KR20060010681A - Time limited contents service system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a time limit content service system and method. The limited time content service system includes a content information input unit, a content service file generator, and a content service file transmitter. The content information input unit receives content service information including content information. The content service file generation unit generates a content service file that allows content corresponding to the content information to be played back only during a predetermined playback period. The content service file transmitter transmits the generated content service file to the content playback terminal. The limited time content service method includes receiving content service information including content information, generating a content service file for reproducing content corresponding to the content information only for a predetermined reproduction period, and generating the generated content service file. And transmitting the content to the playback terminal. As a result, the digital content can be used in a manner similar to the streaming method even when offline.

Downloading, Streaming, Digital Content, MP3, DRM

Description

Time limited contents service system and method

 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a time limited content service system according to the present invention;

2 is a schematic flowchart for carrying out an embodiment of a method of limiting time content services according to the present invention;

3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the content extraction process of FIG. 2 in detail;

The present invention relates to a digital content service system and method, and more particularly, to a system and method for providing digital content to a user through a communication network.

Recently, more and more users are enjoying digital contents such as MP3 files using portable terminals. Accordingly, various businesses are providing services for providing such digital contents using wired or wireless.

 MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) is one of the high quality audio compressor technologies defined by MPEG1. MP3 can be compressed to 50 times the recording CD while maintaining sound quality close to the recording CD. Due to its excellent sound quality and compression rate, it is widely used for Internet AOD and Internet FM radio broadcasting based on TCP.

Many high-quality music compressed using MP3 can be copied as it is. For example, you can insert a CD into a PC's CD-ROM drive, extract the songs, compress them from 130 to 150 MP3s at a time, and then transfer them over PC communications or the Internet. Internet or PC communication users can download and enjoy many of these songs.

The user can also use this digital content through a streaming service. Streaming refers to a technique for reproducing voice, video, animation, etc. in real time on the Internet.

It was first introduced at Real Audio developed by Real Network in 1995. It is a technique that downloads and plays video, sound, and animation files to a hard disk drive in real time without downloading.

This name is given because the data to be transmitted is treated as if water was flowing. Even before all the files are transferred, the client browser or plug-in will begin to present the data. Therefore, the playback time is shortened and the capacity of the hard disk drive is hardly affected.

For streaming to work, the client side receiving the data must be able to collect the data and constantly send it to an application that converts the data into sound or pictures.

If the client receives data too fast, it will store the extra data in a buffer and stream it at the same time. However, if the data reception speed is not fast, the representation of the data is not smooth.

As the Internet develops, it is becoming a more and more important technology. In particular, Internet broadcasting has been activated. The average user also does not have a fast connection line to download large multimedia files immediately, so software such as a real player or a Windows Media player is essential. In addition, companies that offer streaming services are increasing rapidly.

In the digital content service, the download method and the streaming method are the same in that the digital multimedia file is played through the storage device of the playback device. However, the streaming method is different in that the playback is possible only in the online state.

In addition, in the case of paid services, the streaming method is calculated by the service period, and the service period is generally determined by the contract between the supplier and the consumer, whereas the download method is determined by the amount of content downloaded. Purchased digital content is guaranteed to be permanently used by the buyer, and thus, the price of the digital content is generally higher than that of the streaming service.

Therefore, users of digital content may choose between a download method that downloads a smaller amount of digital content at the same cost and permanently uses it, and a streaming method that uses a larger amount of content for a limited period of time.

However, in the case of the streaming method, since there is a limitation only possible in the online state, this selection of the user is limited when the use in the online state is difficult.

The online use is not available or wireless communication is available, but online use is possible, but the use of online is difficult due to the burden of communication fees.

In particular, if the need for content ownership is low due to the limited storage capacity of the portable playback device and the prevalence of digital content, the user may require a content usage method similar to a streaming method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to meet such conventional needs, and provides a digital content service system and method that enables the use of a variety of digital content at a lower cost instead of owning digital content even when not online. It is intended for work.

The limited time content service system according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a content information input unit, a content service file generator, and a content service file transmitter.

The content information input unit receives content service information including content information. The content service file generation unit generates a content service file that allows content corresponding to the content information to be played back only during a predetermined playback period. The content service file transmitter transmits the generated content service file to the content playback terminal.

As a result, the digital content can be used in a manner similar to the streaming method even when offline.

The predetermined reproduction period may be set by the content reproduction period information included in the content service information, thereby allowing the user to determine the reproduction period of the downloaded content.

In addition, the predetermined playback period may be set to expire at the end of the user's service period, in which case the service system may have the same effect as performing the streaming service directly until the user's service period end date.

The predetermined reproduction period can be updated by updating the content reproduction period information. By updating the reproduction period of the content service file downloaded in advance, the user can reproduce the content which has already expired.

The apparatus may further include a content storage unit for storing the content provided to the content service file generator and a content input unit for receiving the content provided to the content service file generator from the outside.

The content storage unit may store content in the system to generate a content service file immediately upon user's request, and the content input unit plays a role of obtaining content requested from the outside when there is no content requested in the system.

The content reproducing terminal can receive the content service file again from the user terminal receiving the content service file. This configuration allows the reproducing apparatus that can not use the communication network to download the content.

The user terminal does not play the content and may not store the content service file after transmitting the content service file to the content playback terminal. Such a configuration may reduce the possibility of unauthorized downloading of the downloaded content.

The content service information may include information of a content playback terminal on which content is played, thereby making it impossible to use content except a preset playback terminal.

The content may be multimedia content, especially music content, and the playback terminal may be a mobile communication terminal or a portable MP3 player.

Disclosed is a method of providing a limited time content service in which the system invention is implemented in the form of a method invention together with the limited time content system.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a limited time content service system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the limited time content service system 100 includes a content information input unit 102, a content service file generation unit 104, a content service file transmission unit 106, a content storage unit 108, and a content input unit 109. It includes.

The limited time content service system 100 is connected to the user terminal 110 and the content providing server 130 through a communication network, and the user terminal 110 is connected to the reproduction terminal 120 again.

The content information input unit 102 receives content service information from the user terminal 110. In FIG. 1, the user terminal 110 is a personal computer connected to the Internet, and a user may request to download content by accessing a web page provided by the content service system 100 and inputting content service information.

The content service information includes content information, which is information about the content of the requested content. For example, if the content information is music, the song name, composer name, etc. will correspond thereto.

 The content service file generation unit 104 generates a content service file such that content corresponding to the content information is played only during a predetermined playback period. The predetermined playback period may be preset by the system 100 or may be set by user input.

When set by the user input, the content reproduction period information for setting the reproduction period may be included in the content service information and may be input. Since the service period is determined by the user's selection, the system 100 may provide more various fee schemes. You can do it.

In addition, when the playback period is set by the system 100, the playback period may be set to expire at the end of the user's service period, in which case the service system 100 may directly stream the service until the end of the service period of the user. It can have the same effect as performing.

The content service file transmitter 106 transmits the generated content service file to the content playback terminal 120. In FIG. 1, the content service file transmitter 106 transmits the content service file to the user terminal 110 through a communication network, and the playback terminal 120 receives the content service file from the user terminal 110 again. The playback terminal 120 may also be configured to download the content service file directly from the content service file transmission unit 106.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the content information input unit 102 and the content service file transmitter 104 are implemented as separate devices, but may also be implemented as a single device.

The DRM may be considered as a configuration in which the content service file generation unit 104 reproduces the contents only during the reproduction period. Content service files whose playback period has elapsed by DRM may be automatically deleted or reproduced, which is different from the conventional DRM function as a main function of a device for copy protection.

DRM refers to technologies and services that protect the interests and rights of copyright parties by preventing unauthorized use of digital content. Abbreviation for digital rights management, meaning digital rights management.

It is a technology that protects the rights and interests of content providers, prevents illegal copying, and collectively supports the creation, distribution, and management of contents such as charging royalties and payment agents.

This includes digital copyright management technology, software and security technology for copyright approval and enforcement, payment and payment technology, which ensures that only legitimate users use the content and pay the appropriate fees.

Napster, famous for its music sharing service, adopted it in 2001 to protect MP3 copyrights, and it was selected as one of the 10 best technologies of the future by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

It supports digital object identifiers (DOIs), indexes for recording data necessary for electronic commerce, and watermarking technology for preventing illegal copying and tampering.

DOI is an identification number assigned to digital content, and watermarking is a technology for identifying who the digital copyright owner is when a copyright dispute occurs after hiding confidential information in digital data. Each content is equipped with a security authentication system, which prevents users from using the content unless a certain fee is paid.

This configuration enables the present invention to use digital content in the same cost system as the streaming method while taking the download method.

In the present embodiment, the reproduction period of the content service file is adjusted by DRM, but the reproduction period may be adjusted by other means that can be considered by those skilled in the art.

The reproduction period can be updated by updating the content reproduction period information. In this case, the user can replay the content which has already expired by renewing the service reproduction period of the content service file which has already been downloaded. The renewal of the reproduction period may be performed by updating the content reproduction period information on the content service file by the DRM.

 When the limited time content service according to the present invention is a music providing service provided by a website, the user may request a renewal of the service period from the system 100 by accessing the website using the user terminal 110 and the system. If the 100 accepts this, the content reproduction period information on the content service file stored in the reproduction terminal 120 is updated.

The content reproduction period information may be updated by the reproduction terminal 120 or the user terminal 110 to which the reproduction terminal 120 is connected, and the program on the reproduction terminal 110 or the user terminal 110 is reproduced 120, respectively. The corresponding content reproduction period information may be updated by searching for the content service file on the.

The content reproduction period information may be updated at a time for a plurality of files, and the service period may be collectively updated for all the contents on the reproduction terminal 120 provided by the system 100.

The content storage unit 108 stores the content provided to the content service file generation unit 104. The content storage unit 108 stores the content in the system 100 so that the content service file can be generated immediately upon the user's request.

The content input unit 109 receives the content provided to the content service file generation unit 104 from an external content providing server 130. When there is no content requested in the system 100, the content input unit 109 obtains the content requested from the outside of the system. Since the content providing server 130 may be operated by a separate entity from the operator of the system 100, the digital content service provider may use a separate sound source provider for various applications of content provided to the service. Can cooperate with

The content input unit 108 may also be implemented integrally with the content information input unit 102 or the content service file transmitter 106.

In the present embodiment, the content playback terminal 120 may receive the content service file again from the user terminal 110 that has received the content service file. Such a configuration may include a playback terminal 120 device that cannot use a communication network by itself. Allows you to download content.

When the reproduction terminal 120 itself uses the communication network like the mobile communication terminal, the content service file may be downloaded without passing through the user terminal 110.

Even in this case, by limiting the playback period, the content usage cost can be reduced, and the communication fee can be reduced compared to the case of using the streaming service every time, which is useful for the user.

The user terminal 110 may not store the content service file after transmitting the content service file to the content reproduction terminal 120 without reproducing the content. This configuration can reduce the possibility of unauthorized copying of the downloaded content.

The content service information may include information of the content playback terminal 120 at which the content is played, thereby making it impossible to use the content except the preset playback terminal 120.

Due to this setting, the content may be played only in a terminal of a specific company product, or may be played only in a specific terminal of a specific model.

The serviced digital content may be multimedia content, especially music content, and the playback terminal may be a mobile communication terminal or a portable MP3 player.

2 is a schematic flowchart of performing an embodiment of a method of providing a limited time content service according to the present invention. This embodiment illustrates a process in which a user accesses a website provided by a limited time content service server and downloads content.

First, a user accesses a limited-time content service website using his computer and receives a service use right through an authentication process provided by the website (200).

A user who has not been granted permission to use the service cannot receive the service because the user is denied the use of the service. Therefore, the user can be provided with the service only if the user has a right to use the service using a separate subscription procedure.

 The user authorized to use the user inputs content service information through a series of processes required by the website (210). The content service information includes content information, which may be information such as a song name, a composer, or a singer in the case of music content as the content of the desired digital content.

When the content service information is input, the server checks the content service information, and if there is an error in the content service information, notifies the user of the content service information error content (220), and if there is no error, the corresponding content to create the content service file. Extract 230 (230).

3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a content extraction process of FIG. 2 in detail.

First, a content corresponding to the input content information is searched in the system. That is, the corresponding content is retrieved from a database in a storage device located inside or outside the server (232).

If the content is retrieved, the stored data is read (236). If the content is not retrieved, the external server is requested to transmit the corresponding content (234), and the content is extracted by reading the externally transmitted content.

After extracting the content, the content service file is generated using the extracted content so that the content corresponding to the content information is played only during a predetermined playback period (240).

The predetermined reproduction period may be a period predetermined by the system or may be a period set by user input.

When set by the user, the content play period information for setting the play period may be included in the content service information, and the service period is determined by the user's selection, and thus the service provider may provide more various fee schemes. Will be.

In addition, if the playback period is set by the system, the playback period may be set to expire at the end of the user's service period, in which case the service system for the user subscribed to the service through the website is the user's service period end date. This may have the same effect as performing a direct streaming service.

In addition, the content service information may include information of a content playback terminal on which content is played. In this case, the server may set content to be played back only in a specific playback terminal, or supply differentiated content for each terminal type.

Subsequently, the generated content service file is transmitted to the content playback terminal. The transmission to the reproduction terminal may be configured to directly transmit the reproduction terminal if the terminal is directly connected to the Internet. However, in the present embodiment, the content service file is first transmitted to the user's computer through the Internet (250). Then, the user's computer transmits the data back to the playback terminal (260).

Even when the content is downloaded via the computer, the computer may not play the content or may not store the content service file after transmitting the content service file to the content playback terminal.

This is to allow the user to use the content only with the intended device and to reduce the possibility of illegal duplication.

Once the set playback period has elapsed, the function of the content service file is terminated (270). Termination of the service file is performed by disabling the service file by itself or making it impossible to reproduce (270).

However, the reproduction period may be updated by updating the content reproduction period information. In this case, the user can replay the content which has already expired by renewing the service reproduction period.

To this end, the user requests a renewal of the content reproduction period by accessing a website that provides a limited time content service. If there is a request for updating the content reproduction period, the server updates the content reproduction period (280).

The updating of the content reproduction period may be performed by updating the content reproduction period information on the content service file on the reproduction terminal according to the new content reproduction period information received from the server by the user's reproduction terminal or the computer connected to the reproduction terminal.

 According to the present invention, the service provider can secure a new service area to supply digital content to digital content consumers in more various forms, thereby expanding the market.

In addition, the service provider collects the fixed amount to the consumer and provides the original owner with the cost according to the number of downloads, thereby enabling rational commerce of the digital content, and the reproduction period of the digital content is limited, thereby limiting unauthorized copying of the content.

In addition, it is possible to renew the period again even after the reproduction period is limited, thereby providing continuous service.

In addition, the network can be eliminated due to the streaming service, thereby preventing unnecessary waste of the public asset, the network, and users of the service do not own digital contents that do not need to be owned even when they are not online. Instead, it can be used at a lower price.

Claims (23)

A content service information input unit configured to receive content service information including content information; A content service file generation unit generating a content service file for reproducing the content corresponding to the content information only during a predetermined reproduction period; And And a content service file transmitter to transmit the generated content service file to a content reproduction terminal. The method of claim 1, And the predetermined reproduction period is set by the content reproduction period information included in the content service information. The method of claim 2, And the predetermined playback period expires when the user's service period expires. The method of claim 3, wherein The predetermined reproduction period is updated by updating the content reproduction period information. The method of claim 1, And a content storage unit for storing the content provided to the content service file generator. The method of claim 1, And a content input unit configured to receive content provided to the content service file generator from the outside of the system. The method of claim 1, The content reproduction terminal is a limited time content service system, characterized in that for receiving the content service file again from the user terminal received the content service file. The method of claim 7, wherein And the user terminal does not play the content. The method of claim 7, wherein The user terminal does not store the content service file after transmitting the content service file to the content playback terminal. The method of claim 1, And the content service information includes information of a content reproduction terminal on which the content is played. The method of claim 1, And the content is multimedia content. The method of claim 1, And the content is music content. The method of claim 12, And the reproduction terminal is a mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 1, And the playback terminal is a portable MP3 player. Receiving content service information including content information; Generating a content service file for reproducing the content corresponding to the content information only during a predetermined reproduction period; And And transmitting the generated content service file to a content reproducing terminal. The method of claim 15, The predetermined reproduction period is set by the content reproduction period information contained in the content service information. The method of claim 16, And the predetermined playback period expires when the user's service period expires. The method of claim 17, And the predetermined reproduction period is updated by updating the content reproduction period information. The method of claim 15, And the content reproduction terminal receives the content service file again from the user terminal receiving the content service file. The method of claim 19, And the user terminal does not play the content. The method of claim 19, And the user terminal does not store the content service file after transmitting the content service file to the content playback terminal. The method of claim 15, And the content service information includes information of a content playback terminal on which the content is played. The method of claim 15, wherein for generating the content service file, Searching for content corresponding to the content information; Requesting transmission of the content to an external system if the content is not found; And The method of claim 1, further comprising reading the transmitted content.

Images