JP5346968B2 - Terminal device, content providing system, content providing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly provide a user with contents of which order to provide the user is determined. <P>SOLUTION: In a terminal device 20, an acquisition unit 401 acquires a plurality of contents of which order to provide a user is determined in advance, from a content providing server in the order. A providing unit 402 provides a user with the plurality of acquired contents in the order to provide the user. While the providing unit 402 provides a first content to the user, the acquisition unit 401 acquires a second content to be provided after the first content among the plurality of contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device, a content providing system, a content providing method, and a program suitable for smoothly providing a user with content in which the order to be provided to the user is determined.

  In recent years, a network game (online game) using a game server or the like has spread on the Internet. Sales sites that sell digital contents such as music and video on the Internet are also widely known. A user operates a game device or a personal computer, accesses a game server or a sales site, plays a network game, or downloads digital contents.

  At this time, for example, a credit card, prepaid electronic money, proxy collection of a provider (Internet service provider), etc. are used as payment means. Patent Document 1 discloses a billing system that can appropriately perform a settlement such as a billing amount for a person having a settlement authority.

  On the other hand, there are digital contents whose provision order is determined in advance, such as a game that can challenge the second scenario after clearing the first scenario, or an electronic book that proceeds to the second episode after reading the first episode.

JP 2006-53632 A

  By the way, digital content is divided into a plurality of contents (for example, a plurality of scenarios such as a first scenario and a second scenario in the case of a game) in which the order to be provided to the user is determined. If the content is to be downloaded, after the first content is finished, the preparation for providing the second content in the next provision order is started. From the end of the first content to the start of the second content Since it may cause the user to wait for a long time, the provision of digital content may not proceed smoothly and may cause stress to the user.

  The present invention solves such problems, and a terminal device, a content providing system, a content providing method, and a program suitable for smoothly providing the user with the content in which the order to be provided to the user is determined The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

The terminal device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit and a provision unit.
First, the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of contents whose order to be provided is determined from the server device.

  The plurality of contents provided to the user by the terminal device of the present invention are, for example, an electronic book divided into a plurality of sections such as the first story and the second story, and a plurality of contents such as the first surface and the second surface. Games in a virtual space consisting of multiple stages, movies such as movies and dramas divided into multiple parts such as Part 1 and Part 2, music albums consisting of multiple pieces of music such as the first and second songs , Etc. Data of each content is stored in advance in the server device. The terminal device acquires data of each content from a server device connected via a communication network.

  Next, the providing unit provides the acquired plurality of contents to the user in a predetermined order.

  The order in which the contents are to be provided to the user is determined in advance, such that the second episode is provided after the first episode. The user is provided with the content in a predetermined order by, for example, displaying an image representing the content on a monitor or outputting sound representing the content from a speaker. Each content can be free or paid.

  While the first content among the plurality of contents is provided to the user by the providing unit, the first content is to be provided following the first content in a predetermined order among the plurality of contents. The second content is acquired in parallel by the acquisition unit.

  That is, when the first content is provided to the user, the second content whose order of provision is next to the first content is acquired in the background. For example, while the first episode of the electronic book is being provided to the user, the second episode of the electronic book is acquired without an explicit instruction from the user. However, it is desirable that the process of obtaining the second content does not affect the process of providing the first content.

  According to the present invention, since the second content to be provided next to the first content is acquired in the background while the first content is provided to the user, provision of the first content is provided. It is possible to shorten the time from the end of the process until the start of provision of the second content. The second content can be continuously provided without causing the user who has provided the first content to wait for a long time. The terminal device can smoothly provide the user with the content in which the order to be provided to the user is determined.

The acquisition unit may attempt to acquire the second content before the provision of the first content is completed.
The terminal device may include an inquiry unit that inquires of the server device whether or not the user has already purchased the second content when the provision of the first content is completed.
In addition, the terminal device may include a purchase reception unit that receives a purchase instruction to purchase the second content from the user when the server device replies that the user has not purchased the second content.
Furthermore, the terminal device may include a transmission unit that, when a purchase instruction is received, transmits to the server device that the user purchases the second content, and then causes the inquiry unit to make an inquiry again.
When the server device replies that the user has purchased the second content, the providing unit may start providing the second content.

  In other words, when the provision of the first content is finished, if the acquisition of the second content is finished, the provision of the second content can be started immediately after the provision of the first content. It is desirable that the acquisition of the second content is completed before the provision of the content is completed.

  According to the present invention, when the provision of the first content is finished and the second content has already been purchased, the terminal device immediately starts providing the second content already acquired in the background. Can do. If the second content has not yet been purchased, the terminal device can start providing the second content immediately after the purchase procedure for the second content is completed. Even if the content is charged, the user can receive the second content smoothly after receiving the first content.

  When the provision of the second content is started by the providing unit, among the plurality of contents, the second content and the second content should be provided in a predetermined order. Each of the third contents may be handled as a new first content and a new second content.

  That is, if the third content is acquired while the second content is being provided, even if there are three or more contents in which the provision order is determined in advance, Content can be provided smoothly and sequentially. The number of contents may be four or more.

The terminal device may include a communication determination unit that determines whether the terminal device can communicate with the server device.
In addition, the terminal device may include a purchase receiving unit that receives a purchase instruction for purchasing the second content from the user.
The communication determining unit determines that the purchase receiving unit receives a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the providing unit completes the provision of the first content. In this case, the providing unit may start providing the second content after the provision of the first content is completed.

  That is, when the content is paid and it is necessary to make a payment for each content, the user who wants to receive the second content continuously provides the second content after the first content is provided. You must make a payment to receive. However, if the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the provision of the first content is finished, the user cannot perform the purchase procedure and cannot receive the provision of the second content. If the terminal device is a device that can be easily carried by the user, such as a mobile phone or a portable game machine, the communication environment may change, and communication may or may not be possible. Therefore, in the present invention, when the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the provision of the first content is finished, if the user makes an intention to purchase the second content, the terminal device The process is temporarily suspended and the provision of the second content already acquired in the background is started. According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly and smoothly provide each content to the user even if it is charged for each content.

The terminal device receives a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and when the provision unit completes the provision of the first content, (a) the terminal device can communicate with the server device. When the communication determination unit determines, the server device is notified that the user purchases the second content,
(B) When the communication determining unit determines that the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device, the server device is notified that the user purchases the second content after determining that the terminal device can communicate with the server device. You may further provide the notification part to do.

  According to the present invention, when payment of the second content is delayed because the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when provision of the first content is finished, the terminal device can communicate with the server device. As soon as the second content is settled. According to the present invention, even when the communication environment is unstable, it is possible to smoothly provide each content sequentially to the user.

A content providing system according to another aspect of the present invention is a content providing system including a terminal device and a server device, the terminal device including a request unit, a content receiving unit, and a providing unit, and the server device includes a storage unit and a content A transmission unit.
The requesting unit requests the server device to transmit a plurality of contents whose order to be provided is determined to the terminal device.
The content receiving unit receives the requested plurality of contents.
The providing unit provides the received plurality of contents to the user in a predetermined order.
The storage unit stores a plurality of contents in advance.
The content transmission unit transmits the first content among the plurality of stored contents to the terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device.
In addition, the content receiving unit receives the first content from the server device.
The providing unit provides the received first content to the user.
In addition, the request unit should be provided following the first content in a predetermined order among the plurality of contents while the first content is provided to the user by the providing unit. 2 is requested to be transmitted to the terminal device.
The content transmitting unit transmits the second content requested to be transmitted from the terminal device to the terminal device.
Then, the content receiving unit receives the second content from the server while the first content is provided to the user by the providing unit.

  According to the present invention, since the second content to be provided next to the first content is acquired in the background while the first content is provided to the user, provision of the first content is provided. It is possible to shorten the time from the end of the process until the start of provision of the second content. The second content can be continuously provided without causing the user who has provided the first content to wait for a long time. The content providing system can smoothly provide the user with the content in which the order to be provided to the user is determined.

The terminal device may further include a purchase receiving unit that receives a purchase instruction for purchasing the second content from the user when the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed.
Furthermore, the server device may further include a settlement unit that settles a consideration for the user to receive the provision of the second content based on the accepted purchase instruction.
Then, when the purchase instruction is accepted, the providing unit may provide the second content to the user.

  According to the present invention, even if the content is paid, the user can receive the second content smoothly after receiving the first content.

The terminal device may further include a communication determination unit that determines whether the terminal device can communicate with the server device.
The communication determining unit determines that the purchase receiving unit receives a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the providing unit completes the provision of the first content. In this case, the providing unit may start providing the second content after the provision of the first content is completed.

  That is, when the content is paid and it is necessary to make a payment for each content, if the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the provision of the first content is completed, the second content is received from the user. If an intention to purchase is displayed, the content providing system temporarily delays the payment process and starts providing the second content that the terminal device has already acquired in the background. According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly and smoothly provide each content to the user even if it is charged for each content.

When the purchase accepting unit accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed, (a) when the terminal device can communicate with the server device, the communication determining unit If it is determined, the request unit requests the server device to settle the price for the user to receive the provision of the second content,
(B) When the communication determining unit determines that the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device, the request unit determines that the terminal device can communicate with the server device and then the user receives provision of the second content. The server device may be requested to settle the price.
Then, the settlement unit may settle the consideration for the user to receive the provision of the second content based on the accepted purchase instruction.

  According to the present invention, when payment of the second content is delayed because the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when provision of the first content is finished, the terminal device can communicate with the server device. As soon as the second content is settled. According to the present invention, even when the communication environment is unstable, it is possible to smoothly provide each content sequentially to the user.

The content provision method which concerns on the other viewpoint of this invention is a content provision method performed with the terminal device which has an acquisition part and a provision part, Comprising: An acquisition step and a provision step are provided.
In the acquisition step, the acquisition unit acquires, from the server device, a plurality of contents for which the order to be provided is determined.
In the providing step, the providing unit provides the acquired plurality of contents to the user in a predetermined order.
Then, while the first content among the plurality of contents is provided to the user in the providing step, the first content is to be provided following the first content in a predetermined order among the plurality of contents. Two contents are acquired in parallel in the acquisition step.

  According to the present invention, each content can be provided to the user smoothly and sequentially.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit and a providing unit.
The acquisition unit acquires, from the server device, a plurality of contents whose order to be provided is determined.
The providing unit provides the acquired plurality of contents to the user in a predetermined order.
While the first content among the plurality of contents is provided to the user by the providing unit, the first content is to be provided following the first content in a predetermined order among the plurality of contents. The second content is acquired in parallel by the acquisition unit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as a terminal device that operates as described above.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.
The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a terminal device, a content providing system, a content providing method, and a program suitable for smoothly providing the user with the content in which the order to be provided to the user is determined.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication system. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the hardware constitutions of the typical information processing apparatus with which the terminal device of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the hardware constitutions of a content provision server. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the list | wrist of contents (electronic book list). It is a figure which shows the structural example of the purchase screen of content. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which performs user authentication. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which performs payment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the reproduction screen of a content. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a content provision process. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the terminal device of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a content provision process. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the terminal device of Embodiment 3. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a content provision process. It is a flowchart (continuation) for demonstrating a content provision process. It is a flowchart (continuation) for demonstrating a content provision process. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the content provision system of Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a content provision process. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the content provision system of Embodiment 5. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a content provision process. It is a flowchart (continuation) for demonstrating a content provision process.

(Embodiment 1)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, embodiments in which the present invention is realized using an information processing device for games will be described. However, the following embodiments are for explanation, and the present invention It does not limit the range. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a content providing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The content providing system 10 includes a terminal device 20 (described as 20A and 20B in FIG. 1), a content providing server 30, and a communication network 40.

  The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a mobile terminal, or a portable game machine. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 20 is an information processing device that can be carried around by a user and can be connected to the communication network 40. The terminal device 20 may be connected to the communication network 40 by wire such as an optical fiber, or may be connected to the communication network 40 by radio in compliance with a communication standard such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).

  The content providing server 30 is a large computer such as a main frame, for example. The content providing server 30 provides content such as an electronic book, a game, a movie, a moving image, and a still image to the terminal device 20. The content to be provided in the present embodiment is a paid electronic book in which the order to be provided to the user is determined in advance, such as the first episode and the second episode. However, all the contents to be provided may not be paid, and paid and free may be mixed.

  The communication network 40 is typically the Internet, but may be a dedicated line, a telephone line, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

  A user of the terminal device 20 can receive provision of various contents by operating the terminal device 20. For example, the user can select, purchase, download, and browse a desired electronic book from the electronic book list presented from the content providing server 30.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 and the content providing server 30 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 100 that performs the function of the terminal device 20 of the present invention by executing a program.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, a DVD-ROM ( A digital versatile disk-read only memory (107) drive 107, an image processing unit 108, an audio processing unit 109, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 110 are provided.

  A DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program, thereby realizing the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment. Is done.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives, for example, an operation input performed when a player executes a game such as a dance game or a soccer game, or an input for instructing download or playback of content. A plurality of controllers 105 may be connected to the interface 104.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating game progress, and log of game chat communication using the network ( Data) is stored in a rewritable manner. The player can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by performing an operation input via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and sound data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 108. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.

  Also, polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from the predetermined viewpoint position is determined in the direction of the predetermined line of sight It is also possible to perform high-speed execution of operations for obtaining rendered images.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there.

  Further, by preparing information such as game images in a DVD-ROM and expanding the information in a frame memory, the state of the game can be displayed on the screen.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 109 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data is D / A (Digital / Analog) converted at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency, and audio is output from the speaker.

  The NIC 110 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet or another information processing apparatus 100, and is used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). -An analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, or cable television line used to connect to the Internet using a telephone line according to the T / 100BASE-T standard And a cable modem for connecting to the Internet, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the like. You may comprise.

  Next, an outline of the hardware configuration of the content providing server 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The content providing server 30 includes a storage device 301, a communication unit 302, and a control unit 303.

  The storage device 301 is typically a hard disk. In addition to an operating system (OS) for controlling the entire content providing server 30, the storage device 301 stores electronic book data, game data, moving image data, still image data, text data, and the like in advance.

  The communication unit 302 includes a predetermined communication device such as a NIC or a router. The communication unit 302 communicates with the terminal device 20 and the like connected to the communication network 40 under the control of the control unit 303.

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and controls each unit of the content providing server 30 according to an OS, a program, and the like stored in the storage unit 301. For example, the control unit 303 controls the communication unit 302 to transmit data corresponding to the content requested to be transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the terminal device 20.

  Next, a functional configuration of the terminal device 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the terminal device 20 according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 20 includes an acquisition unit 401 and a provision unit 402.

  The acquisition unit 401 acquires, from the content providing server 30 via the communication network 40, a plurality of contents whose order to be provided is determined in advance. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the acquisition unit 401.

  In the present embodiment, the content provided from the content providing server 30 is an electronic book, and one title of the electronic book is data of the first story (first content), and the second story (second content). Data and data of Nth episode (Nth content) (N is an integer of 2 or more) are divided into a plurality of pieces in advance. The user is provided with the second content after the first content is provided, and is provided with the third content after the second content is provided. That is, the order to be provided to users of each content is determined in advance. It is assumed that after the first content is provided to the user, “skip” such that the second content is not provided and the third content is provided is not performed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic book list displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 20. The electronic book list is a list of electronic books that the user can purchase, and is provided from the content providing server 30. On the monitor, buttons 501 (indicated as 501A, 501B, and 501C in the figure) for the user to select each title, buttons 502 and 503 for moving the electronic book list page back and forth, and the like are displayed.

  For example, the image area in which the button 501A corresponding to the content “XXX” and the first episode in FIG. 5 is arranged is selected by the user by clicking the mouse (hereinafter, the “button 501A is pressed by the user). ”), As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 101 makes a transition to a screen for explaining details of the selected content.

  In the screen illustrated in FIG. 6, when the “return to list” button 602 is pressed, the CPU 101 returns to the electronic book list screen in FIG. 5. On the other hand, when the “Add to shopping cart” button 601 is pressed, the CPU 101 shifts to a screen for performing user authentication shown in FIG.

  In the user authentication screen illustrated in FIG. 7, the CPU 101 receives an input of a user ID and a password for identifying the user from the user. The user uses his / her input device such as a keyboard to input his / her user ID registered in the content providing server 30 in the input field 701 and inputs his / her own password in the input field 702. When the “return to list” button 704 is pressed, the CPU 101 returns to the screen of the electronic book list of FIG. On the other hand, when the “Next” button 703 is pressed, the CPU 101 encrypts the input user ID and password and transmits them to the content providing server 30.

  The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 collates the received user ID and password with the user ID and password registered in advance, and transmits the collation result to the terminal device 20. When the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 is notified that the authentication has been correctly performed, the CPU 101 makes a transition to the settlement screen shown in FIG.

  In the settlement screen shown in FIG. 8, when the “cancel” button 802 is pressed, the CPU 101 returns to the electronic book list screen in FIG. On the other hand, when the “Purchase” button 801 is pressed, the CPU 101 transmits a message indicating that the user purchases the content corresponding to the button 501 </ b> A to the content providing server 30.

  Upon receiving a message indicating that the user purchases the selected content, the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 transmits the content data (electronic book data in the present embodiment) to the requested terminal device 20. To do. The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives from the content providing server 30 content data instructed by the user to purchase. In this way, the CPU 101 acquires the data of the content instructed to purchase by the user from the content providing server 30.

  Note that the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 determines not only the data of the content that is directly instructed to be purchased by the user (hereinafter referred to as “first content”) but also the order in which the user should be provided to the first. Data of content that is predetermined after the content (hereinafter referred to as “second content”) is acquired from the content providing server 30 while the first content is being provided to the user. Details will be described later.

  The providing unit 402 provides a plurality of contents acquired by the acquiring unit 401 to the user in the order determined in advance as described above. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the providing unit 402 uses the electronic book data acquired from the content providing server 30 to display an image representing the electronic book on the monitor, thereby providing the electronic book content to the user. provide. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 cooperate to function as the providing unit 402.

  Specifically, the CPU 101 provides the first content to the user by reproducing the data of the first content and displaying the image on the monitor, and after providing the first content, the second content is displayed. The second content is provided to the user by reproducing the content data and displaying the image on the monitor. For example, when the provided content is a continuous drama from the first episode to the Nth episode, the user is provided with the first content (first episode of the continuous drama) and then the second content (continuous Each content (each story of the continuous drama) is provided in order from the first content to the Nth content, such that the second drama of the drama is provided.

  In principle, the user needs to purchase each content using the payment screen as described above, but some or all of the content may be provided to the user free of charge.

  Further, the terminal device 20 may store only the data of the first content among the N content data from the first content to the Nth content in advance in the external memory 106 or the like. The first content data may be read from a DVD-ROM in which one content data is stored in advance. That is, only the first portion of the so-called “series” may be provided free of charge, and the second and subsequent times may be provided for a fee.

  Each content is acquired from the content providing server 30 after the purchase procedure is completed in principle. However, when the provision of the first content to the user is started, the provision order is the first. The second content may be downloaded from the content providing server 30 even before the second content that is next to the content is purchased.

  That is, while the first content among the plurality of contents is provided to the user, the CPU 101 should provide the first content following the first content in the order determined in advance as described above. The second content defined as kimono is acquired in parallel. In other words, while the first content that has already been acquired is provided to the user, the second content is acquired in the background even if there is no explicit instruction from the user. It is assumed that the process of acquiring the second content does not adversely affect the process of providing the first content.

  The CPU 101 preferably starts acquiring the second content before the provision of the first content to the user is completed.

  In addition, when each data of the content is encrypted (or compressed) in advance using a predetermined algorithm, the CPU 101 performs the second operation before the provision of the first content to the user is completed. It is desirable to attempt to acquire the second content so that the acquisition and decryption of the content is complete.

  Next, content providing processing executed by each of the above-described units according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, in order to make the present invention easier to understand, an electronic book that is preliminarily divided into two parts, a first content (first episode) and a second content (second episode), is provided to the user. An embodiment will be described. The above-mentioned “order to be provided” is the order of the first content and the second content. In the present invention, as described above, the content is arbitrary and is not limited to an electronic book.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to receive provision of the first content has been given by the user of the terminal device 20 (step S1001). For example, the CPU 101 displays a reception screen as illustrated in FIG. 5 on the monitor, and whether or not an instruction to receive provision of each content has been made by pressing a button corresponding to each content. Is determined.

  If it is determined that an instruction to receive provision of content has not been issued from the user (step S1001; NO), the CPU 101 waits until the instruction is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that an instruction to receive provision of content has been issued from the user (step S1001; YES), the CPU 101 acquires data of the first content from the content providing server 30 (step S1002).

  After acquiring the data of the first content, the CPU 101 starts providing the acquired first content to the user (step S1003). For example, the CPU 101 provides the first content to the user by reproducing the data of the acquired first content (first story of the electronic book) and displaying an image.

  When the provision of the first content is started, the CPU 101 starts the acquisition of the data of the second content from the content providing server 30 in parallel with the provision of the first content to the user (step S1004). . However, when the acquisition of the second content is started, there is no need for an explicit instruction from the user. That is, after the user receives the provision of the first content, the second content is downloaded in the background in advance regardless of whether or not the user continues to receive the provision of the second content.

  The CPU 101 determines whether the provision of the first content started in step S1003 is completed (step S1005). Specifically, the CPU 101 can provide the first content to the user when the address indicating the portion being reproduced of the data of the first content reaches the end of the data of the first content. It is determined that the content has been completed. Otherwise, it is determined that provision of the first content to the user has not been completed. Alternatively, when the CPU 101 receives an instruction from the user to end the provision of the first content, the CPU 101 considers that the provision of the first content to the user has been completed. It may be determined that provision of one content is not completed.

  When it is determined that the provision of the first content is not completed (step S1005; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the first content until the provision of the first content is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the first content has been completed (step S1005; YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to continuously receive the provision of the second content has been issued (step S1005). S1006). That is, it is determined whether or not an intention to receive provision of the second content that is a continuation of the first content has been made by the user who has received provision of the first content.

  When it is determined that the user has not instructed to receive the second content (step S1006; NO), the CPU 101 ends the content providing process. On the other hand, when it is determined that an instruction to receive provision of the second content is given from the user (step S1006; YES), the CPU 101 starts providing the second content (step S1007). For example, as with the first content, the CPU 101 reproduces data of the second content (second episode of the electronic book) acquired in the background and displays an image to display the second content to the user. I will provide a.

  If the second content has already been acquired at the time when the provision of the first content is completed, a blank from the end of the provision of the first content until the provision of the second content is started. Can be kept to a minimum. Alternatively, if the second content has already been acquired at the time when the provision of the first content is finished, the blank from the end of the provision of the first content until the provision of the second content is started. Can be shortened.

  Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the provision of the second content is completed (step S1008). When it is determined that the provision of the second content has not been completed (step S1008; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the second content until the provision of the second content is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the second content is completed (step S1008; YES), the CPU 101 ends the content provision process.

  According to this embodiment, the content in which the order to be provided to the user is determined is smoothly provided to the user. For example, in an e-book that has been divided in advance, such as the first episode, the second episode, and the Nth episode, when the first episode has been read, is the second episode already downloaded in the background already downloaded? Alternatively, since the download of the second episode is already in progress, the user can start reading the second episode without waiting for a long time.

  In the present embodiment, the number of continuous contents is not limited to two, but may be three or more. For example, when one title of an e-book is composed of three parts, a first content (first episode), a second content (second episode), and a third content (third episode), After it is determined in step S1008 that the provision of the second content has been completed, the second content is treated as a new first content, the third content is treated as a new second content, and step S1006. What is necessary is just to repeat the process of -S1008.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the provided content is paid, and a purchase procedure is required to acquire the content.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the terminal device 20 according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 20 further includes an inquiry unit 1101, a purchase acceptance unit 1102, and a transmission unit 1103.

  When the provision of the first content to the user is completed, the inquiry unit 1101 inquires of the content providing server 30 whether or not the user has already purchased the second content that is a continuation of the first content. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the inquiry unit 1101.

  That is, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 transmits inquiry data for inquiring whether or not the second content has already been purchased by the user to the content providing server 30 via the communication network 40. The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 receives the inquiry data from the terminal device 20, creates response data indicating whether the second content has been purchased or not purchased, and sends the created response data to the terminal device 20. Send.

  For example, the storage device 301 of the content providing server 30 stores a database (not shown) that stores identification information of content purchased by the user in association with user identification information (for example, a user ID). The control unit 303 searches the database to determine whether or not the second content has already been purchased by the user, and response data indicating that the second content has already been purchased by the user, or Then, response data indicating that the second content has not been purchased by the user is created. Then, the control unit 303 transmits the created response data to the terminal device 20.

  In response to the inquiry from the inquiry unit 1101, the purchase reception unit 1102 purchases the second content from the user when the content providing server 30 returns response data indicating that “the user has not purchased the second content”. Accept instructions. The CPU 101 and the controller 105 cooperate to function as a purchase acceptance unit 1102.

  For example, the CPU 101 displays a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to purchase the second content, and receives an input for instructing whether or not to purchase the second content from the user. The user operates the controller 105 to input an instruction to purchase the second content or an instruction to not purchase the second content.

  When the purchase instruction is received by the purchase receiving unit 1102, the transmitting unit 1103 transmits to the content providing server 30 that the user purchases the second content, and then the second content is already sent to the inquiry unit 1101 by the user. Ask again if it has been purchased. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the transmission unit 1103.

  That is, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 transmits response data indicating that the second content is to be purchased to the content providing server 30, and the content providing server 30 receives this response data. After performing the settlement process for the second content, the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 stores in the storage device 301 that the user has purchased the second content.

  Further, the CPU 101 inquires of the content providing server 30 again whether the user has purchased the second content. If the settlement processing of the second content is normally completed in the content providing server 30, the CPU 101 receives response data indicating that the user has purchased the second content from the content providing server 30. Become. Then, the CPU 101 starts providing the second content that has been purchased.

  Note that, in the inquiry again, if the response data indicating that the second content has not been purchased is received from the content providing server 30, the CPU 101 may retry this inquiry or the content providing server 30. May wait until response data indicating that the second content has already been purchased is transmitted.

  Next, content providing processing executed by each unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to receive provision of the first content has been given by the user of the terminal device 20 (step S1201).

  If it is determined that the user has not received an instruction to receive provision of content (step S1201; NO), the CPU 101 waits until the instruction is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that an instruction to receive provision of content has been given by the user (step S1201; YES), the CPU 101 acquires data of the first content from the content providing server 30 (step S1202).

  After acquiring the data of the first content, the CPU 101 starts providing the acquired first content to the user (step S1203). For example, the CPU 101 provides the first content to the user by reproducing the data of the acquired first content (first story of the electronic book) and displaying an image.

  When the provision of the first content is started, the CPU 101 starts to acquire the data of the second content from the content providing server 30 in parallel with the provision of the first content to the user (step S1204). .

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the provision of the first content started in step S1203 is completed (step S1205).

  When it is determined that the provision of the first content is not completed (step S1205; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the first content. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the first content is completed (step S1205; YES), the CPU 101 inquires of the content providing server 30 whether or not the user has purchased the second content (step S1206). ).

  The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 determines whether or not the user has purchased the second content, and transmits data indicating the determination result to the terminal device 20. The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives data indicating the determination result.

  The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 determines whether the user has purchased the second content based on the received determination result (step S1207).

  When it is determined that the user has not purchased the second content (step S1207; NO), the CPU 101 receives an instruction to purchase the second content from the user (step S1208). The user can operate the controller 105 to input an instruction to purchase the second content or an instruction to not purchase the second content.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the user purchases the second content based on the received instruction (step S1209).

  When the instruction to purchase the second content is received (step S1209; YES), the CPU 101 notifies the content providing server 30 that the user purchases the second content. After performing the settlement process for the second content, the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 stores information indicating that the second content has been purchased in the storage device 301 in association with the user identification information. To do.

  Then, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 inquires of the content providing server 30 again whether or not the second content has been purchased (step S1206).

  On the other hand, when receiving an instruction not to purchase the second content (step S1209; NO), the CPU 101 ends the content providing process. In this case, only the first content is provided to the user, and the second content is not provided.

  If it is determined in step S1207 that the second content has been purchased (step S1207; YES), the CPU 101 starts providing the second content to the user (step S1210).

  Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the provision of the second content is completed (step S1211). When it is determined that the provision of the second content is not completed (step S1211; NO), the CPU 101 continues the provision of the second content until the provision of the second content is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the second content is completed (step S1211; YES), the CPU 101 ends the content provision process.

  According to the present embodiment, paid content whose order to be provided to the user is determined is smoothly provided to the user. For example, a user who purchases the first content (first episode) and the second content (second episode) together can start viewing the second content immediately after viewing the first content. A user who has purchased only the first content can immediately start viewing the second content after purchasing the second content.

  In the present embodiment, the number of continuous contents is not limited to two, but may be three or more. For example, when one title of an e-book is composed of three parts, a first content (first episode), a second content (second episode), and a third content (third episode), After it is determined in step S1211 that the provision of the second content has been completed, the second content is treated as a new first content, the third content is treated as a new second content, and step S1206. What is necessary is just to repeat the process of -S1211.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 20 is connected to the communication network 40 using a wireless LAN. Therefore, depending on the surrounding environment of the terminal device 20, the communication radio wave may be temporarily weak or unstable. For this reason, the terminal device 20 cannot always communicate with the content providing server 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the communication with the content providing server 30 is unstable, it is devised so that the user can provide the content as smoothly as possible.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the terminal device 20 according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 20 includes a communication determination unit 1301, a purchase acceptance unit 1302, and a notification unit 1303 in addition to the acquisition unit 401 and the provision unit 402 described above.

  The communication determination unit 1301 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the communication determination unit 1301.

  That is, the terminal device 20 includes an antenna (not shown) for performing wireless communication, and the CPU 101 periodically checks the strength of the radio wave having a frequency for connecting to the communication network 40 captured by the antenna. To do. When the intensity of the captured radio wave is less than a predetermined value, the CPU 101 determines that the terminal device 20 is in a state where communication with the content providing server 30 is impossible. Alternatively, even if the radio wave intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the CPU 101 can stably communicate with the content providing server 30 when the terminal device 20 cannot maintain the radio wave intensity at a predetermined value or higher for a predetermined time or longer. It is determined that communication is impossible (substantially communication is impossible).

  Purchase acceptance unit 1302 accepts a purchase instruction to purchase content from a user. The CPU 101 and the controller 105 cooperate to function as a purchase acceptance unit 1302.

  For example, the CPU 101 displays a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to purchase the content, and receives an input for instructing whether or not to purchase the content from the user. The user operates the controller 105 to input an instruction to purchase content or an instruction to not purchase content.

  The acquisition unit 401 acquires, from the content providing server 30 via the communication network 40, a plurality of contents whose order to be provided is determined in advance. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the acquisition unit 401.

  The providing unit 402 provides a plurality of contents acquired by the acquiring unit 401 to the user in the order determined in advance as described above. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 cooperate to function as the providing unit 402.

  More specifically, when receiving an instruction to purchase the first content, the CPU 101 transmits the identification information of the first content to be purchased to the content providing server 30 together with the user ID. When the settlement is performed with a credit card or a prepaid card, the CPU 101 transmits the input credit card number or prepaid card number to the content providing server 30 together. The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 performs settlement processing of the first content, and stores the identification information of the purchased first content in the storage device 301 in association with the user ID.

  The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 notifies the terminal device 20 that the payment processing for the first content has been completed, and transmits the first content data to the terminal device 20. It is desirable that the control unit 303 encrypts and transmits the first content data using a predetermined algorithm.

  The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives the first content data from the content providing server 30 and reproduces it. For example, the CPU 101 provides the first content to the user by displaying an image obtained by reproducing the data of the first content on a monitor.

  Here, as described above, the CPU 101 acquires the data of the second content from the content providing server 30 while the first content is provided. That is, after the transmission of the first content data to the terminal device 20, the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 continues to transmit the second content data to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 receives the data of the second content in the background while providing the first content to the user.

  The notification unit 1303 notifies the content providing server 30 that the user purchases the second content based on an instruction from the user. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the notification unit 1303.

  Specifically, when the provision of the first content is completed, the CPU 101 causes the user to input whether or not to purchase the second content that is a continuation of the first content.

  When receiving a purchase instruction to purchase the second content and determining that the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30 when the provision of the first content is completed, the CPU 101 receives an input from the user Along with the user ID and the password input by the user, the content providing server 30 is notified that the user purchases the second content. The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 authenticates whether or not the user is a legitimate user by using the user ID and the password, and when determining that the user is the legitimate user, performs a settlement process for the second content. Do. Then, the control unit 303 notifies the terminal device 20 that the payment has been completed. The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 notified of the completion of the payment starts providing the second content to the user.

  On the other hand, as described above, when wireless communication is performed, the terminal device 20 cannot always communicate with the content providing server 30. When receiving a purchase instruction to purchase the second content and determining that the terminal device 20 cannot communicate with the content providing server 30 when the provision of the first content is completed, the CPU 101 After the provision is completed, the settlement processing by the content providing server 30 is temporarily suspended and the provision of the second content to the user is started.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30 after starting the provision of the second content, the user ID input by the user and the password input by the user At the same time, it transmits to the content providing server 30 that the user purchases the second content. Then, the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 performs a user authentication process, and if it is determined that the user is a legitimate user, the control unit 303 performs a second content settlement process and notifies the terminal device 20 that the settlement is completed. Notice.

  Next, content providing processing executed by each of the above-described units according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to receive provision of the first content has been given by the user of the terminal device 20 (step S1401).

  If it is determined that the user has not received an instruction to receive provision of content (step S1401; NO), the CPU 101 waits until the instruction is received. On the other hand, when it is determined that an instruction to receive provision of content has been issued from the user (step S1401; YES), the CPU 101 acquires data of the first content from the content providing server 30 (step S1402).

  After acquiring the data of the first content, the CPU 101 starts providing the acquired first content to the user (step S1403). For example, the CPU 101 provides the first content to the user by reproducing the data of the acquired first content (first story of the electronic book) and displaying an image.

  When the provision of the first content is started, the CPU 101 starts the acquisition of the data of the second content from the content providing server 30 in parallel with the provision of the first content to the user (step S1404). .

  The CPU 101 determines whether the provision of the first content started in step S1403 is completed (step S1405).

  When it is determined that the provision of the first content has not been completed (step S1405; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the first content. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the first content is completed (step S1405; YES), the CPU 101 inquires of the content providing server 30 whether or not the user has purchased the second content (step S1406). ).

  When it is determined that the second content has already been purchased (step S1406; YES), the CPU 101 performs a process of step S1411 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second content has not been purchased (step S1406; NO), the CPU 101 receives a purchase instruction for purchasing the second content from the user (step S1407). For example, the user operates the controller 105 and inputs an instruction to purchase the second content or an instruction not to purchase the second content together with the user ID and the password. When paying with a credit card or a prepaid card, the user also inputs a credit card number or a prepaid card number.

  The CPU 101 determines whether the user purchases the second content based on the instruction received in step S1407 (step S1408).

  When it is determined that the user does not purchase the second content (step S1408; NO), the CPU 101 ends the content providing process. That is, only the first content is provided to the user, and the second content is not provided.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the user purchases the second content (step S1408; YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can currently communicate with the content providing server 30 (step S1409).

  If it is determined that communication is possible (step S1409; YES), the CPU 101 performs a settlement process for the second content (step S1410), and after the settlement is performed normally, the second content is provided. Start (step S1411). If YES in step S1406, CPU 101 skips steps S1407 to S1410 and starts providing the second content (step S1411).

  The CPU 101 determines whether the provision of the second content has been completed (step S1412). When the provision of the second content is not completed (step S1412; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the second content. When the provision of the second content is completed (step S1412; YES), the CPU 101 ends the content provision process.

  If it is determined in step S1409 that communication with the content providing server 30 is not possible, that is, when the provision of the first content is completed, the user desires to continue to receive the second content. When the terminal device 20 cannot communicate with the content providing server 30 (step S1409; NO), the CPU 101 temporarily suspends the payment process and starts providing the second content (step S1413).

  After the provision of the second content is started, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30 (step S1414). If it is determined that communication is not possible (step S1414; NO), the CPU 101 waits until communication is possible. The determination process in step S1414 is repeatedly performed at regular timing. Note that the second content is provided to the user even while waiting until communication is possible.

  If it is determined that communication is possible (step S1414; YES), the CPU 101 performs a settlement process for the second content (step S1415). That is, when the terminal device 20 becomes communicable with the content providing server 30, the payment processing once suspended is executed. Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the provision of the second content is completed (step S1412). If the provision is not completed (step S1412; NO), the provision of the second content is continued and completed. In the case (step S1412; YES), the content providing process is terminated.

  Note that the CPU 101 temporarily stores the user ID, password, credit card number, prepaid card number, and the like input by the user in step S1407 in the RAM 103, and stores this temporary storage when it is determined that communication is possible. It is assumed that settlement processing is performed in the background using the user ID, password, credit card number, and prepaid card number. Therefore, the screen for purchasing the second content is not switched while the second content is being provided.

  Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the provision of the second content has been completed (step S1412). If it is determined that the provision of the second content has been completed, the content providing process is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, paid content whose order to be provided to the user is determined is smoothly provided to the user. In particular, after the provision of the first content is finished, the user wishes to continue to provide the second content, but the second content is provided because the payment procedure cannot be performed due to poor communication. It is possible to prevent such a situation that the user is unable to do so, and to prevent the user from feeling stressed.

  For example, if the terminal device 20 can be easily carried by a user, such as a mobile phone or a portable game machine, when the user with the terminal device gets on a subway or enters a tunnel, the terminal device 20 temporarily receives radio waves. There is a possibility that the state becomes worse and the communication between the terminal device 20 and the content providing server 30 is hindered. However, according to this embodiment, the payment process is postponed until the radio wave condition is recovered, and during that time, the user can receive the second content, so that the user can receive the content after waiting for the completion of the payment. It is possible to reduce the stress of the user.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in the content providing system 10, the manner in which content is smoothly provided to the user by the terminal device 20 and the content providing server 30 operating in cooperation will be described in detail. The content provided by the content providing system 10 of the present embodiment is a game in a virtual space. For example, if the user clears the first scenario of the game, the user can continue to challenge the second scenario.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the content providing system 10. The content providing system 10 includes a terminal device 20 having a request unit 1701, a content receiving unit 1702, and a providing unit 1703, and a content providing server 30 having a storage unit 1704 and a content transmitting unit 1705.

  The request unit 1701 requests the content providing server 30 to transmit to the terminal device 20 a plurality of contents whose order to be provided is determined. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the request unit 1701.

  For example, the CPU 101 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the monitor, receives an instruction input for selecting one of a plurality of contents (a plurality of games) from the user, and based on the received instruction input, A message requesting that the data of the content (first content) selected by the user be transmitted to the terminal device 20 is transmitted to the content providing server 30. The user operates the controller 105 and inputs an instruction to select any content by pressing a button displayed on the screen.

  Note that the CPU 101 transmits data of the second content to be provided to the user following the first content to the terminal device 20 while the first content is provided to the user by the providing unit 1703. The request message is transmitted to the content providing server 30 as will be described in detail later.

  The content receiving unit 1702 receives the content requested by the requesting unit 1701 from the content providing server 30. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the content receiving unit 1702.

  In addition to receiving the first content data selected by the user from the content providing server 30, the CPU 101 receives the second content data that is to be provided next to the first content as the first content data. While the content is being provided to the user, the content is received from the content providing server 30.

  The providing unit 1703 provides a plurality of contents received by the content receiving unit 1702 to the user in a predetermined order as described above. For example, when one game is pre-divided into N pieces such as a first scenario, a second scenario, and an Nth scenario, the providing unit 1703 may include the first scenario, the second scenario, Each content is provided to the user by displaying an image representing each scenario of the game on the monitor in the order of the Nth scenario. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 cooperate to function as the providing unit 1703.

  The content may include sound in addition to the image, or may include only sound. In addition to displaying an image representing each content on the monitor, or instead of displaying an image representing each content on the monitor, the CPU 101 may output sound representing each content from a speaker.

  The storage unit 1704 stores a plurality of pieces of content data such as first content data, second content data, and Nth content data in advance. The storage device 301 functions as the storage unit 1704.

  In response to a request from the terminal device 20, the content transmission unit 1705 transmits the content data stored in the storage unit 1704 to the terminal device 20. The storage device 301, the communication unit 302, and the control unit 303 cooperate to function as the content transmission unit 1705.

  That is, when the control unit 303 receives a request to transmit the first content from the terminal device 20, the control unit 303 reads the first content data from the storage device 301, and uses the read first content data as the request content. It transmits to the terminal device 20 that was. Similarly, when the control unit 303 receives a request to transmit the second and Nth contents from the terminal device 20, the control unit 303 reads the data of the second and Nth contents from the storage device 301, and reads the second and second read data. The data of the Nth content is transmitted to the requested terminal device 20.

  The data of each content transmitted to the terminal device 20 is received by the content receiving unit 1702 as described above. The received data of each content is reproduced by the providing unit 1703, and each content is provided to the user.

  Here, the data of the second content is received by the terminal device 20 from the content providing server 30 while the first content is being provided to the user. That is, the CPU 101 requests the content providing server 30 to transmit the data of the second content to the terminal device 20 while the first content is provided to the user. Then, the CPU 101 receives the second content from the content providing server 30 in the background while the first content is being provided to the user.

  Next, processing performed by the content providing system 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 requests the content providing server 30 to transmit the first content (step S1801). For example, the CPU 101 identifies and identifies the first content requested to be transmitted to the content providing server 30 based on an instruction to select the first content input by the user using the controller 105. The content providing server 30 is requested to transmit the first content data to the terminal device 20.

  In response to a request from the terminal device 20, the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 reads the first content data from the storage device 301 and transmits it to the terminal device 20 (step S1802).

  The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives the first content data from the content providing server 30 (step S1803).

  The CPU 101 reproduces the received first content and starts providing the first content to the user (step S1804).

  The CPU 101 requests the content providing server 30 to transmit the second content while providing the first content started in step S1804 (step S1805). That is, in parallel with the first content being provided to the user, the second content is transmitted to the terminal device 20 in the background.

  In response to a request from the terminal device 20, the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 reads the second content data from the storage device 301 and transmits it to the terminal device 20 (step S1806).

  The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives the second content data from the content providing server 30 during the provision of the first content (step S1807).

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not provision of the first content to the user has been completed (step S1808).

  When it is determined that the provision of the first content is not completed (step S1808; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the first content. On the other hand, if it is determined that the provision of the first content has been completed (step S1808; YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the user has received an instruction to continue to provide the second content (step S1809). ).

  If it is determined that there is no instruction to receive provision of the second content, or there is an instruction to not receive provision of the second content (step S1809; NO), the CPU 101 ends the content providing process To do. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an instruction to receive the provision of the second content or there is no instruction to not receive the provision of the second content (step S1809; YES), the CPU 101 notifies the user. The second content is started to be provided (step S1810).

  Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the provision of the second content is completed (step S1811). When it is determined that the provision of the second content is not completed (step S1811; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the twelfth content. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the second content is completed (step S1811; YES), the CPU 101 ends the content provision process.

  According to the present embodiment, since the second content is acquired by the terminal device 20 in the background while the first content is being provided, the content providing system 10 can execute the first content after the provision of the first content is completed. The provision of the second content can be started immediately, and the content can be smoothly provided to the user. Alternatively, the content providing system 10 can shorten the waiting time from the completion of the provision of the first content to the start of the provision of the second content, and can provide the content smoothly to the user. .

  If there is a third content whose order to be provided to the user is next to the second content, the CPU 101 starts providing the second content in step S1810, and the third content is provided. Assume that the content providing server 30 is requested to transmit the content data, and the third content data is received during the provision of the second content. Then, the processing in steps S1809 to S1811 is repeated with the second content as the new first content and the third content as the new second content. The same applies when there are four or more contents.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the content providing system 10 of the present embodiment, each content is paid, and the timing for paying the price for receiving the provision of each content differs depending on whether the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30. Different from the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the content providing system 10. The terminal device 20 further includes a purchase acceptance unit 1901 and a communication determination unit 1902, and the content providing server 30 further includes a settlement unit 1903.

  Upon completion of the provision of the first content by the providing unit 1703, the purchase receiving unit 1910 receives a purchase instruction for purchasing the second content from the user. The CPU 101 and the controller 105 cooperate to function as a purchase acceptance unit 1910.

  For example, the CPU 101 displays a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to purchase the content, and receives an input for instructing whether or not to purchase the content from the user. The user operates the controller 105 to input an instruction to purchase content or an instruction to not purchase content.

  The communication determination unit 1902 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30. The CPU 101 and the NIC 110 cooperate to function as the communication determination unit 1902.

  The CPU 101 periodically checks the strength of the radio wave having a frequency for connecting to the communication network 40 captured by the antenna. When the intensity of the captured radio wave is less than a predetermined value, the CPU 101 determines that the terminal device 20 is in a state where communication with the content providing server 30 is impossible. Alternatively, even if the radio wave intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the CPU 101 can stably communicate with the content providing server 30 when the terminal device 20 cannot maintain the radio wave intensity at a predetermined value or higher for a predetermined time or longer. It is determined that communication is impossible (substantially communication is impossible).

  The settlement unit 1903 settles the consideration for the user to receive the second content based on the purchase instruction received by the purchase reception unit 1901. The control unit 303 functions as a settlement unit 1903.

  Specifically, the content providing server 30 stores a database (not shown) that stores identification information of content purchased by the user in the storage device 301 in association with the user ID. When the control unit 303 receives an instruction to purchase the content, the control unit 303 pays the price for receiving the content by deducting the price of the content from the account prepaid by the user. Then, the control unit 303 writes the identification information of the content that has been settled in the database in association with the user ID. The settlement may be performed by payment using a credit card or a prepaid card.

  Instead of providing the settlement unit 1903 in the content providing server 30, a settlement server connected to the content providing server 30 is provided so that a payment procedure for receiving the provision of the content is performed in this settlement server. The content providing system 10 may be configured.

  Next, processing performed by the content providing system 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives an instruction from the user to purchase the first content (step S2001).

  CPU 101 determines whether the user purchases the first content based on the instruction received in step S2001 (step S2002).

  When it is determined that the user does not purchase the first content (step S2002; NO), the CPU 101 ends the content providing process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user purchases the first content (step S2002; YES), the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 and the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 allow the user to receive the first content. The consideration is settled (step S2003).

  In the content providing system 10, only the first content may be free of charge, and the second and subsequent content (second content, third content, Nth content, etc.) may be charged. In this case, the processing of steps S2001 to S2003 can be omitted.

  The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 requests the content providing server 30 to transmit the first content (step S2004).

  The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 reads the first content data from the storage device 301, and transmits the read first content data to the requested terminal device 20 (step S2005).

  The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives the first content data from the content providing server 30 (step S2006).

  The CPU 101 starts providing the received first content to the user (step S2007).

  In parallel with the provision of the first content started in step S2007, the CPU 101 requests the content providing server 30 to transmit the second content whose order to be provided is the next of the first content (step S101). S2008).

  The control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 reads the second content data from the storage device 301, and transmits the read second content data to the requested terminal device 20 (step S2009).

  The CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 receives the second content data from the content providing server 30 (step S2010). That is, during the provision of the first content to the user, the data of the second content is acquired in the background.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not provision of the first content started in step S2007 is completed (step S2011). When it is determined that the provision of the first content has not been completed (step S2011; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the first content. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the first content has been completed (step S2011; YES), the CPU 101 receives an instruction to purchase the second content from the user (step S2012).

  The CPU 101 determines whether the user purchases the second content based on the instruction received in step S2102 (step S2013). For example, when the CPU 101 receives an instruction to purchase the second content, the CPU 101 determines that the user purchases the second content, and does not receive an instruction to purchase the second content. Alternatively, when receiving an instruction not to purchase the second content, the user determines not to purchase the second content.

  When determining that the second content is not to be purchased (step S2013; NO), the CPU 101 ends the content providing process. That is, in this case, only the first content is provided to the user, and the second content is not provided.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second content is to be purchased (step S2013; YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30 when the provision of the first content is completed. It discriminate | determines (step S2014). For example, the CPU 101 determines that communication is possible when the intensity of a radio wave having a frequency used when the terminal device 20 communicates with the content providing server 30 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. It is determined that it is impossible.

  When it is determined that communication is possible (step S2014; YES), the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 and the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 settle the consideration for the user to receive the second content (step S2015). ). That is, if the user requests provision of the second content and communication is possible at the time when the provision of the first content is completed, the payment for receiving the provision of the second content is immediately performed. .

  When the settlement is completed, the CPU 101 starts providing the second content (step S2016). Then, the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S2020 described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that communication is not possible (step S2014; NO), the CPU 101 temporarily suspends the payment for consideration for receiving the provision of the second content, and provides the second content to the user. Start (step S2017). In other words, if the user has issued an instruction to purchase the second content in step S2012, the user can obtain the second content received by the terminal device 20 in the background even if the payment has not been completed. You can receive the offer.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30 (step S2018).

  When it is determined that communication is impossible (step S2018; NO), the CPU 101 repeats the process of step S2018 in parallel with the provision of the second content. Note that the CPU 101 repeatedly determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can communicate with the content providing server 30 at a predetermined periodic timing.

  When it is determined that communication is possible (step S2018; YES), the CPU 101 of the terminal device 20 and the control unit 303 of the content providing server 30 allow the user to receive the second content once suspended. The consideration is settled (step S2019). That is, if communication is possible when the user issues an instruction to purchase the second content, payment is immediately made, and communication is made when the user issues an instruction to purchase the second content. If it is not possible, the payment is temporarily suspended and the payment is made when communication becomes possible.

  The CPU 101 determines whether the provision of the second content is completed (step S2020). When it is determined that the provision of the second content is not completed (step S2020; NO), the CPU 101 continues to provide the second content. On the other hand, when it is determined that the provision of the second content is completed (step S2020; YES), the CPU 101 ends the content provision process.

  According to the present embodiment, the user purchases the second content even if the surrounding communication environment is poor when the provision of the first content is finished and the terminal device 20 cannot communicate with the content providing server 30. If it is input, the second content can be provided immediately after the first content. The content providing system 10 can smoothly provide content to the user.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Moreover, it is also possible to freely combine the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

  A program for operating a computer as all or part of the terminal device 20 and the content providing server 30 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical disk). It may be distributed and installed on another computer and operated as the above-mentioned means, or the above-described steps may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer, for example, superimposed on a carrier wave.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a terminal device, a content providing system, a content providing method, and a program suitable for smoothly providing the user with the content in which the order to be provided to the user is determined. can do.

10 Content Providing System 20, 20A, 20B Terminal Device 30 Content Providing Server 40 Network 100 Information Processing Device 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 DVD-ROM Drive 108 Image Processing Unit 109 Audio Processing Unit 110 NIC
301 storage device 302 communication unit 303 control unit 401 obtaining unit 402 providing unit 501A, 501B, 501C, 502, 503 button 601, 602 button 701, 702 input field 703, 704, 801, 802 button 1101 inquiry unit 1102 purchase receiving unit 1103 Transmission unit 1301 Communication determination unit 1302 Purchase reception unit 1303 Notification unit 1701 Request unit 1702 Content reception unit 1703 Provision unit 1704 Storage unit 1705 Purchase reception unit 1902 Communication determination unit 1902 Settlement unit

Claims (8)

An acquisition unit for acquiring, from the server device, a plurality of contents for which the order to be provided is determined;
A providing unit that provides the user with the plurality of acquired contents in the predetermined order;
A terminal device comprising:
While the first content of the plurality of contents is being provided to the user by the providing unit, the first content should be provided following the first content in the predetermined order among the plurality of contents. Second content being acquired in parallel by the acquisition unit,
A communication determination unit for determining whether the terminal device can communicate with the server device;
A purchase acceptance unit for accepting a purchase instruction to purchase the second content from the user;
Further comprising
If the purchase accepting unit accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed, the communication determination And the providing unit starts providing the second content after the provision of the first content is completed.
A terminal device characterized by that. The terminal device according to claim 1,
The acquisition unit tries to acquire the second content before the provision of the first content is completed,
The terminal device
When the provision of the first content is completed, an inquiry unit that inquires of the server device whether or not the user has purchased the second content;
A purchase acceptance unit that accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content from the user when the server device replies that the user has not purchased the second content;
When the purchase instruction is received, after transmitting to the server device that the user purchases the second content, a transmission unit that makes an inquiry again to the inquiry unit;
Further comprising
When the server device replies that the user has purchased the second content, the providing unit starts providing the second content.
A terminal device characterized by that. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2,
When provision of the second content is started by the providing unit, among the plurality of contents, the second content and the second content should be provided in the determined order. Each of the third content is treated as a new first content and a new second content,
A terminal device characterized by that. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
When the purchase accepting unit accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed. (A) When the terminal device can communicate with the server device When the communication determination unit determines, the server device is notified that the user purchases the second content,
(B) When the communication determining unit determines that the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device, the user purchases the second content after determining that the terminal device can communicate with the server device. Notify the server device to the effect,
A notification unit;
A terminal device characterized by that. A content providing system having a terminal device and a server device,
The terminal device
A requesting unit that requests the server device to transmit a plurality of contents in a predetermined order to be provided to the terminal device;
A content receiver for receiving the requested plurality of contents;
A providing unit for providing the user with the plurality of received contents in the predetermined order;
A communication determination section for pre SL terminal device determines whether it is possible to communicate with the server device,
With
The server device is
A storage unit for storing the plurality of contents in advance;
In response to a request from the terminal device, a content transmitting unit that transmits the first content among the plurality of stored contents to the terminal device;
With
The content receiving unit receives the first content from the server device;
The providing unit provides the received first content to the user;
The request unit should be provided following the first content in the predetermined order among the plurality of contents while the first content is provided to the user by the providing unit. Requesting the second content to be transmitted to the terminal device,
The content transmission unit transmits the second content requested to be transmitted from the terminal device to the terminal device,
The content receiving unit receives the second content from the server while the first content is provided to the user by the providing unit;
The terminal device
When the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed, the purchase unit further includes a purchase accepting unit that accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content from the user,
The server device is
Based on the accepted purchase instruction, further comprising a settlement unit that settles a consideration for the user to receive the provision of the second content;
When the purchase instruction is accepted, the providing unit provides the second content to the user,
If the purchase accepting unit accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed, the communication determination And the providing unit starts providing the second content after the provision of the first content is completed.
A content providing system characterized by that. The content providing system according to claim 5 ,
When the purchase accepting unit accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed. (A) When the terminal device can communicate with the server device When the communication determination unit determines, the request unit requests the server device to settle the price for the user to receive the provision of the second content,
(B) When the communication determination unit determines that the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device, the request unit determines that the terminal device can communicate with the server device and then the user Requesting the server device to settle the price for receiving the content of
The settlement unit settles a consideration for the user to receive provision of the second content based on the accepted purchase instruction;
A content providing system characterized by that. A content providing method executed by a terminal device having an acquisition unit, a provision unit , a communication determination unit, and a purchase acceptance unit ,
An acquisition step in which the acquisition unit acquires, from a server device, a plurality of contents whose order to be provided is determined;
A providing step in which the providing unit provides the user with the plurality of acquired contents in the determined order;
With
While the first content of the plurality of contents is provided to the user in the providing step, the first content is to be provided following the first content in the determined order among the plurality of contents. Second content is acquired in parallel in the acquisition step ,
A communication determining step in which the communication determining unit determines whether or not the terminal device can communicate with the server device;
A purchase acceptance step in which the purchase acceptance unit accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content from the user;
Further comprising
The communication determination is made when a purchase instruction for purchasing the second content is received in the purchase reception step, and the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the provision of the first content in the providing step is completed. If determined in step, in the providing step, the providing unit starts providing the second content after the provision of the first content is completed.
A content providing method characterized by the above. Computer
An acquisition unit that acquires, from the server device, a plurality of contents in which the order to be provided is determined;
A providing unit that provides the user with the plurality of acquired contents in the predetermined order;
Function as
While the first content among the plurality of contents is provided to the user by the providing unit, the first content is to be provided following the first content in the determined order among the plurality of contents. Second content being acquired in parallel by the acquisition unit ,
The computer,
A communication determination unit for determining whether the computer can communicate with the server device;
A purchase accepting unit that accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content from the user;
Further function as
If the purchase accepting unit accepts a purchase instruction to purchase the second content, and the terminal device cannot communicate with the server device when the provision of the first content by the providing unit is completed, the communication determination And the providing unit starts providing the second content after the provision of the first content is completed.
A program characterized by that.

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