JP2003115874A - Method and device for distributing network news, network news distribution program and storage medium storing the same program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of users by reducing labor and time for management job of a server when distributing network news by using the Internet. SOLUTION: Broadcasting is redundantly executed to a server in which the distribution route of network news is from a contribution terminal to the ground station of a communications satellite, further from such a server through the communications satellite to the terminal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network news distribution service method and device, a network news distribution program, and a storage medium storing the network news distribution program, and more particularly to a server for distributing network news on the Internet. The present invention relates to a network news distribution service method and device for minimizing management and improving user convenience, a network news distribution program, and a storage medium storing the network news distribution program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, network news on the Internet is transferred by a bucket brigade method between servers and provided by being downloaded from the server in response to a request from a terminal. The communication protocol for network news is IETF (Internet Engineering Ta
Material published by sk Force) RGC977 "NetworkN
ews Transfer Protocol ”.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of conventional network news distribution.

The system shown in FIG. 1 includes network news distribution servers S1, S2, S3, and a communication line L0 between an external network and distribution servers S1, S2, S2, S3.
1, L12, L23, terminals T1-1, T1-2 connected to distribution server S1, terminals T2-1, T2-2, T2-3 connected to distribution server S2, and distribution server S3. It is composed of terminals T3-1 and T-3.

The message posted to the network news from the external network follows the delivery route set in the delivery server and the delivery server S from the external network.
1, S2, S3 are delivered and accumulated in the order of communication lines L01 → L12 → L23.

For distribution of news to terminals, for example, when distribution is performed from distribution server S1 to terminal T1-1, terminal T1-1 requests the list stored in distribution server S1, and then terminal It is delivered by downloading the message selected by T1-1 from the delivery server S1. On the contrary, the message posted from the terminal to the distribution server is distributed to the external network via the communication path L01 via the distribution servers S1, S2 and S3.

Further, in the broadcast communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-56221, in order to achieve high reliability and high efficiency for a device that distributes the same message over a wide area,
To reduce the load on the delivery server by requesting the terminal to retransmit the dropped frame of the message using connection-oriented communication with a communication satellite, receiving it at that terminal, and merging it with the frame already received without dropping. Is disclosed.

[0008]

However, the accumulation of messages in the distribution server is stored until the accumulation period for each news group predetermined in the distribution server or the period specified in each message, whichever comes first. It is deleted when it expires.

With such a distribution method, the distribution server administrator manages the distribution route between the servers, manages the list of subscribed newsgroups and the message storage period for each newsgroup, and manages the required disk capacity. It is necessary to secure it.

Since the delivery between servers is based on the bucket brigade method, a path setting error affects the downstream side. Therefore, the server administrator must do careful work.

Further, since the disk capacity is finite, it is necessary to set the above retention period finitely, and in order to anticipate the varying number of posts and size, the retention period is set shorter than the period expected by the user. Tend to be.

Further, since the distribution between the server and the terminal is a method of downloading upon request, it takes a longer time than the user expects to search for a news group or message to read. Or it does not end.

As described above, the server manager has a problem that it takes time and time to manage the distribution route, the list of news groups, the storage period, and the disk capacity in each distribution server.

Further, there is a problem for the user that the time required for downloading is long, the storage period is short, and it takes a lot of time and effort to find a newsgroup or message to read. .

Further, in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-56221, connection type communication is used, and there is a problem that the commonly used Internet (connectionless type communication) cannot be used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and when distributing network news using the Internet, the time and effort required for server management work are reduced and the convenience of the user is improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network news distribution service method and device, a network news distribution program, and a storage medium storing the network news distribution program.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

The present invention (Claim 1) is a network news distribution service method comprising a terminal and a server,
The distribution route of the network news is from the posting terminal to the server which is the ground station of the communication satellite (step 1), and further, from the server to the terminal via the communication satellite, the terminal broadcasts with redundancy (step 2).

According to the present invention (Claim 2), the server encrypts a news message in units of news groups, and sets a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted message for each terminal. Identify whether the user has a subscription contract.

The present invention (Claim 3) charges by a function of the subscribed newsgroup with which the user has a contract and the amount of data distributed to the user, and the amount of data is greater than or equal to a predetermined specified value. If it does, the upper limit of the charge amount is applied to charge.

According to the present invention (claim 4), in a server,
It uses a database that stores subscription contracts with users, distribution status of decryption keys, and billing details.

According to the present invention (Claim 5), the portal site defines the hierarchical structure of the news group and maintains the relationship with the existing network news hierarchical structure.
Hide and expose the defined hierarchy.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the principle of the present invention.

The present invention (Claim 6) is connected to a terminal,
A network news distribution device for distributing network news, which is a ground station of a communication satellite, accepts posting of network news broadcast from a posting terminal, and provides each terminal with redundancy through the communication satellite. It has a broadcast means 110 for reporting.

The present invention (Claim 7) sets an encryption means for encrypting news messages in units of newsgroups, and an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted message for each terminal. , And a decryption key setting means for identifying whether or not the user has a subscription contract.

The present invention (Claim 8) has a subscription newsgroup with which the user has a contract, and a billing means for billing by a function of the amount of data distributed to the user.
When the amount of data is equal to or larger than a predetermined specified value, it includes means for applying the upper limit of the charge amount to charge.

The present invention (Claim 9) has a database for storing the subscription contract with the user, the distribution status of the decryption key, and the billing content.

The present invention (Claim 10) further comprises a portal site, and the portal site maintains the relationship between the means for defining the hierarchical structure of news groups and the existing hierarchical structure of network news, Means for hiding and exposing the defined hierarchical structure.

According to the present invention (claim 11), a subscription contract with a user, a distribution status of a decryption key, a database for storing billing contents, means for defining a hierarchical structure of a news group, and existing network news. And a portal site having means for disclosing the defined hierarchical structure while hiding the relationship with the hierarchical structure.

The present invention (Claim 12) is a network news distribution program for distributing network news in a server, which is a ground station of a communication satellite connected to a terminal, of network news broadcast from a posting terminal. It has a broadcast process of accepting a post and broadcasting it to each terminal via the communication satellite with redundancy.

The present invention (Claim 13) sets an encryption process for encrypting news messages on a newsgroup basis, and sets a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted message for each terminal. , And a decryption key setting process for identifying whether or not the user has a subscription contract.

The present invention (Claim 14) has a subscription newsgroup with which the user has a contract, and a billing process for billing as a function of the amount of data distributed to the user. Is greater than or equal to a predetermined stipulated value, a process of applying the upper limit of the charging amount and charging is included.

The present invention (Claim 15) includes a process of using a database for storing a subscription contract with a user, a distribution status of the decryption key, and a billing content.

The present invention (Claim 16) conceals the defined hierarchy while maintaining the relationship between the process of defining the hierarchical structure of a news group and the existing network news hierarchical structure in a portal site. And the process of exposing the structure.

According to the present invention (claim 17), a subscription contract with a user, a distribution status of a decryption key, a database for storing billing contents, a process for defining a hierarchical structure of a news group, and existing network news. And a portal site having a process of hiding and exposing the defined hierarchical structure while maintaining the relationship with the hierarchical structure of.

The present invention (claim 18) is a storage medium storing a network news distribution program for distributing network news in a server which is a ground station of a communication satellite connected to a terminal.
Stores the described program.

As described above, the present invention is characterized in that, in the network news distribution service, the message from the server is broadcast to the terminal while providing redundancy using the communication satellite.

In a network news distribution service consisting of terminals and servers, distribution to be managed is performed by broadcasting from a posting terminal to a server which is a ground station of a communication satellite, and to the terminal via the communication satellite. It simplifies by aggregating routes and shortens the delivery time to terminals so that it can be ignored. As a result, it is possible to reduce the management of the distribution route and the management of the storage period and the disk capacity of the server administrator.

Further, by distributing the server with redundancy, it is possible to receive the distribution even if the terminal cannot be distributed for some reason. Furthermore, by cooperating with each other, the network news distribution service can minimize the management of the server and improve the convenience of the user.

Also, the server performs encryption processing in newsgroup units, and sets the decryption key for each terminal to identify the presence or absence of a subscription contract, thereby specifying the presence or absence of a purchase contract for each terminal. . This makes it possible to increase compliance and confidentiality of the subscription contract.

Further, by charging by using a function of the subscribed newsgroup and the amount of data distributed therein, it becomes possible to charge as much as possible and collect a usage fee commensurate with the consumed network resource.

On the other hand, when the amount of data is equal to or more than the predetermined value set in advance, the upper limit is applied to limit the charge imposed when a delivery different from the normal usage is made, to a fixed value. This makes it possible to protect the contractor.

Further, by cooperating with each other,
In addition to pay-as-you-go billing, it is possible to provide a billing method that protects the contractor.

Further, the portal site independently converts the hierarchical structure of the newsgroup and publishes it, so that the hierarchical structure is reviewed from the user's point of view, and a new G
By providing a UI (Graphical User Interface), it is possible to reduce the trouble and time required for searching a newsgroup and searching for a message required by the user.

As described above, the network news distribution service device including the communication satellite, the server, the database, and the portal site enables the network news distribution service to minimize the management of the server and improve the convenience of both parties. Become.

[0046]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] In the present embodiment,
As an example of a delivery route of a news message, an example will be described in which a message is broadcast from a posting terminal to a server which is a ground station of a communication satellite and from the server to a terminal via the communication satellite with redundancy.

FIG. 3 shows a system configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The system shown in the figure includes a server S which is a ground station, a communication satellite CS, terminals T1 to T7, a communication line L between an external network and the server S, and a communication satellite C from the server S.
Upload message to S Communication line UL, terminal T
It is composed of a communication line P for transferring a message posted from 1 to the server S.

The upload communication line UL is a wireless line.

The server S has a function of connecting to an external network and maintains compatibility with the network news distribution service described in the prior art.

The communication satellite CS has a function of distributing the network news from the server S, and distributes (broadcasts) to the terminals T1 to T7 toward the ground.

The terminals T1 to T7 have a function of receiving distribution of network news from the communication satellite CS.

With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of servers required to deliver network news. When geostationary satellites are used, it is possible to provide communication for the entire earth with a minimum of three satellites.

As described above, since network news is global data distribution, communication is more effective than the conventional method of distributing via the Internet or the method of distributing using a mobile telephone network, a fixed telephone network, or an optical access line. It is known that the method of delivering by using a satellite is extremely efficient.

However, since the wireless line using the radio waves is used via the communication satellite CS, the resistance is improved when the terminal cannot receive the message for some reason (for example, the power to the terminal is cut off or the radio wave condition is bad). Function is required. Therefore, in order to provide the service smoothly, the server S needs to increase redundancy regarding distribution. For that purpose, for example, the following methods are available.

Redistribution of the same message is performed a predetermined number of times at a predetermined interval.

In the algorithm that divides the distribution data into a continuous frame sequence, even if some terminals cannot receive the frame, the one that has the characteristic of being able to restore from the received frame is used.

Furthermore, the terminal receives the distribution by distributing not the message itself but the gist of the message (for example, identifiers such as numbers, limited information such as the title and poster). It is possible to check whether there is a missing message. If there is a dropout, only the message that the user wants to obtain is obtained using the commonly used Internet without using the satellite line.

As described above, since it is extremely rare to access the server S from the user's terminal, the burden on the server S is reduced.

[Second Embodiment] In the present embodiment,
An example in which the server distributes encrypted news in units of newsgroups and decrypts the encrypted news using the descrambling key set in each terminal will be described.

FIG. 4 shows a system configuration according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The system shown in the figure comprises a server S, a database DB connected to the server S, a communication satellite CS, terminals T1 to T7, and a communication line UL for uploading a message from the server S to the communication satellite CS.

The server S encrypts the message in newsgroup units and sends it to the upload communication line UL toward the communication satellite CS. In the figure, the shaded arrow from the communication satellite CS indicates that the data is encrypted.

The release key K for decrypting the encrypted message differs from terminal to terminal and is K1 to K7 for the terminals T1 to T7, respectively. In the figure, the fact that the transmission of the release key is not shaded indicates that the encryption is released.

The cancel key K is an identifier for specifying a terminal according to a subscription contract (for example, a contract identifier or M of the terminal device).
A release key corresponding to the (AC address) is created and stored in the database DB.

With the above-mentioned configuration, it becomes possible to enhance the compliance and confidentiality of the subscription contract.

Since all existing newsgroups can be browsed, the display of a specific newsgroup cannot be suppressed. However, in the present embodiment, by passing only the newsgroup subscribed to by the user to the terminal with which the unlock key is contracted, the terminal unlocks the encryption,
Since messages are accumulated and messages that cannot be canceled are not accumulated, it is possible to display only a specific newsgroup and suppress other displays.

[Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment,
An example of collecting fees will be described.

FIG. 5 shows a system configuration according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The system shown in the figure includes a server (billing server) S, a database DB connected to the server S, a communication satellite CS, terminals T1 to T7, a communication satellite CS from the server S.
Message upload to the communication line UL.

The terminal is charged according to the newsgroup of the subscription contract and the amount of information posted in the newsgroup.

The amounts are set to C1 to C7 for the terminals T1 to T7, respectively. The billing server S confirms payment of the billed fee, and if there is no problem, issues a new release key and notifies the terminals T1 to T7. The calculation formula of the charge amount is
Set based on the basic charge for each newsgroup you subscribe to, the number of messages posted, the amount of data delivered, etc.

The charging server S does not charge a fee up to a predetermined amount when the amount of contribution to the news group is more than a predetermined amount. This protects the user. If the amount of data is equal to or larger than the predetermined value set in advance, the upper limit of the charge amount is applied.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the present embodiment,
An example will be described in which a portal site defines a hierarchical structure of a news group, hides the hierarchical structure of an existing network while keeping the relation, and discloses the hierarchical structure.

The portal site independently converts the hierarchical structure of the newsgroup and publishes it, and then reviews the hierarchical structure from the viewpoint of the user and provides the GUI.

As an example of the network news distribution service, the portal site provides an overview of each news group, an example of articles and articles, time-series data of distributed data, and disk capacity required for terminals. Creates a personal menu for each user and presents a price estimate. It also accepts subscription applications and trial distributions.

As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for searching the news group and the message that the user needs.

Further, by providing the server with each function of the portal site in the fourth embodiment and the database described in the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the management load on the server side. Become.

Further, the functions of the server in the first to fourth embodiments described above may be constructed as a program and installed in a computer used as a server, or distributed through a network. It is possible.

In addition, the constructed program is stored in a portable storage medium such as a hard disk connected to a computer used as a server, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or a CD-ROM to carry out the present invention. The present invention can be easily realized by installing it at this time.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, the broadcast using the communication satellite enables the network news distribution service to minimize the management of the server and improve the user's convenience.

Further, the confidentiality of the distribution contract can be enhanced by the encryption by the server and the management of the encryption key by the terminal.

In addition, by the pay-per-use billing by the billing server,
It is possible to provide a fee commensurate with network resources while protecting users.

Further, the portal site can renew the distribution form of the network news and improve the convenience.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a principle configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of conventional network news distribution.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 server 110 broadcasting means S1, S2, S3 distribution servers T1-1, T1-2, T2-1, T2-2, T2-3
T3-1, T3-2 terminals L01, L12, L23 Communication line UL Upload communication line CS Communication satellite DB database K, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7 Release key P Communication line

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A network news distribution service method comprising a terminal and a server, wherein a network news distribution route is from a posting terminal to a server which is a ground station of a communication satellite, and further from the server to the terminal via the communication satellite. A network news distribution service method characterized by broadcasting with certainty. 2. The server encrypts a news message on a newsgroup basis, sets an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted message for each terminal, and subscribes to the user. The network news distribution service method according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of a contract is identified. 3. The user is charged by a function of the subscribed newsgroup with which the user has a contract and the amount of data distributed to the user, and when the amount of data is equal to or greater than a predetermined specified value,
The network news distribution service method according to claim 2, wherein the upper limit of the charge amount is applied to charge. 4. The network news distribution service method according to claim 2, wherein the server uses a database that stores a subscription contract with the user, a distribution status of the decryption key, and a billing content. 5. The portal site defines the hierarchical structure of the news group, conceals it while keeping the relation with the existing network news hierarchical structure, and publishes the defined hierarchical structure. The described network news distribution service method. 6. A network news distribution device, which is connected to a terminal and distributes network news, is a ground station of a communication satellite, accepts posting of network news broadcast from a posting terminal, and transmits via the communication satellite. A network news distribution device having a broadcasting means for broadcasting to each terminal with redundancy. 7. An encryption unit for encrypting news messages in units of news groups, and an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted message is set for each terminal, and a user's subscription is set. 7. A descrambling key setting means for identifying the presence or absence of a contract.
The described network news distribution device. 8. A subscription newsgroup subscribed to by a user, and a billing means for billing by a function of the amount of data distributed to the user, wherein the billing means defines the data amount in advance. The network news distribution service device according to claim 7, further comprising means for applying a charge by applying an upper limit of a charge amount when the value is equal to or more than the value. 9. The network news distribution service device according to claim 7, further comprising a database that stores a subscription contract with the user, a distribution status of the decryption key, and a billing content. 10. A portal site is further provided, wherein the portal site is concealed and defined while maintaining the relation between the means for defining the hierarchical structure of the news group and the existing hierarchical structure of network news. 7. The network news distribution service device according to claim 6, further comprising means for disclosing the hierarchical structure. 11. A database for storing a subscription contract with the user, a distribution status of the decryption key, and a billing content, a unit for defining a hierarchical structure of the news group, and an existing network news hierarchical structure. 7. The network news distribution service device according to claim 6, further comprising: a portal site having means for hiding the relationship and hiding the defined hierarchical structure. 12. A network news distribution program for distributing network news in a server, which is a ground station of a communication satellite connected to a terminal, accepts posting of network news broadcast from a posting terminal, and the communication satellite A network news distribution program characterized by having a broadcasting process for broadcasting to each terminal with redundancy via the same. 13. An encryption process for encrypting a news message on a newsgroup basis, and a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted message is set for each terminal, and a user subscribes. 13. The network news distribution program according to claim 12, further comprising a decryption key setting process for identifying whether or not there is a contract. 14. A subscription newsgroup with which the user has a contract, and a billing process for billing by a function of the amount of data distributed to the user, wherein the billing process defines the data amount in advance. 14. The network news distribution service program according to claim 13, further comprising a process of applying the upper limit of the charge amount to charge when the value is equal to or more than the value. 15. The network news distribution service program according to claim 13, further comprising a process of using a database that stores a subscription contract with the user, a distribution status of the decryption key, and a billing content. 16. A process of concealing and publicizing the defined hierarchical structure while maintaining the relationship between the process of defining the hierarchical structure of the news group and the existing hierarchical structure of network news in a portal site. 13. The network news distribution service program according to claim 12, comprising: 17. A subscription contract with the user, a distribution status of the decryption key, a database for storing billing contents, a process for defining a hierarchical structure of the newsgroup, and an existing network news hierarchical structure. 13. A network news distribution service program according to claim 12, wherein a portal site having a process of concealing and publicizing the defined hierarchical structure while maintaining the relation of the above. 18. A storage medium storing a network news distribution program for distributing network news in a server which is a ground station of a communication satellite connected to a terminal, and stores the program according to any one of claims 12 to 17. A network news distribution service program characterized by the following.