JP2006012127A - System and method for content distribution, and terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable trial listening of contents usable on a certain user terminal also on other user terminals without taking a labor and time for searching. <P>SOLUTION: In each portable terminal, when a content information request including a user ID is transmitted, a distribution server distributes streaming data of the contents which a user can use. When the portable terminal desires to permit trial listening of the contents to other portable terminals, transmits trial listening permission information including the user ID of itself and a content ID of the applicable content and to which an electronic signature is attached. The distribution server performs streaming distribution of the trial listening contents using the content ID and the user ID as a retrieval key after authentication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system and a content distribution method for distributing content such as music and moving images over a network, a portable terminal, a distribution server, and a storage medium, and in particular, content that can be used on a certain user terminal. The present invention relates to a content distribution system and content distribution method that can be recommended on other user terminals, a portable terminal, a distribution server, and a storage medium.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to a content distribution system, a content distribution method, a portable terminal, and a content distribution system that allow a user to listen to content that can be used on a certain user terminal without taking the time and effort of searching on another user terminal. A content distribution system and a content distribution method related to a distribution server and a storage medium, and in particular, a content that can be used on a certain user terminal and can be auditioned on another user terminal while protecting the copyright, The present invention relates to a portable terminal, a distribution server, and a storage medium.

  In recent years, coupled with dramatic advances in technologies such as information processing and information communication, there has been an increasing demand for network computing technology for interconnecting computers. On the network, users at remote locations can share computer resources and smoothly perform collaborative work such as sharing, distributing, distributing, and exchanging information.

  There are various forms of networks that interconnect computers. For example, a locally laid LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a WAN (Wide Area Network) configured by interconnecting LANs with a dedicated line, and further, mutual networks There are various things such as “the Internet” which has literally grown into a worldwide network as a result of repeated connection.

  "Internet" is literally a server (mainly a UNIX (registered trademark) workstation) installed at each university, research institution, etc., which has been voluntarily repeated, resulting in a huge network. Is a network of networks. Currently, innumerable servers are connected on the Internet, and each server opens various resource objects to innumerable clients. Host apparatuses on the Internet are usually interconnected on a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) basis.

  On the Internet, many services such as WWW (World Wide Web), News, TELNET (TELeipewriter NETwork), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and Gopher are open to the public.

  Of these, the WWW is a wide area information search system that provides an information space with a hyperlink structure, and is the biggest factor for the explosive growth and rapid spread of the Internet. The WWW is a wide area information search system that can browse various media such as text, images, and audio in a hypertext format. Hypertext information handled on the WWW is described in a hypertext format description language called HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Currently, countless HTML documents, that is, information resources, are disclosed on the Internet free of charge or free of charge. According to TCP / IP, various information resources including these HTML documents are specified by identifiers in the form of URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and can be transferred according to the HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) protocol (well known). .

  Recently, with the speed of network lines such as telephone lines (such as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)) and cable television, video content distribution services such as movies, animations, live broadcasts, etc. are expected. It has come to be.

  For example, when distributing sound or video images over the Internet, a “streaming” technique has been developed and started to spread, in which a user does not play a file after downloading it, but plays it while downloading it. Streaming delivery is seen as the key to next-generation Internet usage. Currently, as well-known content distribution systems that implement streaming technology, for example, “RealSystemG2”, “Windows (registered trademark) Media Technologies”, and the like can be cited.

  For example, a content distribution system in which content is stream-distributed only to users who are permitted to use the content by managing users who can use the content on a database on the server side can be considered.

  In such a content distribution system, a user can search for content to be used from a database of a server and purchase it using online settlement means such as electronic payment. After a regular content purchase procedure, the user can use the content on the client terminal.

  In addition, for the purpose of confirming the content before purchasing the content, a system that reduces the quality of the content or a part of the content and provides the data as trial listening data is also conceivable.

  However, in such a content distribution system, there is a problem that the user has to find out the content that he / she wants to use from a huge amount of content on the database.

  For example, when a user is recommended a certain content by another person, the content must be searched by name or keyword each time. On the other hand, when recommending content to other people, the content cannot be communicated unless the content is played back. For this reason, even if there is a system for auditioning content, it is difficult or troublesome to recommend it to other people because the operation is troublesome.

  In addition, when searching for content from a database on the server, content created by prominent authors or advertised content is often purchased, but other content is often buried in a large amount of content, so it is a chance to sell. There is a problem that cannot be obtained.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent content distribution system and content distribution method, portable terminal, distribution server, and storage medium that can recommend content that can be used on a certain user terminal on other user terminals. It is to provide.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent content distribution system and content distribution method capable of listening to content that can be used on a certain user terminal without taking the trouble of searching on another user terminal, It is to provide a portable terminal, a distribution server, and a storage medium.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent content distribution system and content distribution method capable of listening to content available on a certain user terminal on another user terminal while protecting the copyright, It is to provide a portable terminal, a distribution server, and a storage medium.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and a first aspect of the present invention is a content distribution system for distributing content over a network,
A content distribution server for providing content;
It consists of multiple client devices that listen to content,
The client terminal provides trial listening permission information of content that it has obtained permission to use for other client terminals, and requests content from the content distribution server,
The content distribution server distributes the content in response to the content request from the client terminal;
This is a content distribution system characterized by the above.

  However, “system” here refers to a logical collection of a plurality of devices (or functional modules that realize specific functions), and each device or functional module is in a single housing. It does not matter whether or not.

  The content distribution server manages the content permitted to be used for each user ID of each client terminal. In response to the client terminal issuing a request for content information including its own user ID, the content distribution server returns a content information list permitted for the user ID.

  Further, the content distribution server, in response to selection of specific content from the content information list on the client terminal, performs streaming distribution of the selected content to the client terminal.

  In addition, each client terminal can transmit to the other client terminals trial listening permission information including the ID of the content to be auditioned and its user ID. Then, the client terminal that has received the trial listening permission information transmits a request for content including the trial listening permission information to the content distribution server.

  In response to this, the content distribution server returns a content information list that is permitted to be used for the user ID included in the audition permission information in response to receiving the request for the content including the audition permission information. . Therefore, by issuing a content audition command including the audition permission information from the client terminal, the content permitted to be auditioned by a legitimate user is streamed from the content distribution server. You can audition by a simple procedure.

  Therefore, according to the content distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention, content that can be used on a certain client terminal can be recommended on another client terminal.

  Further, the content distribution server responds to a request from the client terminal after the authentication process based on the electronic signature, and between each client terminal, the audition permission information after the personal authentication process based on the personal authentication information possessed by each client terminal By transmitting this, it is possible to listen to content available on one client terminal on another client terminal while protecting the copyright.

  Each client terminal has a portable authentication medium for holding its own personal authentication information and personal authentication information transmitting means for transmitting the personal authentication information on the portable authentication medium so that the personal authentication procedure can be easily performed. And personal authentication information receiving means for receiving personal authentication information from another client terminal, and personal authentication means for specifying a user of the other client terminal based on the received personal authentication information.

  In addition, the content distribution server may perform a procedure for purchasing the content with respect to a client terminal having content trial listening permission information.

  By making it possible to purchase content that is being auditioned, it is not necessary to search for content when purchasing content recommended by other users on the spot. In addition, the content distribution / provision side can also get the opportunity to distribute the content in a different way from the sales of media that recorded the conventional content or the content distribution service by the website. Content can be spread efficiently through transmission.

  In addition, by installing on the network an electronic settlement server that performs billing processing for the client terminal that has been provided with the content from the content distribution server, permission to listen to the content between the client terminals and the content that is subsequently performed The purchase procedure can be facilitated. For example, the electronic settlement server may perform billing processing for each client terminal using electronic money. Alternatively, by registering the number of credit card, cash card, debit card, etc. possessed by the user of each client terminal as part of user information, credit settlement and immediate settlement are performed in conjunction with other financial institutions. It may be.

A second aspect of the present invention is a content distribution method for distributing content on a network including a content distribution server that provides content and a plurality of client terminals that listen to the content,
A client terminal requesting content information from a content distribution server;
A step in which the content distribution server returns a content information list available on the requesting client terminal in response to the content information request;
In response to the client terminal selecting content from the content information list, the content distribution server streaming distributes the selected content to the client terminal;
It is the content delivery method characterized by comprising.

The content distribution method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:
A client terminal sending audition permission information about available content to another client terminal;
The client terminal that has received the trial permission information transmits a request for content including the trial permission information to the content distribution server;
Transmission of content information about the content specified by the trial listening permission information to the client terminal from which the content distribution server has received the trial permission information on condition that the client terminal from which the trial listening permission information is transmitted can use the content. And / or performing streaming delivery;
Is further provided.

  Therefore, according to the content distribution method according to the second aspect of the present invention, content that can be used on a certain client terminal can be recommended on another client terminal.

  Further, the content distribution server responds to a request from the client terminal after the authentication process based on the electronic signature, and between each client terminal, the audition permission information after the personal authentication process based on the personal authentication information possessed by each client terminal By transmitting this, it is possible to listen to content available on one client terminal on another client terminal while protecting the copyright.

  The content distribution method according to the second aspect of the present invention may further include a step of performing the content purchase procedure for a client terminal having content trial listening permission information.

  By making it possible to purchase content that is being auditioned, it is not necessary to search for content when purchasing content recommended by other users on the spot. In addition, the content distribution / provision side can also get the opportunity to distribute the content in a different way from the sales of media that recorded the conventional content or the content distribution service by the website. Content can be spread efficiently through transmission.

  In addition, it further includes a step of charging the client terminal that has been provided with the content from the content distribution server, thereby facilitating the permission to listen to the content between the client terminals and the subsequent content purchase procedure. For example, the charging process may be performed on each client terminal using electronic money. Alternatively, by registering the number of credit card, cash card, debit card, etc. possessed by the user of each client terminal as part of user information, credit settlement and immediate settlement are performed in conjunction with other financial institutions. It may be.

A third aspect of the present invention is a portable terminal that operates on a network where content distribution is performed,
Means for requesting content information from a server on the network;
Means for displaying a content information list received from the server;
A streaming data requesting means for requesting streaming data of the selected content from a server on the network in response to the user selecting the specific content in the content information list;
Streaming data receiving means for receiving streaming data from a server on the network;
Streaming data playback means for playing back streaming data;
It is a portable terminal characterized by comprising.

A mobile terminal according to a third aspect of the present invention is:
Audition permission information transmitting means for transmitting the audition permission information for permitting preview of the content available to the user to another mobile device,
Audition permission information receiving means for receiving audition permission information from another mobile terminal;
Audition request means for making a request for audition based on the received audition permission information to a server on the network,
Listening information receiving means for receiving listening information from a server on the network;
Audition information reproducing means for reproducing the audition information;
May be further provided.

  In such a case, the user of the mobile terminal can easily recommend the content that can be used to other mobile terminals by using the format of transmission of trial listening permission information. Also, when trial listening permission information is received from another mobile terminal, based on this trial listening permission information, a request for distribution of recommended content information and streaming data is made to a predetermined content distribution server on the network. can do.

  In addition, by exchanging trial permission information between individual mobile terminals through personal authentication processing, it is possible to easily listen to content on other mobile terminals while protecting the copyright.

  For personal authentication processing, the mobile terminal further includes personal authentication information holding means for holding its own personal authentication information, and inter-terminal connection means for connecting to other mobile terminals through personal authentication processing based on the personal authentication information. You may have. In addition, the mobile terminal receives a personal authentication information from another client terminal, a mobile authentication medium for holding personal authentication information of the mobile terminal, personal authentication information transmitting means for transmitting the personal authentication information on the mobile authentication medium, and Personal authentication information receiving means for performing the authentication, and personal authentication means for identifying a user using the other client terminal based on the received personal authentication information. In addition, in order to allow the streaming data to be mutually auditioned with other mobile terminals, the mobile terminal permits the audition permission to transmit the audition permission information for permitting the audition of the contents that can be used to the other mobile terminal. Information transmission means, listening permission information receiving means for receiving listening permission information from another portable terminal, listening request means for making a listening request based on the received listening permission information to a server on the network, and listening from a server on the network There may be provided audition information receiving means for receiving information and audition information reproducing means for reproducing the audition information.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a distribution server that operates on a network where content distribution is performed,
In response to a content information request from a client, a content information list providing means for returning a content information list usable by the client;
A streaming data delivery means for delivering streaming data of the content in response to the client selecting specific content in the content information list;
A distribution server characterized by comprising:

  The distribution server according to the fourth aspect of the present invention returns the content information permitted to be used by the client that issued the audition permission information in response to receiving the request for content information including the audition permission information. Means may be further provided.

  In addition, the distribution server according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is permitted to use the content by the client that has issued the audition permission information in response to receiving the content audition command including the audition permission information. Streaming distribution may be performed on the condition.

  In such a case, the user can easily recommend the content to other users by exchanging the trial listening permission information between the portable terminals with the content that can be used by the user.

  Also, the distribution server can easily listen to the content between each portable terminal while protecting the copyright by responding to the request from the client after the authentication processing based on the electronic signature.

  The distribution server according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may perform the content purchase procedure for a client terminal having content trial listening permission information.

  By making it possible to purchase content that is being auditioned, it is not necessary to search for content when purchasing content recommended by other users on the spot. In addition, the content distribution / provision side can also get the opportunity to distribute the content in a different way from the sales of media that recorded the conventional content or the content distribution service by the website. Content can be spread efficiently through transmission.

Further, the fifth aspect of the present invention is described in such a manner that content distribution processing on a network including a content distribution server that provides content and a plurality of client terminals that listen to the content is executed on a computer system. A computer-readable storage medium physically storing the computer software in a computer-readable format,
Returning a content information list available on the requesting client terminal in response to the content information request;
Streaming the selected content to the client terminal in response to the client terminal selecting content from the content information list;
It is a storage medium characterized by comprising.

  Here, the computer software is configured to provide the content specified in the audition permission information to the client terminal that has received the audition permission information on the condition that the client terminal that has transmitted the audition permission information can use the content. There may be further included a step of performing transmission of content information and / or streaming distribution.

  The storage medium according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is a medium that provides computer software in a computer-readable format to, for example, a general-purpose computer system capable of executing various program codes. Such a medium is a detachable and portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), an FD (Floppy (registered trademark) Disc), or an MO (Magneto-Optical disc). The storage medium here may be realized not only as a package medium but also as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk in which a program is stored temporarily or permanently. Alternatively, it is technically possible to provide computer software to a specific computer system via a transmission medium such as a network (whether the network is wireless or wired).

  Such a program storage medium defines a structural or functional cooperative relationship between the computer software and the storage medium for realizing a predetermined computer software function on the computer system. . In other words, by installing predetermined computer software in the computer system via the program storage medium according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a cooperative action is exhibited on the computer system, and The same effects as those of the distribution server according to the fifth aspect can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, an excellent content distribution system and content distribution method, portable terminal, distribution server, and storage medium that can recommend content that can be used on a certain user terminal also on other user terminals. Can be provided.

  Moreover, according to the present invention, an excellent content distribution system and content distribution method that enables a user to listen to content that can be used on a certain user terminal while also protecting the copyright, A portable terminal, a distribution server, and a storage medium can be provided. Therefore, it is possible to easily recommend the content to other users, and the content can be spread by communication between individuals while protecting the copyright of the content.

  Further, according to the content distribution system and content distribution method, portable terminal, distribution server, and storage medium according to the present invention, the content recommended by other users can be purchased by enabling the purchase of the content being auditioned. There is no need to search for content when purchasing on-site. In addition, the content distribution / provision side can also get the opportunity to distribute the content in a different way from the sales of media that recorded the conventional content or the content distribution service by the website. Content can be spread efficiently through transmission. As a result, the development of content production business and content distribution / distribution / provision business can be promoted.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a more detailed description based on embodiments of the present invention described later and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a network configuration of a streaming distribution system 1 used for implementing the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, there are innumerable portable terminals 10-1, 10-2,. The mobile terminal 10 includes, for example, a notebook computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, and the like.

  Further, the network is a wide area network such as the Internet 20, a mobile communication network 30 interconnected with the Internet 20, or a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Network) or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) (none of which are shown). It consists of a public telephone network.

  As is already known, a myriad of servers including the content server 40 that provides content are constructed on the Internet 20, and content distribution services and services for each mobile terminal 10-1. Other services can be provided.

  The mobile terminals 10-1, 10-2,... Are IP-connected to the Internet 20 via, for example, an Internet service provider (ISP: not shown). Further, the mobile terminals 10-3, 10-4,... Are connected to the network via the nearest base stations 31-1, 31-2, etc. prepared by the mobile communication network 30.

  In addition to the content server 40 that stores and provides content on the Internet 20, a registration server 50 that registers and manages content provided on the network, and the Internet 20 and the mobile communication network 30 are used as mediators. A distribution server 60 that provides a content distribution service, an electronic settlement server 70 that charges a user for a fee (service usage fee) for using the streaming distribution service, and the like are constructed.

  The distribution server 60 is connected to the content server 40 and the electronic payment server 70.

  The content server 40 includes a content database (not shown) that stores content streaming data, content information (including content ID, name, price, content description, etc.), user IDs of available users, and the like. ing.

  The electronic payment server 70 includes a payment database (not shown) that stores electronic payment transactions related to content purchase. For example, the electronic settlement server 70 may perform billing processing for each client terminal using electronic money. Alternatively, by registering the number of credit card, cash card, debit card, etc. possessed by the user of each client terminal as part of the user information, credit settlement or immediate operation in conjunction with other financial institutions (not shown) You may make it settle.

  When the distribution server 60 receives the streaming data request signal including the content ID and the user ID transmitted from the mobile terminals 10-1..., The distribution server 60 searches for the corresponding content on the content server 40 and can use the content. Is confirmed, the streaming data is transmitted to the requesting mobile terminals 10-1.

  When the distribution server 60 receives the content information request signal including the content search condition from the mobile terminals 10-1,..., The distribution server 60 extracts the content information of the content corresponding to the content search condition from the content server 40, and It transmits to terminal 10-1.

  Further, when the distribution server 60 receives the content purchase request signal including the content ID and the user ID from the mobile terminals 10-1,..., The purchase request signal is stored in the table storing the available users of the corresponding content in the content server 40. And the electronic payment is performed by the electronic payment server 70.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the distribution server 60 is also connected to the satellite base station 61, and can distribute contents to the mobile terminals 10-n-1 and 10-n by satellite waves via the communication satellite 62. it can. Even when content is distributed by satellite waves, the electronic payment server 70 charges the user of the mobile terminal 10 for the content usage fee, as in the case of network distribution. Of course, when charging via the communication satellite 62, an extra charge may be requested.

  The registration server 50 is connected to the content server 40. The registration server 50 is also connected to the mobile terminal 10 that uploads content to the content server 40, that is, a content upload client via the Internet 20.

  Each mobile terminal 10-1,..., That is, the content upload client stores a content file created by the client user. The content file includes audio data, moving image data, and content information. The content upload client is connected to the registration server 50 via a network such as the Internet 20. When a content file is uploaded from the content upload client to the registration server 50, the registration server 50 confirms whether the format of the content file is compatible with the content server 40, and then receives the received content file. Are encoded for streaming delivery, and the encoded streaming data and content information are registered in the content database of the content server 40 connected to the registration server 50.

First embodiment:
FIG. 2 shows one configuration example of the mobile terminal 10 that can operate as a content receiving client in the streaming distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment. A mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a mobile terminal 10 main body that mainly performs content reception processing and an IC card 11 that holds authentication information.

  The operation of the mobile terminal 10 main body is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 101. The control unit 101 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that can be used as a storage area for program loading and work data, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that permanently stores program codes and predetermined data. . The control unit 101 is connected to each functional unit shown in the figure and controls each unit.

  The display control unit 104 is connected to the display 105 and controls display driving of the display 105.

  The operation detection unit 106 is connected to the operation panel 107 and detects an input operation performed by the user via the operation panel 107. The display 105 and the operation panel 107 constitute a user interface of the mobile terminal 10.

  The network connection unit 108 is connected to an external network such as the Internet 20 according to a predetermined communication protocol, and can communicate with the distribution server 60 via the network.

  The streaming data receiving unit 109 receives streaming data from the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108. The buffering unit 110 temporarily buffers the received streaming data. The decoding unit 111 decodes the encoded streaming data. The decoded data is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 112, and the audio is output from the audio output unit 113 such as a speaker.

  The content information management unit 114 generates a content information request signal and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108, and then stores the content information received via the network connection unit 108 in the content information storage unit 115. To do. The content information storage unit 115 stores one or more records having fields such as a content ID, a content name, a description of the content, a flag indicating whether the content is a purchased content or a preview content.

  The IC card connection unit 116 is connected to the connection terminal 202 of the IC card 11. The IC card 11 includes a control unit 201 that controls operations in the card 11 and a personal authentication information storage unit 203 that stores personal authentication information including the user ID of the owner. The personal authentication information stored in the personal authentication information storage unit 203 is sent to the personal authentication unit 117 on the mobile terminal 10 main body side via the connection terminal 202 and the IC card connection unit 116. After the authenticity of the user is verified by the personal authentication unit 117, the user ID is stored in the user ID storage unit 118.

  The terminal-to-terminal connection unit 119 can be connected to another portable terminal (not shown in FIG. 2) via a wired or wireless communication means, and performs data communication with the other portable terminal 10. Do. For example, the inter-terminal connection unit 119 can realize inter-terminal connection using IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth communication, or infrared communication (IrDA) that is a short-range wireless communication unit.

  The electronic signature generation unit 120 generates an electronic signature to be attached to each data using the encryption key stored in the encryption key storage unit 121.

  The audition permission information transmission control unit 122 transmits the audition permission information to other mobile terminals via the inter-terminal connection unit 119. The audition permission information includes a content ID (stored in the content information storage unit) of content that may be auditioned by a specific other user, and a user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 118, and includes an electronic signature. An electronic signature generated by the generation unit 120 is attached.

  The trial listening permission information reception control unit 123 receives the trial permission information transmitted from the other mobile terminal 10 via the inter-terminal connection unit 119.

  The streaming data request signal generation unit 125 generates a streaming data request signal for content to be reproduced on the mobile terminal 10 and transmits the streaming data request signal to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108. The streaming data request signal includes a content ID stored in the content information storage unit 115 or trial permission information received from another terminal and a user ID, and an electronic signature generated by the electronic signature generation unit 120 is attached. Is done.

  The content purchase request signal generation unit 126 generates a purchase request for trial content and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108. The content purchase request signal includes the user ID and trial listening permission information received from another mobile terminal.

  Next, the operation on the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

  Personal authentication using the IC card 11 is performed as follows. That is, when the user inserts the IC card 11 into a card slot (not shown) of the mobile terminal 10 and the connection between the mobile terminal 10 and the IC card 11 is detected by the IC card connection unit 116 (or contactless connection) The personal authentication information stored in the personal authentication information storage unit 203 on the IC card 11 side is sent to the personal authentication unit 117 of the mobile terminal 10 main body via the connection terminal 202 and the IC card connection unit 116. It is done. After confirming the validity of the personal authentication information, the personal authentication unit 117 stores the user ID included in the personal authentication information in the user ID storage unit 118.

  Next, a processing procedure for the user to receive and play back his / her usable (purchased) content from the distribution server 60 using the mobile terminal will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user can select a content information acquisition command from the menu displayed on the display 105 by operating the operation panel 107 on the portable terminal A used by the user.

  In response to such a menu selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit 120 generates an electronic signature including the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 118. Then, the content information management unit 114 generates a content information request signal attached with the electronic signature, and transmits the content information request signal to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108.

  After confirming the validity of the electronic signature attached to the content information request signal, the distribution server 60 uses the user ID included in the content information request signal as a search key to search the content database (illustrated) of the content server 40. No) is searched for content that can be used by the user using the mobile terminal A. Then, the distribution server 60 returns a content information list listing the contents available to the user to the mobile terminal A via the network.

  On the mobile terminal A side, when the content information list is received by the network connection unit 108, the content information management unit 114 stores the received content information list in the content information storage unit 115, and the display control unit 104 displays the content information list on the display 105. Process to display the information list.

  A user who browses the content information list on the display 105 can select content to view from the displayed content information list by operating the operation panel 107.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit 120 stores the content ID of the selected content (stored in the content information storage unit 115) and the user ID (stored in the user ID storage unit 118). Is generated. Then, the streaming data request signal generation unit 125 generates a streaming data request signal to which the electronic signature is attached, and transmits the streaming data request signal to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108.

  Upon receiving the streaming data request signal, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature attached to the streaming data request signal, and then searches for the content ID and user ID included in the streaming data request signal. As described above, the content requested by the portable terminal A is searched from a content database (not shown) of the content server 40. Then, the distribution server 60 distributes the streaming data of the content to the requesting mobile terminal A.

  On the mobile terminal A side, the streaming data reception control unit 109 receives streaming data via the network connection unit 108. The received streaming data is buffered by the buffering unit 110 for a predetermined number of bytes or more, and then sent to the decoding unit 111. After being decoded by the decoding unit 111 and further converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 112, it is externally output (real reproduction) from the audio output unit 113 and / or the display 105.

  Next, a processing procedure for allowing a user of a certain mobile terminal A to have another user who uses another mobile terminal B listen to content that he or she can use will be described with reference to FIG. However, the portable terminals A and B both have the configuration shown in FIG.

  A user who uses the portable terminal A first connects the portable terminal B used by the user who wants to listen to and the terminal-to-terminal connecting section of his / her portable terminal A via the terminal connecting section 119.

  Next, the user selects content to be auditioned by the other party from the content information list displayed on the display 105, and inputs a command for permitting audition. In response to this command input, the electronic signature generation unit 120 includes an electronic content ID (stored in the content information storage unit 115) and a user ID (stored in the user ID storage unit 118). Generate a signature. Then, the trial listening permission information transmission control unit 122 transmits the trial listening permission information attached with the generated electronic signature to the partner portable terminal B via the inter-terminal connection unit 119.

  On the mobile terminal B side used by the other user, by receiving the trial listening permission information from the mobile terminal A, the corresponding content can be reproduced.

  On the portable terminal B side, the trial listening permission information reception control unit 123 receives the trial permission information from the portable terminal A via the inter-terminal connection unit 119. The trial listening permission information is temporarily stored in the trial permission information storage unit 124.

  The user can select a content information acquisition command of a content permitted to be auditioned by operating the operation panel 107 via a menu displayed on the display 105.

  In response to the user selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit 120 generates an electronic signature including the trial listening permission information stored in the trial listening permission information storage unit 124 and the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 118. To do. Then, the content information management unit 114 generates a content information request signal to which the electronic signature is attached, and transmits the content information request signal to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108.

  When the distribution server 60 receives the content information request signal including the trial permission information from the mobile terminal B, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature of the content information request signal and the electronic signature of the trial permission information included in the content information request signal. Then, the content information of the content permitted to be auditioned is retrieved from the content database (not shown) of the content server 40 and sent back to the requesting mobile terminal B via the network.

  On the mobile terminal B side, when the content information management unit 114 receives the content information of the sample content via the network connection unit 108, the content information management unit 114 stores the content information in the content information storage unit 115. The record of the content information of the content for trial listening stored in the content information storage unit 115 includes a flag indicating the content for trial listening.

  Thereafter, the display control unit 104 controls to display content information related to the audition content on the display. The user can select a trial listening command by operating the operation panel 107 via a menu displayed on the display 105.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit 120 includes an electronic signature including the trial listening permission information stored in the trial listening permission information storage unit 124 and the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 118. Is generated. Then, the streaming data request signal generation unit 125 generates a streaming data request signal including this electronic signature and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108.

  Upon receiving the streaming data request signal transmitted from the portable terminal B, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature included in the streaming data request signal, and further listens to the streaming data request signal. After confirming the validity of the electronic signature included in the permission information, the portable terminal B requests from the content database (not shown) of the content server 40 using the user ID and content ID included in the trial listening permission information as search keys. Search for the content you are using. Then, the distribution server 60 performs streaming transmission of the streaming data of the content toward the mobile terminal B that is the request source. On the mobile terminal B side, when streaming data of sample content is received, the content is reproduced in the same manner as normal content.

  However, streaming data distribution is not performed more than once with the same audition permission information. In other words, the content can be auditioned only once by allowing one audition.

  The user of the mobile terminal B who has auditioned the content at the recommendation of the user using the mobile terminal A can further purchase the audition content.

  The user of the portable terminal B can select a command for purchasing sample content by operating the operation panel 107 via a menu displayed on the display 105.

  In response to the user selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit generates an electronic signature including the trial listening permission information stored in the trial listening permission information storage unit 124 and the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 118. . Then, the content purchase request signal generation unit 126 generates a content purchase request signal to which the electronic signature is attached, and transmits the content purchase request signal to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 108.

  Upon receiving the content purchase request signal, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature, and then uses the corresponding content based on the user ID included in the content purchase request signal and the content ID included in the audition permission information. Add a record to the content server 40 as a possible user.

  Further, the distribution server 60 acquires the corresponding content information (billing information or the like) from the content database (not shown) of the content server 40, and sends the transaction information including the user ID and the content information to the electronic settlement server 70. Send to.

  The electronic settlement server 70 performs billing processing such as updating the settlement database in accordance with the received transaction information. The electronic payment server 70 includes a payment database (not shown) that stores electronic payment transactions related to content purchase, and performs billing processing for each client terminal using, for example, electronic money. Alternatively, the electronic payment server 70 is linked with another financial institution (not shown) by registering a credit card, a cash card, a debit card, or the like held by the user of each client terminal as part of the user information. Then, credit settlement or immediate settlement may be performed.

  When the accounting process on the electronic settlement server 70 is completed, the distribution server 60 returns a content purchase confirmation signal to the requesting mobile terminal B. On the portable terminal B, the content purchase confirmation can be displayed on the display 105.

  After the content purchase procedure is completed, the content can be used also on the mobile terminal B. That is, it is possible to make a streaming data request to the distribution server 60 according to the procedure described with reference to FIG.

Second embodiment:
FIG. 3 shows another configuration example of the mobile terminal 10 that can operate as a content receiving client in the streaming distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment. The mobile terminal 10 shown in the figure includes a mobile terminal 10 main body that mainly performs streaming data reproduction processing, an IC card 11 that holds authentication information, and a mobile communication terminal 12 that communicates with a distribution server via a network. The units 10 to 12 are configured to be connected by wireless communication via the wireless communication units 306, 408, and 502.

  The mobile communication terminal 12 has a telephone function (not shown). The network connection unit 301 is connected to a network such as the Internet 20 and can communicate with the distribution server 60 via the network. The portable communication terminal 12 mediates data exchange between the wireless communication unit 306 and the network connection unit 301 under the overall control by the control unit 302. The control unit 302 includes a RAM 303 that can be used as a work area, and a ROM 304 that permanently stores program codes and other data. The personal authentication unit 305 performs predetermined authentication processing based on the personal authentication processing information read from the IC card 11 via the wireless communication unit 306.

  The operation of the mobile terminal 10 main body is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 401. The control unit 401 includes a RAM 402 that can be used as a storage area for program loading and work data, and a ROM 403 that permanently stores program codes and predetermined data. The control unit 401 is connected to each functional unit shown in the figure and controls each unit.

  The display control unit 404 is connected to the display 405 and controls display driving of the display 405.

  The operation detection unit 406 is connected to the operation panel 407 and detects an input operation performed by the user via the operation panel 407. The display 405 and the operation panel 407 constitute a user interface of the mobile terminal 10.

  The streaming data receiving unit 409 receives streaming data from the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 12. The buffering unit 410 temporarily buffers the received streaming data. The decoding unit 411 decodes the encoded streaming data. The decoded data is displayed as a moving image on the display 405 under display drive control by the display control unit 404.

  The content information management unit 412 transmits a content information request signal to the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 12. Thereafter, the content information received via the mobile communication terminal 12 is stored in the content information storage unit 413.

  The content information storage unit 413 stores one or more records having fields such as a content ID, a content name, a description of the content, and a flag indicating whether the content is a purchased content or a trial listening content.

  The wireless communication unit 408 performs non-contact data communication with the mobile communication terminal 12 and the IC card 11, and other users using IEEE802.11, Bluetooth communication, infrared communication (IrDA), etc., which are short-range wireless communication means. The terminal-to-terminal connection with the mobile terminal used by the can be realized.

  The personal authentication unit 414 receives the personal authentication information stored in the personal authentication information storage unit 501 of the IC card 11 via the wireless communication unit 408, verifies its validity, and then includes the personal authentication information in the personal authentication information. Stored in the user ID storage unit 415.

  The electronic signature generation unit 416 generates an electronic signature to be attached to each data using the encryption key stored in the encryption key storage unit 424.

  The trial-listening-permitted user management unit 417 manages user information (for example, a user ID and a name) of a user who may permit the trial-listening stored in the trial-listening permitted user storage unit 418.

  The trial listening permission information transmission control unit 419 transmits the trial listening permission information for permitting the trial listening of the content to the portable terminal of another user via the wireless communication unit 408. The trial listening permission information includes a user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 415, and an electronic signature generated by the electronic signature generation unit 416 is attached.

  The trial listening permission information reception control unit 420 receives the trial permission information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 of another user via the wireless communication unit 408.

  The streaming data request signal generation unit 422 generates a streaming data request signal for the content to be reproduced on the mobile terminal 10 and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 11. The streaming data request signal includes a content ID stored in the content information storage unit 413 and a user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 415, and an electronic signature generated by the electronic signature generation unit 416 is attached. The

  The content purchase request signal generation unit 423 generates a purchase request for sample content and transmits the request to the distribution server 60 via the wireless communication unit 408 and the mobile communication terminal 12. The content purchase request signal includes a user ID and trial listening permission information received from another mobile terminal.

  Next, the operation on the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

  Personal authentication using the IC card 11 is performed as follows. That is, when the IC card 11, the portable terminal 10, and the portable communication terminal 12 approach each other until the wireless communication distance is reached, and the connection between the portable terminal 10 and the portable communication terminal 12 and the IC card 11 is established, The personal authentication information stored in the personal authentication information storage unit 501 in the card 11 is transferred to the personal authentication unit 414 of the mobile terminal 10 and the personal authentication unit 305 of the mobile communication terminal 12 via the wireless communication units 502, 306, and 408. Sent. After confirming the validity of the personal authentication information, the personal authentication unit 414 stores the user ID included in the personal authentication information in the user ID storage unit 415. Further, when the connection between the mobile terminal 10 and the IC card 11 is disconnected, the personal authentication unit 414 deletes the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 415.

  Next, a processing procedure for the user to receive and play back his / her usable (purchased) content from the distribution server 60 using the mobile terminal 10 will be described. This content reception and reproduction processing is realized according to a procedure similar to the chart shown in FIG.

  The user can select a content information acquisition command from a menu displayed on the display 405 by operating the operation panel 407 on the mobile terminal A used by the user.

  In response to such a menu selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit 416 generates an electronic signature for the content information request signal including the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 415. Then, the content information management unit 412 transmits a content information request signal attached with such an electronic signature to the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 11.

  After confirming the validity of the electronic signature attached to the content information request signal, the distribution server 60 uses the user ID included in the content information request signal as a search key and carries it from the content database of the content server 40. Search for content available to the user using the terminal. Then, the distribution server 60 returns a content information list listing contents available for the user to the mobile terminal 10 via the mobile communication terminal 12.

  On the mobile terminal 10 side, when the content information list is received via the wireless communication unit 408, the content information management unit 412 stores the received content information list in the content information storage unit 413, and the display control unit 404 displays the display 405. Process to display the content information list above.

  A user browsing the content information list on the display 405 can select content to view from the content information list displayed on the display 405 by operating the operation panel 407.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the digital signature generation unit 416 stores the content ID of the selected content (stored in the content information storage unit 413) and the user ID (stored in the user ID storage unit 415). The electronic signature is generated for the streaming data request signal. Then, the streaming data request signal generation unit 422 generates a streaming data request signal to which such an electronic signature is attached, and transmits the streaming data request signal to the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 12.

  Upon receiving the streaming data request signal, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature attached to the streaming data request signal, and then searches for the content ID and user ID included in the streaming data request signal. The corresponding content is searched from the content database (not shown) of the content server 40. Then, the distribution server 60 performs streaming distribution of the streaming data of the content toward the requesting mobile terminal 10.

  On the mobile terminal 10 side, the streaming data receiving unit 409 receives streaming data via the mobile communication terminal 12 and the wireless communication unit 408. The received streaming data is buffered by the buffering unit 410 for a predetermined number of bytes or more, and then sent to the decoding unit 411. After being decoded by the decoding unit 411, it is displayed and output (real reproduction) as a moving image on the display 405.

  Next, a processing procedure for a user of a certain mobile terminal A to determine a user who can audition the content that can be used by himself / herself will be described with reference to FIG. However, it is assumed that the portable terminal A and another portable terminal B that is permitted to listen are provided with the configuration shown in FIG.

  First, the user of the portable terminal A operates the operation panel 405 to select a command for changing the audition-permitted user from the menu displayed on the display 407.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the audition permission user management unit 417 transmits a user information request from the wireless communication unit 408. Thereafter, when user information transmitted from another portable terminal B is received via the wireless communication unit 408, the display control unit 404 displays a list of users who can communicate on the display 405. Connection between portable terminals is established through exchange of user IDs.

  The user of the portable terminal A can select a user who is permitted to listen by operating the operation panel 407 via the display 405 on which such a communicable user list is presented.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the audition-permitted user management unit 417 stores user information of the corresponding user in the audition-permitted user storage unit 418. In addition, when the audition permission information transmission control unit 419 acquires the user ID of another mobile terminal capable of communication, the audition permission user management unit 417 determines whether the user ID is already stored in the audition permission user storage unit 418. If it exists, trial listening permission information is transmitted to the portable terminal.

  When the mobile terminal A finishes transmitting the trial listening permission information to the mobile terminal used by the user who wants to audition, the mobile terminal A disconnects the connection between the terminals and ends the entire process.

  Next, a processing procedure for allowing a user of a certain mobile terminal A to allow a user to use another mobile terminal to listen to the content, and a mobile terminal B that has received the trial permission information from the other mobile terminal A are distributed. A processing procedure for requesting the content to be auditioned to the server 60 and purchasing the content to be auditioned will be described with reference to FIG. However, it is assumed that the mobile terminals A and B each have the configuration shown in FIG.

  The connection between the mobile terminal A and the mobile terminal B is established through a predetermined procedure such as exchange of user IDs. When the trial listening permission information reception control unit 420 on the mobile terminal B side receives the trial listening permission information from another mobile terminal A via the wireless communication unit 408, the trial listening permission information is temporarily stored in the trial permission information storage unit 421. To do.

  The user of the portable terminal B can select a content information acquisition command of content permitted to be auditioned by operating the operation panel 407 via a menu displayed on the display 405.

  In response to such a user selection operation, in the mobile terminal B, the electronic signature generation unit 416 has the trial listening permission information stored in the trial listening permission information storage unit 421 and the user stored in the user ID storage unit 415. An electronic signature including the ID is generated. Then, the content information management unit 412 generates a content information request signal to which the electronic signature is attached, and transmits the content information request signal to the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 12.

  When the distribution server 60 receives the content information request signal including the trial listening permission information from the mobile terminal B, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature of the content information request signal and the electronic signature of the trial permission information included in the content information request signal, respectively. After that, the content information of the content that can be used by the user who transmitted the trial listening permission information is searched from the content database (not shown) of the content server, and is returned to the mobile terminal B via the mobile communication terminal 12.

  In the mobile terminal B, the content information management unit 412 stores the received content information in the content information storage unit 413 when receiving the content information of the preview content via the mobile communication terminal 12. In the case of content for trial listening that has not been purchased by the user of the portable terminal B, when the content information is stored in the content information storage unit 413, the corresponding content information record includes a flag indicating that the content is trial content.

  Thereafter, the display control unit 404 controls the display 405 to display the content information of the viewing content. The user can select a trial listening command by operating the operation panel 407 via a menu displayed on the display 405.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit 416 generates an electronic signature based on the trial listening permission information stored in the trial listening permission information storage unit 421 and the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 415. Generate. Then, the streaming data request signal generation unit 423 generates a streaming data request signal including this electronic signature and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 12.

  When the distribution server 60 receives the streaming data request signal transmitted from the mobile terminal B, it confirms the validity of the electronic signature included in the streaming data request signal, and further allows listening in the streaming data request signal. After confirming the validity of the electronic signature included in the information, the corresponding content is searched from the content database (not shown) of the content server 40 using the user ID and content ID included in the trial listening permission information as search keys. Then, the distribution server 60 performs streaming transmission of the low-quality streaming data of the content toward the requesting mobile terminal B.

  On the mobile terminal B side, when streaming data of trial listening content suppressed to low quality is received, playback processing is performed in the same manner as normal content.

  The user of the portable terminal B can select a command for purchasing trial content by operating the operation panel 407 via a menu displayed on the display 405.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the electronic signature generation unit 416 generates an electronic signature including the content ID of the content being auditioned and the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 415. Then, the content purchase request signal generation unit 423 generates a content purchase request signal to which the electronic signature is attached, and transmits the content purchase request signal to the distribution server 60 via the mobile communication terminal 12.

  Upon receiving the content purchase request signal from the portable terminal B, the distribution server 60 can use the corresponding content based on the user ID and the content ID included in the content purchase request signal after confirming the validity of the electronic signature. A record is added to the content server 40 as a user.

  Further, the distribution server 60 acquires the corresponding content information (billing information, etc.) from the content database (not shown) of the content server 40 and sends the transaction information including the user ID and the content information to the electronic settlement server 70. Send.

  The electronic settlement server 70 performs billing processing such as updating the settlement database in accordance with the received transaction information. The electronic payment server 70 includes a payment database that stores electronic payment transactions related to content purchase. For example, the electronic payment server 70 charges each client terminal using electronic money. Alternatively, the credit card, cash card, debit card, and other numbers possessed by each client terminal user are registered as part of the user information, and credit settlement and immediate settlement are performed in conjunction with other financial institutions. May be.

  When the accounting process on the electronic settlement server 70 is completed, the distribution server 60 returns a content purchase confirmation signal to the requesting mobile terminal B. On the mobile terminal B, the content purchase confirmation can be displayed on the display 405.

  After the content purchase procedure is completed, the content can be used also on the mobile terminal B. That is, it is possible to make a streaming data request to the distribution server 60 according to a procedure similar to that shown in FIG.

Third embodiment:
FIG. 4 shows still another configuration example of the mobile terminal 10 that can operate as a content reception client in the streaming distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment. The portable terminal 10 shown in the figure does not include an IC card that holds authentication information such as an IC card, but instead uses biometric information acquired from a biometric sensor (described later) as personal authentication information. It has become.

  The operation of the mobile terminal 10 is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 601. The control unit 601 includes a RAM 602 that can be used as a storage area for program loading and work data, and a ROM 603 that permanently stores program codes and predetermined data. The control unit 601 is connected to each functional unit shown in the figure and controls each unit.

  The display control unit 604 is connected to the display 605 and controls display driving of the display 605.

  The operation detection unit 628 is connected to the operation panel 629 and detects an input operation performed by the user via the operation panel 629. The display 605 and the operation panel 629 constitute a user interface of the mobile terminal 10.

  The network connection unit 606 is connected to a network such as the Internet 20 and communicates with the distribution server 60 via the network.

  The streaming data receiving unit 607 receives streaming data from the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 606. The buffering unit 608 temporarily buffers the received streaming data. The decoding unit 609 decodes the encoded streaming data. The decoded data is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 610 and then output (real reproduction) by the audio output unit 611.

  The content information management unit 612 transmits a content information request signal to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 606, and then stores the content information received via the network connection unit 606 in the content information storage unit 613. The content information storage unit 613 stores one or more records having fields such as a content ID, a content name, and a content description.

  The biometric sensor 614 reads biological information of the user of the mobile terminal 10. The biometric information here refers to physical information unique to the user such as a fingerprint, iris, vein pattern, voice print, face image pattern, or handwriting read from the user's body or a part thereof.

  The personal authentication unit 615 collates the biometric information read by the biometric sensor 614 with the biometric information stored in advance in the biometric information storage unit 630. When it is determined that both are biometric information obtained from the same person, the function restriction in the electronic signature generation unit 616 (described later) is released.

  The wireless communication unit 617 can realize inter-terminal connection with a mobile terminal used by other users using IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth communication, infrared communication (IrDA), or the like, which is a short-range wireless communication unit.

  The electronic signature generation unit 616 generates an electronic signature to be attached to each data using the encryption key stored in the encryption key storage unit 618 only when the personal authentication is successfully performed by the personal authentication unit 615.

  The connected user management unit 619 stores user information of other portable terminals 10 that can communicate via the wireless communication unit 617 in the user ID storage unit 620, and updates and manages them as needed.

  The content transmission control unit 621 transmits streaming data and content information related to the content being reproduced on another portable terminal via the wireless communication unit 617.

  The content reception control unit 622 receives and processes content streaming data and content information transmitted from another portable terminal via the wireless communication unit 617.

  The streaming data request signal generation unit 523 generates a streaming data request signal for the content to be reproduced on the mobile terminal 10 and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 606. The streaming data request signal includes a content ID stored in the content information storage unit 613 and a user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 626, and an electronic signature generated by the electronic signature generation unit 616 is attached. .

  The electronic money management unit 624 manages the electronic money held in the electronic money storage unit 625.

  The content purchase request signal generation unit 627 generates a purchase request for trial content, and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 606 together with electronic money. The content purchase request signal includes the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 626 and the content ID included in the content information received from the other mobile terminal 10.

  Next, the operation on the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

  Personal authentication by biometrics is performed as follows. That is, when the biometric sensor 614 detects the biometric information, the personal authentication unit 615 reads the biometric information (fingerprint, iris, vein pattern, voice print, face image pattern, handwriting, etc.) read by the biometric sensor 614 in advance. The biometric information stored in the information storage unit 630 is collated. When it is determined that both are biometric information obtained from the same person, the function restriction in the electronic signature generation unit 616 is released.

  Next, a processing procedure for the user to receive and play back his / her usable (purchased) content from the distribution server 60 using the mobile terminal will be described. This content reception and reproduction processing is realized according to a procedure similar to the chart shown in FIG.

  The user can select a content information acquisition command from a menu displayed on the display 605 by operating the operation panel 629.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the content information management unit 612 includes the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 626 and the content information to which the electronic signature generated by the electronic signature generation unit 616 is attached. The request signal is transmitted to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 606.

  After confirming the validity of the electronic signature attached to the content information request signal, the distribution server 60 uses the user ID included in the content information request signal as a search key to search the content database (illustrated) of the content server 40. No), the user of the mobile terminal 10 searches for usable content, and returns a content information list of the corresponding content to the mobile terminal 10 via the network.

  On the mobile terminal 10 side, when the content information list is received via the network connection unit 606, the content information management unit 612 stores the received content information in the content information storage unit 613, and the display control unit 604 is displayed on the display 605. To display the content information list. The user can select content to be viewed from a list of content displayed on the display 605 via the operation panel 629.

  In response to such a user selection operation, the streaming data request signal generation unit 623 generates a streaming data request signal and transmits it to the distribution server 60 via the network connection unit 606. The streaming data request signal includes the content ID of the corresponding content (stored in the content information storage unit 613) and the user ID (stored in the user ID storage unit 625), and the electronic signature generation unit 616 A digital signature to be generated is attached.

  Upon receiving the streaming data request signal, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature attached to the streaming data request signal, and then searches for the content ID and user ID included in the streaming data request signal. The corresponding content is searched from the content database (not shown) of the content server 40. The distribution server 60 then distributes the streaming data of the content to the mobile terminal 10 that is the request source.

  On the mobile terminal 10 side, the streaming data receiving unit 607 receives the data via the network connection unit 606. The received streaming data is buffered by the buffering unit 608 for a predetermined number of bytes or more, and then sent to the decoding unit 609. Then, after being decoded by the decoding unit 609, it is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 610, and externally output (real reproduction) from the audio output unit 611.

  Next, a processing procedure for allowing a user of a certain mobile terminal A to allow a user to use another mobile terminal to listen to the content, and a mobile terminal B that has received the trial permission information from the other mobile terminal A are distributed. A processing procedure for requesting the content to be auditioned to the server 60 and purchasing the content to be auditioned will be described with reference to FIG. However, the mobile terminals A and B both have the configuration shown in FIG.

  The portable terminal A transmits a user information request signal to the portable terminal B of the user who wants to audition via the wireless communication unit 617 to another portable terminal capable of communication. Each mobile terminal that has received the user information request signal returns user information to the requesting mobile terminal A.

  On the mobile terminal A side, when the user operates the operation panel 629 and selects the trial listening permission command, a list of communicable users managed by the connected user management unit 620 is displayed on the display 605. The user of the mobile terminal A can select a user to be auditioned from the user list.

  When the confirmation command is input on the mobile terminal A side, streaming data and content information of the content being reproduced are transmitted to the mobile terminal B of the other user. However, it is assumed that the connection between the mobile terminal A and the mobile terminal B is established.

  On the mobile terminal B side, when receiving the streaming data and the content information from the mobile terminal A via the wireless communication unit 617, the content reception control unit 622 temporarily stores the content information in the content information storage unit 613.

  Then, in response to the user selecting the content information display command of the trial content by operating the operation panel 629, the display control unit 604 performs the trial content based on the content information stored in the content information storage unit 613. The data such as the name, price, etc. are displayed on the display 605.

  Further, when the user selects a preview command from a menu displayed on the display 605 via the operation panel 629, the received streaming data is buffered in the buffering unit 608 by a predetermined amount or more, and then the decoding unit 609, Through the D / A conversion unit 610, the audio output unit 611 outputs (real reproduction) as audio.

  The user of the portable terminal B who can audition the content can select a command for purchasing the audition content by selecting a command from the menu of the display 605 via the operation panel 629.

  In response to the selection of the purchase command, a confirmation screen on which the content name, price, etc. are written is displayed on the display 605.

  In response to the user selecting the confirmation command, the content purchase request signal generation unit 627 generates a content purchase request signal, and the network together with electronic money corresponding to the price of the content stored in the content information storage unit 613. The data is transmitted to the distribution server 60 via the connection unit 606. The content purchase request signal includes a content ID stored in the content information storage unit 613 and a user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 626, and an electronic signature generated by the electronic signature generation unit 616 is attached. Yes.

  When the distribution server 60 receives the content purchase request signal and the electronic money, the distribution server 60 confirms the validity of the electronic signature, confirms whether the electronic money has been forged, and further, a content database (not shown) of the content server 40. As a user who can use the corresponding content based on the user ID and the content ID included in the content purchase request signal after confirming that the price of the content stored in) matches the amount of transmitted electronic money. A record is added to the content server 40.

  Thereafter, the distribution server 60 transmits transaction data including the user ID and electronic money to the electronic settlement server 70.

  The electronic settlement server 70 performs billing processing such as updating the settlement database based on the received transaction information. The electronic payment server 70 includes a payment database that stores electronic payment transactions related to content purchase. For example, the electronic payment server 70 charges each client terminal using electronic money. Alternatively, register the credit card, cash card, debit card, etc. of each client terminal user as part of the user information, and perform credit settlement or immediate settlement in conjunction with other financial institutions. Also good.

  When the accounting process on the electronic settlement server 70 is completed, the distribution server 60 returns a content purchase confirmation signal to the requesting mobile terminal B. On the mobile terminal B, the content purchase confirmation can be displayed on the display 405.

  After the content purchase procedure is completed, the content can be used also on the mobile terminal B. That is, it is possible to make a streaming data request to the distribution server 60 according to a procedure similar to that shown in FIG.

  The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. That is, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of exemplification, and the contents described in the present specification should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the description of the scope of claims should be considered.

It is the figure which showed typically the network configuration of the streaming delivery system 1 provided for implementation of this invention. It is the figure which showed one structural example of the portable terminal 10 which can operate | move as a content reception client in the streaming delivery system 1 which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the portable terminal 10 which can operate | move as a content reception client in the streaming delivery system 1 which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the further another structural example of the portable terminal 10 which can operate | move as a content reception client in the streaming delivery system 1 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement on the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2, More specifically, a user receives the content which can be used from the delivery server 60 using a portable terminal, and reproduces | regenerates it. It is the chart which showed the processing procedure. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement on the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2, More specifically, it is the chart which showed the process sequence for a user to make another user listen the content which he can use. is there. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation on the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 3, and more specifically, shows a processing procedure for determining a user who can listen to content that the user can use. It is a chart. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation on the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 3, and more specifically, a user of one mobile terminal A grants content audition permission to a user who uses another mobile terminal. FIG. 6 is a chart showing a processing procedure for the content and a processing procedure for the mobile terminal B that has received the trial listening permission information from another mobile terminal A to request the content server to listen to the content and purchase the trial content. . FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation on the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 4, and more specifically, a user of one mobile terminal A grants content preview permission to a user who uses another mobile terminal. FIG. 6 is a chart showing a processing procedure for the content and a processing procedure for the mobile terminal B that has received the trial listening permission information from another mobile terminal A to request the content server to listen to the content and purchase the trial content. .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Streaming delivery system 10 ... Portable terminal 20 ... Internet 30 ... Mobile communication network 31 ... Base station 40 ... Content server 50 ... Registration server 60 ... Distribution server 61 ... Satellite base station 62 ... Communication satellite 70 ... Electronic payment server

Claims (5)

A content distribution system for distributing content,
A distribution server that permits content use;
A first terminal device that transmits content permitted to be used as streaming data;
A second terminal device for reproducing the streaming data of the content transmitted from the first terminal device;
The first terminal device transmits the content as streaming data to the second terminal device when the second terminal device is locally connected to itself.
A content distribution system characterized by that. The local connection is a wireless connection;
The content distribution system according to claim 1. A content distribution method for distributing content,
Allowing the distribution server to allow the first terminal device to use the content;
The first terminal device transmitting the content that it is permitted to use as streaming data;
A second terminal device reproducing the streaming data of the content transmitted from the first terminal device;
The transmission of the streaming data is executed when the second terminal device is locally connected to the first terminal device.
A content distribution method characterized by the above. In a terminal device that uses content,
Means for transmitting the content permitted to be used by the distribution server as streaming data to be played back on another terminal device;
Transmission of the streaming data is executed when the other terminal device is locally connected to the terminal device.
A terminal device characterized by that. The local connection is a wireless connection;
The terminal device according to claim 4.

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