JP2007207066A - System and method for sending and receiving content - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method for sending and receiving content enabling a reproducing device to reproduce content reserved for purchase, even when it is unable to connect to a network. <P>SOLUTION: In a content distribution system 20, interim content data is recorded in a database 22, the interim content data consisting of an interim license for permitting the reproduction of a data file in a limited manner by limiting the number of times that the data file is reproduced or the period of reproduction on condition that a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and the content are reserved for purchase. Upon a request from the reproducing device 30, the interim content data are sent to the reproducing device 30. The reproducing device 30 receives and records the interim content data in a content data recording part 323. A data managing part 36 permits the reproduction of the interim content data in a limited manner by reserving the purchase of the content designated to be purchased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a content distribution system that distributes content such as video and music via a network such as the Internet, and a playback device such as an audio player that records the content received via the network and plays back the recorded content. The present invention relates to a transmission / reception system and a content transmission / reception method.

  In the case of purchasing paid content via a network such as the Internet using a playback device such as a portable audio player, a data file for audition is prepared in a content distribution system that distributes paid content. In general, the user determines whether or not the content can be purchased by playing a data file for trial listening in a streaming format (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the prior art, in order to play a data file for trial listening, it is necessary to always connect the playback device to the network, and it is also necessary to perform a content purchase procedure with the playback device connected to the network. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot perform the content purchase procedure when the playback apparatus cannot be connected to the network.
JP 2003-263175 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow a user to perform a content purchase procedure even when the playback device cannot be connected to the network, and to connect the playback device to the network. It is in providing the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method which can reproduce | regenerate a content, without doing.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.
The content transmission / reception system of the present invention is a content transmission / reception system comprising a content distribution system for distributing content via a network and a playback device for recording the content received via the network and reproducing the recorded content. The content distribution system restricts the reproduction of the data file by limiting the number of reproductions or the reproduction period on condition that a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and the purchase reservation of the content are made. A database in which provisional content data including a provisional license to be permitted is recorded, and provisional content transmission means for transmitting the provisional content data to the reproduction device via the network in response to a request from the reproduction device. The re An apparatus includes: a request transmission unit that transmits a request for transmission of the temporary content data to the content distribution system via the network; and a temporary content reception unit that receives the temporary content data transmitted from the content distribution system. , Information recording means for recording the provisional content data received by the provisional content receiving means, operation means for inputting a purchase instruction for the content, and the content of the content for which the purchase instruction has been given by input from the operation means Reservation information recording means in which purchase reservation information is recorded, and reproduction of the provisional content data corresponding to the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means is limitedly permitted based on the provisional license. Data management means And butterflies.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system according to the present invention, when the request from the playback device is received, the content distribution system requests authentication information for identifying a user and performs an authentication process, and the authentication process is successful. In this case, the provisional content transmission means includes request response means for transmitting the provisional content data to the playback device via the network.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the content distribution system includes an order format recording unit in which an order format for making a purchase reservation for the content is recorded, and the request response unit includes the authentication information or the The ordering format to which information indicating that the authentication processing has been successful is added to the playback device via the network by the provisional content transmission unit together with the provisional content data.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the ordering format in which the reservation information recording means of the playback device is added with content specifying information for specifying the content for which a purchase instruction has been given by an input from the operation means Is recorded as the purchase reservation information.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the playback device includes purchase information transmitting means for transmitting the purchase reservation information recorded in the reservation information recording means, and the content distribution system includes the playback device. When the purchase information is received from the network, the content transmission means is provided for transmitting restriction release information capable of playing back the data file of the purchased content without restriction to the playback device via the network.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the restriction release information is the content data including the data file of the content and the license that permits the reproduction of the data file without limitation, and data management of the playback device When the content data is received from the content distribution system, the means deletes the provisional content data from the information recording means and causes the information recording means to record the content data.

  Further, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the restriction release information is a license that permits the reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction, and the data management means of the reproduction device receives the book from the content distribution system. When the license is received, the provisional license of the provisional content data recorded in the information recording unit is rewritten to the main license.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the purchase information transmitting means of the playback device determines whether or not the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on. And determining whether or not the online state is connectable to the network. If the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means and the online state is connectable to the network, the reservation information The purchase reservation information recorded in the recording means is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the request transmission means of the playback device determines whether or not the network is online and can be connected to the network at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on. In the online state, the request is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system of the present invention, the data management means of the playback device monitors the number of the purchase reservation information or the sum of the purchase price to be recorded in the reservation information recording means. When the sum exceeds the upper limit, recording of the new purchase reservation information in the reservation information recording means is prohibited.

  The content distribution system of the present invention is a content distribution system that records content and distributes the content via a network to a playback device that reproduces the recorded content, and is the same as the content to be sold. Temporary content data is recorded that includes a quality data file and a provisional license that restricts the number of playbacks or playback periods and restricts playback of the data file on condition that the content purchase reservation has been made. It comprises a database and provisional content transmission means for transmitting the provisional content data to the reproduction apparatus via the network in response to a request from the reproduction apparatus.

  Further, in the content distribution system of the present invention, when the request from the playback device is received, the provisional content is obtained when authentication processing is performed by requesting authentication information for specifying a user, and the authentication processing is successful. It comprises request response means for transmitting the provisional content data to the playback apparatus via the network by a transmission means.

  Furthermore, the content distribution system of the present invention further comprises an order format recording means for recording an order format for making a reservation for purchase of the content, and the request response means has succeeded in the authentication information or the authentication processing. The provisional content transmission means transmits the ordering format to which the information indicating the information is transmitted together with the provisional content data to the reproduction apparatus via the network.

  Furthermore, in the content distribution system of the present invention, when purchase reservation information for purchasing the content is received from the playback device, restriction release information that can play back the data file of the purchased content without limitation is sent via the network. The content transmitting means for transmitting to the playback device.

  Furthermore, in the content distribution system of the present invention, the restriction release information is main content data including a data file of the content and a main license that permits reproduction of the data file without limitation.

  Furthermore, in the content distribution system of the present invention, the restriction release information is a license that permits reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction.

  The playback device of the present invention is a playback device that records the content received from a content distribution system that distributes content via a network and plays back the recorded content, and has the same quality as the content to be sold. A request for requesting transmission of provisional content data including a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file on condition that the purchase reservation of the data file and the content is made. Request transmission means for transmitting to the content distribution system via the network, provisional content reception means for receiving the provisional content data transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the request, and received by the provisional content reception means Said Information recording means for recording fixed content data, operation means for inputting a purchase instruction for the content, and reservation information recording means for recording purchase reservation information for the content for which a purchase instruction has been given by input from the operation means And data management means for permitting limited reproduction of the provisional content data corresponding to the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means based on the provisional license. To do.

  Furthermore, in the playback device of the present invention, the purchase information transmitting means for transmitting the purchase reservation information recorded in the reservation information recording means, and the content distribution system transmits the purchase reservation information in response to the transmission of the purchase reservation information. And a restriction release information receiving means for receiving restriction release information capable of reproducing the purchased data file of the content without restriction.

  Further, in the playback device of the present invention, the restriction release information is the content data including the data file of the content and the license that permits the playback of the data file without limitation, and the data management means When the main content data is received from a content distribution system, the provisional content data is deleted from the information recording means, and the main content data is recorded in the information recording means.

  Further, in the playback device of the present invention, the restriction release information is a license that permits the playback of the data file of the content without limitation, and the data management means receives the license from the content distribution system. Then, the provisional license of the provisional content data recorded in the information recording means is rewritten to the main license.

  Further, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the purchase information transmitting means determines whether or not the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on. It is determined whether or not the online state is connectable. When the reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording unit and the online state is connectable to the network, the reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording unit. The purchase reservation information is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network.

  Further, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the request transmission means determines whether or not the online state is connectable to the network at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, and is in the online state that can be connected to the network. In addition, the request is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network.

  Further, in the playback device of the present invention, the data management means monitors the number of the purchase reservation information or the sum of the purchase price to be recorded in the reservation information recording means, and the sum of the number or the purchase price has an upper limit. When exceeding, recording of the new purchase reservation information in the reservation information recording means is prohibited.

  The content distribution method of the present invention is a content distribution method for distributing content via a network to a playback device that records the content and reproduces the recorded content, and is the same as the content to be sold. Temporary content data comprising a quality data file and a provisional license that restricts the number of playbacks or playback period and restricts playback of the data file on condition that the content purchase reservation has been made is recorded. The provisional content data is transmitted to the playback device via the network in response to a request from the playback device.

  Further, in the content distribution method of the present invention, when the request is received from the playback device, the authentication process is performed by requesting authentication information for specifying a user, and when the authentication process is successful, the provisional content transmission means The provisional content data is transmitted to the playback device via the network.

  Further, in the content distribution method of the present invention, an order format for making a reservation for purchase of the content is recorded, and the order format to which the authentication information or information indicating that the authentication process is successful is added is the provisional format. The content data is transmitted to the playback device via the network.

  Further, in the content distribution method of the present invention, when the purchase reservation information for purchasing the content is received from the playback device, the restriction release information that can play back the data file of the purchased content without limitation is played back via the network. It transmits to an apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Furthermore, in the content distribution method of the present invention, the restriction release information is main content data including a data file of the content and a main license that permits reproduction of the data file without limitation.

  Furthermore, in the content delivery method of the present invention, the restriction release information is a license that permits the reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction.

  In addition, a program that causes a server system including one or more information processing apparatuses to function as the content distribution system of the present invention records content and distributes the content via a network to a playback device that plays back the recorded content. A program for causing a server system composed of one or more information processing devices to function as a content distribution system to perform, in response to a request from the playback device, a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and a purchase reservation for the content And executing the step of transmitting provisional content data including a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file to the reproduction apparatus via the network. It is characterized by that.

  The content receiving method of the present invention is a content receiving method in a playback apparatus that records the content received from a content distribution system that distributes the content via a network and reproduces the recorded content. Transmission of provisional content data comprising a data file of the same quality as the content and a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file on condition that the content purchase reservation has been made Is sent to the content distribution system via the network, receives and records the provisional content data transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the request, and accepts an input of a purchase instruction for the content , Purchase instructions The ordered book information that are made the content recorded, characterized in that the limiting is allowed based playback of the provisional content data corresponding to the content recorded the purchase reservation information in the provisional license.

  Furthermore, in the content reception method of the present invention, the recorded purchase reservation information is transmitted, and a data file of the purchased content transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the transmission of the purchase reservation information is stored. It is characterized by receiving restriction release information that can be reproduced without restriction.

  Further, in the content receiving method of the present invention, the restriction release information is the content data including the data file of the content and a license that permits the reproduction of the data file without limitation, and the content distribution system includes the content data. When the main content data is received, the provisional content data is deleted and the main content data is recorded.

  Furthermore, in the content receiving method of the present invention, the restriction release information is a license that permits the reproduction of the data file of the content without limitation, and is recorded when the license is received from the content distribution system. The provisional license of the provisional content data is rewritten to the main license.

  Further, in the content receiving method of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the purchase reservation information is recorded at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, and whether or not the online state is connectable to the network. When the purchase reservation information is recorded and the online state is connectable to the network, the recorded purchase reservation information is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network.

  Furthermore, in the content receiving method of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the network is online and can be connected to the network at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on. It transmits to the content distribution system via the network.

  Furthermore, in the content receiving method of the present invention, the number of purchase reservation information to be recorded or the sum of purchase amounts is monitored, and if the number or the sum of purchase amounts exceeds the upper limit, the new purchase reservation information is recorded. It is characterized by prohibiting the recording of.

  Furthermore, in the program for causing the information processing apparatus to function as the playback apparatus of the present invention, the information processing apparatus is used as a playback apparatus that records the content received from the content distribution system that distributes the content via the network and plays back the recorded content. The data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and the playback of the data file is limited by limiting the number of playbacks or the playback period on the condition that the content purchase reservation has been made Transmitting a request for requesting transmission of provisional content data including a provisional license to be granted to the content distribution system via the network; and the provisional content data transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the request. Corresponding to the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded, the step of receiving the input of the content purchase instruction, the step of recording the purchase reservation information of the content for which the purchase instruction has been issued, A step of restricting the reproduction of the provisional content data based on the provisional license.

  In the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method of the present invention, the content distribution system restricts the number of playbacks or the playback period on the condition that a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and a content purchase reservation are made. Temporary content data consisting of a provisional license that permits file reproduction limitedly is recorded in the database, and in response to a request from the playback device, the temporary content data is transmitted to the playback device via the network. By transmitting a request for transmission of provisional content data to the content distribution system via the network, the provisional content data is received and recorded from the content distribution system, and an input of a content purchase instruction is accepted and a purchase instruction is issued. The The content purchase reservation information is recorded and the provisional content data corresponding to the recorded content is limitedly allowed to be reproduced based on the provisional license. Therefore, even if the playback device cannot be connected to the network, the user can perform the content purchase procedure, and playback of the content reserved for purchase can be performed without connecting the playback device to the network. There is an effect that it can be performed.

  Further, according to the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method of the present invention, when a request from the playback apparatus is received in the content distribution system, the authentication processing is performed by requesting authentication information for identifying the user, and the authentication processing is successful. In some cases, the provisional content data is transmitted to the playback device via the network, so that the provisional content data can be transmitted after the authentication process is performed, and the provisional content data is illegally used and diverted. There is an effect that it can be prevented.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method of the present invention, in the content distribution system, an ordering format for making a purchase reservation for the content is recorded, and the ordering format to which the authentication information or the information indicating that the authentication processing is successful is added Can be freely changed on the content distributor side, and a highly versatile system can be realized. There is an effect that the input of the authentication information at the time of the purchase reservation operation can be omitted.

  Furthermore, the content transmission / reception system and the content transmission / reception method of the present invention record, in the playback device, an ordering format to which content specification information for specifying content for which a purchase instruction has been given by an input from the operation means is added as purchase reservation information. With this configuration, when the playback device is online, the purchase procedure can be performed simply by sending purchase reservation information from the playback device to the content distribution system. The effect is that the procedure can be completed.

  Furthermore, the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method of the present invention transmits the purchase reservation information recorded in the playback device, and receives the purchase information from the playback device in the content distribution system. If the restriction release information that can be reproduced without restriction is transmitted to the reproduction apparatus via the network, the limited reproduction of the data file can be easily canceled along with the purchase procedure.

  Furthermore, the content transmission / reception system and the content transmission / reception method of the present invention transmit, from the content distribution system to the playback device, the content data including the content data file and the license that permits the playback of the data file without limitation as the restriction release information. In the playback device, when the content data is received from the content distribution system, the provisional content data is deleted, and the content data is recorded. There is an effect that rewriting to the content data can be easily performed.

  Furthermore, the content transmission / reception system and the content transmission / reception method of the present invention transmit, from the content distribution system, the license for permitting the reproduction of the content data file without limitation as the restriction release information from the content distribution system to the reproduction device. When this license is received, the provisional license of the recorded provisional content data is rewritten to this license, so that rewriting from provisional content data to this content data in accordance with the purchase procedure is reproduced from the content distribution system. This can be performed without transmitting the data file to the apparatus again, and the amount of communication (time) at the time of content purchase can be shortened.

  Furthermore, the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method of the present invention determine whether or not the purchase reservation information is recorded at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, and whether or not the online state is connectable to the network. If the purchase reservation information is recorded, and the online purchase status is connectable to the network, the recorded purchase reservation information is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network. The content purchase procedure can be performed without the user being aware of it when online.

  Furthermore, in the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method of the present invention, the playback device determines whether or not the online state is connectable to the network at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on. In addition, by configuring the request to be transmitted to the content distribution system via the network, there is an effect that the provisional content data can be received and recorded in the playback device without being conscious of the user.

  Furthermore, the content transmission / reception system and content transmission / reception method of the present invention monitors the number of purchase reservation information or the sum of the purchase price recorded in the playback device, and if the number or the sum of the purchase price exceeds the upper limit, Configure to prohibit the recording of new purchase reservation information, thereby making a purchase reservation for a large amount of content, and then minimizing damage if only provisional content is played illegally without going online There is an effect that can be.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a content transmission / reception system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing contents recorded in a database of the content distribution system shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining provisional content data and main content data recorded in a database of the content distribution system shown in FIG. 1.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the content transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment is installed by a content distributor that distributes content such as video and music, and transmits content data files via a network 10 such as the Internet. The system 20 includes a playback device 30 that receives a content data file via the network 10.

  The content distribution system 20 is a server system composed of one or more information processing devices that operate under program control. The content distribution system 20 functions as a Web server that responds to various requests from the playback device 30 and as a data distribution server that distributes data. And an order format recording unit 21, a database 22, a customer database 23, a request response unit 24, and a transmission / reception unit 25.

  The order format recording unit 21 is a recording unit such as an HDD, and includes a content input column for inputting content specifying information for specifying the content to be purchased, and an authentication information input column for inputting authentication information such as a user ID for specifying the user. An order format such as a CGI form having a payment information input field for inputting payment information such as a credit card number for designating a payment method of contents to be purchased is recorded.

  The database 22 is a recording unit such as an HDD, and as shown in FIG. 2, a content list that is a list of contents to be sold and a data file for trial listening of content described in the content list (hereinafter referred to as trial data). ), A provisional data file of content described in the content list (hereinafter referred to as provisional content data), and a formal data file of content described in the content list (hereinafter referred to as content data). The recorded audition data, provisional content data, and main content data include bibliographic information such as content name and artist name as tag information.

  The audition data recorded in the database 22 is data that the license owner of the content has permitted the user to provide free of charge as a material for determining whether or not the content can be purchased. Part and rust part) and data of lower quality than the content data. It should be noted that, by adding restriction information for limiting the number of reproductions or the reproduction period to the trial listening data so as to restrict the number of reproductions and the period of reproduction by the reproducing apparatus 30, it is possible to prevent the trial listening data from being used and diverted. Can do. Furthermore, if prohibition information for prohibiting digital output is added to the audition data so that digital output from the playback device 30 to the outside is prohibited, it is possible to further prevent the audition data from being illegally used and diverted. .

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the main content data recorded in the database 22 includes a main license that permits reproduction of the data file without limitation, and a data file that has a pointer to the main license. As shown in FIG. 3B, the provisional content data recorded in the database 22 is limited in the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and limited reproduction of data files on the condition that a purchase reservation has been made. The temporary license data to be permitted and a data file having a pointer to the temporary license are included. The data file of the temporary content data has the same quality as the data file of the content data.

  In FIG. 2, the content list in which the three contents of the music pieces A to C are described in the database 22, the trial listening data, the provisional content data, and the main content data of the music pieces A to C described in the content list are respectively shown. Although the recorded example is shown, the content list is created by selection of a content distributor such as “latest song” or “best hit”, and the number of contents described in the content list is arbitrary. Also, a plurality of different content lists may be recorded. In this case, the content list selected by the user is transmitted from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device 30.

  The customer database 23 is a recording unit such as an HDD and stores user information including authentication information such as a user ID and a password, and settlement information such as a credit card number registered by the user.

  When the request response unit 24 receives a list request from the playback device 30, the request response unit 24 transmits an authentication request for transmitting authentication information for authenticating the user to the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25. When the authentication information from the playback device 30 is received, whether the authentication process succeeded by performing an authentication process for authenticating the user by comparing the received authentication information with the user information recorded in the customer database 23 If the authentication is successful, the content list requested to be transmitted by the list request is read from the database 22, and the read content list is transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25. . Further, when the sample response data request from the playback device 30 is received, the request response unit 24 reads the sample data and provisional content data requested to be transmitted by the sample data request from the database 22 and records the order format in the order format record. The sample listening data, the ordering format, and the provisional content data read from the unit 21 are transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25. Further, when the order response format is received from the playback device 30, the request response unit 24 performs an authentication process based on the authentication information input in the authentication information input field of the order format and is input to the settlement information input field. When the payment process is performed based on the received payment information, and the authentication process and the payment process are normally performed, the content data specified by the content specifying information input in the content input field of the ordering format is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 25 to the network 10. And transmitted to the playback device 30.

  The transmission / reception unit 25 has a function of connecting to the network 10 by wire or wireless, and performs information communication with the playback device 30 via the network 10.

  The playback device 30 is a portable playback device such as an audio player that operates under program control and plays back content such as video and music, and is configured to be connectable to a network 10 such as the Internet. A recording unit 32, a display unit 33 such as a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 34, a reproduction processing unit 35, and a data management unit 36 are provided.

  The transmission / reception unit 31 has a function of connecting to the network 10 by wire or wireless, and performs information communication with the content distribution system 20.

  The information recording unit 32 is a recording unit such as an HDD or a silicon memory. The information recording unit 32 stores a content list, sample data, and order format received from the content distribution system 20, and a reservation for purchasing content. A reservation information recording unit 322 in which information is recorded, and a provisional content data received from the content distribution system 20 and a content data recording unit 323 in which the main content data are recorded.

  The display unit 33 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 33 displays the video reproduced by the reproduction processing unit 35 and the content list recorded in the audition data recording unit 321.

  The operation unit 34 is an operation unit such as an operation button, and inputs a list display instruction for instructing display of the content list on the display unit 33, and selects and reproduces the audition data to be reproduced from the content list displayed on the display unit 33. Play instruction input for instructing purchase, input for purchase instruction for instructing purchase of content, input of authentication information for entering authentication information such as user ID for specifying user, and settlement information such as credit card number for specifying payment method of content to be purchased The payment information is input.

  The reproduction processing unit 35 decompresses and reproduces the audition data, provisional content data, and main content data recorded in the audition data recording unit 321 and the content data recording unit 323 of the information recording unit 32, respectively. 33, and the sound is output to the connected headphones 50.

  The data management unit 36 receives the content list from the content distribution system 20 by causing the transmission / reception unit 31 to transmit a list request to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10, and at the same time receives the content list from the content distribution system 20 via the network 10. 20 transmits the audition data request to receive the audition data, provisional content data, and ordering format from the content distribution system 20, and the received provisional data, audition data, and ordering format are received in the audition data recording unit 321. The content data is recorded in the content data recording unit 323, respectively. In addition, when a purchase instruction is input from the operation unit 34, the data management unit 36 receives an authentication information input and a payment information input from the operation unit 34, and inputs content in an order format recorded in the trial listening data recording unit 321. In the field, the authentication information input field and the payment information input field, the content specifying information for specifying the content to be purchased, the authentication information input from the operation unit 34, and the payment information input from the operation unit 34 are input, respectively. The ordering format in which the information, authentication information, and settlement information are input is recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 as purchase reservation information. Further, the data management unit 36 receives and records the paid main content data by transmitting the ordering format recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 by the transmission / reception unit 31 to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10. .

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
4 is a flowchart for explaining the trial data reception operation in the playback apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the trial data transmission operation and the content data transmission operation in the content distribution system shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the state of the information recording unit shown in FIG. 1 when the trial listening data is received, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the purchase reservation operation in the playback apparatus shown in FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state of the information recording unit shown in FIG. 1 at the time of purchase reservation execution, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the content data receiving operation in the playback device shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the state of the information recording unit shown in FIG. 1 when the content data is received.

First, the trial data receiving operation for receiving the trial data from the content distribution system 20 in the playback device 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The trial listening data and the provisional content data are transmitted from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device 30 while the playback device 30 is in an online state, that is, in a state where the playback device 30 can communicate with the network 10. In the present embodiment, the content distribution system 20 is connected to the network 10 at home or the like by LAN cable connection or placed on a cradle and is communicable with the content distribution system 20 or is called a hot spot. By placing the content distribution system 20 at an access point such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth, a case where communication with the content distribution system 20 is possible is referred to as online, and the content distribution system 20 is connected to the network 10. A state in which communication with the content distribution system 20 is not possible is referred to as offline.

  The data management unit 36 of the playback device 30 monitors the arrival at a predetermined time (step A1). When the predetermined time is reached, whether or not the playback device 30 is in an online state. That is, it is determined whether or not communication with the content distribution system 20 is possible via the network 10 (step A2).

  When the playback device 30 is online, that is, when the playback device 30 is communicable with the content distribution system 20 via the network 10, the trial data reception operation is started, and when the playback device 30 is not online, that is, the network 10 If the communication with the content distribution system 20 is not possible via the route, the process returns to step A1 and waits until the next predetermined time is reached. In the present embodiment, the sample data reception operation is started when the predetermined time is reached. However, the sample data is received when the playback device 30 is turned on or by a user operation. The operation may be started.

  As the trial data reception operation, the data management unit 36 first causes the transmission / reception unit 31 to transmit a list request to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10 (step A3). The list request is a transmission request for a content list recorded in the database 22 of the content distribution system 20. If a plurality of different content lists are recorded in the database 22, a transmission request is made according to a user's selection. It is preferable that the content list can be set in advance.

  The request response unit 24 of the content distribution system 20 monitors reception of the list request (step B1), and authenticates the user when the transmission / reception unit 25 receives the list request from the playback device 30 via the network 10. An authentication request for requesting transmission of authentication information is transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25 (step B2).

  When the transmission / reception unit 31 receives an authentication request from the content distribution system 20 via the network 10 (step A4), the data management unit 36 of the playback device 30 receives authentication information registered in advance or the operation unit 34 by the user. Is transmitted to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 31 (step A5).

  When the authentication information from the playback device 30 is received by the transmission / reception unit 25 via the network 10 (step B3), the request response unit 24 of the content distribution system 20 receives the received authentication information and the user recorded in the customer database 23. An authentication process for authenticating the user by comparing with the information is performed to determine whether or not the authentication process has succeeded (step B4). If the authentication has failed, authentication error information notifying that the authentication has failed is obtained. Transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25 (step B5). When the authentication is successful, the content list requested to be transmitted by the list request is read from the database 22, and the read content list is transmitted / received. The data is transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the unit 25 ( Step B6). In this embodiment, it is assumed that payment information is recorded in the customer database 23. However, if payment information is not recorded in the customer database 23, payment such as a credit card number is performed in step B2. A payment request for requesting transmission of information is transmitted from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device 30 together with the authentication request, and the payment information registered in advance in step A5 or the payment information input from the operation unit 34 by the user is authenticated. At the same time, the content may be transmitted from the playback device 30 to the content distribution system 20.

  When the content list from the content distribution system 20 is received by the transmission / reception unit 31 via the network 10 (step A6), the data management unit 36 of the playback device 30 refers to the audition data recording unit 321, thereby transmitting / receiving unit 31. It is determined whether or not the content list received in the past is an updated content list that has not been received in the past and is not recorded in the trial listening data recording unit 321 (step A7).

  If the content list is not updated in step A7, the process returns to step A1 and waits until the next predetermined time is reached. If the content list is updated in step A7, the data management unit 36 causes the transmission / reception unit 31 to transmit a sample data request to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10 (step A8). The trial listening data request is a request for transmission of trial listening data and provisional content data of content recorded in the database 22 of the content distribution system 20 and described in the content list.

  The request response unit 24 of the content distribution system 20 monitors the reception of the trial data request (step B7). When the trial data request from the playback device 30 is received by the transmission / reception unit 25 via the network 10, the trial data is received. The audition data and provisional content data requested to be transmitted by the request are read from the database 22, and the ordering format is read from the ordering format recording unit 21. The read audition data, ordering format, and provisional content data are transmitted to the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25. Then, the data is transmitted to the playback device 30 (step B8). In step B8, the request response unit 24 transmits the authentication information and the payment information to the content distribution system 20 from the playback device 30 in a state where the authentication information and the payment information are input in the authentication information input field and the payment information input field of the order format. Also, instead of inputting authentication information and payment information in the authentication information input field and payment information input field of the order format, the authentication process is successful and the information in which the payment information is registered is added to the order format. Also good.

  When the trial data, ordering format, and provisional content data from the content distribution system 20 are received by the transmission / reception unit 31 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 31 (step A9), the data management unit 36 of the playback device 30, as shown in FIG. The content list, the audition data, and the ordering format are recorded in the audition data recording unit 321 and the provisional content data is stored in the content data recording unit 323 (step A10), and the process returns to step A1 until the next predetermined time is reached. You will be waiting.

Next, the purchase reservation operation in the playback device 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The purchase reservation operation in the playback device 30 can be performed when the playback device 30 is in an offline state, that is, in a state where communication with the network 10 is not possible.

  The data management unit 36 of the playback device 30 monitors the list display instruction input performed by the user from the operation unit 34 (step C1). When the list display instruction input is performed, the data is recorded in the audition data recording unit 321. The content list designated by the list display instruction is read out from the trial data recording unit 321 from the existing content list, and the read content list is displayed on the display unit 33 (step C2).

  Next, the user visually recognizes the content list displayed on the display unit 33, selects a content to be auditioned by the operation unit 34, and inputs a reproduction instruction to instruct reproduction. The data management unit 36 monitors the reproduction instruction input performed from the operation unit 34 (step C3). When the reproduction instruction input is performed, the reproduction processing unit 35 reproduces the audition data of the content instructed to be reproduced. The reproduction processing unit 35 decompresses and reproduces the sample data recorded in the sample data recording unit 321, displays the video on the display unit 33, and outputs the sound to the connected headphones 50 ( Step C4).

  Next, the user determines whether or not the content can be purchased based on the preview data that is reproduced and output. When purchasing the content, the user inputs a purchase instruction to instruct the purchase of the content through the operation unit 34. The data management unit 36 monitors the purchase instruction input made from the operation unit 34 (step C5). When the purchase instruction input is made, the data management unit 36 orders the order recorded in the audition data recording unit 321. Content specifying information for specifying the content to be purchased is input in the content input field of the format, and as shown in FIG. 8, the reservation information recording unit 322 uses the order format in which the content specifying information and the authentication information are input as purchase reservation information. (Step C6), the reproduction of the provisional content data of the content instructed to be purchased is permitted (step C7), and the process returns to step C3 to monitor the next reproduction instruction input.

  As a result, the data management unit 36 performs limited reproduction of the provisional content data of the content that the user has decided to purchase in the offline state, that is, the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322, based on the provisional license. Will be allowed. As a result, it is possible to perform playback using a data file having the same quality as the content data immediately after the purchase is decided, regardless of the offline state.

  In FIG. 8, the purchase of music A and music C is instructed, the respective order formats for reserving the purchase of music A and music C are recorded, and the reproduction of provisional content data of music A and music C is permitted. However, it may be configured such that a plurality of contents can be specified by one ordering format, that is, content specifying information for specifying a plurality of contents can be input in the content input field. In this case, it is possible to make a purchase reservation for a plurality of contents by inputting authentication information and settlement information once.

  In addition, the data management unit 36 monitors the end instruction input for instructing the end of the purchase reservation operation performed from the operation unit 34 (step C8), and the end instruction input is performed without performing the reproduction instruction input in step C3. The purchase reservation operation is terminated when it is performed and when the end instruction is input without performing the purchase instruction input in step C5.

Next, the content data receiving operation for receiving the content data from the content distribution system 20 in the playback device 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5, 9, and 10.
The transmission of the content data from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device 30 is performed in a state in which the playback device 30 is online, that is, capable of communicating with the network 10.

  When the playback device 30 is powered on, the data management unit 36 determines whether or not purchase reservation information exists, that is, whether or not the ordering format is recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 (step D1). If there is purchase reservation information, it is determined whether or not the playback device 30 is in an online state, that is, whether or not the playback device 30 is communicable with the content distribution system 20 via the network 10 (step C2). In the present embodiment, it is configured to determine whether or not purchase reservation information exists when the playback device 30 is turned on. However, it may be determined that a predetermined time has been reached or a user operation is performed. It may be determined whether or not purchase reservation information exists.

  If the purchase reservation information does not exist in step D1 and the playback device 30 is not online in step D2, the data management unit 36 ends the content data receiving operation, and the playback device 30 is online in step D2. If there is, the order format recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 by the transmission / reception unit 31 is transmitted to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10 (step D3).

  The request response unit 24 of the content distribution system 20 monitors reception of the order format (step B9). When the order format is received from the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25, the order format authentication is performed. The authentication process is performed based on the authentication information input in the information input field and the payment process is performed based on the payment information input in the payment information input field (step B10), and the authentication process and the payment process are normally performed. Then, the content data specified by the content specifying information input in the content input field of the ordering format is transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10 by the transmission / reception unit 25 (step B11).

  When the transmission / reception unit 31 receives the main content data from the content distribution system 20 via the network 10 (step D4), the data management unit 36 of the playback device 30 describes the purchased content as shown in FIG. The content list, the audition data corresponding to the content list, and the ordering format are deleted from the audition data recording unit 321 and the provisional content data is deleted from the content data recording unit 323 (step D5). The received main content data is recorded in the H.323 (step D6).

  In this embodiment, the provisional content data is deleted from the content data recording unit 323 in step D5. However, the “real license” and the “pointer to this license” are transmitted from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device. 30, the “provisional license” of the provisional content data is rewritten to “main license”, the “pointer to provisional license” in the data file is rewritten to “pointer to this license”, and the provisional content data is rewritten to the main license data. The content data may be rewritten. In this case, since it is not necessary to transmit the data file again from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device 30, the communication amount (time) at the time of content purchase can be reduced.

  In addition, in this embodiment, since it is possible to play back data files of the same quality as the main content by making an offline purchase reservation, a purchase reservation is made for a large amount of content, and then only provisional content is stored without going online. There is a risk of unauthorized playback. Accordingly, it is preferable to set the number of contents that can be reserved for purchase offline by the user or the upper limit of the purchase price. In this case, the number of purchase reservation information to be recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 by the data management unit 36 or the sum of the purchase amount is monitored, and if the sum of the number or the purchase amount exceeds the upper limit, the reservation information recording unit It may be controlled to prohibit the recording of new purchase reservation information in 322.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the content distribution system 20, the number of reproductions or the reproduction period is limited on the condition that a data file having the same quality as the content to be sold and a content purchase reservation have been made. Then, provisional content data including a provisional license that permits the reproduction of the data file in a limited manner is recorded in the database 22, and the provisional content data is transmitted to the reproduction apparatus 30 via the network 10 in response to a request from the reproduction apparatus 30. Then, the playback device 30 transmits a request for requesting transmission of provisional content data to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10, whereby the provisional content data is received from the content distribution system 20 and stored in the content data recording unit 323. Recording and operation unit 34 The content purchase instruction information is received in the reservation information recording unit 322, and the data management unit 36 provisionally corresponds to the content recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322. Since the reproduction of the content data is limitedly permitted based on the provisional license, the provisional content data can be made reproducible when the user issues a purchase instruction. Even in a state where it is not possible to connect to the network 10, the user can perform a content purchase procedure, and the content can be reproduced without connecting the playback device 30 to the network 10.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when a request from the playback device 30 is received in the content distribution system 20, when authentication processing is performed by requesting authentication information for specifying a user and the authentication processing is successful. By configuring the provisional content data to be transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10, the provisional content data can be transmitted after performing the authentication process, and the provisional content data is illegally used and diverted. There is an effect that it can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the content distribution system 20, an order format for making a content purchase reservation is recorded in the order format recording unit 21, and authentication information or information indicating that the authentication process is successful is added. By configuring the ordering format to be transmitted together with the provisional content data to the playback apparatus 30 via the network 10, the ordering format can be freely changed on the content distributor side, and a highly versatile system is realized. In addition, there is an effect that the input of authentication information at the time of the purchase reservation operation can be omitted.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the playback apparatus 30, the reservation information recording unit 322 uses the order format added with the content specifying information for specifying the content for which the purchase instruction is given by the input from the operation unit 34 as the purchase reservation information. Since the purchase procedure can be performed simply by transmitting purchase reservation information from the playback device 30 to the content distribution system 20 when the playback device is in an online state. There is an effect that the purchase procedure can be completed without bothering.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the purchase reservation information recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 is transmitted in the playback device 30 and the purchase information is received from the playback device 30 in the content distribution system 20, the purchase information is purchased. The restriction release information that allows the data file of the content to be played without restriction is transmitted to the playback device 30 via the network 10 so that the limited playback of the data file can be easily canceled along with the purchase procedure. There is an effect that can be.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the content data consisting of the content data file and the license that permits the reproduction of the data file without limitation is transmitted from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device 30 as the restriction release information. When the content data is received from the content distribution system 20 in the playback device 30, the provisional content data is deleted from the content data recording unit 323 and the content data is recorded in the content data recording unit 323. Thus, it is possible to easily rewrite the temporary content data to the main content data in accordance with the purchase procedure.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the license for permitting the reproduction of the content data file without restriction is transmitted as restriction release information from the content distribution system 20 to the reproduction device 30, and the reproduction device 30 receives the license from the content distribution system 20. When the license is received, the provisional license of the provisional content data recorded in the content data recording unit 323 is rewritten with the license, so that the provisional content data associated with the purchase procedure is rewritten to the content data. Can be performed without transmitting the data file again from the content distribution system 20 to the playback device 30, and the amount of communication (time) at the time of content purchase can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the playback device 30 can determine whether or not purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, and can connect to the network 10. It is determined whether or not it is in an online state, purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322, and when it is in an online state that can be connected to the network 10, the purchase reservation recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322 By configuring the information to be transmitted to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10, it is possible to perform the content purchase procedure without the user being aware of it when online.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the playback device 30 determines whether or not the online state is connectable to the network 10 at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on. By configuring the request to be transmitted to the content distribution system 20 via the network 10, the provisional content data can be received and recorded in the playback device without being conscious of the user.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the playback device 30 monitors the number of purchase reservation information or the sum of the purchase price recorded in the reservation information recording unit 322, and the sum of the number or the purchase price exceeds the upper limit. Is configured to prohibit recording of new purchase reservation information in the reservation information recording unit 322, thereby making a purchase reservation for a large amount of content, and then illegally reproducing only provisional content without going online. The effect of being able to minimize the damage in the case of being done.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is obvious that each embodiment can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be set to a suitable number, position, shape, and the like in practicing the present invention. In each figure, the same numerals are given to the same component.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of embodiment of the content transmission / reception system which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the recorded content of the database of the content delivery system shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the provisional content data and this content data which are recorded on the database of the content delivery system shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a trial listening data receiving operation in the playback apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a trial listening data transmission operation and a content data transmission operation in the content distribution system shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state at the time of trial listening data reception of the information recording part shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a purchase reservation operation in the playback apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state at the time of purchase reservation execution of the information recording part shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the content data receiving operation in the playback apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state at the time of this content data reception of the information recording part shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Network 20 Content delivery system 21 Order format recording part 22 Database 23 Customer database 24 Request response part 25 Transmission / reception part 30 Playback apparatus 31 Transmission / reception part 32 Information recording part 33 Display part 34 Operation part 35 Reproduction process part 36 Data management part 50 Headphone 321 Audition data recording unit 322 Reservation information recording unit 323 Content data recording unit

Claims (38)

A content transmission / reception system comprising a content distribution system for distributing content via a network and a playback device for recording the content received via the network and reproducing the recorded content,
The content distribution system restricts the reproduction of the data file by limiting the number of reproductions or the reproduction period on condition that a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and the purchase reservation of the content are made. A database in which provisional content data consisting of provisional licenses is recorded,
Provisional content transmission means for transmitting the provisional content data to the reproduction device via the network in response to a request from the reproduction device;
The playback device includes a request transmission unit that transmits a request for transmission of the provisional content data to the content distribution system via the network;
Provisional content receiving means for receiving the provisional content data transmitted from the content distribution system;
Information recording means for recording the provisional content data received by the provisional content receiving means;
An operation means for inputting an instruction to purchase the content;
Reservation information recording means for recording purchase reservation information of the content for which a purchase instruction has been made by input from the operation means;
Content management means for restricting the reproduction of the provisional content data corresponding to the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means based on the provisional license; Transmission / reception system.   When the request from the playback device is received, the content distribution system requests authentication information for specifying a user and performs an authentication process. When the authentication process is successful, the provisional content transmission unit performs the provisional transmission. 2. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 1, further comprising request response means for transmitting content data to the playback device via the network. The content distribution system includes an order format recording unit in which an order format for making a purchase reservation for the content is recorded,
The request response means causes the playback apparatus to transmit the ordering format to which the authentication information or the information indicating that the authentication processing has been successful is added together with the provisional content data by the provisional content transmission means via the network. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 2.   The reservation information recording means of the playback apparatus records the order format added with content specifying information for specifying the content for which a purchase instruction has been given by an input from the operation means as the purchase reservation information. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 3. The playback device comprises purchase information transmitting means for transmitting the purchase reservation information recorded in the reservation information recording means,
When the purchase information is received from the playback device, the content distribution system transmits restriction release information that can play back the data file of the purchased content without limitation to the playback device via the network. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 1, further comprising: The restriction release information is book content data consisting of a data file of the content and a license that allows the reproduction of the data file without restriction,
When the main content data is received from the content distribution system, the data management unit of the playback device deletes the provisional content data from the information recording unit and causes the information recording unit to record the main content data. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 5. The restriction release information is a license that permits the reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction,
When the main license is received from the content distribution system, the data management unit of the playback device rewrites the temporary license of the temporary content data recorded in the information recording unit into the main license. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 5.   The purchase information transmission means of the playback device determines whether or not the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, and whether or not the purchase information transmission means is in an online state connectable to the network. The purchase reservation information recorded in the reservation information recording means when the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means and the online information is connectable to the network. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 5, wherein the content transmission system is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network.   The request transmission means of the playback device determines whether or not the online state is connectable to the network at a predetermined time or at power-up, and when the online state is connectable to the network, 9. The content transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the content transmitting / receiving system transmits the content to the content distribution system via a network.   The data management means of the playback device monitors the number of purchase reservation information to be recorded in the reservation information recording means or the sum of purchase amounts, and if the number or the sum of purchase amounts exceeds the upper limit, reservation information 10. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 1, wherein recording of the new purchase reservation information on recording means is prohibited. A content distribution system that records content and distributes the content via a network to a playback device that plays back the recorded content,
A provisional license consisting of a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file on the condition that the content purchase reservation has been made A database in which content data is recorded;
A content distribution system comprising: provisional content transmission means for transmitting the provisional content data to the reproduction device via the network in response to a request from the reproduction device.   When the request from the playback device is received, an authentication process is performed by requesting authentication information for specifying a user. When the authentication process is successful, the provisional content data is transmitted by the provisional content transmission unit via the network. 12. The content distribution system according to claim 11, further comprising request response means for transmitting to the playback apparatus. Comprising an order format recording means in which an order format for making a purchase reservation of the content is recorded;
The request response means causes the provisional content transmission means to transmit the ordering format to which the authentication information or the information indicating that the authentication processing has been successful is transmitted to the reproduction apparatus via the network together with the provisional content data. The content distribution system according to claim 12.   A content transmission unit configured to transmit restriction release information capable of reproducing the data file of the purchased content without limitation to the reproduction device via the network when purchase reservation information for purchasing the content is received from the reproduction device; The content distribution system according to claim 11, further comprising:   15. The content distribution system according to claim 14, wherein the restriction release information is main content data including a data file of the content and a main license that permits reproduction of the data file without limitation.   15. The content distribution system according to claim 14, wherein the restriction release information is a license that permits reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction. A playback device for recording the content received from a content distribution system for distributing content via a network and playing back the recorded content,
A provisional license consisting of a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file on the condition that the content purchase reservation has been made Request transmitting means for transmitting a request for requesting transmission of content data to the content distribution system via the network;
Provisional content receiving means for receiving the provisional content data transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the request;
Information recording means for recording the provisional content data received by the provisional content receiving means;
An operation means for inputting an instruction to purchase the content;
Reservation information recording means for recording purchase reservation information of the content for which a purchase instruction has been given by input from the operation means;
Reproduction comprising: data management means for permitting limited reproduction of the provisional content data corresponding to the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means based on the provisional license apparatus. Purchase information transmitting means for transmitting the purchase reservation information recorded in the reservation information recording means;
It further comprises restriction release information receiving means for receiving restriction release information transmitted from the content distribution system in response to transmission of the purchase reservation information and capable of playing back the data file of the purchased content without restriction. The playback device according to claim 17. The restriction release information is book content data consisting of a data file of the content and a license that allows the reproduction of the data file without restriction,
When the main content data is received from the content distribution system, the data management unit deletes the provisional content data from the information recording unit and causes the information recording unit to record the main content data. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 18. The restriction release information is a license that permits the reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction,
The data management unit, when the main license is received from the content distribution system, rewrites the temporary license of the temporary content data recorded in the information recording unit to the main license. 18. The playback device according to 18.   The purchase information transmission means determines whether or not the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, and determines whether or not the online state is connectable to the network When the purchase reservation information is recorded in the reservation information recording means and is in an online state connectable to the network, the purchase reservation information recorded in the reservation information recording means is transmitted via the network. 21. The playback device according to claim 17, wherein the playback device transmits the content to the content distribution system.   The request transmission means determines whether or not the online state is connectable to the network at a predetermined time or at power-up, and when the online state is connectable to the network, the request is transmitted via the network. The playback device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the playback device transmits the content to a content distribution system.   The data management means monitors the number of purchase reservation information to be recorded in the reservation information recording means or the sum of purchase amounts, and if the number or the sum of purchase amounts exceeds the upper limit, the data management means to the reservation information recording means 23. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein recording of the new purchase reservation information is prohibited. A content distribution method for recording content and distributing the content via a network to a playback device that plays back the recorded content,
A provisional license consisting of a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file on the condition that the content purchase reservation has been made Record the content data,
In response to a request from the playback device, the provisional content data is transmitted to the playback device via the network.   When the request is received from the playback device, authentication information specifying a user is requested and an authentication process is performed. When the authentication process is successful, the provisional content data is reproduced by the provisional content transmission unit via the network. The content distribution method according to claim 24, wherein the content distribution method is transmitted to a device. Record the ordering format for making a purchase reservation of the content,
26. The content distribution method according to claim 25, wherein the ordering format to which the authentication information or the information indicating that the authentication processing has been successful is added is transmitted to the playback apparatus via the network together with the provisional content data. .   The restriction cancellation information that enables the data file of the purchased content to be played without limitation is transmitted to the playback device via the network when receiving purchase reservation information for purchasing the content from the playback device. 27. The content distribution method according to any one of 24 to 26.   28. The content distribution method according to claim 27, wherein the restriction release information is main content data including a data file of the content and a main license that permits reproduction of the data file without limitation.   28. The content distribution method according to claim 27, wherein the restriction release information is a license that permits the reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction. A program for recording a content and causing a playback device that reproduces the recorded content to function a server system including one or more information processing devices as a content distribution system for distributing the content via a network,
In response to a request from the playback device, the data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and the playback of the data file are limited by limiting the number of playbacks or the playback period on the condition that the content has been reserved for purchase. A program for executing provisional content data including a provisional license to be limitedly allowed to be transmitted to the reproduction apparatus via the network. A content receiving method in a playback device for recording the content received from a content distribution system for distributing content via a network and playing back the recorded content,
A provisional license consisting of a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file on the condition that the content purchase reservation has been made A request for transmission of content data is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network;
Receiving and recording the provisional content data transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the request;
Receiving an input of a purchase instruction for the content;
Record purchase reservation information of the content for which a purchase instruction has been made,
A content receiving method, wherein reproduction of the provisional content data corresponding to the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded is permitted based on the provisional license. Send the recorded purchase reservation information,
32. The content receiving method according to claim 31, further comprising receiving restriction release information transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the transmission of the purchase reservation information and capable of reproducing the purchased data file of the content without restriction. . The restriction release information is book content data consisting of a data file of the content and a license that allows the reproduction of the data file without restriction,
33. The content receiving method according to claim 32, wherein when the main content data is received from the content distribution system, the provisional content data is deleted and the main content data is recorded. The restriction release information is a license that permits the reproduction of the data file of the content without restriction,
33. The content receiving method according to claim 32, wherein when the main license is received from the content distribution system, the temporary license of the recorded temporary content data is rewritten to the main license.   Determining whether or not the purchase reservation information is recorded at a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, determining whether or not the purchase reservation information is online, and recording the purchase reservation information; and The content according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein when the online state is connectable to the network, the recorded purchase reservation information is transmitted to the content distribution system via the network. Reception method.   At a predetermined time or when the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not the network is online and can be connected to the network. 36. The content receiving method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein: Monitor the number of purchase reservation information to be recorded or the total purchase amount,
37. The content receiving method according to claim 31, wherein recording of the new purchase reservation information is prohibited when the number or the sum of purchase amounts exceeds an upper limit. A program that records the content received from a content distribution system that distributes content via a network and causes an information processing device to function as a reproduction device that reproduces the recorded content,
A provisional license consisting of a data file of the same quality as the content to be sold and a provisional license that restricts the number of reproductions or the reproduction period and restricts the reproduction of the data file on the condition that the content purchase reservation has been made Transmitting a request for transmission of content data to the content distribution system via the network;
Receiving and recording the provisional content data transmitted from the content distribution system in response to the request;
Receiving an input of a purchase instruction for the content;
Recording the purchase reservation information of the content for which a purchase instruction has been made; and
And a step of restrictively permitting reproduction of the provisional content data corresponding to the content in which the purchase reservation information is recorded based on the provisional license.

Images