WO2008041815A1

WO2008041815A1 - Digital contents registration and distribution system and its method using contents identification system based on unified resource names

Info

Publication number: WO2008041815A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/004808
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young-Sun Kim
Original assignee: Young-Sun Kim
Priority date: 2006-10-02
Filing date: 2007-10-02
Publication date: 2008-04-10
Also published as: KR20090078326A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a digital contents registration and distribution with a URN-based contents identification system applied. The registration management system and the application systems are implemented in a distributed network to easily and diversely access to contents, as well as to allow the application systems to create and distribute contents containing a unique contents identification code by themselves based on an institute code assigned by the registration management system. Therefore, digital contents creators become the subject of contents distribution and easily secure a management system for all contents produced by them, so that a contents distribution infra- structure can be greatly expanded at a low cost in a short period. Particularly, a purchase operator who has once purchased and used the contents can distribute the purchased contents as they are or after modifying the contents, and thus the contents distribution market can be activated.

Description

DIGITAL CONTENTS REGISTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND ITS METHOD USING CONTENTS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM BASED ON UNIFIED RESOURCE

NAMES Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to implementation of a digital contents registration and distribution infra-structure, and more specifically, to a digital contents registration and distribution system and a method thereof, with a URN-based contents identification system applied, in which registration and distribution of digital contents are implemented by applying an identification system for assigning a unified resource name (URN), which is a permanent and unique identifier, to each of digital contents on the Internet. Background Art

[2] A unified resource locator (URL) based web address is used as a system for identifying and accessing information on the Internet.

[3] However, if a web address is changed, a connection chain to the information linked to the web address is broken. Accordingly, it frequently occurs that an access to corresponding information is not allowed.

[4] In addition, the World Wide Web (WWW) based on hypertext having hyper links provides a simple user interface. Therefore, a robot agent developed to efficiently search for explosively increasing information on the Internet circulates web servers, collects and analyzes a number of information stored in each home page, extracts and indexes URLs, and provides a search engine with a means for easily searching for information by keyword search.

[5] However, as the types of information increased on the Internet are changing from text base to complex multimedia comprising a variety of objects such as image information like pictures, moving pictures, sounds, and the like, a search result unintended by an operator is presented, or the operator has to spend more time to search for a desired result from a large number of the search results.

[6] Meanwhile, in distributing the contents, contents providers provide and distribute the contents in cooperation with communication companies or through large-scale portal service companies based on a search technique. However, in this case, this is a structure in which it is difficult for contents providers or contents copyright holders to obtain a large profit. [7] In addition, a peer-to-peer (P2P) technique is utilized for a digital contents distribution channel, and a P2P server or client program is installed in an operator s computer to share his or her files or obtain shared files free through a P2P network.

[8] However, there is a problem of Tragedy of commons , in which most of operators disconnect the P2P network immediately after downloading desired contents through a P2P search, and thus, it is difficult to obtain contents of good quality through the P2P network.

[9] Furthermore, although even P2P companies who have succeeded through a P2P music file sharing service try to charge for contents by applying a copyright protection technique to the P2P technique in a considerably depressed situation invited due to copyright issues related to distribution of illegal contents and failure of collecting charges, it is not enough yet to activate the contents distribution market.

[10] Due to the reasons described above, in order to establish standardization of contents identification systems as an infra- structure of an access and management system for integrating and associating individual contents managements and efficiently utilizing abruptly increasing contents, a digital contents identification management system comprising one root management organization and a plurality of registration agencies is constructed as a national project.

[11] Figs. 1 and 2 are views showing a digital contents registration system and a process of registering digital contents through the system in a conventional URN-based digital contents identification system, and Figs. 3 and 4 are views showing a digital contents distribution system and a process of purchasing digital contents through the system in a conventional URN-based digital contents identification system.

[12] As shown in the figures, a conventional contents registration and distribution system 10 comprises a root management system 11, registration management systems 12, a contents sales system 13, a registered seller terminal 14, and a purchase operator terminal 15.

[13] The root management system 11 is the uppermost general organization having overall authority over the operation of a contents management system and responsibility for distributing and expanding contents, and manages the registration management systems 12. The registration management system 12 performs registration management, such as registering contents received from the registered seller terminal 14, assigning an identification code to corresponding contents, and the like. The contents sales system 13 is, for example, a search-based large-scale portal service company that sells digital contents registered through the registered seller terminal 14. The registered seller terminal 14 and the purchase operator terminal 15 register and distribute contents through the contents sales system 13.

[14] First, as shown in Fig. 1, registration of contents is performed such that if a registered contents distributor logs in the registration management system 12 ® and inputs meta data containing URL information of corresponding contents at the registered seller terminal 14, the registration management system 12 assigns an identification code to the corresponding contents of the registered seller terminal 14 ©, stores the meta data containing the URL information of the registered contents in a local database of the registration management system 12, and transmits identification meta data to the root management system 11 ©.

[15] Then, if the registered seller terminal 14 assigned with the contents identification code registers the contents identification code in the contents sales system 13 in order to distribute the contents registered by the contents distributor ®, the contents sales system 13 requests meta data information of the corresponding contents from the registration management system 12 © and receives and stores the meta data information ©.

[16] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, in the process of registering contents, the registered seller terminal 14 inputs meta data containing URL information of the corresponding contents to be registered in a certain form provided by the registration management system 12 and transmits the input meta data to the registration management system 12 (step S21).

[17] The registration management system 12 compares the meta data input by the registered distributor with the stored meta data to confirm duplication of the contents, i.e., whether the corresponding contents received from the registered seller terminal 14 are the same as the contents to which an identification is already assigned (step S22).

[18] If the corresponding contents received from the registered seller terminal 14 have been already assigned with an identification code and is duplicated, the registration management system requests the registered seller terminal 14 to confirm and re-input the meta data (step S23).

[19] However, if the meta data of the corresponding contents received from the registered seller terminal 14 is not duplicated, the registration management system 12 assigns an identification code to the corresponding contents, transmits the identification code to the registered seller terminal 14, and stores meta data containing URL information of the corresponding contents in the local database. Here, the meta data containing information on the contents are divided into identification meta data for identifying contents and search meta data containing characteristics and summary information of the contents, and only the identification meta data is transmitted to the root management system 11 since only minimum information is needed to search for the contents (step S24).

[20] Next, the registered seller terminal 14 transmits the identification code received from the registration management system 12 to the contents sales system 13 and registers the identification code to distribute the contents (step S25).

[21] Then, the contents sales system 13 requests meta data of the contents corresponding to the identification code received from the registered seller terminal 14 from the registration management system 12 and receives and stores the meta data (step S26).

[22] Next, as shown in Fig. 3, the contents registered through the process described above are distributed in such a manner that a purchase operator connects to the contents sales system 13 through the purchase operator terminal 15 to search for and purchase contents and searches for the contents ®, receives an identification code of the selected contents and a payment certificate ©, requests conversion of the corresponding contents identification code from the root management system 11 and the registration management system 12 and receives a result of the conversion ©, ®, ©, and ©, connects to the registered seller terminal 14 possessing the contents to submit a purchase request and the payment certificate ©, and then receives and uses the necessary contents ®.

[23] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, in the process of distributing contents, the purchase operator terminal 15 connects to the contents sales system 13 and searches for contents in order to purchase needed contents, selects contents to purchase from a result of the search, and makes a payment (step S31).

[24] The contents sales system 13 transmits the identification code of the contents selected and paid by the purchase operator and the payment certificate to the purchase operator terminal 15 (step S32).

[25] The purchase operator terminal 15 requests conversion of the URN identification code for the contents received from the contents sales system 13 from the root management system 11 and the registration management system 12 in order (step S33).

[26] The root management system 11 and the registration management system 12 respectively transmit a code converted from the received identification code of the contents to the purchase operator terminal 15 (step S34).

[27] That is, the purchase operator requests first identification code conversion of a corresponding contents identification code from the root management system 11 at the purchase operator terminal 15, receives location information of the registration management system 12 where the corresponding contents are registered as a result of the first identification code conversion, requests a second identification code conversion from the registration management system 12 corresponding to the result of the first identification code conversion, and receives the URL of the registered seller terminal 14 where the corresponding contents are located as a result of the second identification code conversion. Here, the registration management system 12 periodically examines connectivity of the URL to improve and maintain accessibility to the contents. [28] Then, the purchase operator terminal 15 connects to a registered seller terminal 14 based on the results of code conversions received from the root management system 11 and the registration management system 12, submits a purchase request and the payment certificate, and purchases the corresponding contents (step S35).

[29] Therefore, in the conventional contents registration and distribution system 10, since the subject of the registration management system 12 is a public organization of a government department or group or a private enterprise designated as a registration agency, there are limitations in that the contents created or possessed by an individual, a corporation, or a public institute itself that is not designated as a registration agency are rendered into digital contents, the contents are managed through a standardized identification system, and a contents distribution business is operated with its own business model.

[30] Furthermore, in the conventional contents registration and distribution system, an identification code is assign to relevant contents when a registered distributor registers meta data containing the URL of the contents into the registration management system 12, and the registered distributor registers the identification code of the contents in the contents sales system 13, which is a search-based large-scale portal service company, in order to distribute the digital contents to which the identification code is assigned. Therefore, since there is a problem in that contents distribution control is not on the registered distributor but on the contents sales system 13 due to a characteristic of Internet business, a phenomenon of monopolizing the whole contents distribution market by a few top large-scale portal service companies with a weapon of a search technique is further intensified. Accordingly, it is difficult to construct a contents identification management system as an initially intended contents distribution infrastructure to accomplish nation-wide expansion of a contents identification system and activation of the contents distribution market.

[31] Furthermore, it is also inconvenient in that since the registered distributor should know the contents identification code system in order to register contents, an individual or an organization should set up an internal rule on a method for assigning an identification code.

[32] In addition, although there is a characteristic in that contents do not disappear even after the contents are purchased and used, it is difficult in reality to re-distribute the contents as they are or after modifying the contents, so that contents have not been distributed further actively. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[33] The present invention is suggested to solve the aforementioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a digital contents registration and distribution system and a method thereof, with a URN-based contents identification system applied, in which contents creation subjects are allowed to easily and diversely register and distribute contents using a contents identification system for assigning a permanent and unique identifier to each of contents on the Internet, and particularly, a purchase operator who has purchased contents and used the contents once can distribute the contents that the purchase operator himself or herself has purchased as the contents are or after modifying the contents. Technical Solution

[34] The present invention for achieving the object provides a digital contents registration and distribution system using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein a registration management system and a plurality of application systems construct a distributed network so that the registration and distribution of contents are distributed; the registration management system registers a login operator, issues a certificate, assigns an institute code to each application system as a sub- registration management system, stores meta data of the contents containing a URN identification code transmitted from the application system, and transmits the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system; the application system registers and stores the meta data of the contents containing the URN identification code created in itself based on the institute code assigned from the registration management system in the registration management system; and a certificated operator logs in the above application systems, inputs a search query and transmits the search query to the registration management system to purchase needed contents, and then, connects to a relevant application system using a URL contained in meta data that is searched among the registered meta data of contents and transmitted to the application system by the registration management system, and receives the contents through a payment and authentication process.

[35] In addition, the present invention for achieving the object provides a digital contents registration and distribution system using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein a registration management system and a plurality of application systems construct a distributed network so that the registration and distribution of contents are distributed; the registration management system registers a login operator, issues a certificate, assigns an institute code to each application system as a sub- registration management system, stores meta data of the contents containing a URN identification code transmitted from the application system, and transmits the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system; the application system registers and stores the meta data of the contents containing the URN identification code created in itself based on the institute code assigned from the registration management system in the registration management system; and a certificated operator logs in the application systems, inputs a search query and transmits the search query to the registration management system to purchase needed contents, and then, selects a needed identification code from meta data that is searched among the registered meta data of contents and transmitted to the application system by the registration management system, transmits the selected identification code to the distributed network, searches for meta data corresponding to the identification code from the distributed network comprising the application systems, analyzes the meta data transmitted to the application system as a result of the search, connects to an application system having a most optimal purchase condition, and receives the contents through a payment and authentication process.

[36] Further, the present invention for achieving the object provides a digital contents registration and distribution system using a URN -based digital contents identification system, wherein a registration management system and a plurality of application systems construct a distributed network so that the registration and distribution of contents are distributed; the registration management system registers a login operator, issues a certificate, assigns an institute code to each application system as a sub- registration management system, stores meta data of the contents containing a URN identification code transmitted from the application system, and transmits the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system; the application system registers and stores the meta data of the contents containing the URN identification code created in itself based on the institute code assigned from the registration management system in the registration management system; and a certificated operator logs in the application systems, inputs a search query and transmits the search query to the distributed network through the application system to purchase needed contents, and then, searches for meta data corresponding to the identification code from the distributed network comprising the application systems, analyzes the meta data transmitted to the application system as a result of the search, connects to an application system having a most optimal purchase condition, and receives the contents through a payment and authentication process.

[37] Preferably, the digital contents registered and stored to be distributed are digital contents of an original copyright holder or a production newly manufactured using the digital contents of the original copyright holder.

[38] The present invention for achieving the object provides a digital contents reg- istration and distribution method, where a distributed network comprising a registration management system and a plurality of application systems is constructed to perform registration and distribution of digital contents using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein the method comprises a first step for connecting to the registration management system and registering an application system therein thereby assigning an institute code to the application system as a sub- registration management system by the registration management system; a second step for registering meta data of contents having an identification code created by the application system itself into the registration management system based on the institute code assigned in the first step to distribute the contents, and storing the meta data by the application system itself; a third step for storing the meta data of contents registered in the second step, and transmitting the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system, by the registration management system; a fourth step for logging in the application system through a terminal, inputting a search query, and transmitting the search query to the registration management system to purchase the contents, thereby searching for the registered meta data of contents and transmitting a result of the search to the application system by the registration management system; and a fifth step for connecting to a relevant application system using a URL contained in the meta data received in the fourth step and receiving the contents through a payment and authentication process, by the terminal.

[39] Further, the present invention for achieving the object provides a digital contents registration and distribution method, where a distributed network comprising a registration management system and a plurality of application systems is constructed to perform registration and distribution of digital contents using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein the method comprises a first step for connecting to the registration management system and registering an application system therein thereby assigning an institute code to the application system as a sub- registration management system by the registration management system; a second step for registering meta data of contents having an identification code created by the application system itself into the registration management system based on the institute code assigned in the first step to distribute the contents, and storing the meta data by the application system itself; a third step for storing the meta data of contents registered in the second step, and transmitting the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system, by the registration management system; a fourth step for logging in the application system through a terminal, inputting a search query, and transmitting the search query to the registration management system to purchase the contents, thereby searching for the registered meta data of contents and transmitting a result of the search to the application system by the registration management system; a fifth step for selecting a desired identification code among identification codes of contents received in the fourth step and displayed on the application system and transmitting the corresponding identification code to the distributed network comprising the application systems, by the terminal; a sixth step for searching for meta data of contents corresponding to the identification code received in the fifth step and transmitting the search result to the application system, by the distributed network comprising the application systems; a seventh step for analyzing desired meta data among the search result transmitted in the sixth step and determining an application system having an optimal condition, by the application system; and an eighth step for connecting to the application system having an optimal condition determined in the seventh step and receiving the contents through a payment and authentication process, by the terminal. [40] Furthermore, the present invention for achieving the object provides a digital contents registration and distribution method, where a distributed network comprising a registration management system and a plurality of application systems is constructed to perform registration and distribution of digital contents using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein the method comprises a first step for connecting to the registration management system and registering an application system therein thereby assigning an institute code to the application system as a sub- registration management system by the registration management system; a second step for registering meta data of contents having an identification code created by the application system itself into the registration management system based on the institute code assigned in the first step to distribute the contents, and storing the meta data by the application system itself; a third step for storing the meta data of contents registered in the second step, and transmitting the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system, by the registration management system; a fourth step for logging in the application system through a terminal, inputting a search query, and transmitting the search query to the distributed network comprising the application systems in order to purchase the contents; a fifth step for searching for meta data of contents corresponding to the identification code received in the fourth step and transmitting the search result to the application system, by the distributed network comprising the application systems; a sixth step for analyzing desired meta data among the search result transmitted in the fifth step and determining an application system having an optimal condition, by the application system; and an seventh step for connecting to the application system having an optimal condition determined in the sixth step and receiving the contents through a payment and authentication process, by the terminal. [41] Preferably, in the second step, public standard contract for contents distribution is created by selectively inputting conditions, such as a price policy of a copyright holder, whether modification of a production is permitted, and the like, to smoothly distribute contents created and assigned by the application system, and the contract is transmitted to and stored in the registration management system together with the meta data of the contents.

[42] Preferably, the registered contents are digital contents of an original copyright holder as they are purchased by someone other than the original copyright holder, or a production newly manufactured using the digital contents of the original copyright holder, and in this case, details of the production distribution open standard contract of the original copyright holder are inherited as they are, and additionally, conditions, such as a price policy of a new copyright holder or whether a modification of a production is permitted, are selectively input in a form of the production distribution open standard contract.

[43] Preferably, for the registered contents, when someone other than the original copyright holder purchases contents and resells the contents to the other person, an amount paid for the contents is exact calculated to the original copyright holder and rellers according to public standard contract for contents which was stored in registration management system.

Advantageous Effects

[44] According to a digital contents registration and distribution system and a method thereof with a URN-based contents identification system of the present invention applied as described above, the registration management system and the application systems are implemented in a distributed network to easily and diversely access to contents, as well as to allow the application systems to create and distribute contents containing a unique contents identification code by themselves based on an institute code assigned by the registration management system. Therefore, digital contents creators become the subject of contents distribution so that even an individual, as well as an organization or a private enterprise, which is not designated as a registration agency, can also employ the application system to easily secure a management system for all contents produced in itself. Accordingly, it is effective in that an infra-structure for registering, storing, and distributing contents is constructed at an extraordinarily low cost, and thus the contents distribution infra- structure can be greatly expanded in a short period.

[45] Here, a means for specifying copyright ownership, use conditions, division of profits, and the like is provided to activate the contents distribution market. Particularly, there is provided an environment in which a person who has purchased contents can resell the contents as they are or after modifying the contents in his or her application system based on the specification of the purchased contents, whereby it is possible to resell the contents, as well as to protect copyright holders and secure transparency of dealing details. Accordingly, it is motivated to purchase and sell the contents with fee, and thus, there is an effect of expanding the contents distribution market.

Brief Description of the Drawings [46] Figs. 1 and 2 are views showing a digital contents registration system and a process of registering digital contents through the system in a conventional URN-based digital contents identification system; [47] Figs. 3 and 4 are views showing a digital contents distribution system and a process of purchasing digital contents through the system in a conventional URN-based digital contents identification system; [48] Figs. 5 and 6 are views showing a digital contents registration system and a process of registering digital contents in a URN-based digital contents identification system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [49] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of creating public standard contract for contents distribution in the registration process of Fig. 6; and [50] Figs. 8 to 13 are views showing digital contents distribution systems and processes of purchasing digital contents in a URN-based digital contents identification system according to embodiments of the present invention.

[51] [Explanation of Reference Numerals for Major Portions Shown in Drawings]

[52] 10: Conventional contents registration and distribution system

[53] 11, 110: Root management system 12: Registration management system

[54] 13: Contents sales system 14: Registered seller terminal

[55] 15: Purchase operator terminal

[56] 100: Contents registration and distribution system

[57] 120: Registration management system 130: Application system

[58] 140: Terminal 150: Authentication server

[59] 160: Payment and settlement server

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [60] A contents registration and distribution system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention constructs a contents identification management system comprising a root management system 110 that is an uppermost organization of a contents management system, as a general organization for standardizing, managing, and operating a contents identification system, and a plurality of registration management systems 120 that are registration agencies. [61] Here, the registration management system 120 and a plurality of application systems 130 construct a distributed network so that registration and distribution of contents can be distributed.

[62] The registration management system 120 and the plurality of application systems

130 are configured as a hybrid network and provided with computer codes and a network protocol engine to be able to perform a server-to-server communication. They can selectively operate as a client/server network node having a characteristic of a distributed network in which each server maintains a list of its own clients while operating independently to other servers, or as a peer-to-peer network node depending on a web service situation.

[63] The registration management system 120 registers a login operator of the application system 130, issues a certificate, and assigns an institute code as a sub- registration management system, under the control of the root management system 110 that is the uppermost organization in the operational structure of the contents identification management system.

[64] Then, the registration management system receives meta data containing a unique identification code for registering contents created by the application system 130 itself, stores the received meta data, and transmits identification meta data to the root management system 110 that is in charge of standardization and operation of the contents identification system.

[65] The application system 130 registers the contents containing the unique contents identification code created by itself in the registration management system 120 and stores the contents in itself based on the institute code assigned from the registration management system 120, together with public standard contract for contents distribution to which conditions on using the production and policy of price are reflected.

[66] That is, the application system 130 is assigned with an institute code of a sub- registration agency (Sub-RA) from the registration management system 120 and assigns an application system s own identification code to contents created by an operator who has logged in the application system. Therefore, anyone who possesses only the application system can possess a contents management system of its own and, at the same time, smoothly distribute contents through the application system without connecting to a search-based large-scale portal service company, although he or she is not a registration agency.

[67] In addition, the contents registered and stored to be distributed include contents of an original copyright holder as someone other than the original copyright holder has purchased or a production newly manufactured using the digital contents of the original copyright holder, as well digital contents of an original copyright holder. The contents are allowed to be immediately registered and distributed through the ap- plication system, and thus, distribution of contents can be drastically activated.

[68] Figs. 5 and 6 are views showing a digital contents registration system and a process of registering digital contents in a URN-based digital contents identification system according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the process of registering digital contents can be divided into a process of employing an application system and a process of registering digital contents to be distributed through the registered application system.

[69] First, in order to employ the application system 130, if it is assumed that an operator is an operator of the application system 130, the system operator connects to the application system 130 through a terminal 140, inputs operator registration information to open an operator account in the application system 130, logs in the application system 130, and creates the operator account of the application system 130, or sets up an application system network environment, a web-based contents operating environment, and the like, creates a pair of keys (for signature and encryption) and a session key based on a security program provided in the application system 130, encrypts system information of the application system 130 and the operator registration information input in the step of creating an operator account using the session key, writes a signature with a personal key of the operator, encrypts the session key with a public encryption key of an authentication institute ®, and transmits the encrypted session key to the registration management system 120 through the application system 130 ®.

[70] The system information of the application system 130 may include a domain name, an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, and the like, or a domain provided by the registration management system 120 can be used if a domain is not secured. If the environment of the application system does not use a fixed IP but a dynamic IP in which an IP address is assigned from a server of an Internet service provider company, the application system 130 is operated by receiving a service from a dynamic DNS server associated with the registration management system 120 or from an external service provider company.

[71] The registration management system 120 that receives the operator registration information and the system information from the application system 130 receives an operator certificate from an authentication server 150 through a process of decryption, operator confirmation, and operator registration ©, and transmits the operator certificate to the application system 130 together with the sub-registration agency institute code of the application system 130 ®. Here, the application system 130 receives a list of connectible application systems from the registration management system 120 and connects to a peer-to-peer network.

[72] Next, in order to register contents desired to be distributed by the registered application system 130, the operator logs in the application system 130 through the terminal 140, creates meta data of the contents stored in the application system 130, inputs and creates public standard contract for contents distribution for distributing contents, writes a signature with a personal key for signature of the operator ©, and transmits the meta data and the production distribution open standard contract to the registration management system 120 through the application system 130 ©. A form of a web page (home page, blog, mini home page, or cafe) is provided to the application system 130 upon registration, and the contents can be immediately used or distributed. In this case, the application system is associated with a payment and settlement server 160, and a payment amount can be settled by the production distribution open standard contract.

[73] Then, the registration management system 120 transmits the identification meta data to the root management system 110 ®.

[74] Specifically, in the process of employing the application system 130, as shown in

Fig. 6, the operator connects to the application system 130 through the terminal 140, creates an account, inputs operator registration information, and transmits the operator registration information to the registration management system 120 (step S51).

[75] The registration management system 120 that receives the operator registration information from the application system 130 issues a certificate, and creates and assigns a sub-registration agency institute code to the application system through a process of operator confirmation and registration (step S52). In this case, the application system 130 receives a list of available application systems from the registration management system 120 and connects to a distributed network.

[76] Next, in order to register contents, the application system 130 that is assigned with a sub-registration agency institute code for the application system extracts information on the contents stored in the application system 130 and configures meta data, or the operator directly inputs the meta data. Then, the operator creates and assigns a unique identification code of the contents containing the received institute code, selectively inputs detailed items of the production distribution open standard contract, and stores together with the contents the production distribution open standard contract and transmits them to the registration management system 120 (step S53).

[77] That is, tag information of the contents input by the operator through the terminal

140 and tag information extracted from the contents of the application system 130 are contained in the meta data as search keywords of the corresponding contents, and the meta data together with the contents are stored in the local database of the application system 130 and transmitted to the registration management system 120.

[78] Here, an identifier that can limit the contents themselves is extracted from the meta data information of the contents registered in the application system 130, and the unique identification code of the contents is automatically created and assigned. [79] For example, a prefix code of the identification code is configured with an institute code of the root management system 110, which is the uppermost organization of the contents management system, an institute code of the registration management system 120, the sub-registration agency institute code assigned to application system 130 by the registration management system 120, and operator identification (ID). As a method of creating the unique identification code of contents including the prefix code, the identification code is automatically created by extracting limited code information unique to the contents from the meta data of the contents created by the application system, or the operator can directly input the identification code.

[80] The application system receives an institute code G070 as a URN-based digital contents registration agency, and the operator application system receives an institute code PlOO as a sub-registration agency institute code. If the registered operator ID is in4maker, a prefix code is configured as "G070:P100+In4maker ,", and if a detail of the contents is 'UCC my daily life" or "digital contents distribution model", the unique identification code of digital contents can be assigned as "G070:P100+In4maker-UCC my daily life:R10Mbps" or "G070:P100+In4maker-digital contents distribution model:C001-Fxml".

[81] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, in order to clarify copyright ownership of the application system 130 and to perform practice of conditions on using the contents and division of profits based on the copyright ownership in a standardized method in the step of registering contents, public standard contract for contents distribution is automatically created through the steps shown in Fig. 7.

[82] First, it is confirmed whether the operator is an original copyright holder in the step of registering contents (step S701). If the operator is not an original copyright holder and creates a second production using contents of the original copyright holder, the operator inherits detailed conditions of the production distribution open standard contract of previous copyright owners as they are (step S702), and adds up price policy conditions for the second production created by a second author to the details of the inherited conditions (step S703).

[83] On the other hand, if the operator is an original copyright holder, the operator inputs price policy conditions for the contents (step S704), fetches information on the copyright and the copyright holders from contents meta data, and adds the fetched information to the production distribution open standard contract (step S705).

[84] Here, the contents meta data includes data related to the contents including an identification code assigned to the contents, resource name, type, representation form, file type, author and copyright holder, URL and contents summary information, and the like. [85] Then, as for permission of modification on a production (step S706), a forbidden clause for modification is inserted if only simple resale is allowed (step S707), and conditions on permitting modification of a production are specified if modification is allowed (step S708). In addition, information related to the contents are fetched from the meta data and added to the contract (step S709). It is determined whether to change or cancel the contract after confirming details of the contract described above (step S710), and the process returns to step S701 if a changed or cancellation is needed.

[86] If the steps described above are completed, public standard contract for contents distribution is created (step S711), and originally created, modified, or added portions of the contract is encrypted with a personal key for electronic signature of the registered distributor together with the meta data of the contents (step S712).

[87] The registration management system 120 that receives the meta data from the application system 130 transmits identification meta data, among the meta data, containing an element that can identify the contents to the root management system 110, and thus the process of registering the contents is completed (step S54).

[88] An example of an extended markup language (XML) file of an identification meta data contained in the digital contents unique identification code G070:P100+In4maker-UCC my daily life:R10Mbps" assigned in the above steps is shown as follows:

[89]

[90] <!— File name : uci_sample_2.0.xsd — >

[91] <?xml version="1.0" encoding="euc-kr"?>

[92] <UCIdata xmlns:uci="http://www.uci.or.kr/terms/"

[93] xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/l .1/"

[94] xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema- instance"

[95] xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="uci_metadata_2.0.xsd">

[96] <Instance>

[97] <uci:UCI> G070:P100+In4maker-UCC my daily life:R10Mbps</uci:UCI>

[98] <dc : identified </dc : identified

[99] <dc:title> my daily life </dc:title>

[100] <uci:type>Digital</uci:type>

[101] <uci:mode>combination of video and audio</uci:mode>

[ 102] <dc : f ormat>mpeg</dc : f ormat>

[103] <uci : contribution>

[104] <uci:contributor>Kin, Young- sun</uci: contributor

[105] <uci : contributorRole> Author</uci : contributorRole>

[106] </uci:contribution>

[107] <uci : contribution> [108] </Instance>

[109] </UCIdata>

[HO]

[111] AAss ddeessccriribbeeid above, the registration management system 120 receives and stores the meta data in a database in the steps of initially registering an operator and an application system and registering contents, and transmits only identification meta data to the root management system 110, which is an upper organization. Therefore, load of the registration management system 120 is distributed to the application system 130, which is a distributed network node, and some portions of the process, which should be performed by the registration management system 120 that is a registration agency, such as contents search, contents identification code conversion service, statistics service, URL validity management, or the like, are performed by the application system 130, which is a sub-registration management system, and thus, the overall contents identification management system can be efficiently operated.

[112] Next, the process of purchasing and selling digital contents in a digital contents distribution system with a URN-based digital contents identification system applied will described below.

[113] When a purchaser who logs in the application system 130 through the terminal 140 purchases contents, the purchaser inputs a search query through a P2P search engine provided in the application system 130 and searches for contents by specifying a search scope.

[114] If the search scope is specified as the registration management system 120 in the digital contents distribution system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 8, the search query is input through the terminal 140 ® and transmitted to the registration management system 120 through the application system 130 ©.

[115] The registration management system 120 searches meta data of the local database and transmits meta data of contents corresponding to the search query to the application system 130 as a result of the search ©, and the purchaser selects a URL contained in the meta data received from the application system 130 ®, immediately connects to a corresponding application system 130 and makes a payment ©, and receives the contents ©.

[116] For example, in a case where the purchaser desires to search for contents related patents, if the purchaser inputs a keyword patent on a search window of the application system 130 through the terminal 140, the keyword is transmitted to the registration management system 120, and corresponding meta data is provided from a meta data database of registered contents as a result of the search. Then, the purchaser connects to a corresponding application system 130 through the terminal 140, makes a payment after a process of confirming a purchase operator based on a certificate, and is provided with the contents.

[117] Here, the process of authenticating a purchaser can be implemented in a method of issuing a private certificate or an official certificate of an official authentication institute to the operator in the process of registering an operator in the registration management system 120.

[118] In this case, if the purchaser connects to a corresponding application system 130 and selects relevant contents to purchase, a payment module in the form of an application program interface (API) or a plug-in embedded in the application program 130 is immediately connected to the payment and settlement server 160, which is associated with the registration management system 120, and a payment screen immediately appears. If the purchaser inputs payment information and writes an electronic signature, information on the seller, purchaser, contents, and the like is transmitted to the payment and settlement server 160, and simultaneously, the purchaser can download selected contents.

[119] Specifically, in the process of purchasing and selling contents in a digital contents distribution system with a contents identification system applied, as shown in Fig. 9, if the purchaser logs in the application system 130 through the terminal 140 and inputs a search query through a web service program of the application system 130, the search query is transmitted to the registration management system 120 through the application program 130. The registration management system 120 that receives the search query searches meta data of registered contents through a local search and transmits a result of the search to the application system 130 (step S81).

[120] The application 130 displays a meta data list, which is a result of the search received from the registration management system 120, on the web browser of the terminal 140 (step S 82).

[121] The purchaser immediately connects to a corresponding application program 130 through the URL contained in the meta data displayed on the web browser and purchases contents through a payment and authentication process on the web page of the application system 130 (step S83).

[122] In the meantime, the payment amount paid by the digital contents purchase operator is paid to the seller and the copyright holders based on the price policy electronically signed by the copyright holders on the production distribution open standard contract that is stored in the payment and settlement server 160.

[123] For example, if someone other than an original copyright holder purchases contents and resells the contents to the other person, the payment amount can be settled between the original copyright holder and the someone other than the original copyright holder based on the production distribution open standard contract registered in the reg- istration management system 120.

[124] Meanwhile, if there are a great many application systems 130 that have already purchased and possess the contents desired to be searched by specifying the registration management system 120 as a search scope in the digital contents distribution system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 10, the contents desired to be searched, which are already purchased and possessed by the great many application systems 130, can be resold, or an agent can sell the contents. In addition, contents created as secondary contents can be sold. Therefore, an application system that can be most optimally provided with the contents is searched through a ranking algorithm based on P2P parameters (price of contents, physical location, bandwidth, system performance, and the number of operators connected to the system) of the application system 130.

[125] To this end, the search query input through the terminal 140 ® is transmitted to the registration management system 120 through the application system 130 ©, and an identification code of the contents desired to be searched is selected ® from the result of search received from the registration management system 120 © and transmitted to the peer-to-peer distributed network through the P2P search engine of the application system 130 © and ©. Then, based on the priorities of a list of application systems that has transmitted a response packet, which is sorted by the P2P parameters contained in the response packet © and ®, an application system from which the contents can be most optimally purchased is analyzed and selected ®, a payment is completed through a confirmation process at the connected system application 130 ®, and then, the contents are provided D and D.

[126] Specifically, in a process of purchasing and selling contents in a digital contents distribution system 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 11, if the purchaser logs in the application system 130 through the terminal 140 and inputs a search query through a web service program of the application system 130, the search query is transmitted to the registration management system 120 through the application program 130. The registration management system 120 that receives the search query searches meta data of registered contents through a local search and transmits a result of the search to the application system 130 (step SlOl).

[127] The application 130 analyzes the search result received from the registration management system 120, extracts the identification code part unique to the contents from the meta data of the contents, includes information on the link to the P2P search engine of the application 130 into the identification code part, and displays the identification code part on the web browser of the operator (step S 102).

[128] If the purchaser selects desired contents from the search result of the web browser through the terminal 140, the identification code of the corresponding contents is transferred to the P2P search engine of the application program 130, and the P2P search engine configures a search query packet using the identification code as a search query and transmits the packet to the peer-to-peer distributed network configured with the application systems 130 (step S 103).

[129] In the distributed network configured with an application system 130 that receives the search query packet, meta data of contents stored in the local database is searched, and if there is meta data corresponding to the search query, a response packet containing URL information and system parameters of a corresponding application system 130 is transmitted as a response to the application system 130 that has initially transmitted the search query packet (step S 104).

[130] The application system 130 that has initially transmitted the search query packet receives the response packet, stores the packet into a temporary search result database, analyzes and determines priorities of the search result stored in the temporary search result database using the system parameters where priority elements are changed depending on the format of the search query, and displays the priorities on the web browser of the terminal 140 (step S 105).

[131] The purchaser connects to a web page, where the contents of the corresponding application system 130 displayed on the web browser of the terminal 140 as a result of analysis are located, and purchases the contents through a payment and authentication process on the web page of the application system 130 (step S 106).

[132] As described above, the identification code of the contents is searched from the registration management system 120, and the contents are searched from a plurality of application systems 130 connected to the distributed network using the corresponding identification code as a keyword. Therefore, it is possible to easily and diversely access to the contents, and in addition, the operator can register contents through the distributed network connected to the application system 130 and trade the contents by reselling or selling through an agent.

[133] For example, if a purchaser desires to search for contents related to patents, the purchaser inputs a keyword patent on a search window of the application system 130 through the terminal 140 and transmits the keyword to the registration management system 120. Then, corresponding meta data are retrieved from the meta data database of registered contents and displayed as a result of the search. The purchaser can select a desired identification code from the search result. Since the identification code of contents is unique, and the same contents exist in numerous application systems 130, if the purchaser only connects to the application system 130 having the most optimal purchase conditions, the purchaser can immediately purchase the desired contents.

[134] Accordingly, in addition to trading contents between operators, the purchaser can resell the contents as they are or after modifying the contents to be translated or supplemented from the viewpoint of a seller after using the purchased contents, so that the purchaser can actively participate in distribution of contents. When a response to the search query of the purchaser, a response packet containing distributed network parameters (CPU occupation rate, Internet circuit speed, the number of connected persons, and the like) is transmitted to all application systems 130 that have purchased and possess the contents, including the application system 130 that has initially registered the contents, so that opportunities of selling the contents are equally given to the application systems based on the parameters.

[135] In addition, if there are a great many application systems 130 that already have purchased and possess the contents desired to be searched by specifying the distributed network comprising application systems 130 as a search scope in the digital contents distribution system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 12, for example, the P2P network is selected as a search scope, and a search query is transmitted directly to the P2P network to be provided with the contents, and thus, detailed descriptions of Figs. 12 and 13 will be omitted.

[136] For example, if a purchaser desires to search for and purchase information related to a keyword tips on filing a patent application , unlike a method of transmitting the keyword to the registration management system 120, viewing meta data of contents corresponding to the keyword, identifying an identification code of corresponding contents, transmitting the identification code to the distributed network of the application systems 130 as a search query, and searching for and purchasing desired contents, the purchaser can directly transmit the keyword tips on filing a patent application to the distributed network of the application systems 130, receive meta data of the contents from a large number of application systems 130 as a response, connect to a corresponding application system 130 storing the contents through the received meta data, and purchase the contents.

[137] According to the embodiments described above, contents are purchased and used in a distribution model where contents that have been already purchased can be resold, and profits are thus generated from the purchased contents. Therefore, reluctance to purchase contents at a reasonable price is removed, and information requested by more operators is distributed further more. As a result, since the contents are distributed to further more peer-to-peer network nodes, it is possible to provide a contents distribution model based on a contents identification system in which the contents can be further more easily accessed.

[138] The present invention described above is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modification, variations and changes can be made thereto without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Industrial Applicability In the digital contents registration and distribution system and a method thereof with a URN-based contents identification system applied according to the present invention, a registration management system and application systems are implemented in distributed network nodes so that contents can be diversely and easily accessed. The registration management system assigns a sub-registration agency institute code to the application system, so that the application system creates and distributes digital contents by itself. Therefore, a contents management system is easily secured, and thus a contents distribution infra- structure is radically expanded at a low cost. In addition, public standard contract for contents distribution containing a means for setting up copyright ownership, conditions on using contents, and division of profits is adopted to activate the contents distribution market.

Claims

[1] A digital contents registration and distribution system using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein a registration management system and a plurality of application systems construct a distributed network so that the registration and distribution of contents are distributed; the registration management system registers a login operator, issues a certificate, assigns an institute code to each application system as a sub- registration management system, stores meta data of the contents containing a URN identification code transmitted from the application system, and transmits the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system; the application system registers and stores the meta data of the contents containing the URN identification code created in itself based on the institute code assigned from the registration management system in the registration management system; and a certificated operator logs in the above application systems, inputs a search query and transmits the search query to the registration management system to purchase needed contents, and then, connects to a relevant application system using a URL contained in meta data that is searched among the registered meta data of contents and transmitted to the application system by the registration management system, and receives the contents through a payment and authentic ation process.

[2] A digital contents registration and distribution system using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein a registration management system and a plurality of application systems construct a distributed network so that the registration and distribution of contents are distributed; the registration management system registers a login operator, issues a certificate, assigns an institute code to each application system as a sub- registration management system, stores meta data of the contents containing a URN identification code transmitted from the application system, and transmits the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system; the application system registers and stores the meta data of the contents containing the URN identification code created in itself based on the institute code assigned from the registration management system in the registration management system; and a certificated operator logs in the above application systems, inputs a search query and transmits the search query to the registration management system to purchase needed contents, and then, selects a needed identification code from meta data that is searched among the registered meta data of contents and transmitted to the application system by the registration management system, transmits the selected identification code to the distributed network, searches for meta data corresponding to the identification code from the distributed network comprising the application systems, analyzes the meta data transmitted to the application system as a result of the search, connects to an application system having a most optimal purchase condition, and receives the contents through a payment and authentication process.

[3] A digital contents registration and distribution system using a URN-based digital contents identification system, wherein a registration management system and a plurality of application systems construct a distributed network so that the registration and distribution of contents are distributed; the registration management system registers a login operator, issues a certificate, assigns an institute code to each application system as a sub- registration management system, stores meta data of the contents containing a URN identification code transmitted from the application system, and transmits the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system; the application system registers and stores the meta data of the contents containing the URN identification code created in itself based on the institute code assigned from the registration management system in the registration management system; and a certificated operator logs in the above application systems, inputs a search query and transmits the search query to the distributed network through the application system to purchase needed contents, and then, searches for meta data corresponding to the identification code from the distributed network comprising the application systems, analyzes the meta data transmitted to the application system as a result of the search, connects to an application system having a most optimal purchase condition, and receives the contents through a payment and authentication process.

[4] The system as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the digital contents registered and stored to be distributed are digital contents of an original copyright holder or a production newly manufactured using the digital contents of the original copyright holder.

[5] A digital contents registration and distribution method, where a distributed network comprising a registration management system and a plurality of application systems is constructed to perform registration and distribution of digital contents using a URN-based digital contents identification system, the method comprising: a first step for connecting to the registration management system and registering an application system therein thereby assigning an institute code to the application system as a sub-registration management system by the registration management system; a second step for registering meta data of contents having an identification code created by the application system itself into the registration management system based on the institute code assigned in the first step to distribute the contents, and storing the meta data by the application system itself; a third step for storing the meta data of contents registered in the second step, and transmitting the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system, by the registration management system; a fourth step for logging in the application system through a terminal, inputting a search query, and transmitting the search query to the registration management system to purchase the contents, thereby searching for the registered meta data of contents and transmitting a result of the search to the application system by the registration management system; and a fifth step for connecting to a relevant application system using a URL contained in the meta data received in the fourth step and receiving the contents through a payment and authentication process, by the terminal.

[6] A digital contents registration and distribution method, where a distributed network comprising a registration management system and a plurality of application systems is constructed to perform registration and distribution of digital contents using a URN-based digital contents identification system, the method comprising: a first step for connecting to the registration management system and registering an application system therein thereby assigning an institute code to the application system as a sub-registration management system by the registration management system; a second step for registering meta data of contents having an identification code created by the application system itself into the registration management system based on the institute code assigned in the first step to distribute the contents, and storing the meta data by the application system itself; a third step for storing the meta data of contents registered in the second step, and transmitting the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system, by the registration management system; a fourth step for logging in the application system through a terminal, inputting a search query, and transmitting the search query to the registration management system to purchase the contents, thereby searching for the registered meta data of contents and transmitting a result of the search to the application system by the registration management system; a fifth step for selecting a desired identification code among identification codes of contents received in the fourth step and displayed on the application system and transmitting the corresponding identification code to the distributed network comprising the application systems, by the terminal; a sixth step for searching for meta data of contents corresponding to the identification code received in the fifth step and transmitting the search result to the application system, by the distributed network comprising the application systems; a seventh step for analyzing desired meta data among the search result transmitted in the sixth step and determining an application system having an optimal condition, by the application system; and an eighth step for connecting to the application system having an optimal condition determined in the seventh step and receiving the contents through a payment and authentication process, by the terminal.

[7] A digital contents registration and distribution method, where a distributed network comprising a registration management system and a plurality of application systems is constructed to perform registration and distribution of digital contents using a URN-based digital contents identification system, the method comprising: a first step for connecting to the registration management system and registering an application system therein thereby assigning an institute code to the application system as a sub-registration management system by the registration management system; a second step for registering meta data of contents having an identification code created by the application system itself into the registration management system based on the institute code assigned in the first step to distribute the contents, and storing the meta data by the application system itself; a third step for storing the meta data of contents registered in the second step, and transmitting the meta data to a root management system for standardizing, managing, and operating the digital contents identification system, by the registration management system; a fourth step for logging in the application system through a terminal, inputting a search query, and transmitting the search query to the distributed network comprising the application systems in order to purchase the contents; a fifth step for searching for meta data of contents corresponding to the identification code received in the fourth step and transmitting the search result to the application system, by the distributed network comprising the application systems; a sixth step for analyzing desired meta data among the search result transmitted in the fifth step and determining an application system having an optimal condition, by the application system; and an seventh step for connecting to the application system having an optimal condition determined in the sixth step and receiving the contents through a payment and authentication process, by the terminal.

[8] The method as claimed in claims 5, 6, and 7, wherein in the second step, public standard contract for contents distribution is created by selectively inputting conditions, such as a price policy of a copyright holder, whether modification of a production is permitted, and the like, to smoothly distribute contents created and assigned by the application system, and the contract is transmitted to and stored in the registration management system together with the meta data of the contents.

[9] The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the registered contents are digital contents of an original copyright holder as they are purchased by someone other than the original copyright holder, or a production newly manufactured using the digital contents of the original copyright holder, and in this case, details of the public standard contract for contents distribution of the original copyright holder are inherited as they are, and additionally, conditions, such as a price policy of a new copyright holder or whether a modification of a production is permitted, are selectively input in a form of the public standard contract for contents distribution.

[10] The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein for the registered contents, whenever someone other than the original copyright holder purchases contents and resells the contents to the other person, an amount paid for the contents is exact calculated to the original copyright holder and resellers according to public standard contract for contents which was stored in registration management system.