JP2010205185A - Content distribution system and content distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] When distributing content data to user terminals, it is possible to control the distribution timing, executable timing, executable area, etc. on the service provider side, and improve and diversify product sales It corresponds to various services.
An execution restricting unit that distributes execution permission data that permits execution of content data, a connection processing unit that establishes wireless communication with a user terminal located in a predetermined area, and a connection processing unit. A content distribution server 82 that distributes content data to user terminals through wireless communication established by the network is arranged on the network, and the user terminal 2 receives content data or execution permission data from the content distribution server 82. Unit 25b, an application execution processing unit 25c that executes content data, and an execution condition determination unit 25a that determines whether or not a condition related to the execution of content data is satisfied.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system and a content distribution method for distributing content data such as data files such as text data, images, moving images and audio, or execution files such as games to user terminals via a communication network.

  In recent years, various services for distributing content have been developed through IP networks such as the Internet. Depending on the service, location information indicating where the user is located can be used for users in a specific area. A method of providing only services is also proposed.

  A technique related to a content distribution service using such position information is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not the user is in a specific service providing area based on the location information and network information of the user terminal, and the user is in the service providing area. Only when is data about the service sent to the user terminal.

JP 2007-179392 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, when content data is distributed to a user terminal, the distribution location and distribution time can be limited on the service providing side, but the executable location of the distributed content data is possible. For example, at exhibitions where new product software is released, if the product is distributed, subsequent control cannot be controlled by the seller. However, it is only possible to distribute a trial version whose function or usage period is limited in advance, it is impossible to convey the original functions and features of the product to the user, and there is a limit to sales promotion.

  Also, in recent years, services that distribute coupons that can be used at stores and the like through the Internet are becoming widespread, but for example, various coupons that have been diversified in recent years, such as distributing coupons with expiration dates that can be used only at the next visit There was a problem that it was not possible to correspond to the service of.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and when delivering content data to a user terminal, it is possible to control the delivery time and executable time, the executable area, and the like on the service providing side. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a content distribution system and a content distribution method capable of improving the sales promotion of products and dealing with various services that are diversified.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a content distribution system that distributes content data to user terminals through a communication network. Execution permission data that permits execution of content data is provided on the communication network. Content distribution that distributes content data to user terminals through wireless communication established between the execution restriction unit that distributes, the wireless communication between the user terminal located in the predetermined area, and the wireless communication established by the connection processing unit And the user terminal includes a content acquisition unit that receives content data from the content distribution unit or an execution permission data from the execution restriction unit, an execution processing unit that executes the content data received by the content acquisition unit, Actual conditions for determining whether or not the conditions related to the execution of content data are satisfied And a condition determining unit, on the conditions determined by the execution condition determination unit includes a permission of execution restricting unit.

Another invention is a content distribution method for distributing content data to a user terminal through a communication network,
(1) A connection processing step for establishing wireless communication with a user terminal located in a predetermined area in a connection processing unit arranged on a communication network;
(2) a content distribution step of distributing content data to the user terminal from the content distribution unit arranged on the communication network through wireless communication established by the connection processing unit;
(3) In the content acquisition unit of the user terminal, a content acquisition step of receiving content data from the content distribution unit or execution permission data from the execution regulation unit;
(4) An execution restriction step of distributing execution permission data permitting execution of content data in an execution restriction unit arranged on the communication network;
(5) an execution condition determination step for determining whether or not a condition regarding execution of content data is satisfied in the execution condition determination unit of the user terminal; and (6) content received by the content acquisition unit in the execution processing unit of the user terminal. An execution processing step for executing data. The conditions determined in the execution condition determination step (5) include permission by the execution restriction step (4).

  According to these present inventions, for example, when distributing content data with restrictions on functions such as trial software and time-limited tickets to the user terminal, the distribution time, the executable time, the executable area, etc. It can be controlled by the provider.

  In the distribution of the content data in the above invention, the address on the communication network of the content transmission unit that is arranged on the communication network and transmits the content data is transmitted to the user terminal, and the content on the user terminal side is based on the received address. It is preferable to access the transmission unit and acquire content data from the accessed content transmission unit.

  In this case, even if content data transmission means are restricted, such as a server that distributes content data, the address of the server can be distributed to guide access, and software exhibitions and Content data can also be distributed in a specific area such as a store where the communication environment is restricted.

  In the above invention, the content data preferably includes any one of audio such as music, video data, application data for executing a program, and character data such as a coupon and a ticket. In this case, by restricting execution of the application, viewing of video and music, execution of game software, display of coupons, tickets, and the like can be restricted, and can be applied to various services. .

  In the above invention, in the content acquisition and execution process, it is preferable to perform a streaming process in parallel with the acquisition of the content data by the content acquisition unit and the execution of the content data by the execution processing unit. In this case, it is possible to view large data such as video.

  In the above invention, at the time of content distribution, index data describing any of the type, format, and attribute of content data is held, and this index data is included prior to content data distribution or included in content data. It is preferable to distribute. In this case, the index data can be distributed instead of distributing the content data itself, and the outline of the content data can be distributed without increasing the data size.

  In the above invention, the execution regulation preferably permits the execution of the content data for which the settlement procedure has been completed when it is confirmed that the settlement procedure including payment for the content data related to the regulation has been completed. In this case, the application execution restriction can be released with the payment of the price as a trigger, and the content sales service can be ensured.

  In the above invention, it is preferable that the restriction condition based on the execution restriction includes any of a period during which the content data can be executed, the number of times, a position where the content data can be executed, and a type of communication established by the user terminal. In this case, the execution of the content data can be restricted in a timed or remote manner for a limited time or remotely, and services can be diversified.

  In the above invention, the execution condition determination preferably determines the type of communication established by the user terminal, and the execution condition preferably includes whether or not the communication type is a specific communication type. In this case, in this case, for example, when the user terminal can communicate with a plurality of communication types, communication connection limited to a specific communication type can be set as an execution condition of the application.

  In the above invention, in the execution condition determination, position information of the user terminal is acquired, and in this position information acquisition, a GPS function for measuring the current position is determined by a signal from a satellite, and a base station with established wireless communication is specified. The position information is acquired by any one of an identifier determination function and a calculation function for calculating the current position from the communication status such as signal strength from the base station, and the execution restriction condition includes the position acquired by the position information acquisition function. Preferably, the information includes whether or not it is a specific position. In this case, application regulation corresponding to various situations such as the communication environment in which the user is located and the function of the user terminal can be performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when content data is distributed to a user terminal, it is possible to control the distribution time and executable time, the executable area, and the like on the service provider side, and sell products. It is possible to improve the promotion and provide content data corresponding to various services that are diversified.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the user terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the base station and relay apparatus which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the delivery server group which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of delivery in the delivery system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the coupon issue in the delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of coupon use in the delivery system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
(Overall configuration of content distribution system)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content distribution system according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example where sample software having the same function as this product is distributed to visitors in a software exhibition hall or the like. The “module” used in the description refers to a functional unit that is configured by hardware such as an apparatus or a device, software having the function, or a combination thereof, and achieves a predetermined operation. .

  As shown in the figure, the distribution system is a system for distributing the sample software 3 via the Internet 71 and the public line network 72, and a content management server 81 and a content distribution server 82 are arranged on the communication network. Further, the Internet 7 includes a relay device 6, a radio base station 4 connected to the relay device 6, and a user terminal 2 that can perform radio communication through the radio base station 4.

  The Internet 71 is constructed by connecting various communication lines (public lines such as telephone lines, ISDN lines, ADSL lines, optical communication lines, private lines, and wireless communication networks) using the communication protocol TCP / IP. This is a distributed communication network (IP network), and this communication network includes LANs such as 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, etc., intranets (enterprise networks) and home networks. The public line network 72 is a general subscriber telephone line network also called PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks), and is a communication line (telephone line or ISDN line, which connects a caller and a callee by a circuit switching method and makes a voice call). Constructed with ADSL line, optical communication line, etc.

(User terminal configuration)
The user terminal 2 is a mobile phone using wireless communication, communicates wirelessly with a relay point such as a general base station, and can receive communication services such as calls and data communication while moving. The user terminal 2 also has a function of performing wireless communication with the wireless base station 4, a function of storing downloaded content data, and a function of executing stored content data. Examples of the mobile phone communication system include FDMA system, TDMA system, CDMA system, W-CDMA, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) system, and the like. In addition, as a wireless communication interface different from the communication method described above, a function corresponding to a communication method based on transmission / reception of IP packets in accordance with wireless LAN standards and the like is also provided. Further, the user terminal 2 is equipped with functions such as a digital camera function, an application software execution function, or a GPS function, and also functions as a personal digital assistant (PDA).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 2 includes an input interface 21 and an output interface 22 as user interface modules. The input interface 21 is a device that inputs user operations such as operation buttons, a touch panel, and a jog dial, and the output interface 22 is a device that outputs video and sound, such as a display and a speaker.

  Furthermore, the user terminal 2 includes a position information acquisition function 23. For example, the user terminal 2 calculates the coordinates of the current position based on the GPS signal from the satellite 5 or the communication partner established by the connection processing unit 27. The user terminal 2 itself can acquire the position information of its own device from the radio wave condition such as the base station identifier of the station and the signal strength from the base station. Further, the location information acquisition function 23 detects an access point installed in the vicinity, inquires an AP database installed on the communication network for the address of the access point, and predicts the current location of the own device. A function may be provided. This AP database aggregates reports on the location of access points notified from a large number of user terminals, and stores the access point identifiers (IP addresses, etc.) in association with their installation locations (addresses, coordinates, etc.). . The position information acquisition function 23 can predict the current position of the own device by referring to the AP database for the identifier of the detected access point.

  In addition, the user terminal 2 includes a wireless interface 26 and a connection processing unit 27 as communication modules. The wireless interface 26 has a function of executing wireless communication using a mobile communication protocol for performing a call and wireless communication using a data communication protocol such as a wireless LAN. The wireless interface 26 is a transmission / reception device compliant with IEEE 802.11b for wireless LAN connection, and an ESSID that matches the wireless base station 4 is assigned to receive a service by this system. This wireless interface can be realized by a wireless LAN adapter or the like in a mobile computer or PDA.

  The connection processing unit 27 is a module for connecting to the wireless base station 4 via wireless communication, and an identifier (telephone number, IP address, user ID) for identifying the own device is a wireless base to be connected. It transmits to the station 4 and performs authentication. The connection processing unit 27 monitors the wireless signal and identifies the wireless base station 4 in order to establish a link for transmitting and receiving data when performing wireless LAN connection with the wireless base station 4. You may make it detect ESSID to perform.

  Further, the user terminal 2 includes a control unit 25, a memory 24, and a cache memory 28 as application execution modules. The control unit 25 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and each function module is virtually constructed by executing various programs on the control unit 25. In the control unit 25, an application execution processing unit 25c, an execution condition determination unit 25a, and a content acquisition unit 25b are constructed as application execution modules.

  The content acquisition unit 25 b is a module that receives content data or execution permission data from the content management server 81 or the content distribution server 82 through the wireless interface 26. In the present embodiment, the content acquisition unit 25b accesses the content distribution server 82 based on the address (URL) of the content distribution server 82 received from the address transmission unit of the content management server 81, and downloads the content data. To do.

  The application execution processing unit 25c is a module that executes the content data received by the content acquisition unit 25b based on the determination result by the execution condition determination unit 25a. The execution condition determination unit 25a is a module that determines whether or not a condition related to the execution of content data is satisfied and restricts execution of the application by the application execution processing unit 25c.

  Conditions determined by the execution condition determination unit 25a include location information, time information, and the number of executions, as well as permission by the execution restriction unit of the content management server 81. As this position information, the current position acquired by the position information acquisition function 23 may be used, and a base station identifier or radio wave status for identifying the radio base station 4 that is the counterpart of the radio communication established by the connection processing unit 27. (Signal strength or the like). The base station identifier includes a so-called scrambling code unique to the base station in order to specify a communication frequency with the base station, a cell managed by the base station, a spreading code related to the established communication connection, and the like. Can also be used.

  The execution condition determination unit 25a has a function of determining the type of communication established by the user terminal 2, and determines whether or not to execute the content data according to the type of communication established. Here, the connection processing unit 27 is connected to the execution condition determining unit 25a, and it is determined whether the communication type established by the user terminal 2 is a 3G network or a wireless LAN connection, and wireless In the case of LAN connection, execution of content data is permitted. The determination of the communication type is performed by analyzing the type of communication protocol established by the connection processing unit 27 and the waypoints on the established communication path. For example, whether the base station 6 installed in the area where the user terminal 2 is located serves as the transit point and a wireless LAN has been established, or other communication base stations such as 3G It is analyzed whether wireless communication is established, and it is determined whether or not the content data can be executed.

  In addition, when the content data is in a viewable format such as video or audio data, the application execution processing unit 25c can execute player software that reproduces and views the content data. This player software has functions of a decoder that restores a compressed file or decrypts encrypted data, and an encoder that converts the data into a data format suitable for the output interface 22. The player software can output audio through a built-in speaker or an earphone connected to the output interface 22, or can display and output a video or character string through a display connected to the output interface 22. .

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the content acquisition unit 25b and the application execution processing unit 25c support so-called streaming distribution in which data reception and caching and reproduction are performed in parallel. The content acquisition unit 25b and the application execution processing unit 25c are provided with a streaming processing function for parallel acquisition of content data and execution of content data, and before the download of all content data is completed, the application execution processing unit The execution (reproduction) is started in 25c, and a part of the content data partially acquired by the content acquisition unit 25b is cached in the cache memory 28, and is executed (reproduced) by the application execution processing unit 25c from the acquired part. .

  The cache memory 28 is, for example, a volatile memory device, and temporarily stores downloaded content data. The memory 24 is a storage device for writing and saving (main storage) content data when the user downloads the content data and obtains execution permission. The memory 24 is a non-volatile memory device or a hard disk. Can be realized. The memory 24 may be fixedly incorporated in the user terminal 2, or may be a removable device such as a memory card, or a storage device connected by a USB cable or the like. With regard to the memory 24, the execution condition determination unit 25a is provided with an erasing function for erasing data on the memory 24. This erasure function automatically erases data when the expiration date of the execution condition and the number of effective executions have expired.

(Configuration of radio base and relay device)
The wireless base station 4 is a radio base station apparatus that transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 2 through wireless communication. In this embodiment, the wireless base station 4 wirelessly communicates with a communication terminal located in the area A1 of the software exhibition hall. Establish. In particular, the radio base station 4 in this embodiment is a small-sized mobile phone base station called a femtocell, which covers a narrow area with a radius of about 10 m, and is connected to the backbone via the relay device 6. Are connected to a public network 72 such as an optical fiber or ADSL, and are connected to the Internet 71 through the public network 72.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless base station 4 is a small mobile phone base station such as a femtocell, but may be a base station in a LAN (Local Area Network). It may be an access point for transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of user terminals according to the “802.11b” standard or the like. In this case, a common ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) is assigned to the radio base station 4 and each user terminal 2 in order to receive the service provided by the present system, and the radio base station 4 uses the ESSID to transmit the wireless base station 4 itself. A user terminal existing in the communication range is detected and a link is automatically set to form a wireless LAN hot spot. In addition to this wireless LAN, for example, a short-range wireless system such as infrared communication or Bluetooth can also be adopted.

  The relay device 6 is a node device such as a modem, a terminal adapter, or a gateway device for connecting to the Internet 7, performs communication path selection and mutual conversion of data (signals), the radio base station 4, and a public line. Relay processing between the network 72 and the Internet 71 is performed. The relay device 6 sends the content data stored in its own device to an output device such as a street monitor or the wireless base station 4 in accordance with an instruction from the content management server 81, to send information data to the street broadcast or wireless. LAN distribution may be executed.

  Specifically, the relay device 6 includes, as communication modules, a communication unit 61 that is a communication interface to the public line network 72, a connection management unit 65 that controls connection between the wireless interface 41 of the wireless base station 4, and a wireless base station. A data conversion unit 63 that performs data conversion between wireless communication with the station 4 and packet communication with the public line network 72 is provided.

  In addition, the relay device 6 includes a location information management unit 62 for specifying the current location of the user terminal 2, and manages a base station identifier that specifies the radio base station 4 with which the user terminal 2 has established communication. Based on the base station identifier, the femtocell in which the user terminal 2 is located is specified, and the position information of the user terminal 2 is calculated by using the radio field intensity of the radio base station 4 with respect to the user terminal 2. Thus, the location information obtained based on the base station identifier is notified to the user terminal 2 and the content distribution server 82. The location information by the base station identifier can be specified on the user terminal 2 side and notified from the user terminal 2 to the content distribution server 82.

  In the present embodiment, the relay device 6 and the radio base station 4 are separate devices, but they may be integrated. Further, the relay device 6 and the wireless base station 4 are provided with a multipurpose output device 66 such as a slot for various media such as a memory card in addition to an output device such as a monitor with a touch panel or a speaker, a printing device, and a so-called convenience store terminal or kiosk terminal. It is good also as a form of the multipurpose storefront information terminal called. With such a convenience store terminal, it is possible to provide multi-purpose services such as outputting audio data and video data included in content data as audio and video, and printing character data and image data.

(Server group configuration)
The content management server 81 and the content distribution server 82 are a group of server devices that serve as a content distribution unit that distributes content data to the user terminal 2 through cooperation of both servers. Specifically, the content distribution server 82 serves as a content transmission unit that transmits content data, and the content management server 81 serves as an address transmission unit that transmits an address of the content distribution server 82 on the communication network. Fulfill. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the content distribution server group.

  On the other hand, the content management server 81 includes a communication unit 812 and a connection processing unit 811 as communication modules, and a user registration unit 816 and an authentication unit 815 as user management modules. These user registration unit 816 and authentication unit 815 are connected to a user database 83 that holds information about users. Each module provided in the content management server 81 is controlled by the control unit 818.

  The communication unit 812 is a communication device that transmits and receives various data to and from the Internet 7 by transmitting and receiving packet data. The connection processing unit 811 is a module that establishes wireless communication between the wireless base station 4 and the user terminal 2 located in a predetermined area under the control of the wireless base station 4. The authentication unit 815 is a module that determines access permission for the user, and the user registration unit 816 is a module that accepts user registration for receiving services by this system. At the time of user registration, a telephone number, an IP address, a user ID, a password, and the like of a terminal used by the user are recorded in the user database 83 as an identifier for identifying the user.

  The authentication unit 815 is a computer that verifies the legitimacy of the accessor or software having a function thereof. The authentication unit 815 obtains a combination of a user name and a password through the Internet 7 and collates the user database 83 so that it can This module confirms whether or not there is a right and whether or not the accessor is the person himself / herself.

  The user registration unit 816 is a module for registering a user who desires the service of this system. At the time of this user registration, it is necessary to request registration of payment method information such as card information in addition to the user's personal information, and it is not necessary to input the payment method every time the user performs the main storage. I have to.

  The content management server 81 includes an execution restriction unit 813, an address transmission unit 814, a schedule unit 817, and a database management unit 819 as content management modules. The database management unit 819 includes a relay device management unit. A database 810 and a content database 84 are connected.

  The execution restriction unit 813 is a module that distributes execution permission data that permits execution of content data. This execution permission data sets an execution condition according to the schedule by the schedule unit 817 and transmits the execution permission data to the user terminal 2 through the communication unit 812.

  The address transmission unit 814 is a module that transmits the content distribution server that actually distributes the content data and the location of the content data file on the server to the user terminal 2 as a URL. The URL can be transmitted using, for example, a short message service (SMS) that can transmit an e-mail using a telephone number as a destination address in addition to e-mail and document file transfer. When using this short message service, the user terminal is located in the base station area, and the base station side can grasp the telephone number of the user terminal 2, so that membership registration and authentication are possible. Information can be distributed to all users in the area by push method.

  The database management unit 819 is a module that manages data input / output with respect to databases such as the content database 84 and the relay device management database 810. This relay device management database 810 includes a device ID of a relay device installed in each region, an installation location (place name, etc.), an attribute of the installation location (software exhibition hall, each store, etc.), and an attribute of the installed region (Tokyo) , Local, commercial districts, leisure districts, etc.).

  The scheduling unit 817 is a module that performs scheduling for controlling distribution of content data to a relay apparatus installed in each region. This schedule unit 817 composes a schedule as to which content data is distributed to which relay device and in which time zone according to the information stored in the content database 84 and the relay device management database 810, and stores it as schedule information. . The control unit 818 controls the address transmission unit 814 according to the schedule information, and transmits address information (URL or the like) that is the location of predetermined content data.

  On the other hand, the content distribution server 82 is a server computer that transmits information data such as an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file, an image file, or a music file in a document system such as WWW (World Wide Web) or software having the function. Information such as HTML documents and images is stored, and information data is distributed through the Internet 7 in response to a request from client software such as a Web browser. In this embodiment, sample data 3 such as MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) and WMA (Windows Media Audio (Windows is a registered trademark)) is distributed as information data. Various content files such as files and text files can be adopted.

  Specifically, the content distribution server 82 manages a communication unit 821 for connecting to the Internet 7, an authentication unit 822 for authenticating user access, a content transmission unit 823 for transmitting content data, and input / output of each database. A database management unit 825, and a control unit 824 that eliminates the operation of each module. The content distribution server 82 is connected to a user database 83 and a content database 84.

  The communication unit 821 is a communication device that transmits content data by transmitting and receiving packet data. The content transmission unit 823 is a database management unit for access based on the URL transmitted to the user terminal 2 by the address transmission unit 814. 825 is a module that transmits the corresponding content data read out via the communication unit 821. The authentication unit 822 is a module that determines access permission for the user. In this embodiment, the authentication unit 822 takes over the authentication result by the authentication unit 815 of the content management server 81.

  The content database 84 is an information data storage device that is connected to both the content distribution server 82 and the content management server 81 and is accessible from the Internet 7 via the content distribution server 82, and is configured by a large-capacity hard disk, for example. . Information stored in the content database 84 includes content data itself, a data ID for identifying each content data, a type of the content data (game, music, audio, video, character string, etc.), file, and the like. Index data in association with the format and attributes of the content data (genre, age, etc.) are accumulated. This index data is distributed prior to the distribution of the content data or included in the content data.

  The content database 84 reads and writes content data according to the control of the database management unit 825. As control of the content database 84, content data is called by an identifier (address or file name in the database) for identifying content data, content data type, file format or attribute, and other information on index data The content data is specified by the above and the content data is called.

  The content transmitting unit 823 distributes content data to the user terminal through wireless communication established by the connection processing unit 811 of the content management server 81. At this time, the content transmission unit 823 is a module for packetizing the content data or decoding the packet data into the content data.

(Delivery method)
The distribution method of the present invention can be implemented by operating the distribution system having the above configuration. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the distribution system according to the present embodiment.

  First, in the content management server 81, a schedule for distributing content data is set by the schedule unit 817. In this distribution schedule, the distribution period, distribution location, and execution permission conditions (period, location, number of executions, etc.) of the sample software are set. Then, according to this schedule, the control unit 818 of the content management server 81 controls the operations of the address transmission unit 814 and the execution restriction unit 813, and puts the content distribution and execution restriction into a standby state. Here, the site of the software exhibition hall is the distributable area A1, and the execution permission condition is set only while the user terminal is in the area A1.

  Then, when the user visits the exhibition hall and the user terminal 2 used by the user is located in the area A1 (S101), the process of establishing a wireless communication link between the wireless base station 4 and the relay device 6 is performed. Be started. Specifically, authentication information such as terminal information and user information is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the content management server 81 through the relay device 6, and authentication processing is executed in the content management server 81 (S102). Here, all visitors are registered as users and set as content distribution destinations. However, for example, visitors may be registered as members in advance and only registered members may be authenticated.

  After the authentication process is successful, a wireless communication connection is established between the wireless base station 4 and the user terminal 2, and a wireless communication link is formed (S103). At this time, the current position of the user terminal 2 may be specified by the base station identifier of the wireless base station 4 that has established the wireless communication connection and registered in the user database 83.

  Using the wireless communication connection as a trigger, the address transmission unit 814 transmits the URL of the content distribution server 82 in which the sample software 3 is stored to the user terminal 2 (S104 to S106). The URL transmission from the address transmission unit 814 may be performed by e-mail when the user's e-mail address is registered, or by using a dedicated application such as a file transfer application, messenger software, or short message service. This may be done through the wireless communication link. Note that this URL may be transmitted to all registered members by a push method in addition to the case where the URL is transmitted to a user in the area A1. Furthermore, when the short message service is used, the user terminal is located in the base station area, and the base station can grasp the telephone number of the user terminal 2 in advance. After obtaining consent, processing such as member registration and authentication can be omitted, and information can be distributed to all users in the area using the push method.

  The user terminal 2 that receives this URL accesses the content distribution server 82 by following the received URL (S107 and S108). Access to the content distribution server 82 can be performed by, for example, general browser software or an FTP server. Note that an authentication process is performed when accessing the content distribution server 82. In this authentication process, the user may be requested to input a user ID or password again, or the authentication result in the content management server 81 may be taken over. After the authentication process at the content distribution server 82 is successful, the sample software 3 is distributed from the content distribution server 82 (S109), and the sample software is downloaded at the user terminal 2. The sample software 3 here is an executable file format such as a game or application, and is transferred to the user terminal 2 side. For example, when the sample software 3 is a large file such as a video, It is also possible to use so-called streaming distribution in which reception and caching of data and playback are performed in parallel. In this case, the content acquisition unit 25b and the application execution processing unit 25c are provided with a streaming processing function for acquiring the content data and executing the content data in parallel, and before the download of all the content data is completed, Execution (reproduction) is started by the processing unit 25c, and a part of the content data partially acquired by the content acquisition unit 25b is cached in the cache memory 28, and is executed (reproduction) by the application execution processing unit 25c from the acquired part. )

  Along with the distribution of the sample software, the content management server 81 distributes the execution conditions (S111). Here, the execution conditions are distributed after waiting for the distribution of the sample software, but the execution conditions may also be distributed together with the URL transmission in step S104 without waiting for the distribution of the sample software. This execution condition includes the executable period and location of the distributed sample software 3, the number of executions, and the like. Here, the execution is permitted only in the area A1.

  By receiving and referring to this execution permission, the user terminal 2 can execute the sample software 3 (S112). In this sample software 3, a function equivalent to this product is provided, and even when the execution condition includes a limit on the number of times of execution, the condition “located in area A1” is preferentially applied, As long as the user is in the area A1, all functions can be used without limitation. When the sample software is a music file or a video file, the data temporarily stored in the cache memory 28 can be stored in the memory 24 by this execution permission.

  After that, when the user leaves the exhibition hall and exits from the area A1 (S113), the wireless link formed between the user terminal 2 and the wireless base station 4 is disconnected, and the wireless base station 4 receives this. And in the relay apparatus 6, the process which cut | disconnects communication connection is performed (S114). Upon completion of this communication connection, the user terminal 2 starts to restrict the execution of the sample software according to the execution conditions (S115). Here, since it is a condition that the user is in the area A1, execution of the sample software is prohibited at the same time as the user leaves the exhibition hall.

  In addition, as this execution restriction, for example, after leaving the exhibition hall, it is possible to set a time restriction such as permitting execution for a certain time or a certain number of times, and when visiting the exhibition hall again, It is also possible to set positional restrictions such that execution is permitted when visiting a specific store.

  Further, even when the user purchases a product version of the sample software, the execution restriction may be released. For example, when the user operates the input interface 21 to purchase a product version, in response to this operation, the content acquisition unit 25b of the user terminal 2 sends a purchase request to the content management server 81 through the wireless interface 26. Send to. At the time of this purchase, the user performs a settlement procedure such as an authentication procedure or payment for a settlement organization 90 such as a card company or a communication carrier. In the content management server 81, for example, the settlement management unit 813a provided in the execution regulation unit 813 confirms the settlement process with respect to the settlement organization 90 and completes the purchase procedure and the settlement procedure. The content data is distributed from the content distribution server 82, or the restriction by the execution restriction unit 813 is released.

(Action / Effect)
According to the distribution system and the distribution method according to the present embodiment, when distributing the sample software 3 to the user terminal at the exhibition hall, the service provision side determines the distribution time, the executable time, the executable area, and the like. Since it can be controlled, it is possible to distribute sample software having the same function as this product, to accurately convey the value of this product to the user, and to expect a sales promotion effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the content management server 81 does not directly distribute the content data, but distributes the URL of the content distribution server 82, and the actual content data is distributed through the content distribution server 82. Management and actual file transfer processing can be separated, and the processing load on the server can be distributed. Further, by separating the distribution management and the transfer processing, the content distribution server 82 can access the content distribution server 82 from the system of this service even when the distribution from the other server is not permitted. The content data can be distributed even in the specific area A1 where the communication environment is restricted, such as a software exhibition.

[Second Embodiment]
(System configuration)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content distribution system according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, a case where a coupon ticket that can be used at a store such as a restaurant or a supermarket is distributed to users will be described as an example. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the functions and the like are the same unless otherwise specified, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the distribution system is a system that distributes the coupon data 31 via the Internet 71 and the public line network 72. Similar to the first embodiment, the content management server 81 is provided on the communication network. A content distribution server 82 is arranged, and further on the Internet 7, a relay device 6, a wireless base station 4 connected to the relay device 6, and a user terminal 2 capable of wireless communication through the wireless base station 4 It has. In the present embodiment, the wireless base station 4 is also a small-scale wireless communication device called a femtocell, which is installed in the site of the store A and has communication within a range where the terminal of the user who has visited the store A is located. It is a range.

  In this second embodiment, the user terminal 2 executes ticket display software in the application execution processing unit 25c, acquires coupon data according to the execution conditions, executes the ticket display application, and displays a ticket through the application. It has. In the present embodiment, this coupon data is a coupon ticket that is issued when the customer visits the store A and is downloaded to the user terminal 2. Special services such as discount services and point addition can be enjoyed. In addition, the contents of this privilege service are changed daily, and until the customer visits the store and downloads the coupon data for viewing, the details of the privilege for the day are not known to the user, giving the user an incentive to visit the store. Can do.

  In this embodiment, the coupon is issued at the time of visiting the store, and the coupon is used during the visit, but this coupon data is issued when visiting the store A and can be downloaded by the user terminal 2. Set a timely execution restriction that will not be available at the time of issuance, but will be available when you visit store A or partner store B on a special sale day, such as the next “discount day” You may do it. Further, in this application execution processing unit 25c, for example, a point card application for managing points that are value information given to a user is executed, and automatically when a customer visits a specific store (after authentication of communication connection). The points may be given to the user, and the given points may be added to the point card managed by the point card application. At this time, points may be issued every time the user visits the store, or the point issuance frequency may be limited such that points are issued up to one point per day.

  In this case, even when the radio base station 4 is not installed in the store B, the period of the special sale day is set as a feasible time in the coupon data for a limited time, and the inside of the store B as the feasible place. Can be set. Thereby, although the radio base station 4 is not installed in the store B, when the coordinate position of the own device is monitored by the position information acquisition function 23 provided in the user terminal 2, and the vehicle B enters the area of the store B, The ticket display software is executed, and coupon data can be used.

(Delivery method)
The distribution method of the present invention can be implemented by operating the distribution system having the above configuration. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when issuing coupon data in the distribution system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when using coupon data.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the content data distribution schedule is set by the schedule unit 817 of the content management server 81. In this embodiment, a coupon ticket that can be used on a special sale date “discount day” is distributed as content data, and in the distribution schedule, the distribution period and distribution location of coupon data, execution permission conditions (period, location, number of executions, etc.) Is set. Then, according to this schedule, the control unit 818 of the content management server 81 controls the operations of the address transmission unit 814 and the execution restriction unit 813, and puts the content distribution and execution restriction into a standby state. Here, the site of the store A is set as the distributable area A2, and the execution permission condition is set only when the user terminal is located in the store A.

  Then, when the user visits the store A and the user terminal 2 used by the user is located in the area A2 (S201), the establishment process of the wireless communication link between the wireless base station 4 and the relay device 6 is performed. Be started. Specifically, authentication information such as terminal information and user information is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the content management server 81 through the relay device 6, and authentication processing is executed in the content management server 81 (S202). Here, all customers who visit store A are registered as users and set as coupon data distribution destinations. However, for example, users may be registered in advance and only registered members may be authenticated.

  After the authentication process is successful, a wireless communication connection is established between the wireless base station 4 and the user terminal 2, and a wireless communication link is formed (S203). At this time, the current position of the user terminal 2 may be specified by the base station identifier of the wireless base station 4 that has established the wireless communication connection and registered in the user database 83.

  Using this wireless communication connection as a trigger, the address transmission unit 814 transmits the URL of the content distribution server 82 in which the coupon data 31 is stored to the user terminal 2 (S204 to S206). The URL transmission from the address transmission unit 814 may be performed by e-mail when the user's e-mail address is registered, and the wireless communication is performed using a dedicated application such as a file transfer application or messenger software. You may go through the link. The URL can be distributed to registered members in advance by e-mail or the like.

  The user terminal 2 that receives this URL accesses the content distribution server 82 by following the received URL (S207 and S208). Access to the content distribution server 82 can be performed by, for example, general browser software or an FTP server. Note that an authentication process is performed when accessing the content distribution server 82. In this authentication process, the user may be requested to input a user ID or password again, or the authentication result in the content management server 81 may be taken over. After the authentication process at the content distribution server 82 is successful, the coupon data 31 is distributed from the content distribution server 82 (S209), and the coupon data is downloaded at the user terminal 2. The coupon data 31 here is a document file format that is composed of character data and image data displayed by the ticket display software and is encrypted and compressed, and is decrypted and decompressed when read by the ticket display software. It is a data structure that can be displayed for the first time.

  Along with the distribution of the coupon data, the content management server 81 distributes the execution conditions (S211). Here, the execution conditions are distributed after the coupon data is distributed. However, the execution conditions may be distributed together with the URL transmission in step S204 without waiting for the distribution of the coupon data. This execution condition includes the available (executable) period and location of the distributed coupon data 31, the number of executions, and the like. Here, execution is permitted only in the area A2. Further, the execution condition includes an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted and compressed coupon data, and the coupon data cannot be displayed unless the execution condition data is received. Yes.

  By receiving and referring to this execution permission, the user terminal 2 sets the use condition of the coupon data 31 to the execution condition determination unit 25a, and the coupon can be used as soon as the execution condition is met (S212).

  Thereafter, when the user leaves the store A and leaves the area A2 (S213), the wireless link formed between the user terminal 2 and the wireless base station 4 is disconnected, and the wireless base station 4 receives this. Then, the relay device 6 performs a process of disconnecting the communication connection (S214). Upon completion of this communication connection, the user terminal 2 starts coupon data execution regulation according to the execution conditions (S215). Here, since it is a condition that it is located only in the area A2 (store A) on a special sale day, execution of the coupon data is prohibited at the time of leaving the store A.

  Next, the use of coupon data whose execution is restricted in this way will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when the execution regulation is started, in order to monitor the current time and the location of the user, the location information and the time information are periodically acquired and checked against the usage conditions. It is determined whether (execution condition) is satisfied. More specifically, when the user enters the site (area A2 or A3) of the store A or B (S301), the current position information and time information are acquired, and the use conditions are satisfied with reference to the use conditions. It is collated (S302-S304). Specifically, it is monitored whether the communication link with the wireless base station 4 installed in the store is formed, or whether the coordinate position of the own device is moved into the store by the position information acquisition function 23 and executed. Check against the condition. Here, as long as the customer stays in the store A, the execution condition is satisfied.

  In step S304, for example, when it is determined that the execution condition is not satisfied, for example, when the user leaves the store A ("N" in step S304), the coupon is not displayed and the execution regulation is continued. (S308). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the use condition is satisfied (“Y” in step S304), the execution restriction is canceled in the execution condition determination unit 25a (S305), and coupon data can be used. (S306). Specifically, the ticket display software can read and decode the coupon data, and the coupon ticket for “Super Cheap Day” can be displayed on the display of the user terminal 2. The user can receive a discount day discount service by presenting the coupon ticket displayed on the user terminal 2 to the store clerk.

  Thereafter, when the user leaves the store A (S307), the execution regulation is resumed (S308). The store side POS terminal has a mechanism for notifying the content management server 81 of the use of the coupon by the user. After the user uses the coupon, the coupon is used so that the same coupon cannot be used thereafter. At the time, execution regulation may be resumed, and coupon display may be prohibited, or a used error may be displayed.

  In this example, a coupon is issued when the customer visits the store A, and the coupon is used during the visit. However, for example, as shown in FIG. Also, it is possible to provide a time-limited regulation such that it can be used when visiting the store B. In this case, in step S302 described above, a visit to the store B is detected by the GPS function, and the coupon can be used at the store B if the coupon usable period has come. In this case, since the time-limited execution regulation is made when the coupon is issued at the store A, the current position is identified by the GPS function even when the base station 6 is not installed at the store B. If possible, this service can be implemented.

(Action / Effect)
According to such a delivery system and delivery method according to the present embodiment, when the coupon data 31 is delivered to the user terminal at the store A, the delivery time, the executable time, the executable area, and the like are determined on the service providing side. Because it can be controlled, coupon data can be distributed with a timed condition that can be used only at the next visit, giving the user incentives to visit the store, and an increase in the effect of attracting customers is expected. be able to.

A, B ... Stores A1 to A3 ... Specific area 2 ... User terminal 3 ... Sample software 4 ... Wireless base station 5 ... Satellite 6 ... Relay device 7 ... Internet 21 ... Input interface 22 ... Output interface 23 ... Location information acquisition function 24 ... Memory 25 ... Control unit 25a ... Execution condition determination unit 25b ... Content acquisition unit 25c ... Application execution processing unit 26 ... Wireless interface 27 ... Connection processing unit 28 ... Cache memory 31 ... Coupon data 41 ... Wireless interface 61 ... Communication unit 62 ... Position Information management unit 63 ... Data conversion unit 65 ... Connection management unit 66 ... Multi-purpose output device 71 ... Internet 72 ... Public line network 81 ... Content management server 82 ... Content distribution server 83 ... User database 84 ... Content database 8 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 0 ... Relay apparatus management database 811 ... Connection process part 812 ... Communication part 813 ... Execution control part 814 ... Address transmission part 815 ... Authentication part 816 ... User registration part 817 ... Schedule part 818 ... Control part 819 ... Database management part 821 ... Communication Unit 822 ... authentication unit 823 ... content transmission unit 824 ... control unit 825 ... database management unit

Claims (18)

A content distribution system for distributing content data to user terminals through a communication network,
On the communication network,
An execution restriction unit that distributes execution permission data that permits execution of the content data;
A connection processing unit for establishing wireless communication with a user terminal located in a predetermined area;
A content distribution unit that distributes the content data to the user terminal through wireless communication established by the connection processing unit;
And the user terminal is
A content acquisition unit that receives the content data from the content distribution unit or the execution permission data from the execution restriction unit;
An execution processing unit for executing the content data received by the content acquisition unit;
An execution condition determination unit that determines whether or not a condition related to execution of the content data is satisfied,
The condition determined by the execution condition determination unit includes permission by the execution restriction unit. The content distribution unit
A content transmission unit for transmitting content data;
An address transmission unit configured to transmit an address on the communication network of the content transmission unit,
The content acquisition unit accesses the content transmission unit based on the address received from the address transmission unit, and acquires the content data from the accessed content transmission unit. Content distribution system.   The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content data includes any one of audio such as music, video data, application data for executing a program, and character data such as a coupon and a ticket.   The content acquisition unit and the execution processing unit are provided with a streaming processing function for parallelly acquiring content data by the content acquisition unit and executing content data by the execution processing unit. Content distribution system.   The content distribution unit holds index data describing any of the type, format, and attribute of the content data, and this index data is included in the content data prior to the distribution of the content data, The content distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a distribution function.   2. The execution restriction unit, when confirming completion of a settlement procedure including payment of a price for content data related to the regulation, permits execution of the content data for which the settlement procedure has been completed. The content distribution system described.   The restriction condition by the execution restriction unit includes any of a period in which the content data can be executed, the number of times, a position where the content data can be executed, and a type of communication established by the user terminal. The content distribution system according to 1.   The execution condition determination unit has a function of determining the type of communication established by the user terminal, and the condition determined by the execution condition determination unit includes whether or not the condition is a specific communication type. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution system is included. The execution condition determination unit has a position information acquisition function for acquiring position information of the user terminal,
The position information acquisition function is based on a GPS function that measures the current position based on a signal from a satellite, an identifier determination function that identifies a base station with which wireless communication is established, and a communication status such as signal strength from the base station. One of the calculation functions to calculate the current position,
The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the restriction condition by the execution restriction unit includes whether or not the position information acquired by the position information acquisition function is a specific position. A content distribution method for distributing content data to a user terminal through a communication network,
In the connection processing unit arranged on the communication network, a connection processing step for establishing wireless communication with a user terminal located in a predetermined area;
A content distribution step of distributing the content data to the user terminal from the content distribution unit arranged on the communication network through wireless communication established by the connection processing unit;
In the content acquisition unit of the user terminal, a content acquisition step of receiving the content data from the content distribution unit or the execution permission data from the execution restriction unit;
An execution restriction step of distributing execution permission data permitting the execution of the content data in the execution restriction unit arranged on the communication network;
An execution condition determination step for determining whether or not a condition relating to execution of the content data is satisfied in the execution condition determination unit of the user terminal; and the content data received by the content acquisition unit in the execution processing unit of the user terminal Execution processing steps for executing
With
The condition determined in the execution condition determination step includes permission by the execution restriction unit. In the content distribution step, an address on the communication network of a content transmission unit that is arranged on the communication network and transmits content data is transmitted.
The content distribution method according to claim 10, wherein in the content acquisition step, the content transmission unit is accessed based on the received address, and the content data is acquired from the accessed content transmission unit.   The content distribution method according to claim 10, wherein the content data includes any one of audio such as music, video data, application data for executing a program, and character data such as a coupon and a ticket.   The content acquisition step and the execution processing step perform streaming processing in parallel with acquisition of content data by the content acquisition unit and execution of content data by the execution processing unit, respectively. Content distribution method.   In the content distribution step, index data describing any of the type, format, and attribute of the content data is held, and the index data is included prior to the distribution of the content data or included in the content data. The content delivery method according to claim 10, wherein delivery is performed.   11. The execution restriction step permits execution of content data for which the payment procedure has been completed when it is confirmed that the payment procedure including payment for the content data according to the restriction has been completed. The content delivery method described.   The restriction condition in the execution restriction step includes any of a period in which the content data can be executed, the number of times, a position where the content data can be executed, and a type of communication established by the user terminal. 10. The content distribution method according to 10.   The execution condition determination step determines the type of communication established by the user terminal, and the condition determined in the execution condition determination step includes whether or not the communication type is a specific communication type. The content delivery method according to claim 10, wherein The execution condition determination step includes a position information acquisition step of acquiring position information of the user terminal,
In the position information acquisition step, a GPS function for measuring the current position based on a signal from a satellite, an identifier determination function for identifying a base station with which wireless communication is established, and a communication situation such as signal strength from the base station Obtain location information with one of the calculation functions to calculate the current location,
The content distribution method according to claim 10, wherein the restriction condition in the execution restriction step includes whether or not the position information acquired by the position information acquisition function is a specific position.