WO2012029106A1

WO2012029106A1 - Electronic content management server and electronic content management system

Info

Publication number: WO2012029106A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/064716
Authority: WO
Inventors: 幸直安嶋
Original assignee: 株式会社フォーサイド・ドット・コム
Priority date: 2010-08-30
Filing date: 2010-08-30
Publication date: 2012-03-08

Abstract

An electronic content management server (20), which is connected to a plurality of user terminals via a communication network to manage the use of electronic contents, is provided with a right of use information database for storing the right of use information for an electronic content, wherein a CPU (21) manages the plurality of user terminals such that each user terminal can use only an electronic content for which each user terminal has the right of use on the basis of the right of use information stored in the right of use information database, and when, of the plurality of user terminals, a first user terminal proposes to a second user terminal to temporarily lend the right of use for an electronic content owned by the first user terminal, the right of use for the electronic content is temporarily lent to the second user terminal by changing the right of use information for the electronic content in the right of use information database. Hereby, the copyright of content can be sufficiently protected while the use of content can be realized by a third party.

Description

Electronic content management server and electronic content management system

The present invention relates to an electronic content management server and an electronic content management system.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of the Internet, a technique for downloading and acquiring various electronic contents typified by electronic books, digital music, images, videos, games, and the like is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
When the electronic content is downloaded, the user has a need to freely lend or transfer the electronic content to a third party because the electronic content is his / her own.

JP 2009-3607 A

However, if the electronic content once downloaded is freely lent or transferred to a third party, it is highly likely that the electronic content will be illegally transferred or copied, etc. There is a problem that cannot be fully planned.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic content management server and an electronic content management system that enable the use of electronic content by a third party while sufficiently protecting the copyright of the electronic content.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is:
An electronic content management server connected to a plurality of user terminals via a communication network and managing use of electronic content,
A usage right information database for storing usage rights information of electronic content;
Based on the usage right information stored in the usage right information database, for the plurality of user terminals, a usage management means for managing so that only the electronic content each user terminal has usage rights can be used;
Among the plurality of user terminals, when there is a loan application for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, the use Usage right lending means for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the right information database;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 2 is the electronic content management server described in claim 1,
When the loan period set by the instruction of the first user terminal at the time of the loan application has passed,
When there is a loan usage right return request for returning the right of use loaned to the second user terminal from the first user terminal to the first user terminal at any timing after the loan application;
Among the cases where there is a borrowing usage right return request to return the usage right lent from the first user terminal to the first user terminal from the second user terminal at any timing after the loan application Or if one loan usage right return condition is met,
Lending usage right return means is provided for returning the usage right lent to the second user terminal from the first user terminal to the first user terminal by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the usage right information database. It is characterized by that.

The invention described in claim 3 is the electronic content management server according to claim 1 or 2,
When there is a sublease application for sublease the usage right borrowed from the first user terminal to the third user terminal from the second user terminal, by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the usage right information database It is characterized by comprising usage right sublease means for sublease the usage right borrowed from the first user terminal to the third user terminal.

The invention described in claim 4 is the electronic content management server according to claim 3,
When the loan period set at the time of the loan application has passed according to the instruction of the first user terminal,
At any time after the sublease application, any of the cases where there is a sublease use right return request for returning the use right subletted to the third user terminal from the first user terminal to the first user terminal. Or when one of the sublease usage rights return conditions is met,
Sub-rental use right return means is provided for returning the right of use sublet from the second user terminal to the third user terminal to the first user terminal by changing the use right information of the electronic content in the use right information database. It is characterized by that.

The invention described in claim 5 is the electronic content management server described in claim 1,
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
An exchange application for exchanging ownership of electronic content owned by the first user terminal with ownership of electronic content owned by the second user terminal is sent from the first user terminal to the second user terminal. If there is, ownership exchange means for exchanging ownership of the electronic content by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database in response to approval by the second user terminal;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 6 is the electronic content management server described in claim 1,
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
When there is a transfer application for transferring the ownership of the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, according to the approval by the second user terminal, Ownership transfer means for transferring ownership of the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 7 is the electronic content management server described in claim 6,
When the ownership of the electronic content is transferred to the second user terminal by the ownership transfer means, the electronic content to which the ownership has been transferred at the second user terminal is first displayed according to an instruction from the first user terminal. Wrapping setting means for setting the wrapping image to be displayed when displayed is provided.

The invention described in claim 8 is the electronic content management server described in claim 1,
The electronic content is electronic book data.

The invention according to claim 9 is
An electronic content management system comprising a plurality of user terminals and an electronic content management server connected to the plurality of user terminals via a communication network and managing the use of electronic content,
Each of the plurality of user terminals is
Lending application instruction means for instructing to temporarily lend the right to use electronic content that you own,
The electronic content management server
A usage right information database for storing usage rights information of electronic content;
Based on the usage right information stored in the usage right information database, for the plurality of user terminals, a usage management means for managing so that only the electronic content each user terminal has usage rights can be used;
Among the plurality of user terminals, when there is a loan application for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, the use Usage right lending means for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the right information database;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 10 is the electronic content management system according to claim 9,
The electronic content management server
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
An exchange application for exchanging ownership of electronic content owned by the first user terminal with ownership of electronic content owned by the second user terminal is sent from the first user terminal to the second user terminal. If there is, ownership exchange means for exchanging ownership of the electronic content by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database in response to approval by the second user terminal;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 11 is the electronic content management system according to claim 9,
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
When there is a transfer application for transferring the ownership of the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, according to the approval by the second user terminal, Ownership transfer means for transferring ownership of the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 12 is the electronic content management system according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
Each of the plurality of user terminals includes selection means for collectively selecting a plurality of the electronic contents.

According to the present invention, the electronic content management server manages a plurality of user terminals so that only the electronic content that each user terminal has a right to use can be used. When there is a loan application for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the user terminal to the second user terminal, the right to use the electronic content in the right-of-use information database The right to use the electronic content is temporarily lent to the second user terminal by changing.
For this reason, the right to use electronic content can be arbitrarily transferred from each user terminal.
In addition, the user terminal that does not have the usage right cannot use the electronic content, and one electronic content can always be used only by one user terminal among the plurality of user terminals.
Thereby, a third party can use the electronic content while sufficiently protecting the copyright of the electronic content.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing an electronic content management system of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an electronic content management server. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the structure of the database of an electronic content management server. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a user terminal. It is a flowchart which shows a user's operation | movement in a loan process. It is an example which shows a book list screen. It is a figure which shows the state which selected one title in the book list screen. It is a figure which shows the state which selected the some title in the book list screen. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of loan application. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of loan application. It is a figure for comparing the book list before and after the loan of electronic book data. It is a flowchart which shows a user's operation | movement in an exchange process. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of exchange application. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of exchange application. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of exchange application. It is a flowchart which shows a user's operation | movement in a transfer process. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of transfer application. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of transfer application. It is an example of the image displayed at the time of transfer application.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

(overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic content management system 100 includes a plurality of user terminals 10 and an electronic content management server 20.
In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that three user terminals 10A to 10C are provided as the plurality of user terminals 10. Also, electronic book data will be described as an example of electronic content.

Each of the user terminals 10A to 10C has electronic book data, and electronic book data to be operated in this system is registered in advance in the database 30 and the electronic book data database 40 of the electronic content management server 20 (both will be described later). Keep it.
The electronic content management server 20 is connected to an electronic content distribution server (not shown) for purchasing electronic book data, and electronic book data purchased via the electronic content distribution server is automatically managed by electronic content management. It may be configured to be registered in the server 20. The user can also create electronic book data and register it in the electronic content management server 20.

The electronic content management server 20 is connected to the user terminals 10A to 10C by the communication network N, and manages the use of electronic book data registered in the database 30 between the user terminals 10A to 10C.
Specifically, the electronic content management server 20 determines whether or not the above-mentioned database is obtained when there is a loan application, exchange application, or transfer application (all of which will be described later) for electronic book data from any of the user terminals 10A to 10C. The use right or the ownership right of the electronic book data registered in 30 is transferred, and management is performed so that one registered electronic book data can always be used only by one user terminal.
With the management of the electronic content management server 20, the user terminals 10 A to 10 C can use the electronic book data registered in the database 30 that has the right of use regardless of whether or not it has the right of ownership. If the user has the right but does not have the right to use, the electronic book data cannot be used.
Also, as a result of the management of the electronic content management server 20, each of the user terminals 10A to 10C has an electronic book data that is owned by others for the electronic book data that has the ownership among the electronic book data registered in the database 30. You can exchange data and ownership, and transfer ownership to others.

(Electronic content management server)
As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic content management server 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a database 30, an electronic book data database 40, and the like. The communication network N is connected by a communication interface (not shown).

Here, the configuration of the database 30 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the database 30 stores book content information 31, wrapping information 32, friend information 33, user information 34, purchase history information 35, loan history information 36, transfer exchange history information 37, and the like. Yes.

The book content information 31 is information related to electronic book data operated by this system, and is registered in advance by the user terminals 10A to 10C.
The book content information 31 includes a book ID, book name, author name, introduction, publication date, publisher, price, genre, registration date, and the like.

The wrapping information 32 is information regarding wrapping image data for packaging that can be arbitrarily added to the electronic book data when the electronic book data is transferred.
The wrapping information 32 includes a wrapping number, an image name, and the like.

The friend information 33 is information on user terminals registered in the present system.
The friend information 33 includes a user ID, a friend ID, and the like.
The friend information 33 is associated with the user information 34 through the user ID.

The user information 34 is information stored in the database 30 by a user's prior registration work.
The user information 34 includes a user ID, age, sex, membership date, withdrawal date, and the like.
The user information 34 is associated with purchase history information 35, loan history information 36, and transfer / exchange history information 37 via a user ID.

The purchase history information 35 is updated, for example, every time the ownership or usage right of the electronic book data is transferred between the user terminals 10A to 10C by this system.
The purchase history information 35 includes a user ID, a purchase date and time, a real ID, a status (0 = none, 1 = lending, 2 = borrowing, 3 = assignment, 7 = sublease), a public flag (0 = public, 1 = non-public). And so on.

The loan history information 36 is updated, for example, every time the right to use electronic book data is lent or borrowed between the user terminals 10A to 10C by this system.
The loan history information 36 includes a user ID, a real ID, a partner user ID, a former loan user ID, a loan user ID, a loan date, a loan period, a status (1 = lending, 2 = borrowing, 6 = end, 7 = sub-lending), A comment, a comment display designation, an initial flag (0 = initially viewed, 1 = initial) are included.

The transfer / exchange history information 37 is updated each time the ownership of the electronic book data is transferred or exchanged between the user terminals 10A to 10C by the present system, for example.
The transfer / exchange history information 37 includes a user ID, a book ID, a partner user ID, a partner book ID, a transfer / exchange date, a status (3 = transfer, 4 = transfer, 5 = not established), wrapping number, comment, comment display designation, action It is configured with a flag (0 = approved, 1 = waiting for approval).

The purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36 function as a usage right information database for storing usage right information of electronic book data.
The status of the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36 includes, as usage right information, a content usage management program 231, a usage right lending program 232, a lending usage right return program 233, a usage right sublending program 234, and a sublending usage right. Referenced when the return program 235 is executed.

The purchase history information 35 and the transfer / exchange history information 37 function as an ownership information database that stores ownership information of electronic book data.
Further, the status of the purchase history information 35 and the transfer / exchange history information 37 is referred to as ownership information when an ownership exchange program 236 and an ownership transfer program 237 described later are executed.

The electronic book data database 40 stores electronic book data registered in advance by the user terminals 10A to 10C for operation in the present system.

CPU21 performs various control processing according to the various processing programs memorize | stored in ROM23, for example.

The RAM 22 forms a work memory area for storing data calculated by the CPU 21.

The ROM 23 is, for example, a system program that can be executed by the CPU 21, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data used when executing these various processing programs, and data of various processing results that are arithmetically processed by the CPU 21. Memorize etc. Note that the program is stored in the ROM 23 in the form of a computer readable program code.

Specifically, the ROM 23 includes a content usage management program 231, a usage right lending program 232, a lending usage right return program 233, a usage right sublending program 234, a sublending usage right returning program 235, an ownership exchange program 236, and an ownership transfer program. 237, a wrapping setting program 238, and the like are stored.

For example, based on the status of the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36, the content usage management program 231 uses only the electronic book data that each user terminal 10A to 10C has the right to use for the user terminals 10A to 10C. This is a program that causes the CPU 21 to execute a function to be managed so as to be possible.
Specifically, the CPU 21 uses the book content information 31, the purchase history information 35, and the borrowing / borrowing history information 36 when the electronic book data is authenticated (browsing request) from any of the user terminals 10A to 10C. The book list is created by performing the above process, and the book list information is transmitted to the corresponding user terminal 10.

First, the CPU 21 refers to the purchase history information 35 including the user ID of the user terminal that has requested browsing.
Then, browsing of the electronic book data corresponding to the book ID whose status of the purchase history information 35 is “0 = none” is permitted. Further, the electronic book data browsing request corresponding to the book ID whose status of the purchase history information 35 is “3 = transfer” is rejected.
Further, when the purchase history information 35 has a real ID of “1 = lending”, it is checked whether or not the lending period has passed from the lending / borrowing history information 36, and if the lending period has not passed, “lending” is handled. The electronic book data browsing request is rejected, and if the loan period has expired, the status of the loan history information 36 is set to “6 = end”, and the status of the purchase history information 35 is set to “0 = none”. Allow reading of book data.
Further, when the real ID of the purchase history information 35 is “2 = borrowed”, it is confirmed from the lending / borrowing history information 36 whether the lending period has passed, and if the lending period has not passed, “borrowing” is handled. Permits browsing electronic book data. At this time, when the initial flag of the loan history information 36 is “1 = initial”, the CPU 21 displays a comment. On the other hand, if the lending period has passed, the status of the lending / borrowing history information 36 is set to “6 = end”, and the corresponding data is deleted from the purchase history information 35.
When the purchase history information 35 has a real ID of “7 = sub-lending”, it is checked whether or not the lending period of the lending / borrowing history information 36 with the sub-lending partner (or lending partner) has passed, and the lending period has not passed. Rejects browsing of the corresponding electronic book data as “lending”. On the other hand, if the lending period has expired, the status of the loan borrow history information 36 with the sub-lending partner is updated to “2 = borrowing”, and the same processing as in the case where the status is “2 = borrowing” is performed.

The CPU 21 functions as a usage management unit by executing the content usage management program 231.

Further, for example, among the user terminals 10A to 10C, the user right lending program 232 is owned by the user terminal 10A from the user terminal (first user terminal) 10A to the user terminal (second user terminal) 10B. When there is a loan application for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic book data, the right to use the electronic book data is changed by changing the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36. This is a program for causing the CPU 21 to execute a function of temporarily lending to 10B.
Specifically, when there is a loan application to the user terminal 10B by the user terminal 10A, the CPU 21 executes the following loan process in accordance with this.

In addition, as the electronic book data that lends the usage right, for example, a plurality of electronic book data can be specified collectively by the title, author name, genre, etc. of the book.
In addition, when the lending period or comment is set by the user terminal 10A in executing the lending process, the CPU 21 sets the lending period and the comment accordingly. The setting of the lending period and the comment is arbitrarily performed by the user terminal 10A and is not necessarily set.
When the loan application is executed by the user terminal 10 A, the CPU 21 executes a loan process and creates data in the loan / borrow history information 36. At this time, the status of the purchase history information 35 of the electronic book data on the lending side (user terminal 10A) is set to “1 = lending”, and the status of the purchase history information 35 of the electronic book data of the loan partner (user terminal 10B) is set. The loan date is “2 = borrowing”.
When the loan partner (user terminal 10B) notifies the comment as a message at the time when the book list is displayed for the first time after the loan processing is executed, the CPU 21 sets the initial flag of the loan history information 36 to “1 = first time”. And
When the status of the purchase history information 35 is “2 = borrowing”, the CPU 21 executes a use right sublending program 234 described later.

The CPU 21 functions as a usage right lending unit by executing the usage right lending program 232.

Further, the loan usage right return program 233, for example, when the conditions for returning the loan usage right are satisfied, the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36 is as follows. Is a program that causes the CPU 21 to execute a function of returning the usage right lent to the user terminal 10B from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10A.
The loan usage right return conditions are as follows:
a) When the lending period set by the instruction of the user terminal 10A at the time of lending application has passed,
b) If there is a loan usage right return request to return the usage right lent to the user terminal 10B from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10A at any timing after the loan application,
c) When there is a borrowing usage right return request for returning the usage right loaned from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10A at an arbitrary timing after the loan application,
It is.

The loan use right return condition of a) will be described.
This lending usage right return condition is generated when a lending period is set by the lending side (user terminal 10A) when lending the usage right.
The CPU 21 refers to the lending / borrowing history information 36 of the lending side (user terminal 10A), and when the lending period is set, the status of the lending / borrowing history information 36 is set to “6 = end” when the set period has passed. The status of the purchase history information 35 is “0 = none”.
At the same time, the CPU 21 changes the status of the loan history information 36 of the borrower (user terminal 10B) from “2 = borrowed” to “6 = end”, and deletes the corresponding data from the purchase history information 35.
If the status of the loan history information 36 on the borrower side (user terminal 10B) is “7 = sublease”, the CPU 21 executes a sublease usage right return program 235 described later.

The loan usage right return condition of b) will be described.
This loan usage right return condition is generated when there is an operation of a loan usage right return request by the lending side (user terminal 10A) during the use right loan.
The lending side (user terminal 10A) designates a book with a display of “lending” in the book list, and issues a lending end instruction (lending usage right return request).
Then, the CPU 21 sets the status of the lending / borrowing history information 36 on the lending side (user terminal 10A) to “6 = end” and the status of the purchase history information 35 to “0 = none”.
At the same time, the CPU 21 changes the status of the loan history information 36 of the borrower (user terminal 10B) from “2 = borrowed” to “6 = end”, and deletes the corresponding data from the purchase history information 35.
If the status of the loan history information 36 on the borrower side (user terminal 10B) is “7 = sublease”, the CPU 21 executes a sublease usage right return program 235 described later.

The loan usage right return condition of c) will be described.
This loan usage right return condition occurs when an operation of a borrowing usage right return request is performed by the borrower (user terminal 10B) during the borrowing of the usage right.
The borrower (user terminal 10B) designates a book with a display of “borrowing” in the book list, and issues a borrowing termination instruction (borrowing usage right return request).
Then, the CPU 21 sets the status of the borrowing / borrowing history information 36 on the borrowing side (user terminal 10 B) to “6 = end”, and deletes the corresponding data from the purchase history information 35.
At the same time, the CPU 21 sets the status of the lending / borrowing history information 36 on the lending side (user terminal 10A) to “6 = end”, and sets the purchase history information 35 to “0 = none” if the status is “1 = lending”. When the status of the history information 35 is “7 = sublease”, “2 = borrowing” is set.

The CPU 21 functions as a loan usage right return means by executing the loan usage right return program 233.

Further, for example, when there is a sublease application for sublease the usage right borrowed from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal (third user terminal) 10C from the user terminal 10B, the usage right sublease program 234 purchases the purchase history information 35 and the loan. This is a program that causes the CPU 21 to execute a function of sublease the usage right borrowed from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10C by changing the status of the electronic book data in the history information 36.
Specifically, the CPU 21 executes the right-of-use subleasing program 234, and thereby the user whose title is “borrowed” in the book list (the title whose purchase history information 35 status is “2 = borrowed”) is displayed. A sublending process that is a lending (ie, lending) to the terminal 10C is executed.
Since the user can recognize that the status is “2 = borrowing” by displaying “borrowing” at the time when the book list is displayed, when setting the lending period, the former lending user (user terminal 10A ) Can be set within a range not exceeding the return deadline.

More specifically, the CPU 21 sets the status of the purchase history information 35 on the lending side (user terminal 10B) to “7 = sub-lending”, and the purchase history information 35 of the lending partner (user terminal 10C) indicates the status as “lending date”. 2 = borrowed.
Further, the CPU 21 sets an original loan user ID item in the loan history information 36 on the lending side (user terminal 10B), sets the status to “7 = sub-lending”, and stores the loan history information 36 on the loan partner (user terminal 10C). The item of the former lending user ID is set and the status is set to “2 = borrowing”.
The sublending process is the same as the lending process except that the status on the data and the update contents of the data are different.

The CPU 21 functions as a usage right sublease means by executing the usage right sublease program 234.

Further, the sublease use right return program 235, for example, displays the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36 when any one of the following sub-subscription use right return conditions is established. It is a program that causes the CPU 21 to execute a function of returning the usage right sublet to the user terminal 10B and the user terminal 10C to the user terminal 10A by changing.
The conditions for returning the right to sublease are
d) When the loan period set at the time of loan application by the instruction of the user terminal 10A has elapsed,
e) If there is a sublease usage right return request for returning the usage right subletted from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10C to the user terminal 10A at any timing after the sublease application,
It is.

The sub-rental use right return condition of d) will be described.
This sublease usage right return condition is generated when the user terminal 10B subleases to the user terminal 10C the electronic book data that has been borrowed with the loan period.
The CPU 21 refers to the lending / borrowing history information 36 of the lending side (user terminal 10A), and when the lending period is set, the status of the lending / borrowing history information 36 is set to “6 = end” when the set period has passed. The status of the purchase history information 35 is “0 = none”.
At the same time, the CPU 21 refers to the status of the loan history information 36 of the borrower (user terminal 10B), and when the status is “7 = sublease”, the borrower (user) The user terminal (user terminal 10C) subletted from the terminal 10B) is searched, the status of the loan history information 36 of the user terminal 10C is changed from “2 = borrowed” to “6 = end”, and from the purchase history information 35 Deletes the corresponding data.
Further, the CPU 21 changes the status of the loan / borrow history information 36 on the borrower side (user terminal 10 B) from “7 = sublease” to “6 = end”, and deletes the corresponding data from the purchase history information 35.

The sublease usage right return condition of e) will be described.
This sublease usage right return condition occurs when there is an operation of a loan usage right return request (that is, an operation of a subletter usage right return request) by the original lending side (user terminal 10A) during the loan of the usage right. is there.
The lending side (user terminal 10A) designates a book with a display of “lending” in the book list, and issues a lending end instruction (lending usage right return request).
Then, the CPU 21 sets the status of the lending / borrowing history information 36 on the lending side (user terminal 10A) to “6 = end” and the status of the purchase history information 35 to “0 = none”.
At the same time, the CPU 21 refers to the borrowing / borrowing history information 36 of the borrower (user terminal 10B), and when the status is “7 = sublease”, the borrower (user terminal 10B) uses the former lending user ID and the real ID as keys. ), The status of the loan history information 36 of the user terminal 10C is changed from “2 = borrowed” to “6 = terminated”, and the purchase history information 35 is applicable. Delete the data.
Further, the CPU 21 changes the status of the loan / borrow history information 36 on the borrower side (user terminal 10 B) from “7 = sublease” to “6 = end”, and deletes the corresponding data from the purchase history information 35.

The CPU 21 functions as a sublease use right return means by executing the sublease use right return program 235.

Further, the ownership exchange program 236, for example, from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10B, the ownership of the electronic book data owned by the user terminal 10A is changed to the ownership of the electronic book data owned by the user terminal 10B. A function of exchanging ownership of electronic book data by changing the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the transfer exchange history information 37 according to the approval by the user terminal 10B when there is an exchange application to exchange. Is a program that causes the CPU 21 to execute.
Specifically, the CPU 21 executes the following replacement process when the user terminal 10A makes an application for replacement to the user terminal 10B.

Note that, as electronic book data whose ownership is to be exchanged, for example, a plurality of electronic book data can be specified collectively by title, author name, genre, etc. of the book.
In addition, when the title (exchange title) of electronic book data desired to be exchanged or a comment is set by the user terminal 10A in executing the exchange process, the CPU 21 changes the exchange title accordingly. And comment settings.
The exchange title and comment are set arbitrarily by the user terminal 10A, and are not necessarily set.
In addition, the designation of the exchange title can be any number of books from the public list of the other party (user terminal 10B). For example, when multiple books such as series are to be exchanged, the content starting from the same title is Batch specification is possible.

Then, when an exchange application is executed by the user terminal 10A, the CPU 21 executes an exchange process and creates transfer exchange history information 37 for the desired number of books. Then, when the exchange partner (user terminal 10B) displays the book list for the first time, a predetermined comment prompting the exchange response is displayed according to the action flag “1 = approval town” of the transfer exchange history information 37, Encourage exchange response. At this time, if a comment is set, the comment is also displayed.

When the exchange partner (user terminal 10B) approves, the action flag of the transfer exchange history information 37 is updated to “0 = approved” in each of the user terminal 10A and the user terminal 10B, and the status is “3 = transfer”. Or “4 = assignment”.
Further, in each of the user terminal 10A and the user terminal 10B, purchase history information 35 having a status of “0 = none” is created corresponding to the book ID of the book acquired by exchange.
Further, the status of the purchase history information 35 corresponding to the real ID lost due to the exchange is updated to “3 = transfer”.

On the other hand, when the exchange partner (second user terminal) refuses, the action flag of the transfer exchange history information 37 is updated to “0 = approved” in each of the user terminal 10A and the user terminal 10B, and the status is set to “5 = Not established ”.

The CPU 21 functions as an ownership exchange means by executing the ownership exchange program 236.

In addition, the ownership transfer program 237, for example, when the user terminal 10A gives a transfer application for transferring the ownership of the electronic book data owned by the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10B, the approval by the user terminal 10B. Accordingly, the CPU 21 executes a function of transferring the ownership of the electronic book data to the user terminal 10B by changing the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the transfer / exchange history information 37.
Specifically, when the user terminal 10A makes a transfer application to the user terminal 10B, the CPU 21 executes the following transfer process.

Note that, as the electronic book data to which the ownership is transferred, for example, a plurality of electronic book data can be specified collectively by the title, author name, genre, etc. of the book.
In the transfer process, the user terminal 10B may be designated as a specific terminal, or the user terminal 10B may not be designated as an unspecified number of terminals.
When the transfer partner is selected by the user terminal 10A in executing the transfer process, the CPU 21 sets the transfer partner accordingly.
In addition, when a comment is set by the user terminal 10A in executing the transfer process, the CPU 21 sets a comment accordingly.

When the transfer application is executed by the user terminal 10A, the CPU 21 executes transfer processing and creates transfer / exchange history information 37 for the designated number of people (for the number of people belonging to the group if not designated).
Then, when the transfer partner (user terminal 10B) displays the book list for the first time, in response to the action flag “0 = waiting for approval” of the transfer / exchange history information 37, a message prompting the transfer response is displayed, and the transfer is performed. Prompts for a reply. At this time, if a comment is set, the comment is also displayed.

When the transfer partner (user terminal 10B) approves, the action flag of the transfer exchange history information 37 of the transfer partner (user terminal 10B) is updated to “0 = approved”, and the status is set to “4 = transfer”. Further, the purchase history information 35 is created with the status “0 = none” corresponding to the book ID of the book acquired by the transfer.
Further, the status of the purchase history information 35 of the transferor (user terminal 10A) is updated to “3 = transfer”, the action flag of the transfer / exchange history information 37 is updated to “0 = approved”, and the status is set to “3 = transfer”. “Transfer”. If multiple designations are made, the action flag of the transfer / exchange history information 37 of the other party who has not been received is updated to “0 = approved”, and the status is updated to “5 = not established”.

On the other hand, when the transfer partner (user terminal 10B) refuses, the action flag of the transfer exchange history information 37 of the transfer partner (user terminal 10B) is updated to “0 = approved”, and the status is set to “5 = not established”. .
In addition, the action flag of the transfer exchange history information 37 of the transferor (user terminal 10A) is also updated to “0 = approved”, and the status is set to “5 = not established”.
Here, regardless of the number of target transfer recipients, if all transfer recipients refuse, the status of the purchase history information 35 of the transferor (user terminal 10A) remains “0 = none”, and the transferor continues. (User terminal 10A) will own it.

The CPU 21 functions as an ownership transfer means by executing the ownership transfer program 237.

For example, when the ownership of the electronic book data is transferred to the user terminal 10B by executing the ownership transfer program 237, the wrapping setting program 238 transfers the ownership at the user terminal 10B according to the instruction of the user terminal 10A. This is a program that causes the CPU 21 to execute a function of setting a wrapping image to be displayed when the electronic book data that has been displayed is first displayed.
Specifically, the CPU 21 sets a wrapping image by adding a wrapping number to the transfer / exchange history information 37 in accordance with an arbitrary instruction from the user terminal 10A, and notifies the user terminal 10B of this.
The CPU 11 (described later) of the user terminal 10B displays the image data to which the corresponding wrapping number is assigned according to the notified wrapping number.
The CPU 21 functions as wrapping setting means by executing the wrapping setting program 238.

(User terminal)
The user terminals 10A to 10C are, for example, electronic book devices provided with an electronic book viewer as an application program.
An electronic book device is a device that acquires electronic book data obtained by converting the contents of a book into digital data, displays the acquired electronic book data, and can use (view) the book content.
The electronic book data is electronic content created in a text format or a data format in which formatting information is added to the text, and is formed and displayed after being transferred to the viewer.
Using such user terminals 10A to 10C, the user can obtain desired electronic book data by accessing an electronic content distribution server (not shown) managed and operated by the electronic content distribution company. Note that the user can also create electronic book data by himself and incorporate it into the user terminals 10A to 10C.

Specifically, each of the user terminals 10A to 10C includes, for example, a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a storage unit 14, a display screen 15, a touch panel 16, and the like as shown in FIG. Is done.

The CPU 11 reads out an application program such as an electronic book viewer stored in the ROM 13 as necessary, expands it in the RAM 12 and executes it, for example, and switches the display of the display screen 15 in response to an operation on the touch panel 16. .

The storage unit 14 includes a large-capacity flash memory or the like, and includes, for example, an electronic book data storage unit 141, a wrapping image data storage unit 142, a book list information storage unit 143, and the like.

The electronic book data storage unit 141 stores electronic book data owned by the user terminal 10.
As described above, the user registers electronic book data to be operated in this system in the electronic content management server 20. When electronic book data is registered in the electronic content management server 20, the same electronic book data is stored in the user terminal 10 and the electronic content management server 20. The use of electronic book data registered in the electronic content management server 20 is managed by the electronic content management server 20.

The wrapping image data storage unit 142 stores image data assigned with a wrapping number.
The CPU 11 responds to the wrapping number notified from the electronic content management server 20 when the wrapping image is set to be displayed when the electronic book data transferred from the other user terminal 10 is first displayed. Thus, the image data to which the corresponding wrapping number is assigned is displayed.

The book list information storage unit 143 stores a book list distributed from the electronic content management server 20. This book list is distributed from the electronic content management server 20 at every predetermined timing, and is updated each time.
The CPU 11 displays a book list on the display screen 15 based on the book list information 143.

The display screen 15 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like.
The display screen 15 includes, for example, a book list screen G1 that displays a list of titles of electronic book data that the user terminal 10 has ownership or usage rights, and any processing (lending processing, exchange processing, transfer processing). In addition to a process selection screen G2 for selecting whether to execute (all will be described later), various images for performing settings in the lending process, the exchange process, and the transfer process are displayed.

The touch panel 16 is disposed on the display screen 15. For the touch panel 16, for example, an entire touch panel called “multi-touch” is adopted.
The touch panel 16 is operated, for example, as a loan application instruction means when performing a loan application, or when performing a replacement application or a transfer application.
Further, the touch panel 16 is used when a loan usage right return request (sub-rental use right return request) is made by the lending side while the usage right is being loaned, or when a borrowing usage right return request is made by the borrower while the usage right is borrowed. Operated.
Further, the touch panel 16 is operated when a plurality of electronic book data is selected as a selection unit for each title, author name, genre, etc., for example. Specifically, for example, a key input unit (not shown) is displayed on the display screen 15 and the touch panel 16 is operated to input, for example, a book title, author name, genre, and the like into the key input unit. By designating, it is possible to collectively select a plurality of related electronic book data in the book list.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a user operation in the electronic book data lending process and an image displayed on the display screen 15 of the user terminal 10 at this time will be described in association with each other. Here, the user terminal 10A makes a loan application to the user terminal 10B.

In the lending process, a book list screen G1 is displayed on the display screen 15 of the user terminal 10A (see FIG. 6).
Here, FIG. 6 is an example of a book list screen G1 on which the titles of eight electronic book data A to H are displayed.
In the book list screen G1, “Lending” is displayed for titles that have ownership but do not have usage rights (lending). In addition, “borrowed” is displayed in a title that does not have ownership but has usage rights (borrowed). The title “rented” cannot be used (viewed), and the title “borrowed” can be used (viewed).
Further, the book list screen G1 includes a button B1 that is pressed when electronic book data is started to be processed (lending process, exchange process, transfer process) in the system.

In step S11, as shown in FIG. 7, the user of the user terminal 10A selects the title (here, H) of the electronic book data to be lent after pressing the button B1 on the book list screen G1.
As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of titles (here, F to H) may be selected as electronic book data to be lent. The plurality of titles can be selected collectively for each book title, author name, genre, and the like.

Next, in step S12, the user of the user terminal 10A selects the lending process by pressing the lending process selection button 21 among the process selection buttons B2 provided on the process selection screen G2, as shown in FIG. In the subsequent step S13, the loan partner (here, Mr. B corresponding to the user terminal 10B) is selected.

Next, in step S14, the user of the user terminal 10A arbitrarily sets a lending period (lending period) of the electronic book data as shown in FIG.
Next, in step S15, as shown in FIG. 10, the user of the user terminal 10A arbitrarily sets a message to be displayed on the user terminal 10B that is a loan partner when lending.
Next, in step S16, as shown in FIG. 10, the user of the user terminal 10A executes a loan application by pressing a loan application execution button B3.

When the loan application execution button B3 is pressed, in the subsequent step S17, the CPU 21 of the electronic content management server 20 performs a process of lending electronic book data.
Here, the lending process is specifically an update of the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36 in the user terminal 10A and the user terminal 10B as described above.

Then, after the lending process, when the user terminal 10B, which is the lending partner, is activated, as shown in FIG. 11, the book list screen G1 of the user terminal 10B contains electronic book data that the user terminal 10B has ownership or usage rights. In addition to the titles (here, I to K), the title (here, H) of the electronic book data lent (borrowed) from the user terminal 10A is additionally displayed together with the display of “under borrowing”.

Thereafter, the CPU 21 of the electronic content management server 20 returns the loaned usage right to the user terminal 10A from the user terminal 10B when any one of the above-mentioned loan usage right return conditions occurs. I do.

In the sublease processing, the user's operation and the image displayed on the display screen 15 of the user terminal 10 at this time are the same as the above-described lending processing, and the user terminal 10A executed by the CPU 21 of the electronic content management server 20 in step S17. Only the update contents of the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36 in the user terminal 10B are different.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a user operation in the electronic book data exchange process and an image displayed on the display screen 15 of the user terminal 10 at this time will be described in association with each other. Here, it is assumed that the user terminal 10A makes an application for replacement to the user terminal 10B.

In this exchange process, the book list screen G1 is displayed on the display screen 15 of the user terminal 10A (see FIG. 6).

In step S21, the user of the user terminal 10A selects the title of electronic book data to be exchanged after pressing the button B1 on the book list screen G1. At this time, one title may be selected (see FIG. 7) or a plurality of titles may be selected at once (see FIG. 8).

Next, in step S22, the user of the user terminal 10A selects an exchange process by pressing the exchange process selection button 22 among the process selection buttons B2 provided on the process selection screen G2, as shown in FIG. .
Next, in step S23, as shown in FIG. 13, an exchange partner (here, Mr. B corresponding to the user terminal 10B) is selected.

Next, in step S24, as shown in FIG. 14, the user of the user terminal 10A arbitrarily designates the title (here, I) of electronic book data desired to be exchanged.
The exchange title can be designated by any number of books from the public list of the other party (user terminal 10B). Also, for example, when a plurality of volumes such as a series are to be exchanged, contents starting from the same title can be specified in a batch.

Next, in step S25, as shown in FIG. 15, the user of the user terminal 10A arbitrarily sets a message to be displayed on the user terminal 10B as the exchange partner when prompting the exchange, and in the subsequent step S26, The user of the user terminal 10A presses the replacement application execution button B4 and executes the replacement application.

When the exchange application execution button B4 is pressed, in the subsequent step S27, the CPU 21 of the electronic content management server 20 performs electronic book data exchange processing.
Here, specifically, as described above, the exchange process is, for example, updating the purchase history information 35 and the transfer exchange history information 37 and adding the book content information 31 in the user terminal 10A and the user terminal 10B. .

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the user's operation in the electronic book data transfer process and the image displayed on the display screen 15 of the user terminal 10 at this time will be described in association with each other. Here, it is assumed that a transfer application is made from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10B.

In this transfer process, the book list screen G1 is displayed on the display screen 15 of the user terminal 10A (see FIG. 6).

In step S31, the user of the user terminal 10A selects the title of the electronic book data to be transferred after pressing the button B1 on the book list screen G1. At this time, one title may be selected (see FIG. 7) or a plurality of titles may be selected at once (see FIG. 8).

Next, in step S32, the user of the user terminal 10A selects the transfer process by pressing the transfer process selection button 23 among the process selection buttons B2 provided on the process selection screen G2, as shown in FIG. .
Next, in step S33, as shown in FIG. 17, a transfer partner (here, Mr. B corresponding to the user terminal 10B) is arbitrarily selected.
Note that the setting of the transfer partner is arbitrary, and may not be set, or a plurality of transfer partners may be set.

Next, in step S34, as shown in FIG. 18, the user of the user terminal 10A arbitrarily sets a message to be displayed on the user terminal 10B that is the transfer partner when urging transfer, and in subsequent step S35, The user of the user terminal 10A arbitrarily sets a wrapping image.
Next, in step S36, as shown in FIG. 19, the user of the user terminal 10A presses the assignment application execution button B5 to execute the assignment application.

When the transfer application execution button B5 is pressed, in the subsequent step S37, the CPU 21 of the electronic content management server 20 performs transfer processing of electronic book data.
Here, specifically, the transfer process is, for example, updating the purchase history information 35 and the transfer / exchange history information 37 and adding the book content information 31 in the user terminal 10A and the user terminal 10B as described above. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic content management server 20 can use only the electronic book data that the user terminals 10A to 10C have the right to use for the user terminals 10A to 10C. If the user terminal 10A out of the user terminals 10A to 10C has a loan application for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic book data owned by the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10B, By changing the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36, the right to use the electronic book data is temporarily lent to the user terminal 10B.
Therefore, the right to use electronic book data can be arbitrarily transferred from each of the user terminals 10A to 10C.
Further, the electronic book data cannot be used in the user terminals 10A to 10C that do not have the usage right, and one electronic book data can always be used only in one user terminal among the plurality of user terminals 10A to 10C. .
Thereby, a third party can use the electronic book data while sufficiently protecting the copyright of the electronic book data.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the electronic content management server 20 determines that the electronic content management server 20 in the purchase history information 35 and the loan / borrow history information 36 when any one of the loan usage right return conditions a), b), and c) is satisfied. By changing the status of the book data, the usage right lent to the user terminal 10B from the user terminal 10A is returned to the user terminal 10A.
For this reason, since the usage right lent by the instruction from the user terminal 10A having the ownership of the electronic book data is returned, the profit of the user terminal 10A having the ownership of the electronic book data is impaired. You can borrow the right to use.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, when there is a sublease application for sublease the usage right borrowed from the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10C from the user terminal 10B, the electronic content management server 20 purchase history information 35 and loan history By changing the status of the electronic book data in the information 36, the usage right borrowed from the user terminal 10A is sublet to the user terminal 10C.
For this reason, according to the instruction | indication from the user terminal 10B which has the use right of electronic book data, a use right can be further lent (sublet) to a third party (user terminal 10C).

Further, according to the present embodiment, the electronic content management server 20 determines that the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the loan history information 36 when any one of the sub-rental use right return conditions d) e) is satisfied. The usage rights sublet to the user terminal 10C from the user terminal 10B are returned to the user terminal 10A.
For this reason, since the usage rights that have been sublet by the instruction from the user terminal 10A having the ownership of the electronic book data are returned, the usage rights can be used without damaging the profit of the user terminal 10A having the ownership of the electronic book data You can sublease rights.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the electronic content management server 20 gives the electronic terminal data owned by the user terminal 10B the ownership of the electronic book data owned by the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10B from the user terminal 10A. When there is an exchange application for exchanging with the ownership of the data, the electronic book data is owned by changing the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the transfer exchange history information 37 in accordance with the approval by the user terminal 10B. Exchange rights.
Therefore, the ownership of the electronic book data can be exchanged arbitrarily at each of the user terminals 10A to 10C.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the electronic content management server 20 has a transfer application for transferring the ownership of the electronic book data owned by the user terminal 10A to the user terminal 10B from the user terminal 10A. In response to the approval by the user terminal 10B, the ownership of the electronic book data is transferred to the user terminal 10B by changing the status of the electronic book data in the purchase history information 35 and the transfer / exchange history information 37.
Therefore, the ownership of the electronic book data can be arbitrarily transferred from each of the user terminals 10A to 10C.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the electronic content management server 20 transfers the ownership of the electronic book data to the user terminal 10B, the electronic content management server 20 has transferred the ownership to the user terminal 10B according to an instruction from the user terminal 10A. Set so that the wrapping image is displayed when the book data is first displayed.
For this reason, electronic book data can be transferred by adding a gift wrapping image.

According to the present embodiment, the electronic content is electronic book data.
For this reason, electronic book data can be borrowed, exchanged, and transferred like an actual book.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the user terminals 10A to 10C can select a plurality of electronic book data to be lent, exchanged or transferred by the touch panel 16.
For this reason, user operability can be improved.

In addition, about the detailed structure of this invention, it is not limited to the content of the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, it can change suitably.
For example, when lending, exchanging, or transferring electronic book data, a handwritten comment or the like may be added to the electronic book data. Such handwritten comments can be notified as a message, or can be set to be written in the electronic book data.

In this embodiment, an electronic book device is exemplified as the user terminal. However, as the user terminal, other than this, for example, a mobile phone, a notebook personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) ) Etc.
Further, in the present embodiment, the electronic book data has been described as an example of the electronic content, but the electronic content may be any content such as music or a game other than this.

In the present embodiment, the electronic book data operated in this system is stored in both the user terminal 10 and the electronic content management server 20, and the use of the electronic book data is managed by the electronic content management server 20. However, the electronic book data may be stored only in the electronic content management server 20.

The present invention can be used in the field of information communication.

100 electronic content management system 10 user terminal 10A user terminal (first user terminal)
10B user terminal (second user terminal)
10C user terminal (third user terminal)
16 Touch panel (Lending application instruction means, selection means)
20 Electronic content management server 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
231 Content use management program (use management means)
232 Use right loan program (use right loan means)
233 Loan use right return program (loan use right return means)
234 Use right sub-lending program (usage right sub-lending means)
235 Sublease use right return program (sublease use right return means)
236 Ownership Exchange Program (Ownership Exchange Method)
237 Ownership transfer program (ownership transfer means)
238 Wrapping setting program (wrapping setting means)
30 Database 31 Book Content Information 32 Wrapping Information 33 Friend Information 34 User Information 35 Purchase History Information (Usage Rights Information Database, Ownership Information Database)
36 Loan / History History Information (Usage Rights Information Database)
37 Transfer history information (ownership information database)
38 Electronic book data

Claims

An electronic content management server connected to a plurality of user terminals via a communication network and managing use of electronic content,
A usage right information database for storing usage rights information of electronic content;
Based on the usage right information stored in the usage right information database, for the plurality of user terminals, a usage management means for managing so that only the electronic content each user terminal has usage rights can be used;
Among the plurality of user terminals, when there is a loan application for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, the use Usage right lending means for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the right information database;
An electronic content management server comprising:
When the loan period set by the instruction of the first user terminal at the time of the loan application has passed,
When there is a loan usage right return request for returning the right of use loaned to the second user terminal from the first user terminal to the first user terminal at any timing after the loan application;
Among the cases where there is a borrowing usage right return request to return the usage right lent from the first user terminal to the first user terminal from the second user terminal at any timing after the loan application Or if one loan usage right return condition is met,
Lending usage right return means is provided for returning the usage right lent to the second user terminal from the first user terminal to the first user terminal by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the usage right information database. The electronic content management server according to claim 1.
When there is a sublease application for sublease the usage right borrowed from the first user terminal to the third user terminal from the second user terminal, by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the usage right information database The electronic content management server according to claim 1, further comprising usage right sublease means for sublease the usage right borrowed from the first user terminal to the third user terminal.
When the loan period set at the time of the loan application has passed according to the instruction of the first user terminal,
At any time after the sublease application, any of the cases where there is a sublease use right return request for returning the use right subletted to the third user terminal from the first user terminal to the first user terminal. Or when one of the sublease usage rights return conditions is met,
Sub-rental use right return means is provided for returning the right of use sublet from the second user terminal to the third user terminal to the first user terminal by changing the use right information of the electronic content in the use right information database. The electronic content management server according to claim 3.
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
An exchange application for exchanging ownership of electronic content owned by the first user terminal with ownership of electronic content owned by the second user terminal is sent from the first user terminal to the second user terminal. If there is, ownership exchange means for exchanging ownership of the electronic content by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database in response to approval by the second user terminal;
The electronic content management server according to claim 1, further comprising:
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
When there is a transfer application for transferring the ownership of the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, according to the approval by the second user terminal, Ownership transfer means for transferring ownership of the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database;
The electronic content management server according to claim 1, further comprising:
When the ownership of the electronic content is transferred to the second user terminal by the ownership transfer means, the electronic content to which the ownership has been transferred at the second user terminal is first displayed according to an instruction from the first user terminal. The electronic content management server according to claim 6, further comprising a wrapping setting unit configured to display a wrapping image when displayed.
The electronic content management server according to claim 1, wherein the electronic content is electronic book data.
An electronic content management system comprising a plurality of user terminals and an electronic content management server connected to the plurality of user terminals via a communication network and managing the use of electronic content,
Each of the plurality of user terminals is
Lending application instruction means for instructing to temporarily lend the right to use electronic content that you own,
The electronic content management server
A usage right information database for storing usage rights information of electronic content;
Based on the usage right information stored in the usage right information database, for the plurality of user terminals, a usage management means for managing so that only the electronic content each user terminal has usage rights can be used;
Among the plurality of user terminals, when there is a loan application for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, the use Usage right lending means for temporarily lending the right to use the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing the usage right information of the electronic content in the right information database;
An electronic content management system comprising:
The electronic content management server
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
An exchange application for exchanging ownership of electronic content owned by the first user terminal with ownership of electronic content owned by the second user terminal is sent from the first user terminal to the second user terminal. If there is, ownership exchange means for exchanging ownership of the electronic content by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database in response to approval by the second user terminal;
The electronic content management system according to claim 9, further comprising:
An ownership information database for storing electronic content ownership information;
When there is a transfer application for transferring the ownership of the electronic content owned by the first user terminal from the first user terminal to the second user terminal, according to the approval by the second user terminal, Ownership transfer means for transferring ownership of the electronic content to the second user terminal by changing ownership information of the electronic content in the ownership information database;
The electronic content management system according to claim 9, further comprising:
The electronic content management system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each of the plurality of user terminals includes selection means for collectively selecting a plurality of the electronic contents.