JP2003241768A - Contents distribution system, program therefor, issuing device for information card used for the same, and contents distributing server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contents distribution system which enables a user to feel owing digital contents when purchasing digital contents and also charges the user according to a use result. <P>SOLUTION: The contents distribution system has a music card issuing terminal 10 which issues a music card 50 where contents ID 51 specifying music contents are recorded and a jacket image 52 corresponding to the music contents is printed, a music reproducing terminal 40 which inputs the contents ID 51 recorded on the music card 50 and sends contents request information including them to a music server 30 through the Internet to receive the music contents from the music server 30, and the music server 30 which authenticates the user, transmits the digital contents to the music reproducing terminal 40, and charges the user for the contents distribution according to the contents request information received from the terminal 40 and card issue result information received from the music card issuing terminal 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution system for distributing digital content such as music or video from a server to an information terminal such as a reproduction terminal for reproducing digital content, a program therefor, and an information card issuing device used therefor. , And a content distribution server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, along with the spread of the Internet, a content distribution system for distributing (downloading) digital contents such as music from a predetermined server to terminals such as personal computers and mobile phones via the Internet is becoming widespread. Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-202855, a music card including a jacket image, a music lyrics sheet, a music identification sheet, a music index sheet, a music back sheet, and the like related to the music content is disclosed in a user's personal computer or the like. Shows a music distribution system that can be printed by a printer connected to the. According to this music distribution system, it is possible to create an original jacket, lyrics card, index, etc. by arbitrarily combining the above-mentioned sheets.

[0003]

However, since the conventional content distribution system trades only digital contents which are intangible electronic data, the user can download the downloaded digital contents to the music CD or the video disc. There was a problem that it was not possible to obtain the same feeling of ownership as when purchasing such items. Also, in the music distribution system of the above publication, although the user can create an original jacket, lyrics card, etc., the finished product is only for use by the individual user, and can be traded as a product such as a used CD. It's not like being done. Therefore, there is a problem that the user tends to feel reluctant to pay the fee to obtain intangible digital contents. Further, in the conventional content distribution system for music and the like, the user needs to pay the regular fee even if the user views (or receives) the content once (or several times) but the result does not suit his / her preference. That is, there is a need to pay a regular fee regardless of the usage record, so I often hesitate to purchase digital content that I am interested in but do not know whether it will suit my taste unless I watch it several times, There is also a problem that this hinders the sales promotion of digital contents.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make a purchase by a user by conducting a transaction of digital contents using an information card in which information about digital contents is recorded. A content distribution system, a program thereof, an information card issuing device used for the program, and a content distribution server, which allow a user to feel a sense of ownership of the digital content and charge the digital content according to the usage record. To provide.

[0004]

To achieve the above object, the present invention specifies a specified digital content in a content distribution system for distributing digital content from a predetermined server to an information terminal via a communication line. Content information input means for inputting the content identification information recorded in the information card, the information terminal issuing means for issuing a predetermined information card in which the content identification information recorded The content request information transmitting means for transmitting the content request information including at least the content specifying information to the server, and the content receiving means for receiving the digital content distributed from the server. Based on the content request information received from the terminal Serial is information terminal to the content delivery system characterized in that it comprises a content transmission means for transmitting the digital content. By this,
Since the information card is traded when receiving the distribution of the digital contents, the user can obtain the same ownership feeling as when purchasing a music CD, a video disc, or the like.

Further, the information card issuing means includes means for transmitting user identification information for identifying a user to the server, and the content request information transmitted from the information terminal to the server includes the user. Identification information is included, and the user is based on the user identification information received from the information card issuing means by the content transmission means of the server and the user identification information included in the content request information. It is conceivable that the digital content is transmitted to the information terminal only when the information can be authenticated. As a result, if the information card is passed to another person against the owner's will, the digital content cannot be delivered, and security is enhanced.

The content specifying information input means may be means for reading the content specifying information from the information card. For example, a barcode reading means or the like for reading the content specifying information recorded as a barcode can be considered. This saves the user the trouble of manually inputting the content specifying information.

It is also possible that the digital contents include information for restricting copying from the information terminal to the outside. This prevents unauthorized copying and protects the copyright. It is also possible that the information terminal includes means for sequentially reproducing the digital content while receiving the digital content (means for performing so-called stream reproduction). As a result, since the digital content is not stored in the information terminal, it is possible to prevent illegal duplication, and it is not necessary to wait until the digital content is completely downloaded to the storage means in the information terminal before reproducing the digital content. ， Playback can be started immediately.
Furthermore, the storage capacity of the storage means required for the information terminal can be reduced, which leads to a reduction in size, weight and cost of the information terminal.

It is also possible that the server is provided with a charging means for storing the distribution record information of the digital contents and charging the user based on the distribution record information. This makes it possible to provide various services according to the number of times digital content is distributed and the data format. It is also conceivable that a jacket image corresponding to the content specifying information recorded on the information card is printed on the information card. As a result, the user can obtain the same feeling of ownership as when purchasing a music CD or the like on which a jacket image such as a photograph of the artist is printed or bundled. Furthermore, the information card issuing means may include an option item issuing means for issuing an option item related to the designated digital content, for example, a lyrics card corresponding to music content, concert information, or the like. .

The present invention also includes a server in which the server in the content delivery system is considered as a content delivery server, and a device in which the information card issuing terminal is considered as an information card issuing device. Further, it may be regarded as a content distribution program that executes the function of the server in the content distribution system.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention. It should be noted that the following embodiments and examples are merely examples embodying the present invention and are not of the nature to limit the technical scope of the present invention. Here, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a music content distribution system X according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block showing a configuration of each device constituting the music content distribution system X according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an option item selection screen in the music card issuing terminal that constitutes the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of card issuance record information, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of distribution record information and billing information in the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention is a system for distributing music contents, which is an example of digital contents. First, the overall configuration of the music content distribution system X will be described with reference to FIG. The music content distribution system X includes a music card issuing terminal 10 and a printing device 2 connected to the music card issuing terminal 10.
0, a music server 30, and a music reproduction terminal 40. The music card issuing terminal 10 (an example of the information card issuing unit) is installed in, for example, a convenience store, and has a content ID 51 (an example of the content specifying information) that identifies a music content selected (designated) by the user. The terminal issues a music card 50 (an example of the information card) recorded by alphanumeric characters and barcode. A jacket image 52 corresponding to the music content selected by the user is printed on the music card 50. Further, the music card issuing terminal 10 transmits, to the music server 30, card issuance record information regarding the issuance record of the music card 50. The printing device 20 (an example of the optional item issuing unit) is connected to the music card issuing terminal 10 and prints posters, lyrics cards, etc., which are optional items described later, in response to a request from the music card issuing terminal 10. It is to output. The music server 30 (an example of the server)
Is connected to the music card issuing terminal 10 via a dedicated line or the like so as to be communicable, and is also connected to the Internet. The content request received from the music reproducing terminal 40 via the Internet and the content request received from the music card issuing terminal 10 are received. The user is authenticated based on the card issue record information, and if the authentication is successful, the requested music content is transmitted to the music reproducing terminal 40. The music reproduction terminal 40 (an example of the information terminal) reads the content ID 5 from the music card 50.
1 is read and predetermined content request information including the content ID 51 is transmitted to the music server 30 via the Internet, whereby the content ID 51
Download the music content specified by
The music content is reproduced.

Next, the configurations of the music card issuing terminal 10, the music server 20, and the music reproducing terminal 40, which constitute the present music content distribution system, will be described with reference to FIG. The music card issuing terminal 10 includes a display operation unit 11 including a liquid crystal touch panel, a data storage unit 12 such as a hard disk, a communication unit 13 that controls communication with the music server 30, and a basic fee for music content distribution from a user. A charge collection unit 14 for collecting, a card issuing unit 15 for issuing the music card 50, a print output unit 16 for controlling print output to the printing device, and a CPU,
A control unit 17 including a ROM, a RAM and the like is provided for controlling the music card issuing terminal 10 according to a predetermined program registered in advance in the ROM or the data storage unit 12.

The music server 30 is a computer having a so-called WEB server function, and includes a data storage unit 31 such as a hard disk, a first communication unit 32 for controlling communication with the music reproduction terminal 40 via the Internet, and the music. Second communication unit 3 that controls communication with the card issuing terminal 10
3, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and a control unit 34 for controlling the music server 34 according to a predetermined program registered in advance in the ROM or the data storage unit 31.

The music reproducing terminal 40 is a data storage unit 4 which is an SRAM or a hard disk for storing music contents downloaded from the music server 30.
1, a terminal information storage unit 42 such as a ROM or SRAM that stores terminal information for identifying the music reproducing terminal 40, a bar code reading unit 43 for reading a bar code of a content ID recorded on the music card 50, and music A display operation unit 4 including a speaker 44 for outputting a reproduction signal of content, a push button, a liquid crystal panel, and the like, for displaying a message or the like to a user and for inputting an operation from the user
5, communication unit 4 for controlling communication with the music server 30
6, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and controls the music reproducing terminal according to a predetermined program registered in advance in the ROM or the data storage unit 41, and converts the music content into a reproduction signal to the speaker 44. A control unit 47 for outputting is provided. The music playback terminal 4
0 is, for example, a personal computer having a modem, a web browser or the like, an information terminal such as a PDA or a mobile phone to which a bar code reading means is added, or C
An AV device such as a D player to which an internet communication means such as a modem or a web browser or a bar code reading means is added may be considered.

Next, the processing procedure of the music content distribution system X will be described with reference to FIG. Below, S1
01, S102, ... are the music card issuing terminals 10,
The numbers of the processing procedures whose execution is controlled by the control units 17, 34, and 47 of the music server 30 and the music reproduction terminal 40, respectively. First, a procedure for issuing the music card 50 will be described. The music card issuing terminal 10
In the above, first, a user performs a predetermined operation on the display operation unit 11 to select and input a music content desired to be distributed by the user, and a poster or lyrics card related to the music content, concert information, etc. The optional input of is selected and input (S10).
1). FIG. 4 shows an example of a selection screen 90 of the optional item corresponding to the music content selected by the user. Furthermore, the display operation unit 11 may receive a user ID and a password arbitrarily set by the user (an example of the user identification information), a credit card number owned by the user, and distribution of music contents. Input processing of user information such as the desired number of the music reproduction terminals 40 (the number of terminals used) is executed (S102). At this time, a duplication check with the existing user ID is performed by an inquiry to the music server 30, and if there is duplication, re-input of a different user ID is prompted (not shown). The user information is used for user authentication and charging of a distribution fee (download fee) when downloading (delivering) music contents described later.
Next, the charge collection unit 1 of the music card issuing terminal 10
According to 4, the basic fee for distribution of the music content selected by the user in S101 and the fee for the optional item are collected by the fee collecting unit 14 (S10).
3). Here, a screen is displayed on the display operation unit 11 prompting the total charge of the music content distribution basic charge and the optional item charge to be displayed on the display operation unit 14, and the charge is collected by the charge collecting unit 14. Fees will be collected and change will be returned. Of course, you may comprise so that it may charge via a credit card company based on the credit card number input in S102. The distribution basic charge of the music content is a basic charge set by the usage charge of the music distribution system X, the number of terminals used, etc., and the distribution charge generated every time the music content is distributed is the music server described later. The user is separately charged by the charging process by 30. When the collection of the basic distribution fee is completed in this way, the music card 50 corresponding to the music content selected in S101
Is issued by the card issuing unit 15. The card issuing unit 15 selects and issues a music card corresponding to a specified music content from a plurality of types of the music cards 50 in which the jacket image 52 and the content ID 51 are recorded in advance, or a jacket. The data of the image 52 and the content ID are associated and stored in the data storage unit 12 or the like, and the jacket image 52 and the content ID 51 corresponding to the designated music content are printed on a blank card by a predetermined printing means. It can be printed and issued. Next, the content ID 51 recorded in the issued music card 50 and the user I input in S102.
Card issuance record information including the user information such as D and password is transmitted to the music server 30 by the communication unit 13 (S105). Further, when the optional product is selected in S101, the image data of the poster and the lyrics card data corresponding to the optional product is output to the printing device 20 via the print output unit 16 (S106). After that, the music card issuing terminal 10
Processing ends. As a result, the optional product is printed out by the printing device 20. On the other hand, the music server 30 transmits the card issuing record information transmitted from the music card issuing terminal 10 (S105) to the second card.
The data is received by the communication unit and registered in the data storage unit 31 (S201). As shown in FIG. 5, the card issue record information 60 is a management No. for identifying each card issue record information 60 (that is, each issued music card 50). It is registered in association with (61). As described above, the card issue record information 60 includes the user ID and password set (or selected) by the user (S101, S102), the content ID,
The credit card number and the number of terminals used are included. The management number. (61) is automatically set by the music server 30. As described above, the user is ready to receive (download) the music content selected by the user.

Next, a procedure for delivering music contents will be described. First, in the music reproducing terminal 40, the music card 50 is read by the barcode reading unit 43.
The content ID 51 read from and the terminal information stored in the terminal information storage unit 42 are transmitted to the music server 30 (S301). On the other hand, in the music server 30, after receiving the content ID 51 and the terminal information (S202), a screen requesting the user to input the user ID and password of the user is transmitted to the music reproducing terminal 40 (S203). . On the other hand, in the music reproduction terminal 40, the user ID and password (user identification information) of the user are input by the display operation unit 45 and transmitted to the music server 30 (S302). Then, the music server 30 receives the user ID and the password (S203). Thus, in S202 and S203, the music reproduction terminal 40 is
The content I transmitted from the music server 30 to the music server 30
The D51, the reproduction terminal information, the user ID, the password and the like are collectively referred to as content request information. Next, in the music server 30, the music reproduction terminal 4
The information that matches the user identification information (the user ID and the password) included in the content request information received from 0, is the music card issuing terminal 10 in S201.
After the user authentication (S204) is performed by checking whether the card issuance record information received from the user and stored in the data storage unit 31 is present, the authentication has succeeded or failed. The result of the authentication is notified to the music reproducing terminal 40 (205). Then, when the authentication result is successful (successful sides of S206 and S304 respectively), the music content corresponding to the content ID 51 included in the content request information is stored in the data storage unit 31 of the music server 30. While being read and transmitted to the music reproducing terminal 40 (S207), the music content is received by the music reproducing terminal 40 (S305). At this time, the data format (MP3, WAV, etc.) of the distributed music content is determined by the music server 30 based on the terminal information included in the content request information. The determination is
For example, it is performed by using a correspondence table of the terminal information and the data format registered in advance in the data storage unit 31 or the like. Of course, the content request information may include the data format input by the user, and the content request information may be configured to comply with the data format. Next, in the music server 30, predetermined distribution record information described later is registered in the data storage unit 31 (S208). further,
The music server 30 performs a user charging process (S209, a process corresponding to the charging unit) based on the distribution record information of the music content, and then the process of the music server 30 ends. The details of the charging process will be described later. On the other hand, in the music reproduction terminal 40, the music content received from the music server 30 is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 41 (S306), and this is stored in the control unit 4
7 and the speaker 44 (S307). Further, after the reproduced music content is erased from the data storage unit 41 (S308), the process of the music reproduction terminal 40 is finished. In this way, the reproduced music content is erased from the data storage unit 41, so that the music content is not illegally copied. Furthermore, if the music content includes information that restricts copying from the music reproducing terminal 40 to the outside (this includes
It is possible to further enhance the illegal copy prevention effect, including encoding for restricting duplication. As a technique for including information that restricts copying in music content, for example, a well-known copyright protection technique such as OpenMG can be considered. Further, if the music reproducing terminal 40 is provided with a means for performing so-called stream reproduction for reproducing music content while receiving it from the music server 30, the music reproducing terminal 4
Since music contents are not stored in the data storage unit 41 or the like of 0, copyright protection can be more surely achieved and
The user can also listen to desired music anytime, anywhere (without waiting for the completion of download) without being restricted by the storage capacity of the data storage unit 41 or the like. On the other hand, if the authentication result is failure (failure side of S206 and S304), the processing of the music server 30 and the music reproducing terminal 40 ends as it is. In this way, when distributing music content, the music information card 50 on which the jacket image 52 corresponding to the music content is printed
Are traded, the user can obtain the same ownership feeling as when purchasing a music CD or the like.

Next, the charging process (S209) in the music server 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the distribution record information 70 registered (S208) in the data storage unit 31 of the music server 30 is the music reproduction terminal 4 that has distributed (downloaded) music content.
0 of the terminal information, the data format of the music content,
And the number of distributions thereof are the same as the management number. Is registered in association with. Which music content was delivered to which user is the management number. Specified by. In the charging process, the user is charged through the credit card company specified by the credit card number based on the delivery record information 70. For example, the number of times of distribution of the music content is set in advance by the content ID (that is, the music content), the data format of the music content, the terminal information (the type of the music reproduction terminal 40, etc.). The amount multiplied by the delivery unit price is charged. At this time, the number of billed distributions (number of billed times) is
As the charging information 80, the management number. It is registered in association with (61), and in the next billing process, the billing process is performed on the difference between the distribution count and the billed count. Furthermore, in this music content distribution system X,
When the number of times of distribution reaches a predetermined number of times or more (for example, eight times or more), a fee-free application service that does not charge for the delivery can be provided.
As described above, since the user is charged based on the delivery record information 70, it is possible to deal with various content delivery service provisions. Other delivery services described above include, for example, charging based on information about the data size and sound quality of music content (the data format may be sound quality information), or listening to music content (partial phrase of music content). It is also conceivable to provide a service (delivering only a portion) and charge the fee based on the number of times of the audition. In addition, the charging method in which the basic charge and the delivery charge are separated in this way is also advantageous to the user. For example, the price of the music card 50 is set to a relatively low charge, and the total payment amount when the charge-free is applied, that is, the basic charge, the distribution unit price and the charge-free are applied. If the sum of the product of the number of distributions is set to be the same as the price of the music CD or the like, the user does not know whether or not it suits the taste of the music card 5 of the music content.
Even if you purchase 0 for the time being and listen (received) once (or several times) and it does not suit your taste, the amount of payment is low, so there is little waste. on the other hand,
Even for businesses that distribute music content, there is a merit that it will lead to expansion of sales channels to those who are hesitant to purchase because they do not know whether it suits their tastes.

Further, according to the present music content distribution system X, the music card 50 is purchased but is no longer needed before listening, or once I listened to it but it did not suit my taste, or it was already enough. The music card 50 which is no longer necessary for listening or the like may be resold to another person like a used CD. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to add a cancellation function and a re-registration function for the music card 50 to be resold to the music server 30. The cancellation function means the user ID and password from the music card issuing terminal 10 of the owner of the music card 50 to be resold or from the music reproducing terminal 40 or a personal computer of the owner connected to the Internet. Is received, and the user information (the user ID, the password, etc.) corresponding to the music card 50 to be resold and the delivery record information (described later) are initialized (erased, etc.). Further, the re-registration function, like the cancellation function, receives the user information of a new user (a person who newly acquires the music card 50 by resale) from the music card issuing terminal 10 or the like. By re-registering the content, the new user can receive the distribution of the music content corresponding to the music card 50. In this way, by giving the opportunity to resell the purchased music card 50, it can be expected that the user's feeling of possession of the music card 50 is further enhanced and the willingness to purchase the music content is further promoted.

[0019]

[Embodiment] In the music content distribution system X, a credit card is used to charge music content distribution, but the charge collecting unit 14 of the music card issuing terminal 10 charges (charges) the charge. May be. In this case, the music card issuing terminal 10 collects the delivery record information of the distribution fee of the music content from the music server 3
0, and the music server 30 distributes the music content only to the users who have paid the distribution fee based on the distribution record information of the distribution fee. Of course, also in this case, if the predetermined distribution fee is paid, the charge-free application (the number of times of distribution is not limited) may be provided.

The music content distribution system X
Is for a user to operate the music card issuing terminal 10 to issue the music card 50. The music card issuing terminal 10 uses the Internet or the like to provide information on the user's personal computer, mobile phone, or the like. It may be configured to receive information about reservation of the new music card 50 or order of the music card 50 on sale from the terminal, and issue the music card 50. In this case, a mail-order sales system for delivering the music card 50 to a place designated by the user, such as the user's home or the nearest store (convenience store, etc.) where the music card issuing terminal 10 is not installed. It is possible to combine them. This will provide users with more diverse services, such as listening to new music on the release date without having to bother to go to the place where the music card issuing terminal 10 is installed to purchase the music card 50. can do.

Further, the music content distribution system X
Is an example in which the bar code reading unit 43 is provided in the music reproducing terminal 40 and the content ID 51 is input by the bar code reading unit 43, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the barcode reading unit 43 is a device different from the music reproducing terminal 40, and is the music reproducing terminal 4
0 may be connectable. As a result, it is possible to prevent the music reproducing terminal 40 from increasing in size. of course,
The content ID may be manually input from the display operation unit 45 of the music reproducing terminal 40.

The music content distribution system X
Is a system that distributes music contents, which is an example of digital contents, but is not limited to this. For example, the same applies to other digital contents such as video contents such as movies and contents related to books. The system can be configured.

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When distributing digital contents, information cards corresponding to the digital contents are traded, so that the user can have the same feeling of ownership as when purchasing a music CD, a video disc, etc. There is less reluctance to pay the fee than when you make a transaction. As a result, distribution (sales) of digital contents is promoted. In addition, the user can be expected to further enhance the feeling of possession of the music card and further motivate the purchase of the music content by giving the opportunity to resell the information card. Further, since the user is charged based on the delivery record of the digital content, it becomes easy to manage the payment of the copyright fee to the copyright holder of the distributed digital content. For example, it becomes easy for a business operator who operates the content distribution system according to the present invention to integrally manage the payment of the copyright fee to the copyright holder, which leads to appropriate protection of the copyright holder. Further, since the charging method and the fee can be finely set according to the usage record such as the conditions when the information card is issued or when the digital contents are downloaded, it becomes easy to deal with the diversification of the digital contents distribution service. As a result, for example,
It is possible to promote sales of digital contents, such as expanding sales channels to people who are hesitant to purchase digital contents because they do not know whether they will suit their tastes.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a music content distribution system X according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each device constituting the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an option item selection screen in a music card issuing terminal that constitutes the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of card issuance record information in the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of distribution record information and billing information in the music content distribution system X according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols] 10 ... Music card issuing terminal 11, 45 ... Display operation unit 12, 31, 41 ... Data storage unit 13, 46 ... Communication unit 14 ... Charge collection department 15 ... Card issuing department 16 ... Print output section 17, 34, 47 ... Control unit 20 ... Printing device 30 ... Music server 32 ... 1st communication part 33 ... Second communication unit 40 ... Music playback terminal 42 ... Terminal information storage unit 43 ... Bar code reader 44 ... speaker 50 ... Music card 51 ... Content ID 52 ... Jacket image 60 ... Card issuance information 61 ... Management No. 70 ... Delivery record information 80 ... Billing information 90 ... An example of an option item selection screen

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Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. In a content distribution system for distributing digital content from a predetermined server to an information terminal via a communication line, a predetermined information card in which content specifying information for specifying the specified digital content is recorded is issued. The information terminal includes means for issuing information, wherein the information terminal inputs content specifying information recorded in the information card, and content request information including at least the input content specifying information. To the information terminal based on the content request information received from the information terminal, the content request information transmitting means transmitting to the information terminal, and the content receiving means receiving the digital content distributed from the server. A computer for transmitting the digital content. A content distribution system comprising content transmission means. 2. The information card issuing means comprises means for transmitting user identification information for identifying a user to the server, and the user is included in the content request information transmitted from the information terminal to the server. Identification information is included, and the user is based on the user identification information received from the information card issuing means by the content transmission means of the server and the user identification information included in the content request information. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the digital content is transmitted to the information terminal only when the information can be authenticated. 3. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content specifying information input means is means for reading the content specifying information from the information card. 4. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the digital content includes information that restricts copying from the information terminal to the outside. 5. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal includes means for sequentially reproducing the digital content while receiving the digital content. 6. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit that stores distribution record information of the digital contents and charges a user based on the distribution record information.
5. The content distribution system according to any one of 5 above. 7. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein a jacket image corresponding to the content specifying information recorded on the information card is printed on the information card. 8. The information card issuing means comprises option product issuing means for issuing an option product related to the designated digital content.
Content distribution system according to any one of. 9. A content distribution server for distributing digital content to an information terminal via a communication line, wherein content request information including at least content identification information recorded on a predetermined information card and identifying the digital content is provided. A content distribution server comprising: means for receiving from the information terminal; and means for transmitting the digital content to the information terminal based on the content request information. 10. An information card issuing device used in a content distribution system for distributing digital content from a predetermined server to an information terminal via a communication line,
An information card issuing device for use in a content distribution system, comprising: an information card issuing means for issuing a predetermined information card in which content specifying information for specifying the specified digital content is recorded. 11. A content distribution program for distributing digital content from a predetermined server to an information terminal via a communication line, including at least content specifying information recorded on a predetermined information card and specifying the digital content. A content distribution program, characterized by executing a procedure of receiving content request information from the information terminal and a procedure of transmitting the digital content to the information terminal based on the received content request information.