WO2014046023A1

WO2014046023A1 - Content distribution device

Info

Publication number: WO2014046023A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/074800
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正安佐竹; 渉川崎; 守山敷
Original assignee: 株式会社ディー・エヌ・エー
Priority date: 2012-09-21
Filing date: 2013-09-13
Publication date: 2014-03-27

Abstract

A music distribution server being one embodiment of the present invention provides a service whereby entire digital content can be readily enjoyed. This music distribution server comprises: an information storage unit that stores a variety of tables and databases, etc.; a distribution request reception unit that receives requests from users for distribution of music data; a content distribution unit that distributes music data using either a "Trial", "Play" or "Purchase" distribution method, in accordance with received distribution requests; a suggestion information transmission unit that sends information suggesting a distribution method to a terminal device; a levy processing unit that processes levies for music data distribution; and a ticket holding refresh unit that refreshes each user's holdings of virtual tickets being virtual tickets required for distribution of music data using the "Play" distribution method.

Description

Content distribution device

This cross-reference application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application 2012-208562 (filed on September 21, 2012), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a content distribution device, and more particularly to a content distribution device that distributes digital content to terminal devices connected via a communication line.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a service for selling digital contents such as music data, it is known that a user can enjoy part of the contents on a trial basis before purchasing the digital contents. In such a service, for example, when purchasing music data, it is possible to audition a specific section such as “Cho” among all sections of music. In such a music listening service, there has been proposed a service that estimates user's preference based on the user's usage history and provides content for trial listening that matches the user's preference (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-266083). No. publication).

However, with such music audition services, although it is possible to easily audition in a limited section, it is necessary to purchase music data for a fee in order to enjoy the entire section of music. Accordingly, users who have some interest in music but do not have the desire to purchase for a fee tend to miss the opportunity to enjoy only the listening service and enjoy all the music sections. It is desired to provide a service that allows even a user who does not have a desire to purchase for a fee to enjoy all sections of music.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a service that allows users to easily enjoy the entire digital content. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification.

A content distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a content distribution device that distributes digital content to a terminal device connected via a communication line, and accepts a digital content distribution request from the terminal device. Means, a first distribution method for distributing a part of the digital content in a manner in which reuse in the terminal device is restricted in response to the received distribution request, and the terminal device A plurality of distribution methods including a second distribution method that distributes in a method that restricts reuse in the network, and a third distribution method that distributes the entire digital content in a method that allows reuse in the terminal device. Distribution means for distributing the digital content by any one of the distribution methods.

A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a content distribution device that distributes digital content to a terminal device connected via a communication line. A receiving process for receiving a distribution request; a first distribution method for distributing a part of the digital content in a manner in which reuse in the terminal device is restricted in response to the received distribution request; A second distribution method that distributes the entirety in a manner that restricts reuse in the terminal device; and a third distribution method that delivers the entirety of the digital content in a manner that allows reuse in the terminal device; A distribution process for distributing the digital content by any one of a plurality of distribution methods including To be executed by a computer.

Various embodiments of the present invention can provide a service that allows the user to easily enjoy the entire digital content.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a system including a music distribution server that functions as a content distribution apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows roughly the architecture of the terminal device in one Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function of the music delivery server in one Embodiment. An example of the ticket management table 52a in one Embodiment. An example of the delivery log | history management table 52b in one Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the music delivery process in one Embodiment. An example of the album unit basic screen 70 in one Embodiment. An example of the music unit basic screen 80 in one embodiment. An example of the music reproduction proposal screen 90 in one embodiment. An example of the music purchase proposal screen 100 in one embodiment. An example of the virtual ticket purchase screen 110 in one embodiment. An example of the music reproduction proposal screen 90a in a modification.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In addition, the same referential mark is attached | subjected to the component which is common in drawing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a system including a music distribution server 10 functioning as a content distribution apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the music distribution server 10 includes a plurality of terminal devices 30-1, 30-2,..., 30-N (hereinafter, “ The terminal device 30 is sometimes collectively referred to as a terminal device 30), and provides a music distribution service to a user who operates the terminal device 30.

As shown in the figure, the music distribution server 10 includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a user I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, an external memory 15, and a disk drive 16. Are electrically connected to each other. The CPU 11 loads an operating system and various programs from the external memory 15 to the main memory 12 and executes instructions included in the loaded programs. The main memory 12 is used for storing a program executed by the CPU 11, and is constituted by, for example, a DRAM.

The user I / F 13 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard and a mouse that accepts an operator's input, and an information output device such as a liquid crystal display that outputs a calculation result of the CPU 11. The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware, firmware, communication software such as a TCP / IP driver or a PPP driver, or a combination thereof, and is configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 30 via the communication network 20.

The external memory 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk drive, and stores an operating system, various programs, and various data. Various data that can be stored in the external memory 15 may be stored in a database server physically separate from the music distribution server 10 that is communicably connected to the music distribution server 10. The disk drive 16 reads data stored in various storage media such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and DVD-R, or writes data to these storage media.

In one embodiment, the music distribution server 10 functions as a web server that performs HTTP communication with the terminal device 30, manages a website composed of a plurality of hierarchical web pages, and responds to a request from the terminal device 30. Download and distribute music data. In one embodiment, the music distribution server 10 functions as a streaming server for performing streaming distribution of music data using a protocol such as RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), and responds to a request from the terminal device 30. Stream music data.

In one embodiment, the terminal device 30 is an arbitrary information processing device in which an application execution environment for executing an application including a web browser is installed. For example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, an electronic book reader And game consoles. The terminal device 30 can access the music distribution server 10 to display a web page provided from the music distribution server 10, receive streaming distribution or download distribution of music data, and reproduce the distributed music data. it can.

The architecture of the terminal device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the architecture of the terminal device 30. As illustrated, the terminal device 30 includes a CPU 31, a main memory 32, a user I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and an external memory 35, and these components are electrically connected to each other via a bus 36. Connected.

The CPU 31 loads various programs such as an operating system from the external memory 35 into the main memory 32, and executes instructions included in the loaded program. The main memory 32 is used for storing a program executed by the CPU 31, and is constituted by, for example, a DRAM.

The user I / F 33 includes, for example, an information input device such as a touch panel that accepts user input, a keyboard, buttons, and a mouse, and an information output device such as a liquid crystal display that outputs a calculation result of the CPU 31. The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware, firmware, communication software such as a TCP / IP driver or a PPP driver, or a combination thereof, and configured to be able to communicate with the music distribution server 10 via the communication network 20. .

The external memory 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk drive or a flash memory, and stores various programs such as an operating system.

The terminal device 30 having such an architecture includes, for example, browser software for interpreting an HTML file (HTML data) and displaying it on the screen. The terminal device 30 is obtained from the music distribution server 10 by the function of the browser software. The web page corresponding to the received HTML data can be displayed by interpreting the HTML data. Further, the terminal device 30 includes plug-in software incorporated in browser software, and can reproduce multimedia files such as music data embedded in HTML data using the browser software and plug-in software.

Next, functions of the music distribution server 10 realized by each component shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As illustrated, the music distribution server 10 includes an information storage unit 52 that stores various tables and databases, a distribution request reception unit 53 that receives a distribution request for music data from a user, and a “ A content distribution unit 54 that distributes music data by any one of distribution methods of “trial listening”, “playback”, and “purchase”, a proposal information transmission unit 55 that transmits information that proposes a distribution method to the terminal device 30, Charging processing unit 56 that performs charging processing related to the distribution of a ticket, and a ticket holding status updating unit that updates the holding status for each user of a virtual ticket that is a virtual ticket necessary for the distribution of music data by the “playback” distribution method 57. These functions are realized by various programs and tables stored in the CPU 11, the main memory 12, and the external memory 15 operating in cooperation.

The information storage unit 52 includes a ticket management table 52a for managing the above-described virtual ticket holding status for each user, a distribution history management table 52b for managing distribution history of music data for the user, and a music database that is a database of music data. 52c. Here, in the music database 52c, music data that can be provided to the user is stored in a file format such as AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) or WMA (Windows (registered trademark) Media Audio). Note that the music database 52c does not necessarily need to be stored in the music distribution server 10, and may be stored in another server device or the like that is connected so as to be communicable with the music distribution server 10.

An example of the ticket management table 52a is shown in FIG. As illustrated, the ticket management table 52a stores the “number of virtual tickets” held by the user in association with the “user ID” for identifying the user.

An example of the distribution history management table 52b is shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing, the distribution history management table 52b is associated with a “user ID” for identifying a user, and “distribution date and time” that is the date and time when the music data is distributed as the distribution history for this user. Information such as “distributed music ID” to be identified and “distribution method” indicating which distribution method is “trial listening”, “reproduction”, or “purchase” is stored.

Next, the operation of the music distribution server 10 configured as described above as an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of music distribution processing executed by the music distribution server 10. In the music distribution process, first, a music data distribution request is received from a user operating the terminal device 30 (step S100). Specifically, it is transmitted from the terminal device 30 when the user operating the terminal device 30 operates the album unit basic screen 70 and the music unit basic screen 80 which are basic screens for requesting distribution of music data. The music distribution server 10 receives data requesting distribution of music data. Here, the album unit basic screen 70 and the music unit basic screen 80 will be described.

An example of the album unit basic screen 70 is shown in FIG. The album unit basic screen 70 is displayed on the terminal device 30 by searching using a keyword or the like from a plurality of albums that can be distributed by the music distribution server 10 or by selecting a favorite album from a recommended album list. This is the screen that is displayed. As shown in the figure, the album unit basic screen 70 displays a basic information display section 72 for displaying basic information such as images and titles corresponding to the selected album from the top to the bottom of the screen, and a list of songs included in the album. And a music list section 74 for requesting distribution of music data corresponding to the music displayed and displayed in a list. As shown in the figure, the music list section 74 is provided with a trial listening request button 74a for requesting music data to be listened to and a play / purchase button 74b for requesting playback or purchase of music data for each music displayed in a list. ing. The request to play or purchase music data is actually made via the music unit basic screen 80 displayed when the play / purchase button 74b is selected.

An example of the music unit basic screen 80 is shown in FIG. The music unit basic screen 80 is searched using a keyword or the like from among a plurality of songs that can be distributed by the music distribution server 10 when the play / purchase button 74b of the album unit basic screen 70 illustrated in FIG. Or a screen displayed on the terminal device 30 by selecting a favorite song from the recommended song list. As shown in the drawing, the music unit basic screen 80 includes a basic information display unit 82 that displays basic information such as an image and a title corresponding to the selected music from the top to the bottom of the screen, and a distribution request for music data. A request operation unit 84 for performing an operation and a reproduction operation unit 86 for performing an operation when reproducing a music are provided. As shown in the figure, the request operation unit 84 displays a reproduction request button 84a displayed as "Listening to this song", a purchase request button 84b displayed as "Buy this song", and "Purchase ticket". The number of virtual tickets held by the user at that time is displayed above the ticket purchase button 84c. Here, the number of virtual tickets held by the user is acquired from the ticket management table 52a and displayed.

In one embodiment, the music data distribution request includes a sample request made by selecting the sample request button 74 a on the album unit basic screen 70 and a reproduction request made by selecting the reproduction request button 84 a on the song unit basic screen 80. Similarly, there is a purchase request made by selecting the purchase request button 84b on the music unit basic screen 80, and when these buttons are selected, data requesting distribution corresponding to each button is transmitted from the terminal device 30. .

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, when the user selects the audition request button 74a on the album unit basic screen 70, it is determined that an audition request for music data has been made (step S102), and an audition request has been made. The streaming distribution of music data is started (step S104). Specifically, streaming distribution of music data stored in the music database 52c to the terminal device 30 using a protocol such as RTSP is started. When streaming distribution is started, the terminal device 30 plays the music data while downloading it, and the image of the trial listening request button 74a on the album unit basic screen 70 is changed to an image indicating that it is being played (trial listening). Is done. Here, the music data distributed by such streaming distribution is temporarily stored in the terminal device 30 as cache data, but then deleted, and reuse in the terminal device 30 is limited. Note that at the time of streaming delivery, the terminal device 30 may be preliminarily buffered with a portion corresponding to the trial listening time of the music data. The trial listening time will be described later.

When the streaming distribution of the music data is started, next, the music data using the virtual ticket is waited for a predetermined time limit T (for example, 45 seconds) to elapse after the streaming distribution is started (step S106). Is displayed on the terminal device 30 (step S108). The process for monitoring the elapse of the time limit T after the start of the streaming distribution is a process executed by the proposal information transmission unit 55, similarly to the process for displaying the music reproduction proposal screen 90 on the terminal device 30. An example of the music reproduction proposal screen 90 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the music reproduction proposal screen 90 is a screen for notifying the user that the trial listening time has elapsed and for allowing the user to select whether or not to perform reproduction using the virtual ticket. And a reproduction non-instruction button 92 displayed as “Do not listen”. When the reproduction instruction button 91 is selected by the user, it is determined that the reproduction using the virtual ticket is instructed (step S110), which is a process executed when a music data reproduction request is received, which will be described later. It progresses to the process (step S112) which confirms the delivery history of music data. On the other hand, when the reproduction non-instruction button 92 is selected, it is determined that it is instructed not to perform reproduction using the virtual ticket (step S110), and the music distribution process is terminated. In this way, the time limit T is the time for which the music can be auditioned according to the request for audition.

When the reproduction request button 84a on the music unit basic screen 80 is selected by the user, it is determined that a reproduction request for music data using a virtual ticket has been made (step S102). First, the distribution history of music data for this user is determined. Is determined, and it is determined whether or not the number of reproductions of the music data requested to be reproduced has reached a predetermined upper limit number N (step S112). Specifically, the distribution history management table 52b is referred to, and from the distribution history corresponding to the user's “user ID”, the same music data as the music data requested to be reproduced this time (identified by the “distribution music ID”). The number of times of reproduction is derived by extracting the distribution history distributed by the distribution method “reproduction”, and it is determined whether or not the derived number of times of reproduction has reached a predetermined upper limit number N To do.

If the number of times of playback by this user has not reached the upper limit number N, next, the possession status of the virtual ticket possessed by this user is updated (step S114). Specifically, the “number of virtual tickets” corresponding to the “user ID” of the user who made the reproduction request, which is managed in the ticket management table 52a, is reduced by one. Here, when the number of virtual tickets held by the user is “0 (zero)”, the reproduction request button 84a of the music unit basic screen 80 may not be selected in advance, or the ticket management table 52a may be selected. When updating the message, an error message or a message prompting the purchase of a virtual ticket may be displayed on the terminal device 30.

When the possession status of the virtual ticket is updated in this way, next, streaming distribution of the music data of the selected music is performed (step S116), and the music distribution process is terminated. Specifically, the music data stored in the music database 52c is streamed to the terminal device 30 using a protocol such as RTSP. When streaming distribution is started, the terminal device 30 plays the music data while downloading it, and the user performs various operations (stop, fast forward, rewind, volume adjustment, etc.) via the playback operation unit 86 of the music unit basic screen 80. )It can be performed. In this way, in the distribution of music data by the distribution method “playback”, streaming distribution of the entire music data is performed, unlike “trial listening”. Here, if the distribution is stopped before the elapse of the pre-listen time after the start of distribution of music data by the distribution method “play”, the distribution is changed to distribution of music data by the distribution method “trial listening”. It is also possible to cancel the use of the virtual ticket (specifically, increase the “number” of the ticket management table 52a by one). The music data distributed by such streaming distribution is temporarily stored as cache data in the terminal device 30 as in the case of the streaming distribution of the music data in response to the trial listening request described above. Reuse of is limited. Further, as in the above-described streaming distribution of music data in response to the trial listening request, part or all of the music data may be buffered in advance in the terminal device 30.

If the number of times of playback by the user has reached the upper limit number N in step S112, a music purchase proposal screen 100 for suggesting purchase of music data to the user is displayed on the terminal device 30 (step S118). An example of the music purchase proposal screen 100 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the music purchase proposal screen 100 notifies the user that music data cannot be distributed any more by the distribution method “playback” using the virtual ticket, and whether or not to purchase music data. A purchase instruction button 101 displaying “Buy” and a purchase non-instruction button 102 displaying “Do not buy”. When the purchase instruction button 101 is selected by the user, it is determined that the user has instructed to purchase music data (step S120), and purchase of music data, which will be described later, is a process executed when a purchase request for music data is received. The process proceeds to the billing process (step S122). On the other hand, if the purchase non-instructing button 102 is selected, it is determined that it is instructed not to purchase music data (step S120), and the music distribution process is terminated. As described above, in the reproduction of music data using the virtual ticket (music data distribution by the distribution method “reproduction”), the number of reproductions of the same music data by the same user is limited by the upper limit number N.

If the purchase request button 84b on the music unit basic screen 80 is selected by the user, it is determined that a purchase request for music data has been made (step S102). First, a billing process is performed for the purchase of music data (step S122). . The billing process can be performed using various payment services of a credit card company or a mobile phone carrier. Since such a billing process is a general process, further detailed description is omitted.

Once the billing process is performed in this way, the selected music data is downloaded and distributed (step S124), and the music distribution process is terminated. Specifically, the music data stored in the music database 52c is transferred to the terminal device 30 using a protocol such as HTTP. When the download distribution is performed and the file transfer is completed, the terminal device 30 can reproduce the music data using browser software and plug-in software, or can be reproduced using a dedicated player application. Note that music data distributed by such download distribution is stored in the terminal device 30 and is reusable in the terminal device 30 unlike the streaming distribution described above. Here, in this example, the download distribution of the music data is performed immediately after the accounting process. However, after the accounting process is executed, the music distribution process is terminated, and the download distribution is performed at an arbitrary timing according to the user's request. It is good to do in. In this example, the music data is transferred to the terminal device 30 as a file, but may be transferred to another device designated by the user other than the terminal device 30.

This completes the description of the music distribution process. Next, the operation for the user to purchase a virtual ticket will be described. FIG. 11 is an example of a ticket purchase screen 110 for the user to purchase a virtual ticket. This ticket purchase screen 110 is a screen that is displayed when the ticket purchase button 84c included in the request operation unit 84 of the music unit basic screen 80 described above is selected by the user or from a screen for managing the user's profile. It is. On the ticket purchase screen 110, as shown in the figure, the number of virtual tickets held by the user at that time is displayed, and a number designation unit 111 for selecting and specifying the number of purchased virtual tickets and “buy” are displayed. A purchase instruction button 112. When the user designates the number of purchases by the number designation unit 111 and selects the purchase instruction button 112, a virtual ticket is given to the user through a general billing process, and the ticket management table 52a is updated. Here, in one embodiment, the unit price of the virtual ticket is set to a price that is cheaper than the unit price of music data purchase (download distribution), for example, a price that is 1/50 of the unit price of purchase. In addition, since the music data can be auditioned free of charge, the user can freely perform “trial audition” and enjoy the entire music by using “virtual ticket” with a cheap “playback” of the favorite music. In addition, the favorite music can be “purchased” and reused by the terminal device 30 or the like.

According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, in response to a request from the terminal device 30, “trial listening” for streaming distribution of a portion corresponding to the time limit T of music data and streaming distribution of the entire music data are performed. The music data is distributed by one of the distribution methods of “play” and “purchase” that downloads and distributes the entire music data. Therefore, it is possible to deal with various users having different degrees of desire for the music distribution service, for example, dealing with a user who wants to enjoy the entire music data because reuse in the terminal device 30 may be restricted. Can do. In addition, since the music reproduction proposal screen 90 is displayed on the terminal device 30 when the time limit T has elapsed since the start of streaming distribution in response to the request for listening, music data distribution by “reproduction” is proposed. It is possible to appeal to the user the opportunity to enjoy the whole. Furthermore, since the music purchase proposal screen 100 is displayed on the terminal device 30 and the purchase of music data is proposed when the number of times of playback by the user has reached the upper limit N, an opportunity to continue enjoying the entire music data is provided. Can appeal to users.

In one embodiment, during streaming delivery in response to a trial listening request, the music playback suggestion screen 90 is displayed on the terminal device 30 after the time limit T, which is a trial listening time, has elapsed. The suggestion screen 90 may be displayed at other timings based on the trial listening time. For example, the timing before the trial listening time elapses (for example, 3 seconds before) or after the trial listening time has passed. It may be displayed at timing (for example, after 5 seconds). In addition, the music reproduction proposal screen 90 proposes the user to reproduce the music data using the virtual ticket. However, in addition to the music data reproduction or instead of the music data reproduction, the music data It may be a suggestion to purchase

In one embodiment, during streaming delivery in response to a trial listening request, the music playback suggestion screen 90 is displayed on the terminal device 30 after the time limit T, which is a trial listening possible time, has elapsed. If, for example, streaming distribution according to the start of streaming distribution or a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the start of streaming distribution, the music data using the virtual ticket is updated. It is good also as what proposes reproduction | regeneration with respect to a user. In this case, for example, instead of the music reproduction proposal screen 90 illustrated in FIG. 9, a music reproduction proposal screen 90 a illustrated in FIG. 12 may be displayed on the terminal device 30. As shown in the figure, the modified music reproduction proposal screen 90a is a screen that counts down the remaining trial listening time and accepts a reproduction instruction using a virtual ticket. A button 91a is provided, and the number of virtual tickets held by the user at that time is displayed below the reproduction instruction button 91a. When the reproduction instruction button 91a is selected by the user, the distribution of the entire music data is performed after the confirmation of the number of reproductions described above (step S112) and the update of the ticket management table 52a (step S114) (step S116). . Here, when streaming distribution of the entire music data is performed, the distribution of the entire music data is not performed again from the beginning of the music data, but is continued even after the time limit T elapses in response to the trial listening request. May be delivered. In this way, it is possible to smoothly shift from “trial listening” to “playback”. In this case, it is determined whether to perform distribution again from the beginning of the music data according to a predetermined condition (for example, according to a user's preset setting), or to continue streaming distribution in response to the trial listening request even after the time limit T has elapsed. It may be determined.

In one embodiment, the reproduction of music data using a virtual ticket (the distribution of music data by the distribution method “reproduction”) is such that the number of reproductions of the same music data by the same user is limited by the upper limit number N. As long as it is based on the distribution history for the user, other conditions may be used. For example, regardless of whether or not the music data is the same, the reproduction of the music data is limited when the number of reproductions by the user in a specific period (for example, one month) reaches the upper limit number (for example, 50 times). Or when the playback time in a specific period (for example, one month) by the user reaches an upper limit time (for example, 200 minutes), or the reproduction of music data is limited, for example, When the number of purchases of music data in three months) does not reach the lower limit number (for example, three times), the reproduction of music data may be restricted. In any case, the music purchase proposal screen 100 may be displayed on the terminal device 30 at the timing when the reproduction of the music data is restricted.

In one embodiment, the music reproduction suggestion screen 90 is displayed when the time limit T has elapsed since the start of streaming distribution in response to a trial listening request, and the number of reproductions performed so far by the user has reached the upper limit number N. The music purchase proposal screen 100 is displayed when the music data is present, but it is also possible to propose distribution of music data by a distribution method different from the requested distribution method at other timings. For example, when the number of distributions of music data in the distribution method “trial listening” reaches a predetermined number, it may be proposed to reproduce or purchase music data. Furthermore, it is not necessary to propose such a delivery method.

In one embodiment, the distribution of the music data by the distribution method “trial listening” is performed free of charge, but may be paid. In this case, the charging unit price for trial listening may be set lower than the charging unit price for reproduction (virtual ticket unit price). In one embodiment, the distribution of the music data by the distribution method “reproduction” is performed using a virtual ticket. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, as with the purchase of music data, There is no problem even if charging is performed by the charging process.

In one embodiment, music data is distributed, but it is needless to say that moving image data or the like may be distributed. In addition, other digital contents such as electronic books and applications may be distributed. In this case, a part of the digital content is distributed by an arbitrary mechanism in which reuse in the terminal device 30 is restricted at the time of the trial listening according to the trial request, and the digital content is reproduced at the time of the reproduction according to the reproduction request. All of the contents are distributed by an arbitrary mechanism in which reuse in the terminal device 30 is restricted, and the entire digital content is allowed to be reused in the terminal device 30 when purchasing according to the purchase request. You can deliver it.

The processes and procedures described in this specification are realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof other than those explicitly described in the embodiment. More specifically, the processes and procedures described in this specification are performed by mounting logic corresponding to the processes on a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical storage. Realized. Further, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as a computer program and executed by various computers.

Even if the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple Component and / or multiple modules. In addition, even though the data, tables, or databases described herein are described as being stored in a single memory, such data, tables, or databases are provided on a single device. Alternatively, the data can be distributed and stored in a plurality of memories or a plurality of memories arranged in a plurality of devices. Further, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components.

In the present specification, when the constituent elements of the invention are described as one or a plurality, or when they are described without being limited to one or a plurality of cases, they should be understood separately in context. The component may be either singular or plural.

Claims

A content distribution device that distributes digital content to a terminal device connected via a communication line,
Receiving means for receiving a digital content distribution request from the terminal device;
In response to the received distribution request, a first distribution method for distributing a part of the digital content in a manner in which reuse at the terminal device is restricted, and re-transmission of the entire digital content at the terminal device. A plurality of distribution methods including: a second distribution method that distributes in a method that restricts use; and a third distribution method that distributes the entire digital content in a method that allows reuse in the terminal device. A distribution means for distributing the digital content by any one of the distribution methods;
Holding status storage means for storing a holding status of a virtual ticket, which is a virtual ticket necessary for delivery of the digital content by the second delivery method, in association with a user;
Holding status updating means for updating the holding status of the virtual ticket of the user who operates the terminal device in accordance with the distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method by the distribution means;
A content distribution apparatus comprising:
Proposed information transmitting means for transmitting, to the terminal device, information for proposing distribution of the digital content by a distribution method different from the distribution method according to the distribution request received by the receiving means when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 1.
The content distribution device according to claim 2,
The digital content is music content and / or video content,
The first distribution method is a method of distributing a part corresponding to a predetermined time limit shorter than the entire reproduction time of the digital content as a part of the digital content,
The proposed information transmitting means is configured to receive the second time when a predetermined elapsed time with reference to the predetermined time limit has elapsed since the distribution means started distributing the digital content by the first distribution method. And / or means for transmitting information proposing the distribution of the digital content by the third distribution method.
Content distribution device.
The content distribution device according to claim 2,
The digital content is music content and / or video content,
The first distribution method is a method of distributing a part corresponding to a predetermined time limit shorter than the entire reproduction time of the digital content as a part of the digital content,
The proposal information transmitting means is provided on the condition that distribution of the digital content by the first distribution method is started by the distribution means, and the digital content by the second distribution method and / or the third distribution method. Is a means of sending information proposing the delivery of
Content distribution device.
The content distribution device according to claim 3,
The proposal information transmitting means is means for transmitting information for proposing the distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method,
When the terminal device makes a change request to the second distribution method during the distribution of the digital content by the first distribution method, the distribution unit restricts the distribution of the digital content to the predetermined restriction. It is means for changing to delivery by the second delivery method by continuing regardless of time,
Content distribution device.
The content distribution apparatus according to claim 1,
A distribution history storage means for storing information related to the distribution history of digital content for the user;
The distribution means is means for restricting distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method based on the distribution history relating to a user who operates the terminal device,
The proposal information transmission means transmits information for proposing the distribution of the digital content by the third distribution method when distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method is restricted by the distribution means. Is,
Content distribution device.
7. The means for restricting the distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method when the distribution number of the same digital content by the second distribution method reaches a predetermined number. Content distribution device.
The content distribution apparatus according to claim 1,
The digital content is music content and / or video content,
The method that restricts the reuse is a streaming method,
The method of allowing reuse is a download method.
Content distribution device.
2. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising charging processing means for performing predetermined charging processing related to distribution of the digital content.
10. The unit price for the predetermined charging process is set such that a unit price for distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method is higher than a unit price for distribution of the digital content by the first distribution method. The content distribution apparatus described.
The unit price for the predetermined charging process is set such that the unit price for the distribution of the digital content by the third distribution method is higher than the unit price for the distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method. The content distribution apparatus described.
The predetermined charging process does not charge for the distribution of the digital content by the first distribution method, but charges for the distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method and the third distribution method. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 9, which is a process.
A program that allows a computer that can access an information storage device that stores a virtual ticket holding status in association with a user to function as a content distribution device that distributes digital content to a terminal device connected via a communication line. And
A reception process for receiving a digital content distribution request from the terminal device;
In response to the received distribution request, a first distribution method for distributing a part of the digital content in a manner in which reuse at the terminal device is restricted, and re-transmission of the entire digital content at the terminal device. A plurality of distribution methods including: a second distribution method that distributes in a method that restricts use; and a third distribution method that distributes the entire digital content in a method that allows reuse in the terminal device. A distribution process for distributing the digital content by any one of the distribution methods;
Causing the computer to execute holding status update processing for updating the holding status of the virtual ticket of the user who operates the terminal device according to the distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method by the distribution processing,
The virtual ticket is a virtual ticket necessary for distribution of the digital content by the second distribution method.
program.