JP2002041999A - Contents delivery system, contents delivery method, delivery server, and computer readable recording medium stored with delivery program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply accumulate contents to be used by the other people in a delivery server for many people other than a specific person. SOLUTION: The delivery server 10 provides an authoring tool to a creator terminal unit 20 in accordance with a demand from the creator terminal unit 20. The creator terminal unit 20 provides the contents prepared using the authoring tool (for example, incoming melody) to the delivery server 10, which stores them. The delivery server 10 supplies the stored contents to a client terminal unit 30 in accordance with a demand from the client terminal unit 30. At this time, the delivery server 10 performs accounting for the supply of the contents for the client terminal unit 30 and distributes a part of accounting money for a registered person in the creator terminal unit 20 providing the supplied contents.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a creator terminal capable of communicating, a distribution server and a client terminal,
The present invention relates to a content distribution system in which content distributed from a creator terminal is stored in a distribution server, and the content is distributed according to a request from a client terminal. Further, the present invention records a content distribution method applied to the distribution system, a distribution server having the content distribution function, a content distribution method applied to the distribution server, and a distribution program for realizing the distribution method. And a computer-readable recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, a melody of a mobile phone, which is one of contents, (a voice generated from the mobile phone as a ringing tone when a call is received by the mobile phone) is stored in a distribution server. In response to a request from a mobile phone (client terminal), the distribution melody has been supplied from a distribution server to the mobile phone.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional distribution of ringtones, the ringtones stored in the distribution server are not only famous songs but also songs based on a contract between specific companies. Was. Therefore, even if one individual wishes to provide a self-made ringtone to another, the desire of such an individual has not been satisfied. In addition, there are a plurality of types of portable telephones, and there are various hardware and software restrictions on their functions, and it is also difficult to convert an incoming melody into data in a format suitable for various portable telephones. .
Conversely, it was not possible to use a favorite song from a wide variety of songs as a ringing melody, such as using a song created by a friend such as a friend or a group as a ringing melody.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to address the above-described problem, and has as its object to provide a content distribution server that allows a large number of people other than a specific person to use the contents in a distribution server. To make it easy to accumulate,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a content distribution system that allows others to easily obtain desired content from a large number of contents. The object of the present invention is
Content distribution method applied to this distribution system,
Another object of the present invention is to provide a distribution server having the function of distributing the content, a content distribution method applied to the distribution server, and a computer-readable recording medium recording a distribution program for realizing the distribution method.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of the present invention is that content provided from a creator terminal is stored in a distribution server, and the stored content is transmitted from a client terminal. Is charged from the distribution server to the client terminal in response to the request, and a part of the charging is kicked back to a registrant of the creator terminal that provided the supplied content. That's what I did. In this case, for example, the client terminal is constituted by a telephone, and the contents relate to music used by the telephone.

According to this, since the distribution server stores the content supplied from the creator terminal, many contents created by the creator (user on the creator terminal side) are stored in the distribution server. Therefore, the client (user on the client terminal side)
Desired contents can be used from many contents. It also satisfies the creator's desire for others to use their content. Furthermore, once the content is used by the client,
The creator who provided the content will be kicked back in part of the charge to the client, so the creator will be motivated to provide the content,
More content will be stored on the distribution server.

A second feature of the present invention is that the distribution server provides an authoring tool for converting content provided from the creator terminal to the distribution server into a predetermined format in response to a request from the creator terminal. It is provided to the terminal. Thus, even if the client terminal has various functional restrictions depending on the type such as a mobile phone, for example, the creator can easily use the provided authoring tool to easily create content suitable for various client terminals. Can be created.

[0008] A third feature of the present invention is that the content is related to music, and the distribution server executes processing related to the copyright of the content supplied from the creator terminal to the distribution server. . This eliminates the need for the creator to perform procedures relating to copyright, such as a procedure for registering a new song and a procedure for arranging (arranging) an original song, which is convenient for the creator.

A fourth feature of the present invention is that the distribution server registers the creator terminal based on information transmitted from the creator terminal before receiving the provision of the content from the creator terminal. . According to this, in the distribution server, the management of the creator is performed accurately, and the content receiving process, the kickback process, and the like are performed without any trouble.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example in which the content distribution system according to the embodiment is applied to a ringtone melody distribution system that distributes a ringtone of a mobile phone as content. The incoming call melody distribution system includes a distribution server 10, a creator terminal 20 for use of a creator, a client terminal 30 for use of a client, and communication for connecting the distribution server 10, the creator terminal 20, and the client terminal 30. It comprises the Internet 40 as a line. The creator is a person who provides the incoming melody to the distribution server 10, and the client is a person who receives the incoming melody from the distribution server 10.

The distribution server 10 is composed of a computer device, stores music data (hereinafter simply referred to as music data) of the incoming melody supplied from the creator terminal 20, and requests the stored music data from the client terminal 30. , And includes a control unit 11, an information storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. In this case, the operation of the control unit 11, the communication control operation of the communication unit 13, and the like are actually realized by program processing. This program is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM and a hard disk included in the computer device.

The control unit 11 is constituted by a CPU or the like executing the program, and responds to a signal from the creator terminal 20 or the client terminal 30 to transmit information supplied from the creator terminal 20 or the client terminal 30 to the information. The information stored in the storage unit 12 is supplied to the creator 20 or the client terminal 30 in response to a signal from the creator terminal 20 or the client terminal 30.

The information storage unit 12 stores various types of information described in detail below.
a, a client database 12b, a song data database 12c, a billing management database 12d, a kickback database 12e, a copyright management database 12f, and an authoring tool memory 12g.

The creator database 12a stores information about the creator. As shown in FIG. 2, the creator ID, client ID, name, address, and other personal information, registration date, authentication information (password, etc.), Tool information (version of song creation tool used,
Number, etc.), upload results information (registered songs,
It accumulates information such as the number of open songs), download result information (the number of downloads of song data, etc.), sales contribution information (calculated from the download results, etc.), assessment information (evaluation assessment based on the sales contribution information, etc.), and the like.

The client database 12b stores information about the client. As shown in FIG. 2, personal information such as client ID, name, address, etc.
The registration date, authentication information (password, etc.), access log (access record to the server), download log (record, etc. relating to downloading of music data) and the like are accumulated. In addition,
Clients can also be creators at the same time,
In this case, the information may be registered in both the creator database 12a and the client database 12b, or may be registered in one (for example, the creator database 1).
The registration of both the creator and the client may be stored in 2a).

The song data database 12c stores information on song data provided by the creator. As shown in FIG. 2, the registered song number (uploaded song number), upload date and time, composer , Arranger, song name, song data name, comment (commentary explanation etc.), version information, data size, performance time (song length), data format (standard MIDI file, type of ring tone format, etc.), copyright information (E.g., a license number if the copyright is set), evaluation points (e.g., the result of evaluation by the server operator or a person to which the operator has given privileges, or a general client), a release permission flag (download permission) Set directly by the server operator, or automatically when the evaluation score exceeds a predetermined value, etc.) Dokaunta (number of downloads), to accumulate the download log (log of every download) or the like and the song data body. The song data database 12c has a song data bank 12c1,
The song data permitted to be disclosed by the examination described later is stored.

The charging management database 12d stores information for charging clients, and as shown in FIG. 2, a client ID, client authentication information, payment account information (a charging payment account number, a credit card number, etc.). ), Access billing information (server connection fee, etc.),
It stores download charge information (charge amount related to downloaded song data), charge amount information, payment history log (past payment record), and the like.

The kickback database 12e stores information for kickback of the music data uploaded by the creator to the creator in response to downloading by the client, and as shown in FIG. 2, the creator ID (creator Identifier), transfer account information (creator account number, etc.), registered work information (registered song number), download count information (download count for each song), kickback unit price information, kickback amount information (download count per kickback unit price) , And a kickback log (past kickback log). Here, the kickback means that when the content (song data) created by the creator is purchased by the client, the distribution server 10 returns a part of the profit obtained from the client to the creator.

The copyright management database 12f stores information related to the copyright of the music data provided by the creator. As shown in FIG.
It stores copyright unit price information, usage count information, copyright amount information (payment amount to the copyright management organization), and the like.

The authoring tool memory 12g contains an authoring tool, and the tool is provided to the creator terminal 20 in response to a request from the creator terminal 20. The authoring tool is an SMF (Standard MIDI File) format MIDI file created by the creator terminal 20.
The data is converted to ringtones for various types of mobile phones, and the creator terminal 20 is identified by using a digital watermark, an electronic signature, an electronic stamp (for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-39796), and the like. Information attaching processing tool for attaching predetermined authentication data to the user. Various mobile phones have different functions in terms of hardware or software, and the conversion of the MIDI data is performed by converting data (for example, the number of tones, timbre data, data format, etc.) to conform to these various functions. Conversion). The creator can upload music data to the distribution server 10 only by using this tool.

The communication unit 13 transmits and receives various data to and from the communication line 40 according to a predetermined communication protocol (for example, HTTP).

The creator terminal 20 is composed of a computer and supplies music data to the distribution server 10. The creator terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23,
An audio generator 24, a data memory 25, and a communication unit 26 are provided. In this case, the operation of the control unit 21, the detection operation of the operation unit 22, the display control operation of the display unit 23, the communication control operation of the communication unit 26, and the like are actually realized by program processing. This program is stored in a recording medium such as a ROM and a hard disk included in the computer device. Although only one creator terminal 20 is shown in FIG. 1, a large number of creator terminals 20 are actually illustrated.
Is connected.

The control unit 21 is constituted by a CPU for executing the program, receives the authoring tool from the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10,
Various data including music data is transmitted to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10. The operation unit 22 includes keys, a mouse, and the like corresponding to characters and numbers, and supplies an instruction signal, input data, and the like according to key operations of the creator to the control unit 21. The display unit 23 visually displays characters, figures, and the like, and displays various items according to instructions from the control unit 21. The sound generator 24 generates sound of the music data. The data memory 25 stores music data created by the creator and stores the authoring tool received from the distribution server 10. The communication unit 26 transmits and receives various data to and from the communication line 40 according to a predetermined communication protocol (for example, HTTP).

The creator terminal 20 includes a control unit 21
Is provided with an interface circuit 27 connected to.
A music device 20A can be connected to the interface circuit 27. The interface circuit 27 transmits music information (for example, music data) between the control unit 21 and the music device 20A in a predetermined format (for example, a MIDI format). Enable communication. This music device 20A
For example, the electronic musical instrument is composed of an electronic keyboard instrument, a sequencer, or the like, and is used for composition or arrangement (arrangement) by the creator. Music data representing the music composed or arranged (arranged) is transmitted to the control unit 21 via the interface circuit 27. Supplied to

The client terminal 30 is connected to the distribution server 10
Is a mobile phone that can receive song data from the mobile phone, and is configured to include a computer so that the mobile phone can be wirelessly and wiredly connected to the distribution server 10 via the relay base station 39 and the communication line 40. The control unit 3
1, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a sound generation unit 34, a data memory 35, and a communication unit 36. In this case, the operation of the control unit 31, the detection operation of the operation unit 32, the display control operation of the display unit 33, the communication control operation of the communication unit 36, and the like are actually realized by program processing. This program is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM and a hard disk included in the computer device. Although only one client terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, a large number of client terminals 30 are actually connected.

The control unit 31 is constituted by a CPU or the like that executes the program, receives music data from the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10, and supplies data relating to the client to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10. . The operation unit 32 includes keys corresponding to characters and numbers, and supplies an instruction signal, input data, and the like corresponding to a key operation of the client to the control unit 21. The display unit 33 visually displays characters, figures, and the like, and displays various items according to instructions from the control unit 31. The sound generator 34 generates sound of the music data received from the distribution server 10. The data memory 35 stores music data supplied from the distribution server 10. The communication unit 36 transmits a predetermined communication protocol (for example, HTT
Various data are transmitted and received according to P). The functions of the client terminal 30 are different in hardware or software depending on the model. For example, the number of sound source channels that can be sounded simultaneously, the number of selectable timbres, and the like are different.

Next, the operation of the ring tone melody distribution system configured as described above will be described with reference to the procedures shown in FIGS. First, a case where an authoring tool is provided from the distribution server 10 to the creator terminal 20 will be described.

First, the creator accesses the homepage of the distribution server 10 via the communication line 40, and displays a creator application screen on the display unit 23. In this state, when the creator operates the operation unit 22 to input predetermined personal information (name, e-mail address, etc.) on the creator application screen, the control unit 21 transmits the input information to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10. (S101).

In response, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 assigns an ID number to the creator based on the transmitted personal information, stores the ID number in the creator database 12a, and stores the ID number in the creator database 12a. Is transmitted to the control unit 21 of the creator terminal 20 (S10
3). In the creator terminal 20, the control unit 21
The transmitted ID number is stored in the data memory 25 and the same ID number is displayed on the display unit 23 (S10
5). The creator operates the operation unit 22 to input the ID number, and the work for examination (for example, SMF (Standard M
IDI File) format, the control unit 2
1 transmits the input information and the work to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 (S107). In this case, the creator composes a new song (or arranges an existing song) using the music device 20A, and stores song data representing the song created (or arranged) in the data memory 25 in advance. . The song data stored in the data memory 25 is used as a work (content) for examination.

In response, the control section 11 of the distribution server 10 stores the transmitted work in the music data database 12c (S109). The level of the transmitted work is examined by the operator of the distribution server 10, and if it is determined that the level is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, registration as a creator is permitted. Once registration is approved,
The control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 assigns a password to the creator whose registration has been permitted and registers the password in the creator database 12a.
1 (S111). In the creator terminal 20, the control unit 21 stores the transmitted password in the data memory 25 (S113). As a result, registration as a creator is completed, and thereafter, the creator does not need to transmit a work for examination to the distribution server 10.
As described above, in order to become a creator, it is necessary for the user's own work to be at a predetermined level or more, and thereby it is possible to avoid an infinite number of creators.

In the creator terminal 20, when the creator operates the operation unit 22 to input an ID number and inputs a request for an authoring tool, the control unit 21 distributes the input information. Server 10
(S115). In response, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 transmits the transmitted creator ID number and the creator database 12a.
Is compared with the creator ID number stored in
If these match, the authoring tool memory 12g
The authoring tool is taken out from, and the tool is transmitted to the control unit 21 of the creator terminal 20 (S117).
That is, the authoring tool is provided only to those who have passed the examination and registered in the distribution server 10.

In the creator terminal 20, the control unit 2
1 stores the transmitted authoring tool in the data memory 25 (S119). In this way, after the screening, anyone can acquire the authoring tool and become a creator, thereby satisfying the creator's desire to have his or her own content (song data) used by many people. The authoring tool is C
It can be stored in a recording medium such as D or MD and supplied to the creator by mail, courier service, or other methods.

Next, a case where the creator creates music data (for example, by using a MIDI tool) and uploads the music data to the distribution server 10 will be described. First, the creator stores the music data body of the music data created (composed or arranged) using the music device 20A in the data memory 25. Further, the creator reads out the song data body and the authoring tool from the data memory 25, attaches the authentication data to the song data body by the authoring tool, and converts the song data body so as to be compatible with various portable ringtones. The music data composed of the converted music data body and the authentication data is stored in the data memory 25. Note that the above-described song data for examination may be used as one of the song data bodies.

Then, the creator accesses the home page of the distribution server 10 via the communication line 40, and displays a creator confirmation screen on the display unit 23. In this state, when the creator operates the operation unit 22 to input the ID number and the password on the creator confirmation screen, the control unit 2
1 transmits the input information to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 (S201).

In response, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 compares the transmitted creator ID number and password with the creator ID number and password stored in the creator database 12a.
If they match, a message to the effect that upload of the music data is permitted is transmitted to the control unit 21 of the creator terminal 20 (S
203). In the creator terminal 20, the control unit 21
Displays a work upload screen on the display unit 23 (S
205). When the creator operates the operation unit 22 to input a song name, a type, and the like on the work upload screen and attach the song data stored in the data memory 25,
The control unit 21 transmits these to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 (S207). FIG. 6 shows an example of the work upload screen.

In response to this, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 converts the transmitted information and music data into music data / music data.
While being stored in the database 12c, the authentication data of the music data is confirmed by an electronic watermark, an electronic signature, or the like, a registration number is assigned to the confirmed music data, and the registration number is transmitted to the control unit 21 of the creator terminal 20 (S209). ). In this case, since the authentication data is provided by the authoring tool provided from the distribution server 10 to the creator terminal 20, the distribution server 10 can easily and surely confirm the content (song data) from the creator. The registration procedure and kickback processing, which will be described later, are performed accurately and without any trouble. In the creator terminal 20, the control unit 21 stores the transmitted registration number in the data memory 25 (S211).

In the distribution server 10, the operator confirms the presence / absence of a data error or the like and examines the degree of completion of the music data with respect to the music data provided with the registration number. As a result of the examination, when the song data is permitted to be released, the song data is transferred to the song data bank 12c1 of the song data database 12c, and the song data can be downloaded according to a request from the client.

When the song data permitted to be published is an arrangement (arrangement) of an existing song, the operator of the distribution server 10 acts on behalf of the creator to operate a copyright management organization (for example, Japan). A predetermined procedure is performed with respect to the Music Copyright Association, etc., and the information (copyright fee, etc.) is registered in the copyright management database 12f. In addition, for new songs, a mere registration procedure is performed with the copyright management organization. This saves time for the creator, which is convenient for the creator.

Next, a case where the client downloads music data from the distribution server 10 will be described. First, the client accesses the home page of the distribution server 10 via the communication line 40, and displays a client registration screen on the display unit 33. In this state, when the client operates the operation unit 32 to input predetermined personal information (name, address, settlement account, etc.) on the client registration screen and inputs a request to request registration as a client, the control unit 31 transmits the input information to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 (S301).

In response, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 assigns an ID number to the client based on the transmitted personal information, and stores the ID number in the client database 12b and the charging management database 12d. , The ID number of the client terminal 30
(S303). In the client terminal 30, the control unit 31 transmits the transmitted ID
The number is stored in the data memory 35, and the same ID number is displayed on the display unit 33 (S305). When the client operates the operation unit 32 to input an ID number and inputs a request to provide a music data list stored in the music data database 12c of the distribution server 10, the control unit 31 The input information is transmitted to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 (S307).

In response to this, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 compares the transmitted client ID number with the client ID number stored in the client database 12b, and if they match. If
The music data list is read from the music data database 12c and transmitted to the control unit 31 of the client terminal 30 (S309). In the client terminal 30, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 33 to display the transmitted music data list (S311). An example of a screen displayed by the display unit 33 is shown in FIG. When the client operates the operation unit 32 and inputs a music number to be purchased from the music data list displayed on the display unit 33, the control unit 31 transmits the input information to the control unit of the distribution server 10. 11 (S313).

In response, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 reads out the music data corresponding to the transmitted music number from the music data database 12c and transmits this to the control unit 31 of the client terminal 30. (S31
5). In the client terminal 30, the control unit 31
Store the transmitted music data in the data memory 35 and generate the sound in the sound generation unit 34 (S317). At this point, the data memory 3
The music data stored in No. 5 has a predetermined number of times (for example, 3
It is set so that the data is erased from the data memory 25 when reproduced only once. As a result, the client can preview the desired music before purchasing the music data. When the client operates the operation unit 32 and inputs an instruction to purchase the listened music data, the control unit 3
1 transmits the input information to the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 (S319).

In response to this, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 reads out the music data requested to be purchased from the music data database 12c, transmits it to the control unit 31 of the client terminal 30, and Information is stored in the client database 12b, the song data database 12c, the billing management database 12d, the kickback database 12e, and the copyright management database 1
2f (S321), and thereafter, a billing process and a kickback process described later are performed. Client terminal 3
In the case of 0, the control section 31 stores the transmitted music data in the data memory 35 (S323).

Thus, the client can use the contents (song data) created by an unspecified number of persons (creators).
Can be used. In this case, the content (song data) is converted by an authoring tool provided from the distribution server 10 to the creator terminal 20, and the authoring tool supports various functions of the creator terminal (mobile phone) 30. The content (song data)
Can be used by many clients.

The charging process and the kickback process will be described below.

The billing process is a process of collecting a fee for song data from a client who has purchased song data, and is performed based on information stored in the client database 12b and the billing management database 12d. This billing process is performed by adding the purchase price of the music data to the call charge of the client terminal 30 (mobile phone) related to the use of the client. This billing process may be performed such that the client performs necessary data communication with a computer of a bank (settlement institution) having an account and automatically debits the billed amount from the account, or issues a bill. Then, the bill may be mailed to the client.

The billing method is such that a predetermined number of songs can be purchased within a predetermined period at a predetermined basic fee (for example, up to 10 songs can be purchased within 300 yen for one month). A fixed fee system for subtracting the number of remaining songs that can be purchased within the predetermined period may be used, or a pay-per-use system for charging a predetermined amount (for example, 50 yen per song) every time one song is purchased.

The kickback process is a process for paying a distribution to the creator who created the downloaded music data, and is performed based on information stored in the kickback database 12e and the copyright management database. . In this kickback process, an amount corresponding to a download result is paid by subtracting expenses such as a server connection fee and a communication cost from the amount paid by the charging process for the client. It is preferable that the total of the kickback payment is calculated every predetermined period such as every month. If a predetermined download result is not obtained, a kickback may not be paid, or a system in which a kickback unit price per one download varies according to the download result may be introduced. Is also good. If the downloaded music data is an arrangement of existing music, the royalty fee paid to the copyright management institution is also deducted. By such kickback, the creator is motivated to create content (song data), and more contents (song data) are accumulated in the distribution server 10.

In the above embodiment, the case where the client terminal 30 is a mobile phone has been described. However, the client terminal is not limited to the mobile phone, but reads music performance reproduction software as shown by the virtual line in FIG. However, it may be a personal computer.

In the above embodiment, the creator application procedure and the transmission of the content (work) to the distribution server may be performed by e-mail.

In the above embodiment, the music data to which the registration number has been assigned is released (downloaded).
Is checked by the operator of the distribution server 10, but this check may be performed by a screening privilege set by the operator, or a creator or client who satisfies predetermined conditions. May be performed.

In the above embodiment, the client may evaluate the downloaded music by voting, scoring, or the like, and transmit the evaluation to the distribution server 10. In this case, the distribution server 10 may aggregate the evaluation points for each piece of music data transmitted from the client, rank each piece of music data, and reflect the ranking on the kickback unit price of each piece of music.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the content is the music data of the ringing melody has been described. However, the content targeted by the present invention is provided when the predetermined condition is satisfied in the mobile phone as the client terminal 30. (For example, an alarm sound that sounds when a set time comes), a BG used during a call by a mobile phone or a response message of an answering machine
M, an attached music data file when sending an e-mail to another mobile phone, another personal computer, or the like, or music data of MIDI karaoke or general music.

In the above-described embodiment, the Internet 40 is used as a communication line. However, this communication line is a communication line such as a dedicated line (this communication line is not limited to a wired line, and a wireless line such as a sanitary communication line). May be included).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a content distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an information storage unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for registering as a creator.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure in which a creator uploads music data to a distribution server.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure in which a client downloads music data from a distribution server.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when a creator uploads music data to a distribution server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a music data list displayed when a client downloads music data from a distribution server.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: distribution server, 11: control unit, 12: information storage unit,
13 communication unit, 20 creator terminal, 21 control unit,
25 data memory, 26 communication unit, 30 client terminal, 31 control unit, 35 data memory, 36 communication unit, 40 internet (communication line).

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission Date] October 1, 2001 (2001.10.
1)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 11

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 16

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 21

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of the present invention is that content provided from a creator terminal is stored in a distribution server, and the stored content is transmitted from a client terminal. when supplied from the distribution server in response to the request to the client terminal, as well as accounting for the same feed, distribute a portion of the charge for registration's creator terminal which provided the same supplied content That's what I did. In this case, for example, the client terminal is constituted by a telephone, and the contents relate to music used by the telephone.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to this, since the distribution server stores the content supplied from the creator terminal, many contents created by the creator (user on the creator terminal side) are stored in the distribution server. Therefore, the client (user on the client terminal side)
Desired contents can be used from many contents. It also satisfies the creator's desire for others to use their content. Furthermore, once the content is used by the client,
Since a part of the charge for the client is distributed to the creator who provided the content, the creator is motivated to provide the content, and more content is accumulated in the distribution server.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

A fourth feature of the present invention is that the distribution server registers the creator terminal based on information transmitted from the creator terminal before receiving the provision of the content from the creator terminal. . According to this, the distribution server, the management of the creator is performed accurately, receiving processing of the content, such as dividends processing is carried out without any trouble.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The information storage unit 12 stores various types of information described in detail below.
a, client database 12b, song data database 12c, charging management database 12d , distribution
Gold management database 12e, copyright management database 1
2f and an authoring tool memory 12g.

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The dividend management database 12e is, changing the dividend to the creator in response to the download by the client of the music data that has been uploaded by the creator
Those that accumulate the original be because of the information, as shown in FIG. 2, creator ID (creator identifier), a transfer account information (such as the creator of the account number), registration work information (registration song number), number of downloads information (download frequency of each song), dividend unit price information, the distribution amount information (aggregate of the amount obtained by multiplying the dividend single value to download frequency), the distribution log to store the (past distribution log), and the like. Here, the distribution means that when the content (song data) created by the creator is purchased by the client, the distribution server 10
This means that a part of the profit obtained from the client is returned to the creator.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0036

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In response to this, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 converts the transmitted information and music data into music data / music data.
While being stored in the database 12c, the authentication data of the music data is confirmed by an electronic watermark, an electronic signature, or the like, a registration number is assigned to the confirmed music data, and the registration number is transmitted to the control unit 21 of the creator terminal 20 (S209). ). In this case, since the authentication data is provided by the authoring tool provided from the distribution server 10 to the creator terminal 20, the distribution server 10 can easily and surely confirm the content (song data) from the creator. such as dividends processing to register procedures and described below, it is performed accurately and without hindrance. In the creator terminal 20, the control unit 21 stores the transmitted registration number in the data memory 25.
(S211).

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0043

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In response to this, the control unit 11 of the distribution server 10 reads out the music data requested to be purchased from the music data database 12c, transmits it to the control unit 31 of the client terminal 30, and Information is stored in client database 12b, song data database 12c, charging management database 12d , distribution management
Database 12e and copyright management database 12f
Stored in (S321), then later billing process及beauty
Dividend processing is performed. In the client terminal 30, the control unit 31 stores the transmitted music data in the data memory 35 (S323).

[Procedure amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0045

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0045] In the following, a description will be given of the accounting process及beauty dividend treatment.

[Procedure amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0048

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The dividend processing is processing to pay dividends against the creator who created the music data is downloaded, on the basis of the information stored in the dividend management database 12e and the copyright management database Done. Dividend treatment of this is, from the amount that has been credited by the billing process for the client, server connection fee, minus the cost of communication costs, etc., are paid the amount of money in accordance with the download experience. The payment aggregate dividends of this, such as every month, it is preferable to be performed at every predetermined period of time. Further, when the predetermined download performance is not obtained, to dividend may be adapted not paid <br/>, the distributions unit price amount against the single download in response to the download performance A fluctuating system may be incorporated. If the downloaded music data is an arrangement of existing music, the royalty fee paid to the copyright management institution is also deducted. More to the reduction of such dividends, creator ambitious now strive to create the content (music data), more and more content (music data) is the distribution server 1
0 is accumulated.

[Procedure amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0052

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the above embodiment, the client may evaluate the downloaded music by voting, scoring, or the like, and transmit the evaluation to the distribution server 10. In this case, the distribution server 10 totalizes the evaluation points for each music data transmitted from the client, performs ranking of each music data, may be reflected in the dividend unit price of each song.

[Procedure amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

[Procedure amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 2

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 2

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Claims (25)

[Claims] The present invention comprises a creator terminal, a distribution server, and a client terminal, wherein the creator terminal provides the content to the distribution server, the distribution server stores the provided content, and receives a request from the client terminal. A content distribution system that supplies the stored content to the client terminal according to the following: when the stored content is supplied to the client terminal, Charge processing means for executing processing; and when the stored content is supplied to the client terminal, a part of the charge is kicked back to a registrant of the creator terminal that provided the supplied content. Kickback processing means for performing kickback processing for Content delivery system, wherein the door. 2. A creator terminal, a distribution server and a client terminal, wherein the creator terminal provides the content to the distribution server, the distribution server stores the provided content, and requests the content from the client terminal. A content distribution system that supplies the stored content to the client terminal in accordance with the request, wherein the content is provided to the distribution server from the creator terminal in response to a request from the creator terminal A content distribution system comprising tool providing means for providing an authoring tool for converting content into a predetermined format to the creator terminal. 3. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content relates to music, and the distribution server relates to a copyright of the content supplied from the creator terminal to the distribution server. A content distribution system comprising a copyright processing unit for executing a process. 4. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content is transmitted from the creator terminal to the distribution server before receiving the provision of the content from the creator terminal. And a registration deciding means for deciding the registration of the creator terminal based on the obtained information. 5. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein said client terminal is constituted by a telephone, and said content is related to music used by said telephone. Content distribution system. 6. A content distribution system comprising a creator terminal, a distribution server, and a client terminal, wherein content provided from the creator terminal to the distribution server is stored in the distribution server, and stored in the distribution server. A method for distributing the stored content from the distribution server to the client terminal in response to a request from the client terminal, wherein the content stored in the distribution server is supplied to the client terminal. A charge for the supply of the content, and a part of the charge is kicked back to a registrant of the creator terminal that provided the content supplied to the client terminal. Delivery method. 7. A content distribution system comprising a creator terminal, a distribution server, and a client terminal, wherein content provided from the creator terminal to the distribution server is stored in the distribution server, and stored in the distribution server. A method for distributing the stored content from the distribution server to the client terminal in response to a request from the client terminal, wherein the content is transmitted from the creator terminal in response to a request from the creator terminal to the distribution server. A content distribution method, wherein an authoring tool for converting content provided to the distribution server into a predetermined format is provided from the distribution server to the creator terminal. 8. The content distribution method according to claim 6, wherein the content is related to music, and the distribution server provides a copyright of the content supplied from the creator terminal to the distribution server. A method for distributing content, wherein the content distribution method is performed. 9. The content distribution method according to claim 6, wherein the distribution server transmits the content from the creator terminal before receiving the provision of the content from the creator terminal. A method for registering the creator terminal based on the received information. 10. The content distribution method according to claim 6, wherein the client terminal is a telephone and the content is related to music used by the telephone. Content delivery method. 11. A creator terminal and a client terminal which can communicate with each other, store contents provided by said creator terminal, and store said stored contents in response to a request from said client terminal. A distribution server for supplying to the terminal, wherein when the stored content is supplied to the client terminal, charging processing means for performing a charging process for the supply, and wherein the stored content is the client terminal. Kickback processing means for performing kickback processing for kicking back a part of the billing to the registrant of the creator terminal that provided the supplied content when supplied to the creator terminal. Delivery server to do. 12. A creator terminal and a client terminal which can communicate with each other, store contents provided from said creator terminal, and store said stored contents in response to a request from said client terminal. A distribution server for supplying a terminal with an authoring tool for converting a content provided from the creator terminal to the distribution server into a predetermined format in response to a request from the creator terminal. A distribution server comprising a providing unit. 13. The distribution server according to claim 11, wherein the content is related to music, and a copyright process for executing a process related to a copyright of the content supplied from the creator terminal to the distribution server. A distribution server comprising means. 14. The distribution server according to claim 11, wherein the creator terminal receives the content from the creator terminal based on information transmitted from the creator terminal before receiving provision of the content from the creator terminal. A distribution server comprising a registration determination unit for determining terminal registration. 15. The distribution server according to claim 11, wherein said client terminal is constituted by a telephone, and said contents are related to music used by said telephone. server. 16. A content server which is applied to a distribution server capable of communicating with a creator terminal and a client terminal, stores content provided from the creator terminal, and stores the stored content in response to a request from the client terminal. Is a method of distributing content to the client terminal, wherein when the stored content is supplied to the client terminal, a creator who charges for the supply and provides the supplied content A content distribution method characterized in that a part of the charge is kicked back to a terminal registrant. 17. A content server which is applied to a distribution server capable of communicating with a creator terminal and a client terminal, stores content provided from the creator terminal, and stores the stored content in response to a request from the client terminal. A content providing method for converting the content provided from the creator terminal to the distribution server into a predetermined format in response to a request from the creator terminal. A content distribution method characterized by being provided to a terminal. 18. The content distribution method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the content is related to music, and the content that performs a process related to copyright of the content supplied from the creator terminal to the distribution server. Delivery method. 19. The content distribution method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein before receiving the provision of the content from the creator terminal, based on information transmitted from the creator terminal. A content distribution method, wherein the creator terminal is registered. 20. The content distribution method according to claim 16, wherein the client terminal is constituted by a telephone, and the content is related to music used by the telephone. Delivery method of content. 21. A content server which is applied to a distribution server capable of communicating with a creator terminal and a client terminal, stores content provided from the creator terminal, and stores the stored content in response to a request from the client terminal. Is a computer-readable recording medium recording a distribution program having a process of supplying to the client terminal, when the stored content is supplied to the client terminal, charging for the supply, A computer-readable recording medium recording a distribution program provided with a process of kicking back a part of the charge to a registrant of a creator terminal that has provided the supplied content. 22. A content server which is applied to a distribution server capable of communicating with a creator terminal and a client terminal, stores content provided from the creator terminal, and stores the stored content in response to a request from the client terminal. Is a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a distribution program having a process of supplying the same to the client terminal, and in response to a request from the creator terminal, a content provided from the creator terminal to the distribution server in a predetermined manner. A computer-readable recording medium recording a distribution program provided with a process of providing an authoring tool for converting to a format to the creator terminal. 23. A computer-readable recording medium on which the distribution program according to claim 21 or 22 is recorded, wherein the content is related to music, and a copyright of the content supplied from the creator terminal to the distribution server. A computer-readable recording medium recording a distribution program to which a process related to a right has been added. 24. A computer-readable recording medium on which the distribution program according to any one of claims 21 to 23 is recorded, wherein before the content is provided from the creator terminal, the content is transmitted from the creator terminal. A computer-readable recording medium recording a distribution program in which a process for registering the creator terminal based on the transmitted information is recorded. 25. A computer-readable recording medium on which the distribution program according to any one of claims 21 to 24 is recorded, wherein said client terminal is constituted by a telephone and said contents are transmitted by said telephone. A computer-readable recording medium on which a distribution program related to a song to be used is recorded.