KR20040067849A - Media contents distribution system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The server 1 stores the media content and an execution program for processing the media content, and determines a usage rule for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal 2. The server 1 distributes usage rules, media content, and executable programs to the terminal 2. The terminal 2 stores distributed usage rules, media content, and executable programs. The terminal 2 executes the stored executable program and processes the stored media content within the scope of the usage rules as stored. The server 1 may perform billing processing according to the determined usage rule, or may select and distribute media content or an executing program according to the processing capability or communication state of the terminal 2. Moreover, the server 1 can distribute middleware constituting an operating environment for the executable program in addition to the executable program.

Description

MEDIA CONTENTS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD}

In recent years, network systems have been developed as part of the social infrastructure, with the result that multimedia content containing digital data such as images, video and audio is widespread over such networks. Moreover, large capacity recording media have been developed, which makes it possible to distribute multimedia content through such recording media. Digital data is easy to store and replicate, and no degradation occurs during storage or reproduction. As a result, if unauthorized storage or duplication of media content containing digital data is performed by the recipient, the rights of the author of such media content are violated and the interests of the media content provider fall. To prevent this situation, it is necessary to impose some restrictions on the use of media content by the user when distributing any media content containing digital data.

In the past, restrictions on the use of media content have been realized, for example, by encrypting digital data. Another alternative is to have the user enter into a contract relating to the use of the media content at the time of purchase of the media content, after which the restriction on the use of the media content is left to the user's conscience.

However, even if the digital data is encrypted, the decryption key for decrypting the encrypted digital data may be stolen, and thus it is still impossible to completely prevent unauthorized storage or duplication of the media content on the receiver side. Any contract that indicates a restriction on the use of the media content cannot guarantee that the contract will be followed.

Once purchased, the multimedia media content is characterized in that it can be played or watched substantially continuously for an unlimited number of times. On the other hand, from the user's point of view, some media content is only needed for a certain period of time and not afterwards. In particular, as is the case now, as the amount of single media content increases, it may often be the case that the data that a user really needs is only a part of the purchased media content. However, even in such a case, the user still pays a fee that often far exceeds the value that should be the actual price in terms of the degree to which the user actually used the media content.

Therefore, from a media content provider's point of view, a system is needed that can effectively limit the use of media content by a user; From a user's point of view, instead of some limited use, there is a need for a system that requires users to pay a price based on the degree to which they actually use the media content. To date, no such system is known.

The present invention relates to a media content distribution system, in particular to a system for distributing multimedia content containing video data and / or audio data to a user while simultaneously preventing unauthorized use.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a media content distribution system according to the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention;

2 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the server shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed structure of the terminal shown in FIG. 1;

4 is a diagram illustrating details of a storage unit in a media content distribution system according to the first, third, and seventh embodiments of the present invention;

5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted in a media content distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

6 shows an example of usage rules used in the media content distribution system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows an example of a processing history used in the media content distribution system shown in FIG. 1;

8 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of a media content distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

9 is a flow chart illustrating the details of step S2 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S4 of FIG. 8;

11 is a flow chart illustrating the details of step S6 of FIG. 8;

12 is a flow chart illustrating the details of step S9 of FIG. 8;

13 is a diagram illustrating details of a storage unit in a media content distribution system according to the second and fourth embodiments of the present invention;

14 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted in a media content distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

15 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of a media content distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S22 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S24 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S26 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating details of step S29 of FIG. 15;

20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted in a media content distribution system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

21 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of a media content distribution system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S42 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S49 of FIG. 21;

24 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted in a media content distribution system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

25 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of a media content distribution system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S62 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S69 of FIG. 25;

28 is a diagram illustrating details of a storage unit in the media content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

29 is a flowchart illustrating details of billing processing performed by a media content distribution system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

30 is a diagram illustrating details of a storage unit in a media content distribution system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating details of step S2 performed by the media content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

32 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted in a media content distribution system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

33 is a flow chart illustrating details of step S6 performed by a media content distribution system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

34 illustrates a table of executable programs used in the media content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; And

35 illustrates a table of media content used in a media content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a media content distribution system that can effectively limit the use of media content by a user. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a media content distribution system that can charge a user in a manner that only the user pays a price according to the degree of actual use of the media content.

The present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above object.

A first aspect of the invention is directed to a media content distribution system for distributing media content over a communication network comprising a server and a terminal, wherein the server includes: an executable program and media content for processing the media content. A server-side storage unit capable of storing a; A transmission unit capable of transmitting the media content and the execution program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal; And a condition setting unit capable of determining a usage rule for the media content sent to the terminal, and the terminal comprising: a receiving unit capable of receiving the media content and the executing program from the server; A terminal side storage unit capable of storing at least an execution program received by the receiving unit; A control unit capable of allowing use of the three media contents within the scope of the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit; A processing unit capable of executing an executable program stored in the terminal-side storage unit, as allowed by the control unit, and processing the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to the first aspect, the server determines a usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, and the terminal executes the distributed execution program within the scope of the usage rule determined at the server, thereby processing the distributed media content. In other words, the terminal processes the media content within the scope of the usage rules determined by the server. As a result, the use of media content by the user can be effectively limited.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the media content stored in the server-side storage unit comprises video data and / or audio data, and the condition setting unit includes at least reproduction, using rules of use in view of the usage mode. Decide

According to a second aspect, copyrights on multimedia content containing video data and / or audio data may be protected.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, prior to the use of the media content, the transmission unit transmits the media content stored in the server-side storage unit and the usage rule determined by the execution program, the condition setting unit to the terminal, and the reception unit Receives media content, executable programs, usage rules from the server, the terminal-side storage unit stores the media content, executable programs, usage rules received by the receiving unit, and the control unit is stored in the terminal-side storage unit. Allowing the use of the media content in accordance with the rules, the processing unit processes the media content stored in the terminal side storage unit.

According to a third aspect, media content, executable programs, and usage rules are distributed from a server to a terminal and then under the control of the terminal.

In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, when the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal-side storage unit, the sending unit sends the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit to the terminal. The receiving unit receives a new usage rule from the server, and the terminal side storage unit updates the usage rule stored there with the new usage rule received by the receiving unit.

According to the fourth aspect, the usage rules for the media content can be changed at any time.

In a fifth aspect based on the third aspect, when a new executable program is needed to use the media content in the terminal, the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal side storage unit, and the transmission unit Sends a new execution program and a new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit to the terminal, the receiving unit receives a new execution program and a new usage rule from the server, and the terminal side storage unit is located there. The stored execution program and the usage rule are updated with the new execution program and the new usage rule respectively received by the receiving unit.

According to the fifth aspect, if another executable program is needed for the use of the media content in the terminal, the other executable program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the executable program stored in the terminal is updated with it.

In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the server-side storage unit further stores usage rules determined by the condition setting unit, and the transmission unit uses the media content and the execution program stored in the server-side storage unit. Before the transmission to the terminal, and when using the media content, the usage rules stored in the server-side storage unit are transmitted to the terminal, the receiving unit receives the media content, the execution program, the usage rules from the server, The storage unit stores the media content and the execution program received by the receiving unit, the control unit allows the use of the media content in the use of the media content according to the usage rules received by the receiving unit, and the processing unit is the terminal side Process the media content stored in the storage unit.

According to a sixth aspect, media content and executable programs are distributed from a server to a terminal, which then becomes under management at the terminal, while usage rules are under management at the server. As a result, arbitrarily changing the usage rules at the terminal can be prevented.

In the seventh aspect based on the sixth aspect, when the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal side storage unit, the server-side storage unit is configured to determine the usage rule stored there by the condition setting unit. Update to the new usage rules determined.

According to the seventh aspect, the usage rules for the media content can be changed at any time.

In an eighth aspect based on the sixth aspect, when a new executable program is needed to use the media content in the terminal, the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal side storage unit, and the server side The storage unit updates the usage rules stored therein with the new usage rules determined by the condition setting unit, the sending unit transmits a new execution program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal, and the receiving unit receives a new execution from the server. Upon receiving the program, the terminal side storage unit updates the execution program stored therein with the new execution program received by the receiving unit.

According to an eighth aspect, if another executable program is needed for the use of media content at the terminal, the other executable program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the executable program stored in the terminal is updated with it.

In a ninth aspect based on the first aspect, the transmission unit transmits the usage rules determined by the execution program and the condition setting unit stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal before using the media content, and to the server-side storage unit. The stored media content is transmitted to the terminal while using the media content, the receiving unit receives the media content, the executing program, and the usage rule from the server, and the terminal side storage unit receives the executing program and the usage rule received by the receiving unit. Storing upon use of the media content, the control unit permits the use of the media content according to the usage rules stored in the terminal side storage unit, the processing unit being received by the receiving unit simultaneously with the receiving unit receiving the media content; Process media content.

According to a ninth aspect, an executable program and a usage rule are distributed from a server to a terminal, which is then managed by the terminal, while the media content is managed by the server. In this case, the terminal continues to process the media content while receiving the media content from the server. As a result, unauthorized copying of the media content at the terminal can be prevented.

In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, when the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, the sending unit sends the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit to the terminal, Upon receiving a new usage rule from the server, the terminal side storage unit updates the usage rule stored there with the new usage rule received by the receiving unit.

According to the tenth aspect, the usage rules for the media content can be changed at any time.

In an eleventh aspect based on the ninth aspect, when a new executable program is needed for the use of the media content at the terminal, the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, and the transmission unit is stored on the server side. The new execution program stored in the unit and the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit are sent to the terminal, the receiving unit receives the new execution program and the new usage rule from the server, and the terminal side storage unit stores the execution stored there. The program and the usage rule are respectively updated with the new executing program and the new usage rule received by the receiving unit.

According to an eleventh aspect, if another executable program is needed for the use of media content in the terminal, the other executable program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the executable program stored in the terminal is updated with it.

In a twelfth aspect based on the first aspect, the server-side storage unit further stores the usage rules determined by the condition setting unit, and the transmission unit is further configured to use the executable program stored in the server-side storage unit before using the media content. Transmit to the terminal, when using the media content, transmit the usage rules stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal, transmit the media content stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal during use of the media content, The receiving unit receives the media content, the execution program, the usage rule from the server, the terminal side storage unit stores the execution program received by the receiving unit, and the control unit is configured to determine the media content according to the usage rule received by the receiving unit. Allows use of the media content in use, and the processing unit is concurrent with the receiving unit receiving the media content It processes the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a twelfth aspect, an executable program is distributed from a server to a terminal, which is then under management at the terminal, while the media content and usage rules are under management at the server. In this case, the terminal continues to process the media content while receiving the media content from the server. As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily change the usage rules at the terminal or to prevent unauthorized duplication of the media content.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, when the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for media content to be transmitted to a terminal, the server-side storage unit replaces the usage rule stored therein with the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. Update with

According to a thirteenth aspect, the usage rules for media content can be changed at any time.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, when a new executable program is required for use of the media content at the terminal, the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal, and the server side storage unit is located there. The stored usage rules are updated with the new usage rules determined by the condition setting unit, the sending unit transmits the new executing program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal, and the receiving unit receives the new executing program from the server. The terminal side storage unit updates the execution program stored therein with the new execution program received by the receiving unit.

According to a fourteenth aspect, if another executable program is needed for the use of media content in the terminal, the other executable program is distributed from the server to the terminal, and the executable program stored in the terminal is updated with it.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the server further includes a billing unit capable of performing billing processing for the terminal in accordance with a usage rule determined by the condition setting unit.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the server charges a terminal according to a usage rule. As a result, the user of the terminal only needs to pay a fee depending on the degree of actual media content used.

In a sixteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the server-side storage unit further stores middleware for constructing an operating environment for an executable program stored in the terminal-side storage unit, and the transmission unit is stored in the storage unit. Further sending middleware to the terminal, the receiving unit further receiving middleware from the server, the terminal-side storage unit storing at least the executable program and the middleware received by the receiving unit, and being stored in the terminal-side storage unit Under the operating environment configured by the middleware present, the processing unit executes an executable program stored in the terminal side storage unit and processes the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a sixteenth aspect, if it is not possible to run an executable program in a terminal, middleware compatible with the hardware and / or OS used in the terminal is distributed from the server to the terminal. As a result, despite the variety of hardware and / or OS, etc., it becomes possible to execute executable programs and to process media content in various types of terminals.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the first aspect, a server-side storage unit stores a plurality of said executable programs that provide the same function but require different levels of processing power, and the transmission unit, depending on the processing power of the terminal, One of a plurality of execution programs stored in the storage unit is selected, and the selected execution program is transmitted to the terminal.

According to the seventeenth aspect, an execution program that is optimally selected according to the processing power of the terminal may be distributed from the server to the terminal.

In an eighteenth aspect based on the first aspect, a server-side storage unit stores a plurality of said media contents that are directed to the same content but require different levels of processing power, and the transmission unit stores the server-side storage according to the processing power of the terminal. One of a plurality of media contents stored in the unit is selected, and the selected media contents are transmitted to the terminal.

According to an eighteenth aspect, media content that is optimally selected in accordance with the processing power of the terminal may be distributed from the server to the terminal.

In a nineteenth aspect based on the first aspect, a server-side storage unit stores a plurality of the media contents that are oriented in the same content but differ in the amount of data per unit time, and the transmission unit is configured according to the communication state occurring between the server and the terminal. One of the plurality of media contents stored in the side storage unit is selected, and the selected media contents are transmitted to the terminal.

According to a nineteenth aspect, media content that is optimally selected in accordance with a communication state can be distributed from a server to a terminal.

In a twentieth aspect based on the first aspect, a media content distribution system includes a plurality of said terminals, and the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit includes the degree of identification of at least one of the plurality of terminals for which the media content is available; The control unit allows the use of the media content if the terminal's identification information is included in the usage rules determined by the condition setting unit.

According to a twentieth aspect, it becomes possible to allow distributed media content to be used only at a particular terminal.

In a twenty-first aspect based on the first aspect, the usage rule determined by the conditioning unit includes an allowable section for use of the media content to be transmitted to the terminal, wherein the control unit is configured to the conditioning unit. Only the available portion, included in the usage rule determined by the rule, permits the use of the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a twenty-first aspect, it becomes possible to allow only certain portions of the distributed media content to be used by the user.

In a twenty-second aspect based on the first aspect, the terminal further comprises a history storage unit capable of storing a processing history at the processing unit, wherein the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit is allowable for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal. The number of uses, and the control unit allows the use of the media content until the allowable number of uses included in the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit is reached by referring to the processing history stored in the history storage unit. do.

According to the twenty second aspect, it becomes possible to limit the number of times of use of the distributed media content.

In a twenty-third aspect based on the first aspect, the terminal further comprises a history storage unit capable of storing a processing history at the processing unit, wherein the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit is allowable for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal. Use of the media content until the total allowable usage count included in the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit is reached, by referring to the processing history stored in the history storage unit, including the total usage count; Allow.

According to a twenty third aspect, it becomes possible to limit the amount of time of use of the distributed media content.

In a twenty-fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit includes an allowable usage period for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal, and the control unit determines if the current time is the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. Use of the media content is allowed if it is within the allowable usage period contained in.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, it becomes possible to limit the usage period of the distributed media content.

In a twenty-fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the server side storage unit stores the media content in an encrypted state, and the transmitting unit transmits the media content stored in the server side storage unit to the terminal in an encrypted state, and the receiving unit Receives the media content from the server in an encrypted state, and the processing unit decrypts and processes the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, the media content is encrypted and the terminal decrypts the media content within the scope of the usage rules. As a result, the use of media content by the user can be more effectively limited.

In a twenty sixth aspect based on the second aspect, the processing unit plays back the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a twenty sixth aspect, the user is allowed to play the media content within the scope of the usage rules.

In a twenty-seventh aspect based on the second aspect, the processing unit duplicates the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, a user is allowed to copy media content within the scope of the usage rules.

In a twenty-eighth aspect based on the second aspect, the processing unit edits the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a twenty eighth aspect, the user is allowed to edit the media content within the scope of the usage rules.

A twenty-ninth aspect is directed to a terminal for receiving media content distributed from a server via a communication network, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit capable of receiving media content and an executing program from a server; A storage unit capable of storing at least an execution program received by the receiving unit; A control unit allowing use of the media content within the scope of the usage rule determined by the server; And a processing unit capable of executing the execution program stored in the storage unit, as allowed by the control unit, and processing the media content received by the receiving unit.

According to a twenty ninth aspect, a terminal for use in a media content distribution system according to the first aspect may be provided.

A thirtieth aspect is directed to a media content distribution method of distributing media content from a server to a terminal via a communication network, the method comprising: being performed by a server, storing the media content and an executable program for processing the media content; step; Performed by the server, transmitting the stored media content and executable program to a terminal; A step performed by the server to determine usage rules for the media content to be sent to the terminal, and a step performed by the terminal to receive the media content and an executable program from the server; Performed by a terminal, at least storing a received executable program; Performed by the terminal to allow use of the media content within the scope of the usage rules determined by the server; And executing the stored executable program and processing the received media content as permitted in the step of allowing use of the media content.

According to a thirtieth aspect, a usage rule for media content to be transmitted to a terminal is determined, the terminal executing the distributed executing program within the scope of the usage rule determined at the server, and thus processing the distributed media content. In other words, the terminal processes the media content within the scope of the usage rules determined by the server. As a result, the use of media content by the user can be effectively limited.

A thirty-first aspect is directed towards encapsulated data that is distributed terminally from a server via a communication network, including: media content; An executable program for processing the media content; The usage rules for the terminal to run the executable program and process the media content as determined by the server for the media content.

According to a thirty first aspect, data to be transmitted from a server to a terminal in the media content distribution system according to the third aspect may be provided.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)

1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a media content distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The media content distribution system shown in FIG. 1 includes a server 1 and a plurality of terminals 2. The server 1 and each terminal 2 are connected to each other via a network 3 so as to communicate with each other. The server 1 stores the media content and an execution program for processing the media content. The server 1 distributes the media content and the executing program to each terminal 2 via the network 3. Each terminal 2 executes a distributed execution program to process the distributed media contents.

The use of media content by the user of the terminal has certain limitations. To realize such usage restrictions, a usage rule is set for each media content distributed from the server 1 in such a way that the terminal 2 is allowed to process the media content within the scope of the usage rule. More preferably, the media content is encrypted in advance, each terminal 2 decrypts the encrypted media content, and processes the decrypted media content within the scope of the usage rules. The key for decrypting the media content can be stored in the terminal 2 by being notified in advance to the user of each terminal 2, for example by the administrator of the server 1. Alternatively, the key may be provided from the server 1 to each terminal 2 at the same time that the executable program is provided (such as when embedded in the executable program).

The media content distributed from the server 1 may be, for example, video data and audio data such as a movie, a sports program, a music concert program or audio data such as a music album, for example. For example, one medium content corresponds to one movie or music album. As used herein, "use" of media content refers to the reproduction, duplication, or editing of media content, for example. Examples of execution programs for processing the media content include a media content reproduction program, a media content duplication program, and a media content editing program. Note that the media content is not limited to video data and audio data and may be, for example, a program such as game software or application software.

The usage rules set for the media content include, for example, an identifier indicating which users are allowed to use the media content and the allowable number of uses for that media content (e.g., media content is used up to 3 times). Can be allowed). Instead of the allowable number of uses, the usage rules may specify the total allowable usage time (eg, media content may be allowed to be used for up to 5 hours) or allowable usage period (eg, media content may be It may be allowed to be used from 10 months to 16 October 2001). Alternatively, the usage rules may include any two or more of the allowable use times, the total allowable use time, and the allowable use period. Moreover, usage rules may be set for a portion of the media content rather than the entire media content. In this case, the usage rule will further include an available portion (eg, it may be allowed to be used only for the first 30 minutes of the media content). Encapsulated data (hereinafter referred to as "capsules") containing media content, executable programs, and usage rules are distributed from server 1 to each terminal 2. Details of the capsule will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed structure of the server 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 may include, for example, a CPU, a RAM and a ROM. The server control program is stored in the ROM. The function of the server 1 (described later) is realized by a CPU executing a server-control program, in addition to a RAM used as a memory area. The storage unit 12 may be composed of, for example, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a drive device. The communication unit 13 is composed of a network connection device such as a modem or a terminal adapter, for example.

3 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 2 includes an input / output unit 21, a control unit 22, a communication unit 23, a memory unit 24, and a processing unit 25. The input / output unit 21 may consist of an input device, for example a keyboard and / or a touch panel, and an output device, for example a display and / or a speaker. The control unit 22 may include, for example, a CPU, a RAM and a ROM. The terminal control program is stored in the ROM. The function of the terminal 2 (described later) is realized by a CPU executing a terminal-control program, as well as a RAM used as a memory area. The communication unit 23 may be constituted by a network connection device such as a modem or a terminal adapter, for example. The memory unit 24 may be composed of, for example, a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. The processing unit 25 may be comprised of circuitry for processing video data and / or audio data, for example graphics boards and / or sound boards.

4 is a diagram illustrating details of the storage unit 12. FIG. 4 shows a storage unit 12a which is a more detailed representation of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1. The storage unit 12a internalizes the media content database 101 and the executable program database 102. The media content database 101 stores a plurality of media contents and a plurality of identifiers ("content ID") for each media content. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, three media contents are stored: "Content1.mpg", "Content2.mpg", and "Content3.mp4". The identifiers "Co0001", "Co0002", and "Co0003" are assigned to three media contents, respectively.

The execution program database 102 stores a plurality of execution programs and function information for each execution program. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, three executable programs are stored: "Program 1", "Program 2", "Program 3". Program 1 has a media content playback function, but there is no media content duplication function and media content editing function. Program 2 has a media content duplication function, but there is no media content playback function and media content editing function. Program 3 has a media content playback function and a media content duplication function but no media content editing function. In addition to the executable program illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the executable program having the media content editing function but no media content reproduction function and the media content duplication function, and / or the media content reproduction function, the media content duplication function, and the media content editing function. It will be appreciated that executable programs can be stored.

5 is a diagram illustrating a typical structure of a capsule transmitted from server 1 to each terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the capsule 111 includes a header portion 112 and a data portion 113. The header portion 112 stores the destination address 114 of the capsule 111. The data unit 113 stores the usage rule 115, the media content 116, and the execution program 117.

6 shows an example of a usage rule. The usage rule shown in FIG. 6 is described in Extensible Markup Language (XML). The elements included in this usage rule have the following meanings: The UsageRule element is a root element representing the usage rule of the media content. The usage rules are described in the section placed between the start tag <UsageRule> and the end tag </ UsageRule>. The content of each element is similarly described between the corresponding start tag <X> and the corresponding end tag </ X> (where X is any string). The ContentsID element represents an identifier of media content to which this usage rule applies. The UserID element represents the identifier of the user to whom this usage rule applies. The UserProgramID element is the identifier of the executable program to which this usage rule applies. However, the identifier described in the UserProgramID element not only defines the executable program but also specifies to which user the executable program will be distributed. Therefore, in the case where an execution program is distributed to a plurality of terminals, the execution programs distributed to each terminal are given different identifiers, respectively, and thus they are regarded as different programs.

The Permission element describes the allowed processing and the conditions for performing that processing. The Permission element has an attribute "action", which indicates the processing to be allowed. The contents of the Permission element (that is, the part between the start tag <Permission> and the end tag </ Permission>) describe the conditions for performing the processing. In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the attribute "action" is Replay, and the content of the Permission element describes a condition for performing the reproducing process as follows. The Section element represents the portion of media content that is permitted to be processed, as defined by the From element that indicates the beginning of that portion and the Until element that indicates the end of that portion. If there is no Section element, the entire media content is considered to be processed. On the other hand, a plurality of portions of the media content may be allowed to be processed, in which case there will be a plurality of Section elements. The Times element represents the maximum number of times that media content is allowed to be processed. The Period element represents a period in which processing of the media content is allowed, as defined by the From element indicating the start of the period and the Until element indicating the end of the period. The permission element illustrated in FIG. 6 indicates that the portion over the first 30 minutes is allowed to play up to three times during the period from October 10, 2001 to October 16, 2001.

Usage rules are distributed in encrypted form to prevent tampering. The key for decrypting the usage rule can be stored in the terminal 2, for example, by being notified in advance to the user of each terminal 2 from the administrator of the server 1. Alternatively, instead of notifying the key in advance, the key may be provided concurrently with the executable program (eg, embedded in the executable program). It will be appreciated that the usage rules shown in FIG. 6 are just one example. The description may be done in a manner other than XML, and other conditions may be added.

Each terminal 2 stores a processing history for each media content, and determines the availability of the media content by using the processing history. The processing history for the media content is stored in the memory unit 24. The control unit 22 updates the processing history stored in the memory unit 24 whenever the processing for the related media content is performed.

7 shows an example of the processing history. The processing history illustrated in FIG. 7 is described using XML as in the case of the usage rule illustrated in FIG. 6. Elements included in this processing history have the following meanings. The History element is a root element that indicates the processing history for the media content. The ContentsID element represents an identifier of the media content processed by the process described in this process history. The UserProgramID element represents an identifier of an execution program that has performed a process described in this process history. The AccessLog element describes the history of using the process described in the attribute "action", as indicated by the Times element (which indicates the number of processes) and the AccessDate element (which indicates the date of processing). The AccessLog element illustrated in FIG. 7 indicates that playback was performed once at 20:30 on October 11, 2001, in Japanese standard time.

The processing history is stored in encrypted form to prevent any changes. The key for encrypting and decrypting the processing history is embedded in the executing program. For example, the usage rule illustrated in FIG. 6 and the processing history illustrated in FIG. 7 are stored in the memory unit 24 as of October 12, 2001, and the control unit 22 is first to be present October 10, 2001. Confirm that it falls within the period between 1 and October 16, 2001, and confirms that the number of playbacks is 1, which is less than the allowable number of uses (ie, 3 in this example), and then the first 30 Allow parts over minutes to be played back.

8 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment. In all the flowcharts below, the step having a comment beginning with the label "S:" is a process performed by the server 1, and the step having a comment beginning with the label "T:" is performed by the terminal 2; It is a processing. In FIG. 8, the control unit 22 first determines whether a request to obtain a capsule has been input to the input / output unit 21 (step S1), and if the result of the determination is "no", the step ( Proceed to S3). If the result of the determination in step S1 is YES, a first capsule dispensing process (Fig. 9) is performed, through which the requested capsule is distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2 (step) (S2)).

In step S3, the control unit 22 determines whether a request to change the usage rule has been input to the input / output unit 21, and if the result of the determination is "no", proceed to step S5. do. If the result of the determination in step S3 is YES, the usage rule distribution process (Fig. 10) is performed, through which a new usage rule is distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2 (step ( S4)).

In step S5, the control unit 22 determines whether a request to the input / output unit 21 to change a usage rule requiring an update of the execution program has been entered, and if the result of the determination is "No" &Quot;, proceeds to step S7. If the result of the determination in step S5 is " Yes &quot;, then the usage rule and the distribution processing of another executable program (Fig. 11) are performed, whereby a new usage rule and another executable program are executed by the server 1; Is distributed from the terminal 2 to the terminal 2 (step S6).

In step S7, the control unit 22 determines whether a command to start processing has been received via the input / output unit 21, and if the result of the determination is "no", proceeds to step S10. do. If the result of the determination in step S7 is YES, the control unit 22 activates the execution program stored in the memory unit 24 (step S8), and according to the activated execution program, One media content process (Fig. 12) is performed (step S9).

In step S10, the control unit 22 determines whether or not to continue processing, and if the result of the determination is "yes", it returns to step S1. In this case, the processing from step S1 to step S9 is performed again. If the result of the determination in step S10 is "no", the control unit 22 stops the processing.

9 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S2. If step S1 in Fig. 8 determines that the request has been entered, the control unit 22 accepts the entered request (step S101). In step S101, for example, a request may be input to play the portion over the first 30 minutes of the media content " content 1.mpg " three times. Next, by the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 transmits the request accepted in step S101 to the server 1 via the network 3 (step S102).

By the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 of the server 1 receives a request sent from the terminal 2 (step S103). Next, the control unit 11 reads the media content and the executable program corresponding to the received request from the media content database 101 and the executable program database 102, respectively (step S104), and the usage rule for the media content. (Step S105). In step S105, the usage rule illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, may be generated. Thereafter, the control unit 11 encapsulates the media content read in step S104 and the execution program and usage rules generated in step S105 into the capsule 111 as shown in FIG. 5, and encapsulates the capsule 111. It transmits to the terminal 2 by the communication unit 13 (step S106).

The control unit 22 of the terminal 2 receives the capsule 111 transmitted from the server 1 by the communication unit 23 (step S107). Thereafter, the control unit 22 extracts the usage rule 115, the media content 116, and the execution program 117 from the received capsule 111, and stores them in the memory unit 24 (step S108). )). Thus, after the first capsule dispensing process is completed, step S3 of FIG. 8 is performed.

10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S4. If step S3 of Fig. 8 determines that the request has been entered, the control unit 22 accepts the entered request (step S121). In step S121, the use rule for the media content " content 1.mpg " is " can reproduce up to three times the portion over the first 30 minutes " 5) A request may be entered to change. Next, by the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 transmits the request accepted in step S121 to the server 1 via the network 3 (step S122).

By the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 of the server 1 receives a request sent from the terminal 2 (step S123). Next, the control unit 11 generates a new usage rule corresponding to the received request (step S124). In step S124, for example, a new usage rule is generated for the media content " content 1.mpg " stating that " the first part over 30 minutes can be played up to five times. &Quot; Next, the control unit 11 transmits the usage rule newly generated in step S124 to the terminal 2 by the communication unit 13 (step S125).

By the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 receives a new usage rule sent from the server 1 (step S126). Next, the control unit 22 overwrites the new usage rule received in step S126 to replace the usage rule stored in the memory unit 24. Thus, after updating the usage rule, step S5 of FIG. 8 is performed.

11 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S6. If step S5 of Fig. 8 determines that the request has been entered, the control unit 22 accepts the entered request (step S141). In step S141, a request is made to change the usage rule for the media content "Contents 1 .mpg" to be able to duplicate the portion once, such as "I can play the portion over the first 30 minutes up to three times". For example, it can be input. Then, by the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 transmits the request accepted in step S141 to the server 1 via the network 3 (step S142).

By the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 of the server 1 receives a request sent from the terminal 2 (step S143). Next, the control unit 11 reads another execution program (for example, an editing program) corresponding to the received request from the execution program database 102, and generates a new usage rule (step S145). In step S145, for example, a new usage rule is created for the media content " content 1.mpg " stating that " parts that span the first 30 minutes can be duplicated only once. &Quot; Next, the control unit 11 transmits another execution program read in step S144 and the new usage rule generated in step S145 to the terminal 2 by the communication unit 13 (step S146). ).

By the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 receives a new usage rule and another execution program transmitted from the server 1 (step S147). Next, the control unit 22 overwrites the new usage rule and another running program received in step S147 to replace the usage rule and the execution program stored in the memory unit 24, respectively. After this update of the usage rules and the executing program, step S7 of FIG. 8 is performed.

12 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S9. After activating the execution program in step S8 of FIG. 8, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the processing history for the media content to be processed is stored in the memory unit 24 (step S161). . If such processing history is not stored, the control unit 22 generates a processing history indicating "not processed" and stores the generated processing history in the memory unit 24 in encrypted form (step S162). )). If the associated process history is stored, the control unit 22 reads the process history from the memory unit 24 to decrypt the process history (step S163).

Next, the control unit 22 reads the usage rule from the memory unit 24 to decrypt the usage rule (step S164). Thereafter, the control unit 22 compares the processing history read in step S163 (or generated in step S162) with the usage rule read in step S164, and determines whether the use of the media content is permitted. (Step S166).

If the use of the media content is allowed, the control unit 22 instructs the processing unit 25 to read the indicated portion of the media content from the memory unit 24, and decrypts the read media content according to the usage rules. (Step S167). Next, the control unit 22 instructs the processing unit 25 to process the decrypted media content (step S168). In steps S167 and S168, for example, the portion over the first 30 minutes of the media content is read and decrypted from the memory unit 24 and thus played back. Thereafter, the control unit 22 generates a new processing history, encrypts a new processing history, and overwrites the new processing history to replace the processing history stored in the memory unit 24 (step S169).

If it is found in step S166 that the use of the media content is not allowed, the control unit 22 notifies this to the user via the input / output unit 21 (step S170). After the first media content processing is thus completed, step S10 of FIG. 8 is performed.

According to the above-described configuration, in order to determine the availability of the media content, the terminal 2 stores a processing history, and compares the stored processing history with the usage rule. Alternatively, the description of the usage rule can be updated instead of storing the processing history. For example, if the usage rule states that the media content can be "played up to three times" according to the configuration described above, the terminal 2 will keep the received usage rule intact and describe it as part of the processing history. The number of accesses made will be updated from 0 to-> once-> twice each time playback is performed, which continues until playback is prohibited as the number of accesses reaches three. Alternatively, the terminal 2 may update the allowable number of times described as part of the usage rule three times-> two times-> one time, which means that playback will resume as the allowable number of uses reaches zero. Continue until banned.

According to the above-described configuration, the server 1 encapsulates the usage rule, the media content, and the executable program into one capsule, which is distributed to the terminal 2. Alternatively, these three data may be distributed separately. Alternatively, any two of these three data may be encapsulated in a capsule to be dispensed and the remaining data may be distributed separately. Alternatively, the server 1 may distribute the usage rules in the form of embedded in the media content or executable program.

In the case where the usage rules are provided to the terminal 2 via a path outside the system, the server 1 only needs to distribute the media content and the executing program. In the case where usage rules and media content are provided to the terminal 2 via a path outside the system, the server 1 only needs to distribute the executing program. The method of providing usage rules and / or media content to the terminal 2 via a path external to the system may provide these data while stored on a removable recording medium such as, for example, a CD-ROM or a DVD, or a network ( And providing these data from an external server (not shown) connected to 3).

In accordance with the above-described configuration, the executing program is overwritten in response to a request from the user. Alternatively, the executable program can be overwritten at any other time (eg, when the version of the executable program is upgraded).

As described above, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the server 1 stores the media content and the execution program, and the server 1 distributes the media content and the execution program to the terminal 2. The terminal 2 executes the distributed execution program to process the distributed media content. The usage rule is set for the media content distributed from the server 1, and the terminal 2 processes the distributed media content within the scope of this usage rule. As a result, it is possible to impose some restrictions on the use of the distributed media content. For example, only a certain number of terminals may be allowed to use media content; The media content can only be reproduced while copying or editing is prohibited; Media content may be limited in terms of allowable number of uses, total allowable use time, and / or allowable duration; And / or only a portion of the media content may be made available. Thus, it is possible to limit the use of media content in various ways.

Furthermore, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, after the capsule containing the media content, the executable program, and the usage rules is distributed, new usage rules can be further distributed if necessary, thereby allowing the terminal to be distributed at any time. Change the usage rules stored in (2). For example, if a capsule containing a media content, a media content playback program, and a usage rule stating that "the media content can be played up to three times" is received, the terminal 2 will not be able to play the media after three times. The content can no longer be processed. In this case, the user of the terminal 2 may request to "play the media content two more times", in which case the terminal 2 sends the user's request to the server 1. In response, the server 1 may distribute a new usage rule to the terminal 2 stating that "the media content can be played up to five times". Upon receiving this new usage rule, the terminal 2 overwrites the new usage rule stating that "media content can be played up to five times", stating that "media content can be played up to three times". Replaces the usage rule, which is stored in the memory unit 24. Since the processing history stored in the memory unit 24 indicates that the media content has been "played three times", the terminal 2 can now play the media content twice more.

Furthermore, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, after the capsule containing the media content, the executable program, and the usage rule is distributed, another executable program and a new usage rule may be further distributed if necessary, This can overwrite another executable program and a new usage rule to replace each executable program and usage rule stored in the terminal 2. For example, consider the case of the example illustrated above. That is, the media content has been played three times, after which the user makes a request to "copy the media content." In this case, the terminal 2 sends the user's request to the server 1 and in response, the server 1 replicates the media content and the new usage rule stating that "the media content can be replicated once." The program can be sent to the terminal 2. Upon receiving the media content duplication program and the new usage rules, the terminal 2 overwrites the media content duplication program to replace the media content playback program stored in the memory unit 24, and the " media content is played up to three times. &Quot; Overwrites the new usage rule stating that "media content can be duplicated once" to replace the usage rule stating "can be done." Since the process history stored in the memory unit 24 indicates that the media content has been " played three times &quot; (i.e., no history related to duplication so far exists), the terminal 2 now displays the media content. It is allowed to replicate once. Once the duplication is performed, the processing history is rewritten to state that the media content has been "played three times and copied once", after which the duplication of the media content will be prohibited.

According to the first embodiment, the media content, the execution program, the usage rules are distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2 and then managed by the terminal 2. In order to prevent unauthorized duplication of media content or alteration of usage rules at terminal 2, media content and usage rules are distributed in encrypted form. In consideration of the possibility that the decryption key or the like for the media content and the usage rule may be leaked, the media content and / or the usage rule are managed under the server 1 as illustrated in the second to fourth embodiments below. It is also possible to put.

The second embodiment adopts a method in which the media content and the executing program are distributed to the terminal 2, and the usage rules are kept under management at the server 1. The third embodiment adopts a method in which an executable program and a usage rule are distributed to the terminal 2, and the media content is kept under management at the server 1. The fourth embodiment adopts a method in which an executable program is distributed to the terminal 2, and the media content and usage rules are kept managed in the server 1. Thus, by keeping the usage rule and / or the media content under the management in the server 1, it becomes possible to prevent unauthorized duplication of the media content or the arbitrary change of the usage rule in the terminal 2.

(Second embodiment)

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the media content and the executing program are distributed to the terminal, while the usage rules are kept under management at the server. Thus, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment, in which the media content, executable program, and usage rules are distributed to the terminal. The difference from the first embodiment will now be described in detail.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment has the configuration illustrated in Figs. 13 is a diagram illustrating details of the storage unit 12 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a storage unit 12b, which is a more detailed representation of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1. The storage unit 12b internalizes the media content database 101, the execution program database 102, and the usage rule / process history database 103. Since the details of the media content database 101 and the execution program database 102 are similar to those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), the description thereof is omitted from FIG.

The usage rule / process history database 103 stores a UserProgramID element, UsageRule element, and History element for the execution program previously distributed to the terminal 2. Each UserProgramID element represents an identifier of an executing program. However, as in the case of the first embodiment, the identifier described in the UserProgramID element not only defines the executable program, but also specifies to which user the executable program is distributed. Each UsageRule element and each History element are the same as those stored in the memory unit 24 according to the first embodiment. For example, each UsageRule element and each History element may have a data structure shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

14 is an illustration illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted from server 1 to each terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 14, the capsule 211 includes a header portion 212 and a data portion 213. The header portion 212 stores the destination address 214 of the capsule 211. The data portion 213 stores the media content 216 and the executable program 217.

In the first embodiment described above, the usage rules are distributed to the terminal 2 and stored in the memory unit 24, and the processing history for the media content is generated by the terminal 2 and stored in the memory unit 24. do. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the usage rules are stored in the storage unit 12 rather than being distributed to the terminal 2. The processing history for the media content is generated by the server 1 and stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, when the terminal 2 processes the media content, the terminal 2 notifies the server 1 of the details of the processing, and the server 1 based on the notification from the terminal 2, the storage unit. The processing history stored in (12) is rewritten.

15 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 except for steps S22, S24, S26, and S29. Now, the details of steps S22, S24, S26 and S29 will be described.

16 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S22. When a request is input in step S21 of FIG. 15, steps S201 to S205 are performed. Steps S201 to S205 are identical to those of steps S101 to S105 of FIG. 9 except that according to the present embodiment, the usage rule is never encrypted since it will never be changed at the terminal 2. same.

Next, the control unit 11 encapsulates the executable program and the media content read in step S204 into a capsule 211 as shown in FIG. 14, and by the communication unit 13 into a terminal 2. 112). Furthermore, the control unit 11 stores the usage rule generated in step S205 in the usage rule / process history database 103 (step S206).

By the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 receives the capsule 211 transmitted from the server 1 (step S207). Thereafter, the control unit 22 extracts the media content 216 and the execution program 217 from the received capsule 211 and stores them in the memory unit 24 (step S208). Thus, after the second capsule dispensing process is completed, step S23 of FIG. 15 is performed.

17 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S24. When a request is input in step S23 of FIG. 15, steps S221 to S224 are performed. Steps S221 to S224 are identical to steps S121 to S124 of FIG. 10 except that according to the present embodiment, the usage rules are never encrypted because they will never be tampered with in the terminal 2. same.

Thereafter, the control unit 11 overwrites the new usage rule generated in step S224 to replace the usage rule stored in the usage rule / process history database 103 (step S225). Thus, after the usage rule overwrite processor is completed, step S25 of FIG. 15 is performed.

18 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S26. When a request is input in step S25 of FIG. 15, steps S241 to S245 are performed. Steps S241 to S245 are identical to steps S141 to S145 of FIG. 11 except that according to the present embodiment, the usage rule is never encrypted since it will never be tampered with in the terminal 2. same.

Thereafter, the control unit 11 transmits another execution program read in step S244 to the terminal 2 by the communication unit 13 and replaces the usage rule stored in the storage unit 12. The new usage rule generated at S245 is overwritten.

By the communication unit 23, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 receives another execution program transmitted from the server 1 (step S247). Next, the control unit 22 overwrites another execution program received in step S247 to replace the execution program stored in the memory unit 24. Thus, after completion of the update of the usage rule in the server 1 and the update of the execution program in the terminal 2, step S27 of Fig. 15 is performed.

19 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S29. After the execution program is activated in step S28 of FIG. 15, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 determines whether the processing history for the media content to be processed is stored in the usage rule / processing history database 103. (Step S261). In step S261, the query is sent from the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 to the control unit 11 of the server 1, and the reply is sent in the opposite direction. If such processing history is not stored in the server 1, the control unit 22 generates a processing history indicating "not processed", and the generated processing history is used in the usage rule / processing history database 103. Ensure that it is stored (step S262). In step S262, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 transmits a processing history indicating "not processed" to the control unit 11 of the server 1. If the relevant process history is stored in the server 1, the control unit 22 obtains the process history from the usage rule / process history database 103 via the network 3 (step S263).

Next, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 obtains the usage rule from the usage rule / process history database 103 via the network 3 (step S264). Thereafter, the control unit 22 compares the processing history obtained in step S263 (or generated in step S262) with the usage rule obtained in step S264 (step S265), and the It is determined whether the use is allowed (step S266).

If the use of the media content is allowed, step S267 and step S268 are performed. Steps S267 and S268 are the same as steps S167 and S168 of FIG. 12. Next, the control unit 22 of the terminal 2 notifies the control unit 11 of the server 1 of the details of the processing in step S268 (step S269).

Upon receiving notification of the details of the processing, the control unit 11 of the server 1 generates a new processing history and generates a new processing history to replace the processing history stored in the usage rule / process history database 103. Overwrite (step S270).

If it is found in step S266 that the use of the media content is not allowed, the control unit 22 notifies this to the user via the input / output unit 21 (step S271). Thus, after the second media content processing is completed, step S30 of Fig. 15 is performed.

As in the first embodiment, it is also applicable in this embodiment to update the usage rules or store the media content and the executing program separately without storing the processing history to determine the availability of the media content. According to the above-described configuration, the usage rule is obtained from the server 1 before the terminal 2 processes the media content, and the availability of the media content is determined based on the obtained usage rule. Alternatively, the server 1 may determine the availability of the media content based on the usage rules stored in the server 1 and notify the terminal 2 of the result of the determination. If such a configuration is adopted, an availability determination program may be added to the ROM included in the control unit 11, and the availability determination function (eg, the availability determination subroutine) is transferred to the terminal 2. It can be omitted from the executable program being distributed. According to the above-described configuration, the server 1 generates and stores a usage rule. Alternatively, separate servers can create usage rules to be stored in server 1.

As described above, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the media content and the executing program are distributed to the terminal, while the usage rules are kept under management at the server. As a result, in addition to the effect obtained according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent arbitrary change of the usage rule in the terminal.

(Third embodiment)

According to the third embodiment, the executable program and the usage rules are distributed to the terminal, while the media content is stored under management at the server. Thus, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment, where the media content, executable programs, and usage rules are distributed to the terminal. Now, the difference from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment has a configuration as illustrated in Figs. The structure of the storage unit 12 is the same as that of the storage unit 12 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). However, in this embodiment, the media content is stored in the media content database 101 without being encrypted.

20 is an illustration illustrating a typical structure of a capsule transmitted from server 1 to terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 20, the capsule 311 includes a header portion 312 and a data portion 313. The header portion 312 stores the destination address 314 of the capsule 311. The data unit 313 stores the usage rule 315 and the execution program 317.

In this embodiment, the usage rules and the processing history are processed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Although the first embodiment works in such a way that the media content is distributed to the terminal 2 and stored in the memory unit 24, the present embodiment does not distribute the media content to the terminal 2 but the storage unit of the server 1. Characterized in that it remains stored in (12). Only when the terminal 2 activates the executable program to process the media content is the media content actually read from the storage unit 12 and transmitted to the processing unit 25 of the terminal 2. The processing unit 25 continues to receive the media content from the server 1 via the network 3 as the received media content is processed by the processing unit 25. Such a process is generally called "streaming".

21 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 21 is identical to the flowchart of FIG. 8 except for step S42 and step S49. Now, the details of steps S42 and S49 will be described.

22 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S42. The flowchart of FIG. 22 is identical to the flowchart of FIG. 9 except for the following three steps. First, in step S304 the control unit 11 reads the execution program corresponding to the received request from the execution program database 102, in which case it does not read the media content. Secondly, in step S306 the control unit 11 encapsulates the executable program read in step S304 and the usage rule generated in step S305 into a capsule 311 as shown in FIG. 20, the capsule. 311 is transmitted by the communication unit 13 to the terminal 2, in which case the media content is not encapsulated into a capsule 311 for transmission. Thirdly, in step S308 the control unit 22 extracts the usage rule 315 and the execution program 317 from the received capsule 311 and stores it in the memory unit 24. Here, it will be appreciated that the control unit 22 does not extract media content from the capsule 311. After the third capsule dispensing process is thus completed, step S43 of FIG. 21 is performed.

23 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S49. The flowchart of FIG. 23 is identical to the flowchart of FIG. 12 except for step S367. In step S367, the control unit 22 issues a command to the processing unit 25 to receive the media content from the media content database 101 via the network 3, and according to the usage rules, the media content to be processed. Handle the indicated portion of the. As a result, for example, the portion over the first 30 minutes of the media content can be read from the server 1 and played back. After the third media content processing is thus completed, step S50 of FIG. 21 is performed.

As in the first embodiment, it is also applicable in this embodiment to update the usage rules without storing the processing history to determine the availability of the media content, or to transmit the execution program and the usage rules separately. According to the above-described configuration, the media content is stored in the server 1 without being encrypted. Alternatively, the media content may be stored in encrypted form; In this case, in step S367 the terminal 2 decrypts the media content received from the server 1 and processes it.

As described above, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the executable program and the usage rules are distributed to the terminal, while the media content is stored under management at the server. As a result, in addition to the effect obtained according to the first embodiment, it becomes possible to prevent unauthorized duplication of the media content in the terminal.

(Example 4)

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the executable program is distributed to the terminal, while the media content and usage rules are kept under management at the server. Thus, the fourth embodiment is different from the second embodiment, in which the media content and the executing program are distributed to the terminals, and usage rules are kept under management at the server. Now, the difference from the second embodiment will be described in detail.

As in the first and second embodiments, the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment has a configuration as illustrated in Figs. The structure of the storage unit 12 is the same as that of the storage unit 12 in the second embodiment (see FIG. 13). However, in this embodiment, the media content is stored in the media content database 101 unencrypted, as in the case of the third embodiment.

24 is an illustration illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted from server 1 to terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 24, the capsule 411 includes a header portion 412 and a data portion 413. Header portion 412 stores the destination address 414 of capsule 411. The data portion 413 stores the execution program 417.

In this embodiment, the usage rules and the processing history are processed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the media content is processed in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

25 is a main flowchart illustrating the operation of the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 25 is identical to the flowchart of FIG. 15 except for steps S62 and S69. Now, the details of steps S62 and S69 will be described.

26 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S62. The flowchart of FIG. 26 is identical to the flowchart of FIG. 16 except for the following three steps. Firstly, step S404 is the same as step S304 of Fig. 22, where the control unit 11 does not read the media content. Secondly, in step S406, the control unit 11 encapsulates the execution program read in step S404 into a capsule 411 as shown in FIG. 24, and the capsule 411 is communicated by the communication unit 13. And the usage rule generated in step S405 is stored in the usage rule / process history database 103, in which case the media content is not encapsulated into a capsule 411 for transmission. Thirdly, in step S408, the control unit 22 extracts the execution program 417 from the received capsule 411 and stores the execution program 417 in the memory unit 24. Here, it will be appreciated that the control unit 22 does not extract media content from the capsule 411. After the fourth capsule dispensing system is thus completed, step S63 of FIG. 25 is performed.

27 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S69. The flowchart of FIG. 27 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 19 except step S467. Step S467 is the same as step S367 of FIG. After the fourth media content processing is thus completed, step S70 of FIG. 25 is performed.

As in the first embodiment, it is also applicable in this embodiment to update the usage rule without storing the processing history to determine the availability of the media content. As in the second embodiment, it is seen that the server 1 determines the availability of the media content based on the usage rules stored in the server 1 itself, and notifies the terminal 2 of the result of the determination. It is also applicable in the examples. As in the third embodiment, storing the media content in the encrypted form in the server 1 is also applicable in this embodiment.

As described above, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the execution program is distributed to the terminal 2, while the media content and usage rules are kept under the management of the server 1. As a result, in addition to the result obtained according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent unauthorized duplication of the media content and arbitrary change of the usage rule in the terminal 2.

In the media content distribution system according to one of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, a billing function, a middleware distribution function, an optional distribution function such as media content, and other functions may be added. Now, an additional embodiment based on the first embodiment will be described, where one of the additional functions described above is additionally introduced.

(Example 5)

The media content distribution system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is based on the first embodiment, where a billing function is additionally introduced. In this embodiment, billing processing for the terminal (ie, the user of the terminal) is performed at the server.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment has a configuration as illustrated in Figs. 28 is a diagram illustrating details of the storage unit 12 according to the present embodiment. 28 shows a storage unit 12c, which is a more detailed representation of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1. The storage unit 12c internalizes the media content database 101, the execution program database 102, and the billing information database 104. Since the details of the media content database 101 and the execution program database 102 are similar to those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), the description thereof is omitted from FIG.

The billing information database 104 stores an identifier (user ID) of a user of the terminal 2, billing information associated with each user, and a bill of materials. The billing information represents the sum that the user of each terminal 2 will pay to the provider of the media content. The fee schedule describes the fee for using each media content stored in the media content database 101. More specifically, the fee schedule describes the fee for each media content based on the available portion, mode of use (e.g., playback, duplication, or editing), the number of allowable uses, the total allowable use time, the allowable duration, etc. do.

The media content distribution system according to this embodiment operates according to the flowchart based on the flowchart shown in Figs. 8 to 12, and billing processing is additionally introduced at three places. Specifically, billing processing is inserted at each point immediately after the usage rule is generated, that is, immediately after step S105 (Fig. 9), step S124 (Fig. 10), and step S145 (Fig. 11).

29 is a flowchart illustrating details of billing processing. The billing process is performed by the control unit 11 immediately after the usage rule is generated. Based on the billing table stored in the billing information database 104, the control unit 11 calculates a fee according to the generated usage rule (step S501). Next, the control unit 11 finds the user of the terminal 2 which is the payee of the usage rule from the billing information database 104 (step S502). Thereafter, the control unit 11 adds the charge calculated in step S501 to the billing information for the user detected in step S502 (step S503). Through such billing processing, a fee in accordance with the generated usage rules is calculated. By summing up such charges, the total billing for each user can be determined.

According to the present embodiment, payment of the usage fee is made on a predetermined date (for example, 15 days per month) based on the billing information stored in the billing information database 104. The payment of the usage fee can be made automatically, for example, by the server 1 communicating with a host computer (not shown) of a bank or credit card company via the network 3.

As described above, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the server charges the terminal according to the set usage rule. The usage rules may include, for example, the available portion (of the media content), the allowable number of uses, the total allowable use time, and the allowable use period. By adopting the available portion, it becomes possible to charge a fee according to the length of the portion in which the media content is used. By adopting an acceptable number of uses, it becomes possible to charge for the number of times the media content has been used. By adopting the total allowable usage time, it becomes possible to charge a fee according to the amount of time the media content has been used. By adopting an acceptable term of use, it becomes possible to charge a fee according to the length of the term of use permitted for the media content. It is also possible to charge a fee according to the mode of use (eg, playback, copying, editing) of the media content. As a result, the user of the terminal will only need to pay a fee based on the extent to which the user actually used the media content.

Although a prepaid method in which billing is performed at the time a usage rule is created is employed in the above configuration, alternatively a "postpaid" method may be employed, in which billing is used by the user to actually use the media content. When it is done. In this case, the control unit 11 can calculate the fee by referring to the processing history notified from each terminal 2.

(Example 6)

The media content distribution system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is based on the first embodiment, where a middleware distribution function is additionally introduced. When there are terminals with varying hardware configurations or operating system (OS) environments, it may be practically impossible for any of the terminals to run any executable program distributed from the server. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the middleware is distributed from the server to the terminal along with the executing program. Middleware is used to construct an operating environment for an executable program.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment has a configuration as illustrated in Figs. 30 is a diagram illustrating details of the storage unit 12 according to the present embodiment. 30 shows a storage unit 12d, which is a more detailed representation of the storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1. The storage unit 12d internalizes the media content database 101, the executable program database 102, and the middleware database 105. Since the details of the media content database 101 and the execution program database 102 are similar to those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), the description thereof is omitted from FIG.

If multiple types of hardware and / or OS are being used by the terminals 2, the middleware database 105 stores a corresponding plurality of middleware programs. FIG. 30 shows "middleware 1", "middleware 2" in the case where the hardware and / or OS being used by the terminals 2 can be classified into "environment α", "environment β", "environment γ", and the like. , A middleware program such as "middleware 3" is stored in the middleware database 105. It is assumed that any executable program stored in the executable program database 102 can operate on all middleware programs stored in the middleware database 105.

The media content distribution system according to the present embodiment operates in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 31, and 33. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S2 of FIG. 8. The flowchart of FIG. 31 is identical to the flowchart of FIG. 9 except for the following five steps. First, when sending the request accepted in step S601 to the server 1 in step S602, the control unit 22 is informed about the hardware and / or OS being used in the terminal 2 (hereinafter referred to as "environmental information). &Quot; " is included in the transfer request. Secondly, in step S606, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the executable program read in step S604 is executable by the recipient terminal 2 based on the environmental information transmitted in step S602. do. Third, if the result of the determination in step S606 is no, the control unit 11 reads from the middleware database 105 in step S608 a middleware program compatible with the terminal 2. Fourthly, in step S609, the control unit 11 encapsulates the executable program and the media content read in step S604, the usage rule generated in step S605, and the middleware program read in step S608. The capsule is transmitted by the communication unit 13 to the terminal 2. Fifthly, in step S611, the control unit 22 extracts the usage rules, media content, and execution program from the capsule received in step S610, stores them in the memory unit 24, and stores them in the capsule. Similar processing is applied to any middleware program included. Thus, according to step S2 in which the middleware distribution function is further integrated, it is possible to distribute the middleware to the terminal 2 at the time of distributing the execution program, if necessary.

32 is an illustration illustrating an exemplary structure of a capsule transmitted from server 1 to terminal 2 in step S609. As shown in FIG. 32, the capsule 611 includes a header portion 612 and a data portion 613. The header portion 612 stores the destination address 614 of the capsule 611. The data unit 613 stores the usage rule 615, the media content 616, the execution program 617, and the middleware program 618.

33 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S6 of FIG. 8. The flowchart of FIG. 33 is identical to the flowchart of FIG. 11 except for the following six steps. First, step S642 is the same as step S602 of FIG. Secondly, step S646 is the same as step S606 of FIG. Thirdly, step S648 is the same as step S608 of FIG. 31. Fourthly, in step S649, the control unit 11 uses the communication unit 13 to read the execution program read in step S644, the usage rule generated in step S645, and the middleware program read in step S648. Transfer to terminal (2). Fifth, when receiving a new usage rule and another executable program transmitted from the server 1 by the communication unit 23 in step S650, the control unit 22 also, if present, executes the middleware program. Receive. Sixth, when overwriting the new usage rule and another execution program received in step S650 in step S651 to replace the usage rule and the execution program stored in the memory unit 24, the control unit 22 ) Applies similar processing to any middleware program received in step S650. According to step S6 in which the middleware distribution function is additionally introduced, when distributing a new execution program to the terminal 2, it becomes possible to distribute middleware, if necessary.

Before activating the execution program in step S8 of FIG. 8, the control unit 22 activates the middleware program stored in the memory unit 24. As a result, an operating environment for executing the distributed execution program from the server 1 and processing the distributed media content is configured in the terminal 2.

As described above, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, if the terminal 2 fails to execute an executable program due to an incompatibility problem related to the hardware and / or OS of the terminal 2, the terminal 2 cannot be executed. Middleware programs compatible with the hardware and / or OS being used are distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2 together with the executable program. As a result, despite the variety of hardware and / or OS, etc., it becomes possible to execute an executable program in various types of terminals 2 and to process distributed media content.

(Example 7)

The media content distribution system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is based on the first embodiment, where an optional distribution function of media content and the like are additionally introduced. According to this embodiment, the selected media content and / or executable program is distributed from the server to the terminal according to factors such as the terminal's processing capacity, communication status, and the like.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment has a configuration as illustrated in Figs. The structure of the storage unit 12 is the same as that of the storage unit 12 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, in order to realize an optional distribution system for media content and the like, the media content database 101 stores a plurality of media contents directed to the same content, and the executable program database 102 provides the same function. Stores a plurality of executable programs. More specifically, executable database 102 stores a plurality of executable programs that provide the same functionality but require different levels of processing power. The media content database 101 stores a plurality of media contents that aim at the same contents but require different levels of processing power, or store a plurality of media contents which aim at the same contents but have different amounts of data per unit time.

In order to realize selective distribution of media content or the like, the server 1 uses the tables illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35. The table in FIG. 34 shows the correspondence between the executable program stored in the executable program database 102, the function of the executable program, and the processing capability of the terminal 2. Each row of the table corresponds to some function of the executing program, while each column of the table corresponds to some processing power of the terminal 2. The table in FIG. 34 illustrates the following points. That is, if the given terminal 2 has processing capacity equivalent to that of the personal computer ("PC"), the media content playing program "Program 11", the media content playing and duplication program "Program 21", the medium The content duplication program "Program 31", the media content editing program "Program 41" is available; If a given terminal 2 has processing capacity equivalent to that of the mobile telephone, the media content reproduction program "Program 21" is available. Similar reading applies to the columns corresponding to the terminal 2 having processing capacity equivalent to that of the set-top box ("STB") or personal digital assistant ("PDA"). A column marked with "-" instead of a program name indicates that there is no corresponding executable program for that column.

The table of FIG. 35 shows the correspondence between the media content, the content ID, and the encoding method stored in the media content database 101. Each row of the table corresponds to a certain content ID, while each column of the table corresponds to a certain encoding method. Note that the same content ID is assigned to media content that is directed to the same content, although the encoding methods are different. The table in FIG. 35 illustrates the following. That is, as a result of encoding the media content having the content ID "Co0001" by using the MPEG2 fast bit-rate method, the MPEG2 low bit-rate method, the MPEG4 fast bit-rate method, or the MPEG4 low bit-rate method, the " contents " 1-2H.mpg "," content 1-2L.mpg "," content 1-4H.mp4 ", or" content 1-4L.mp4 "are obtained, respectively. Similar reading applies to any medium content having a content ID other than "Co0001".

At least one of the tables shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 is stored in the control unit 11 or the storage unit 12. Using these tables, the control unit 11 selects and distributes the media content or the execution program in the following manner. In the flowcharts of FIGS. 8-12, the media content is selected in step S104 of FIG. 9, and the executable program is selected in step S104 of FIG. 9 and step S144 of FIG. 11.

In a first example, server 1 may select and distribute an executable program based on the processing power of terminal 2. In this case, before distributing the executing program, the server 1 receives information related to the processing capability of the terminal 2 (for example, processing capability of the terminal 2, memory capacity, and the like), and is shown in FIG. 34. By selecting the execution program according to the processing capability of the terminal 2 by referring to the table, the selected execution program is transmitted to the terminal 2. As a result, the execution program optimally selected according to the processing capability of the terminal 2 is transmitted. It can be distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2.

In a second example, server 1 may select and distribute media content based on the processing capability of terminal 2. In this case, before distributing the media content, the server 1 receives the information related to the processing capability of the terminal 2, and the media content according to the processing capability of the terminal 2 is received by referring to the table shown in FIG. Select and transmit the selected media content to the terminal 2 As a result, the media content optimally selected in accordance with the processing capacity of the terminal 2 can be distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2. Note the following: That is, in the first and second examples, the server 1 may receive from the terminal 2 the encoding method (s) executable by the specific terminal 2 as information relating to the processing power of the terminal 2. The media content may be selected based on such information.

In a third example, the server 1 may select and distribute media content based on the status of the communication occurring between the server 1 and the terminal 2. In this case, before distributing the media content, the server 1 monitors the state of the network 3, thus selecting the media content and distributing the selected media content to the terminal 2 accordingly. For example, if the bandwidth of the network 3 is suitable, the server 1 can select the media content encoded with the MPEG4 fast bit-rate method, and if the bandwidth of the network 3 is relatively insufficient, the MPEG4 Media content encoded with a slow bit-rate method can be selected. As a result, the media content optimally selected according to the communication state can be distributed from the server 1 to the terminal 2.

As described above, in the media content distribution system according to the present embodiment, the media content or the execution program that is optimally selected according to the processing capability or the communication state of the terminal can be distributed from the server to the terminal. Note the following: That is, selective distribution of media content and selective distribution of executable programs are separate functions, and the server 1 may have only one of these functions.

Therefore, the media content distribution system according to the fifth to seventh embodiments is based on the media content distribution system according to the first embodiment, and a billing function, a middleware distribution function, a selective distribution function of the media content, etc. are additionally introduced. . It will be appreciated that any combination of these three functions may be additionally introduced into the media content distribution system according to the first embodiment. It will also be appreciated that any combination of these three functions may be additionally introduced into the media content distribution system according to the second, third or fourth embodiment, as applied to the first embodiment.

The first to seventh embodiments and variations thereof described above illustrate the case where media content and executable programs (and usage rules, if necessary) are distributed from a single server 1. Alternatively, the distribution function for these three kinds of data may be distributed to a plurality of servers. For example, a media content distribution system may include first to third servers, such that a first server distributes media content, a second server distributes an executable program, and a third server distributes usage rules. Can be.

In the course of which the invention is described in detail, the foregoing description is in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. It is understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As described above, in the media content distribution system of the present invention, the server determines a usage rule for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal executes the distributed execution program within the range of the usage rule determined at the server. As a result, the use of media content by the user can be effectively limited.

Claims (31)

In a media content distribution system comprising a server and a terminal and distributing media content over a communication network, The server is: A server-side storage unit that stores media content and an execution program for processing the media content; A transmission unit for transmitting the media content and the executable program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal; And A condition setting unit for determining a usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, The terminal is: A receiving unit which receives the media content and the executable program from the server; A terminal side storage unit for storing at least the execution program received by the receiving unit; A control unit which permits the use of the media content within the scope of the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit; And And a processing unit which executes the execution program stored in the server-side storage unit and processes the media content received by the receiving unit as permitted by the control unit. system. The method of claim 1, The media content stored in the server-side storage unit includes video data and / or audio data, And the condition setting unit determines the usage rule in terms of a usage mode including at least playback. The method of claim 1, Before using the media content, the transmitting unit transmits the usage rule determined by the media content stored in the server-side storage unit, the execution program and the condition setting unit to the terminal, The receiving unit receives the media content, the executable program, the usage rule from the server, The terminal side storage unit stores the media content received by the receiving unit, the executable program, the usage rule, At the point of use of the media content, the control unit allows the use of the media content in accordance with the usage rule stored in the terminal side storage unit, And said processing unit processes said media content stored in said terminal-side storage unit. The method of claim 3, wherein When the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal side storage unit, The sending unit sends the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit to the terminal, The receiving unit receives the new usage rule from the server, And the terminal-side storage unit updates the stored usage rule with the new usage rule received by the receiving unit. The method of claim 3, wherein When a new executable program is needed to use the media content in the terminal, The condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal-side storage unit, The sending unit transmits the new execution program stored in the server-side storage unit and the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit to the terminal, The receiving unit receives the new execution program and the new usage rule from the server, And the terminal-side storage unit updates the executable program and the usage rule stored therein with the new executable program and the new usage rule received by the receiving unit, respectively. The method of claim 1, The server-side storage unit further stores the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit, The transmitting unit transmits the media content and the executable program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal before using the media content, and transmits the usage rule stored in the server-side storage unit. Transmit to the terminal at the time of use of the content, The receiving unit receives the media content, the executable program, the usage rule from the server, The terminal-side storage unit stores the media content and the executable program received by the receiving unit, The second unit allows the use of the media content in accordance with the usage rules received by the receiving unit at the time of use of the media content, And said processing unit processes said media content stored in said terminal-side storage unit. The method of claim 6, When the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal side storage unit, And the server-side storage unit updates the stored usage rule with the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. The method of claim 6, When a new executable program is needed to use the media content in the terminal, The condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content stored in the terminal-side storage unit, The server-side storage unit updates the stored usage rule with the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit, The transmitting unit transmits the new executable program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal, The receiving unit receives the new execution program from the server, And the terminal side storage unit updates the stored executable program with the new executable program received by the receiving unit. The method of claim 1, The transmitting unit transmits the usage rules determined by the execution program and the condition setting unit stored in the server side storage unit to the terminal before using the media content, and is stored in the server side storage unit. Transmit the media content to the terminal during use of the media content, The receiving unit receives the media content, the executable program, the usage rule from the server, The terminal-side storage unit stores the execution program and the usage rule received by the receiving unit, At the time of use of the media content, the control unit allows the use of the media content according to the usage rule stored in the terminal side storage unit, And the processing unit processes the media content received by the receiving unit while the receiving unit receives the media content. The method of claim 9, When the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, The sending unit sends the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit to the terminal, The receiving unit receives the new usage rule from the server, And the terminal-side storage unit updates the stored usage rule with the new usage rule received by the receiving unit. The method of claim 9, When a new executable program is needed to use the media content in the terminal, The condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, The sending unit transmits the new execution program stored in the server-side storage unit and the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit to the terminal, The receiving unit receives the new execution program and the new usage rule from the server, And the terminal-side storage unit updates the executable program and the usage rule stored therein with the new executable program and the new usage rule received by the receiving unit, respectively. The method of claim 1, The server-side storage unit further stores the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit, The transmitting unit transmits the executable program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal before using the media content, and transmits the usage rule stored in the server-side storage unit using the media content. Send the media content stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal during use of the media content, The receiving unit receives the media content, the executable program, the usage rule from the server, The terminal-side storage unit stores the executable program received by the receiving unit, The control unit permits the use of the media content in accordance with the usage rule received by the receiving unit at the time of use of the media content, And the processing unit processes the media content received by the receiving unit while the receiving unit receives the media content. The method of claim 12, When the condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, And the server-side storage unit updates the stored usage rule with the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. The method of claim 12, When a new executable program is needed to use the media content in the terminal, The condition setting unit determines a new usage rule for the media content to be sent to the terminal, The server-side storage unit updates the stored usage rule with the new usage rule determined by the condition setting unit, The transmitting unit transmits the new executable program stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal, The receiving unit receives the new execution program from the server, And the terminal side storage unit updates the stored executable program with the new executable program received by the receiving unit. The method of claim 1, And the server further comprises a billing unit that performs billing processing on the terminal in accordance with the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. The method of claim 1, The server side storage unit further stores middleware for configuring an operating environment for the executable program stored in the terminal side storage unit, The sending unit further sends the middleware stored in the storage unit to the terminal, The receiving unit further receives the middleware from the server, The terminal-side storage unit stores at least the executable program and the middleware received by the receiving unit, Under the operating environment configured by the middleware stored in the terminal side storage unit, the processing unit executes the execution program stored in the terminal side storage unit and processes the media content received by the receiving unit. And a media content distribution system. The method of claim 1, The server-side storage unit stores a plurality of the executable programs that provide the same function but require different levels of processing power, And the transmitting unit selects one of the plurality of executable programs stored in the server-side storage unit according to the processing capability of the terminal, and transmits the selected executable program to the terminal. The method of claim 1, The server-side storage unit stores a plurality of the media contents oriented at the same content but requiring different levels of processing power, And the transmitting unit selects one of the plurality of media contents stored in the server-side storage unit according to the processing capability of the terminal, and transmits the selected media content to the terminal. The method of claim 1, The server-side storage unit stores a plurality of the media contents directed to the same content but different in data amount per unit time, And the transmission unit selects one of the plurality of media contents stored in the server-side storage unit according to the communication state between the server and the terminal, and transmits the selected media content to the terminal. Content distribution system. The method of claim 1, The media content distribution system includes a plurality of the terminals, The usage rule determined by the condition setting unit includes identification information of at least one of the plurality of terminals for which the media content is available, And the control unit allows the use of the media content if the identification information of the terminal is included in the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. The method of claim 1, The usage rule determined by the condition setting unit includes an available portion of the media content to be sent to the terminal, And the control unit allows the use of the media content received by the receiving unit only for the available portion included in the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. The method of claim 1, The terminal further includes a history storage unit capable of storing a processing history in the processing unit, The usage rule determined by the condition setting unit includes an allowable number of uses for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal, The control unit permits the use of the media content until the allowable number of uses included in the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit is reached by referring to the processing history stored in the history storage unit. And a media content distribution system. The method of claim 1, The terminal further comprises a history storage unit capable of storing a processing history in the processing unit, The usage rule determined by the condition setting unit includes the total allowable usage time for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal, The control unit references the processing history stored in the history storage unit to thereby use the media content until the total allowable usage time included in the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit is reached. Media content distribution system. The method of claim 1, The usage rule determined by the condition setting unit includes an allowable usage period for the media content to be transmitted to the terminal, And the control unit allows the use of the media content if there is a current time within the allowable usage period included in the usage rule determined by the condition setting unit. The method of claim 1, The server-side storage unit stores the media content in an encrypted state, The transmitting unit transmits the media content stored in the server-side storage unit to the terminal in the encrypted state, The receiving unit receives the media content in the encrypted state from the server, And the processing unit decrypts and processes the media content received by the receiving unit. The method of claim 2, And said processing unit reproduces said media content received by said receiving unit. The method of claim 2, And said processing unit copies said media content received by said receiving unit. The method of claim 2, And said processing unit edits said media content received by said receiving unit. A terminal for receiving media content distributed from a server via a communications network, the terminal comprising: A receiving unit for receiving media content and an executing program from the server; A storage unit for storing at least the execution program received by the receiving unit; A control unit allowing use of the media content within the scope of a usage rule determined by the server; And And a processing unit which executes the execution program stored in the storage unit and processes the media content received by the receiving unit, as permitted by the control unit. . In a media content distribution method of distributing media content from a server to a terminal over a network, Storing, by the server, media content and an executable program for processing the media content; Transmitting, by the server, the stored media content and executable program to the terminal; Determining a usage rule for the media content to be sent by the server to the terminal; Receiving, by the terminal, the media content and the executable program from the server; At least storing the received executable program by the terminal; Allowing the terminal to use the media content within the scope of the usage rule determined by the server; And Executing the stored executable program and processing the received media content by the terminal as permitted by the step of allowing use of the media content. In encapsulated data distributed from a server to a terminal over a communications network, Media content; An execution program for processing the media content; And Encapsulated data comprising a usage rule determined by the server with respect to the media content for the terminal to execute the executable program and to process the media content.