Content delivery system, content delivery method, and content reproducing device

A content delivery system, a method thereof, and a content reproducing device are provided. The content reproducing device comprises a content separator, an insufficient content storing section, and a server. The content separator separates or divides content into an insufficient content and a complementary content. The insufficient content storing section stores the insufficient content sent (outputted) from the content separator. The server includes a storing means for storing the complementary content sent from the content separator, and sends the complementary content to the content reproducing device via a network. The content reproducing device acquires the complementary content from the server and the insufficient content from the insufficient content storing section. Thereafter, the content reproducing device reproduces the content using the insufficient content and the complementary content. Thereby, it is possible to provide a system and a method which save the trouble of checkin and/or checkout operation and thus enhance user's usability. Further, according to the system and the method, a content provider can charge a user for content each time a user reproduces content.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a content delivery system and a method thereof for delivering content such as music (including sound and voice) information, image information, and moving picture information, and a content reproducing device such as an information terminal for reproducing the content.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

There has been developed an information terminal equipped with a Web browser so as to acquire content data from a server of a Web site, receive a message therefrom, and send and receive e-mail. The acquired data, message and e-mail are displayed on a displaying section of the information terminal.

Concerned with content received at the information terminal, there has been a problem of illegal copy and illegal transmission to a third party. To prevent such illegal act, some kind of countermeasure is required.

Heretofore, to protect a copyright for content, the content is encrypted, and at the time of reproduction, the encrypted content is restored to its original form by using a cipher key.

Besides, in the case of permitting a person to copy content only predetermined number of times, for example, the following are needed:

a database for confirming whether or not the copies are legal and for managing a count of content's copies;

checkin and/or checkout operation for updating the database (operation for increasing and decreasing the count of content's copies);

a system of encryption to prevent illegal interpolation of management information in the database, etc; and

a system to prohibit reproduction of an illegally copied content.

Incidentally, content is sent to users by downloading the content via a mobile phone, distributing it using CD (compact disc) as a supplement to a magazine, and the like.

In the conventional system, there are some problems as follows.

As a first problem, as described above, it is required to have a database to manage the count of copies of original content, and thereby, it is necessary to additionally prepare a device such as a PC (personal computer) to manage the database.

Therefore, when content is reproduced by a mobile phone, etc., a user needs a PC in addition to the mobile phone. This will be burden to a user who owns only the mobile phone because the user has to newly have a PC.

Furthermore, to update the database, it is necessary for a user to execute checkin and/or checkout operation every time he copies the content.

As a second problem, even if a PC for database management is prepared, as the amount of contents acquired by a user increases, the used space in the database also increases, and finally, the content exceeds the storage capacity of the database. In the case of using a general database, it is possible to take a measure such as backing up the database into another medium. However in the case of using the database in question, it is impossible to back up the database in order to prevent unauthorized use and interpolation of the contents.

As a third problem, in the case of downloading content via a mobile phone, the transmission speed is slow and thus it takes long time to download the content. Even if the transmission speed is fast, there are still some problems that communication expense gets high, and the like, because of high-volume data transmission.

As a fourth problem, even when a content provider hopes to charge on pay-per-view basis, there is no means to realize the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve these problems and to provide a user with usability such that checkin and/or checkout operation becomes unnecessary, and provide a content provider with a system and a method for charging a user for content each time a user reproduces content.

According to the present invention, for achieving the objects mentioned above, there is provided a content delivery system for delivering content to a content reproducing device that reproduces content, comprising: a content separator that separates or divides content into a first content (an insufficient content) and a second content (a complementary content); a first content storing means that stores the first content outputted from the content separator; and a server that includes a storing means for storing the second content outputted from the content separator, and that transmits the second content to the content reproducing device via a network; wherein the content reproducing device acquires the second content from the server and the first content from the first content storing means, and reproduces the content using the first content and the second content.

The present invention is characterized in that the first content storing means stores content related information (content ID) concerned with the second content, and the first content, and that the content reproducing device acquires the content related information and the first content from the first content storing means.

In this case, it is preferable that the content reproducing device transmits the content related information to the server, and that the server transmits the second content to the content reproducing device on the basis of the content related information.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a content delivery method for delivering content to a content reproducing device capable of reproducing content, comprising the steps of separating or dividing content into a first content and a second content; storing the separated or divided second content in a server connected to a network; and providing the first content to the content reproducing device, and transmitting the second content from the server to the content reproducing device via a network.

In the content delivery system and the content delivery method according to the present invention, the server can easily makes a charge for the content when transmitting the second content to the content reproducing device. Thereby, it becomes possible to charge a user while reproducing content.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a content reproducing device for receiving a complementary content at the time of reproducing content on the basis of content related information, restoring a complete content using the complementary content and an insufficient content, and reproducing the restored content.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content delivery system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 1, the content delivery system according to the first embodiment comprises a content reproducing device10, an insufficient content storing section20, a content separator30, and a complementary content server40. The content reproducing device10is a mobile communication terminal device such as a mobile phone terminal or a portable wireless information terminal owned by a user. The insufficient content storing section20stores an insufficient content21. The insufficient content21lacks partial information (a complementary content) of the content31. The content separator30separates (divides) a content31into the insufficient content21and a complementary content32. The complementary content32is the partial information of the content31, which is essential to reproduce the content31completely. The complementary content server40such as a computer stores the complementary content32and sends it to the content reproducing device10.

The content separator30inputs therein the content31that is to be delivered to a user. Having separated the content31, the device30outputs the insufficient content21, the complementary content32, and a content ID22for designating the content31.

Content information stored in the insufficient content storing section20includes the insufficient content21and the content ID22. It preferable that a content delivery service provider provides the insufficient content storing section20to users for convenient use.

The complementary content server40authenticates the content reproducing device10(a user), and establishes a connection to the device10. After having established the connection, the server40receives the content ID22from the device10and sends the complementary content32designated by the content ID22to the device10.

Moreover, the complementary content server40charges for the content31while sending the complementary content32.

Incidentally, it is preferable to dispose the complementary content server40and the content separator30on the side of the content delivery service provider for convenient use.

After the content reproducing device10is authenticated by the complementary content server40and the connection to the server40is established, the device10retrieves the content ID22from the insufficient content storing section20, and sends it to the complementary content server40. Thereafter, the device10receives the complementary content32from the server40.

Further, having taken out the content ID22from the insufficient content storing section20, the content reproducing device10also takes out the insufficient content21from the storing section20, and restores the content31without any lack by combining the complementary content32and the insufficient content21to reproduce the complete content31.

By this means, in the content delivery system shown inFIG. 1, at the time of reproduction, the content reproducing device10receives the complementary content32on the basis of the content ID22, and restores the content31to its original state using the insufficient content21and the complementary content32. While the complementary content32is being transmitted, accounting for the content31is executed to a user. By this configuration, it becomes possible to charge a user each time he reproduces content. Further, by preparing insufficient content in advance on the user's side, it is possible to download content effectively. Incidentally, the insufficient content21is provided free of charge. Besides, the insufficient content21is preferably configured, when the content separator30separates the content31, so that a user can look at or listen to a part of the insufficient content21free of charge. Alternatively, the insufficient content21may as well be configured so that a user cannot look at or listen to it.

Configuration for Content Separation

Next, in reference toFIG. 2, an explanation will be given of a configuration for content separation in the content delivery system shown inFIG. 1.

While in the following explanation content is described as music data (including sound, voice, etc.) and moving picture data, the content of the present invention will not limited to the above-described information (data).

The content separator30inputs therein the content31, separates the content31into the complementary content32and the insufficient content21, and generates the content ID22for designating the content31. Thereafter, the separator30outputs the insufficient content21with the content ID22to the insufficient content storing section20, and the complementary content32with the content ID22identical to that outputted to the storing section20to the complementary content server40.

A complementary content database44included in the complementary content server40records the content ID22and the complementary content32.

The insufficient content information includes the insufficient content21and the content ID22designating the content31, and is stored in the insufficient content storing section20. In the insufficient content21, data necessary to completely reproduce the content31is excluded.

On the other hand, the complementary content information includes the complementary content32and the content ID22designating the content31, and is stored in the complementary content database44. The complementary content32is the data necessary to completely restore the content31by combining with the insufficient content21. The complementary content32includes the remaining content information except for the insufficient content21of the content31.

The insufficient content storing section20is a medium to store and transfer the insufficient content21and the content ID22. The medium may be a permanent storage medium or a temporary storage medium. For example, the medium may be a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) or a download file of a Web site. In the case of using a download file, the insufficient content21and the content ID22are downloaded by accessing an insufficient content storing section of a Web site from the content reproducing device10.

Moreover, the insufficient content storing section20may be a (portable) card-type IC memory (integrated circuit memory) and memory chip both of which can be connected to the content reproducing device10.

Configuration for Delivery of Content and Reproduction thereof

Next, in reference toFIG. 3, an explanation will be given of a configuration for content delivery and the reproduction thereof in the content delivery system shown inFIG. 1.

The complementary content server40includes a user authentication and charging section41, a user authentication and charging database42, a content transmitter and receiver43, and the complementary content database44.

The user authentication and charging section41authenticates a user (the content reproducing device10) on the basis of user information in the user authentication and charging database42. Only when the user is authenticated, the section41establishes a connection to the content reproducing device10. Moreover, the section41updates the database42because the section41charges a fee(s) while the connection is established between the section41and the device10.

The content transmitter and receiver43receives the content ID22from the content reproducing device10, and takes out (retrieves) the complementary content32designated by the content ID22from the complementary content database44, and sends it to the device10.

The content reproducing device10includes a wireless section11, a content restoring section12, a content reproducing section13, and a control section14.

The wireless section11executes wireless communication via a wireless communication line (not shown) to access the complementary content server40. After the user is authenticated by the user authentication and charging section41in the complementary content server40and a connection to the server40is established, the wireless section11transmits the content ID22and receives the complementary content32. Hereat, the wireless communication line may be a mobile communication line, wireless LAN (local area network), and the like. In addition, another kind of wireless communication line may be applied.

The content restoring section12restores the complete content31on the basis of the complementary content32from the complementary content server40and the insufficient content21from the insufficient content storing section20.

The content reproducing section13reproduces the complete content31through a speaker and/or a (thin-film-type) displaying device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an electro luminescent (EL) display, or the like. For example, assuming the content31is music information, the music is reproduced through a speaker by audio processing. Besides, assuming the content31is image information, the image is displayed on a display.

The control section14controls wireless communication, user authentication, content restoration, content reproduction, and the like. In the case for acquiring an insufficient content from Web, a program for using Web may be also stored in the control section14.

Explanation of Operation

Next, an explanation will be given of operation of the content delivery system shown inFIG. 1.

InFIG. 2, the content separator30separates the content31into the insufficient content21and the complementary content32.

As a method of the separation, for example, the content31may be arranged as time series data. Subsequently, 12.5% (⅛) of the data may be assigned to the complementary content32, and 87.5% (⅞) thereof may be assigned to the insufficient content21.

For example, in the case of dealing with music data of 128 Kbps (kilobits per second), data of 1.28 Kbits per 0.01 second is necessary for the reproduction.

In this case, the first 160 bits, which is ⅛ of the bit strings of 1.28 Kbits, are assigned to the complementary content. On the other hand, the remaining 1120 bits, which is ⅞ thereof, are assigned to the insufficient content. Then, the total music data is separated with respect to each 0.01 second unit.

Incidentally, the ratio of the information amount of the insufficient content21to that of the complementary content32is not limited to the above one. Furthermore, the ratio of the separation may be changed according to each content.

When separating the content, the content separator30generates a content ID unique to each content. In this case, the device generates the content ID22unique to the content31. For example, an ID used by a content provider for the management of each content may be directly used as the content ID.

Incidentally, it is also possible to regard a plurality of contents as one content. For example, in the case of dealing with a film in two volumes, the two volumes of the film are regarded as one content. Therefore, one content ID is assigned thereto, and the two volumes of the film are transmitted to the content reproducing device10as one content at a time.

The content separator30puts the generated content ID22and the insufficient content21together in the form corresponding to the means of delivery (distribution). For example, in the case of distributing the ID22and the content21by a CD, the ID22and the content21are stored in the CD.

Moreover, the content separator30outputs the complementary content31and the content ID22to the complementary content server40.

Incidentally, in order to reproduce the content perfectly, the content ID, the complementary content, or the like may includes information as address to assign each part of the complementary content to each part of the insufficient content. Such information may be included in a newly installed database for that purpose, or in a program that may be included in the complementary content, which will be described later.

Next, an explanation will be given of the operation at the time of reproducing content according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, before the server40sends the complementary content32to the content reproducing device10, the wireless section11communicates by wireless via a wireless communication line (not shown) according to instructions from the control section14, and further accesses the complementary content server40via a network. Furthermore, the wireless section11and the control section14send authentication data for user authentication to the complementary content server40.

The user authentication and charging section41in the complementary content server40authenticates a user on the basis of the authentication data. Consequently, when the user is authenticated, the section41sends information that the authentication succeeded to the content reproducing device10. Subsequently, the section41establishes a connection to the content reproducing device10. Having established the connection, the section41executes charging operation to the user while transmitting the complementary content32.

After the control section14received the information that the authentication succeeded, and after the connection between the content reproducing device10and the user authentication and charging section41was established, the control section14reads out the content ID22from the insufficient content storing section20in which the insufficient content21of the content31desired to be reproduced is stored. Subsequently, the control section14sends the content ID22to the complementary content server40via the wireless section11.

The complementary content server40receives the content ID22at the content transmitter and receiver43. Then, the server40searches the complementary content database44for the complementary content32corresponding to the received content ID22. Subsequently, the server40sends the complementary content32from the content transmitter and receiver43to the wireless section11.

Moreover, while transmitting the complementary content32, the complementary content server40charges the user for the fees depending on the substance of the content. The cost of the content31may be included in the communication cost. This charging operation (the charging operation concerned with the transmission of the complementary content32) finishes when the transmission of the complementary content32finishes, and goes back to the state where only the connection fees are charged. Incidentally, the connection is finished when instructions for exit is issued from the content reproducing device10, and the charging operation for the connection fees is also finished.

Having received the complementary content32, the wireless section11sends the complementary content32to the content restoring section12under the control of the control section14.

In parallel with the transmission of the complementary content32to the content restoring section12, the insufficient content21read out from the insufficient content storing section20on the basis of instructions from the control section14. Subsequently, the insufficient content21is sent to the content restoring section12.

Incidentally, in the case of downloading the insufficient content21and the content ID22from a Web, it is preferable to download the insufficient content21and the content ID22before receiving the complementary content32.

Thereafter, the content restoring section12completely restores the content31using the complementary content32and the insufficient content21.

The complete content31can be restored by a reverse way of the separating procedure executed by the content separator30. If the above-described separating method is adopted, the content31is restored by executing the following operation.

For example, 160 bits of the complementary content are transmitted per 0.01 second, and thereby, the remaining 1120 bits are extracted from the insufficient content. Thereafter, the 160 bits of the complementary content are assigned to the first bit strings, and the 1120 bits of the insufficient content are assigned to the remaining bit strings every 0.01 second. Thereby, the complete content31is restored.

It is preferable to include the program for the restoration in the complementary content32received from the complementary content server40. Further, the program is preferably started up automatically when the content restoring section12restores the content.

The content31thus restored completely is sent to the content reproducing section13to be reproduced.

After the reproduction of the content is finished, the wireless section11disconnects the complementary content server40.

As explained hereinbefore, the first embodiment of the present invention brings about the following effects.

Firstly, the complementary content received at the time of reproduction (charging) can be reduced to small amount and can be sent at a relatively low bit rate. Thereby, it is possible to apply the present invention to a device having a wireless section that cannot receive content only at a low bit rate. On the other hand, when the wireless section is capable of receiving content at a high-speed bit rate, the amount of information of the complementary content may as well be increased.

Secondly, the distributed content (insufficient content) is the one in which parts of the complete content are lacking. Thereby, compared to an encrypted content, the distributed content has no risk to be cryptanalyzed. Therefore, the security becomes higher.

Thirdly, the charging function of a mobile phone can be directly applied to the present invention without preparing a special charging function. Thereby, it is possible to simplify the system.

Fourthly, while the conventional content security needs a database for content security and updating (checkin and/or checkout) operation for the database, the present system does not need them. Thereby, the convenience for the user becomes higher.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

The configuration of this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a broadcasting station60and a broadcasting receiver15. The broadcasting station60broadcasts insufficient content with the corresponding ID free of charge. The broadcasting receiver15included in the content reproducing device10, and serves as the insufficient content storing section20in the first embodiment. Namely, the receiver15stores the insufficient content with the corresponding content ID.

Although not shown inFIG. 4, the content separator30is also disposed in this embodiment. As with the first embodiment, the content separator30separates a content31into a complementary content32and an insufficient content21, and generates an content ID22unique to the content31. Subsequently, the separator30sends the complementary content32with the content ID22to the complementary content server40and the insufficient content21with the content ID22to the broadcasting station60.

Incidentally, there is prepared a sort of a content guide wherein content to be broadcasted is described. Such a content guide is preferably given to a user in advance so that the user can select content to be reproduced.

Assuming that the above-described operation has executed, an explanation will be given of this embodiment.

First, the content reproducing device10(a user) selects content to be reproduced referring the content guide (hereinafter, the content is referred to the content31).

Subsequently, the device10receives the selected insufficient content21with the corresponding content ID22from the broadcasting station60. The transmitted content21and the ID22are stored in the broadcasting receiver15in the content reproducing device10.

When the content reproducing device10reproduces the content31completely (when the user wants to see the content31), the same operation as the first embodiment is executed. Incidentally, as with the first embodiment, the complementary content32is transmitted only when the content reproducing device10is authenticated.

In this embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, because broadcasting is used as an insufficient content transmitting means, it is possible to provide a pay-per-view system in the broadcasting.