JP5949149B2 - Management server - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management server that manages the provision of a content distribution service for a vehicle device with respect to a content distribution service that distributes content from the content distribution server to the vehicle device.

  Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a technology for distributing content from a content server to various devices has been provided.

JP 2008-92575 A

In this type of system, for example, there are cases where it is desired to limit the service usage period depending on the convenience of a provider that provides a content distribution service or a provider that provides a device that provides the content distribution service. However, in this case, if the service expiration date for all devices that are allowed to provide the service is limited to the same day, for example, the expiration date for one device will be longer, while the expiration date for other devices will be longer. Inconvenience may occur to the user, such as shortening.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a management server that manages the usage period for each device that is provided with a content distribution service.

  According to the present invention, in the management server that manages the provision of the content distribution service to the vehicle equipment among the vehicle equipment and the mobile communication terminal, each of which is equipped with a cooperative application for executing content in cooperation with each other, the storage means Stores vehicle device identification information for identifying a vehicle device and user identification information for identifying a user who has completed use registration of the content distribution service. The management unit manages the provision of the content distribution service to the vehicle device based on the vehicle device identification information and the user identification information stored in the storage unit.

Then, the management means manages the usage period of the service for each vehicle device that receives the provision of the content distribution service as follows.
That is, when storing the vehicle device identification information in the storage unit, the management unit also stores the provision start date of the content distribution service for the vehicle device specified by the vehicle device identification information, and the provision start date. The elapsed time from is monitored (counted). Thereby, the use period of the service for all the vehicular equipment permitted to provide the content distribution service can be individually limited.

The figure which shows schematically the whole structure of the management system which concerns on one Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the content information which a content information management server manages The figure which shows the relationship between registered apparatus ID for vehicles, and user ID The figure which shows the relationship between the registered user ID and vehicle equipment ID of the vehicle equipment which can utilize content delivery service. The figure which shows the data structure of the apparatus information for vehicles which a content information management server manages The figure which shows schematically the structure of the apparatus for vehicles which comprises a content execution apparatus, and a mobile communication terminal. The figure which shows schematically the state which the apparatus for vehicles and a portable communication terminal mutually cooperate, and perform a content The figure which shows the transition state of a screen until a vehicle apparatus and a portable communication terminal are connected so that communication is mutually possible, and a content is performed. Flow chart showing contents of authentication processing by management system Flow chart showing the contents of activation processing by the management system Flow chart showing contents of user ID deletion processing by management system (A) is a figure which shows the setting screen of user ID, (b) is a figure which shows the deletion screen of user ID.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, for a content distribution service that distributes content from a content distribution server 11 to a content execution device 12, the management server 10 receives the content distribution service 12 (in this case, the content execution service). It is a server that manages the vehicle equipment 121) that constitutes the apparatus 12, and includes a member information management server 31, a content information management server 32 that corresponds to a storage means, and a content access server 33 that corresponds to a management means. Has been built.

  When the content distribution server 11 receives a content distribution request from the content execution device 12 that has been authenticated as will be described in detail later, the content distribution server 11 indirectly to the content execution device 12 via the content access server 33 or Various contents are directly distributed without going through the content access server 33. Examples of content distributed from the content distribution server 11 include music content for reproducing music, Internet radio content for realizing Internet radio, and the like as streaming content. Further, as non-streaming content, facility search content that realizes a facility search service, news distribution content that realizes news distribution, SNS service content that realizes a social networking service, and the like can be considered.

  In this case, the content execution device 12 includes a vehicle device 121 mounted on a vehicle, and a mobile communication terminal 122 connected to the vehicle device 121 so as to communicate with each other. The vehicle equipment 121 is constituted by a navigation device, for example. The vehicle device 121 has a vehicle device ID (corresponding to vehicle device identification information) for identifying the vehicle device 121. When the mobile communication terminal 122 is brought into the vehicle interior of the vehicle, the mobile communication terminal 122 is connected to the vehicle device 121 via a wireless communication line so as to be communicable. As a wireless communication line, for example, a Bluetooth communication line (Bluetooth: registered trademark) is assumed. The vehicle equipment 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 will be described later.

  The member information management server 31 is information relating to the user arbitrarily set by the user who desires to use the content distribution service. In this case, a user ID (in this case, a collaborative application activation user ID used when a collaborative application to be described later is activated) This is a server that manages the user identification information) and password as member information. The user identification information may be information other than the user ID as long as it can identify the user. In this case, the user accesses a dedicated member information registration site via an information terminal such as a personal computer (not shown), and registers the user ID and password for starting the cooperative application in the member information management server 31 via the site. be able to.

In addition, the member information management server 31 has an authentication ticket data grant processing unit 51 corresponding to an authentication information grant means, when a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the member information management server 31 executes a computer program. Virtually realized by software.
The authentication ticket data addition processing unit 51 receives the content information that matches the membership information managed by the membership information management server 31, in this case, the mobile communication terminal 122 that constitutes the content execution device 12. Is provided with authentication ticket data corresponding to authentication information. The authentication ticket can be attached with various data such as member information data indicating the matched member information and certificate data proving that the authentication ticket has been issued by the member information management server 31. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the content information management server 32 is information that is arbitrarily set by the user to receive provision of a content distribution service, in this case, for content activation used when using the content on the cooperative application The user ID and password of the user are managed as content information in association with the user ID (user identification information) for starting the cooperative application among the membership information of the user. The user identification information may be information other than the user ID as long as it can identify the user. In this case, the user accesses a dedicated content information registration site via an information terminal such as a personal computer (not shown), and registers the content activation user ID and password in the content information management server 32 via the site. Can do. The content information management server 32 acquires in advance at least a user ID for user identification among member information managed by the member information management server 31.

  In addition, the content information management server 32 is a registered vehicle device setting process corresponding to a registered vehicle device setting means by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the content information management server 32 executing a computer program. 61, a user identification information management processing unit 62 corresponding to user identification information management means, a registered vehicle device setting prohibition processing unit 63 corresponding to registered vehicle device setting prohibition means, and a service use permission process corresponding to service use permission means. 64, a user identification information deletion processing unit 65 corresponding to the user identification information deletion unit, a service use start date specification processing unit 66 corresponding to the service use start date specification unit, and an elapsed period count processing unit 67 corresponding to the elapsed period counting unit. , Usage fee calculation processing unit 68 corresponding to usage fee calculation means, period elapse notification means The period of time notification processing section 69 corresponding to virtually implemented by software.

  The registered vehicle device setting processing unit 61 uses the vehicle device 121 constituting the content execution device 12 when the content application device 12 is activated for the first time as a registered vehicle device 121A that can use the content distribution service. (Corresponding to the first vehicle equipment). The registered vehicle device setting processing unit 61 sets an available flag indicating that the content distribution service is available for the vehicle device set as the registered vehicle device 121A.

  The user identification information management processing unit 62 includes a user ID (user identification information) that is input when the cooperative application is started for the first time in the content execution device 12 including the vehicle device 121 set as the registered vehicle device 121A, and Thereafter, other user IDs entered when the cooperative application is activated in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A (input when the cooperative application is activated for the first time in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A). The user ID that is different from the registered user ID) is managed in association with the vehicle device ID (vehicle device identification information) of the registered vehicle device 121A.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the user identification information management processing unit 62 manages a predetermined number of user IDs in association with the vehicle device ID of one registered vehicle device. This predetermined number can be appropriately changed and set. In this case, for example, “5” is set as the predetermined number. Therefore, in this case, the user ID (6) cannot be managed in association with the vehicle device ID (1), and the other vehicle device is activated by activation processing (described in detail later) of the other vehicle device. Management is possible by associating with an ID (for example, vehicle equipment ID (2)).

  The registered vehicle device setting prohibition processing unit 63 is a content execution device different from the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A (a content execution device configured to include a vehicle device different from the registered vehicle device 121A). When the cooperative application is activated by inputting the user ID managed by the user identification information management processing unit 62, the registered vehicle device setting processing unit 61 is configured for the vehicle constituting the content execution device. Setting the device as a registered vehicle device is prohibited.

  The service use permission processing unit 64 is managed by the user identification information management processing unit 62 in the content execution device regardless of whether or not the vehicle device configuring the content execution device is set as the registered vehicle device. When a cooperative application is activated by inputting a user ID, the content execution service is set to be usable in the content execution device. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a user ID managed in association with a vehicle device ID of a certain registered vehicle device (in the example of FIG. 4, managed in association with the vehicle device ID (1)). When the cooperative application is started by inputting the user ID (1), the vehicle device (in this case, the vehicle device ID (2)) is started. ) Is not set as a registered vehicle device, it is possible to receive a content distribution service.

  When the number of user IDs managed by the user identification information management processing unit 62 exceeds a predetermined number, the user identification information deletion processing unit 65 appropriately deletes the user ID. This predetermined number can be appropriately changed and set. In this case, for example, “5” is set as the predetermined number. Further, the user identification information deletion processing unit 65 is based on the user identification information deletion command signal transmitted from the content execution device 12 and receives a specific user ID (received) among the user IDs managed by the user identification information management processing unit 62. It is also possible to delete one user ID specified as a deletion target by the user identification information deletion command signal one by one, and to a specific vehicle equipment ID among the user IDs managed by the user identification information management processing unit 62 User ID (correspondingly stored user ID (user ID specified as a deletion target by the received user identification information deletion command signal) and vehicle equipment of the vehicle device specified by the received user identification information deletion command signal It is also possible to delete all of the user IDs stored in association with the IDs.

When storing the vehicle device ID of the registered vehicle device 121A, the service use start date specifying processing unit 66 distributes the date when the cooperative application is activated for the first time in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A. It is specified as the service use start date (corresponding to the content distribution service provision start date).
The elapsed period count processing unit 67 counts (monitors) the elapsed period from the use start date specified by the service use start date specifying processing unit 66 based on a time measurement process by a timer (not shown).

  The usage fee calculation processing unit 68 determines the usage fee of the content distribution service to be imposed on the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A until the elapsed period counted by the elapsed period counting processing unit 67 exceeds a predetermined period. Calculate based on fee structure data. The predetermined period can be changed and set as appropriate, for example, in units of days, months, or years. In this case, for example, “3 years” is set. As the predetermined fee system, various systems such as free and discount can be set. In this case, for example, a “free” charge system is set. In other words, in this case, the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A is charged with a usage fee that is free for three years from the start date of use of the content distribution service. Note that the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A uses the content distribution service for a fee by newly installing a paid version of the cooperative application after a predetermined period has elapsed from the start date of use of the content distribution service. Is possible.

  When the elapsed period counted by the elapsed period count processing unit 67 exceeds a predetermined period, the period elapsed notification processing unit 69 indicates that, that is, a period indicating that the predetermined period has elapsed from the use start date of the content distribution service. The progress notification data is notified to the content execution device 12. In this case, for the mobile communication terminal 122 that constitutes the content execution device 12, the period elapsed notification processing unit 69 is only when the cooperative application is activated in the mobile communication terminal 122 for the first time after the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period. The portable communication terminal 122 is notified of period elapse notification data. Thereby, in the mobile communication terminal 122, only when the cooperative application is activated in the mobile communication terminal 122 for the first time after the elapsed period from the use start date of the content distribution service exceeds the predetermined period, the period elapsed notification data is displayed. Based display output or audio output is made. This notification process is output to the user via notifying means (for example, an audio processing unit 44 and a display output unit 45 described later in detail) included in the mobile communication terminal 122.

  In addition, the period elapsed notification processing unit 69 sends the period elapsed notification data to the vehicle equipment 121 every time the cooperative application is activated in the vehicle equipment 121 after the elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period. Notify Thus, in the vehicle device 121, every time the cooperative application is started in the vehicle device 121 after the elapsed period from the start date of use of the content distribution service exceeds the predetermined period, the display based on the period elapsed notification data is displayed. Output or audio output is made. This notification process is output to the user via notifying means (in detail, a voice processing unit 24, a display output unit 25, etc., which will be described later) provided in the vehicle device 121.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the vehicle device information constructed in the content information management server 32 configured as described above. That is, the content information management server 32 is associated with the vehicle device ID (vehicle device identification information) of the vehicle device set as the registered vehicle device, the use start date (activation date) of the content distribution service, and the use Various types of information such as a deadline date, presence / absence of an available flag, and a user ID (user identification information) registered in association with the registered vehicle device are managed.

The content access server 33 functions as a relay server that relays data communication between the content execution device 12 and the content distribution server 11, so that the content to the content execution device 12 that has been authenticated as will be described in detail later. It is a server that executes distribution service provision.
In addition, the content access server 33 includes an authentication ticket data acquisition processing unit 81 corresponding to an authentication information acquisition unit, content information, and a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the content access server 33 by executing a computer program. The content information confirmation processing unit 82 corresponding to the confirmation unit and the service provision permission processing unit 83 corresponding to the service provision permission unit are virtually realized by software.

The authentication ticket data acquisition processing unit 81 acquires from the member information management server 31 the authentication ticket data provided to the mobile communication terminal 122 by the authentication ticket data addition processing unit 51 by the member information management server 31.
The content information confirmation processing unit 82 determines whether the authentication ticket data given to the mobile communication terminal 122 constituting the content execution device 12 matches the authentication ticket data acquired by the authentication ticket data acquisition processing unit 81. When the authentication ticket data matches, the content information managed in association with the member information input to the content execution device 12 (in this case, managed in association with the user ID for starting the cooperative application) The content information management server 32 confirms whether or not the content activation user ID and password are present.

  The service provision permission processing unit 83 executes the content execution when the existence of the content information managed in association with the member information input to the content execution device 12 is confirmed by the confirmation processing by the content information confirmation processing unit 82. The provision of the content distribution service to the device 12 is permitted. That is, the content execution device 12 is authenticated as a content execution device that can use the content distribution service when the service provision permission processing unit 83 obtains permission.

Here, the permission processing by the service provision permission processing unit 83 will be described in more detail.
That is, the service provision permission processing unit 83 determines that the vehicle device ID and the user ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122 are not stored in the content information management server 32. The device ID is stored in the content information management server 32, the user ID is stored in the content information management server 32 in association with the vehicle device ID, and the vehicle device 121 by the user specified by the user ID is stored. Permits the provision of a content distribution service (whether registered or not). In addition, the service provision permission processing unit 83 recognizes that the provision of the content distribution service to the vehicle device 121 is started.

  Further, the service provision permission processing unit 83 stores the vehicle device ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122 in the content information management server 32, and also transmits the vehicle device ID from the vehicle device 121 to the mobile communication terminal 122. In the case where the user ID transmitted through is not stored in the content information management server 32, the user ID is stored in the content information management server 32 in association with the vehicle device ID already stored, and the user The provision of the content distribution service for the vehicle equipment 121 (regardless of whether or not it is registered) by the user specified by the ID is permitted.

  In addition, the service provision permission processing unit 83, when both the vehicle device ID and the user ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the portable communication terminal 122 are stored in the content information management server 32, the user ID The provision of the content distribution service for the vehicle device 121 (regardless of whether or not it is registered) by the user specified by is permitted. In this case, the service provision permission processing unit 83 stores the user ID in association with a vehicle device ID of a vehicle device different from the vehicle device 121 specified by the received vehicle device ID. Even so, the provision of the content distribution service to the vehicle device 121 (regardless of whether or not it is registered) by the user specified by the user ID is permitted.

  If the user ID is stored in association with the vehicle device ID of the vehicle device 121 stored as the registered vehicle device in the content information management server 32, the service provision permission processing unit 83 stores the user ID. Provision of content distribution service for registered vehicle devices by the user specified by the above and unregistered vehicle devices (vehicle devices other than registered vehicle devices that are not registered in the content information management server 32) Is allowed to provide content distribution services.

  The service provision permission processing unit 83 stores the user ID in the content information management server 32 when the user ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122 is not stored in the content information management server 32. The content for the vehicle device 121 (regardless of whether or not it is registered) by the user specified by the user ID is stored in association with the vehicle device ID (which may be any vehicle device ID). Allow delivery service.

  Further, when the user ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122 is stored in the content information management server 32 in association with any of the vehicle device IDs, the service provision permission processing unit 83 Without newly storing the user ID in the content information management server 32, the user specified by the user ID is allowed to provide the content distribution service to the vehicle equipment 121 (regardless of whether it is registered or not).

  The service provision permission processing unit 83 transmits the vehicle ID from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122 when the user ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122 is not stored in the content information management server 32. When the vehicle device ID to be stored is stored in the content information management server 32, the following processing is executed.

  That is, if the service provision permission processing unit 83 has not reached the predetermined number (for example, five) of user IDs already stored in the content information management server 32 in association with the received vehicle device ID, The received user ID is stored in the content information management server 32 in association with the vehicle device ID, and the vehicle device 121 (regardless of whether it is registered or not) by the user specified by the received user ID. Allow provision of content distribution services. In addition, the service provision permission processing unit 83 is specified by the received user ID if the user ID already stored in the content information management server 32 in association with the received vehicle device ID has reached a predetermined number. It is set not to permit the provision of the content distribution service to the vehicle equipment 121 by the user.

Next, the configuration of the vehicle equipment 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 constituting the content execution device 12 will be described with reference to FIG.
The vehicle device 121 includes a control unit 21, a wireless communication module 22, a storage unit 23, an audio processing unit 24, a display output unit 25, an operation input unit 26, a signal input unit 27, a position acquisition unit 28, and the like. The control unit 21 includes a well-known microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an I / O bus, and the like (not shown). The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the vehicle device 121 according to a computer program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 23.

  The wireless communication module 22 establishes a wireless communication line with the wireless communication module 42 included in the mobile communication terminal 122, and performs various communications with the mobile communication terminal 122 through the communication line. The storage unit 23 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive, for example, and various computer programs and content programs, a cooperative application that realizes a cooperative function for executing content in cooperation with external devices, and the like The various programs and data used in each program are stored.

  The audio processing unit 24 is connected to a microphone and a speaker (not shown) and has a known audio input function and audio output function. In addition, the voice processing unit 24 outputs an instruction such as an operation of the vehicle device 121 to the control unit 21 based on the voice input from the microphone, while based on an instruction from the control unit 21 or the wireless communication module 22. By outputting sound from the speaker, a so-called hands-free function can be realized.

  The display output unit 25 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL, and displays various types of information based on a display command signal from the control unit 21. The screen of the display output unit 25 is provided with a touch panel switch configured by a well-known pressure-sensitive method, electromagnetic induction method, capacitance method, or a combination thereof. The display output unit 25 includes an operation input screen (input interface) for inputting an operation on the content, an output screen (output interface) for outputting the execution contents of the content, for example, route guidance shown in FIG. Various screens such as a screen N for use are displayed.

  The operation input unit 26 includes various switches such as a touch panel switch provided on the screen of the display output unit 25 and a mechanical switch provided around the display output unit 25. The operation input unit 26 outputs an operation detection signal to the control unit 21 in accordance with various switch operations by the user. The control unit 21 analyzes the operation detection signal input from the operation input unit 26 to specify the operation content of the user, and executes various processes based on the specified operation content.

  The signal input unit 27 is connected to an ACC switch (accessory switch) (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, and inputs the ACC signal output from the ACC switch to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 controls on / off of a power supply circuit (not shown) based on on / off of the input ACC signal. That is, the control unit 21 turns on the power supply circuit at the timing when the ACC signal transitions from off to on. Further, the control unit 21 turns off the power supply circuit at the timing when the ACC signal transitions from on to off.

  The position acquisition unit 28 includes various sensors such as a well-known geomagnetic sensor, a gyroscope, a vehicle speed sensor, and a GPS receiver (not shown). The position acquisition unit 28 acquires vehicle position information by complementing detection signals input from these sensors. The position acquisition unit 28 outputs the acquired vehicle position information to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 performs a so-called navigation process based on the vehicle position information acquired by the position acquisition unit 28 and a guide route searched by a route search unit (not shown).

  Next, the configuration of the mobile communication terminal 122 will be described. The portable communication terminal 122 includes a control unit 41, a wireless communication module 42, a storage unit 43, a voice processing unit 44, a display output unit 45, an operation input unit 46, a telephone communication unit 47, and the like. The control unit 41 includes a well-known microcomputer having a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O bus, and the like (not shown). The control unit 41 controls the overall operation of the mobile communication terminal 122 according to a computer program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 43.

  The wireless communication module 42 establishes a wireless communication line with the wireless communication module 22 included in the vehicle device 121, and performs various types of communication with the vehicle device 121 through the communication line. The storage unit 43 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a memory card, for example, and various computer programs and content programs, a cooperative application that implements a cooperative function for executing content in cooperation with external devices, and the like The various programs and data used in each program are stored.

  The sound processing unit 44 is connected to a microphone and a speaker (not shown) and has a known sound input function and sound output function. The voice processing unit 44 outputs the uttered voice input from the microphone to the control unit 41, and outputs the received voice input from the control unit 41 from the speaker, thereby realizing a so-called call function. By outputting an instruction such as operation of the mobile communication terminal 122 to the control unit 41 based on the sound input from the microphone, while outputting a sound from the speaker based on the instruction from the control unit 41, the wireless communication module 42, or the like. A so-called hands-free function can be realized.

  The display output unit 45 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays various types of information based on a display command signal from the control unit 41. The screen of the display output unit 45 is provided with a touch panel switch configured by a known pressure-sensitive method, electromagnetic induction method, electrostatic capacitance method, or a combination thereof. The display output unit 45 displays various screens such as a normal menu screen G shown in FIG.

  The operation input unit 46 includes various switches such as a touch panel switch provided on the screen of the display output unit 45 and a mechanical switch provided around the display output unit 45. The operation input unit 46 outputs an operation detection signal to the control unit 41 in accordance with various switch operations by the user. The control unit 41 analyzes the operation detection signal input from the operation input unit 46, specifies the operation content of the user, and executes various processes based on the specified operation content.

  The telephone communication unit 47 establishes a wireless communication line with the communication network 100, and executes telephone communication via this communication line. In this case, the communication network 100 includes facilities for providing a mobile phone communication service using a public network such as a mobile phone base station and a base station controller (not shown). The control unit 41 is connected to the communication network 100 via the telephone communication unit 47 and indirectly with the content distribution server 11 via the content access server 33 or via the content access server 33. It is possible to directly execute various data communications.

  When the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 described above are connected so as to be communicable with each other and construct a vehicle communication system, the vehicle application 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 each start a cooperative application provided. Thus, the mobile communication terminal 122 can execute various contents acquired from the content distribution server 11 in cooperation with each other. Next, an operation in the case where the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 execute content in cooperation with each other will be described.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the mobile communication terminal 122 is communicably connected to the vehicle device 121 and the cooperative application is activated in each of the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122, the mobile communication terminal The content program execution process of 122 is executed by the mobile communication terminal 122, and the input interface (input screen) and output interface (output screen) of this content are provided by the vehicle device 121.

  In addition, in a state where the cooperative application is activated in each of the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122, the mobile communication terminal 122 functions as an execution subject of the content program, and between the vehicle device 121 and the content access server 33. It also functions as a communication medium. Therefore, when the content is executed in a state where the cooperative application is activated, the mobile communication terminal 122 also has a function of transmitting various data related to the content between the vehicle device 121 and the content access server 33. .

Next, the transition state of the screen until the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 are communicably connected to each other and the content, in this case, the music content, is executed on the cooperative application will be described.
That is, the vehicle device 121 to which the mobile communication terminal 122 is communicably connected is displayed on the screen of the vehicle device 121 when the cooperative application included in the vehicle device 121 is activated in response to an operation by the user. Transition to the menu screen M of the cooperative application shown in (b). This menu screen M is provided with start buttons for starting various contents such as a start button Ba for starting music contents. On the other hand, the mobile communication terminal 122 communicatively connected to the vehicle device 121 displays a menu screen of the cooperative application (not shown) when the cooperative application provided in the mobile communication terminal 122 is activated in response to an operation by the user. To do. Here, in the state where the menu screen of the cooperative application is displayed on both the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122, the user activates various contents by operating the activation button from any menu screen. can do. And if a content is started from either the apparatus 121 for vehicles and the portable communication terminal 122, the portable communication terminal 122 will display the lock screen R shown in FIG.8 (b). By displaying this lock screen R, the use of all content from the mobile communication terminal 122 is prohibited. At this time, the mobile communication terminal 122 is in a state where the cooperative application is activated, and the content is executed based on the content execution command signal input from an external device or terminal.

  When the music content is activated in the vehicle device 121 according to the operation of the activation button Ba by the user, the vehicle device 121 transmits an execution command signal for the music content to the mobile communication terminal 122. Accordingly, the music content is executed in the mobile communication terminal 122, and the vehicle device 121 executes the music content execution screen MP shown in FIG. 8C based on the output data of the music content received from the mobile communication terminal 122. Play music while is displayed.

  Next, the operation of the management system including the management server 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. In the following description, the processing executed by the “content execution device 12” is actually the control unit 21 alone of the vehicle device 121, the control unit 41 alone of the mobile communication terminal 122, or these control unit 21 and control. This is a process executed by the unit 41 in cooperation. Further, the processing executed in each server is processing executed by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of these servers.

(Authentication process by the management system)
As shown in FIG. 9, in the authentication process by the management system, first, when the cooperative application is activated in the content execution device 12 (step A1: YES), the content execution device 12 inputs at the time of activation. The member information data indicating the member information is transmitted to the member information management server 31 (step A2). In this authentication process, the content execution device 12 does not have to be connected so that the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 can communicate with each other. For example, the content execution device 12 is in the state of the vehicle device 121 alone. Alternatively, the mobile communication terminal 122 may be in a single state. The operation will be described below with the mobile communication terminal 122 as a main body instead of the content execution device 12.

  Based on the member information data received from the mobile communication terminal 122, the member information management server 31 includes member information that matches the member information input by the mobile communication terminal 122 in the member information managed by the member information management server 31. It is confirmed whether or not it exists (step B1). Then, when there is matching member information (step B1: YES), the member information management server 31 transmits authentication ticket data to the mobile communication terminal 122 (step B2). The mobile communication terminal 122 that has received the authentication ticket data from the member information management server 31 transmits the authentication ticket data to the content access server 33 (step A3).

  The content access server 33 acquires from the member information management server 31 the authentication ticket data that the member information management server 31 has given to the mobile communication terminal 122 by the authentication ticket data addition processing unit 51 (step C1). When the content access server 33 receives the authentication ticket data from the mobile communication terminal 122, the authentication ticket data, that is, the authentication ticket data given to the mobile communication terminal 122 and the authentication ticket data acquired from the member information management server 31. Is matched (step C2). If the authentication ticket data matches (step C2: YES), the content access server 33 manages the content that is managed in association with the member information input at the time of starting the cooperative application in the mobile communication terminal 122. A content information inquiry signal for inquiring whether or not the information exists in the content information management server 32 is transmitted to the content information management server 32 (step C3).

  The content information inquiry signal is attached with authentication ticket data and member information data attached to the authentication ticket data. When the content information management server 32 receives the content information inquiry signal, the member information indicated by the member information data attached to the authentication ticket data, that is, the member information input at the time of starting the cooperative application in the mobile communication terminal 122 It is confirmed whether or not the content information corresponding to is present in the managed content information (step D1). If the corresponding content information exists (step D1: YES), the content information management server 32 transmits content information existence confirmation data indicating that to the content access server 33 (step D2).

  When the content information existence confirmation data is received from the content information management server 32, the content access server 33 is managed in association with the member information input at the time of starting the cooperative application in the mobile communication terminal 122. When it is confirmed that the content information exists in the content information management server 32, the mobile device 121 includes a vehicle device 121 that has executed a content distribution service enabling process to be described later in detail via the portable communication terminal 122. The provision of the content distribution service to the content execution device 12 is permitted (step C4).

(Processing to enable content distribution service by management system: activation process)
As shown in FIG. 10, in this activation process, the content execution apparatus 12 permitted to provide the content distribution service by the above authentication process executes the content when the linked application is activated for the first time in the content execution apparatus 12. The vehicle device ID of the vehicle device 121 constituting the device 12 is transmitted to the content information management server 32 via the portable communication terminal 122 and the content access server 33 (step P1). In addition, the content execution device 12 transmits the user ID input when the cooperative application is activated for the first time in the content execution device 12 to the content information management server 32 via the mobile communication terminal 122 and the content access server 33. (Step P2). On the other hand, the content information management server 32 determines the vehicle device 121 specified by the vehicle device ID received from the content execution device 12, that is, the vehicle device ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122. The content distribution service is set and managed as an available registration vehicle device 121A (step Q1). In addition, the content information management server 32 manages the user ID received from the content execution device 12, that is, the user ID transmitted from the vehicle device 121 through the mobile communication terminal 122, in association with the registered vehicle device 121A. (Step Q2).

  In addition, the content execution device 12 is the first time that the cooperative application is activated in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A, that is, the second and subsequent cooperative applications in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A. When a user ID different from the user ID that has already been transmitted and registered to the content information management server 32 is input at the time of activation, the user ID is transmitted to the content via the mobile communication terminal 122 and the content access server 33. It transmits to the information management server 32 (step P3). On the other hand, when the user ID received from the content execution device 12 is different from the registered user ID, the content information management server 32 manages the user ID in association with the registered vehicle device 121A (step Q3). The content information management server 32 is set so that a plurality of, in this case, five user IDs can be associated with each registered vehicle device 121A and managed. Then, the content information management server 32 sets the content distribution service to be usable for the content execution device 12 (step Q4).

  And the content information management server 32 is the day when a cooperation application was first activated in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A, that is, the vehicle device ID received from the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A. And the date when the management (storage) of the user ID is started is specified as the use start date of the content distribution service (step Q5). Then, the content information management server 32 starts counting the elapsed period from the specified use start date (step Q6).

  Then, the content information management server 32 monitors whether or not the elapsed period to be counted exceeds a predetermined period (step Q7). The content information management server 32 uses the content distribution service usage charge imposed on the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A, that is, the registered vehicle, until the elapsed period to be counted exceeds the predetermined period (step Q7: NO). The usage fee for the content distribution service by the user whose user ID is managed in association with the device for use 121A is calculated based on a predetermined fee system (step Q8). Further, when the elapsed period to be counted exceeds the predetermined period (step Q7: YES), the content information management server 32 notifies the content execution device 12 of the period elapsed notification data (step Q9).

  The content information management server 32 is a content execution device 12 ′ different from the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A (a content execution device configured to include a vehicle device different from the registered vehicle device 121A). When the vehicle device ID (see step P1 ′) is received from the user ID and the user ID received from the content execution device 12 ′ is the already managed user ID, that is, the already managed user Even if the cooperative application is started in the content execution device 12 ′ by inputting the ID, the vehicle device constituting the content execution device 12 ′ is not the registered vehicle device 121A corresponding to the user ID already managed. In this case, the vehicle equipment constituting the content execution device 12 'is registered as a vehicle. So as not to set the device (step Q10). However, if the user ID received from the content execution device 12 ′ matches the user ID already managed, the content information management server 32 can use the content distribution service for the content execution device 12 ′. Set (step Q11).

(User ID deletion process)
In the management server 10 configured as described above, the user ID managed by the content information management server 32 can be deleted in response to a deletion request from the content execution device 12. Next, the user ID deletion process will be described. Here, a case where the user ID is deleted based on an operation from the mobile communication terminal 122 will be described.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the mobile communication terminal 122 transitions from a menu screen of a cooperative application (not shown) to a user ID setting screen G1 shown in FIG. The user ID input when the application is activated is transmitted to the content information management server 32 (step S2). On the other hand, the content information management server 32 extracts the vehicle device ID (vehicle device ID of the specific vehicle device) associated with the user ID received from the mobile communication terminal 122 (step T1), and the vehicle All user IDs managed in association with device IDs are extracted (step T2). Then, the content information management server 32 transmits the extracted vehicle device ID and user ID to the mobile communication terminal 122 (step T3).

  When the “confirm and delete registered user ID” button is operated on the user ID setting screen G1, the mobile communication terminal 122 is associated with the received vehicle device ID as shown in FIG. Then, a transition is made to the user ID list screen G2 for displaying the user ID (step S3). At this time, the mobile communication terminal 122 displays each user ID in a selectable manner by a touch operation in association with the vehicle device ID. In this case, the mobile communication terminal 122 may display the user IDs so that they can be selected one by one, or may display a plurality of user IDs so that they can be selected collectively. Then, when a delete button (not shown) provided on the screen is operated, the mobile communication terminal 122 transmits a delete command signal for instructing deletion of the currently selected user ID to the content information management server 32. (Step S4). This deletion command signal instructs deletion of all user IDs selected at the time of transmission. The content information management server 32 deletes the corresponding user ID based on the delete command signal received from the mobile communication terminal 122 (step T5).

  Note that this deletion process indicates that when a predetermined number or more of user IDs are to be registered with one vehicular device ID in the content information management server 32, the content information indicates that no more user IDs can be registered. The management server 32 may be configured to notify the mobile communication terminal 122. As a result, it is possible to prompt a user who wants to register a predetermined number or more of user IDs to execute a user ID deletion process.

  As described above, according to the management server 10 of the present embodiment, whether or not the content distribution service can be used for the vehicle device 121 can be set by managing the vehicle device ID and the user ID in combination. Further, according to the management server 10, the member information management server 31 that manages the member information regarding the user who desires to use the content distribution service is used to manage the content information set by the user for receiving the provision of the content distribution service. The information management server 32 and the content access server 33 that executes provision of the content distribution service to the content execution device 12 are provided as a separate server. As a result, the member information related to the personal information can be managed separately and information for determining whether or not to permit provision of the content distribution service can be appropriately managed.

  Further, according to the management server 10, for example, a user A identified by a user ID managed in association with a vehicle device ID of a certain vehicle device A is different from the vehicle device A. Even if the vehicle device B is not managed in association with the vehicle device ID of the vehicle device B, the content distribution service can be used by the vehicle device B. Therefore, for example, if the user A registers (activates) his / her user ID in association with the vehicle device ID of the vehicle device A mounted on the private vehicle, a vehicle other than the private vehicle (for example, The content distribution server can also be used via the vehicle equipment B mounted on a rental car, taxi, bus, or the like. In this case, even if the activation process is not performed by the vehicle device B (even if the vehicle device B is in an unactivated state), the user A can also access the content distribution server via the vehicle device B. It is possible to use.

  Further, according to the management server 10, the member information management server 31 provides authentication ticket data as authentication information to the content execution device 12 that has input member information that matches the managed member information. On the other hand, the content access server 33 responds to the member information input to the content execution device 12 when the authentication ticket data given to the content execution device 12 matches the authentication ticket data acquired from the member information management server 31. It is checked whether or not the content information that is managed is present in the content information management server 32, and if the existence of the corresponding content information is confirmed, the provision of the content distribution service to the content execution device 12 is permitted. To do. Thus, even if member information related to personal information is managed by a separate and independent server, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not to allow the content execution device 12 to provide the content distribution service.

  Further, according to the management server 10, when the cooperative application is started for the first time in the content execution device 12, the vehicle device 121 constituting the content execution device 12 is used as the registered vehicle device 121A that can use the content distribution service. Is set. In addition, according to the management server 10, in the content execution device including the registered vehicle device 121A, the user ID input when starting the cooperative application for the first time in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A, and then the registered vehicle device 121A. The other user ID input when starting the cooperative application (a user ID different from the user ID input when starting the cooperative application for the first time in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A) is the registered vehicle. Managed in association with the vehicle equipment ID of the equipment 121A. And, in the content execution device different from the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121A, when the cooperative application is activated by inputting the user ID managed by the content information management server 32, It is prohibited that the vehicle equipment constituting the content execution apparatus is set as the registered vehicle equipment. In this way, the content execution device that receives the provision of the content distribution service by appropriately managing the registered vehicle device 121A set to be able to use the content distribution service and the user ID associated with the registered vehicle device 121A Can be managed appropriately.

  Further, according to the management system including the management server 10, when the number of user IDs managed by the content information management server 32 in association with one vehicle device ID exceeds a predetermined number, the user identification information is stored. Can be deleted. In this way, by appropriately managing the number of user IDs associated with registered vehicle devices that are set to be able to use the content distribution service, it is possible to appropriately manage the content execution device that receives the content distribution service. Can do.

  Moreover, the number of users who can use the service can be appropriately limited by limiting the number of user IDs (user IDs that are allowed to use the service) managed in association with one vehicle device ID. Further, regardless of whether the number of managed user IDs exceeds a predetermined number, the user ID can be deleted by an operation (instruction) from the vehicle device 121 or the portable communication terminal 122. As a result, for example, even when a vehicle equipped with an activated vehicle device is sold as, for example, a used vehicle, and the owner of the vehicle device changes, the owner has already managed. The user ID that has been deleted can be deleted and a new user ID (such as its own user ID) can be registered.

  Further, according to the management server 10, the date when the cooperative application is started for the first time in the content execution device 12 including the registered vehicle device 121 </ b> A is specified as the use start date of the content distribution service, and the elapsed time from the specified use start date The period is counted. Then, the usage fee for the content distribution service is calculated based on a predetermined fee system until the counted elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period. In this way, by appropriately managing the information related to the elapsed period from the use start date of the content distribution service, the service usage fee charged for the content execution device receiving the content distribution service is appropriately managed. be able to.

Moreover, according to the management server 10, a utilization period can be managed for every apparatus 121 for vehicles which receives provision of a content delivery service. Moreover, according to the management server 10, provision of the content delivery service with respect to the apparatus 121 for vehicles over which the elapsed period exceeded the predetermined period can be restrict | limited suitably.
In addition, according to the management server 10, when the counted elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period, the management server 10 is configured to notify the fact, so that the user can recognize that the charging system is changed, for example. Can do.

In addition, this invention is not limited only to one embodiment mentioned above, It can apply to various embodiment in the range which does not deviate from the summary, For example, it can deform | transform or expand as follows. .
The content information management server 32 and the content access server 33 may be configured by a single server.
Registered vehicle device setting processing unit 61, user identification information management processing unit 62, registered vehicle device setting prohibition processing unit 63, service use permission processing unit 64, user identification information deletion processing unit 65, service use start date specifying processing unit 66 Each of the processing units such as the elapsed period count processing unit 67, the usage fee calculation processing unit 68, and the period elapsed notification processing unit 69 may be provided in a server other than the content information management server 32.
According to the present embodiment, the content program execution process itself is performed by the mobile communication terminal 122, so that the processing load of the vehicle device 121 can be reduced. Therefore, the vehicle device 121 performs other processing, for example, processing with high load, such as operation control according to the traveling state of the vehicle (for example, travel that regulates the operation and output of content from the vehicle device 121 while the vehicle is traveling). (Regulatory processing etc.) can be executed without difficulty.

Although the example which employ | adopted the navigation apparatus as the apparatus 121 for vehicles was shown, it does not necessarily need to be a navigation apparatus. For example, a device in which an application program having a guidance function is installed may be adopted as the vehicle device. In addition, the vehicle device can be configured by, for example, a portable wireless device that can be attached to and detached from the vehicle, in addition to the in-vehicle device incorporated in the vehicle.
The vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122 may be connected to each other via a wired communication line so that they can communicate with each other. In addition, the content execution device 12 is not limited to the configuration including the vehicle device 121 and the mobile communication terminal 122, and may be configured by the vehicle device 121 or the mobile communication terminal 122 alone, or other devices or terminals alone. You may comprise. Moreover, the content execution apparatus 12 is good also as a structure which combined another apparatus and terminal with the apparatus 121 for vehicles, and the portable communication terminal 122. FIG.

  In the drawing, 10 is a management server, 11 is a content distribution server, 12 is a content execution device, 121 is a vehicle device, 122 is a portable communication terminal, 31 is a member information management server, 32 is a content information management server (storage means), 33 is a content access server (management means), 51 is an authentication ticket data giving processing unit (authentication information giving means), 61 is a registered vehicle device setting processing unit (registered vehicle device setting means), and 62 is a user identification information management process. Section (user identification information management means), 63 is a registered vehicle device setting prohibition processing section (registered vehicle equipment setting prohibition means), 64 is a service use permission processing section (service use permission means), and 65 is a user identification information deletion process. Section (user identification information deleting means), 66 is a service use start date specifying processing section (service use start date specifying means), and 67 is an elapsed period. Und processing unit (elapsed period counting unit), 68 is a usage fee calculation processing unit (utilization fee calculation unit), 69 is a period elapse notification processing unit (period elapse notification unit), 81 is an authentication ticket data acquisition processing unit (authentication information acquisition) Means) and 82 are content information confirmation processing sections (content information confirmation means), and 83 is a service provision permission processing section (service provision permission means).

Claims (3)

A management server (10) that manages provision of a content distribution service to the vehicle device out of the vehicle device (121) and the portable communication terminal (122) each equipped with a cooperative application for executing content in cooperation with each other Because
Storage means (32) for storing vehicle device identification information for identifying the vehicle device and user identification information for identifying a user who has completed use registration of the content distribution service;
Management means (33) for managing provision of the content distribution service to the vehicle equipment based on the vehicle equipment identification information and the user identification information stored in the storage means;
Have
It said management means, when storing the device identification information for a vehicle in the storage means, also stores providing start date of the content distribution service to equipment the vehicle, so as to monitor the elapsed time from the launch date Composed of
For the mobile communication terminal, the elapsed period is determined via the notification means provided in the mobile communication terminal only when the cooperative application is activated in the mobile communication terminal for the first time after the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period. Notify that the period has expired,
For the vehicle equipment, every time the cooperative application is activated in the vehicle equipment after the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period, the elapsed period is set to the predetermined period via the notification means included in the vehicle equipment. A management server that notifies that it has been exceeded.   2. The management server according to claim 1, wherein when the elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period, the management unit restricts provision of the content distribution service to the vehicle device.   The management server according to claim 1, wherein the management unit calculates a usage fee for the content distribution service based on a predetermined fee system until the elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period.

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