JP2008003960A - Content management system, content managing method, server, reproduction client and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content management system for unitarily managing content sale and resale/transfer, producing a scarcity value by limiting the number of content to be sold and being controlled so as to enable only a user acquiring a content right to reproduce the content. <P>SOLUTION: When a user of a client 140 makes an instruction to purchase content, a content management server 110 receiving the request establishes the purchase under a fixed condition if within the range of the purchasable number of content, registers the user as the content right owner of the content and transmits reproduction control information to a user management server 120. When the user purchasing the content makes an instruction to reproduce the content, the client 140 acquires the reproduction control information from the user management server 120 and reproduces content data on the basis of the reproduction control information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content management system that manages the sales and distribution of digital content.

  In recent years, many computers have been connected to broadband networks that can send and receive large amounts of data in a short time. Along with this, the processing capability of the computer itself has been improved, and in addition, the capacity of the recording apparatus has been dramatically increased. Against this backdrop, content such as moving image data and audio data consisting of a large amount of digital data has been actively used by computers in companies and homes.

  Because digital data does not deteriorate in quality due to copying or the like and can be easily distributed via a network, it is suitable for download sales and the like, but tends to be a target for unauthorized copying and unauthorized use. In order to remove such harmful effects, some efforts have been made on the system in providing services and contents.

Patent Document 1 discloses a service providing method for distributing a program that restricts the use of a network service by time or number of times to a specific user, so as to restrict the use of the network service only to a specific user. Has been.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-24922

Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to prevent illegal distribution of game software, when the software is executed, the software is properly registered between the server that provides the software and the mobile phone that executes the software. A game software distribution system is disclosed that permits the use of the game software only when it is confirmed that the game software has been obtained.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-250622

  However, there has never been a system that centrally manages the distribution of the content, including the subsequent resale, starting with the provision of the content. The method of Patent Literature 1 and the system of Patent Literature 2 are intended to limit unauthorized use by others for services and software provided to users, but the subsequent distribution of those services and software. It is not configured to manage up to and limit unauthorized use.

  In addition, in the conventional mechanism including the method of Patent Document 1 and the system of Patent Document 2, digital contents such as photographs and videos taken at various photo shops and homes are sold to a wide range of users by selling them over the Internet. On the other hand, it is not possible to realize a business model in which the content provider receives the consideration.

  Furthermore, no mechanism has been provided so far that limits the number of digital content sold to a certain number and only a user who has obtained rights to the certain number of contents can reproduce the content.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to centrally manage the sale, resale, and transfer of content, and a content management system and content management that are controlled so that only a user who has acquired the content right can play the content To provide a method, a server, a playback client, and a program. In addition, the content management system of the present invention can be configured to be able to allocate at least a part of the profit generated by the sales etc. to the providers (producers, copyright holders, etc.) of the sold contents.

  Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a content management system, a content management method, a server, a reproduction client, and a program configured such that a content provider can easily sell the content for sale. is there.

  Further, an object of the present invention is to limit the number of contents distributed in the market by setting the number of contents sold to a certain number, and only a user who has acquired the right of the contents by purchasing contents or the like To provide a content management system, a content management method, a server, a playback client, and a program for controlling so that the content can be played back. In addition, the content management system of the present invention can be configured to be able to allocate at least a part of the profit generated by the sales etc. to the providers (producers, copyright holders, etc.) of the sold contents. The resale of content is also managed by the system of the present invention, but the resale price can be set fluidly by an auction or the like.

  The first embodiment of the present invention is a content management system including a server, and a right acquisition client and a reproduction client connected to the server via a network. In this content management system, the server includes a playback control information management unit that manages playback control information for each content, and a user who has made a right acquisition request in response to a content acquisition request from a user of the right acquisition client. A reproduction client having a content right owner management means for managing as a content right owner of the content, and a reproduction client that is the same as or different from the right acquisition client, when reproducing the content, is a content right owner of the content to be reproduced Sometimes, from a server, it has playback control information acquisition means for acquiring playback control information corresponding to the content to be played back, and content playback means for playing back content based on the playback control information. Is configured to be playable.

  With this configuration of the present invention, the sale and resale of content are centrally managed, and control is performed so that only the person who has purchased the content and becomes the content right holder can reproduce the content. Unauthorized use is prevented and appropriate usage fees are returned to the rightful owner.

  According to a second embodiment of the present invention, in the first embodiment described above, the content right owner management means purchases a user when there is a content purchase instruction from the user and a content purchase transaction is established. The content is registered as a content right holder, and at this time, the number of contents that can be purchased is limited to a predetermined number for each content.

  With such a configuration of the present invention, the number of contents distributed in the market can be intentionally limited, and the final product value may be increased due to the scarcity of the products (contents) generated thereby.

  The third embodiment of the present invention is a content management method realized by a server, and a right acquisition client and a reproduction client connected to the server via a network. In this content management method, a playback control information management step for managing playback control information for each content in the server and a right acquisition request in response to a content acquisition request from the user of the right acquisition client in the server. A content rights holder management step for managing the user as a content rights holder of the content, and when the content is played on the same or different playback client as the rights acquisition client, the user who plays the content right holder of the content to be played back A playback control information acquisition step for acquiring playback control information corresponding to the content to be played back from the server, and a content playback step for playing back the content based on the playback control information in the playback client. Right Play is configured so as to be capable of content only by the person. The content management method is a method corresponding to the content management system of the first embodiment described above.

  The fourth embodiment of the present invention is a server used for realizing a content management system. The server makes a right acquisition request in response to a content acquisition request from a user of a right acquisition client connected to the server via a network, and reproduction control information management means for managing reproduction control information for each content. Content right owner management means for managing the user as the content right holder of the content and the content of the content to be played back by the user who plays the content in response to a request from a playback client that is the same as or different from the right acquisition client that plays the content It is configured to include reproduction control information providing means for providing reproduction control information corresponding to the content to be reproduced to the reproduction client when the user is a right holder.

  The fifth embodiment of the present invention is a playback client used for realizing a content management system. In response to reception of a content playback instruction from the user, the client controls playback control corresponding to the playback target content from a server connected via the network when the user is a content right holder of the playback target content. It is configured to include a reproduction control information acquisition unit that acquires information and a content reproduction unit that reproduces content based on the reproduction control information.

  A sixth embodiment of the present invention is a program for realizing a server and a content management system including a right acquisition client and a reproduction client connected to the server via a network. In response to a content acquisition request from a user of a right acquisition client and a reproduction control information management means for managing reproduction control information for each content, the program sends a user who has made a right acquisition request It is made to function as a content right holder management means for managing as a content right holder. In addition, when the content is played by the same or different playback client as the right acquisition client, the above program handles the playback target content from the server when the playback user is the content right holder of the playback target content. It is made to function as reproduction control information acquisition means for acquiring reproduction control information to be performed, and content reproduction means for reproducing content based on the reproduction control information.

  The content management system, content management method, server, client, and program according to the present invention centrally manage the sale, resale, and transfer of content, and only the user who has acquired the content rights can play the content. Therefore, the illegal use of the content can be effectively prevented, and as a result, the content provider can obtain a reasonable price for the production and writing of the content.

  In addition, the content management system and the like according to the present invention are configured so that the content provider can easily provide the content for sale, etc., so that not only the providers of major companies but also effective sales channels, etc. It is possible to introduce content by individuals who do not have the content and small and medium issuers to an unspecified number of users, and it can be expected that many contents rich in variation will be provided.

  In addition, since the content management system and the like according to the present invention can limit the number of sales of content to a certain number, there is a possibility that scarce value will arise for popular content, and content rights are The acquired user can expect a trading margin due to the rise in the resale price. Therefore, a kind of content investment market can be formed by the content management system according to the present invention.

  First, a system overview of the content management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A content management system 100 according to the present invention includes a content management server 110, a user management server 120, a client 140, and a network 160 that interconnects them.

  The content management server 110 includes a database 112 in the storage means, and the database 112 stores content information 112A and content data 112B. As shown in FIG. 9A, the content information 112A includes a content No. for identifying digital data of each content. , Title, and the number of remaining sales that indicate how much the content can be sold. In the content data 112B, digital data to be reproduced (viewed / displayed) is stored in association with the content, for example, as encrypted data.

  Here, in the content data 112B, moving image data, still image data, audio data, text data, and digital data in a format including any of these are recorded in various format types. These content data 112B can be reproduced by predetermined software (program). For example, moving image data and still image data can be output as an image to a display device such as a display, and audio data can be output as sound to an audio output device such as a speaker. In addition, in the case of moving image data including audio data, image output and audio output are performed in parallel, and the user can view them.

  Any object may be recorded as the content data 112B. For example, photo books, videos, movies, novels, etc. Here, outputting the content data 112B to the above-described display device, audio output device, or the like is collectively referred to as “reproduction”.

  When the content management server 110 receives a purchase request for a predetermined content from the client 140 via the WEB page or the like (arrow line P1), the content management server 110 updates the remaining number of sales of the content information 112A for the content, and displays the reproduction control information. It transmits to the user management server 120 (arrow line P2). This reproduction control information includes, for example, a decryption key necessary for reproducing purchased content. On the other hand, the content data 112B of the sold content is downloaded from the content management server 110 to the client 140 (arrow line P3). This data is encrypted, and after downloading, is stored as content data 142 in the storage means of the client 140.

  As described above, the content management server 110 can receive a content purchase request from the client 140 via the WEB page. In this case, the content management server 110 provides a WEB page and receives a purchase request from the client. It also functions as a WEB server for receiving and processing. At this time, the client 140 executes a program (WEB browser) that displays a WEB page and provides a GUI that enables selection of contents, input of purchase instructions, and the like. . However, such instructions and display in the content management server 110 and the client 140 are not limited to those performed via the WEB page. Similar processing can also be realized by using a predetermined communication protocol and unique software.

  When the content management server 110 receives a purchase request from the client 140, the remaining number of sales of the content to be purchased is subtracted by the number of purchases and reflected in the content information 112A.

  The user management server 120 includes a database 122 in the storage means, and the database 122 stores reproduction control information 122A and user information 122B. As shown in FIG. 9B, the reproduction control information 122A includes a user ID for identifying the user of the system, a decryption key used for reproducing the content, and the like. The user information 122B includes a user ID for identifying a user of the system, a password used for authentication of the user ID, and the like.

  When the user of the client 140 purchases content, the user management server 120 generates a record based on the playback control information transmitted from the content management server 110 and adds it to the playback control information 122A.

  The user of the client 140 reproduces the purchased content downloaded from the content management server 110 using the reproduction software (program). The content is encrypted and cannot be reproduced as it is. The playback software acquires a decryption key from the playback control information of the user management server 120, decrypts the content with the decryption key, and then executes a playback process (arrow line P4). In this example, the content is downloaded when the content is purchased. However, any timing may be used as long as the content is not reproduced. For example, a content download request may be made to the content management server 110 after a content reproduction instruction is given. The decryption key is preferably obtained from the user management server 120 every time playback is performed.

  A typical example of the network 160 is the Internet, but is not limited thereto. For example, the network 160 can be configured by a LAN, a wide area network (WAN) including a LAN and a dedicated line, an intranet, an extranet, various other topologies, and combinations thereof.

  The content management server 110 and the user management server 120 are connected via the network 160 in FIG. 1, but are configured to be connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) within the same site. Also good. Here, for the sake of convenience, the description is given as a separate server for each function, but one server may be configured to realize all the functions of the two servers described above. In this case, the reproduction control information indicated by the arrow line P2 is transmitted without using the network 160 by a known method such as interprocess communication or file transfer.

  For the content data 112B, various providers such as video media and audio media issuers are conceivable. The content management server 110 is distributed in a place such as a photo studio, and a local photo studio is arranged. Or the subject himself / herself uploads a photo book taken and edited in the photo studio to the content management server 110, thereby providing the content data 112B.

  With such a system, a predetermined amount of content is sold to the user, and only the user who purchased the content can reproduce the content. When a user purchases content, the user becomes the content rights holder of the content, but this content rights holder is not exclusively the owner who can freely use, dispose of, and profit the content, but simply exclusively A person who can reproduce the content and can resell the content to other registered users.

  In this example, the user of the content management system 100 is identified and managed by an identifier such as a user ID. However, instead of this user ID or in addition to this user ID, the user uses it for content purchase instructions and playback. It is also possible to use the identifier of the client 140 to be used. The identifier of the client 140 is information unique to the client such as a MAC address or a computer serial number. When only the user ID is used as the user identification, the user who is the content right holder can reproduce the content using any client. However, if the user ID and the identifier of the client 140 are used for identification of the user, the user who is the content right holder can control so that the content can be reproduced only by the client 140.

  Further, although the client 140 is shown as one client in this example, the client that instructs the purchase of content (right acquisition client) and the client that plays back the content (playback client) may be different clients. . When the identifier of the generation client is managed by the system, the user can control the reproduction of the content by a designated client other than the right acquisition client by previously registering the identifier of the reproduction client.

  If client-specific information is used as an identifier, it is possible to greatly eliminate the harmful effect of reproducing content copied by a third party who has not purchased the content by “spoofing” due to leakage of user ID, password, etc. It is.

  Here, it has been described that all the content data is downloaded and stored in the storage device of the client 140 before playback. However, in the case of moving image data or audio data, playback may be performed while sequentially downloading by a method such as streaming playback. it can. In this case, the playback control information 122A of the user management server 120 is checked when streaming playback is started (or in the middle).

  The client 140 is generally assumed to be a PC (personal computer) installed in a home or a company. However, the content data can be stored using a network-connected mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a pager. Acquisition and playback can also be performed. Connection to the network 160 using a mobile phone or the like is made via a public telephone network (mobile phone network).

  In the example of FIG. 1, the data such as the content information 112A and the reproduction control information 122A is expressed as data stored in a database, but it is only an example and does not necessarily have to be managed by the database. Other forms of data management systems such as flat files and XML can also be supported.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a case where the right holder of content is changed by an auction will be described. The right of the content once sold to the user is transferred to another user through listing in an auction and successful bid. In this case, the content management system 100 newly includes an auction management server 130. The auction management server 130 has a database 132 and stores auction information 132A including data related to auction transactions. The auction management server 130 displays a WEB page for conducting an auction transaction, and also functions as a WEB server for managing the transaction. Of course, this is merely an example, and the same transaction management can be performed without using the WEB page.

  The client 140 used by the user who first purchased the content right is instructed to sell the content to the auction management server 130 (arrow line P11), and the WEB page assumes that the content right can be purchased by the auction. Is displayed. When the user of the client 150 who viewed this WEB page bids, when the content is awarded, a message to that effect is displayed on the display device of the client 150 (arrow line P12).

  Thereafter, the auction management server 130 rewrites the reproduction control information 122A of the user management server 120, assuming that the winning bidder (user of the client 150) is a new right holder of content (arrow line P13). On the other hand, the content data of the successful bid is downloaded from the content management server 110 to the client 150 and stored as content data 152 in the storage means. In this case, the content data 152 may be designed to be copied from the content data 142 of the client 140 of the original right holder.

  The operation of reproducing content by the client 150 is the same as the operation described for the client 140 in FIG. However, in the case of FIG. 2, in the client 140 of the original right holder of the content, the playback control information 122A of the user management server 120 has already been changed and the right holder is another user. Even if the content data is held, the content cannot be reproduced. The content held by the client 140 may be deleted when the user of the client 150 makes a successful bid.

  However, it is also possible to control the reproduction control information 122A so as to permit the original content right holder to reproduce the content as it is. In addition, the original content right holder can be permitted to play only a part of the functions (for example, only the playback of audio) or the playback of a part of the introduction scene.

  Here, for ease of explanation, the auction management server 130 is described as another server. However, the content management server 110, the user management server 120, and the auction management server 130 may be realized by one server. It can also be configured. In this case, the reproduction control information indicated by the arrow line P13 is transmitted without using the network 160 by a known method such as interprocess communication or file transfer.

  Next, a display example of a WEB page provided by the content management server 110 when the user purchases content will be described with reference to FIG. This WEB page is displayed on the display device of the client 140 via the network 160, for example, by a WEB browser executed on the client 140.

  3 includes a title part 210, a user display part 220, a content display part 230, and a purchase instruction part 240. A user ID is displayed on the user display unit 220. In this example, the user of the client 140 (user ID = USER001) is shown, and the content sales screen 200 is displayed by logging in to the system by entering a password on a login screen (not shown) or the like. Each user needs to register a password and other necessary information in advance in order to use the system. These pieces of information are stored in the user information 122B of the user management server 120 or the like.

  The content display section 230 displays a list of contents that can be purchased. In this example, for each content, content No. , Title, unit price, and remaining sales. Here, the user checks the check box corresponding to the content to be purchased, and enters the number of purchases in the quantity column. The user can also purchase a plurality of contents. The total number of contents that can be sold is determined in advance, and the number of contents that can be sold is controlled not to be distributed. Therefore, the user cannot purchase more content than the number indicated in the remaining sales number.

  Due to the limited number of content, popular content may have scarce value in the future, and users can buy a lot of such promising content to make a big resale “Gain on sales” can be obtained. In this example, the user with user ID = USER001 has content No. = 0000101 content, content no. Two pieces of content of = 0000301 are purchased.

  The purchase instruction unit 240 displays a total amount and a purchase instruction button 241. After confirming the total amount, the user presses the purchase instruction button 241 and proceeds to the settlement screen. For example, if the payment is a card payment, a card information input screen is displayed. If the card information is already registered in the user information 122B or the like, the settlement is completed when the purchase button 241 is pressed. In addition, various conventional settlement methods can be employed. By such settlement, at least a part of the amount is returned and distributed to the content provider / producer (issuer, copyright holder, performer) and the like. Further, when a predetermined group manages the rights collectively, the settlement amount is transferred to the group, and profits are distributed to each right holder from there by a predetermined procedure.

  Next, a display example of the WEB page provided by the auction management server 130 in the content auction transaction will be described with reference to FIG. This WEB page is displayed on the display device of the client 140 via the network 160, for example, by a WEB browser executed on the client 140.

  The content auction screen 300 of FIG. 4 includes a title part 310, an exhibitor display part 320, an auction information display part 330, and a bid instruction part 340. The exhibitor display unit 320 displays the user ID of the exhibitor who has already purchased the content. In this example, the user of the client 140 (user ID = USER001) is shown. In the auction information display section 330, information on the content exhibited by the exhibitor (content number, title), progress information of the auction (current price, number of bids), and a bid history reference button 331 are shown. In this example, the target of the auction is one of the contents purchased by the user (content No. = 0000301) in FIG.

  Thus, the user can purchase a plurality of rights for a plurality of contents and resell a part of them. In FIG. Is displayed with a serial number for representing a specific one of the same contents. (001) is displayed.

  In the bid instruction unit 340, a bidder (here, the user of the client 150, user ID = USER091), a password, a bid amount, and a bid button 341 are displayed. After entering the password, the bidder designates the bid amount and presses the bid button 341. Here, the bidder is a person who has registered a password or the like in the system in advance. If the user satisfies the successful bid condition, the fact is notified by some method and settlement is performed. Since the notification of the successful bid and the settlement are performed using a conventional scheme, detailed description is omitted here. In addition, with regard to conditions for determining the winning bidder, there are, for example, a person who bids for a predetermined amount or more, and a person who bids for the highest amount after a predetermined time.

  By such an auction transaction, popular content is traded at a higher price. This is due to the fact that the number of digital contents that can be distributed indefinitely is limited. The payment amount is received by the user except for the fee of the system, but a part of the payment amount may be received by the content provider. Such a profit return method can be set flexibly on the system side.

  When the successful bid and settlement by the user with the user ID = USER091 is completed, the content right moves, and as described with reference to FIG. 2, the content cannot be reproduced by the user with the user ID = USER001. However, since this user has two contents (content No. = 0000301), the other serial No. Can be played back.

  FIG. 5 shows a pattern in which the content right holder is changed in addition to the auction. The user (user ID = USER001) of the client 140 who has already purchased the content uses the right assignment input screen 400 in FIG. 5 to assign the content right to another user, so that the other user can obtain the content. It can be played. On the other hand, the original user cannot reproduce the content. The right assignment input screen 400 is realized by the WEB server function of the auction management server 130, for example. In this example, the settlement is not managed, but the settlement can be managed by inputting the transfer amount or the like.

  Further, in such a change of the content right holder, a part or all of the reproduction authority for one content can be transferred to a plurality of users.

  As described above, a content right acquisition request may be a request for a purchase request or a right assignment instruction / request, and a content right holder change instruction such as right assignment includes a form of auction transaction. In addition, up to here, the auction transaction and the right transfer input have been exemplified as the pattern in which the content right holder is changed. However, the content right holder temporarily manages to allow other users to play the content. You can also For example, you can set a return deadline and allow the playback of the content to be a temporary “loan” for the user at the transfer destination, or set a certain buy-back condition, and finally give the original user You can also manage your rights back. By adopting such a system configuration, it is possible to substantially manage lending rights, distribution rights, portrait rights, etc. for a limited number of contents.

  Next, a processing procedure of the content management server 110 when the user purchases content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the content management server 110 receives a content purchase instruction from the client 140 in step S10. In step S12, it is determined whether or not the user of the client 140 has completed the payment process following the purchase. If the payment is completed normally (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S14. If not (NO in step S12). ) Proceeds to step S16.

  When the payment is normally completed, reproduction control information is transmitted to the user management server 120 in step S14. The information to be transmitted includes, for example, the user ID, the content No. of the purchased content. Serial No. , Decryption key, etc. Next, in step S18, the purchased content is transmitted to the user. However, this step does not have to be at this timing as described above.

  If payment has not been completed, an error message or the like is transmitted to the client 140 in step S16. This message is displayed on the display device of the client 140 via the WEB browser of the client 140 or the like.

  Next, a processing procedure of the client 140 when content is reproduced will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S20, the content reproduction software is activated based on a user instruction. Next, in step S22, the playback control information corresponding to the playback target content is inquired. More specifically, the user management server 120 is accessed and authenticated by a password, and a decryption key corresponding to the content to be reproduced is acquired.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not the content to be reproduced is a content right holder, that is, whether or not the authentication is OK and the decryption key or the like has been acquired. If it is determined that the right holder has been purchased (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S26, where the content is decrypted with the obtained decryption key, and reproduction is executed. Otherwise (NO in step S24), the process proceeds to step S28, and an error message is displayed on the display device of the client 140. The determination in step S24 is performed by the client 140 in this example, but may be performed by the user management server 120 and only the determination result may be performed by the client 140.

  Next, a processing procedure of the auction management server 130 when an auction transaction is performed will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that there is already an exhibition by a user who has purchased content or acquired through an auction transaction. First, in step S30, bids from other users (users who have not purchased content) are accepted. Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not the successful bid condition is satisfied and the settlement is completed, and the success or failure of the auction transaction is determined.

  When the auction transaction is completed (YES in step S32), the reproduction control information of the user management server 120 is rewritten, and the right holder of the content is changed to the successful bid user of the content. If the auction transaction is not established (NO in step S32), the process returns to step S30. A predetermined message may be displayed to prompt re-input or correction.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the database. FIG. 9A is an example of the content information 112A, and FIG. 9B is an example of the reproduction control information 122A. The content information 112A in FIG. 9A is stored in the database 112 in the storage unit of the content management server 110, and the content number. , Title, unit price, total sales, and remaining sales. For each content, the total number of sales permitted to be distributed is set, and the number of remaining sales is reduced each time the content is sold. The reproduction control information 122A in FIG. 9B is stored in the database 122 in the storage means of the user management server 120, and the user ID, content No. Serial No. , And each item of the decryption key. The reproduction control information 122A is for managing the user who obtained the right of the content by purchase or auction in association with the target content. Serial No. Is for managing the number of the same user when the same user has a plurality of contents. The decryption key is a key for decrypting the content.

  Serial No. Is for identifying a plurality of digital data representing the same content when played back, thereby making it easy to manage the remaining number of sales and setting a different decryption key for each digital data. Can do. However, this serial No. Is merely an example, and the same effect can be achieved by other methods. For example, content No. The serial number is the same as the serial number. Can be managed by incorporating an identifier corresponding to.

  Until now, as a mechanism that allows only the person who purchased the content to play the content, a method of providing the playback software with a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted content has been adopted. However, other methods are also described above. Is possible to play exclusively. For example, as in a form of DRM (Digital Rights Management), a decryption key is provided to the client 140 side with the purchase of content, and playback or the like is not performed by other clients.

  Also, a mechanism is considered in which the playback software decodes and plays back the content data only when the content data has a unique format and at least a part of the acquired re-control information has a predetermined content. It is done. In this case, the content data basically does not need to be decrypted with the decryption key.

  Next, an example of a hardware configuration of a computer used as the content management server 110, the user management server 120, the auction management server 130, or the client 140 of the content management system 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. . However, the computer 500 in FIG. 10 merely illustrates a typical configuration of a computer used in the content management system 100.

  The computer 500 includes a CPU 501, a memory 502, an audio output device 503, a network interface 504, a display controller 505, a display device 506, an input device interface 507, a keyboard 508, a mouse 509, an external storage device 510, an external recording medium drive device 511, and A bus 512 is included to connect these components together.

  The CPU 501 controls the operation of each component of the computer 500, and controls the execution of the WEB server and WEB browser under the control of the OS, and the operation of each component (server, client) of the content management system according to the present invention. To control. The memory 502 is generally composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a nonvolatile memory and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a volatile memory. The ROM stores a program executed when the computer 500 is started up. In the RAM, programs executed by the CPU 501 for realizing the functions of the server and client of the present invention, and data used during the execution of these programs (for example, database and WEB page data) are temporarily stored. Stored.

  The audio output device 503 is a device that outputs audio, such as a speaker, for example. The audio output device 503 is necessary when a client reproduces audio data, moving image data including audio data, or the like using reproduction software. The network interface 504 is an interface for connecting to the network 520. The network 520 corresponds to the network 160 illustrated in FIG.

  A display controller 505 is a dedicated controller for actually processing a drawing command issued by the CPU 501. The drawing data processed by the display controller 505 is once written in the graphic memory and then output to the display device 506. The display device 506 is a display device configured with, for example, an LCD or a CRT. Necessary when the client reproduces moving image data or still image data using reproduction software.

  The input device interface 507 receives a signal input from the keyboard 508 or the mouse 509 and transmits a predetermined command to the CPU 501 according to the signal pattern. The keyboard 508 and the mouse 509 are necessary when the client instructs content purchase or auction bidding.

  The external storage device 510 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), for example. The above-described program and data are recorded in this device, and are loaded from there into the RAM of the memory 502 as necessary at the time of execution. Is done. Storage means for storing the database 112, the database 122, the database 132, the content data 142, and the content data 152 corresponds to the external storage device 510.

  The external recording medium driving device 511 accesses a recording surface of a portable external recording medium 530 such as a CD (Compact Disc), an MO (Magneto-Optical Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc., and is recorded there. It is a device that reads data. The external recording medium 530 can also record a program for realizing the content management system according to the present invention. Data recorded in the external recording medium 530 is stored in the external storage device 510 via the external recording medium driving device 511, and if it is a program, it is loaded into the RAM of the memory 502 at the time of execution.

  As another distribution form of the program for realizing the content management system according to the present invention, it is stored in the external storage device 510 from a predetermined server on the network via the network 520 and the network interface 504, or directly. It can also be executed. The program stored by such a route is loaded into the RAM of the memory 502 at the time of execution and executed as described above.

  The content management system 600 according to the second embodiment of the present invention does not provide the total sales number of content set in the content management system 100 according to the first embodiment. With such a system, content is sold and resold without limitation each time a purchase request is received from a user. This makes it impossible to manage the sales and distribution of content that generates scarce value as in the content management system 100 according to the first embodiment, but due to the characteristics of digital data, the copyright law tends to be infringed. Rights can be effectively protected.

  In addition, content providers and producers (such as copyright holders) can easily sell content by registering the user and uploading the content to the content management server from terminals at home, companies, stores, etc. Can be in a state. A predetermined percentage of the purchase amount is paid to the content creator or the like when the content purchaser makes a payment or after a certain period of time.

1 is a schematic diagram of a content management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a content management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the content sales screen provided in the content management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the content auction screen provided in the content management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an approximate line figure showing an example of a right assignment input screen provided in a contents management system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of the content purchase of the content management server in the content management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of the content reproduction of the client in the content management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of an auction transaction of the auction management server in the content management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the content information in the content management system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and reproduction | regeneration control information. It is an approximate line figure showing an example of hardware constitutions of a computer which constitutes each server of a contents management system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and a client.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Content management system 110 ... Content management server 112 ... Database 112A ... Content information 112B ... Content data 120 ... User management server 122 ... Database 122A ... Playback control information 122B ... User information 130 ... Auction management server 132 ... Database 132A ... Auction information 140,150 ... Clients 142,152 ... Content data 160 ... Network 500 ... Computer 501 ... CPU
502 ... Memory 503 ... Audio output device 504 ... Network interface 505 ... Display controller 506 ... Display device 507 ... Input device interface 508 ... Keyboard 509 ... Mouse 510 ... External storage device 511 ... External recording medium drive device 512 ... Bus 520 ... Network 530 ... External recording medium

Claims (15)

A content management system including a server, and a right acquisition client and a reproduction client connected to the server via a network,
The server
Playback control information management means for managing playback control information for each content;
Content right owner management means for managing the user who has made the right acquisition request as a content right holder of the content in response to a right acquisition request of the content from a user of the right acquisition client;
The playback client, which is the same as or different from the right acquisition client,
When playing back the content, playback control information for acquiring the playback control information corresponding to the content to be played back from the server when the user who plays back is the content right holder of the content to be played back Acquisition means;
Content playback means for playing back the content based on the playback control information,
A content management system that performs control so that the content can be reproduced only by the content right holder. The content management system according to claim 1,
The content right acquisition request includes a purchase instruction for the content and a change instruction of the content right holder,
The content right holder management means includes:
When there is an instruction to purchase the content from the user and a purchase transaction of the content is established, the user is registered as a content right holder of the purchased content,
A content management system for registering a new user as a content right holder when the change of the content right owner is established when there is an instruction to change the content right owner. The content management system according to claim 2,
The content right holder management means includes:
Manage auction transactions related to the content;
The content management system according to claim 1, wherein the content right holder is changed as a result of the auction transaction. The content management system according to claim 2,
A content management system, wherein the number of contents that can be purchased is limited to a predetermined number. The content management system according to claim 1,
The content reproduction means includes
A content management system controlled to enable reproduction of the content by decrypting the content data with a decryption key included in the reproduction control information. The content management system according to claim 1,
The content reproduction means includes
A content management system, wherein the content is controlled so as to be reproducible when at least a part of the reproduction control information has predetermined contents. The content management system according to claim 1,
The content playback means receives the content data from the server at least before starting the playback of the content, or receives the content data from the server in parallel with the playback of the content. A content management system that is controlled. The content management system according to claim 1,
A content management system, wherein the user is identified by at least one of an identifier of the right acquisition client, an identifier of the reproduction client, and an identifier of the user. A content management method realized by a server, and a right acquisition client and a reproduction client connected to the server via a network,
A reproduction control information management step for managing reproduction control information for each content in the server;
In the server, in response to a content acquisition request from the user of the right acquisition client, a content right owner management step of managing the user who has made the right acquisition request as a content right owner of the content;
When playing back the content in the playback client that is the same as or different from the right acquisition client, when the user performing playback is the content right holder of the content to be played back, the content to be played back from the server A reproduction control information acquisition step for acquiring the reproduction control information corresponding to
A content playback step of playing back the content based on the playback control information in the playback client;
A content management method, wherein control is performed so that the content can be reproduced only by the content right holder. A server used to realize a content management system,
Playback control information management means for managing playback control information for each content;
A content right owner who manages the user who has made the right acquisition request as a content right holder of the content in response to a content right acquisition request from a user of a right acquisition client connected to the server via a network Management means;
In response to a request from a playback client that is the same as or different from the right acquisition client that plays back the content, the user performing playback corresponds to the content to be played back when the user is the content right holder of the content to be played back And a reproduction control information providing means for providing the reproduction control information to the reproduction client. A playback client used to implement a content management system,
In response to receiving a content playback instruction from a user, when the user is a content right holder of the content to be played back, playback control information corresponding to the content to be played back from a server connected via a network Playback control information acquisition means for acquiring
A playback client comprising content playback means for playing back the content based on the playback control information. A program for realizing a server and a content management system including a right acquisition client and a reproduction client connected to the server via a network,
The server,
Playback control information management means for managing playback control information for each content, and
In response to a request for acquiring the content right from the user of the right acquisition client, the user who has made the right acquisition request functions as a content right owner management unit that manages the content right owner of the content,
The playback client that is the same as or different from the right acquisition client,
When playing back the content, playback control information for acquiring the playback control information corresponding to the content to be played back from the server when the user who plays back is the content right holder of the content to be played back Acquisition means, and
A program that functions as a content playback unit that plays back the content based on the playback control information. The server used to implement the content management system
Playback control information management means for managing playback control information for each content;
A content right owner who manages the user who has made the right acquisition request as a content right holder of the content in response to a content right acquisition request from a user of a right acquisition client connected to the server via a network Management means, and
In response to a request from a playback client that is the same as or different from the right acquisition client that plays back the content, the user performing playback corresponds to the content to be played back when the user is the content right holder of the content to be played back A program for causing the playback client to function as playback control information providing means for providing the playback client with the playback control information. A playback client used to implement a content management system
In response to receiving a content playback instruction from a user, when the user is a content right holder of the content to be played back, playback control information corresponding to the content to be played back from a server connected via a network Playback control information acquisition means for acquiring, and
A program that functions as a content playback unit that plays back the content based on the playback control information. A content management system including a server and a playback client connected to the server via a network,
The server
Playback control information management means for managing playback control information for each content;
Content right holder management means for managing a user who has made a right acquisition request for the content as a content right holder of the content;
The playback client
When playing back the content, playback control information for acquiring the playback control information corresponding to the content to be played back from the server when the user who plays back is the content right holder of the content to be played back Acquisition means;
Content playback means for playing back the content based on the playback control information,
A content management system that performs control so that the content can be reproduced only by the content right holder.