JP2004221682A - Content distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to distribute contents in a form that can enhance a sales promotion effect as well as an advertisement / promotion function.
In the present invention, information on copyright protection is embedded as invisible digital watermark information in original image content, and advertisement / publication information and lottery information are embedded as visible digital watermark information to distribute the content.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image content distribution system, and more particularly, to an image content distribution system which forms one form of electronic commerce (Electronic Commerce) by embedding a visible electronic watermark in a product image in which an invisible electronic watermark is embedded in advance. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image content distribution system that uses a visible digital watermark embedded in the product image as one step of advertisement, promotion, and sales promotion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional image content distribution systems embed data related to copyright protection, such as an ID number for identifying a copyrighted work and information on a right holder, in advance as invisible digital watermarks in image contents, and sell the image contents as products to customers. I was In this case, the digital watermark includes 1) tracking of unauthorized copying, 2) authentication of the original image (checking for falsification, etc.), 3) recording / confirmation of rights / permissions, and 4) psychological use of unauthorized use of image contents. It has been used mainly for the purpose of protecting digital contents, which are copyrighted works, such as suppression.
[0003]
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-256192 (title of the invention: "content distribution method"), when multimedia contents such as audio data including image data are distributed as electronic data by using communication, electronic contents are transmitted. A content distribution method has been proposed that enables an ID number (content ID) issued in advance by a device at the ID issuing center to be attached to each data (content) using an invisible digital watermark.
[0004]
According to the present invention, first, an ID number is embedded as invisible electronic watermark information in electronic data representing merchandise content to be distributed from a content distributor device to a content purchaser device, and further, the ID number is embedded. The information indicating the digital watermarking scheme used at this time is also used as meta information as a digital watermarking scheme previously determined with the device at the ID verification center (excluding the extraction of the ID number already embedded in the content data). The method is characterized in that embedding is performed using a method that does not affect the
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-43192 (title of the invention: "content distribution method") discloses that once-distributed content data is copied and redistributed for the above proposal (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-256192). In such a case, it is possible to grasp (track) through which distribution route the content data has been distributed.
[0006]
According to the present invention, first, a basic number is embedded as an invisible electronic watermark as a first ID number in electronic data representing merchandise content to be distributed from a content distributor side device to a content purchaser side device. Then, when the electronic data representing the content in which the basic number is embedded is copied and redistributed, a second ID number can be embedded in the copy data.
[0007]
The second ID number is generated such that a number (basic number + additional number) obtained when linked to the first ID number (basic number) already embedded in the copy data is a unique number. After that, the portion of the second ID number (additional number) is embedded in the copy data as invisible digital watermark information.
[0008]
However, the additional number (second ID number) is embedded because the first ID number (basic number) is already embedded in the copy data. It is embedded in the copy data as a bit string starting from the next bit of the bit string representing the ID number (basic number) already embedded in the data.
[0009]
Further, embedding of the second ID number is performed by extracting a digital watermarking scheme by extracting digital watermarking scheme identification information embedded as meta information in the copy data, and then using the same digital watermarking scheme as the extraction scheme. Used.
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-256192 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-43192 A
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, as an advantage of the electronic commerce, there is a point that a side that provides a service and a side that enjoys the service in a virtual space face each other, so that a commercial transaction that exceeds the restrictions of time and place is possible.
[0012]
E-commerce also enables businesses to be launched with little capital, and also to enable new forms of services that transcend the industry framework by integrating services. For these reasons, e-commerce has great promise as a means of creating new business opportunities.
[0013]
However, in order for e-commerce to succeed as a business, it is also true that various know-how and challenges must be overcome. For example, (1) how to promote the posting of advertisements / promotional information on business Web pages by sponsors, (2) repeaters who frequently visit homepages and purchase products (image contents) How to secure them, and (3) how to create and maintain a state in which content creators are encouraged to register their work with businesses as a measure to strengthen customer attraction. Overcoming the challenges.
[0014]
The problem (1) is to secure advertising and publicity revenue. The problem (2) is for sales promotion. The problem (3) is a problem for securing a content provider. In other words, in the presence of a large number of e-commerce services competing with each other, the problem is how to develop services provided by oneself so that new users and existing registered members want to use them. It is related to.
[0015]
However, the above-described conventional image content distribution system using an invisible digital watermarking technique (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-256192 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-43192) uses a copyrighted work environment from the viewpoint of the right holder. Because of the emphasis on improvement, there is no means for overcoming these problems.
[0016]
In addition, especially with regard to advertisement / promotion and sales promotion, the conventional e-commerce system has the following restrictions and problems.
[0017]
Talking about advertisements / promotions, in the conventional image content distribution system, there has been a problem that there is a limit on the space in which advertisement / promotional information can be posted on a Web page.
[0018]
From a sales promotion perspective, image content distributors that accumulate or sell large amounts of copyrighted work are obliged to ensure that copyright protection is thorough, but at the same time As long as the image content distribution service is operated as a business, profits must be maximized.
[0019]
In other words, the business must obtain a high sales performance while taking various measures to protect digital contents from unauthorized use. However, strategies for content protection are fundamentally based on sexual predication.
[0020]
When operating a business, the business operator must ask the user for consent to the license conditions presented by the right holder in various ways, and in any case, the user must follow the procedure for obtaining the permission of the right holder. It is forced on. In such a case, a nuisance alert or a complicated and troublesome permission procedure lowers the user's satisfaction and risks moving the user away from the service, which is not preferable in the marketing strategy.
[0021]
Because satisfaction levels vary from user to user, operators must be especially sensitive to how users respond to such precautionary measures (such as alerts and fraudulent abuses). I can't get it. In this dilemma, businesses wanted some effective solution that could cover this.
[0022]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to distribute contents in a form that can enhance a sales promotion effect as well as an advertisement / promotion function.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a content distribution device that distributes content via a network, at least after embedding information relating to copyright protection in advance as unperceivable digital watermark information in the original content. Electronic watermark processing means for further embedding both the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information as perceptible electronic watermark information in the content in which the electronic watermark information is embedded, and the electronic watermark processing means performs the electronic watermark processing. First generation for generating distribution means for distributing content, and generating first lottery information for giving a privilege to a purchaser of the original content as information to be embedded together with advertisement / promotion information as perceptible digital watermark information Means and second lottery information for giving a privilege to the creator of the original content. And a second generating means for generating on the basis of the serial first lottery information.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
[First Embodiment]
(1) Outline of system
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 100 is a business server (image distribution device) that distributes image content as a product to a user, 102 is a content creator server / terminal on the creator side that holds the right of the image content as a creator, and 103 is a business server Is a content ID issuing center server / terminal that issues an ID number for each product image content to be distributed.
[0026]
As the image content (product image) to be distributed, various contents such as a photograph, a painting, a poster, a postcard, a comic, a color / monochrome still image, a character / symbol such as an electronic book, and the like are considered. Can be
[0027]
Reference numeral 104 denotes a node (a business server 100, a content creator server / terminal 102, a content ID issuing center server / terminal 103, a billing / settlement system 105, a member user terminal 107, an advertisement / advertising server in the image content distribution system according to the present invention. / Terminal 108) is an electronic certification authority (CA) 105 for at least charging between the member user terminal 107, the business server 100, the content creator server / terminal 102, and the advertisement / advertiser server / terminal 108. A billing / payment system for performing payment processing; 106, a browser / plug-in software installed on the member user terminal; 107, a member user terminal; 108, an advertisement of a company, an organization, an individual, or the like; The advertiser server / terminal, and the Internet / It is connected to another network 101.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the business server 100. A communication control unit 220 controls transmission and reception of data in a predetermined procedure using a communication line and a communication protocol, and includes at least a creator server / terminal, a member user terminal, an advertisement / advertiser server / terminal. Controls data communication between and Reference numeral 224 denotes an advertisement / advertisement information reception processing unit that performs a procedure related to reception of advertisement / advertisement information with the advertisement / advertisement server / terminal.
[0029]
Reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the server; 202, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that holds programs executed to control the server; and 203, a RAM (Random Access Memory).
[0030]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a digital watermark processing unit that performs various processes by using visible and invisible digital watermark technology, 205 denotes an invisible watermark processing unit that embeds and extracts an invisible digital watermark, and 206 denotes embedding and removal of a visible digital watermark. And 207 is an image content processing unit that generates a thumbnail image and an enlarged thumbnail image based on the original image when the business distributes the image content.
[0031]
Reference numeral 208 denotes a lottery process based on a lottery ID issued to the member user and the content creator (a first lottery ID issued to the member user + a second lottery ID issued to the content creator). 209 is a content ID processing unit that performs a procedure associated with the issuance of a content ID with a content ID issuing center server / terminal, and 210 is between an electronic certification authority (CA) and a billing / settlement system. The authentication / settlement processing unit 211 for performing processing related to the authentication / settlement procedure of the user generates a first lottery ID (for example, a one-time password) to be issued to the member user based on the password of the member user. And a lottery ID issuance processing unit that generates a second lottery ID to be issued to the content creator based on the first lottery ID.
[0032]
Note that the term "lottery" is a term used for convenience in newspapers and the like, and is strictly described as "lottery", but here, the term "lottery" is used. That is, the "lottery ID" means lottery information such as a lottery number and a symbol to be used for lottery.
[0033]
Reference numeral 212 denotes a system DB (database) for storing various data necessary for operation of the image content distribution system, and includes the following DBs.
[0034]
An original image content DB 213 stores and manages the original image content (original) received from the content creator. An image content 214 stores an image content in which an invisible digital watermark (for example, a content ID) is embedded in the original image. The invisible watermarked image DB 215 to be managed is a thumbnail image DB 216 that stores and manages the thumbnail image generated based on the original image content and the enlarged thumbnail image in the image content processing unit 207, and the attribute information and the sales It is a content information DB that accumulates and manages information on distribution status, information on content creators, and the like.
[0035]
A high-level registration information DB 217 stores and manages information on member users and content creators who use the image content distribution system, for example, information requiring careful handling from the viewpoint of privacy and the like. And a lottery ID (first lottery ID + second lottery ID) issued to the content creator, and data representing the correspondence between the member user (for example, the member user password) and the first lottery ID. Based on data representing the correspondence between a content creator (for example, a creator access number) and a second lottery ID, a first lottery ID of a member user, and a first lottery ID for the member user. It is a lottery-related information DB that stores and manages data representing a correspondence relationship with a generated second lottery ID for a content creator.
[0036]
Reference numeral 219 denotes authentication / payment information that stores and manages data (member registration number, member PIN, creator registration number, creator access number, etc.) necessary for exchange between the certification authority (CA) and the billing / payment system. The DB 221 stores an advertisement-related information DB that stores and manages advertisements / promotional information obtained from the advertisements / promoters, such as catch phrases, telephone numbers, URLs, and the like. The rights information DB 223 to be managed is a watermark information DB for storing keys required for removing a visible digital watermark.
(2) Operation in the first embodiment
Next, the procedure of the operation of each device and system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0037]
First, a procedure for registering / uploading a content created by a content creator by himself / herself (or having a right as a copyright holder) to / from an enterprise server 100 via the Internet / other network 101 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. explain.
[0038]
In step S300, the content creator presents data relating to the content creator itself and attribute information about the image content itself to the provider server 100, and sets various conditions for providing the image content with the provider (enterprise server) 100. Is performed on the content creator server / terminal 102.
[0039]
For example, the content creator server / terminal 102 may write data or check items by writing to a predetermined format on the Web and checking a selection form.
[0040]
The business server 100 registers the data input by the content creator. For example, information relating to the content itself is registered in the content information DB 216, information relating to the content creator (individual / corporate) itself is registered in the high-level registration information DB 217, and rights information including permission conditions is registered in the rights information DB 222. .
[0041]
At the stage when this registration processing is completed, the provider server 100 issues and transmits a creator registration number and a creator access number to the content creator server / terminal 102, and also transmits the creator registration number and the creator access number. Is registered in the authentication / settlement information DB 219.
[0042]
It should be noted that the input of data relating to the content creator only needs to be performed once at the time of the initial registration. In the future, when the creator registers / uploads the image content, the provider server 100 must This can be omitted by presenting the creator registration number and creator access number issued to the content creator server / terminal 102 at the time of initial registration.
[0043]
Next, in step S301, the content creator server / terminal 102 uploads the original image content (original image content) to the provider server 100. In step S302, the business server 100 registers the original image content uploaded from the content creator server / terminal 102 in the original image content DB 213. Subsequently, in step S303, the business server 100 requests the content ID issuing center 103 to issue an ID number (content ID) to be embedded as an invisible digital watermark in the original image content, and receives the content ID data.
[0044]
When requesting the issuance of a content ID to the content ID issuing center 103, the business server 100 also transmits the attribute information regarding the image content to the content ID issuing center 103, thereby transmitting the content ID to the content ID issuing center 103. The attribute information of the image content is registered.
[0045]
Next, the business server 100 embeds the content ID received from the content ID issuing center 103 into the original image content as an invisible digital watermark. This embedding process is performed in the digital watermark processing unit 204 (invisible watermark processing unit 205).
[0046]
The process of embedding the invisible digital watermark may be performed on the content ID issuing center 103 side. In this case, the business server 100 transmits the attribute information on the original image content together with the original image content to the content ID issuing center 103 in advance.
[0047]
In subsequent step S304, the business server 100 registers the image with the invisible digital watermark embedded in the invisible watermark image DB 214. In step S305, the business server 100 uses the original image content received from the content creator server / terminal 102 in step S302 to cause the image content processing unit 207 to generate a thumbnail image of the original image content (for example, FIG. , And an enlarged thumbnail image (for example, an enlarged thumbnail image 801 shown in FIG. 9).
[0048]
Note that the thumbnail image and the enlarged thumbnail image may be generated in advance on the content creator server / terminal 102 side and then uploaded to the provider server 100, respectively. Also, for the thumbnail image, if there is a request from the content creator (copyright holder), characters such as “Sample” or “sample” are embedded in the image content processing unit 207 (using a visible digital watermark). In this case, the embedding process is performed by the visible watermark processing unit 206) to prevent unauthorized use.
[0049]
In step S306, the business server 100 registers the generated thumbnail image and the enlarged thumbnail image in the thumbnail image DB 215, respectively. In step S307, the business server 100 sends a message to the effect that the registration procedure of the image content is completed to the content creator server / terminal 102 in the form of e-mail, for example.
[0050]
The business server 100 also sends data to the content creator server / terminal 102 together with data on the fact that the creator has registered an image that he or she has created, and which image (attribute information about the image) Information on whether the information was provided under the Internet will also be sent. At this point, the registration processing of the image content is completed.
[0051]
Next, a search procedure for a non-member user to search for a desired image on a Web site and a registration processing procedure for a non-member user to register as a regular user (member) of the image content distribution system are described with reference to FIG. The description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0052]
First, in step S400, a non-member user (a user who later becomes a member <member user terminal 107>) accesses the business site (business server) 100 via the Internet / other network 101. In step S401, the non-member user searches the business site 100 for desired image content using, for example, a keyword.
[0053]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the search screen. The non-member user searches for a desired image content by inputting one or a plurality of keywords in the entry field 601. Alternatively, a desired image may be more accurately searched by performing a narrowed search for improving the accuracy of the search after once performing a search using a keyword.
[0054]
In response to the non-member user executing the search, the business server 100 calls a thumbnail image corresponding to the search keyword from the thumbnail image DB 215, and displays the search result as shown in FIG. The thumbnail images 701, 702, etc. are the thumbnail images that have been hit as a result of the search. For example, in FIG. 7, since the non-member user has searched for an image using the search keyword “dragon” in the writing field 601, among the thumbnail images registered in the thumbnail image DB 215, an image including “dragon” in the title Are displayed as search results (see FIG. 8).
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the non-member user performs a refined search by inputting the keyword “town” in the “refine search” field in addition to the keyword “dragon”, the thumbnail image DB 215 Among the thumbnail image data registered in, the thumbnail image of the image that includes “City” and “Dragon” in the title is displayed as a search result, and when that thumbnail image is selected, “City” and “Dragon” Is displayed (see FIG. 9).
[0056]
In addition, the non-member user can perform the search again by inputting a new keyword (or search formula) in the entry field 704 for performing “next search”.
[0057]
In the above example, a search is performed for a title including a search keyword. However, information other than the title registered in the content information DB 216, such as a painter name, a style, a genre of painting (landscape picture, portrait picture, It is also possible to search based on an abstract picture.
[0058]
As a result of the search, if there is no desired image in the image content provided by the business server 100 (step S402), the non-member user stops accessing the business site (business server) 100.
[0059]
At the stage of step S402, when the non-member user can confirm the desired image content with the thumbnail image, the corresponding enlarged thumbnail image can be viewed by clicking the thumbnail image as described above.
[0060]
The display of the enlarged thumbnail image is realized by a process of calling an enlarged thumbnail image 801 corresponding to the thumbnail image 702 registered in the thumbnail image DB 215 in the business server 100.
[0061]
At the stage of presenting the enlarged thumbnail image in this way, the business server 100 may display a message urging the non-member user to become a member user. Alternatively, the non-member user may be able to know the attribute information of the image and the conditions of use by clicking the link “conditions of use” at the center below the enlarged thumbnail. In this case, the business server 100 displays the information by referring to the content information DB 216 and the right information DB 222.
[0062]
In the display screen 800 of FIG. 9, since the input of the member PIN and the member registration number is required in the input fields 802 and 803, the non-member user is required to use a desired image (for example, “dragon and town”). Requires a membership registration procedure.
[0063]
Therefore, the non-member user proceeds to step S403 and performs a procedure for member registration. In this case, a link is provided on the display screen 800, and the user can directly jump to the member registration site by clicking the link.
[0064]
In step S404, at the stage when the non-member user has completed a series of procedures for becoming a member, the non-member user becomes a member user. Regarding the procedure, for example, the non-member user writes personal information necessary for the membership registration procedure by writing to a predetermined format and checking the selection form on the Web, or a question item to be answered by the non-member user when contracting, It may be possible to check / select agreement items. By this member registration procedure, the personal information of the user is registered in the high-level registration information DB 217.
[0065]
Subsequently, in step S405, the business server 100 displays a message instructing the member user to download the dedicated browser / plug-in software 106 through the website. This message may be by email containing a link to the download site.
[0066]
In step S 406, the member user downloads the browser / plug-in software 106 corresponding to the present image content distribution system through the business server (download site) 100 and installs it on its own terminal (member user terminal) 107. Perform the above operations. The browser / plug-in software 106 may be an application that functions in cooperation with a standard browser.
[0067]
In step S407, the new member user 107 can receive the image content distribution service provided by the business server 100 when the business server 100 confirms that the download of the browser / plug-in software 106 by the member user terminal 107 has been completed. It becomes possible.
[0068]
The business server 100 sends a message notifying that the member user has been officially registered as a member to the member user terminal 107 by means such as e-mail together with the member PIN and the member registration number. You may.
[0069]
At this point, the membership registration procedure by the non-member user is completed. When purchasing the image content in the future, the member user can receive the service of the business operator by presenting the member registration number and the member PIN.
[0070]
Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, a search procedure for a member user to search for a desired image on a Web site of the present image content distribution system, and the searched desired image content are obtained and can be used. The following describes the processing procedure.
[0071]
First, in step S500, the member user accesses the business site (business server) 100. In step S501, the member user activates the browser / plug-in software 106 corresponding to the business service installed on the member user terminal 107. In step S502, the member user searches and selects desired content on the business site (business server) 100.
[0072]
At this time, the member user searches for image contents in the same procedure as in steps S400 to S402 in FIG. That is, the member user searches the business site 100 for a desired content image by using, for example, a keyword.
[0073]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the search screen. The member user searches for desired image content by inputting one or a plurality of keywords in the entry field 601. Alternatively, a desired image may be more accurately searched by performing a narrowed search for improving the accuracy of the search after once performing a search using a keyword.
[0074]
In response to the member user executing the search, the business server 100 calls a thumbnail image from the thumbnail image DB 215, and displays the search result as shown in FIG. Thumbnail images 701, 702, etc. are thumbnail images of the image content hit as a result of the search. For example, in FIG. 7, since the member user is searching for an image using the search keyword “dragon” in the writing field 601, the title includes “dragon” in the thumbnail images registered in the thumbnail image DB 215. The thumbnail image 702 is displayed as a search result (see FIG. 8).
[0075]
In addition, the member user can perform the search again by inputting a new keyword (or a search formula) in the entry field 704 for performing the “next search”.
[0076]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the member user inputs the keyword “town” in the “refinement search” field in addition to the keyword “dragon” and executes the refinement search, the thumbnail image DB 215 Among the registered thumbnail image data, thumbnail images of images including “town” and “dragon” in the title are displayed as search results.
[0077]
In the above example, a search is performed for a title including a search keyword. However, information other than the title registered in the content information DB 216, such as a painter name, a style, a genre of painting (landscape picture, portrait picture, It is also possible to search based on an abstract picture.
[0078]
As a result of the search, if there is no desired image in the image content provided by the business server 100, the member user stops accessing the business site (business server) 100.
[0079]
If the member user can confirm the desired image content with the thumbnail image, the corresponding enlarged thumbnail image can be viewed by clicking the thumbnail image (see FIG. 9).
[0080]
The display of the enlarged thumbnail image is realized by a process of calling an enlarged thumbnail image 801 corresponding to the thumbnail image 702 registered in the thumbnail image DB 215 in the business server 100.
[0081]
At the stage where the enlarged thumbnail image is presented in this way, the member user can know the attribute information of the image and the conditions of use by clicking the link “conditions of use” at the center below the enlarged thumbnail image. You may do so. In this case, the business server 100 displays the information by referring to the content information DB 216 and the right information DB 222.
[0082]
In the display screen 800 of FIG. 9, since the input of the member PIN and the member registration number is required in the input fields 802 and 803, the member user purchases a desired image (for example, “dragon and town”) at this time. Start the procedure to do. That is, in step S503, the member user inputs the member PIN and the member registration number, and performs an operation for confirming the order. In response to this operation, the member personal identification number and the member registration number of the member user are transmitted to the enterprise server 100.
[0083]
Subsequently, in step S504, the business server 100 starts authentication / settlement processing. At this time, a procedure for settlement / authentication is performed via the billing / settlement system 105 and the electronic certification authority (CA) 104. During the authentication / settlement process, the business server 100 displays a Web page (display screen 900) as shown in FIG. 10 on which a message 901 indicating that the authentication / settlement process is in progress.
[0084]
In step S505, upon confirming that the authentication / settlement process has been completed normally, the business server 100 displays a Web page on which a message notifying the user is posted (the display screen in FIG. 11). 1000). The business server 100 may transmit a message of the completion of the authentication / settlement process to the member user in the form of e-mail, for example.
[0085]
Next, in step S506, the business server 100 starts processing for issuing the first lottery ID to the product image purchased by the user. The process of issuing the first lottery ID is performed by the lottery ID issuance processing unit 211. In this case, the first lottery ID is generated and issued based on the member PIN, for example, by converting the member PIN into another numerical sequence by a predetermined method, and is also generated and issued for each purchase image. .
[0086]
Note that the first lottery ID may be generated based on data other than the member PIN. The generated first lottery ID is sent to the visible watermark processing unit 206.
[0087]
In step S507, the business server 100 also specifies advertisement / promotion information to be embedded as a visible digital watermark. At this point, the business server 100 has already received the advertisement / promotion information from the advertisement / promotion server / terminal 108 through the advertisement / promotion information reception processing unit 224, and the advertisement / promotion information is stored in the advertisement-related information DB 221. It is assumed to be registered in. The advertisement / promotion information reception processing unit 224 determines which advertisement / promotion information is to be embedded as a visible digital watermark, and sends the advertisement / promotion information to the visible watermark processing unit 206. In step S508, the business server 100 (visible watermark processing unit 206) embeds the first lottery ID and the advertisement / promotion information in the product image as a visible digital watermark.
[0088]
If there are a plurality of purchased images, different types of advertisement / promotion information may be embedded for each image. Alternatively, advertisement / promotion information having the same content may be embedded in a unit image.
[0089]
Subsequently, in step S509, the business server 100 instructs the member user to specify a download / storage destination of the image content. Here, for example, the company server 100 displays a writing field 1002 on the display screen 1000 in FIG. 11 for the member user to specify a folder in which the image content is to be stored.
[0090]
Although the message requesting the designation of the storage destination of the content is displayed on the business server 100, the designation of the storage destination of the file of the member user and the subsequent processing are performed on the user terminal 107 side, specifically, the browser / plug-in. -It shall be performed by the software 106. That is, in step S510, the member user specifies a download / save destination of the image content. The member user designates a folder (in the example of FIG. 11, the folder “bought image — 2001 — 8 — 20”) in the writing column 1002 to download the image content.
[0091]
In response to this designation, the user terminal 107 starts downloading the image, and the browser / plug-in software 106 displays a message 1301 on the display screen 1300 in FIG. 15 indicating that the image content is being downloaded. Is displayed. As a result of this processing, the file of the image content is stored in the folder “bought image — 2001 — 8 — 20”. The specific processing procedure for embedding a visible digital watermark will be described later.
[0092]
Also, the member user can view the product image by opening the image file received through the browser / plug-in software 106. That is, the browser / plug-in software 106 automatically opens the file of the download content when confirming the completion of the download, and displays the file content on the member user terminal 107. At this stage, the member user sees (reads) the first lottery ID and the advertisement / promotion information as visible digital watermark information (step S511).
[0093]
In this state, in order for the member user to use the image, it is necessary to obtain a key for removing the visible watermark from the company server 100.
[0094]
A display screen 1400 in FIG. 16 shows a product image 1401 in which a visible electronic watermark that a member user actually sees is embedded through the browser / plug-in software 106. Also, in 1402, a writing column 1402 for inputting the first lottery ID (visible digital watermark) in the image is provided, and the member user sets his / her own E-Mail in another writing column 1403. Enter the address.
[0095]
In step S512, the member user inputs the first lottery ID (No. 522298248090) visually embedded in the product image 1401 into the entry field 1402 as it is (enters “522298248090”), and writes Enter your own E-Mail address in the field 1403. By pressing the OK button 1404 in this state, the first lottery number and the E-Mail address are returned to the company server 100. The display screen 1700 in FIG. 19 is an example of an input screen showing a state where the lottery ID and the E-Mail address have been input.
[0096]
In step S513, the business server 100 checks the data received from the user terminal 107. Note that the E-Mail address is used as a means of authentication. If there is no problem in the data of the member user, the business server 100 performs a process for registering the first lottery ID received from the user terminal 107 in the lottery-related information DB 218 of the business server 100. At this point, the first lottery ID is registered in the business server 100 for the first time.
[0097]
Subsequently, the business server 100 transmits a key necessary for removing a visible digital watermark to the user terminal 107. The key for removal is a key generated when the visible digital watermark is embedded, and the business server 100 acquires the key for removal from the watermark information DB 223.
[0098]
Upon receiving the key for removing the visible digital watermark in step S514, the user terminal 107 immediately starts the visible watermark processing unit (1507 in FIG. 17, FIG. 23 and 2016 in FIG. 22) of the plug-in software 106. Then, a process for removing a visible digital watermark is started. Here, the business server 100 transmits attribute information and right information about each image purchased by the member user to the user terminal 107 by E-Mail.
[0099]
Reference numeral 1801 in FIG. 20 is an example of a message displayed on the user terminal 107 while the processing in steps S513 and S514 proceeds.
[0100]
Finally, in step S515, the visible digital watermark is removed from the image received by the user terminal 107. Subsequently, the plug-in software 106 of the user terminal 107 saves the product image (the image from which the visible digital watermark has been removed) in the folder “bought image — 2001 — 8 — 20” of the user terminal 107 at the time of the previous download. For overwriting and saving the replaced file (replace the previously received visible digital watermarked product image with the image from which the digital watermark has been removed), and in step S516, the member user can use the product image. . This process is performed for each purchased image. Reference numeral 1901 in FIG. 21 is an example of a screen indicating that a process of removing a visible digital watermark and overwriting a file is in progress on the user terminal 107.
[0101]
As described above, the image content distribution system according to the present invention is characterized in that a visible watermark is further embedded in an image in which an invisible digital watermark is embedded in an original image in advance.
[0102]
Hereinafter, the process of embedding a digital watermark will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. FIG. The process in FIG. 12 corresponds to the processing steps S505 to S511 in FIGS.
[0103]
At 1100 in FIG. 12, when the purchase / payment procedure is completed at the user terminal 107, the business server 100 displays a Web page on which a message notifying that the authentication / payment processing has been completed normally is posted. Next, the business server 100 calls, from the invisible watermark image DB 214, the product image 1101 in which an ID number (for example, content ID) for specifying the image content is embedded as an invisible digital watermark, and calls the image It is sent to the digital watermark processing unit 1102 (corresponding to 204 in FIG. 2) of the server 100.
[0104]
During that time, the business server 100 receives the member user password 1105, and generates a one-time password 1107 based on the member user password 1105 by the lottery ID issuing processing unit 1106 (corresponding to 211 in FIG. 2). . This one-time password 1107 is later transmitted to the member user as the first lottery ID.
[0105]
Subsequently, the business server 100 sends the one-time password 1107 to the digital watermark processing unit 1102. The business server 100 also calls the advertisement / promotion information 1110 (specifically, a URL, a telephone number, a catch phrase, etc.) previously received from the advertisement / promoter from the advertisement-related information DB 221 and calls the digital watermark processing unit 1102. Send to
[0106]
In response, the business server 100 causes the visible watermark processing unit 1109 (corresponding to 206 in FIG. 2) to embed the one-time password 1107 and the advertisement / promotion information 1110 into the product image 1101 as a visible digital watermark. Perform processing. In this process, the one-time password 1107 and the advertisement / promotion information 1110 are temporarily converted into a format that can be embedded as a visible digital watermark, and the converted data is embedded in the product image as a visible digital watermark. At the time of this embedding process, a key 1103 necessary for removing the visible digital watermark is generated.
[0107]
As a result of this processing, a product image 1104 in which both the invisible digital watermark (content ID) and the visible digital watermark are embedded is generated. Note that the first lottery ID may be generated in any form as long as it is generated based on the member's password. For example, a character / symbol string other than a numerical string may be generated. Further, the first lottery ID may be generated based on data other than the member password.
[0108]
13 and 14, on the side of the company server 100, first, for the original image content created by the content creator, the ID number (content ID) issued by the content ID issuing center server / terminal 103 is: It is embedded as an invisible digital watermark.
[0109]
Next, the first lottery ID and the advertisement / promotion information are embedded as a visible digital watermark. However, when embedding a visible digital watermark, a key required for the visible digital watermark removal processing is generated. Further, information to be embedded (lottery ID and advertisement / advertisement information) must be temporarily converted to a format that can be embedded in an image as a visible digital watermark before being embedded as a visible digital watermark in an image. The process for this is performed by the visible watermark processing unit 1109 (corresponding to 206 in FIG. 2) on the side of the business server 100.
[0110]
As a result of this processing, an invisible digital watermark and a visible digital watermark are doubly embedded in the original image content.
[0111]
Specifically, in step (A) of the digital watermark embedding flow, the business server 100 receives the original image 1200 from the content creator 102 in advance. Next, in step (B), an invisible watermark processing unit (equivalent to 205 in FIG. 2 and 1108 in FIG. 12) embeds an ID number (content ID) 1201 in the original image 1200 as an invisible digital watermark.
[0112]
Then, in step (C), a visible digital watermark 1202 is further embedded in the image in which the invisible digital watermark 1201 is embedded. The visible digital watermark 1202 includes a first lottery ID and advertisement / promotion information, and the information is temporarily converted by the visible watermark processing unit 1109 into a format that can be embedded as a visible digital watermark. It is embedded as a digital watermark.
[0113]
Finally, an image 1203 in which two types of digital watermarks (invisible digital watermark + visible digital watermark) are embedded twice is completed, and the image is distributed as a product to the member user (step <D>). . That is, in FIG. 12, the product image 1104 is transmitted to the user terminal 107 after the member user specifies the download / storage destination of the image content in 1111. The process shown in FIG. 12 is completed at 1112 when the member user receives the image content.
[0114]
The processing that follows after the member user receives the image content in FIG. 12 is shown in FIG. Note that the process in FIG. 17 corresponds to the processing steps S512 to S516 in FIG.
[0115]
1500 is a product image received by the member user. At this stage, the display screen 1700 of FIG. 19 is displayed, and the member user inputs an E-Mail address together with the first lottery ID embedded in the received image in a visible manner, The call is transmitted to the server 100.
[0116]
Upon receiving these data, the business server 100 immediately registers the first lottery ID in the process 1503, and in the process 1502, inputs the key 1508 (corresponding to 1103 in FIG. 12) for removing the visible watermark. It is called from the watermark information DB 223 and returned to the user terminal 107. Note that the first lottery ID received by the business server 100 from the user terminal 107 is immediately registered in the lottery-related information DB 218. The user terminal 107 acquires the key information in the process 1506.
[0117]
In response to this, the following process is performed on the member user side (member user terminal 107 side).
[0118]
In the process 1501, the member user sees the visible watermark in the image in which both the invisible digital watermark and the visible digital watermark are embedded on the Web. That is, the member user is forcedly shown (read) the advertisement / promotion information in addition to the first lottery ID embedded as visible watermark information. In addition, the user cannot use the image unless the visible digital watermark is removed. Therefore, the user terminal 107 removes the visible digital watermark using the key 1508.
[0119]
That is, immediately after receiving the key 1508, the browser / plug-in software 106 installed in the user terminal 107, in a process 1506, causes the visible watermark processing unit 1507 in the user terminal 107 to display a visible electronic image from the product image. Perform processing for removing the watermark. By this processing, the member user obtains the product image 1509 in which only the invisible digital watermark is embedded, but it is necessary to replace this with the product image containing the visible digital watermark previously stored in the folder. . Therefore, the product image 1509 in which only the invisible digital watermark is embedded in the process 1504 is overwritten on the product image with the visible digital watermark and stored.
[0120]
Only after the visible digital watermark is removed and stored as described above, the member user can use the image content within the range of the conditions previously agreed with the right holder (process 1505).
[0121]
Next, the procedure of the lottery process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1600, the business server 100 receives the first lottery ID input by the member user in step S512 in FIG. 6, and registers the first lottery ID in the lottery-related information DB 218. Next, in step S1601, the business server 100 generates a second lottery ID based on the first lottery ID and registers it in the lottery-related information DB 218.
[0122]
In step S1602, the business server 100 sends the second lottery ID to the content creator terminal / server 102. If the first lottery ID is not returned to the business server 100 when the member user purchases the image, the visible digital watermark cannot be removed, and the content creator cannot receive the benefit by the lottery. Has become.
[0123]
The lottery processing unit 208 of the business server 100 performs a lottery process in Step S1604 after a certain period has elapsed (it is assumed that the business operator can arbitrarily specify the start time and frequency of the lottery process). That is, a specific lottery ID is selected as a winning ID from the first lottery IDs received from the user terminal 107. Then, the member user corresponding to the selected ID is immediately specified. Also, in step 1605, after selecting a specific lottery ID from the second lottery IDs assigned to each content creator as a winning ID, the content creator corresponding to the selected ID is immediately specified (step 1605). S1605).
[0124]
Subsequently, in step S1606, the business server 100 sends a message notifying that the lottery has been won to the user terminal 107 and the content creator server / terminal 102 by e-mail or the like. Thereby, the qualification for receiving the privilege is given to the member user and the content creator from the business operator.
[0125]
By the way, in the above-mentioned lottery process, a specific lottery ID is selected as a winning ID from the first lottery IDs issued to the member users. Also, a specific lottery ID is selected as a winning ID from among the second lottery IDs issued to the content creator. That is, the lottery of the first lottery ID and the second lottery ID is performed independently of each other.
[0126]
However, it is also possible to perform a lottery by a method other than the above-mentioned lottery method. For example, the lottery processing unit 208 once selects a specific lottery ID (first lottery ID) from among the first lottery IDs as a winning ID, sets this as the lottery ID of the member user, and By determining a second lottery ID corresponding to the lottery ID (since the second lottery ID is generated based on the first lottery ID), the second lottery ID is used as the winning ID of the content creator. Is also good.
[0127]
In addition, the lottery processing unit 208 once selects a specific lottery ID (second lottery ID) from the second lottery IDs as a winning ID, and uses the selected lottery ID as the winning ID of the content creator. By calculating a first lottery ID corresponding to, the first lottery ID may be used as the winning ID of the member user.
[0128]
In addition, the lottery processing unit 208 selects some first lottery IDs from among the first lottery IDs as winning candidates, and selects all the lottery IDs of the member users who have become the corresponding lottery candidates. By determining all the second lottery IDs corresponding to the corresponding lottery IDs, the winning candidate IDs for the second lottery IDs are determined, and all the content creators corresponding to the lottery candidate IDs for the second lottery IDs are determined. You may win.
[0129]
In addition, the lottery processing unit 208 selects some second lottery IDs from among the second lottery IDs as winning candidates, and selects all the lottery IDs of the content creators who have become the corresponding selection candidates. By determining all the first lottery IDs corresponding to the corresponding lottery IDs, the winning candidate IDs for the first lottery IDs are determined, and all the member users corresponding to the lottery candidate IDs for the first lottery ID are determined. You may win.
[0130]
In addition, the lottery processing unit 208 temporarily selects a plurality of lottery IDs (first lottery IDs) from among the first lottery IDs as the winning IDs, and then corresponds to the first lottery IDs. A plurality of second lottery IDs may be determined, and one of the second lottery IDs may be used as the winning ID, and a benefit may be given to the content creator corresponding to the winning ID.
[0131]
Further, the lottery processing unit 208 once selects a plurality of lottery IDs (second lottery IDs) from the second lottery IDs as the winning IDs, and then corresponds to these second lottery IDs. A plurality of first lottery IDs may be determined, and one of the first lottery IDs may be set as a winning ID, and a benefit may be given to the corresponding member user.
[0132]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the visible digital watermark can be embedded in the product image (the product image in which the invisible digital watermark is embedded in advance) distributed by the business operator to the member user, and the visible electronic watermark can be embedded. The information to be embedded as a watermark is, in addition to the first lottery ID issued by the business entity to the member user who purchased the product image, advertisement / promotion information such as the URL of the advertisement / promoter, telephone number, and catch phrase.
[0133]
By directly embedding these advertisements and information in image contents (photographs, paintings, posters, postcards, comics, other color / monochrome still images, etc.) in a visible state, the business operator can use different advertisements for each registered content. -Advertising information can be embedded in the visible state, and theoretically as many types of advertisements and promotional information as the number of registered contents can be embedded in the image content in the visible state. Since the advertisement / promotion information is inevitably viewed, the advertisement / promotion function can be improved.
[0134]
Further, since the business operator gives a privilege to the user using the first lottery ID as a clue, in using the image content, the business operator is actually forced to perform a permission procedure and a procedure for removing advertisement / promotion information, Even if the user is forced to read the advertisement / promotion information in the form of a visible electronic watermark, the sales promotion effect is not impaired.
[0135]
In addition, the content creator (original creator) who provides the image content can be given a privilege based on the second lottery ID as a clue, so that the number of registered contents is increased and the ability to attract customers is improved. It is possible to acquire many sponsors (advertisers) and obtain a large amount of advertising revenue.
[0136]
[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as a digital watermarking method for embedding visible digital watermark information in a product image, it is assumed that one predetermined method is used for all product images. In the embodiment, it is possible to select from a plurality of methods for each product image. In this case, the company server 100 manages, in the watermark information DB 223, the type information of the digital watermark scheme of the visible digital watermark related to each product image.
[0137]
The specific process will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 2000 denotes processing performed on the business server 100 side, and 2011 denotes processing performed on the user terminal 107 side, that is, processing performed by the member user / plug-in software 106.
[0138]
Before distributing to the user terminal 107 the product image 2006 embedded with the invisible digital watermark previously purchased by the member user to the user terminal 107, the business server 100 checks the visible watermark processing unit 2008 (206 in FIG. 2, FIG. 25 and FIG. 12). 1109), the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery ID are embedded in the product image as a visible digital watermark.
[0139]
In this case, the algorithm selecting unit 2007 randomly selects one of a plurality of visible watermark embedding methods (2004 and 2005). For example, assuming that the visible watermark processing algorithm A (2004) is selected, a key is used in the visible watermark embedding processing (processing for embedding the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery ID as a visible digital watermark in the product image) by the same algorithm. (A key required to remove the visible watermark) is generated, and the key is registered in the key DB 2002 (corresponding to 223 in FIG. 2). At the same time, information for specifying the visible watermark processing algorithm used for embedding the visible watermark in the product image, and information indicating the correspondence between the information for specifying the visible watermark processing algorithm and the generation key are stored. Also performs a process for registration in the key DB 2002. Note that the visible watermark processing algorithm may be selected according to the content of the image or the like.
[0140]
Finally, an image 2009 in which a visible electronic watermark is embedded in the image 2006 in which an invisible electronic watermark is embedded is distributed to the user terminal 107 via the Internet / other network 2010 (corresponding to 101 in FIG. 1). Is done.
[0141]
On the side of the user terminal 107 that has received the image 2009, registration (return) of the first lottery ID to the enterprise server 100 and procedures for obtaining a key are performed. The visible watermark processing unit 2016 (corresponding to 1507 in FIG. 17) of the browser / plug-in software 106 of the user terminal 107 obtains the key 2012 (the same key as the above-described key 2001), and immediately responds to the received key. Processing for specifying the algorithm is performed by the algorithm specifying unit 2017. The process for specifying the visible watermark processing algorithm corresponding to the received key is performed based on information for specifying the visible watermark processing algorithm distributed from the business server 100 along with the key 2012. Algorithm candidates include B to D (2019) in addition to A (2015).
[0142]
Here, for example, assuming that the reception key 2012 is a key corresponding to the algorithm A (2015), the visible watermark processing unit 2016 specifies the visible watermark processing algorithm A (2015).
[0143]
Finally, the specified algorithm A (2015) removes only the visible watermark from the received image using the key 2012, and the member user can use the image 2020 (invisible watermark) with the visible watermark removed. Embedded image) can be obtained.
[0144]
By the way, in order to perform the above-described communication and processing between the enterprise server 100 and the user terminal 107, both need to be linked. That is, when the options of the visible watermark processing algorithm are narrowed or widened on the side of the business server 100, the browser / plug-in software 106 on the side of the user terminal 107 must also cope with this. When the business server 100 upgrades the version of the visible watermark processing algorithm, the browser / plug-in software 106 of the user terminal 107 also needs to be upgraded in the same manner.
[0145]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the user terminal 107 accesses the business server 100, it is possible to confirm the necessity of upgrading the browser / plug-in software 106, and the business server 100 When the upgrade is performed, by sending an instruction to that effect to the user terminal 107, the browser / plug-in software 106 on the user terminal 107 side can automatically upgrade itself.
[0146]
Reference numeral 2014 in FIG. 22 indicates communication between the company server 100 and the member user terminal 107 (browser / plug-in software 106) at that time.
[0147]
[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, when the user terminal 107 removes the visible digital watermark from the received image, the browser / plug-in software 106 analyzes the visible digital watermark embedded in the received image. Advertisement / promotion information is extracted, and based on URL information included in the advertisement / promotion information, an advertiser's Web page or an information source on the net can be accessed. The procedure will be described with reference to FIG.
[0148]
The browser / plug-in software 106 analyzes the visible digital watermark at the stage of removing the visible digital watermark from the product image by the visible watermark processing unit 1507, and converts the advertisement / promotion information embedded as the visible digital watermark into data. Reproduce.
[0149]
Then, the browser / plug-in software 106 accesses the advertisement / advertiser's Web page or an information source on the net based on the URL information included in the reproduced advertisement / advertisement information (process 2101), and 107 displays the Web page or the like of the advertisement / advertiser (process 2102).
[0150]
[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the image content to be embedded with the advertisement / promotion information is evaluated by a combination of a specific parameter and a plurality of parameters, and the advertisement / promotion fee is individually set for each image content according to the evaluation. I can do it. FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram of the present embodiment. FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the present embodiment.
[0151]
The parameters for the charge setting include, for example, the work genre (1), the number of clicks (2), the sales result (3), and others (4). For example, a higher advertisement / promotion fee is charged for items with a large number of clicks (number of browsing) or purchase results, and a lower advertisement / promotion fee is charged for items with a small number. Alternatively, the same advertisement / promotion fee may be charged uniformly for all image contents.
[0152]
Information as a parameter is stored in the marketing-related information DB 2302 of the business server 100 (see FIG. 25). The advertisement / advertising fee calculation process is performed by the advertisement / advertising fee calculation unit 2301.
[0153]
In the present embodiment, different advertisement / promotion charges may be imposed for each genre. For example, it is conceivable to set advertising / promotion charges for image contents in the entertainment field at a lower price than high-quality image contents taken by professional photographers. Alternatively, it is conceivable to lower the advertising / promotion fee for a genre having a relatively large number of users and to increase the fee for a genre for which only a small demand can be expected.
[0154]
Further, by combining the above parameters ((1) to (4)), it is possible to set an advertisement / advertising fee. For example, for image content such as news photos that have a relatively high sales unit price range (image contents that are likely to have limited demand due to high sales unit price), those that have a high actual sales track record It is possible to set a low advertising fee.
[0155]
When calculating the advertisement / promotion fee by reflecting the evaluation by a single parameter for the image A, the advertisement / promotion is actually charged to the advertisement / promotion by multiplying the basic price of the advertisement / promotion by Parameter (1). The advertisement / promotion charge X, XXX ， is calculated.
[0156]
When calculating the advertisement / promotion fee by reflecting the evaluation based on the two parameters for the image B, the actual advertisement is calculated by multiplying the basic fee for the advertisement / promotion by Parameter (1) and Parameter (2). The advertisement / advertising fee S, SSS # charged to the advertiser may be calculated.
[0157]
When calculating the advertisement / promotion fee by reflecting the evaluation using two or more parameters for the image C, the basic fee of the advertisement / promotion is multiplied by Parameter (1), Parameter (2), and Parameter (n). By combining them, the advertisement / advertising fee Z, ZZZ # actually charged to the advertisement / advertiser may be calculated.
[0158]
Further, the business operator may calculate the advertisement / promotion fee after determining the discount rate in advance according to the sales performance of the image content. For example, if the discount system is applied for the first time when the sales performance reaches a certain level or higher, if the sales performance to which the discount system is applied exceeds a certain level, it is divided into several ranges, A discount rate may be determined in advance for each.
[0159]
Specifically, for sales up to 100,000 $ / month or 200 copies per month, a basic fee shall be charged for advertising / promotion, and sales performance shall be 100,000 + X $ / month (X is the range of range 1). ) And 200 + Y sheets (Y is within the range of range 1), the advertisement / promotion charge is multiplied by the discount rate corresponding to X and Y with the basic charge, and the monthly sales record is 100, 000+ (X + 1) ￥ (X + 1 is within the range 2) and 200+ (Y + 1) (Y + 1 is within the range 2), a discount rate higher by one range than X and Y May be calculated by multiplying the basic fee by a method of calculating the advertisement / promotional fee. The method of calculating the advertisement / promotion charge by the business operator is not limited to the method described above.
[0160]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and includes, for example, not only still image contents but also contents composed only of text (character data) data, contents related to moving images, or sounds such as music. It is also applicable to the case of distributing the content according to.
[0161]
Also, the advertisement / promotion information and lottery information are not associated with the type of content (still image, moving image, text, sound, etc.). It can also be embedded as a digital watermark.
[0162]
Also, for example, the advertisement / promotion information is embedded as an electronic watermark relating to sound, and the lottery information is embedded as an electronic watermark relating to an image (text). It is also possible.
[0163]
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the user terminal is assumed to be a wired terminal connected to the network by wire, but may be a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone that can wirelessly connect to the network.
[0164]
Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments are recorded to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or a CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus. Needless to say, the above can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.
[0165]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0166]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.
[0167]
According to the present invention, in a content distribution device that distributes content via a network, at least after information relating to copyright protection is embedded in the original content as invisible digital watermark information, the invisible digital watermark information is embedded. Digital watermark processing means for embedding both the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information as perceivable digital watermark information in the content, and distribution means for distributing the content subjected to the digital watermark processing by the digital watermark processing means. First generating means for generating first lottery information for giving a privilege to a purchaser of the original content as information to be embedded together with advertisement / promotion information as perceptible digital watermark information; Based on the first lottery information, the second lottery information for granting the privilege to the author is Although it is an basic configuration in that it has a second generating means for generating Te, as this embodiment, it can be considered as follows.
[0168]
[Embodiment 1] The content distribution apparatus according to the basic configuration, wherein the first generation unit generates the first lottery information based on member identification information of a purchaser of the original content.
[0169]
[Embodiment 2] The transmission unit transmits key information for removing the perceptible digital watermark information to a distribution destination of the content on condition that the first lottery information is returned. The content distribution device according to the first embodiment, characterized by having a basic configuration.
[0170]
[Third Embodiment] A notification unit for notifying the author of second lottery information generated by the second generation unit and for giving a privilege to the author of the purchased original content is provided. A content distribution device according to any one of the first and second embodiments, characterized by a basic configuration.
[0171]
[Embodiment 4] A basic configuration, comprising: a first lottery means for performing a lottery process on the first lottery information; and a second lottery means for performing a lottery process on the second lottery information. The content distribution device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.
[0172]
[Fifth Embodiment] The content distribution apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the first lottery unit and the second lottery unit perform the lottery process independently of each other without depending on the result of the lottery.
[0173]
[Embodiment 6] The content distribution apparatus according to Embodiment 4, wherein the first lottery unit and the second lottery unit perform lottery processing based on mutual lottery results.
[0174]
[Embodiment 7] The basic configuration according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the digital watermark processing unit embeds the perceptible digital watermark information in all original contents by the same digital watermark method. A content distribution device according to claim 1.
[0175]
[Embodiment 8] The basic configuration, wherein the digital watermark processing means embeds the perceptible digital watermark information in each original content by a digital watermark scheme selected from a plurality of digital watermark schemes. The content distribution device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.
[0176]
[Embodiment 9] A basic configuration, comprising: setting means for setting a price for embedding the advertisement / promotion information as perceptible digital watermark information in the original content by evaluating the original content. The content distribution device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8.
[0177]
[Embodiment 10] The basic feature that the advertisement / promotion information includes address information for automatically accessing a site of a client of the advertisement / promotion information when the advertisement / promotion information is removed. The content distribution apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments.
[0178]
Embodiment 11 The content distribution apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the original content is any one of still image information, text information, moving image information, and sound information.
[0179]
[Twelfth Embodiment] In a content distribution method of distributing content via a network, at least information relating to copyright protection is embedded in the original content in advance as invisible digital watermark information, and then the invisible digital watermark information is embedded. Digital watermark processing step of embedding both the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information into perceived digital watermark information, and a distribution step of distributing the content subjected to the digital watermark processing by the digital watermark processing means And a first generation step of generating first lottery information for giving a privilege to a purchaser of the original content as information to be embedded together with advertisement / promotion information as perceptible digital watermark information; The second lottery information for granting a privilege to the author of the first lottery information And a second generation step of generating based on the content distribution method.
[0180]
[Thirteenth Embodiment] In a content distribution system for distributing content from a content distribution device to a user terminal via a network, the content distribution device converts at least information on copyright protection into original content as invisible digital watermark information in advance. Digital watermark processing means for embedding both the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information as perceptible digital watermark information in the content in which the imperceptible digital watermark information is embedded, and the digital watermark processing means Distribution means for distributing the content subjected to the digital watermarking process, and information to embed the first lottery information for giving a privilege to the purchaser of the original content together with the advertisement / promotion information as perceptible digital watermark information. First generation means for generating the original content, and the original content Second generation means for generating second lottery information for giving a privilege to the author based on the first lottery information, and the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information from the content related to distribution. Transmission means for transmitting key information for removing the content to a user terminal to which the content is to be distributed, wherein the user terminal converts the advertisement / promotion information and the first information from the content related to the distribution based on the key information. A content distribution system comprising a removing unit for removing lottery information.
[0181]
[Embodiment 14] The user terminal further comprises a prohibition unit for prohibiting the use of the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information from the content to be distributed until the removal unit removes the advertisement / promotion information. The content distribution system according to the thirteenth embodiment.
[0182]
[Embodiment 15] A user terminal capable of accessing content to be distributed from a content distribution device via a network, wherein at least advertisement / promotion information and first lottery information are embedded as perceptible digital watermark information. When receiving the distributed content from the content distribution device, the first lottery information is returned to the content distribution device to remove the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information from the content. Acquiring means for acquiring key information from the content distribution device; removing means for removing the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information from content related to distribution based on the key information acquired by the acquiring means; Until the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information are removed from the content to be distributed by the removing means, the content is removed. And a prohibiting means for prohibiting the use of the user terminal.
[0183]
[Embodiment 16] A control program executed by a content distribution device that distributes a content via a network, wherein at least the original content has advertisement / promotion information and first lottery information as perceivable digital watermark information. A control program having contents for embedding and distributing contents subjected to the digital watermark processing.
[0184]
[Embodiment 17] A control program executed by a user terminal capable of accessing content to be distributed from a content distribution device via a network, wherein at least advertisement / promotion information and first lottery information can be perceived. When distribution of the content embedded as the digital watermark information is received from the content distribution device, the first lottery information is returned to the content distribution device so that the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information are transmitted to the content distribution device. Obtaining key information for removing from the content from the content distribution device, removing the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information from the content related to the distribution based on the acquired key information, and Has contents prohibiting the use of the content until the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information are removed from A control program characterized by:
[0185]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to distribute contents in such a manner that the sales promotion effect can be improved simultaneously with the advertisement / promotion function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image content distribution system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a business server shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a content creator registers / uploads image content to a provider server.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure when a non-member user searches for a desired image and registers as a member.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure from when a member user searches for and obtains a desired image until the image becomes available.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the processing procedure of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an initial screen for image content search.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which a search result based on a keyword is displayed as a thumbnail image.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which a search result based on a keyword is displayed as an enlarged thumbnail image.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed during an authentication / settlement procedure of a user who wants to purchase image content.
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed after an authentication / settlement procedure is completed.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process of embedding a lottery ID and advertisement / promotion information as a visible digital watermark in a product image in which an invisible digital watermark is embedded in advance.
FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram specifically showing a process of embedding an invisible digital watermark and a visible digital watermark.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a process following the process in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed during downloading of a purchase image.
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed after download of a purchase image is completed.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a process of removing information embedded as a visible digital watermark from a downloaded purchase image.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a lottery process for giving a privilege to a member user and a content creator.
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen in a state where required input items have been input after download of a purchase image is completed.
FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a message informing a member user that a process for obtaining a key for removing a visible digital watermark is in progress.
FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display screen on which a message indicating that a visible digital watermark has been removed from a product image purchased by a user is displayed.
FIG. 22 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a processing procedure when a plurality of visible digital watermark algorithms are supported (second embodiment).
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a process for automatically accessing a Web page of an advertisement / advertiser based on a URL included in advertisement / advertisement information included in a visible digital watermark (third embodiment).
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of setting an advertisement / promotion fee for embedding advertisement / promotion information as visible digital watermark in image content (fourth embodiment).
FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a company server according to the fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100: Business server (image content distribution device)
101: Internet / Other Network
102: Content creator (copyright holder) server / terminal
103: Content ID issuing center server / terminal
104: Electronic Certification Authority (CA)
105: Billing and settlement system
106: Browser / Plug-in Software
107: User terminal
108: Advertising / advertiser (company etc.) server / terminal
201: CPU
202: ROM
203: RAM
204: digital watermark processing unit
205: invisible watermark processing unit
206: visible watermark processing unit
207: Image content processing unit
208: Lottery processing unit
209: Content ID processing unit
210: Authentication / settlement processing unit
211: Lottery ID issue processing unit
212: System DB
213: Original image content DB
214: Invisible watermarked image DB
215: Thumbnail image DB
216: Content information DB
217: High-level registration information DB
218: Lottery-related information DB
219: Authentication and settlement information DB
220: Communication control unit
221: Advertising related information DB
222: Rights information DB
223: Watermark information DB
224: Advertising / promotion information receiving unit
2301: Advertisement / advertising fee calculation unit
2302: Marketing related information DB

Claims (1)

In a content distribution device that distributes content via a network, at least
After embedding information relating to copyright protection in the original content as imperceptible digital watermark information in advance, it is possible to further perceive both the advertisement / promotion information and the first lottery information in the content in which the imperceptible digital watermark information is embedded. Digital watermark processing means for embedding as digital watermark information,
Distribution means for distributing the content subjected to the digital watermark processing by the digital watermark processing means;
First generation means for generating first lottery information for giving a privilege to a purchaser of the original content as information to be embedded together with advertisement / promotion information as perceptible digital watermark information;
Second generation means for generating second lottery information for giving a privilege to the creator of the original content based on the first lottery information;
A content distribution device, comprising:

Images