Recording medium and contents information providing method and system

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a technique for providing content information (including a program in the present application), and more particularly to a prepaid content information providing technique.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-250633 discloses the following techniques. That is, information source identification information such as an address that identifies an information source having information according to a specific attribute of the main information is stored in the recording medium together with the main information, and this information source is stored on the recording device side. Download information from sources identified by identification information. Then, an area in which the downloaded data is recorded as secondary information is set in the recording medium, and the downloaded data is recorded in this area. As a result, it becomes possible to store the main information and the sub-information of the contents included in the same attribute in one recording medium. However, it is not possible to freely obtain the sub-information, and no consideration is given to the settlement of the sub-information.

【0003】

Further, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-60286, the charge amount generated when writing and recording various content information distributed from the distribution center on a card-type recording medium such as a data rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory is paid in advance. , A prepaid information recording area for recording the prepaid billing data, an additional information recording area for pre-recording additional information that identifies various content information distributed from the distribution center, and writing various content information distributed from the distribution center. A technique for arranging a content information recording area to be recorded on a single recording medium is disclosed. However, since the prepaid billing data is stored in the recording medium, there is a risk of forgery or falsification. In addition, content information cannot be recorded on a recording medium without using a special device. Further, since the distribution center transmits the content information according to the access, the configuration is such that the content information can be easily acquired illegally. Furthermore, it is not possible to lend content information.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

As described above, a technique that enables the sale of prepaid content information via a network in a safe and simple configuration has not been proposed. Further, a technique using a prepaid recording medium for lending content information has not been proposed.

【0005】

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique using a prepaid recording medium for selling content information via a network.

【0006】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel technique using a prepaid recording medium for lending content information via a network.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

The recording medium according to the first aspect of the present invention is read-only that stores an information recording area for storing information, a program for acquiring at least content information and recording in the information recording area, and media identification information. Including the area. Then, the program is sent to the computer with a request transmission step of transmitting a download request for specific content including at least one of the type information and media identification information of the program to the download server, and a specific from the download server. It is a program for executing a recording step of receiving information for contents and recording it in an information recording area.

【0008】

In this way, since the program for acquiring at least the content information and recording in the information recording area is stored in the recording medium, it is not necessary to keep the recording device side of the recording medium having a special function. .. In addition, it is easy to prevent fraudulent acts such as storing content information in other recording media. Furthermore, since the media identification information is transmitted to the download server, the download server can retain the purchase history (also the recording history) of the content information of each recording medium to prevent unauthorized acquisition of the content information. become able to. When the type information of the above program is transmitted to the download server, the information for the content converted into the format corresponding to the type may be transmitted to the recording device side of the recording medium on the download server side. is there.

【0009】

Further, the recording step described above is a step of receiving information for a specific content from a download server, converting the information for the specific content into a predetermined format, and recording the information in the information recording area. In some cases. For example, if a predetermined format is a general-purpose format such as MPEG and the content information is recorded on a recording medium in the general-purpose format, it can be easily reproduced by another playback device.

【0010】

Further, the above program is configured to cause the computer to further execute the identification information reading step for reading the media identification information before the request transmission step described above, and the recording step described above is performed by performing the media identification information. It is also possible to configure the structure so as to include a comparison step of comparing with the read media identification information in the reading and identification information reading step. For example, in the request transmission step, a genuine prepaid recording medium is used to prevent fraudulent acts such as setting the recording destination to another general-purpose recording medium or recording device.

【0011】

Further, the request transmission step described above is defined as a step of transmitting a rental download request for specific content including at least media identification information to a download server, and the above program is recorded on a computer in an information recording area. It is also possible to configure the program to further execute the step of recording the information regarding the expiration date of the specific content in the information recording area, which corresponds to the information for the specific content.

【0012】

This makes it possible to lend content information. That is, by transmitting the media information to the download server, it is possible to determine whether or not the information for specific content can be transmitted after confirming the balance of the prepaid price on the download server. Become. In addition, the lending status of content information may be confirmed. The reproduction of the content information is controlled according to the information regarding the expiration date (for example, recorded in an encrypted form).

【0013】

In addition, the above program reads information about the expiration date of specific content from the information recording area to the computer, and if it is determined that the expiration date of the specific content has not passed, it is recorded in the information recording area. It is also possible to make a program for further executing a step of performing a process for reproducing information for a specific content. If it is determined that the expiration date has not passed based on the information about the expiration date stored in the information recording area, the content information converted to the predetermined format is returned to, for example, a general-purpose format and played back. is there. This is because if the information is converted into a general-purpose form and recorded in advance, it may be possible to reproduce the information regardless of the expiration date. It is also possible to configure the download server to obtain permission to use it.

【0014】

It is also possible to configure the request transmission step described above to be a step of transmitting a loan download request for specific content including at least media identification information and information on the content borrowing status to the download server. This makes it possible to check the content borrowing status on the download server and confirm that there is no fraudulent activity.

【0015】

In addition, the above program is sent from the download server to the lending condition change request step, which sends a lending condition change request to the computer for specific content recorded in the information recording area, including media identification information, to the download server. When a response indicating permission for the loan condition change request (including the case of information on the expiration date, for example) is received, the program is for further executing the step of recording the information on the changed expiration date in the information recording area. It may have such a configuration. For example, it will be possible to deal with the case of extending the lending period or changing from lending to purchasing.

【0016】

The lending condition change request step described above is a step of transmitting a lending condition change request for a specific content recorded in the information recording area, including media identification information and information on the content borrowing status, to the download server. In some cases.

【0017】

In addition, the above program is a program for causing the computer to further execute the step of receiving the information on the expiration date of the specific content and the information on the balance of the prepaid price set corresponding to the media identification information from the download server. It may be configured to do so. If the recording medium holds the information regarding the balance of the prepaid price, it will be possible to locally confirm how much more content information can be purchased or borrowed.

【0018】

Further, the above program is used as a program for causing a computer to further execute a step of outputting information on the amount of the balance in response to a request for referring to the balance of the prepaid price set corresponding to the media identification information. It is also possible.

【0019】

The content information providing method according to the second aspect of the present invention uses the media identification information when a download request for specific content including the media identification information of the recording medium as the recording destination is received from the user's terminal. It includes a determination step of determining whether or not the specific content can be downloaded, and a transmission step of transmitting information for the specific content to the user's terminal when the download of the specific content is permitted. After confirming at least the request using a genuine prepaid recording medium by using the media identification information, for example, the information for the specific content to which a predetermined conversion has been applied is transmitted.

【0020】

The determination step described above may be configured to include a step of determining whether the recording medium storing the media identification information is a genuine recording medium by using the media identification information.

【0021】

Further, when the determination step described above is received from the user's terminal as a download request for specific content including the media identification information and the type information of the content information acquisition program on the user's terminal, the media identification information and the content. It is also possible to configure the configuration so as to include a step of determining whether the combination of the type information of the information acquisition program is genuine. This makes it possible to confirm whether the request uses a genuine prepaid recording medium.

【0022】

Further, the judgment step described above is configured to further include a step of judging whether or not the price generated by downloading a specific content can be paid by the balance of the prepaid price registered corresponding to the media identification information. May be good. For example, if the prepaid price differs depending on the recording medium, if multiple contents can be purchased, the price of the content information is different, or if the content information is lent out, it is necessary to check the balance of the prepaid price. There is.

【0023】

If it is determined in the judgment step described above that the balance of the prepaid price can be used to pay the price generated by downloading the specific content, the balance of the prepaid price minus the price generated by downloading the specific content is subtracted. The configuration may further include a step of registering corresponding to the media identification information.

【0024】

Further, the determination step described above is configured to further include a step of determining whether information for a specific content can be recorded based on the remaining capacity of the recording medium registered corresponding to the media identification information. It is also possible to do. For example, when the content information is sold in the form of how much per byte, or when the remaining capacity of the recording medium is small, a problem occurs if the content information cannot be recorded, so this is to be confirmed in advance.

【0025】

When it is determined in the determination step described above that the remaining capacity of the recording medium can record information for a specific content, the capacity of the information for the specific content is subtracted from the remaining capacity of the recording medium. The configuration may further include a step of registering a new remaining capacity corresponding to the media identification information.

【0026】

The transmission step described above may be configured to include a step of transmitting information of specific content converted into a format corresponding to the type information of the content information acquisition program to the user terminal. This is because even if information for specific content converted into a format that does not correspond to the type information is transmitted, it cannot be used.

【0027】

When the above-mentioned judgment step is received from the user's terminal as a rental download request for specific content including media identification information and information on the borrowing status of the content, the content registered corresponding to the media identification information. The configuration may include a step of collating the information on the recording status with the information on the borrowing status of the content. This is to detect falsification of the expiration date information included in the borrowing status information, for example, and to suspend future use.

【0028】

Further, the configuration may further include a step of transmitting the information regarding the expiration date of the information for the specific content transmitted to the user terminal in response to the rental download request to the user terminal. Information on the expiration date may be recorded only by the recording device of the recording medium, but for safety, for example, if the information on the expiration date in an encrypted form is transmitted to the user terminal and recorded, it is more fraudulent. Can be effectively prevented.

【0029】

Further, the configuration may further include a step of transmitting the information regarding the balance of the prepaid price registered corresponding to the media identification information to the user terminal. This is to enable the reference of the balance to be performed only by the user terminal, for example, or to respond to the balance reference request.

【0030】

Furthermore, when a request to change the lending conditions of specific content including media identification information is received from the user's terminal, the requested lending conditions are changed based on the balance of the prepaid price registered corresponding to the media identification information. Further includes a step of determining whether or not the requested lending conditions can be permitted, and a step of transmitting information on the newly set conditions to the user's terminal when it is determined that the requested change of the lending conditions can be permitted. It may be a configuration.

【0031】

If the balance is insufficient, it is not possible to allow changes to the lending conditions, so this is a confirmation. Also, since the lending conditions have changed, it is not necessary to re-send the content information, but if the content information encrypted using the information related to the expiration date is recorded on the recording medium, a new one will be sent again. It is necessary to send the content information encrypted according to the expiration date to the user terminal. In some cases, it may be confirmed that the request is for a genuine recording medium even when the loan conditions are changed.

【0032】

Further, when a content usage request including media identification information is received from the user's terminal, a step of determining whether to allow the content usage request based on the information regarding the expiration date registered corresponding to the media identification information is further included. It may have such a configuration. Playback may also be managed by the download server. This is because the clock of the playback device may change. Note that the playback date and time is recorded as management information each time playback is performed, and it is confirmed whether or not unauthorized use has been made by changing the clock of the playback device. In some cases, it has such a configuration.

【0033】

It is also possible to create a program for implementing the content information providing method according to the second aspect of the present invention, and the content information providing system may be configured by the computer hardware and the program. is there. In that case, the program is stored in a storage medium or device such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or a hard disk. It may also be distributed over the network. The intermediate processing result is temporarily stored in the memory.

【0034】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, network 1 which is the Internet is connected to one or a plurality of user terminals 3 which are personal computers having, for example, a web (Web) browser. The network 1 is also connected to the download server 5 for transmitting the registered content information to the user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 is provided with a disk drive 3a having a function of writing content information or the like to a prepaid disk 7 obtained by the user paying a prepaid price for the content information and reading the information from the disk 7. There is. The prepaid disk 7 is a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a memory card using a semiconductor memory that conforms to, for example, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, or other standards. Further, a television receiver 9 and a disc player 11 connected to the television receiver 9 are installed in the user's home, and the content information stored in the prepaid disc 7 is read by, for example, the disc player 11. It may be displayed on the TV receiver 9.

【0035】

The download server 5 includes a sales processing unit 51 and a rental processing unit 53. The sales processing unit 51 includes a media confirmation processing unit 510 and a content information transmitting unit 512. The rental processing unit 53 includes a media confirmation processing unit 530, a condition change processing unit 532, and a content information transmission unit 534. The processing contents of each processing unit will be described in detail later. In addition, the download server 5 includes a content DB 54 that stores content information that can be distributed, a sales media DB 55 for managing a prepaid disk 7 related to the sale of the content information, and the content information downloaded in the sale of the content information. The sales download log DB56 that stores information on the prepaid disc 7 used and the rental media DB57 for managing the prepaid disc 7 related to the rental and purchase of content information, and the rental media DB57 that is downloaded in the rental and purchase of content information. It manages the rental download log DB58 for accumulating the content information and the information of the prepaid disk 7 used. The download server 5 is composed of one or a plurality of computers. Further, when the user requests the download server 5 to search the content information by using the Web browser of the user terminal 3, the download server 5 needs to have the Web server function.

【0036】

Here, the system processing shown in FIG. 1 and the procedure flow of the system operator and the user will be briefly described. The system operator sells the prepaid disc 7 in which the information described below is stored in advance at the sum of the prepaid price of the content information and the price of the disc itself. Also, build a download server 5 and connect it to network 1. On the other hand, the user purchases the prepaid disk 7 and loads the prepaid disk 7 into the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3. Then, the content acquisition program stored in the prepaid disk 7 and the user terminal 3 cooperate with each other to download the content information instructed by the user from the download server 5 and record it on the prepaid disk 7. As will be described later, the download server 5 confirms that the genuine prepaid disc 7 is used, manages the balance of the prepaid price set in the prepaid disc 7, and the like. In addition, when a download is requested, information such as the ID of the content to be downloaded is recorded as a log. Furthermore, if the existence of a defective optical disc is found after shipment, the defective optical disc is registered and replaced in response to a download request. In addition, a problem may occur in the download server 5, the network 1, and the user terminal 3, and the download may fail. In that case, the download failure is registered in the download server 5 so that the prepaid disc 7 can be replaced or a new prepaid disc 7 can be provided according to the user's request.

【0037】

In the case of selling content information, the download server 5 sends the content information in a special format (for example, after encryption) to the user terminal 3, and the content acquisition program in the user terminal 3 is general-purpose from the special format. In some cases, it is converted to the format (for example, MPEG2) and then recorded on the prepaid disc 7. In this way, for example, not only the user terminal 3 but also other disc player 11 and the television receiver 9 installed in the user's home can be used for playback.

【0038】

In the case of lending content information, when downloading the content information from the download server 5, management information including information on the expiration date is also downloaded, and the user terminal 3 displays the management information and the content information on the prepaid disk 7. To record. In the case of lending, it is better to store the content information converted into a special format on the prepaid disk 7 as it is without converting it into a general-purpose format, so that the expiration date management and the duplication management can be performed more reliably. The management information may be encrypted and stored so as not to be tampered with. In addition, the download server 5 also holds the same information as the management information, and the contents are confirmed when the loan is made later or when the loan conditions are changed. Then, when the user orders the user terminal 3 to reproduce the content information stored in the prepaid disk 7, the content acquisition program is activated, and the content acquisition program reads the management information and confirms the expiration date. If the information about the expiration date included in the management information indicates that it is available (before the expiration date), the content acquisition program converts the content information converted into a special format into a general-purpose format. Then, it may be played by itself, or it may be output to the program of the user terminal 3 and played. In some cases, it may be connected to the download server 5 every time it is played back, randomly or every predetermined number of times to check whether or not it can be played back.

【0039】

For example, in the present embodiment, the user can request a change in the lending conditions when the user cannot use the service within the expiration date or when he / she wants to purchase the product after borrowing it. When changing the lending conditions, the content acquisition program requests the download server 5 to change the lending conditions. The download server 5 confirms the balance of the prepaid price and determines whether the change of the lending condition can be permitted, and if possible, transmits the management information including the new expiration date information to the user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 records the management information received on the prepaid disk 7. As a result, for example, the expiration date for one week may be extended, or if the purchase is changed, the expiration date may be extended indefinitely.

【0040】

Next, the configuration of the prepaid disc 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a memory map of the prepaid optical disc 7 that can be used to purchase content information. The prepaid disc 7 for purchase is provided with a read-only area and an information recording area. In the case of purchasing content information, it is sufficient that the information can be recorded only once in the information recording area, and it is not necessary that the information be rewritten. In the read-only area, the media ID 71 unique to the prepaid optical disc 7, the content acquisition program 73, and the program ID (type identification information) of the content acquisition program 73 are recorded. The program ID may include, for example, version information. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of content acquisition programs 73 are prepared. This is to prevent unauthorized acquisition of content information from the download server 5 and distribution by recording the content acquisition program 73 corresponding to different conversion formats on the prepaid disk 7. In the content acquisition program 73, the download processing unit 731 for communicating with the download server 5 to download the content information and the download server 5 send the content information converted into a special format. It includes a conversion processing unit 733 for converting the special format into a general-purpose format, and a reproduction processing unit 735 necessary for reproducing the content information recorded in the information recording area. The playback processing unit 735 can be replaced by another program already installed in the user terminal 3. Content information 74 is recorded in the information recording area. As mentioned above, if the content information 74 is converted into a general-purpose format and recorded in the information recording area, it should be played back not by the user terminal 3 but by another disc player 11 or a television receiver 9. Can be done. However, the content information converted into a special format may be recorded in the information recording area.

【0041】

FIG. 3 is a memory map of the prepaid optical disc 7 that can be used for borrowing and purchasing content information. The prepaid disc 7 for borrowing and purchasing also has a read-only area and an information recording area. In the case of a prepaid disc 7 for borrowing and purchasing content information, the information recording area must be a rewritable area. In the read-only area, the media ID 75 unique to the prepaid optical disc 7, the content acquisition program 77, and the program ID 76 (type identification information) of the content acquisition program 77 are recorded. The program ID may include, for example, version information. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of content acquisition programs 77 are prepared. This is to prevent unauthorized acquisition of content information from the download server 5 and its use by recording the content acquisition program 77 corresponding to a different conversion format on the prepaid disk 7. The content acquisition program 77 includes a download processing unit 771 for communicating with the download server 5 to download content information, a playback processing unit 773 for performing processing necessary for reproducing the content information, and a process for changing lending conditions. The condition change processing unit 775 for implementation and the conversion processing unit 777 for converting the special format to the general-purpose format because the download server 5 sends the content information converted to the special format. Is included. The playback processing unit 773 can be replaced by another program already installed in the user terminal 3. Management information 78 and content information 79 are recorded in the information recording area. The management information 78 includes, for example, information such as a content ID which is identification information of the content information 79, a balance of the prepaid price, a recording date and time of the content information, and an expiration date of the content information. The management information 78 may be encrypted and recorded to prevent falsification. Also, in the case of a prepaid disc 7 for borrowing and purchasing, the content information 79 remains converted to a special format. Stored in the recording area. This is because if it is converted into a general-purpose format and recorded, it may be possible to reproduce it on a normal disc player 11 or a television receiver 9 regardless of the expiration date. However, if the disc player 11 is provided with a program or circuit that controls playback by always referring to the expiration date, the content information converted into a general-purpose format is recorded in the information recording area. There is also.

【0042】

Next, the processing flow of the scene where the content information is recorded on the prepaid disc 7 as shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The user inserts the prepaid disk 7 into the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3, and the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3 loads the prepaid disk 7 (step S1). Then, the user terminal 3 connects to the download server 5 via the network 1. After connecting to the download server 5, a content search request is sent to the download server 5 to search for the desired content information according to the user's instructions (step S3). The processing of step S3 may be performed by a communication program and a Web browser normally provided in the user terminal 3, or may be performed by the download processing unit 731 of the content acquisition program 73. When the sales processing unit 51 of the download server 5 receives the content search request from the user terminal 3, it refers to the content DB 54, performs a search, and transmits the search result to the user terminal 3 (step S5). The user terminal 3 receives the search result from the download server 5 and displays it on the display device (step S7). For the search, steps S3 to S7 are repeated except for the connection to the download server 5 until the desired content information is found.

【0043】

If the user finds the desired content information, the user inputs the download instruction of the content to the user terminal 3. In response to this, the download processing unit 731 of the content acquisition program 73 reads the media ID 71 and the program ID 72 from the read-only area (step S9). Then, a download request for specific content (for example, specified by the content ID) including the media ID 71 and the program ID 72 is transmitted to the download server 5 (step S11). The sales processing unit 51 of the download server 5 receives a download request for specific content including the media ID 71 and the program ID 72 from the user terminal 3 and stores it in the storage device (step S13).

【0044】

Then, the media confirmation processing unit 510 of the sales processing unit 51 uses the media ID 71 and the program ID 72 to determine whether or not there is a problem with the prepaid disc 7 specified by the media ID 71 and the program ID 72 (step S15). For this processing, for example, the media confirmation processing unit 510 refers to the sales media DB55. Figure 5 shows an example of the data stored in the sales media DB55. In the example of FIG. 5, the media ID unique to each prepaid disc 7, the face value which is the amount paid in advance by the user who is the purchaser, the balance of the prepaid price, the program ID, and the prepaid disc 7 are further recorded. The remaining capacity, which is the amount of data that can be stored, the date of manufacture and the date of shipment of the disk, and special notes are stored. In the special notes, for example, if the download fails for some reason, or if the disc is found to be defective after shipment, information indicating that the disc is defective is registered. The prepaid disc 7 is uniquely identified by the media ID 75 and the program ID 76.

【0045】

In step S15, the media confirmation processing unit 510 confirms whether the pair of the received media ID 71 and the program ID 72 is registered in the sales media DB 55, that is, whether the request is based on the genuine prepaid disc 7. In addition, the column of special notes specified by the media ID of the sales media DB55 is inspected to confirm that the disc is not a defective disc or the request is based on the prepaid disc 7 that has failed to download in the past. If the request is not based on the genuine prepaid disc 7, and if the request is based on the bad disc or the prepaid disc 7 related to the download failure (step S15: No route), the process proceeds to step S21. That is, the download non-download notification is transmitted to the user terminal 3 (step S21). The non-downloadable notification may include information about the reason why the download is not possible. For example, it may contain the message "It is a defective disc. Please replace it at your dealer or send it to xxxx. We will replace it with a new disc." It may also include a message such as "The download has failed once, so please send it to xxxx. We will record the content that has already been downloaded and the content that failed to download." Furthermore, if the pair of media ID 71 and program ID 72 is not registered in the sales media DB55, a message such as "Please purchase and use a genuine disk" may be included. In the user terminal 3, the download processing unit 731 receives the download non-download notification and displays it on the display device (step S23).

【0046】

If it is determined in step S15 that there is no problem with the disc (step S15: Yes route), the media confirmation processing unit 510 will check the balance and content DB 54 registered in the sales media DB 55 corresponding to the media ID. Compare with the price of the stored content to be purchased, and determine whether the balance is higher than the price of the content to be purchased (step S17). That is, it is confirmed whether the content that can be purchased with the balance is selected. If the balance is insufficient (step S17: No route), the process proceeds to step S21, and a message such as "Insufficient balance. Please select another content" is sent to the user terminal 3. On the other hand, if the purchase can be made with the balance (step S17: Yes route), the media confirmation processing unit 510 confirms whether the remaining capacity of the prepaid disc 7 is larger than the capacity of the content to be purchased (step S19). That is, the remaining capacity of the prepaid disc 7 registered in the sales media DB 55 corresponding to the media ID 71 is compared with the capacity of the purchased content stored in the content DB 54, and the remaining capacity of the prepaid disc 7 is insufficient. In that case (step S19: No route), the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, a non-downloadable notification such as "Insufficient disk space. Please select another content" is sent to user terminal 3. In the case of the prepaid disc 7 having a sufficiently large capacity, it may not be necessary to perform a process of inspecting the remaining capacity. In addition, even if only one content can be recorded on the prepaid disc 7, the remaining capacity inspection becomes unnecessary.

【0047】

If the remaining capacity of the prepaid disk 7 is sufficient (step S19: Yes route), the content information transmitter 512 is for the content to be purchased specified by the content ID in the conversion format corresponding to the program ID 72. Information is read from the content DB 54 and transmitted to the user terminal 3 (step S25). In the user terminal 3, the download processing unit 73 receives the information for the purchase target content in the conversion format corresponding to the program ID 72 from the download server 5 (step S27). Then, the media ID is read from the prepaid disc 7 again and compared with the media ID read in step S9 (step S29). If these media IDs do not match, it is possible that the discs were swapped between steps S9 and S29 to illegally record content information, and the user is requested to replace the discs. (Step S31). For example, it may be displayed on the display device to that effect, or it may be requested by voice or the like. Then, the process returns to step S29, the media ID is read again, and the media ID read in step S9 is compared.

【0048】

On the other hand, if the media ID read in step S9 and the media ID read this time are compared and matched, the conversion processing unit 733 converts the information of the prepaid disk 7 into a predetermined format, for example, MPEG2. Record in the recording area. While recording the content information on the prepaid disc 7, the playback processing unit 735 may play the content if requested by the user (step S33). In this case, the reproduction processing unit 735 reads out the previously recorded content and causes the display device of the user terminal 3 to display the content information. It is also possible to store all the content information on the prepaid disc 7 and then play it back.

【0049】

While or after the content information is being transmitted to the user terminal 3 in step S25, the content information transmission unit 512 updates the sales media DB55 and the sales download log DB56 (step S35). The price of the purchased content is deducted from the balance registered in the sales media DB55, and registered in the sales media DB55 as new balance information. In addition, the capacity of the purchased content is subtracted from the remaining capacity registered in the sales media DB55, and registered in the sales media DB55 as new remaining capacity information. If the download fails, register information such as "Failed" in the special notes column. If the information "with failure" is registered, it is possible to confirm whether or not the download has failed when the prepaid disk 7 is sent back from the user later. Also, register the information related to this download in the sales download log DB56. Figure 6 shows an example of the data stored in the sales download log DB56. In the example of FIG. 6, media ID, download date and time, downloaded (sent) content ID, download amount (content capacity), sales amount, and download success / failure information are included. In the example of the second line of FIG. 6, the download has failed, so the download amount is 0, but the configuration may be such that the number of bytes actually transmitted is recorded.

【0050】

If the download status of the content within the predetermined period is counted for each content ID by referring to the sales download log DB56 for each predetermined period, the right holder of the content can be paid according to the number of downloads.

【0051】

According to the above processing flow, content information can be sold via a network using a prepaid optical disc. When content information is sold via a network, distribution costs can be reduced and distribution inventory does not have to be held because it does not go through a store. In addition, even if the content information has few purchase applicants, it can be easily sold, which is advantageous for the person who creates the content information. Since it is a prepaid type, users do not have to enter a credit card number for payment, which is safe, and it is convenient because they can download their favorite content information as they like and record it on a disk. For example, you may download a movie, but if you download and record the music of your favorite artist in your favorite arrangement, you can easily create a disc that suits your taste.

【0052】

The balance information is not recorded on the prepaid disc 7 shown in FIG. However, the user may want to see how much money is left. In such a case, for example, the process shown in FIG. 7 is performed. The user inserts the prepaid disk 7 into the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3, and the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3 loads the prepaid disk 7 (step S41). Then, the user inputs the balance confirmation instruction to the user terminal 3. In response to this, the download processing unit 731 of the content acquisition program 73 reads the media ID 71 from the read-only area (step S43). Then, it connects to the download server 5 via the network 1 and sends a balance confirmation request including the media ID 71 to the download server 5 (step S45).

【0053】

The sales processing unit 51 of the download server 5 receives the balance confirmation request including the media ID 71 from the user terminal 3 and stores it in the storage device (step S47). Then, the sales media DB55 is searched using the media ID 71, and the balance information corresponding to the media ID 71 is acquired. Then, the sales processing unit 51 transmits the balance information to the user terminal 3 (step S49). The download processing unit 731 of the user terminal 3 receives the balance information from the download server 5 and displays it on the display device (step S51). As a result, the user can know the balance of the prepaid price set on the prepaid disc 7, and can determine the content information to be purchased with reference to this.

【0054】

Next, the content lending process using the prepaid disc 7 for borrowing and purchasing the content information shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. First, the user inserts the prepaid disk 7 into the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3, and the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3 loads the prepaid disk 7 (step S61). Then, the user terminal 3 connects to the download server 5 via the network 1. After connecting to the download server 5, a content search request is sent to the download server 5 to search for the desired content information according to the user's instructions (step S63). The process of step S63 may be performed by a communication program and a Web browser normally provided in the user terminal 3, or may be performed by the download processing unit 771 of the content acquisition program 77. When the rental processing unit 53 of the download server 5 receives the content search request from the user terminal 3, it refers to the content DB 54, performs a search, and transmits the search result to the user terminal 3 (step S65). In the content DB 54, each content information is set to be sellable or rentable, and here, it is assumed that the search results include information such as whether or not the content can be sold and whether or not it can be rented. The user terminal 3 receives the search result from the download server 5 and displays it on the display device (step S67). For the search, steps S63 to S67 are repeated except for the connection to the download server 5 until the desired content information is found.

【0055】

If the user finds the desired content information, the user inputs a lending request instruction for the content to the user terminal 3. In response to this, the download processing unit 771 of the content acquisition program 77 reads the media ID 75 and the program ID 76 from the read-only area and the management information 78 from the information recording area (step S69). Then, a rental download request for specific content (for example, specified by the content ID) including the media ID 75, the program ID 76, and the management information 78 is transmitted to the download server 5 (step S71). The rental processing unit 53 of the download server 5 receives a rental download request for specific content including the media ID 75, the program ID 76, and the management information 78 from the user terminal 3 and stores it in the storage device (step S73).

【0056】

Then, the media confirmation processing unit 530 of the rental processing unit 53 uses the media ID 75 and the program ID 76 to determine whether or not there is a problem with the prepaid disc 7 specified by the media ID 75 and the program ID 76 (step S75). For this processing, for example, the media confirmation processing unit 530 refers to the rental media DB 57. Figure 9 shows an example of the data stored in the rental media DB57. In the example of FIG. 9, the media ID unique to each prepaid disc 7, the face value which is the amount paid in advance by the user who is the purchaser, the balance of the prepaid price, the program ID, the number of recordings, and the year of manufacture of the disc The date and shipping date, the final content ID which is the ID of the most recently downloaded content, the final viewing period (final usage period), and special notes are stored. In the special notes, for example, if it is found that the disc is defective after shipping, information that it is defective, and if the rental conditions are changed from lending to selling, information to that effect is registered. .. In this example, for the sake of simplicity, it is explained that only one content can be rented with one prepaid disc 7. Therefore, the rental media DB 57 does not store information about the remaining capacity of the prepaid optical disc 7. However, if multiple content information is rented out to one prepaid disc 7, it is necessary to manage the information on the remaining capacity as well. It is also necessary to store a plurality of management information in the information storage area of the prepaid optical disc 7.

【0057】

In step S75, the media confirmation processing unit 530 confirms whether the pair of the received media ID 75 and the program ID 76 is registered in the rental media DB 57, that is, whether the request is based on the genuine prepaid disc 7. Also, inspect the special notes column specified by the media ID of the rental media DB57 to confirm that the prepaid disc 7 is not a defective disc. If the request is not recognized as based on the genuine prepaid disc 7, or if the disc is defective (step S75: No route), the process proceeds to step S81. That is, the download non-download notification is transmitted to the user terminal 3 (step S81). The non-downloadable notification may include information about the reason why the download is not possible. For example, it may contain the message "It is a defective disc. Please replace it at your dealer or send it to xxxx. We will replace it with a new disc." Furthermore, if the pair of media ID 75 and program ID 76 is not registered in the rental media DB57, a message such as "Please purchase a genuine disk and use it" may be included. On the user terminal 3, the download processing unit 771 receives the download non-download notification and displays it on the display device (step S83).

【0058】

If it is determined in step S75 that there is no problem with the disk (step S75: Yes route), the media confirmation processing unit 530 confirms that there is no problem with the received management information 78 (step S77). That is, the content ID included in the received management information 78 and the final content ID stored in the rental media DB57 match, or the balance information contained in the management information 78 and the balance information stored in the rental media DB57 match. It is determined whether the expiration date information included in the management information 78 matches the final viewing expiration date stored in the rental media DB 57. If there is even one inconsistent item (step S77: No route), move to step S81 and send, for example, the message "Invalid disk is used. Cannot be rented." To user terminal 3. .. On the other hand, if there is no problem with the management information 78 (step S77: Yes route), the balance registered in the rental media DB 57 corresponding to the media ID 75 and the loan price of the content related to the loan stored in the content DB 54. To determine whether the balance is higher than the loan price of the content related to the loan (step S79). That is, it is confirmed whether or not the content is selected so that the loan can be received with the balance. If the balance is insufficient (step S79: No route), the process proceeds to step S81, and a message such as "Insufficient balance. Please select another content" is sent to the user terminal 3. On the other hand, if the balance can be lent out (Step S79: Yes route), the media confirmation processing unit 530 generates management information according to the conditions related to this loan, and the content information transmission unit 534 provides the information for the loanable content in the conversion format corresponding to the program ID 76 to the content DB 54. Read from, and send the management information (the recording date and time is sent after the download of all the data is completed) and the information for the content to be rented to the user terminal 3 (step S85). In addition, instead of the management information, the lending permission notification may be sent and the download processing unit 771 may generate the management information.

【0059】

In the user terminal 3, the download processing unit 771 receives information and management information for the loanable content in the conversion format corresponding to the program ID from the download server 5 (step S87). Then, the media ID is read from the prepaid disc 7 again and compared with the media ID read in step S69 (step S89). If these media IDs do not match, it is possible that the disc was swapped between steps S69 and S89 and attempted to record content information illegally, so the user is requested to replace the disc. (Step S91). For example, it may be displayed on the display device to that effect, or it may be requested by voice or the like. Then, the process returns to step S89, the media ID is read again, and the media ID is compared with the media ID read in step S69.

【0060】

On the other hand, if the media ID read in step S69 and the media ID read this time are compared and matched, the download processing unit 771 stores the received content information and management information in the information recording area of the prepaid disk 7. Record in (step S93).

【0061】

While or after the content information is being transmitted to the user terminal 3 in step S85, the content information transmission unit 534 updates the rental media DB 57 and the rental download log DB 58 (step S95). The price of the rented content is deducted from the balance registered in the rental media DB57, and registered in the rental media DB57 as new balance information. Also, the number of recordings stored in the rental media DB57 is incremented by 1. In addition, the ID of the rented content is registered in the rental media DB57 as the final content ID. Furthermore, the expiration date of the rented content is registered in the rental media DB57 as the final viewing expiration date. Also, register the information related to this download in the rental download log DB58. Figure 10 shows an example of the data stored in the rental download log DB58. In the example of FIG. 10, the media ID, the recording date and time (download date and time, the date and time when the reception of the last packet on the user terminal was confirmed), the transmitted content ID, the viewing end date and time, and the download success / failure information are included.

【0062】

If the download status of the content within the predetermined period is counted for each content ID by referring to the rental download log DB58 for each predetermined period, the right holder of the content can be paid according to the number of downloads.

【0063】

When regenerating the rental content information recorded in the information recording area of the prepaid disc 7, for example, the reproduction processing unit 773 reads the management information 78 recorded in the information recording area and sets the expiration date included in the management information 78. Check if it has passed. If the management information 78 is encrypted and recorded, it needs to be decrypted. If the expiration date has passed, the display device of the user terminal 3 displays that playback is not possible, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the expiration date has not passed, the conversion processing unit 777 is instructed to convert the information for the content converted into the special format into the general-purpose format. Then, the reproduction processing unit 773 reproduces the content information converted into a general-purpose format by the conversion processing unit 777. This makes it possible to lend content via a network. Users no longer have to go to a video rental store every time. There is no need to return it. Since payment is also made by the prepaid method, it is possible to save the trouble of entering a credit card number and making a transfer.

【0064】

In addition, in order to determine whether or not the expiration date included in the management information has passed, for example, the clock provided in the user terminal 3 may be used as a reference. However, in this case, the user may set the clock provided on the user terminal 3 back. In order to prevent such unauthorized use, the time information may be acquired from a radio clock or a server that provides time information connected to the network 1 and compared with the expiration date. In addition, when the prepaid disk 7 for borrowing content information is first loaded on the user terminal 3, a program that detects resident time information changes is installed to detect illegal time changes, and at that time. Can also be configured to stop playback.

【0065】

Further, the reproduction may be performed with the configuration as described with reference to FIG. First, the user inserts the prepaid disk 7 in which the rented content information is recorded in the information recording area into the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3, and the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3 loads the prepaid disk 7. (Step S101). Next, the user inputs a content playback instruction to the user terminal 3. In response to this, the playback processing unit 773 of the content acquisition program 77 reads the media ID 75 from the read-only area and the management information 78 from the information recording area (step S103). Then, the playback confirmation request including the media ID 75 and the management information 78 is transmitted to the download server 5 (step S105). The rental processing unit 53 of the download server 5 receives the playback confirmation request including the media ID 75 and the management information 78 from the user terminal 3 and stores it in the storage device (step S107).

【0066】

Then, the media confirmation processing unit 530 of the rental processing unit 53 searches the rental media DB 57 using the media ID 75, and determines whether or not the reproduction is possible based on the information registered corresponding to the media ID 75 (step). S109). Here, the media confirmation processing unit 530 confirms whether the received media ID 75 is registered in the rental media DB 57, that is, whether the request is based on the genuine prepaid disc 7. Also, the content ID included in the received management information 78 and the final content ID stored in the rental media DB57 match, or the balance information contained in the management information 78 and the balance information stored in the rental media DB57 match. It is determined whether the expiration date information included in the management information 78 matches the final viewing expiration date stored in the rental media DB 57. If there is even one inconsistent item (step S109: No route), the process proceeds to step S111, and for example, a message "Invalid disk is used. Cannot be played." Is sent to user terminal 3. .. Also, check whether the final viewing period has passed. If it has passed (step S109: No route), move to step S111, for example, "The expiration date has passed. If you want to use it, please perform the process for changing the rental conditions. Is sent to the user terminal 3. The reproduction processing unit 773 in the user terminal 3 receives the reproduction non-reproducibility notification and displays it on the display device (step S113).

【0067】

On the other hand, if there is no discrepancy between the management information 78 and the information stored in the rental media DB 57 and it is determined that the expiration date has not passed (step S109: Yes route), the media confirmation processing unit 530 Send the playback permission to the user terminal 3 (step S115). Upon receiving the reproduction permission (step S117), the reproduction processing unit 773 in the user terminal 3 requests the conversion processing unit 777 to convert the content information recorded in the information recording area from a specific format to a general-purpose format. .. The conversion processing unit 777 outputs the conversion result to the reproduction processing unit 773, and the reproduction processing unit 773 executes the reproduction processing.

【0068】

In this way, it is possible to detect falsification of the management information 78, and it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the expiration date has passed. It is also possible to perform such processing irregularly or periodically, for example, instead of always performing such processing. However, once the process shown in FIG. 11 is to be performed, the download server 5 is set so that the playback cannot be performed until the playback is confirmed and the playback permission is received.

【0069】

Next, the loan condition change process for extending the expiration date or changing the loan to purchase will be described with reference to FIG. 12. First, the user inserts the prepaid disk 7 into the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3, and the disk drive 3a of the user terminal 3 loads the prepaid disk 7 (step S121). In addition, the user inputs a lending condition change instruction including the change contents of the lending condition to the user terminal 3. For example, it includes changes such as extension of the one-week expiration date and change of loan to purchase. In response to this, the condition change processing unit 775 of the content acquisition program 77 reads the media ID 75 from the read-only area and the management information 78 from the information recording area (step S123). Then, the rental condition change request including the media ID 75, the management information 78, and the change contents is transmitted to the download server 5 (step S125). The rental processing unit 53 of the download server 5 receives the rental condition change request including the media ID 75, the management information 78, and the changed contents from the user terminal 3 and stores the request in the storage device (step S127).

【0070】

Then, the condition change processing unit 532 of the rental processing unit 53 searches the rental media DB 57 using the media ID 75, compares it with the received management information 78, and determines whether they match (step S129). The condition change processing unit 532 confirms whether the received media ID 75 is registered in the rental media DB 57, that is, whether the request is based on the genuine prepaid disc 7. If the request is not recognized as being based on the genuine prepaid disk 7 (step S129: No route), the process proceeds to step S131. That is, the download non-download notification is transmitted to the user terminal 3 (step S131). Also, the content ID included in the received management information 78 and the final content ID stored in the rental media DB57 match, or the balance information contained in the management information 78 and the balance information stored in the rental media DB57 match. It is determined whether the expiration date information included in the management information 78 matches the final viewing expiration date stored in the rental media DB 57. If there is even one inconsistent item (step S131: No route), the process proceeds to step S131, for example, the message "Invalid disk is used. Lending conditions cannot be changed." Send to. The condition change processing unit 775 in the user terminal 3 receives the non-changeable notification from the download server 5 and displays it on the display device.

【0071】

On the other hand, if there is no problem with the management information 78 (step S129: Yes route), compare the balance registered in the rental media DB57 corresponding to the media ID with the charge incurred according to the changed contents, and the balance Determine if is higher than the incurred charge (step S135). That is, it is confirmed whether the balance indicates possible changes. If the balance is insufficient (step S135: No route), the process proceeds to step S131, and a message such as "Insufficient balance. Please change the conditions." Is sent to the user terminal 3. On the other hand, if there is no shortage of the balance (step S135: Yes route), the condition change processing unit 532 registers the changed contents in the rental media DB57, generates management information corresponding to the changed contents, and stores the storage device. Store in (step S137). Then, the condition change processing unit 532 transmits the generated management information to the user terminal 3 (step S139). Here, the condition change processing unit 532 updates the rental download log DB58.

【0072】

FIG. 9 shows an example in which the conditions of the prepaid optical disc 7 having the media ID Z00002 are changed from lending to purchasing (selling). Here, the final viewing period is September 99, 2999, and the expiration date is set to be indefinite. In addition, information called sales switching is registered in the special notes. Since the content information is not transmitted in the case of the lending condition change processing, the number of recordings is not incremented.

【0073】

In the example of FIG. 10, the second line shows the log of the first lending process, and the fourth line shows the log of the change of lending conditions. Here, the viewing end date and time (expiration date) was originally February 13, 2001, but as mentioned above, it is September 99, 2999, and the expiration date is indefinite.

【0074】

In the user terminal 3, the condition change processing unit 775 receives the management information from the download server 5 (step S141). Then, the media ID is read from the prepaid disk 7 again and compared with the media ID read in step S123 (step S143). If these media IDs do not match, it is possible that the discs were swapped between steps S123 and S143 to illegally record management information, and the user is requested to replace the discs. (Step S145). For example, it may be displayed on the display device to that effect, or it may be requested by voice or the like. Then, the process returns to step S143, the media ID is read again, and the media ID is compared with the media ID read in step S69.

【0075】

On the other hand, if the media ID read in step S123 and the media ID read this time are compared and matched, the condition change processing unit 775 records the received management information in the information recording area of the prepaid disk 7. (Step S147). Management information may be encrypted and recorded.

【0076】

As a result, the lending conditions can be safely changed, so that the deadline can be extended, or the content information that can be borrowed and liked can be purchased, which enhances the convenience of the user.

【0077】

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the example of FIG. 1, the download server 5 is configured so that both sales and lending of contents can be performed, but it is also possible to configure the download server 5 so that only one of them can be executed. Further, the download server 5 may be configured to have another function. For example, it is possible to sell a disc on which content information is recorded as usual online, or to sell a prepaid disc 7 by mail order. The functional blocks in the download server 5 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1, and can be modularized in other ways. Regarding the database, the registration data shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10 is an example, and other data may be stored, and some data may not be recorded. In some cases.

【0078】

Further, although FIG. 7 has been described in the case of purchasing the content information, it can also be carried out in the case of lending the content information.

【0079】

Further, what has been described as reproduction above can be replaced with execution or use if the content information is a program or the like.

【0080】

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show a configuration in which the program ID is stored in the read-only area separately from the content acquisition program, it may be embedded in the content acquisition program.

【0081】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, it is possible to provide a new technology using a prepaid recording medium for selling content information via a network.

【0082】

In addition, it is possible to provide a new technology using a prepaid recording medium for lending content information via a network.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows the system outline which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a figure which shows the memory map of the prepaid disk used for content sale.

[Fig. 3]

It is a figure which shows the memory map of the prepaid disk used for content lending and sale.

[Fig. 4]

It is a figure which shows the processing flow of content sale.

[Fig. 5]

It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored in the sales media DB.

[Fig. 6]

It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored in the sales download log DB.

[Fig. 7]

It is a figure which shows the balance confirmation processing flow.

[Fig. 8]

It is a figure which shows the processing flow of content lending.

[Fig. 9]

It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored in a rental media DB.

[Fig. 10]

It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored in a rental download log DB.

[Fig. 11]

It is a figure which shows the reproduction confirmation processing flow.

[Fig. 12]

It is a figure which shows the lending condition change processing flow.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Network 3 User terminal 5 Download server 7 Prepaid disc 9 TV receiver 11 Disc player 51 Sales Processing Department 53 Rental Processing Department 54 Content DB 55 Sales Media DB 56 Sales Download Log DB 57 Rental Media DB 58 Rental download log DB 510 Media confirmation processing unit 512 Content information transmission unit 530 Media confirmation processing unit 532 Condition change processing unit 534 Content information transmitter