JP2005108121A - Apparatus, system, and method for information processing, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus, system, and method for information processing and a program therefor for making it possible to refer to other charged contents during use of some charged contents through a contents distribution system enabling only contracted users to use charged contents. <P>SOLUTION: A cooperating server 105 transmits screen data including a link for actuating a program for obtaining charged contents provided by a managing server 104 to a mobile telephone 109. Consequently, a picture including the link is displayed on the mobile telephone 109. When a user selects the link and then receives a connection request from the mobile telephone 109, the cooperating server 105 starts the program to obtain charged contents from the managing server 104 and distributes the obtained charged contents to the mobile telephone 109. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program for distributing content via a network.

  Conventionally, advances in packet communication and data exchange technology using mobile phones have enabled not only exchange of e-mail via the Internet from a mobile phone dedicated communication network, but also the introduction of camera-equipped mobile phones to wirelessly transfer still image data. Various services using a mobile phone are provided, such as enabling transmission / reception by packet communication.

  More recently, mobile phone users can use a moving image browsing service (Internet connection service) via the Internet through protocol conversion and data processing provided by a communication carrier or the like. As a configuration example of a content distribution system using this type of Internet connection service, for example, there is a system configuration that distributes video (content) taken with a live camera via a camera server (computer) to the Internet. This live camera is a camera capable of capturing moving images and communicating with a camera server. The camera server is a computer having a Web server function for moving images taken by a live camera. In addition, when the live camera has functions such as pan, tilt, and zoom, it is possible for the user to remotely operate the camera from a mobile phone. Thus, the user can view the video being shot by the live camera on the monitor of the mobile phone while performing camera control such as pan, tilt, or zoom on the live camera.

  In order for these new services to be established and expanded, it is necessary to increase the number of users. To that end, the expansion of contents that are attractive to users and the functions and performance of live cameras or servers The image quality etc. must be improved by the improvement. In particular, the expansion of content is important, and it is necessary to enhance the content by increasing the number of live camera installation locations according to the various needs of users. However, in a situation where a large number of unspecified service users are expected, even if a telecommunications carrier or a specific service provider sets up a live camera in consideration of the user's purpose, a large number of unspecified users It is very difficult to think and arrange satisfying content for both the idea and the negotiation and the cost for setting up a live camera.

  Therefore, a system that collects user fees and pays the camera installers to encourage the introduction of resources (live cameras and camera servers connected to the Internet) in search of live camera installers. Is disclosed. A technique for enhancing the content by increasing the number of camera installers has been devised and disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In this patent document 1, the authentication server 104 performs authentication processing of the client 105, the authentication server 104 transmits the authentication information to the camera server 103, and the camera server 103 authenticates the client based on the authentication information. When the authentication with respect to the client 105 is performed, the camera server 103 permits the packet transmission to the client 105, processes an image request or a disconnection request from the client 105, and appropriately feeds back information to the authentication server 104. Is. The authentication server 104 manages the billing for the client 105 and the amount of consideration for the installer of the camera server 103 by taking a log for each client or each camera server and accumulating the connection time in the DB.

  As a specific example of a content distribution system capable of distributing content to a mobile phone terminal, for example, there is an Internet connection service mechanism for mobile phone terminals represented by i-mode (registered trademark) and EZweb (registered trademark). As a content distribution system for realizing this Internet connection service, there is a system that relays a wireless communication network of a mobile phone terminal and the Internet by an Internet connection service device. As a result, the mobile phone terminal can access the content server installed on the Internet by the content provider via the wireless communication network, the Internet connection service device, and the Internet.

  In addition, as a fee collection mechanism for paid content use in a mobile phone terminal that uses the above-described content distribution system, a telecommunications carrier that manages an Internet connection service device on behalf of a content provider that distributes content collects a fee that is collected There is a mechanism to collect. The user of the Internet connection service can use the paid content by paying a fixed amount separately from the communication fee by registering “My Menu” or the like for the paid content in the Internet connection service. Further, a conventional method of the Internet connection service and a method capable of increasing the number of payable contents available for the Internet connection service are disclosed (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  In the content distribution system described above, only users who have contracted to use paid content by registering "My Menu" can use the paid content, but other users are prohibited from accessing the paid content. Yes. In Patent Document 1, it is described that when a fee is collected from a user of paid content, the carrier is asked to collect the fee on behalf of the user. Although it is based on the weight system, the monthly fee is generally fixed for content distribution. This is because charging for content distribution is not suitable for the weight system. Therefore, in the case of adopting the proxy of Patent Document 2 assuming a fee collection method for a mobile phone carrier, the fee is returned to the content provider based on the use of resources from the fee collected at a fixed monthly fee. What is necessary is just to build a mechanism separately.

JP 2002-175383 A JP 2002-259718 A

  However, in the content distribution system (information processing system) described above, the content is further enhanced, and for the advertising effect of the content of its own content server (hereinafter referred to as its own server), the paid content of its own server and others It was not possible to link the paid content of the content server (hereinafter referred to as another server). In other words, if the billing in the above-mentioned Internet connection service device is used, it is not possible to provide a service that allows the user to use the pay content of the other server simply for the user of the pay content of the own server. This is because, since the accounting is centrally managed in the Internet connection service device, the user needs to make a new contract for the paid content of the other server in order to use the paid content of the other server.

  Thus, a content server that provides paid content in a conventional content distribution system (information processing system) cannot provide a user with an environment in which the paid content provided by another content server can be referred to by a link or the like. There is a problem. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not possible to increase the ability to attract customers by increasing the content that can be used by links or the like performed on general Web pages to form attractive content groups.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and in a content distribution system that allows only paid users to use paid content, it is possible to refer to other paid content when using certain paid content. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program thereof.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, a function as a first content server that provides first paid content to a user terminal via a network. A transmission means for transmitting screen data including a link for activating a program for acquiring the second paid content provided by the second content server to the user terminal, and a user When the connection request from the terminal is a connection request by selecting a link, a content acquisition unit that acquires the second pay content from the second content server by starting the program, and a second that the content acquisition unit acquires Distribution means for distributing the paid content to the user terminal.

In addition, the aspect of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes user information storage means for storing user information that is information regarding a user who can use the second pay content or a user terminal. When the transmission means determines that the user is a user or a user terminal that can use the second pay content by referring to the user information from the user information storage means, the transmission means sends the information to the second content server. Users who cannot use the second paid content by transmitting screen data including a direct link for transmitting a direct connection request to the user terminal and referring to the user information from the user information storage means When it is determined that the user terminal, the screen data including a link for starting the program is transmitted to the user terminal.
As a result, the information processing apparatus can be controlled to connect directly to the second content server for use when the user is a contractor of the second paid content. The load can be reduced.

  In the information processing system according to the present invention, the first content server that provides the first pay content to the user terminal via the network and the second content server that provides the second pay content are provided. An information processing system comprising at least a first content server that transmits screen data including a link for starting a program for acquiring second pay content provided by a second content server to a user terminal When the connection request from the transmission means and the user terminal is a connection request by link selection, the content request information for requesting the second pay content is transmitted to the second content server by starting the program. A second request is sent in response to the content request means and the content request information transmitted by the content request means. A receiving unit that receives the second paid content transmitted from the content server; and a distribution unit that distributes the second paid content acquired by the content acquiring unit to the user terminal. Receiving means for receiving content request information transmitted from the content requesting means of the first content server, and determining whether or not the content request information received by the receiving means is content request information from the first content server A determination unit; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the second content specified by the content request information to the first content server when the determination unit determines that the content request information is from the first content server. It is characterized by comprising.

  The information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method using an information processing apparatus having a function as a first content server that provides first paid content to a user terminal via a network. A first step of transmitting to the user terminal screen data including a link for starting a program for acquiring the second paid content provided by the second content server, and a connection request from the user terminal. A second step of acquiring the second pay content from the second content server by activating the program when the connection request is made by selecting the link displayed on the user terminal in the first step; And a third step of distributing the second pay content acquired in step 2 to the user terminal.

  A program according to the present invention is a program for an information processing apparatus having a function as a first content server that provides first paid content to a user terminal via a network, and is a second content. A first step of transmitting screen data including a link for starting an acquisition program for acquiring a second paid content provided by the server to the user terminal, and a connection request from the user terminal is performed by the first step. In the case of a connection request by selecting a link displayed on the user terminal, the second step of acquiring the second pay content from the second content server by starting the acquisition program, and the second step A program for causing an information processing device to execute the third step of distributing the acquired second pay content to the user terminal A.

  An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program thereof according to the present invention provide screen data including a link for starting a program for obtaining second pay content provided by a second content server as a user terminal. The second paid content is acquired from the second content server by receiving the connection request by selecting the link from the user terminal and starting the program, and the acquired second paid content is used. Therefore, when the user of the user terminal selects the link, the second content provided by the second pay content server can be used. Thereby, it is possible to enhance the content in the information processing apparatus and to promote the second content provided by the second content server.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a schematic configuration of a moving image distribution system (information processing system) including a content server (information processing apparatus) that provides content for mobile phones as an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a moving image distribution system for mobile phones including a content server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that the configuration of various servers connected to the network 106 configured by the Internet in FIG. 1 is an example, and various configurations may be used according to applications and purposes.

  A live camera 101 captures a moving image and transmits a video signal to the camera server 102. Specifically, the live camera 101 converts an image captured by a charge coupled device (CCD) into a video signal (video signal) and transmits the video signal to the camera server 102. In addition, the live camera 101 has a pan / tilt mechanism and a zoom function. By receiving an external camera control signal via the camera server 102, the pan / tilt / zoom function is converted into a camera control signal. It is a live camera that can be controlled accordingly (for example, Canon (registered trademark) network camera VC-C4).

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a camera server that receives a video signal from the live camera 101, converts it into an image format suitable for moving image distribution, and distributes it to the network 106. Specifically, the camera server 102 converts the video signal from the live camera 101 into an image format such as Motion-JPEG or MPEG4, and externally outputs it to the network 106 via a built-in NIC (Network Interface Card). Server (for example, Canon (registered trademark) network camera server VB150). Further, the camera server 102 has a function as a WWW server, can communicate using the HTTP protocol, and is described in a language in a format that can be displayed on a browser with respect to a communication partner terminal. It is possible to transmit a JPEG image or the like or distribute a moving image using a plug-in function.

  A router 103 has a global address and is connected between the network 106 and the camera server 102. The router 103 has a firewall function based on a port number by IP masquerade (NAPT (Network Address Port Translation)). The router 103 enables Internet connection from a plurality of terminals (including a server) by controlling the private IP address and port number.

  1 shows a configuration in which only one camera server 102 and one live camera 101 are connected to the router 103 for the sake of simplicity, but there are a plurality of camera servers 102 on the network 106. Yes. For example, a plurality of camera servers 102 may exist under the router 103, or a plurality of combinations of the router 103 and the camera server 102 may exist on the network 106. In addition, a plurality of live cameras 101 may be connected to one camera server 102. The camera server 102 processes video signals from the plurality of live cameras 101 in a time-sharing manner, thereby moving images from the respective live cameras 101. Can be distributed over the network 106.

Note that the live camera 101 and the camera server 102 are not necessarily separate, and may be a live camera device integrated with a camera server. Although the integrated live camera device can be directly connected to the network with a global IP address, the integrated live camera device can communicate directly with an external device. In this case, PtoP communication may be performed by giving a 128-bit address in IP version 6 to the integrated live camera device.
In FIG. 1, only one combination of the live camera 101, the camera server 102, and the router 103 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of combinations of the live camera, camera server, and router are provided on the network 106. Also good. As a result, it is possible to distribute a moving image captured by each live camera onto the network 106. In this case, video management from a plurality of live cameras is managed by the management server 104 described later.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a management server for moving image distribution, which receives access requests from the mobile phones 109 and 110 via the Internet connection service device 107 to be described later, and responds to the access requests to the mobile phones 109 and 110 with moving images. It is a content server that distributes images (paid content). Specifically, the management server 104 displays a link collection screen (or a moving image or the like from each live camera 101) of a live camera site indicating connection destinations to a plurality of camera servers 102 on the network 106. Provided in response to an access request from the mobile phones 109 and 110. Thereby, the mobile phones 109 and 110 receive and display the link collection screen. The user looks at the displayed link collection screen and designates one of the links (= live camera site). Accordingly, the mobile phones 109 and 110 are connected to the rig camera 101 via the camera server 102 and the management server 104 that provide the linked live camera site or directly, and receive and display the moving image of the live camera 101. To do.

  The management server 104 preliminarily uses HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) format for providing contents (such as the above-described link collection screen and video captured by the live camera 101) to a terminal accessed via the network 106 only. Created and accumulated in In addition, the management server 104 has a markup language that can be displayed by a mobile phone browser such as CompactHTML, Handheld Markup Language (HDML), and Wireless Markup Language (WML) for mobile phones that can access the network 106. The contents (link collection screens described above and videos taken by the live camera 101) are created and stored. The management server 104 may be composed of a plurality of servers for load distribution.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes an affiliate server, which is a content server that provides paid content owned by another operator who is affiliated with the operator of the management server 104 to a terminal on the network 106. Similar to the management server 104 described above, the mobile server 105 provides content corresponding to both terminals and mobile phones accessed via the network 106 only. In addition, the affiliate server 105 has a link that allows the management server 104 for moving image distribution and the paid content to be referred to each other. The affiliation server 105 has the contractor information in the management server 104, and if it is determined that the user has requested access to the management server 104, it is determined whether or not the partner server 105 is a contractor in the management server 104. Is determined based on the contractor information.

  Here, if it is determined that the contractor is a contractor, the partner server 105 transmits a screen for acquiring content directly from the management server 104 to the mobile phones 109 and 110. Specifically, tie-up server 105 transmits display data in which a direct link is attached to a specific URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of management server 104 to mobile phones 109 and 110. As a result, the management server 104 receives the content request from the mobile phones 109 and 110 via the Internet connection service device 107 described later.

  If the partner server 105 determines that it is not a contractor, the partner server 105 carries a screen for starting a program for distributing the contents of the management server 104 to the mobile phones 109 and 110 through the relay of the partner server 105. Send to telephone 109, 110. Specifically, the tie-up server 105 acquires a user's desired content from the management server 104, and distributes the acquired content to the mobile phones 109 and 110, such as a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) script or Java (registration). Display data to which a program such as a trademark servlet can be activated is distributed to the mobile phones 109 and 110. In addition, when the mobile server 105 receives an access request to the management server 104 including the program from the mobile phones 109 and 110 via the Internet connection service device 107 described later, the mobile server 105 executes the program and uses it. The content requested by the user (paid content) is acquired from the management server 104, and the acquired content is distributed to the mobile phones 109 and 110.

  The network 106 is a communication network composed of the Internet and a LAN (Local Area Network), and can perform data communication between applications in higher layers by using, for example, a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol. It is a network.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an Internet connection service device (hereinafter referred to as an IS device), which is a network between a wireless communication network 108 and a network 106, which will be described later, including a base station provided by a communication carrier to users of mobile phones 109 and 110. Enables data exchange. Specifically, the IS device 107 is a protocol required between a protocol for mobile phones 109 and 110 such as HDTP (Handheld Device Transport Protocol) and WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) and a protocol for the network 106 such as HTTP. It has a conversion function and functions such as data compression processing and encryption processing for transmission data when data is relayed.

  In addition, the IS device 107 performs centralized management of access from a mobile phone to content servers that provide paid content (the management server 104 and the affiliate server 105 in FIG. 1). Specifically, when the IS device 107 receives an access request from a user's mobile phone 109 or 110 to a content server that provides paid content, can the user access the content server? It is determined whether or not a contract has been made to use the paid content. Here, only when it is determined that access is possible, the mobile phones 109 and 110 can access a content server (the management server 104 or the affiliated server 105 in FIG. 1) that provides paid content according to the access request.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a wireless communication network, which is used in the mobile phones 109 and 110 by multidimensional connection using channel division methods such as FDMA (frequency division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), and CDMA (code division multiple access). It is a communication network that enables calls. Further, the wireless communication network 108 prepares a protocol stack for data communication (RLP: Radio Link Protocol, PPP, IP, UDP, etc. on RLP) to provide an environment in which packet data communication can be performed to the mobile phones 109 and 110. It is also a communication network to provide.

  The mobile phones 109 and 110 are examples of mobile terminals, and not only can wirelessly communicate with voice, but also can browse web contents on the Internet using mail communication or a dedicated browser (viewer) by packet data communication. This is a terminal having a different configuration.

  In the moving image distribution system for mobile phones in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 109 (or 110) starts a dedicated browser, starts wireless packet data communication, and connects to the Internet via the IS device 107. The mobile phone 109 receives the live camera site link collection display data prepared for the mobile phone dedicated browser from the management server 104 and displays the link collection screen on the display unit using the launched browser. To do.

  As a result, the user of the mobile phone 109 can designate a live camera site where he / she wants to view a moving image from a link collection of live camera sites displayed on the browser. Here, when the link destination of the link collection is content managed by the management server 104, when the user designates a live camera site, the mobile phone 109 communicates with the camera server 102 via the IS device 107 and the network 106. Communication is performed directly (or via the management server 104), and the received moving image is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone 109 via a dedicated browser. In addition, when the link destination of the link collection is the affiliate server 105 and has an attribute for operating the CGI, when the user designates a live camera site, the mobile phone 109 is connected to the affiliate server via the IS device 107 and the network 106. 105, receives the moving image (content) acquired directly from the camera server 102 (or via the management server 104) by the affiliate server 105, and receives the received moving image via the dedicated browser 109. On the display.

  As described above, in the moving image distribution system according to the present embodiment, the tie-up server 105 captures the live camera 101 provided by the management server 104 in response to an access request from the user's mobile phone 109 or 110. The acquired moving image can be provided to the mobile phones 109 and 110 of the user. As a result, a contract is made to use the paid content of the tie-up server 105, but even a user who has not made a contract to use the pay content of the management server 104 is accessing the tie-up server 105. In addition, paid content provided by the management server 104 can be used. Here, the pay content provided by the management server 104 that can be acquired (linked) by the affiliate server 105 may be all the pay content provided by the management server 104, or some of the pay content. May be.

Next, the hardware configuration of the affiliate server 105 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the affiliate server 105.
In FIG. 2, a CPU 201 is a central processing unit that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS) that is a control program of the CPU 201 and a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs are stored. The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for executing the processing into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

  An input controller (input C) 205 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard 209 or a mouse (not shown). A video controller (VC) 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 210. In addition, although the display apparatus of this embodiment showed CRT210, it is not restricted to this, A liquid crystal display etc. may be sufficient as a display apparatus. The display device is used by the user as necessary, and is not particularly limited here because it is not related to the essence of the present invention.

  The memory controller (MC) 207 is connected via an adapter to a hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD) or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (R) memory is controlled. A communication I / F controller (communication I / FC) 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via the network 106 and executes communication control processing in the network 106. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible. Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Also, the hardware configuration of the management server 104 and the IS device 107 is basically the same as the configuration of the tie-up server 105 shown in FIG. 2, and in the following, each hardware means will be described in order to avoid confusion for explanation. In this case, corresponding to the hardware units 201 to 211 of the tie-up server 105 described with reference to FIG. 2, the IS device 107 uses 301 to 311 and the management server 104 uses 401 to 411 for easy understanding. That is, in the IS device 107, the CPU 301 reads out and executes control programs and various information tables stored in the ROM 302 and the external memory 311, thereby realizing various functions of the IS device 107. Similarly, in the management server 104, various functions of the management server 104 are realized by the CPU 401 reading and executing control programs and various information tables stored in the ROM 402 and the external memory 411. Further, the IS device 107 and the management server 104 are different in the content of the supported communication protocol. As mentioned above, these are also referred to as necessary.

Next, moving image distribution processing in the moving image distribution system for mobile phones shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
3A and 3B are flowcharts showing operations of the mobile phone 109, the IS (Internet connection service) device 107, the affiliate server 105, and the management server 104 in the mobile phone moving image distribution system shown in FIG. is there. Each operation step of each terminal shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is basically event-driven and has a process of using the wireless communication network 108, but is based on the HTTP protocol over TCP / IP. It operates with the trigger of event reception in sporadic communication processing to the port prepared by each terminal.

Hereinafter, description will be made according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3-1 and 3-2.
The flow start in FIG. 3A is a state in which the user of the mobile phone 109 has activated a dedicated browser in order to use the Internet connection service. Specifically, the mobile phone 109 receives display data with a link to the content site registered by the user in the My Menu from the IS device 107, and displays a link collection screen as shown in FIG. This is the state displayed on the screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a link collection screen of My Menu. The “traffic information site” in FIG. 4 is a link to a site of paid content provided by the affiliate server 105 and a link to a site that provides traffic information. Specifically, the “traffic information site” is associated with “http://load_info.com/index/˜”, which is a URL that identifies the affiliated server 105, as link information.

  When the user of the mobile phone 109 selects “traffic information site” in the state described above, the browser of the mobile phone 109 performs wireless communication using the communication function of the mobile phone 109 as the process of step S501 in FIG. An access request (including URL information) to a “traffic information site” (hereinafter referred to as a tie-up site) provided by the tie-up server 105 is transmitted to the IS device 107 via the network 108. Thereby, in step S601, the IS device 107 receives the URL information of the affiliated site from the mobile phone 109.

  Next, in step S <b> 602, the IS device 107 determines whether or not the mobile phone 109 (= user of the mobile phone 109) can connect to the URL requested for access from the mobile phone 109. Specifically, the IS device 107 searches the official site table shown in FIG. 6 stored in the external memory 311 and determines whether the “traffic information site” specified by the received URL is a paid site ( It is determined whether or not the site requires connection restriction. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an official site table managed by the IS device 107. Here, if it is determined that the site is a pay site, the IS device 107 has received from user identification information (for example, mobile phone number information that can be grasped by the telecommunications carrier) from the user information table shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the user has contracted with the site indicated by the URL. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information table managed by the IS device 107.

  The official site table shown in FIG. 6 is a table for managing whether or not each site managed by the IS device 107 is a pay site, and is stored in the external memory 311. As shown in FIG. 6, in relation to the “official site ID” that identifies each official site, an “official site name” specified by a URL, a “paid flag” that determines whether the site is a paid site, access Information such as “restriction flag” for determining whether or not the site is a restriction site is stored. As shown in FIG. 6, “official site ID” = 002 of “traffic information site” provided by the above-described tie-up server 105, and “official site name” is “load_info. and “pay flag” and “restriction flag” are both 1. Note that “paid flag” or “restricted flag” indicates that the site is a paid site or a restricted site when “1”, and indicates that the site is a free site or an unrestricted site when “0”.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user information table is a table for managing whether or not the user has contracted for each pay site managed by the IS device 107, and is stored in the external memory 311. Stored. As shown in FIG. 7, “user name” which is the name of the user in association with “mobile phone number” specifying each user, or a site where the user specified by “mobile phone number” has been contracted “Contract site IDs 1, 2, 3,... In the present embodiment, the information specifying the contracted site is the “official site ID” in FIG.

  Next, when it is determined in step S602 described above that connection is not possible (No in step S602), the IS device 107 proceeds to step S603, where the “traffic information site” is a pay site and a contract is required. At the same time, information on contract terms, a contract screen for contract application, and the like are transmitted to the mobile phone 109. More specifically, the IS device 107 first displays the contract screen for contract application shown in FIG. 5 if there is a contract request from the user after sending the contract contract information to the mobile phone 109. Data is transmitted to the mobile phone 109.

  Thereby, in step S502, the mobile phone 109 displays the contract screen shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a contract screen. In the contract screen shown in FIG. 5, it is considered that the user has applied for a contract for using the affiliated site by pressing the enter button 502 after inputting a predetermined four-digit contract password in the input field 501. In the present embodiment, the input of the contract password by the user and the pressing of the determination button 502 are the data input operation for contract request. If there is contract request data input on the contract screen after step S502 (Yes in step S503), the mobile phone 109 makes a contract with information specifying the “traffic information site” that is the site desired to be contracted. The contract request information including at least information specifying the user (the mobile phone 109) is transmitted to the IS device 107. Thereby, in step S604, the IS device 107 receives the contract request information. If there is no contract request data input on the contract screen (No in step S503), the mobile phone 109 proceeds to step S504 and performs other processing. Here, the other processes are arbitrary processes such as a process of returning to the standby screen and a process of displaying the My Menu screen.

  Note that the contract terms and method of displaying the contract screen and the method of applying for the contract are not limited to those described above, but it is possible to identify the site where the contract is desired, identify the user who wants the contract, and confirm the intention of the user. Various methods can be used as long as the contract terms and the contract screen display method and the contract application method are used. For example, the above-described transmission of the contract agreement information and the input of the contract request information are not described in detail, but the IS device 107 does not manage the contract agreement information and the information related to the contract screen as shown in FIG. The IS device 107 may communicate with the affiliation server 105, receive contract agreement information and information related to the contract screen from the affiliation server 105, and transmit the information to the browser of the mobile phone 109.

  Next, the IS device 107 that has received the contract request information in step S604 proceeds to step S605, and updates the contract information for the user of the mobile phone 109 in the user information table shown in FIG. Specifically, the IS device 107 performs a process of adding the official site ID of the partner site (“traffic information site”) requested by the contract request information to the contract site information for the user of the mobile phone 109. Thus, the user receives from the IS device 107 a determination that connection is possible in step S602.

  If it is determined in step S602 described above that connection is possible (Yes in step S602), the IS device 107 proceeds to step S606, and the connection request to the received URL (specified URL) is specified by the URL. Transmit to the affiliate server 105. Note that the connection request includes, for example, information such as URL information and an official site ID specified by the URL, and information (phone number information) specifying the mobile phone 109 as a reply destination.

  As a result, in step S701 in FIG. 3B, the affiliate server 105 determines whether or not the received connection request is a connection request from the IS device 107. If it is determined that the request is not a connection request from the IS device 107 (No in step S701), the affiliate server 105 performs a connection rejection process. If it is determined that the request is a connection request from the IS device 107 (Yes in step S701), the partner server 105 proceeds to step S703, and determines whether or not the received connection request is a connection request to the management server 104. Determine whether.

  Here, when the received connection request is not a connection request to the management server 104 (No in step S703), the affiliate server 105 proceeds to step S704, and carries the content data specified by the URL included in the connection request. Send to phone 109. Thereby, the mobile phone 109 receives and displays the content data in step S505 in FIG. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 3A, the mobile phone 109 can receive content data via the network 106 via the IS device 107. That is, the IS device 107 performs protocol conversion between the network 106 and the wireless communication network 108.

  If the received connection request is a connection request to the management server 104 (Yes in step S703), the affiliation server 105 proceeds to step S705, in which the CGI activation instruction (hereinafter referred to as CGI designation) is added to the received connection request. Whether or not) is included. If the CGI designation is included in the received connection request (Yes in step S705), the affiliate server 105 proceeds to step S709. Details of the processing in step S709 will be described later.

  If the CGI designation is not included in the received connection request (No in step S705), the partner server 105 proceeds to step S706, and the user of the mobile phone 109 uses the paid content of the management server 104. It is determined whether or not the contractor has a contract. Specifically, the tie-up server 105 stores information on the contractor who has contracted to use the paid content of the management server 104 in the external memory 211, and refers to this information, thereby determining the determination in step S706. Do.

  Here, when the user is a contractor of the management server 104 (Yes in step S706), the affiliation server 105 proceeds to step S707, and displays screen data including a URL link for direct access to the management server 104 as a mobile phone. 109. If the user is not a contractor of the management server 104 (No in step S706), the affiliation server 105 proceeds to step S708, and the affiliation server 105 itself receives a moving image from the management server 104. Screen data including a link for activating CGI is transmitted to mobile phone 109. That is, the affiliate server 105 distributes paid content (moving image) from the management server 104 to the mobile phone 109 depending on whether the user who has requested connection to the management server 104 is a contractor, or via the affiliate server 105. Controls whether paid content (moving image) of the management server 104 is distributed to the mobile phone 109.

  Following step S707 described above, in step S506 of FIG. 3-1, the mobile phone 109 receives image data including a URL link for obtaining a moving image provided by the management server 104, and the URL link is received. Display a screen containing Although FIG. 3A shows that the mobile phone 109 directly accesses the partner server 105 and the management server 104, the mobile phone 109 actually passes through the IS device 107, and the IS device 107 performs protocol conversion and the like. It has been broken.

  Next, the cellular phone 109 proceeds to step S507, and determines whether or not the user has pressed the link to the management server 104. If the link has not been pressed (No in step S507), the cellular phone 109 proceeds to step S504. If the link has not been pressed (Yes in step S507), the cellular phone 109 proceeds to step S508, and transmits a URL for connecting to the management server 104 to the IS device 107 as connection data. Accordingly, in step S607, the IS device 107 receives a URL for connecting to the management server 104. Next, in step S608, the IS device 107 determines whether or not the mobile phone 109 (= user of the mobile phone 109) can connect to the URL requested to be accessed from the mobile phone 109. Note that the details of the determination process in step S608 are the same as the determination process in step S602, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  If the user determines that the URL cannot be connected (No in step S608), the IS device 107 proceeds to step S603, and the site provided by the management server 104 is a pay site and requires a contract. At the same time, information on contract terms, a contract screen for contract application, and the like are transmitted to the mobile phone 109. If it is determined that the user can connect to the URL (Yes in step S608), the IS device 107 proceeds to step S609, and the connection request to the received URL (specified URL) is specified by the URL. To the management server 104. Thereby, in step S801 in FIG. 3B, the management server 104 determines whether or not the connection request is from the IS device 107.

  If it is determined that the request is a connection request from the IS device 107 (Yes in step S801), the management server 104 proceeds to step S802, and the content data specified by the URL included in the connection request is transferred to the mobile phone. 109. Thereby, in step S509 of FIG. 3A, the mobile phone 109 receives the content data via the IS device 107 and displays it. If it is determined that the request is not a connection request from the IS device 107 (No in step S801), the management server 104 proceeds to step S803. Details of the processing after step S803 will be described later.

  Next, the continuation of the process in which screen data including a link for starting CGI is transmitted to the mobile phone 109 in step S708 of the partner server 105 illustrated in FIG. 3B will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, in step S510, the mobile phone 109 displays screen data including a link for starting CGI for the affiliated server 105 to acquire the moving image (paid content) of the management server 104 as IS device. A screen including a link received via 107 and activating CGI is displayed. Next, in step S511, the mobile phone 109 determines whether the user has pressed a link that activates the CGI.

  If it is determined that the user has not pressed the link for activating CGI (No in step S511), the cellular phone 109 proceeds to step S504. If it is determined that the user has pressed the link for starting CGI (Yes in step S511), the mobile phone 109 proceeds to step S512, and the URL for connecting to the partner server 105 (CGI start instruction) Are transmitted to the IS device 107 as connection data. Thereby, in step S <b> 601, the IS device 107 receives a URL for connecting to the affiliate server 105. Here, since the operation of the IS device 107 that processes steps S602 and S606 after step S601 is the same as the above-described operation, the description thereof is omitted. Further, since the processing up to steps S701, S703, and S705 in the affiliate server 105 is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S705, if the connection request received from the IS device 107 is a connection request including a CGI activation instruction (CGI designation), the affiliate server 105 determines the CGI specified in the connection request in step S709. The connection request is transmitted to the management server 104 so as to start up and acquire a predetermined moving image from the management server 104. As a result, the affiliation server 105 proceeds to step S710 and waits for reception of content data (moving image data) from the management server 104. That is, when content data has not been received from the management server 104 (No in step S710), the processing in step S710 is continued.

  When a connection request is transmitted to the management server 104 in step S709, the management server 104 determines whether the received connection request is a connection request from the IS device 107 in step S801. Here, since it is a connection request from the affiliation server 105 (No in step S801), the management server 104 proceeds to step S803 and determines whether or not it is a connection request from the affiliation server 105. Here, since it is a connection request from the affiliation server 105 (Yes in step S803), the management server 104 proceeds to step S804 and sends the moving image data (content data) specified in the connection request to the affiliation server 105 to the affiliation server. It transmits to 105. Thereby, the tie-up server 105 receives the moving image data from the management server 104 (Yes in step S710), and transmits the received moving image data to the mobile phone 109 (step S711).

  In step S513 of FIG. 3A, the mobile phone 109 receives the moving image data from the partner server 105 via the IS device 107 and displays the moving image on the display unit. If the management server 104 determines in step S803 that the connection request is not from the tie-up server 105, the management server 104 proceeds to step S805 and performs connection rejection processing.

  As described above, according to the content providing system in the present embodiment, even if the user does not make a contract to use the paid content provided by the management server 104, the affiliate server 105 provides the management server 104. Paid content can be used. Thereby, even when access to each pay content is centrally managed in the IS device 107 as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to easily link the pay content. Thereby, in the affiliate server 105, it is possible to construct a more attractive content site that can provide various types of content to the user without spending the effort of preparing various types of content.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, there is a restriction on the type of paid content provided by the management server 104 that can be provided to the user by the affiliate server 105, the provision time, and the like. As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect of promoting the user to make a contract for using the paid content provided by the management server 104.

  In the tie-up server 105 and the IS device 107 according to the above-described embodiment, whether or not the user is a contractor is confirmed using information (mobile phone number) that identifies the mobile phone 109. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be confirmed whether or not the user is a contractor by using information (password or user ID) for identifying the user himself / herself.

In addition, the program for realizing various processing functions in the management server 104 or the affiliated server 105 described above is read from the memory and executed by the CPU 201 or the CPU 401, but the function is realized. All or some of the functions of each process may be realized by dedicated hardware.
The above-mentioned memory is a non-volatile memory such as a magneto-optical disk device or a flash memory, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM that can only be read, a volatile memory other than a RAM, or a computer read by a combination thereof. The recording medium may be a writable recording medium.

  Further, a program for realizing the functions for performing various processes shown in FIG. 3-2 in the management server 104 and the affiliate server 105 described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is recorded. Each processing may be performed by being read into a computer system and executed. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system serving as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding a program for a certain period of time are also included.

The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

A program product such as a computer-readable recording medium in which the above program is recorded can also be applied as an embodiment of the present invention.
The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the moving image delivery system for mobile phones containing the content server which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the cooperation server 105. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing operations of a mobile phone 109 and an IS (Internet connection service) device 107 in the moving image distribution system for mobile phones shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing operations of a partner server 105 and a management server 104 in the mobile phone moving image distribution system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a link collection screen of my menu. It is a figure which shows the example of a contract screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an official site table which the IS apparatus 107 manages. It is a figure which shows the example of a user information table which IS apparatus 107 manages.

Explanation of symbols

101 Live Camera 102 Camera Server 103 Router 104 Management Server 105 Partner Server 106 Network 107 Internet Connection Service Device 108 Wireless Communication Network 109, 110 Mobile Phone 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
211 External memory

Claims (7)

An information processing apparatus having a function as a first content server that provides first paid content to a user terminal via a network,
Transmitting means for transmitting to the user terminal screen data including a link for starting a program for acquiring the second paid content provided by the second content server;
Content acquisition means for acquiring the second pay content from the second content server by activating the program when the connection request from the user terminal is a connection request by selecting the link;
An information processing apparatus comprising: distribution means for distributing the second pay content acquired by the content acquisition means to the user terminal. A user information storage means for storing user information that is information about the user who can use the second pay content or the user terminal;
When the transmission means determines that the user is a user or user terminal that can use the second pay content by referring to the user information from the user information storage means, the second information Screen data including a direct link for transmitting a direct connection request to the content server is transmitted to the user terminal, and the second pay content is used by referring to the user information from the user information storage means. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the user is an impossible user or a user terminal, screen data including the link for starting the program is transmitted to the user terminal.   The connection request from the user terminal is made via an availability determination device having a function of determining whether or not the first pay content can be used. 2. The information processing apparatus according to 2.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content acquisition unit has a restriction in acquiring the second pay content. An information processing system comprising at least a first content server that provides first paid content to a user terminal via a network and a second content server that provides second paid content,
The first content server is
Transmitting means for transmitting to the user terminal screen data including a link for starting a program for acquiring the second paid content provided by the second content server;
When the connection request from the user terminal is a connection request based on the selection of the link, content request information for requesting the second paid content is transmitted to the second content server by starting the program. Content request means;
Receiving means for receiving the second paid content transmitted from the second content server according to the content request information transmitted by the content requesting means;
A distribution unit that distributes the second pay content acquired by the content acquisition unit to the user terminal;
The second content server is
Receiving means for receiving the content request information transmitted from the content requesting means of the first content server;
Determining means for determining whether or not the content request information received by the receiving means is content request information from the first content server;
Transmitting means for transmitting the second content specified by the content request information to the first content server when the determining means determines that the content request information is from the first content server; An information processing system comprising: An information processing method using an information processing apparatus having a function as a first content server that provides first paid content to a user terminal via a network,
A first step of transmitting, to the user terminal, screen data including a link for activating a program for acquiring the second paid content provided by the second content server;
When the connection request from the user terminal is a connection request based on the selection of the link displayed on the user terminal by the first step, the program is started to start the program from the second content server. A second step of acquiring second pay content;
And a third step of distributing the second pay content acquired in the second step to the user terminal. A program for an information processing apparatus having a function as a first content server that provides first pay content to a user terminal via a network,
A first step of transmitting to the user terminal screen data including a link for starting an acquisition program for acquiring a second paid content provided by a second content server;
When the connection request from the user terminal is a connection request based on the selection of the link displayed on the user terminal by the first step, the acquisition program is started to start the acquisition program. A second step of acquiring the second paid content;
A program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a third step of distributing the second pay content acquired in the second step to the user terminal.

Images