JP2002140533A - Contents distributing method, contents property managing server, contents provider server, and recording medium where the same method is programmed and recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new contents distributing method which eliminates the need to store contents on an HDD that a user has and is made free from a risk such as a crash, a contents distributing server, a contents provider server, and a recording medium where the method is programmed and recorded. SOLUTION: Disclosed are the contents distributing method and its server, and recording medium of the contents distribution system constituted by connecting a user terminal 3, a contents property managing center and servers 1 and 2 that more than one contents provider has through a web 4; and the server 1 that a contents property managing center has manages contents that member-registered users buy together and when a buyer of object contents is authenticated by the contents property managing center at a member-user's request, the user is allowed to connect to an object contents DB that the contents provider owns.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution method, a content asset management server, a content provider server, and a content distribution method suitable for use in broadband distribution of music, video, and the like using the Internet. The present invention relates to a recorded recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Movements for realizing music distribution using the Internet are accelerating. With the improvement of personal computer performance, music content can be compressed and distributed over the Internet. The user can play the purchased music content via a WWW (World-Wide Web) browser. In this case, a relatively large capacity HDD (Ha
rd Disk Drive) to temporarily store the music content and use it according to the purchase conditions.

[0003] Normally, a music distributor sets a "copy generation limit" that determines the number of generations that can be copied, a "copy number limit" that determines the number of copies that can be made, and a period during which reproduction can be performed in order to prohibit grandchild copying for the user. "Reproduction time limit"
Use is permitted by restricted content control such as "reproduction count restriction" that determines the number of times reproduction is possible, and charging is performed according to the purchase conditions.

[0004]

According to the above-mentioned prior art, when music distribution is performed by content control with copy restriction, for example, when an unexpected situation such as a crash of the HDD occurs on the user side, Needs to re-execute the purchase process, in which case the procedure and management for re-distribution or re-purchase becomes troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and collectively manages personally owned contents in a center server and provides corresponding contents based on authentication as a right holder of a target content based on a user request. By building a mechanism to connect to the database owned by the business, it is not necessary to store the content in the HDD owned by the user, a new content distribution method free from the risk of crashes, etc., a content asset management server, and content provision An object of the present invention is to provide an enterprise server and a recording medium on which the method is programmed and recorded.

Here, the content means not only a music file but also a content (work) that can be reproduced via a network, such as a video file, a computer program file, and a web page. In the following description, the content distribution method of the present invention, its server, and a recording medium on which the method is programmed and recorded will be described by exemplifying music distribution as the content.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a method in which a user terminal, a server owned by a content asset management center, and a server provided by one or more content providers, use a web. A content distribution method in a content distribution system connected via the Internet, wherein the right of content purchased by a registered user is managed by the content asset management center, and the right of the content is managed by the content asset management center in response to a member user request The distribution of the target content owned by the content provider is permitted based on the authentication of the purchaser of the target content.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution method according to the first aspect, the right to be purchased is a right to use a copyright for content distribution owned by the content provider. There is a feature.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution method according to the first or second aspect, the content asset management center assigns a unique ID to each of the member users recruited via a web page. And managing the server and notifying the server of the content provider of necessary items including the ID and the web address.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In the content distribution method according to any one of the above, the content asset management center, via a web page,
It is characterized by presenting the purchase condition of the public content to the member user based on the contract with the content provider.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the content-to-asset management center issues a billing request according to the purchase of the content by the member user. It is characterized by performing.

[0012] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
In the content distribution method according to any one of the above, the content asset management center allocates a dedicated personal web page to each member user, the promotion information distributed from a content provider to the web page, And displaying a content list purchased by each of the member users.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution method according to the first or second aspect, the content asset management center stores the target content when the content is selected from the content list. A search is performed for the content provider server that has been registered, and distribution is instructed to the server of the content provider that has been confirmed to store the content.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution method according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the content list is managed for each ID assigned at the time of member registration, and each time a content is purchased or distributed. It is characterized by being created reflecting the management database in which the data registration and update of the history are performed.

[0015] The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claims 6 to 8.
In the content distribution method according to any one of the above, the content asset management center updates a content list displayed on the personal web page in synchronization with registration update of the database.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution method according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, the content asset management center determines a member user's preference from the purchase history and the distribution history registered in the database. And analyzing and selecting the promotion information based on the analyzed preference and publishing the promotion information on the personal web page.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
The invention described in the above is a content distribution method in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and servers owned by a content asset management center and a content provider are connected via a web, Providing a content catalog containing purchase conditions for public content based on a contract with the center,
The personal information including the ID of the member user is notified from the content asset management center in response to the new member registration, and the notification of the purchase request including the ID of the member user who has made the content purchase request is received from the content asset management center. Issue a confirmation notification that the target content can be distributed, receive a content distribution request from the content asset management center, and
In response to the notification of the distribution request including the D, the target content is downloaded.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the content distribution method according to the eleventh aspect, the content provider server performs the content distribution at the content asset management center when a distribution request is received from the content asset management server. The method is characterized in that the member user who has requested the distribution is authenticated based on the authentication of the purchaser of the target content.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a thirteenth aspect is provided.
The invention described in (1) is a content asset management server in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and servers owned by a content asset management center and a content provider are connected via a web, and a member registration is performed. A purchase procedure control unit for notifying a purchase request to a server of the content provider that owns the content to be purchased while the member user performs a procedure for purchasing the content right; and A distribution procedure control unit for performing a procedure for requesting distribution of the content and notifying a purchase request to a server of the content provider that owns the content desired to be distributed is provided.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content asset management server according to the thirteenth aspect, the content asset management server assigns a unique ID to each of the member users recruited via a web page. And a registration control unit for notifying the servers of all the content providers of necessary items including the ID and the web address.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content asset management server according to the fourteenth aspect, the content asset management server communicates with the content provider via the web page to the member user. It is characterized by including a man-machine control unit that presents purchase conditions for public content based on a contract.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content asset management server according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect,
The content asset management server includes: a web page creation control unit that assigns a personal web page to each of the member users who have completed registration in accordance with the instruction of the purchase procedure control unit; And a man-machine control unit for displaying a list of contents for which rights have been purchased.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the content asset management server according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, the content asset management server comprises:
Managed for each ID given by the registration control unit,
At least the identifier of the purchased content, the address of the content provider server that stores the content,
A database for customer management including a distribution history is provided, and the database for customer management is updated in accordance with instructions from the purchase procedure control unit, the distribution procedure control unit, and the registration control unit.

With the above structure, the content to be purchased by the registered user is managed by the content asset management center, and the content asset management center performs authentication based on the authentication of the purchaser of the target content in response to the member user request. The connection to the target content owned by the content provider is permitted. This allows
If you have an environment where you can access the Internet wherever you are, you can play the content. In addition, it can support various platforms, not only personal computers, but also car navigation and kiosks.
sk) Terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
s) It is possible to provide a content distribution system in which the same contents can be referenced and used even when accessed from any type of gateway such as an Internet-compatible mobile phone.

Also, after registering as a member, the content asset management center prepares a dedicated web page, in which the content that the user wants to purchase is promoted, and the user purchases "rights" of the desired content. There are multiple options for rights. By logging in to this network, the user can enjoy the content based on his / her history anytime and anywhere. For example, by selecting and requesting a song to be listened to from the history from the history, the content asset management center is instantaneously connected to a server of each content provider, and stream distribution is performed as a transaction to the user terminal. This service eliminates the need for the user to store content in a large-capacity HDD, and completely eliminates risk management such as a disk crash.

[0026] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is applied to claim 18.
The invention described in is a content provider server of a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and a server each of which has a content asset management center and a content provider are connected via a web,
In response to a content purchase request notification from the content asset management center, a content purchase processing unit that confirms that the requested content can be distributed and sends a reply notification to the content asset management center; A content distribution processing unit that distributes the requested content to the user terminal having the content right in response to a content distribution request notification from the management center.

[0027] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the content provider server according to the eighteenth aspect, the content provider server receives a notification of a new parent member registration from the content asset management center. And a member registration processing unit for returning the approval information to the content asset management center.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the content provider server according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, the content provider server transmits at least the content for each identification name for specifying the content. A customer database for managing purchased member user IDs, addresses thereof, and distribution histories is provided, and the customer database is updated in accordance with instructions from the content purchase processing unit, the content distribution processing unit, and the member registration processing unit. It is characterized by being performed.

Thus, the content provider distributes the content based on the authentication information from the content asset management center, constructs a database of the content having the right, and plays a role as a content holder. it can. Further, sales promotion of new contents can be conducted through the contents asset management center. For content providers, it is possible to obtain almost perfect real-time marketing data, as well as selling and advertising new content and artists, which is expected to have a sales promotion effect.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content asset management server in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals are connected to a content asset management center and a server owned by a content provider via a web. Computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a server program for managing the right of content to be purchased by a registered user, and the content asset management center according to a member user request. Permitting the distribution of the target content owned by the content provider based on the authentication of the purchaser of the target content performed in step (c), and causing the computer to execute each of the steps. Medium.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the twenty-first aspect, each of the member users recruited via a web page is provided with a unique ID and managed, and the content provider is provided. The step of notifying the server having the necessary information including the ID and the web address is a recording medium further programmed and recorded.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the twenty-first or twenty-second aspect, the purchase condition of the public content based on the contract with the content provider is provided to the member user via the web page. The step of presenting is a recording medium further programmed and recorded.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-third aspects, further comprising a step of charging for the content of the member user in accordance with the purchase of the content. Medium.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fourth aspects, a dedicated personal web page is assigned to each of the member users, and the content is assigned to the web page. The step of displaying the promotion information distributed from the provider and the content list purchased by each of the member users is a recording medium further programmed and recorded.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the twenty-first or twenty-fifth aspect, when a content is selected from the content list, the content provider server stores the target content. And a step of instructing the server of the content provider whose storage of the content has been confirmed to be distributed is programmed and recorded.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium according to the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the content purchase,
By reflecting the contents of the management database in which the data registration and update of the history are performed each time content is distributed,
The step of creating a content list managed for each ID given at the time of member registration is a recording medium further programmed and recorded.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to any of the twenty-fifth to twenty-fourth aspects, the content list displayed on the personal web page is updated in synchronization with the registration update of the database. A recording medium on which the steps are further programmed and recorded.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to any one of the twenty-fifth to twenty-eighth aspects, a step of analyzing a preference of a member user from the purchase history and the distribution history registered in the database; And selecting and editing the promotion information based on the analyzed preference and posting the edited information on the personal web page.

[0039] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a thirty-first aspect of the present invention is described.
According to the invention described in (1), a server program for a content provider server in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and servers owned by the content asset management center and the content provider are connected via a web is provided. A recorded computer-readable recording medium, wherein the server program comprises:
Providing a content catalog including purchase conditions for public content based on a contract with the content asset management center, and receiving notification of personal information including a member user ID from the content asset management center in response to a new member registration Step and the ID of the member user who has made a content purchase request from the content asset management center
Receiving a notification of the purchase request including the following, and issuing a confirmation notification that the distribution of the target content is possible; and receiving the content distribution request from the content asset management center and receiving the ID of the requesting member user. Receiving the notification of the distribution request containing the target content and executing the download of the target content, and causing the computer to execute each of the steps.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the thirty-first aspect, the content asset management center is a purchaser of the target content which is performed by the content asset management center when a distribution request is issued from the content asset management server. The step of authenticating the member user who has requested the distribution based on the authentication of the fact is a recording medium further programmed and recorded.

[0041]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for describing a business model for realizing a content distribution method according to the present invention.

Here, elements necessary for realizing the business model include an individual customer (hereinafter simply referred to as a user),
A music asset management center and a content provider. The user 1 owns a terminal, the music asset management center, and the content provider each own a server computer, all of which are connected via the Internet.

In the above configuration, the music asset information owned by the individual is collectively managed by the center server of the music asset management center, and the content corresponding to the “right” owner of the target music is authenticated based on the user request. This allows connection to the provider's database.

A business model for realizing the content distribution method of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The music asset management center serves as a management and operation entity of the entire system, manages customer information, authenticates member users, and manages their music assets. Also, the list information of the newly registered member user is sent to all contracted content providers. When the content purchase contract or the content reproduction procedure is completed, the approval information is notified to the content provider who owns the content. Further, in addition to the shared web page accessible to all users, a web page dedicated to the member individual is prepared for each of the member users, and the promotion information for the individual and the rights of each member user are provided on the web page. Display the list of songs purchased.

Here, various platforms can be supported. Not only personal computers, but also car navigation systems, kiosk terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital
Assistants) and a system that can access and use the same contents even when accessed from any type of gateway, such as an Internet-compatible mobile phone.

The content provider distributes music based on the approval information from the music asset management center. The content provider builds a music database and plays a role as a content holder. In addition, sales promotion promotion of new songs and the like is performed through the music asset management center. For content providers, it is possible to obtain almost perfect real-time marketing data as well as selling or advertising new songs and artists. Details will be described later.

After registering as a member, the music asset management center prepares an individual-specific web page. On the personal web page, the "rights" of the music purchased by the user are displayed in a list, and the user can select the music to be reproduced. That is, the management center collectively manages the rights of the songs owned by the individual. In addition, the promotion information edited for the individual is displayed, so that the user can know the music that matches his / her hobby and can purchase the music.

Further, the user who has registered as a member can access the web page of the shopping mall from the shared web page, and can perform a contract procedure for purchasing the right of the desired music. These "rights" include rights that will be held forever, rights for a certain period,
A plurality of options are provided, such as rights for only one time, and the contract fee is different for each. The rights here are rights based on the copyright of the music, and the contract fee is determined by the right holder or a content provider who exercises the rights on behalf of the right holder.

By logging in to this network, the user can enjoy the music anytime and anywhere based on his "rights". For example, by selecting and requesting a song that the user wants to listen to from the "rights" list, the music asset management center is instantaneously connected to the server of each content provider, and stream distribution is performed as a transaction to the user terminal. Done. This service eliminates the need for the user to store music in a large-capacity HDD, and completely eliminates risk management such as a disk crash.

Further, the member user is allowed to register contents stored at different bases by a plurality of content providers.
"Rights" owned by the user can be managed collectively via the management center, and management as if a personal content rack is virtually provided on the management center becomes possible.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a content distribution system which realizes the present invention.

Here, a server (hereinafter, referred to as a music asset management server) 1 of the music asset management center, a server 2 (hereinafter, referred to as a content provider server) of one or more content providers, and a user Each of the terminals 3 is connected via the Internet network 4. The content asset management server 1 includes a customer information DB 10
The content provider server 2 manages the music DB 20 and the customer DB 200,
Then, the content D in which the content data is stored
B300 is managed. The data structure of each DB will be described later.

FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the content asset management server 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the content asset management center 1 by developing its functions. Each block described later is specifically configured by a CPU and its peripheral circuits. By reading and executing the recorded program, each function as each functional block shown in the figure is realized.

The content asset management server described below can be roughly classified into a function of performing a member registration procedure, a function of providing an environment for providing a new member service, a function of performing a content right purchase procedure by a member, and a right. It has a function of receiving a distribution request for purchased content, a function of providing a personalized promotion advertisement to members, and a function of managing various information and histories of members.

The man-machine control unit 101 serves as an interface for all users including non-members by providing a shared web page, and performs a new member registration procedure via a member registration page. The purchase of the rights of the member is continued through the shopping mall page, and further, a promotion advertisement such as a new song is provided to all users including non-members.

The registration control unit 102 performs a personal authentication procedure with an external certification organization in accordance with the procedure for registering a new member, and assigns a unique ID to the authenticated user. Further, it instructs the customer information DB 10 to update various information of the new member, and instructs the web page creation / update control unit 105, which will be described later, to open a web page of the individual member. In addition, processing related to withdrawal and removal of members is also performed.

The purchase procedure control unit 103 performs various processes according to the purchase of the right of the member user. When the user selects a desired right from the plurality of options at the time of purchasing the right, a fee is calculated and billed accordingly. Further, it searches the content provider server 2 where the content is stored and notifies the searched content provider server 2 of a purchase request. Further, upon receiving a notification of approval of the purchase from the content provider 2, an instruction to update the customer DB 10 to the DB update control unit 108,
An instruction is issued to the web page creation / update control unit 105 to update the right possessed content list of the personal web page.

The man-machine control unit 104 serves as an interface between each member user and the management center by providing a personal web page to each member, and serves as an interface between the member and the management center. It accepts download requests and provides promotional advertisements for individual members. The personal web page has a one-way link to the shared web page, and if the user wants to purchase the content while viewing the personalized promotion advertisement, the user can quickly move to the shared web page.

The distribution procedure control unit 111 performs various processes according to the distribution request of the purchased right of the member user. When there is a distribution request from the member user, a search is made for the content provider server 2 where the content is stored, and a notification of the distribution request is sent to the searched content provider server 2. At the same time, the customer D is
An instruction to update B10 is issued. The web page creation / update control unit 105 updates a shared web page and newly creates and updates a personal web page. The preference analysis unit 106 obtains preference information by analyzing the musical preferences of the member users with reference to the customer information DB 10. The preference information is used to create a promotion advertisement for individual members. This will be described later.

The authentication control unit 107 performs personal authentication when a member user logs in to a shared web purge or a personal web page. The DB update unit 108
Each time a new customer is registered, a right is purchased, etc., the customer information DB
10 or the information in the content DB 100 is updated. The server control unit 109 performs overall control of the content asset management server 1, and controls the above table between the various functional blocks described above. The transmission / reception interface unit 110 controls communication with the user terminal 3 and the content provider server 4 via the Internet network 4.

The database used here is:
The customer information DB 10 and the content DB 100.
As shown in the data structure of FIG. 8A, the customer information DB 10 is assigned a right possessed content list for each customer ID. Customer information includes customer ID, password, card number, web URL (Uniform Resource
Locator) and other personal data, and the rights-owned content list includes, for each customer ID, the purchased music number, storage server (content provider server) number,
The entry data is composed of the purchase right date and the right type distribution history information. Here, various data for each customer ID are file-managed under the management of the purchase content management unit 11 and the content distribution control unit 12, and customer registration, content purchase,
It is updated each time content is distributed.

In the content DB 100, as shown in FIG. 8B, each entry data is composed of music number, storage server number, storage server URL, promotion information, and music related information. This allows
The music contents stored in all the content provider servers 2 contracted with the management center are managed centrally. Therefore, the DB 100 is updated each time the content provider server 2 adds new content and the information is sent to the management center. Further, since the same music piece may be stored in different content provider servers 2, various related information is managed for each music piece.

Next, FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the content provider server 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the content provider server 2 in a functionally developed manner. Each block described later is specifically composed of a CPU and its peripheral circuits. The function as each functional block shown in the figure is realized by reading and executing the program recorded in the.

The promotion advertisement creating section 201 creates a promotion advertisement of the music content entered in the management server 1, and is created by text data and graphics. The created promotion advertisement is transmitted to the management server 1 and posted on the shared web page or the personal web page, and is stored in the content DB 300 in the business server 2.

When a new member registration is notified from the management server 1, the member registration processing unit 202 confirms the registration and returns the approval information to the management server 1. At the same time, it instructs a later-described DB update controller 205 to update the customer DB 200.

Upon receiving a notification from the management server 1 that a content purchase request has been made, the content purchase processing section 203 refers to the customer DB 200 to confirm the member who has made the purchase request and to check the music DB 20. This confirms that the target content can be distributed, and returns the result to the management server 1. Furthermore, DB
The update control unit 205 is instructed to update the music DB 20.

Upon receiving a notification from the management server 1 that a content distribution request has been made, the content distribution processing unit 204 refers to the customer DB 200 to confirm the member who has requested the distribution and to check the music DB. Then, it is confirmed that the target content can be distributed, and if the content can be distributed, the content is promptly distributed to the user. Further, it instructs the DB update control unit 205 to update the music DB 20. It should be noted that the result of the confirmation is also returned to the management server 1, and if the distribution is impossible, the user is notified of the apology through the web page of the management server 1.

The DB update unit 205 stores the music DB 20 or the customer DB 20 every time a new customer is registered, a right is purchased, or distributed.
200 information is updated. Server control unit 20
Numeral 5 controls the entire contents provider server 2, and controls information between the various functional blocks described above. Transmission / reception interface unit 2
Reference numeral 06 controls communication with the user terminal 3 and the content asset management server 1 via the Internet 4.

The content provider server 2 stores the music DB
20 and a customer DB 200. As shown in FIG. 9A, the music DB 20 has an identification name (music N
Each O) has at least a member user ID who purchased the content, an address (URL) thereof, and a distribution history as entry data. The DB 20 is updated every time content is purchased, and when a distribution request is issued from the content asset management server 1, the member user who has requested the distribution can be authenticated by referring to the DB 20. FIG. 9B shows the data structure of the customer DB. The customer DB 200 has, for each customer ID, a customer URL, a registration date, and preference information as entry data, and is updated by a notification from the music asset management center when a new customer is registered. According to the preference information stored in the customer DB 200, the promotion nourishment method that meets the preference of the customer is provided.

It should be noted that all customer data is stored in the customer DB 200 irrespective of whether or not music stored therein has been purchased. Also, content DB
Numeral 100 stores the above-mentioned promotion advertisement data in the content data.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are flowcharts cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and show a user registration procedure, a content purchase procedure, and a content reproduction procedure. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display image configuration of the user terminal that appears in each of the user registration procedure, the content purchase procedure, and the content reproduction procedure.

Hereinafter, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 and FIG.

First, the new member registration procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the user operates the user terminal 3 to obtain a shared web page (SH) operated by the content asset management center.
Visit P) (). Then, in accordance with the guidance displayed on this web page, the user inputs and transmits data items required for member registration (()). FIG. 10A shows a screen configuration example of the registration screen.

The user registration unit 111 of the content asset management server 1 inputs a name,
Import personal data consisting of gender, date of birth, address, phone number, e-mail number, payment means (card number, etc.)
Personal authentication is performed using an external authentication organization, and only the user who has been authenticated here stores personal data as a member in the customer information DB 10. Then, a dedicated web page (HP) is allocated to the user, and a personal ID, a password, and a web page address are issued to the requesting user (). Also, the copy is notified to the content provider (). As a result, the member is registered, and thereafter, purchase and distribution and reproduction of the desired content become possible.

Next, the content purchase procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the member user browses the shared web page (SHP) of the content asset management server 1 using the previously issued customer ID and password (). The browsing here is performed via the man-machine control unit 112 and the customer information DB 10
, The authentication is performed, and only the member user who has passed the authentication is permitted to view the page related to the content purchase described below. The authentication screen is shown in FIG.

On the shared web page (SHP), a catalog list of all music contents held by the content provider server 2 is displayed. This catalog list is created by the web page creation / update control unit 105 based on the information of the content DB 100. Further, for the content of interest, the promotion transmitted from the promotion advertisement creation unit 201 of the content provider server 2 Ads are added.

This content list is a list of music titles that the content asset management center prompts the user to purchase based on a contract with the content provider and purchase conditions for the music titles. Granted and published. The options include a right to hold the song forever, a right with a limited period, and a right with a limited number of times. By selecting (checking) the desired item, a detailed instruction screen (right with a limited period,
When a right with a limited number of times is selected, a screen for prompting the user to enter the period or the number of times appears, and the settlement process is performed in accordance with the royalty fee determined thereby.

Here, the music catalog screen (music list)
FIG. 10C illustrates an example of the purchase right option screen, and FIG. 10D illustrates an example of the purchase right option screen.

When the user selects a music piece to be purchased, the content asset management server 1 notifies the content provider server 2 of the requested customer ID of the user (step ()). Upon receiving this, the content providing business server 2 sends the customer DB 20
After updating 0, the content DB 300 is confirmed, and a notification that distribution is possible is returned to the content asset management server 1 ().

Upon receiving this confirmation notice, the content asset management server 1 updates the customer DB 10 managed by itself, and at the same time updates the contents of the personal web page (OHP) by the web page creation / update control unit 105. That is, the title and the like of the purchased music are additionally updated. Then, a right purchase procedure completion notification is issued to the requesting member user ().

Finally, the content reproduction procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First,
The member user visits a site according to the web URL assigned to refer to the personal web page, and browses the personal web page (OWP) using the previously issued customer ID and password ().

Prior to displaying the personal web page, personal authentication is performed in the authentication control unit 107. Here, by searching the customer DB 10, a valid member is authenticated. As a result, on the personal web page (OHP), a right-owned content list according to the customer ID, and a personal promotion advertisement screen individually prepared for each user, for example, suited to the user's preference are displayed (). Here, an example of the authentication screen is shown in FIG.
FIG. 10F shows the right possessed content screen. Here, it is assumed that the screen indicates the music title and the like, but information related to the artist name and the like may be displayed. The contents displayed here conform to the contents registered in customer information DB10.

Here, the reason that the content asset management server 1 can present the individual user-specific promotion advertisement to the member user is that the preference analysis unit 106 uses the purchase history of the content stored in the customer information DB 100. ,
This is because the distribution history, the uncade information, and the like are analyzed to obtain the preference data of each member user. Based on the preference data, the web page creation / update control unit 105 executes the promotion advertisement creation unit of the content provider server 2. 2
It edits the promotion advertisement transmitted from 01 and provides a promotion advertisement for individuals.

Next, when the member user confirms the right-owned content list and selects the music desired to be reproduced and notifies the content asset management center, the content asset management server 1 makes the content list control unit 122
The content provider server 2 in which the music requested by the user is stored is confirmed via the server, and a content distribution request is issued to the server ((2)).

[0086] Confirmation of the content provider server 2 is performed by searching the content DB 100. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), the music content may be duplicated and stored in a plurality of servers.
As described above, the storage server number and the storage server URL are managed for each song. As a result, a certain content provider server 2
Even if there is no response due to vichy or failure,
A desired music piece can be obtained by accessing another content provider server 2.

Then, the content provider server 2
Receives the content distribution request based on the desired music and the customer ID, searches the content DB 300 to obtain the corresponding music, and downloads it to the corresponding user terminal 3 via the content transfer control unit 23 (). Thereby, the member user can reproduce a desired music.

As described above, according to the present invention, contents owned by individuals are collectively managed by the server of the content asset management center, and based on the user request, the corresponding content providing business is authenticated based on the authentication as the right holder of the target content. This is to build a mechanism for connecting to the database owned by the user, thereby making it unnecessary to store the content in the HDD owned by the user and freeing the user from the risk of a crash or the like.

Further, the content provider can distribute the content based on the authentication information from the content asset management center, construct a database of the content having the right, and play a role as a content holder. Further, sales promotion of new contents can be conducted through the contents asset management center. For content providers, it is possible to obtain almost perfect real-time marketing data, as well as selling and advertising new content and artists, which is expected to have a sales promotion effect.

Further, after registering as a member, the content asset management center prepares a dedicated web page, in which the content that the user wants to purchase is promoted, and the user purchases the “right” of the desired content. There are multiple options for rights. By logging in to this network, the user can enjoy the content based on his / her history anytime and anywhere.

For example, by selecting and requesting a song to be listened to from the history from the history, the content asset management center is momentarily connected to a server owned by each content provider, and stream distribution is performed as a transaction to the user terminal. It is. This service eliminates the need for the user to store content in a large-capacity HDD, and completely eliminates risk management such as a disk crash.

In the above-described embodiment, only music distribution is described as content. However, the present invention is not limited to music information, but is applied to all content (works) that can be reproduced via a network, such as video information and computer programs. It is possible.

Also, the purchase content management unit 11, which is a component of the content asset management server 1 in FIG.
Content distribution control unit 12, user registration unit 111, man-machine control unit 112, option providing unit 113, charging control unit 114, man-machine control unit 121, content list control unit 122, authentication control unit 123, web page update unit 124, Then, the content catalog providing unit 2 which is a component of the content providing business server 2 in FIG.
1. A program for realizing the functions of the content delivery confirmation notification unit 22 and the content transfer control unit 23, specifically, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are recorded on computer-readable recording media, respectively. The programs recorded on the recording medium are read into computer systems constituting the respective servers, and the computers sequentially read and execute the programs, whereby a content distribution system is constructed. The computer system referred to here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

Note that the computer-readable recording medium is a portable medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Say. Further, the computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system which is a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. This includes programs that hold programs for a certain period of time.

[0095]

As described above, according to the present invention, the content asset management center manages the ownership of the content to be purchased by the user registered as a member, and the content asset management center executes the object ownership in response to a member user request. Based on the authentication of the purchaser of the content, the distribution of the target content owned by the content provider is permitted, so that the content can be reproduced as long as the environment where the Internet can be accessed anywhere is provided. It becomes possible. In addition, it can correspond to various platforms, not only personal computers, but also car navigation, kiosk terminals, PDAs (Persons)
al Digital Assistants) and a content distribution system that can refer to and use the same content even when accessed from any type of gateway such as an Internet-compatible mobile phone.

[0096] Also, the member user may be asked to register contents stored by different content providers at different bases.
"Rights" owned by the user can be managed collectively via the management center, and management as if a personal content rack is virtually provided on the management center becomes possible. Further, the content provider 2 can be operated by the operator of the content asset management server 1 on behalf of the content distribution business, and can effectively utilize the assets.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for describing a business model for realizing a content distribution method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a content distribution system that implements the content distribution method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the content asset management server in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the content provider server in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a user registration procedure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a content purchase procedure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a content reproducing procedure.

8 is a diagram showing an internal data structure of a customer information DB (a) and a content DB (b) owned by the content asset management server shown in FIG.

9 is a diagram showing an internal data structure of a music DB (a) and a customer DB (b) owned by the content provider server shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram cited for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing an example of a display screen appearing in the progress of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Content asset management server, 2 ... Content provider server, 3 ... User terminal, 4 ... Internet network,
10 customer information DB, 11 purchased content management unit, 1
2 Content distribution control unit, 20 Music DB, 21 Content catalog providing unit, 22 Content distribution confirmation notification unit, 23 Content transfer control unit, 100 Content DB, 111 User registration unit, 112 Man-machine control Unit, 113: option providing unit, 114: charging control unit, 1
21: Man-machine control unit, 122: Content list control unit, 123: Authentication control unit, 124: Web page update unit, 200: Customer DB, 300: Content DB

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 13/00 540 G06F 13/00 540S 17/30 170 17/30 170Z 340 340A G10K 15/02 G10K 15 / 02 (72) Inventor Masahiro Honda 1-4-1 Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Pioneer Corporation F-term (reference) 5B017 AA03 BA05 CA16 5B049 AA01 AA06 BB11 BB49 CC05 EE05 FF01 GG00 5B075 ND20 PQ02 5B082 AA01 EA01EA FA16 GA11

Claims (31)

[Claims] Claims 1. A content distribution method in a content distribution system in which a user terminal is connected via a web to a server owned by a content asset management center and one or more content providers, wherein a user registered as a member Is managed by the content asset management center, and is owned by the content provider based on the authentication of the purchaser of the target content performed by the content asset management center in response to a member user request. A content distribution method, wherein distribution of target content to be performed is permitted. 2. The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the right to be purchased is a right to use a copyright for content distribution owned by the content provider. 3. The content asset management center assigns a unique ID to each of the member users recruited via a web page and manages them, and stores the ID and the web address in a server of the content provider. 3. The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein necessary contents including the content are notified. 4. The content asset management center according to claim 1, wherein the content asset management center presents to the member user the purchase condition of the public content based on the contract with the content provider through a web page. Content distribution method according to any of the above. 5. The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content-to-asset management center charges a fee in accordance with the purchase of the content by the member user. 6. The content asset management center allocates a dedicated personal web page to each member user, and stores, on the web page, promotion information distributed from a content provider and each of the member users. The content distribution method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a purchased content list is displayed. 7. The content asset management center, when a content is selected from the content list,
3. The server according to claim 1, wherein a search is performed for a content provider server in which the target content is stored, and distribution is instructed to a server of the content provider in which the storage of the content is confirmed. 4. Content distribution method. 8. The content list is managed for each ID assigned at the time of member registration, and is created by reflecting a management database in which data registration and update of the history are performed each time content is purchased or distributed. The content distribution method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: 9. The content asset management center according to claim 6, wherein the content list displayed on the personal web page is updated in synchronization with the registration update of the database. Content distribution method. 10. The content asset management center analyzes a preference of a member user from a purchase history and a distribution history registered in a database, selects and edits the promotion information based on the analyzed preference, and edits the promotion information. 10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the information is posted on a page.
Content distribution method according to any of the above. 11. A content distribution method in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and a server owned by a content asset management center and a server provided by a content provider are connected via a web, wherein the content asset management center is provided. The content asset management center provides personal information including the ID of the member user in response to a new member registration, and provides content from the content asset management center. Upon receiving a notification of the purchase request including the ID of the member user who made the purchase request, issuing a confirmation notification that the target content can be distributed, receiving a content distribution request from the content asset management center, Of the distribution request including the ID of the existing member user A content distribution method, characterized in that a target content is downloaded in response to a notification. 12. The content provider server,
The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: authenticating the member user who has requested the distribution based on the authentication of the purchaser of the target content performed by the content asset management center when the distribution request is received from the content asset management server. 11
Content distribution method described in. 13. A content asset management server in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and servers owned by a content asset management center and a content provider are connected via a web. A purchase procedure control unit that performs a procedure when a user purchases a content right and notifies a purchase request to a server of the content provider that owns the content desired to be purchased; and a content that has been purchased by the member user. And a distribution procedure control unit for notifying the server of the content provider who owns the content to be distributed of a purchase request and performing a procedure when requesting the distribution of content. server. 14. The content asset management server assigns and manages a unique ID to each of the member users recruited via a web page, and stores the ID and the web address in all the content provider servers. 14. The content asset management server according to claim 13, further comprising a registration control unit that notifies necessary content items including the registration control unit. 15. The content asset management server further includes a man-machine control unit that presents to the member user, through the web page, purchase conditions for public content based on a contract with the content provider. 15. The content asset management server according to claim 14, which is characterized in that: 16. The content asset management server, comprising: a web page creation control unit that assigns a personal web page to each of the member users who have completed registration in accordance with an instruction of the purchase procedure control unit; 16. The content asset management server according to claim 14, further comprising: a man-machine control unit configured to display, on a page, a list of contents whose rights have been purchased by a member user. 17. The content asset management server is managed for each ID given by the registration control unit, and stores at least an identification name of the purchased content, a content provider server address for storing the content, and a distribution history. 15. A database for customer management including a database for customer management, wherein the database for customer management is updated in accordance with instructions from the purchase procedure control unit, the distribution procedure control unit, and the registration control unit. The content asset management server according to claim 16. 18. A content provider server of a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and servers owned by the content asset management center and the content provider are connected via a web, In response to a content purchase request notification from the asset management center, a content purchase processing unit that confirms that the requested content can be delivered and sends a reply notification to the content asset management center; And a content distribution processing unit that distributes the requested content to the user terminal having the right to the content in response to a content distribution request notification from the user. 19. The content provider server,
19. The contents providing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: a member registration processing unit for returning approval information to the contents asset management center when a notification of new parent member registration is made from the contents asset management center. Business server. 20. The content provider server,
For each identification name that identifies the content, at least a member user ID that purchased the content, its address, and a customer database that manages the distribution history are provided. The customer database includes the content purchase processing unit and the content distribution processing unit. 20. The content provider server according to claim 18, wherein the content provider server is updated in accordance with an instruction of the member registration processing unit. 21. A server program for a content asset management server in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and servers owned by a content asset management center and a content provider are connected via a web is recorded. Computer readable recording medium, wherein the server program manages the right of the content to be purchased by a registered user, and purchases the target content in the content asset management center in response to a member user request A step of permitting distribution of the target content owned by the content provider based on the authentication of the content provider, and causing the computer to execute the steps. 22. A unique ID is assigned to each of the member users recruited via a web page and managed, and the ID is stored in a server of the content provider.
22. The recording medium according to claim 21, further comprising a step of notifying necessary information including a web address and a web address. 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein a step of presenting a purchase condition of public content to a member user based on a contract with a content provider through the web page is further programmed and recorded. recoding media. 24. The recording medium according to claim 21, wherein a step of charging a fee in accordance with the purchase of the content by the member user is further programmed and recorded. 25. A dedicated personal web page is allocated to each of the member users, and promotion information distributed from a content provider and a list of contents purchased by each of the member users are displayed on the web page. 25. The recording medium according to claim 21, wherein the step of performing is further programmed and recorded. 26. When a content is selected from the content list, a step of searching for a content provider server storing the target content; and a content provider confirmed to store the content. 26. The recording medium according to claim 21, wherein the step of instructing the server to perform distribution is programmed and recorded. 27. A step of creating a content list managed for each ID assigned at the time of member registration by reflecting the contents of a management database in which data registration and update of the history are performed each time content is purchased or distributed. 27. The recording medium according to claim 25, wherein the program is further programmed and recorded. 28. The recording medium according to claim 25, wherein the step of updating the content list displayed on the personal web page in synchronization with the registration update of the database is further programmed and recorded. 29. A step of analyzing the preference of the member user from the purchase history and the distribution history registered in the database, and selecting, editing and posting the promotion information on the personal web page based on the analyzed preference. 29. The recording medium according to claim 25, wherein the steps are further programmed and recorded. 30. A server program for a content provider server in a content distribution system in which a plurality of user terminals and a server owned by each of a content asset management center and a content provider are connected via a web. A computer-readable recording medium, wherein the server program provides a content catalog including purchase conditions for public content based on a contract with the content asset management center; and Receiving a notification of personal information including the ID of the member user from the content asset management center; and receiving a notification of the purchase request including the ID of the member user who made the content purchase request from the content asset management center, and distributing the target content. Is possible Issue a confirmation notification of the following: receiving a content distribution request from the content asset management center, and receiving a notification of a distribution request including the ID of the requesting member user, and executing download of the target content. A recording medium for causing a computer to execute the above steps. 31. Authenticating the member user who has requested the distribution based on the authentication of the purchaser of the target content performed by the content asset management center when the distribution request is received from the content asset management server. 31. The recording medium according to claim 30, wherein is further programmed and recorded.