JP2002215923A - Content distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a content delivery system that can reliably collect a copyright fee and the like for the delivered content in a system for delivering the content via a communication network and is excellent in convenience for the user. That is the task. SOLUTION: Distributor side (distribution company etc.) C, A, M, S
A content distribution system (music data distribution system) 1 that distributes a content (music data) Id to a recipient (recipient) R via a communication network (Internet) I by a server (distribution server) 2 of The distributors C, A, M, and S correspond to the storage medium (distribution disk) D in which the identification information (ID number) In and the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale are written according to the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale. A distribution fee for the content Id to be distributed is collected in advance by selling the content to the receiver R at a sales price including the distribution price.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution system for distributing content such as music data via a communication network such as the Internet, and more particularly to a content distribution system including a copyright fee. It relates to a content distribution system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of the Internet,
Various data is transmitted and received between communication terminals such as personal computers (hereinafter, referred to as personal computers) connected to the Internet via the Internet. Among them, transmission and reception of large-capacity data such as video data and audio data have been performed due to high compression of data, high-speed communication lines, high-speed modems, and the like. for that reason,
Some homepages on the Internet include CDs (Compa
There is also a homepage that distributes music data equivalent to music stored and sold on a ct disk) to communication terminals via the Internet.

[0003] These music pieces are literary works created by artists and the like, and have copyrights. Therefore, it is necessary to collect a copyright fee from the receiver every time the music data is distributed. However, when such music data is distributed on the Internet, it is difficult to collect a copyright fee because physical data such as a CD is not moved. Therefore, a system has been developed that can charge a fee including a copyright fee when distributing intangible music data or the like.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-212175 discloses an information distribution system for distributing predetermined data such as music data from a server. This information distribution system includes a first communication path such as the Internet and a second communication path such as a high-speed dedicated line, and a server and a first terminal such as a user's personal computer are connected to the first communication path. A server and a second terminal such as an information terminal installed in a CD shop or the like are connected to the second communication path. And
When receiving the request signal designating the predetermined data transmitted from the first terminal, the server transmits the identification information associated with the predetermined data to the first terminal. Then, the first
Receives the identification information and stores it in the storage medium. Subsequently, when the storage medium storing the identification information is set by the user, the second terminal reads the identification information from the storage medium and transmits the identification information to the server. Here, the second terminal presents a price for the predetermined data corresponding to the identification information to the user, and transmits the identification information when the price is paid by the user. Then, the server stores predetermined data in the second according to the identification information.
And the second terminal stores the downloaded predetermined data in the storage medium. That is, when the user pays for money at an information terminal installed in a CD shop or the like, predetermined data such as music data is downloaded.

[0005]

However, when a copyrighted work is distributed as intangible data via the Internet or the like, it is difficult for a third party other than the sender and the recipient to know the contents of the distributed data. . Therefore, the copyright holder does not know even if the data of the copyrighted work is distributed without permission. As a result, the copyright is infringed because the copyright fee cannot be collected.

Further, in the information distribution system described above, it is possible to reliably charge for predetermined data to be downloaded.
I have to go to a very limited place with some terminals. Further, in this information distribution system, before downloading, the user accesses the server via a communication path different from the communication path to be downloaded by the first terminal, and transmits identification information corresponding to predetermined data to be downloaded. Must be written to the storage medium. Therefore, this information distribution system is a system that is inconvenient for the user.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution system which can reliably charge a copyright fee or the like to the distributed content when the content is distributed via a communication network, and is excellent in convenience for the user. Is to provide.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a content distribution system for distributing content to a recipient via a communication network by a server on a distributor. The distributor side sells the storage medium in which the identification information and the distribution amount information at the time of sale are written to the receiver side at a sales price including a distribution price according to the distribution amount information at the time of sale, and the server A storage medium data setting unit for storing the identification information written in the storage medium and the distribution amount information at the time of sale in a storage unit, and determining whether or not the distribution of the content requested by the receiver is possible. And making a determination based on the distribution amount information, and writing the latest distribution amount information in the storage medium and the storage means in accordance with the distribution of the content. Storage medium data processing means, and content distribution means for distributing the content to the recipient when the content can be distributed, wherein the distributor sells the storage medium to the recipient. By doing so, a distribution fee for the content to be distributed is collected in advance.

[0009] According to this content distribution system, the distributor can sell the storage medium at the sales price obtained by adding the distribution price, thereby collecting the distribution fee of the content before distributing the content. . Also,
In the content distribution system, the server on the distributor side determines whether or not the content can be distributed based on the identification information and the distribution amount information. Is written in the storage means and storage medium of the server. Therefore, this content distribution system, on the recipient side,
By purchasing a storage medium on which the identification information and the distribution amount information at the time of sale are written, a terminal having a drive capable of reading and writing the storage medium receives the content corresponding to the distribution amount information at the time of sale via a communication network. be able to.

Further, in the content distribution system, the content is obtained by converting a work into data, and the distribution price is set based on a copyright fee of the work.

According to this content distribution system, the distributor can sell the storage medium at a selling price including the copyright fee, thereby collecting the copyright fee for the data of the distributed work in advance. .

Note that the identification information is information for identifying a sold storage medium, and is, for example, a unique ID number or the like assigned to each storage medium. The distribution amount information is information on the amount of content that can be distributed to a storage medium that is sold (or sold). This is the number of contents for each rank that can be distributed, the balance of distribution prices, and the like. The distribution amount information is written in the storage medium and the storage means of the server by the distributor before the storage medium is sold, in an amount corresponding to the distribution price,
Each time the content is distributed, the content is written to the storage medium and the storage means of the server with the latest amount reduced by the amount of the content distributed by the server.

The distribution price is a price according to the maximum amount of content that can be distributed to the storage medium to be sold (distribution amount information at the time of sale). In this case, it is set based on the copyright fee. Further, the storage medium is a medium that can be read and written by a drive of a terminal on the receiver side connected to the communication network, and that is written by the distributor before the sale, the distribution amount information at the time of sale, and the information written by the server. A medium on which the latest distribution amount information cannot be rewritten. For example, a CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable)
e) (Recordable type), DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk)
(Write-once type) or the like.

[0014]

Embodiments of a content distribution system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The content distribution system according to the present invention comprises:
Content to be distributed by selling the storage medium on which the identification information and the distribution amount information at the time of sale are written at the selling price including the distribution price according to the distribution amount information at the time of sale from the distributor to the receiver side Is collected in advance from the receiver side. Therefore, in the content distribution system, the server on the distributor side determines whether or not the content requested by the receiver side can be distributed based on the identification information and the distribution amount information. Distributes the content to the recipient side and writes the latest distribution amount information obtained by subtracting the amount of the distributed content into the storage medium and the storage means of the server. In particular, in the content distribution system, when data of a copyrighted work is used as a content, a distribution price is set based on a copyright fee of the copyrighted work.

In the present embodiment, the content distribution system according to the present invention is applied to a music data distribution system for digitalizing and distributing music that is a copyrighted work.
In the present embodiment, music is classified into five ranks, and a price is set for each rank, and the price is set as a distribution fee including a copyright fee for each rank. Further, in the present embodiment, a distribution disk using a write-once CD-R as a storage medium is used, and the Internet is used as a communication network. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the distribution amount information is set to a number-of-songs method in which the number of songs for each rank that can be distributed is set, and a fixed distribution price is set at the time of sale, and the price of the distributed music data is set based on the fixed price. It is set in two methods, a fixed amount method, which is the remaining balance. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the distribution price is a price calculated based on the number of songs for each rank that can be distributed at the maximum at the time of sale and the price for each rank in the case of the number of songs method. In this case, it is a fixed amount set at the time of sale.

First, the overall configuration of the music data distribution system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the music data distribution system 1. In FIG. 1, the artist A, the receiver R (the personal computer 3), and the store S are not illustrated, but there are actually many artists, receivers, and stores. Also,
Artist A includes not only the artist who created the music, but also the office or company to which the artist belongs, or the office or company managed by the artist.

The music data distribution system 1 includes a distribution company C
The music data Id is distributed on the Internet I between the distribution server 2 owned by the user and the personal computer 3 owned by the receiver R. The distribution server 2 and the personal computer 3 are connected to the Internet I. Further, the music data distribution system 1 manufactures a distribution disc D in which a manufacturer M requested by a distribution company C permanently records an ID number In (encryption) and distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale. Then, the music data distribution system 1 is a store S entrusted by the distribution company C,
The distribution disk D is sold at a selling price including a copyright fee of the music data Id. Further, in the music data distribution system 1, the distribution company C makes a contract with the artist A, the artist A provides the music to the distribution company C, and distributes the music on behalf of the receiver R every time the music is distributed as the music data Id. Company C pays artist A for copyright. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the music data distribution system 1 corresponds to a content distribution system, the distribution server 2 corresponds to a server, and a distribution company C (distribution server 2), a maker M, a store S, and an artist A correspond to a distributor. And the recipient R
(PC 3) corresponds to the recipient, and the Internet I
Corresponds to a communication network, and the distribution disk D corresponds to a storage medium.

The distribution server 2 has established a home page of the music distribution service H in order to distribute the music data Id. In addition, when the receiver R wants the music distribution service H to distribute the music data Id, the receiver R purchases the distribution disk D from the store S. Then, the receiver R sets the distribution disk D in the CD-R drive 3a provided in the personal computer 3, and accesses the home page of the music distribution service H via the Internet I.

Then, the distribution server 2 provides music information Im such as an artist-specific music name list of the music data Id that can be distributed to the receiver R, and obtains the music information Id to be distributed from the receiver R from the music name of the music data Id. The requested music information Ir is received. Then, the distribution server 2 includes a CD-R drive 3
ID number In from distribution disk D set in a
(Encryption) and the latest distribution amount information Iq, and IDs from the distribution disk databases 21c and 21d.
The number In and the latest distribution amount information Iq are read, and it is determined whether or not the music data Id of the requested music information Ir can be distributed (see FIG. 2). If the music data Id can be distributed, the distribution server 2 distributes the music data Id and writes the music data Id on the distribution disk D.
The latest distribution amount information Iq obtained by subtracting the information for d is used as the distribution disk D and the distribution disk database 21c,
21d (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the ID number In corresponds to the identification information, and the distribution amount information Iq
Corresponds to the distribution amount information, and the music data Id corresponds to the content.

Further, the distribution server 2 assigns the ID number In to the distribution disk D on which the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale is set based on the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale set by the distribution company C. . The ID number In is
It is a list of numbers, alphabets, and the like. However, in order to make it impossible to identify the ID number In by a device other than the distribution server 2, the distribution disk D is encrypted by the distribution server 2.
Is written to. Then, the distribution company C determines the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale and the I corresponding to the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale.
The D number In (encryption) is provided as a set to the maker M, which is a CD-R maker, and a request is made to manufacture the distribution disk D. The maker M writes the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale and the ID number In (encryption) on the manufactured CD-R, and ships it to the store S as the distribution disk D. Note that, in the maker M, the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale and the ID number In (encryption)
Is permanently recorded by laser irradiation in an area inside the disc outside the user recording area of the CD-R.

Note that the distribution company C does not request the manufacturer M to manufacture the distribution disk D, but the distribution company C
May be manufactured. That is, the distribution company C purchases a commercially available CD-R, and connects the CD-R connected to the distribution server 2.
Delivery quantity information Iq and ID at the time of sale by drive (not shown)
The distribution disk D is written by writing the number In (encryption).

Further, the store S sells the distribution disk D at the sales price set by the distribution company C. And
Each time the store S sells the distribution disk D to the receiver R, the store S receives the price of the sales price. At this point, the recipient R
In this case, a copyright fee for the music data Id to be distributed in the future is collected from the receiver R in advance. further,
The store S pays the sales amount to the distribution company C according to the sales result of the distribution disk D. The selling price is CD-R
The price is the sum of the price, the distribution price, the production fee of the distribution disk D at the maker M, the sales commission at the store S, the service provision fee of the distribution company C, the profit, and the like. In addition, store S
Is a CD store, a home appliance store, or the like.

It should be noted that the distribution company C does not outsource the distribution disk D to the store S, but instead distributes the distribution disk D by itself.
May be sold.

The distribution company C has a music distribution service H
Ask artist A who created the music that is scheduled to be distributed to provide the music. The artist A selects a rank corresponding to the music from the rank-price correspondence table 25 (see FIG. 3) described below, and makes a contract with the distribution company C. The price corresponding to this rank is a distribution fee including a copyright fee when distributing the music provided by the artist A as the music data Id. Then, the distribution company C stores the copyright fee (the copyright fee corresponding to the rank selected by the artist A × the number of distribution times) to the artist A in accordance with the number of times the music data Id of the music provided by the artist A is distributed. .

Next, the configuration of the distribution server 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the distribution server 2.

The distribution server 2 mainly includes a main control device 20, a storage device 21, an input / output device 22, a communication control device 23, and the like, and these devices are connected by a bus 24. In the present embodiment, the storage device 21 corresponds to a storage unit.

First, the main controller 20 will be described.
The main control device 20 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and controls the distribution server 2 overall. Therefore, the main controller 2
0 is a WWW (World Wide Web) server program 20a
Is provided.

The WWW server program 20a is an HTT
This is a communication infrastructure program for communicating by P (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol). When the distribution server 2 is connected to the Internet I, the WWW server program 20a is loaded on the RAM and executed by the MPU.

Then, in response to a browsing request from the personal computer 3, the main control device 20 transmits the music information Im to the personal computer 3 through the communication control device 23 using the homepage data 21a stored in the storage device 21 (FIG. 1).
The music information Im is generated based on the distribution music information database 21b, and includes a music name list for each artist. Further, main controller 20 receives requested music information Ir from personal computer 3. The requested music information Ir is
This is information for specifying the music data Id that the receiver R wants to distribute, such as information that the receiver R has selected the music name from the music information Im, or information that the receiver R has input the music name.

Further, main controller 20 determines whether or not music data Id of requested music information Ir can be distributed.
Then, when the music data Id can be distributed, the main control device 20 transmits the music data Id and the latest distribution amount information Iq to the personal computer 3 via the communication control device 23, and writes the data to the distribution disk D. Further, main controller 20 assigns ID number In to distribution disk D in which distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale set by distribution company C is written, and encrypts the ID number In. Further, main controller 20
Creates a database of pieces of music that can be distributed in order to generate the music information Im, and creates a database of information on the distribution disk D in order to manage the distribution amount information Iq of the distribution disk D. Therefore, the main controller 20
Are distribution music information setting means 20b, distribution disk data setting means 20c, distribution disk data processing means 20
d and music data distribution means 20e. In addition, about each means 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e,
Details will be described later. In the present embodiment, the distribution disk data setting unit 20c corresponds to a storage medium data setting unit, the distribution disk data processing unit 20d corresponds to a storage medium data processing unit, and the music data distribution unit 2c.
0e corresponds to content distribution means.

Next, the storage device 21 will be described. The storage device 21 includes a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, and the like. The storage device 21 stores various programs of the distribution server 2, and stores homepage data 21a, a distribution music information database 21b, a distribution disk database (song number system) 21c, a distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, and a music data database. 21e etc. are stored.

The home page data 21a will be described. The homepage data 21a is various data necessary for realizing the music distribution service H on a homepage on the Internet I, and includes music information Im. By the way, homepage data 21a is HT
Created in ML format.

Next, the distribution music information database 21b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the distribution music information database 21b.

The distribution music information database 21b is a database for storing information on music data Id that can be distributed, and is used to generate music information Im. The distribution music information database 21b stores the music name 21f, the artist name 21g, and the genre 2 of the music data Id that can be distributed.
1h, a release date 21i, and a rank 21j, and information is stored every time a song is provided from the artist A.
In addition to this item, information such as the latest ranking, the number of distributions, the album name, the program or CM in which the music is flowing may be added.

The rank 21j stores the rank selected by the artist A based on the rank-price correspondence table 25 (see FIG. 3). Rank-Price Correspondence Table 2
No. 5 has five ranks for the music: A, B, C, D, and E. The price of rank A is 1000 yen, the price of rank B is 750 yen, and the price of rank C is 500.
It is a yen, the price of D rank is 250 yen, and the price of E rank is 100 yen. This price is the music data Id
Every time is distributed, the distribution fee includes a copyright fee that the artist A can receive.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5A, the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c will be described. FIG. 5A is a configuration diagram of the distribution disk database (music number system) 21c.

The distribution disk database (song number system) 21c is a database for managing the distribution amount information Iq of the distribution disks D to be sold (or sold). Information Iq. Distribution disk database (song number system) 21
c has items of ID number 21k, distribution price 211, number of distributable songs by rank 21m, and sales flag 21n. The sales flag is a flag indicating whether or not the distribution disk D has been sold. The sales flag is 1 when the disk is sold, and is 0 when the disk is not sold.

Before manufacturing a new distribution disk D, the maximum number of music pieces for each rank that can be distributed to the distribution disk D scheduled to be sold by the distribution company C is 21 m in the number of distributeable music pieces for each rank. Is stored. Then, main controller 20
Is automatically assigned, and the ID number In is stored in the ID number 21k. In addition, the main control device 20 controls the number of distributable songs 21 m per rank.
Is automatically calculated based on the distribution price, and the distribution price is stored in the distribution price 21l. Further, 0 is stored in the sales flag 21n.

After the distribution disk D is sold, 1 is stored in the sales flag 21n. Further, the music data Id
Every time is distributed, the main control device 20 distributes the distributed music data Id in the number of distributeable music pieces 21m by rank.
The number of songs having the rank of is decremented by one and rewritten with the number of songs subtracted.

For example, in the example of the first line shown in FIG. 5 (a), before manufacturing a new distribution disk D, the number of A-ranked songs that can be distributed by 21 m per rank is 1 and the number of B-ranked songs is 1. 1 is stored in the number, 1 is stored in the number of songs in the C rank, 3 is stored in the number of songs in the D rank, and 0 is stored in the number of songs in the E rank. In this case, the price for distribution is 1000 yen (A rank) x 1 + 7
50 yen (B rank) x 1 + 500 yen (C rank) x 1+
250 yen (D rank) x 3 = 3000 yen. Then, assuming that the distribution disk D is sold to the receiver R and the A-rank music data Id is distributed, the main control device 20 rewrites the number of A-rank music pieces of the number of distributable music pieces 21 m per rank to 0. .

Next, with reference to FIG. 5B, the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d will be described. FIG. 5B is a configuration diagram of a distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d.

Disk database for distribution (flat-rate system)
21d is a database for managing the distribution amount information Iq of the distribution disk D to be sold (or sold), and the remaining amount from the fixed distribution price set before the sale is set as the distribution amount information Iq. The distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d has an ID number 21o and a distribution price 2
1p, the remaining amount 21q, the number of songs distributed by rank 21r, and the sales flag 21s are included.

Before manufacturing a new distribution disk D,
The fixed price set for the distribution disk D that the distribution company C plans to sell is stored in the distribution price 21p.
Then, the main controller 20 automatically assigns the ID number In, and the ID number In becomes the ID number 21o.
Is stored in The main controller 20 also controls the balance 2
The same amount stored in the distribution price 21p is stored in 1q, and 0 is stored in the number of songs of each rank in the number of distributed songs 21r by rank. Furthermore, the sales flag 21s is set to 0
Is stored.

After the distribution disk D is sold, 1 is stored in the sales flag 21s. Further, the music data Id
Is distributed by the main controller 20 each time
The remaining amount of q is subtracted by the price of the rank of the distributed music data Id, and rewritten with the subtracted remaining amount. Further, the main control device 20 adds 1 to the number of songs having the rank of the distributed song data Id in the number of distributed songs 21r by rank, and rewrites the number of songs.

For example, in the example of the first row shown in FIG. 5B, before manufacturing a new distribution disk D, the remaining amount 21q
In this example, 3000 yen is stored based on 3000 yen at a distribution price of 21p, and 0 is stored in the number of songs of all ranks of the number of distributed songs 21r by rank. The distribution disk D is sold to the receiver R, and the A-rank music data I
Assuming that d is distributed, the main controller 20 rewrites the remaining amount 21q to 2,000 yen and at the same time rewrites the number of songs in the A rank of the distributed number of songs 21r by rank to 1.

Next, returning to FIG. 2, the music data database 21e will be described. The music data database 21e is a database in which music data Id for music names is stored, and the distribution music information database 21b
Each time music information is newly registered, music data Id is stored. The music data Id is data obtained by converting music provided by the artist A into digital data that can be distributed on the Internet I.

Next, the input / output device 22 will be described.
The input / output device 22 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a display device, and the like, and is connected via an I / O device.

Next, the communication control device 23 will be described. The communication control device 23 includes a modem, a DSU (Digital Ser
vice unit) for transmitting and receiving information via the Internet I.

The distribution music information setting means 20b, distribution disk data setting means 20c, distribution disk data processing means 20d, and music data distribution means 20e provided in the main controller 20 will now be described in detail.

First, the distribution music information setting means 20b will be described. The distribution music information setting means 20b stores each data in each item of the distribution music information database 21b according to the input operation of the operator of the distribution company C (see FIG. 4). Further, the distribution music information setting means 20b generates the music information Im based on the distribution music information database 21b (see FIG. 1). The music information Im is list information that lists the music names of the music data Id that can be distributed by the music distribution service H. For example, music name list by artist, music name list by genre, music name list by rank,
Alternatively, when other information is stored in the distribution music information database 21b, the information includes a music name list of the latest ranking, a music name list included in the album, a music name list by program, a music name list by CM, and the like. The distribution music information setting means 20b converts the music provided from the artist A into digital data that can be distributed on the Internet I, and stores the music data Id in the music data database 21e in association with the music title.

Next, the distribution disk data setting means 20
c will be described. In the description here, the description for the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c and the description for the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d will be given separately.

First, a description will be given of the distribution disk database (music number system) 21c. The distribution disk data setting means 20c stores the number of songs in each rank of the number of distributeable songs 21m by rank of the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c in accordance with an input operation of the operator of the distribution company C (FIG. 5 ( a)). After storing the data in the number of distributable songs 21m by rank, the distribution disk data setting means 20c allocates the ID number In and calculates the distribution price, and stores the ID numbers 21k and 21k of the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c. Each is stored in the distribution price 21l. Further, the distribution disk data setting unit 20c sets the ID number In of the distribution disk D so that the ID number In of the distribution disk D cannot be identified by another device.
The number In is encrypted. Subsequently, the distribution disk data setting means 20c stores 0 in the sales flag 21n of the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c.

Next, the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d will be described. The distribution disk data setting means 20c transmits the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 2 according to the input operation of the operator of the distribution company C.
The distribution price is stored in the distribution price 21p of 1d, and the same amount as the distribution price is stored in the remaining amount 21q (FIG. 5).
(B)). After storing the data in the distribution price 21p, the distribution disk data setting means 20c sets the ID number In and sets the distribution disk database (fixed-rate system) 21.
d is stored in the ID number 21o. Further, the distribution disk data setting means 20c transmits the ID number I
encrypts n. Subsequently, the distribution disk data setting means 20c transmits the distribution disk database (flat-rate system).
0 is stored in the sales flag 21s of 21d, and 0 is set as the number of songs in all ranks of the number of distributed songs 21r by rank.
Is stored.

Next, the distribution disk data processing means 20
d will be described. When the distribution disk D is sold, the distribution disk data processing means 20d transmits the sales flag 21n of the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c or the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) in accordance with the input operation of the operator of the distribution company C. ) Set 1 to the sales flag 21s of 21d. (See FIG. 5).

When the music information Im is requested from the personal computer 3, the distribution disk data processing means 20d sets the CD-R
The ID number In (encryption) is read out from the distribution disk D set in the drive 3a via the communication control device 23 (see FIG. 1). Then, the distribution disk data processing means 20d decodes the read ID number In (encryption), and the decrypted ID number In is the ID number 21k of the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c or the distribution disk database. (Fixed-rate method) It is searched whether or not it is registered in the ID number 21o of 21d (see FIG. 5). ID number In is the distribution disk database 21
If the data is not registered in any one of the CD-R drive 3d and the CD-R drive 3d,
The information that the music data Id cannot be distributed to the distribution disk D set in “a” is transmitted to the personal computer 3 via the communication control device 23. On the other hand, when the ID number In is registered in one of the distribution disk databases 21c and 21d, the distribution server 2 transmits the music information Im and then receives the requested music information Ir (see FIG. 1). Then, the distribution disk data processing means 20d
Transmits the latest distribution amount information Iq from the distribution disk D set in the CD-R drive 3a to the communication control device 23.
Read through.

Subsequently, distribution disk data processing means 2
0d is the music title 2 in the music information database for distribution 21b.
The music name of the requested music information Ir is searched from 1f, and the rank of the music name is read out from the rank 21j of the music information database for distribution 21b (see FIG. 4). The distribution disk data processing means 20d reads the price of the rank from the rank-price correspondence table 25 (see FIG. 3).

If the ID number In is registered in the distribution disk database (music number system) 21c, the distribution disk data processing means 20d can distribute the distribution disk database (music number system) 21c by rank. It is determined whether or not the number of songs having the rank of the song name of the requested song information Ir is 1 or more in the number of songs of the corresponding distributable rank (the latest distribution amount information Iq) of the number of songs 21 m. If one or more, the distribution disk data processing means 20
d judges that the music data Id of the music name of the requested music information Ir can be distributed. In the case of 0, the distribution disk data processing means 20d determines that the music data Id of the music name of the required music information Ir cannot be distributed, and transmits the music data to the distribution disk D set in the CD-R drive 3a. I
The information which cannot distribute d is transmitted to the personal computer 3 via the communication control device 23 (see FIG. 1). In addition, the distribution disk data processing means 20d determines the latest distribution amount information Iq of the distribution disk D and the number of distributable songs 21m by rank of the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c. Number of songs (latest distribution amount information Iq)
And the latest distribution amount information Iq of the distribution disk D
May be checked to see if it has been illegally written.

When the ID number In is registered in the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, the distribution disk data processing means 20d determines the remaining balance 21q of the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d. It is determined whether (the latest distribution amount information Iq) is equal to or higher than the price of the rank of the music title of the requested music information Ir. When the remaining amount is equal to or higher than the rank price, the distribution disk data processing means 20d sets the music data Id of the music name of the requested music information Ir.
Is determined to be deliverable. When the remaining amount is less than the price of the rank, the distribution disk data processing means 20d determines that the music data Id of the music name of the requested music information Ir cannot be distributed, and the distribution disk D set in the CD-R drive 3a. Is transmitted to the personal computer 3 via the communication control device 23 (see FIG. 1).
reference). The distribution disk data processing means 20d
Is the latest distribution amount information Iq of the distribution disk D and the remaining amount 21q of the distribution disk database (fixed-rate system) 21d.
And the corresponding remaining amount (the latest distribution amount information Iq),
You may confirm whether the latest distribution amount information Iq of the distribution disk D is improperly written.

Further, distribution disk data processing means 2
0d performs the following processing after distributing the music data Id. When the ID number In is registered in the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c, the distribution disk data processing unit 20d performs the distribution disk database (song number system) based on the rank of the distributed music data Id. The number of songs of the corresponding rank of the number of distributable songs 21m by rank of 21c is subtracted by 1, and the subtracted number of songs is stored (see FIG. 5A). Further, the distribution disk data processing means 20d converts the latest distribution amount information Iq obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of songs of the rank of the distributed song data Id into a CD.
-Distribution disk D set in R drive 3a
Via the communication control device 23 (see FIG. 1).

When the ID number In is registered in the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, the distribution disk data processing means 20d determines the distribution disk data based on the price of the distributed music data Id. The price of the rank is reduced from the balance of the remaining balance 21q of the database (fixed-rate system) 21d, the reduced balance is stored, and the number of songs of the corresponding rank in the number of distributed songs 21r by rank is incremented by 1, and the added music is added. Store the number (Fig. 5
(B)). Further, the distribution disk data processing means 20d outputs the latest distribution amount information Iq for the reduced remaining amount.
Is written to the distribution disk D set in the CD-R drive 3a via the communication control device 23 (see FIG. 1).

Next, the music data distribution means 20e will be described. When the distribution disk data processing means 20d determines that the music data Id of the music name of the requested music information Ir can be distributed, the music data distribution means 20e searches the music data database 21e for the music name, and The music data Id is read from the music data database 21e. Then, the music data distribution means 20e distributes the read music data Id via the communication control device 23, and writes the music data Id on the distribution disk D set in the CD-R drive 3a (see FIG. 1).

Here, the personal computer 3 shown in FIG. 1 will be briefly described. PC 3 is Internet I
Is a terminal that can be connected to and is owned by the receiver R. Like the distribution server 2, the personal computer 3 includes a main control device, a storage device, an input / output device, a communication control device, and the like, and also includes a CD-R drive 3a, and these devices are connected by a bus. . And the personal computer 3
It is provided with a W browser and can browse various types of information that can be browsed and held by various servers (such as WWW servers) existing on the Internet I. PC 3
Can use a WWW browser to transmit various information to various servers existing on the Internet I. Further, the personal computer 3 can read and write data on the CD-R by the CD-R drive 3a.

Next, the exchange in the music data distribution system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 to 5 according to the description. FIG. 6 is a flowchart when music is provided from the artist A to the distribution company C, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart when music information is newly registered in the distribution server 2.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart when the information of the distribution disk D is newly registered in the distribution disk databases 21c and 21d by the distribution server 2. FIG. 8A shows the distribution disk database (music number system) 21c, and FIG. ) Is a distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, and is shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the distribution disk D is manufactured by the maker M, FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the distribution disk D is sold at the store S, and FIG. 11 distributes the music data Id by the distribution server 2. It is a flowchart at the time.

First, the exchange when the artist A provides music to the distribution company C will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If there is a song that is to be newly distributed by the song distribution service H, the distribution company C negotiates with the artist A who created the song. First, the distribution company C determines a copyright fee to be paid to the artist A every time the music is distributed as the music data Id.
The price correspondence table 25 is presented to the artist A (S10).

Then, the artist A selects a rank for the provided music from the rank-price correspondence table 25 (S11). Then, between artist A and distribution company C,
Enter into a contract conditioned on paying a copyright fee corresponding to the selected rank. After the contract, the artist A provides the music to the distribution company C (S12).

Next, a process for newly registering music information in the distribution server 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operator of the distribution company C operates the distribution server 2
Enter the information of the new music to be distributed. Then, the distribution server 2 stores the input information in the distribution music information database 21b (S20). Further, the distribution server 2
Converts the music into music data Id (S21). Subsequently, the distribution server 2 stores the music data Id in the music data database 21e in association with the music name (S2).
2).

Next, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 8A, a process when the distribution server 2 newly registers information on the distribution disk D in the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c will be described. The distribution company C sets the number of songs for each rank that can be distributed as distribution amount information Iq at the time of distribution of the distribution disk D to be newly sold. Then, the operator of the distribution company C inputs the number of music pieces for each rank that can be distributed set in the distribution server 2. Then, the distribution server 2 stores the input number of songs for each rank in the number of distributable songs 21m for each rank (S30).

Subsequently, the distribution server 2 calculates a distribution price based on the input number of songs for each rank, and stores it in the distribution price 21l (S31). Further, the distribution server 2
Sets the ID number In, stores it in the ID number 21k, and encrypts the ID number In (S32).
Finally, the distribution server 2 stores 0 in the sales flag 21n.

Next, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 8B, a description will be given of a process when the distribution server 2 newly registers information on the distribution disk D in the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d. The distribution company C sets a fixed distribution price as the distribution amount information Iq at the time of distribution of the distribution disk D to be newly sold. And distribution company C
The operator inputs the distribution price set in the distribution server 2. Then, the distribution server 2 stores the input distribution price in the distribution price 21p and the balance 21q (S40).

Subsequently, the distribution server 2 sets the ID number In, stores it in the ID number 21o, and stores the ID number In.
The number In is encrypted (S41). Finally, the distribution server 2 stores 0 in the sales flag 21s and stores 0 in the number of songs of all ranks of the number of distributed songs 21r by rank.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a description will be given of an exchange when the manufacturer M manufactures the distribution disk D.
The distribution company C requests the maker M to manufacture the distribution disk D, and stores the ID number In (encryption) and the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale.
Is submitted (S50). Maker M manufactures CD-R
The ID number In (encryption) and the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale are permanently recorded by laser irradiation in the area inside the
Is manufactured (S51). Then, the maker M delivers the produced distribution disk D to the store S (S52).

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the exchange when selling the distribution disk D at the store S will be described. The store S sells the distribution disk D at the sales price set by the distribution company C (S60). The selling price is a price obtained by adding a distribution price and the like to the CD-R price as described above.

To receive the distribution of the music data Id from the music distribution service H, the receiver R needs the distribution disk D in which the ID number In (encryption) and the distribution amount information Iq at the time of sale are written. Therefore, the receiver R is set to the store S
Then, the distribution disc D is selected with reference to the number of songs for each distributable rank displayed on the distribution disc D or the distribution price that can be distributed regardless of the rank (S
61). Then, the receiver R purchases the distribution disk D (S62). By the way, at the time of purchasing the distribution disk D, the receiver R sets the music data Id to be distributed.
You have paid a copyright fee.

Next, a process when the distribution server 2 distributes the music data Id will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when receiving the distribution of the music data Id from the music distribution service H, the receiver R sets the purchased distribution disk D in the CD-R drive 3a. And the recipient R
Is a personal computer 3 on the homepage of the music distribution service H
Via the Internet I (S70). Subsequently, the recipient R requests the artist-specific music name list from the homepage of the music distribution service H on the personal computer 3 in order to select the music name of the music data Id to be distributed.

Then, the distribution server 2 reads the ID number In (encryption) from the distribution disk D via the communication control device 23. Then, the distribution server 2 reads the read ID
The number In (encryption) is decrypted, and the decrypted ID number In
Is registered in the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c or the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d (S71). If not registered, the distribution server 2 sends the information that cannot be distributed to the personal computer 3
(S79).

On the other hand, if registered, the distribution server 2
Transmits music information Im such as an artist-specific music name list to the personal computer 3 in response to a request from the receiver R (S7).
2).

Then, the receiver R selects a music name from an artist-specific music name list or the like displayed on a display (not shown) of the personal computer 3 and sends the requested music information Ir using the music name as information to the personal computer 3. (S73).
When the receiver R selects a music title, the music distribution service H may cause the personal computer 3 to output a music sound and allow the receiver R to view the music.

After receiving the requested music information Ir, the distribution server 2
Reads the latest distribution amount information Iq from the distribution disk D via the communication control device 23. The latest distribution amount information Iq is read from the distribution disk D by the receiver R
May be read to confirm whether or not the latest distribution amount information Iq has been illegally written, but need not be read if unnecessary. Subsequently, the distribution server 2
The rank of the music title of the requested music information Ir is specified based on the distribution music information database 21b (S74). Further, the distribution server 2 specifies the price of the specified rank based on the rank-price correspondence table 25 (S74).

Subsequently, based on the ID number In of the distribution amount disk D, the distribution server 2 determines the number of distributable songs 2 per rank in the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c.
1m or distribution disk database (flat-rate method) 2
The latest distribution amount information Iq is read from the balance 21q of 1d. Then, based on the latest distribution amount information Iq registered in the distribution disk database (music number system) 21c or the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, the distribution server 2 performs the music data of the specified rank or price. It is determined whether the Id can be distributed (S75).
When the latest distribution amount information Iq is registered in the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c, it is determined whether or not the number of songs of the specified rank is 1 or more. When registered in the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount is equal to or more than the specified price. If the distribution is impossible, the distribution server 2 transmits the information that cannot be distributed to the personal computer 3 (S79).

On the other hand, if distribution is possible, distribution server 2
The music data Id of the music name of the required music information Ir is read from the music data database 21e, and the distribution disk D is read.
(S76).

Then, the distribution server 2 rewrites the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c or the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d based on the specified rank or price (S77). When the ID number In of the distribution disk D is registered in the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c, the number of songs of the corresponding rank of the number of distributable songs 21m by rank is rewritten to a number obtained by subtracting one. . When the ID number In of the distribution disk D is registered in the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, the balance 21q
Is rewritten to the remaining amount reduced by the price from the remaining amount, and the number of songs of the corresponding rank of the number of distributed songs 21r by rank is rewritten to a number obtained by adding one.

Further, the distribution server 2 writes the latest distribution amount information Iq to the distribution disk D based on the specified rank or price (S78). When the ID number In of the distribution disk D is registered in the distribution disk database (song number system) 21c, the latest distribution amount information Iq is rewritten in the number of distributable songs 21m according to the rank. Number. When the ID number In of the distribution disk D is registered in the distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21d, the latest distribution amount information Iq is set to the remaining amount rewritten with the remaining amount 21q. By the way, the latest distribution amount information I is stored in the distribution disk D.
By writing q, it is possible to confirm how much music data Id can be distributed to the distribution disc D by the receiver R without connecting to the home page of the music distribution service H.

Thus, the distribution of the music data Id from the music distribution service H is completed, the music data Id is downloaded to the distribution disk D, and the latest distribution amount information Iq is written. In the distribution server 2, the information of the distribution disk D in the distribution disk databases 21c and 21d is rewritten.

According to the music data distribution system 1,
By selling the distribution disk D at a sales price including the distribution price, it is possible to collect in advance a copyright fee for the music data Id to be distributed. The music data distribution system 1 also stores the ID number In on the distribution disk D.
(Encryption) and the distribution amount information Iq, and stores the ID number In in the distribution disk databases 21c and 21d.
By registering the distribution amount information Iq, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the music data Id of the music name requested by the receiver R can be distributed. Further, in the music data distribution system 1, the receiver R can request and receive the music data Id only by operating the personal computer 3 which can be connected to the Internet I, as long as the distribution disk D is purchased. Excellent convenience.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various forms. For example, in the present embodiment, the music data is digital data of the music as the content, but various application software such as movies, word processors, game software, maps, books, etc. may be data that can be transmitted through a communication network. . Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution amount information is the number of songs by rank or the balance, but if no rank is set for the songs, the number of distributable songs may be used as the distribution amount information. Also,
In the present embodiment, the rank set for the music is fixed, but the rank may be lowered according to the elapsed time from the release date of the music, or may be raised or lowered according to the latest ranking, or the rank may be changed.

In the present embodiment, the distribution disk is sold at the store, but the distribution disk may be sold by Internet shopping as one of the music distribution services and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the receiver selects the music name from the music name list, but the receiver may directly input the music name. Further, in the present embodiment, whether or not the music data requested by the receiver can be distributed is determined based on the latest distribution amount information registered in the distribution disk database, but is written on the distribution disk. The determination may be made based on the latest distribution amount information.

[0088]

In the content distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the distributor distributes the storage medium at a selling price including the distribution price, thereby collecting a distribution fee for the distributed content in advance. Can be. Also,
In the content distribution system, the server can easily determine whether or not the content requested by the receiver can be distributed by writing the identification information and the distribution amount information to the storage medium and the storage means of the server. Further, the content distribution system can request and receive the content on the receiver side only by operating a terminal that can be connected to the communication network, as long as the storage medium is purchased,
Excellent convenience.

In the content distribution system according to a second aspect of the present invention, the distributor distributes the storage fee at a selling price including the copyright fee, thereby preliminarily setting the copyright fee for the distributed work data. Can be collected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a music data distribution system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a distribution server according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rank-price correspondence table according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a distribution music information database of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are configuration diagrams of the distribution disk database of FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 5A is a distribution disk database (music number system) and FIG. 5B is a distribution disk database (flat-rate system).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart when the artist according to the present embodiment provides music to a distribution company.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart when the distribution server according to the present embodiment newly registers music information.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart when the distribution server according to the present embodiment newly registers distribution disk information in a distribution disk database, where (a) is a distribution disk database (song number system); b) is a distribution disk database (flat-rate system).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart when a maker according to the present embodiment manufactures a distribution disk.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart when a distribution disk is sold at a store according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart when the distribution server according to the present embodiment distributes music data.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... music data distribution system (content distribution system) 2 ... distribution server (server) 3 ... personal computer 20 ... main control unit 20b ... distribution music information setting means 20c ... distribution disk Data setting means (storage medium data setting means) 20d ... distribution disk data processing means (storage medium data processing means) 20e ... music data distribution means (content distribution means) 21 ... storage device (storage means) 21b ... distribution music information database 21c ... distribution disk database (song number system) 21d ... distribution disk database (flat-rate system) 21e ... music data database 25 ... rank-price correspondence table A ... Artist (distributor side) C ... Distribution company (distributor side) D ... Distribution disk (storage medium) I: Internet (communication network) M: Manufacturer (distributor side) R: Receiver (receiver side) S: Dealer (distributor side)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A content distribution system for distributing content to a recipient side via a communication network by a server on the distributor side, wherein the distributor writes identification information and distribution amount information at the time of sale. The storage medium is sold to the receiver at a sales price including a distribution price according to the distribution amount information at the time of sale, and the server transmits the identification information written on the storage medium and the distribution amount information at the time of sale. Storage medium data setting means for storing in the storage means, and determining whether or not the content requested by the receiver can be distributed based on the identification information and the distribution amount information, and responding to the distribution of the content. A storage medium data processing unit that writes the latest distribution amount information into the storage medium and the storage unit; Content distribution means for distributing content to a recipient side, wherein the distributor side collects a distribution fee of the content to be distributed in advance by selling the storage medium to the recipient side. Content distribution system. 2. The content according to claim 1, wherein the content is obtained by converting a copyrighted work into data, and the distribution price is set based on a copyright fee of the copyrighted work. Delivery system.