charge system Program.

Claims (3)

A server device for managing the content to which the right information is given, and a client device connectable to the server device via a communication network;
The client device is
Means for downloading the content from the server device by a streaming method;
Monitoring means for monitoring the execution status of the content download;
With
One of the client device and the server device is
As a result of the monitoring of the download execution status by the monitoring means , when an abnormal termination of download occurs, it is compared with the accounting condition determined in advance for each cause of abnormal termination, and it is determined which of the accounting conditions corresponds to A determination means,
The server device
A content distribution system comprising: means for performing a charging process for each charging condition based on a determination result by the determination means. A server device that manages content to which rights information has been assigned, a proxy server device, and a client device that can be connected to the server device and the proxy server device via a communication network;
The client device is
Means for downloading the content from the server device by a streaming method;
Means for monitoring the execution status of the content download,
Either one of the client device and the proxy server device is
As a result of the monitoring of the download execution status by the monitoring means , when an abnormal termination of download occurs, it is compared with the accounting condition determined in advance for each cause of abnormal termination, and it is determined which of the accounting conditions corresponds to A determination means,
The proxy server device is:
Based on a determination result by the determination means, comprising means for transmitting charging control information to the server device;
The server device
Means for receiving charging control information transmitted from the proxy server device;
A content distribution system comprising: means for performing charging processing for each charging condition in accordance with the received charging control information. The client device is
A parameter indicating the remaining consumption amount of the right information assigned to the download content when the determination means determines that the cause of the abnormal termination of the download corresponds to a specific condition of the charging condition determined for each of the factors The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising means for reducing the predetermined amount.

Images