Information processing system, computer readable medium, and computer program product

Abstract

An information processing system and a computer-readable medium. An information processing system includes: a first receiving unit that receives an instruction from a first user to distribute content owned by the first user to a second user; a distributing unit that distributes the content to the second user based on the instruction; a storage unit that stores information that the content has been distributed by the distributing unit; a second receiving unit that receives a request from a third user to use content owned by the third user; and an executing unit that executes processing in accordance with the request when content identified by the request is determined to be content that has been distributed by the distributing unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and a computer readable medium storing a program Background Art

[0002] Some systems for providing content such as documents, movies, and music include systems provided with a function of distributing content while limiting its use.

[0003] JP-A-2012-212356 discloses an access document protection system, characterized in that a mechanism is provided for determining whether a user has the right to use an electronic document to which a security policy is applied, and, if the user does not have the right, receiving an application for permission to use the electronic document from the issuer of the electronic document or its representative, and, if use is permitted, providing the user with permission to use the electronic document.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 4604480 discloses a file management system that is suitable for providing notifications of file operations performed by users who have no access rights to owners of files set up and managed in the system, so that the owner can use a request from the user side as a trigger to automatically perform file management from the user side's perspective. Summary of the invention

[0005] For example, some document systems are provided with functions to limit the users who can browse documents, the time period during which documents can be browsed, etc. Even if the user who owns the document of such a document system is not provided with the authority to browse the document, the user obtains the contact information of the creator of the document from the document itself and requests the authority to browse the document.

[0006] However, when a user provides a request as described above, such a document system does not consider the acquisition channel of the document. Therefore, a user who improperly obtains a document leaked to the Internet can provide a request as described above, and thus is no different from a user who obtains the document through a regular acquisition channel. The document leaked to the outside of the document system may be received by a large number of users, and if a large number of users provide requests as described above, the creator must resolve complex requests and their business is disrupted.

[0007] Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to limiting the use of content in a system that has been distributed outside the system, where the content may be distributed outside the system.

[0008] [1] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system, comprising: a first receiving unit that receives an instruction from a first user to distribute content owned by the first user to a second user; a distribution unit that distributes the content to the second user based on the instruction; a storage unit that stores information that the content has been distributed by the distribution unit; a second receiving unit that receives a request from a third user to use the content owned by the third user; and an execution unit that executes processing according to the request when the content identified by the request is determined to be content that has been distributed by the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.

[0009] [2] In the information processing system according to [1], the execution unit may not execute the process when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit.

[0010] [3] In the information processing system according to [1] or [2], the execution unit may delete the content owned by the third user when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit.

[0011] [4] In an information processing system according to any one of [1] to [3], when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving a distribution unit, the execution unit can notify any user who already possesses the content that the content has been distributed without involving a distribution unit.

[0012] [5] In the information processing system according to any one of [1] to [4], when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed by the distribution unit, the execution unit may notify the user who has the authority to permit the user to use the content of the request.

[0013] [6] In the information processing system according to any one of [1] to [5], when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed by the distribution unit, the execution unit may perform processing for permitting the third user to use the content.

[0014] [7] In the information processing system according to any one of [1] to [6], when the content identified by the indication is determined to have been distributed by the distribution unit based on information stored in the storage unit, the distribution unit may distribute the content according to the indication.

[0015] [8] In the information processing system according to any one of [1] to [6], when the content identified by the indication is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit, the distribution unit may not distribute the content.

[0016] [9] In the information processing system according to any one of [1] to [6], the storage unit may also store information of a user who originally owns the content, and when a first user is determined to be a user who originally owns the content identified by the indication based on the information stored in the storage unit, the distribution unit may distribute the content according to the indication.

[0017]

[10] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to function as: a first receiving unit that receives an instruction from a first user to distribute content owned by the first user to a second user; a distribution unit that distributes the content to the second user in response to the instruction; a storage control unit that stores information in a storage unit that the content has been distributed by the distribution unit; a second receiving unit that receives from a third user a request to use content owned by the third user; and an execution unit that executes processing in accordance with the request when the content identified by the request is determined to be content that has been distributed by the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.

[0018] According to the information processing system of [1] and the computer-readable medium storing the program of

[10] , use of content that has been distributed outside the system is restricted within the system.

[0019] According to the information processing system of [2], for content that has been distributed outside the system, execution of processing according to a request received in the system is refused.

[0020] According to the information processing system of [3], when a request to use content that has been distributed outside the system is received in the system, the content is deleted.

[0021] According to the information processing system of [4], when there is a request to use content that has been distributed outside the system, a user who owns the content is made aware that the content has been distributed outside the system.

[0022] According to the information processing system of [5], in a case where the content has not been distributed outside the system, a user having the authority permitted to use the content receives a request to use the content.

[0023] According to the information processing system of [6], if there is a request to use content that has not been distributed outside the system, a process of permitting the use of the content is performed.

[0024] According to the information processing system of [7], content that has not been distributed outside the system can be an object of distribution.

[0025] According to the information processing system of [8], content that has been distributed outside the system is not an object of distribution.

[0026] According to the information processing system of [9], the user who originally owns the content can distribute the content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system 9 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an intra-organization system 8 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal 5 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management server 1 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a content list 121 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a content server 3 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a content DB 321 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of content data according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a log server 4 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a log DB 421 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing system 9 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the content server 3 when registering content;

[0040] Fig.13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the management server 1 when registering content;

[0041] Fig.14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the content server 3 when distributing content;

[0042] Fig.15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the content server 3 when using content; and

[0043] Fig.16 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the log server 4 when using content. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] <Configuration of Information Processing System>

[0045] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system 9 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 9 has a management server 1, a communication line 2, and a plurality of in-organization systems 8. The management server 1 communicates with each of the plurality of in-organization systems 8 via the communication line 2, and manages content distributed therebetween.

[0046] The communication line 2 is a line that communicably connects the in-organization system 8 operating in each of a plurality of organizations located at a plurality of points in a wide area. Figure 1 The communication line 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called wide area network (WAN), for example, the Internet.

[0047] The management server 1 is a server device that manages contents owned by users of the entire information processing system 9 .

[0048] The in-organization system 8 is an information processing system that provides mechanisms such as use and distribution of content to individual registered users.

[0049] <Configuration of systems within the organization>

[0050] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the system 8 in each organization. Figure 2 As shown, the in-organization system 8 has a content server 3, a log server 4, a terminal 5, a communication line 6, and a gateway G. The gateway G is a device that communicably connects the communication line 6 to the communication line 2 using a function such as protocol conversion.

[0051] The communication line 6 is a line that connects the above-mentioned content server 3, log server 4, and terminal 5 to each other so as to be communicable in the organization. Figure 2 The communication line 6 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called local area network (LAN).

[0052] The terminal 5 is a device that is directly operated by a user, and is a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a desktop PC, or the like. Figure 2 The illustrated in-organization system 8 has a plurality of terminals 5 .

[0053] <Terminal Configuration>

[0054] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of each terminal 5. Figure 3 As shown, the terminal 5 has a control unit 51 , a storage unit 52 , a communication unit 53 , an operation unit 54 , and a display unit 55 .

[0055] The control unit 51 has a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM), and the CPU controls the various components in the terminal 5 by reading and executing a computer program (hereinafter, simply referred to as a program) stored in the ROM and the storage unit 52.

[0056] The communication unit 53 is a communication circuit connected to the communication line 6 in a wired manner or a wireless manner. The terminal 5 exchanges information with the content server 3 and the log server 4 connected to the communication line 6 using the communication unit 53.

[0057] The terminal 5 exchanges information with other devices connected to the communication line 2 via the communication line 6, the gateway G and the communication line 2 using the communication unit 53. Here, the other devices include the management server 1 and the content server 3, the log server 4, etc. belonging to the intra-organization system 8 different from the intra-organization system 8 to which the terminal 5 belongs.

[0058] The operation unit 54 includes operation elements such as operation buttons for providing various instructions, a keyboard, and a touch panel, receives an operation performed by a user, and transmits a signal according to the details of the operation to the control unit 51 .

[0059] The display unit 55 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays an image under the control provided by the control unit 51. A transparent touch panel of the operation unit 54 may be provided on the display screen in a superimposed manner.

[0060] The storage unit 52 is a storage mechanism such as a solid state drive or a hard disk drive, and stores various programs, data, and the like read by the CPU in the control unit 51 .

[0061] <Management Server Configuration>

[0062] Figure 4 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the management server 1. Figure 4 As shown, the management server 1 has a control unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , and a communication unit 13 .

[0063] The control unit 11 has a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU controls the respective components in the management server 1 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit 12 .

[0064] The communication unit 13 is a communication circuit connected to the communication line 2 by wire or wirelessly. The management server 1 uses the communication unit 13 to exchange information with the content server 3, log server 4, terminal 5, etc. belonging to each in-organization system 8 connected to the communication line 2 via the communication line 2.

[0065] The storage unit 12 is a storage mechanism such as a hard disk drive, and stores various programs, data, and the like read by the CPU in the control unit 11. In addition, the storage unit 12 stores a content list 121.

[0066] Figure 5 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content list 121. Figure 5 As shown, the content list 121 stores content ID, hash value and registered user ID in an associated manner. Content ID is identification information for identifying content. Hash value is a digest value of content obtained by performing an arithmetic operation using a hash function on the content. Registered user ID is identification information of a user who has registered content in the information processing system 9.

[0067] For example, in Figure 5 In the content list 121 shown, for the content ID "C01", the hash value "RaF9snHy" and the registered user ID "U01" are stored in an associated manner. This means that the information processing system 9 has assigned the content ID "C01" as the content from which the hash value "RaF9snHy" is calculated. In addition, this means that the user who has registered the above content is identified with the registered user ID "U01".

[0068] Note that the above hash function is designed so that two or more hash values ​​of content do not collide with each other in actual use. Therefore, the hash value is used to identify the content.

[0069] <Content Server Configuration>

[0070] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the content server 3. Figure 6 As shown, the content server 3 has a control unit 31 , a storage unit 32 , and a communication unit 33 .

[0071] The control unit 31 has a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU controls the respective components of the content server 3 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit 32 .

[0072] The communication unit 33 is a communication circuit connected to the communication line 6 in a wired manner or a wireless manner. The content server 3 exchanges information with the log server 4 connected to the communication line 6 using the communication unit 33.

[0073] In addition, the content server 3 exchanges information with the management server 1 and other devices connected to the communication line 2 via the communication line 6, the gateway G and the communication line 2 using the communication unit 33. Here, for example, the other devices include the content server 3, the log server 4, etc., which belong to the intra-organization system 8 different from the intra-organization system 8 to which the content server 3 belongs.

[0074] The storage unit 32 is a storage mechanism such as a hard disk drive, and stores various programs, data, and the like read by the CPU in the control unit 31. In addition, the storage unit 32 stores a content DB 321.

[0075] Figure 7 321 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content DB 321. Figure 7 As shown, the content DB 321 has a user ID list 3211 and a content table 3212. The user ID list 3211 is a list storing user IDs as identification information of users using the content server 3. The content server 3 registers in the user ID list 3211 of the content DB 321 in advance users who use the system 8 within the organization to which the content server 3 itself belongs.

[0076] The content table 3212 of the content DB 321 is a table storing content IDs indicating identification information of content owned by a user, management data, and content data in a manner associated with each other. The content table 3212 is provided for each user ID described in the user ID list 3211.

[0077] Content data is data indicating the content itself. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of content data. In addition to the actual data obtained by encrypting the sentence, movie, music, etc. represented by the content, Figure 8 The content data shown also includes a creator ID as identification information of a user who has created the content. The content data including the creator ID and the actual data is a calculation object of the hash function.

[0078] In this example, since the actual data is obtained by encrypting a sentence, movie, music, etc., even if the user owns the content, the user cannot browse or reproduce the sentence, etc. represented by the actual data. Therefore, the user who owns the content requests the person who has the right to the content (such as the creator of the content) to decode the content or requests the right to view the content. Note that in addition to the encrypted actual data, the content data may also include an encrypted creator ID.

[0079] In order to encrypt and decode the content data, a public key encryption scheme is used, for example. In order to provide or deprive the right to use the content, an ID-based encryption technology with an invalidation function can be used, or a public key infrastructure established by a third-party organization such as a certification station can be used.

[0080] The management data stored in the content table 3212 is data to be used for managing the content and information other than the content data. For example, the management data includes the address of the storage area where the content is actually stored in the storage unit 32 of the content server 3. In addition, for example, the management data includes a path indicating the storage location of the content used by the user to process the content, a uniform resource identifier (URI), etc. In addition, the management data includes information indicating the clock time when the content is stored in the storage unit 32, etc.

[0081] Thus, for example, if a user creates a copy of particular content using another name, a new record is added to the content table 3212 having content data in common with the content data of the original of the copy and having different management data.

[0082] <Log Server Configuration>

[0083] Fig. 9 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the log server 4. Fig. 9 As shown, the log server 4 has a control unit 41 , a storage unit 42 and a communication unit 43 .

[0084] The control unit 41 has a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU controls the respective components of the log server 4 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit 42 .

[0085] The communication unit 43 is a communication circuit connected to the communication line 6 in a wired manner or a wireless manner. The log server 4 exchanges information with the content server 3 connected to the communication line 6 using the communication unit 43.

[0086] In addition, the log server 4 exchanges information with the management server 1 and other devices connected to the communication line 2 via the communication line 6, the gateway G and the communication line 2 using the communication unit 43. Here, for example, the other devices include the content server 3, the log server 4, and the like belonging to the intra-organization system 8 different from the intra-organization system 8 to which the log server 4 belongs.

[0087] The storage unit 42 is a storage mechanism such as a hard disk drive and stores various programs, data, and the like read by the CPU in the control unit 41. In addition, the storage unit 42 stores a log DB 421.

[0088] Fig.10 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the log DB 421. Fig.10As shown, the log DB 421 stores the date and time, the command, the content ID, the first user ID, and the second user ID in an associated manner. The date and time is information indicating the date and time when the user provides the command. The command is a command provided by the user and corresponds to "distribute" or "move" here. "Move" is a special case command of "distribute" and is a command for deleting the content owned by the distribution source after "distributing" the content.

[0089] The content ID is identification information of the content that is the target of the command provided by the user. The first user ID is identification information of the user who has provided the above command. The second user ID is identification information of the user that is the target of the above command.

[0090] For example, Fig.10 The log DB 421 shown in indicates that the user identified by the first user ID "U03" has provided a command to "distribute" the content identified by the content ID "C03" to the user identified by the second user ID "U04" at 7:30 on March 3, 2019.

[0091] <Functional Configuration of Information Processing System>

[0092] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing system 9. Fig.11 , the communication unit 13, the communication unit 33, the communication unit 43, the communication line 2, the communication line 6, the gateway G, and the respective configurations included in the terminal 5 are omitted.

[0093] The control unit 11 of the management server 1 functions as an inquiry unit 111 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 12 .

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 functions as a receiving unit 311 , a registering unit 312 , a distributing unit 313 , and an executing unit 314 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 32 .

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 41 of the log server 4 functions as a storage control unit 411 and a determination unit 412 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 42 .

[0096] The receiving unit 311 receives various instructions and requests from the user who has operated the terminal 5. If an instruction for registering new content is received from the user, the receiving unit 311 passes the instruction to the registering unit 312. The "new content" described here refers to content that the user has for the first time in the information processing system 9, regardless of where the content is stored in the information processing system 9.

[0097] The registration unit 312 calculates, for example, a hash value of new content for which registration has been requested, transmits the hash value to the management server 1 , and requests a content ID indicating identification information of the content.

[0098] If the content server 3 requests an ID indicating identification information of new content, the query unit 111 queries the hash value included in the request from the content list 121. Then, the query unit 111 replies a content ID indicating identification information of content for which registration has been requested based on the query result.

[0099] The registration unit 312 stores the above-mentioned new content in the content DB 321 in a manner associated with the content ID replied from the inquiry unit 111. Thus, the new content that the user needs to register is registered in the information processing system 9.

[0100] In addition, the receiving unit 311 receives an instruction for distributing the content to another user (hereinafter, also referred to as the second user) from a user who owns the content. That is, the receiving unit 311 functions as a first receiving unit that receives an instruction for distributing the content to the second user from the first user who owns the content.

[0101] If the receiving unit 311 receives an instruction for distributing content to the second user from the first user, the distributing unit 313 distributes the content in response to the instruction. That is, the distributing unit 313 functions as a distributing unit that distributes content in response to the instruction. In addition, the distributing unit 313 distributes the content in accordance with the above instruction and provides a request for storing an event that the content has been distributed to the log server 4.

[0102] If the storage control unit 411 receives the above request from the distribution unit 313 of the content server 3, the storage control unit 411 causes the log DB 421 of the storage unit 42 to store the event that the content has been distributed by the distribution unit 313 in response to the instruction received by the receiving unit 311. That is, the storage control unit 411 functions as a storage control unit that causes the storage unit to store the event that the content has been distributed by the distribution unit. In addition, the storage unit 42 functions as a storage unit that stores the event that the content has been distributed by the distribution unit. If the above storage in the log DB 421 has been completed, the storage control unit 411 communicates the completion to the content server 3. If the completion of the above storage is communicated from the log server 4, the distribution unit 313 of the content server 3 distributes the content from the first user to the second user in accordance with the above instruction.

[0103] Note that in the information processing system 9, the content server 3 and the log server 4 coordinate actual distribution by the distribution unit 313 and storage in the log DB 421 by the log server 4 with each other in a synchronized manner to prevent either of them from being executed.

[0104] Furthermore, when the in-organization system 8 to which the user of the distribution source belongs is different from the in-organization system 8 to which the user of the distribution destination belongs, the log server 4 belonging to both in-organization systems 8 stores the details of the distribution.

[0105] In addition, the receiving unit 311 receives a request from a user (hereinafter, also referred to as a third user) to use content owned by the third user. That is, the receiving unit 311 serves as a second receiving unit that receives a request from the third user to use content owned by the third user.

[0106] If the receiving unit 311 receives the above-mentioned request to use the content from the third user, the executing unit 314 requires the log server 4 to determine whether the content is distributed only by the distributing unit 313 .

[0107] If the content server 3 requires the determination unit 412 to make the above determination, the determination unit 412 refers to the log DB 421 stored in the storage unit 42. Then, for example, the determination unit 412 traces the distribution history of the content specified as the determination object by the execution unit 314, and determines whether it can reach the registered user who originally owns the content.

[0108] In the case where distribution of content stored in the log server 4 is performed across multiple in-organization systems 8, the log server 4 inquires about the registration of the user of the distribution source from the content server 3 belonging to the in-organization system 8 different from the in-organization system 8 to which the log server 4 itself belongs. Then, if an in-organization system 8 having a content server 3 in which the user has been registered is found, the log server 4 exchanges information with the log server 4 possessed by the in-organization system 8 and traces the distribution history of the above-mentioned content.

[0109] Then, in the case where the registered user who originally owned the content can be traced back by tracing the distribution history of the content owned by the third user, the determination unit 412 determines that the content has been distributed only by the distribution unit 313 and communicates this fact to the content server 3.

[0110] Furthermore, in the case where the above-mentioned registered user cannot be traced back, the determination unit 412 determines that the content has been distributed without using the distribution unit 313 , and determines this fact to the content server 3 .

[0111] In the case where the execution unit 314 receives the determination result from the determination unit 412 and determines that the above-mentioned content has been distributed only by the distribution unit 313, the execution unit 314 executes the processing in accordance with the above-mentioned request. That is, the execution unit 314 functions as an execution unit that executes the processing in response to the request in the case where it is determined based on the details stored in the storage unit that the content identified by the request received from the third user has been distributed only by the distribution unit.

[0112] Furthermore, the execution unit 314 does not execute the processing according to the above-mentioned request in the case where the determination result is received from the determination unit 412 and it is determined that the above-mentioned content has been distributed without using the distribution unit 313. That is, the execution unit 314 functions as an execution unit that does not execute the processing according to the request in the case where it is determined that the content identified by the request received from the third user has been distributed without using the distribution unit.

[0113] <Information Processing System Operation>

[0114] The operation of the information processing system 9 is divided into an operation when registering content, an operation when distributing content, and an operation when using content.

[0115] <Operation of registration contents>

[0116] Fig.12 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the content server 3 when registering content. Fig.13 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the management server 1 when registering content.

[0117] like Fig.12 As shown, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 determines whether there is an instruction for registering new content from the user of the operation terminal 5 (step S101) and continues the determination during a period in which it is determined that no instruction for registration is received (step S101; No).

[0118] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined that an instruction for registering new content has been received (step S101; Yes), the control unit 31 requests the management server 1 for a content ID to be applied to the content (step S102). The control unit 31 calculates a hash value of the above content and requests the content ID based on the hash value from the management server 1. The request includes the above hash value and the user ID of the user who has provided the above instruction for registration.

[0119] like Fig.13 As shown, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 determines whether the content server 3 has requested a content ID (step S201) and continues the determination during a period in which it is determined that the content ID has not been requested (step S201; No).

[0120] Furthermore, in the case of determining that the content server 3 has requested the content ID (step S201; Yes), the control unit 11 searches the content list 121 stored in the storage unit 12 for the hash value included in the request received from the content server 3 (step S202).

[0121] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the content of the requested content ID is new content (step S203). The "new content" described here means that the content is new in the entire information processing system 9.

[0122] As described above, "new content" means that the content is new to the user. Therefore, the management server 1 determines whether the "new content" is new in the information processing system 9 in order to process the content with a consistent content ID.

[0123] The determination is made based on whether the above hash value is stored in the content list 121. That is, when the hash value sent from the content server 3 is stored in the content list 121, it is determined that the content is not new. In addition, when the above hash value is not stored in the content list 121, it is determined that the content is new.

[0124] In the case where it is determined that the content requesting the content ID is new content (step S203; Yes), the control unit 11 newly generates a content ID (step S204) and transmits the generated content ID to the content server 3 (step S206).

[0125] Note that the control unit 11 newly generates a content ID and then adds a record in which the content ID, the hash value included in the above request, and the user ID are associated to the content list 121. Thus, a content ID is assigned to content determined to be new, and the content is determined not to be new in a later determination.

[0126] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined that the content for which the content ID is requested is not new content (step S203; No), the control unit 11 specifies the content ID already assigned to the content (step S205), and transmits the specified content ID to the content server 3 (step S206). In this case, the content ID already assigned to the content is the content ID stored in the content list 121 in a manner associated with the above-mentioned hash value.

[0127] like Fig.12 As shown, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 determines whether the content ID has been acquired from the management server 1 (step S103) and continues the determination during a period in which the content ID has not been acquired (step S103; No).

[0128] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined that the content ID has been acquired from the management server 1 (step S103; Yes), the control unit 31 stores the acquired content ID, the content, and the user who has provided the instruction for registering the content in an associated manner in the content DB 321. In this way, the control unit 31 registers the content identified by the instruction (step S104).

[0129] In content DB 321, content IDs acquired from management server 1 are stored in content table 3212 in association with user IDs of users who have provided instructions for registering content. In content table 3212, the above content IDs are stored in association with management data of content to be registered and content data representing the content itself.

[0130] Through the above operation, the information processing system 9 applies a common content ID to content including common details, and applies a different content ID to content including different details. That is, content is identified by content ID in the information processing system 9.

[0131] <Operation of distributed content>

[0132] Fig.14 : is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the content server 3 when distributing content.

[0133] like Fig.14 As shown, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 determines whether an instruction for distributing content has been received from the first user of the operation terminal 5 (step S301) and continues to make determinations during a period in which no instruction for distributing is received (step S301; No).

[0134] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined that an instruction to distribute content has been received (step S301; Yes), the control unit 31 provides the log server 4 with a request for storing in the log DB 421 an event in response to the event indicating that content has been distributed (step S302).

[0135] If the control unit 41 of the log server 4 receives a “request for storing an event that content has been distributed” from the content server 3, the control unit 41 stores the details according to the request in the log DB 421 of the storage unit 42. In this case, the control unit 41 stores a “log” in which the date and time when the content was distributed, the content ID for identifying the content, the user ID of the first user who is the distribution source of the content, and the user ID of the second user who is the distribution destination of the content are associated in the log DB 421. If the “log” according to the request is stored in the log DB 421, the control unit 41 provides a notification indicating the event to the content server 3.

[0136] The control unit 31 of the content server 3 determines whether a notification of an event that the above-mentioned log has been stored has been provided from the log server 4 (step S303), and continues to make determinations during a period in which a notification of an event that the log has been stored has not been provided (step S303; No).

[0137] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined that a notification of an event that a log has been stored has been provided (step S303; Yes), the control unit 31 distributes the content in accordance with the above instruction (step S304).

[0138] Through the above-described operation, if the content is distributed by the content server 3 , the information processing system 9 stores a log related to the distribution in the log server 4 .

[0139] <Operations using content>

[0140] Fig.15 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the content server 3 when using content. Fig.16 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the log server 4 when using content. Fig.15 As shown, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 determines whether a request to use content owned by a third user has been received from a third user operating the terminal 5 (step S401), and continues to make determinations during a period in which no use request is received (step S401; No).

[0141] Furthermore, in the case of determining that a request to use content owned by a third user has been received (step S401; Yes), the control unit 31 requests the log server 4 to make a determination based on a log indicating content distribution (step S402).

[0142] like Fig.16 As shown, if the content server 3 requests the above determination, the control unit 41 of the log server 4 refers to the log DB 421 and searches for the original distribution source of the content that has been requested for use (step S501).

[0143] Then, the control unit 41 determines whether the initial distribution source is the creator of the content (step S502). In the case where it is determined that the initial distribution source is the creator of the content (step S502; yes), the control unit 41 provides the content server 3 with a notification that the content has been distributed only by the distribution unit 313 (i.e., a notification that the content has been distributed in a regular manner) (step S503).

[0144] In addition, when it is determined that the initial distribution source is not the creator of the content (step S502; no), the control unit 41 provides the content server 3 with a notification that the content has been distributed without using the distribution unit 313 (i.e., a notification that the content has been distributed in an informal manner) (step S504).

[0145] like Fig.15As shown, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 receives the notification from the log server 4, and determines based on the notification whether the content that is the object of the use request received from the third user is content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403).

[0146] In the case where it is determined that the above-mentioned content whose use has been requested is content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403; Yes), the control unit 31 performs processing according to the request (step S404).

[0147] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined that the above-mentioned content for which use has been requested is not content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403; No), the control unit 31 ends the processing without executing the processing according to the request.

[0148] In the case where the third user requests notification of a message for providing a request for permission to view content, if the content has been distributed in a regular manner, control unit 31 performs the above-mentioned process of providing the creator with the notification of the message in response to the request.

[0149] That is, in this case, the execution unit 314 implemented by the control unit 31 functions as an execution unit that provides notification of the request to the user having permission to use the content when determining that the content identified by the request has been distributed only by the distribution unit.

[0150] Furthermore, if the content has not been distributed in a regular manner, the control unit 31 does not provide the above-mentioned notification of the message to the creator. Therefore, a user who has content that has been distributed outside the system is restricted from requesting the creator for the right to view the content.

[0151] As described above, according to the information processing system 9 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a user requests to use content owned by the user, it is checked whether the content has been distributed in a regular manner. Thus, the use of content distributed outside the system in the system is restricted.

[0152] <Modifications>

[0153] Although the embodiment has been described above, the details of the embodiment may be modified as follows. In addition, the following modifications may be combined.

[0154] <1>

[0155] In the above-mentioned embodiment, in the case where the log server 4 has provided a notification of the fact that the above-mentioned content that has been requested for utilization has been distributed without using the distribution unit 313, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 ends the processing without performing the processing according to the request. However, in this case, the control unit 31 may delete the content that the third user requested for utilization.

[0156] For example, in the case where it is determined that the content requested for use is not content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403; No), Fig.15 As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4 , the control unit 31 deletes the content that has been determined not to be content distributed in a regular manner (step S405).

[0157] The control unit 31 can delete the content by erasing the content data representing the content itself from the storage unit 32 in an unrecoverable manner. In addition, the control unit 31 can delete the content by moving the content to a virtual trash bin or the like so that the content is hidden from the user on the operating system. Furthermore, the control unit 31 can delete the content by applying a flag for prohibiting the copying and transmission of the management data of the content. The flag is interpreted by the operating system, thereby prohibiting the copying and transmission of the content.

[0158] That is, the execution unit 314 implemented by the control unit 31 in the modification example functions as an execution unit that deletes the content owned by the third user if it is determined that the content identified by the request has been distributed without using the distribution unit.

[0159] <2>

[0160] Furthermore, in the case where the log server 4 provides a notification of the fact that the above-mentioned content requested for utilization has been distributed without using the distribution unit 313, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 can provide the notification to any user who already owns the content.

[0161] In the case where it is determined that the content requested for use is not content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403; No), for example, Fig.15 As shown by the dotted line in , the control unit 31 provides a notification that the content has not been distributed in a regular manner to any user who already owns the content that has been determined not to be distributed in a regular manner (step S406).

[0162] That is, in the variant example, the execution unit 314 implemented by the control unit 31 serves as an execution unit which, when determining that the content identified by the request has been distributed without using the distribution unit, provides a notification to any user who already possesses the content that the content has been distributed without using the distribution unit.

[0163] Note that the user who receives the above-mentioned notification that the content has not been distributed in a regular manner may be the creator of the content, or may be a user who has distributed the content in a regular manner and already owns the content. In addition, the user who receives the notification may be a user who has distributed the above-mentioned content in an informal manner, or may be a third user who has provided the above-mentioned use request.

[0164] <3>

[0165] Although in the above embodiment, the control unit 31 performs processing according to the request when determining that the content whose use has been requested is content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403; Yes), the control unit 31 may perform processing for enabling use of the content.

[0166] For example, if a user requests to decode and view, playback, etc. the encrypted content owned by the user, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 determines whether the content is content that has been distributed in a regular manner. If the content has been distributed in a regular manner, the control unit 31 can decode the content.

[0167] That is, the execution unit 314 implemented by the control unit 31 in the modification example functions as an execution unit that executes a process of enabling use of the content in a case where it is determined that the content identified by the request has been distributed only by the distribution unit.

[0168] <4>

[0169] Although in the above-mentioned embodiment, an instruction for distributing content is received, and the log is stored by the log server 4, and then the control unit 31 distributes the content according to the instruction, it is possible to determine whether the content has been distributed in a regular manner before distribution, and whether to distribute the content can be determined based on the result of the determination. That is, the information processing system 9 can also receive an instruction for distributing content as a request for using the content, and can determine whether the content identified by the request has been distributed only by the distribution unit.

[0170] like Fig.15 As shown, in the case where it is determined that an instruction for distributing content has been received from a third user as a request to use content owned by the third user himself (step S401; yes), for example, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 requests determination based on a log indicating content distribution from the log server 4 (step S402). Then, the control unit 31 determines whether the content that is the object of the distribution instruction is content that has been distributed in a regular manner based on the notification received from the log server 4 (step S403).

[0171] In the case where it is determined that the above-mentioned content is content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403; Yes), the control unit 31 performs processing according to the request (step S404).

[0172] At this time, the control unit 31 performs the following processing as processing according to the request. That is, the control unit 31 provides the log server 4 with a request for storing in the log DB 421 an event according to the indication that the content has been distributed. If a notification that a log has been stored is provided from the log server 4, the control unit 31 distributes the content according to the above-mentioned instruction. Thus, the content that has been distributed in a regular manner by the information processing system 9 is distributed again in a regular manner according to the instruction.

[0173] That is, the distribution unit 313 implemented by the control unit 31 in the modification example functions as a distribution unit that distributes content in accordance with the instruction when it is determined based on the details stored in the storage unit that the content identified by the instruction has been distributed only by the distribution unit.

[0174] <5>

[0175] Furthermore, in the case where it is determined that the above-mentioned content in the instruction for distribution is not content that has been distributed in a regular manner (step S403; No), the control unit 31 only needs to end the processing without performing the processing according to the request. In this case, the control unit 31 neither distributes the content according to the instruction nor provides a storage request to the log server 4. Thus, the content that has been distributed in an irregular manner will not be distributed again in a regular manner regardless of whether the instruction is made.

[0176] That is, the distribution unit 313 implemented by the control unit 31 of the modification example functions as a distribution unit that does not distribute content if it is determined based on the details stored in the storage unit that the content identified by the instruction has been distributed without using the distribution unit.

[0177] <6>

[0178] When receiving the instruction for distributing the content, the control unit 31 of the content server 3 may distribute the content according to the instruction if it is determined that the user who provides the distribution instruction is the user who originally owns the content.

[0179] For example, in the storage unit 32 of the content server 3, content data indicating the content itself owned by each user is stored in the content DB 321 for each user. The content data includes a creator ID and actual data. In the case where the creator of the content registers the content in the information processing system 9, the creator is the user who originally owned the content. That is, in this case, the storage unit 32 is an example of a storage unit that stores the user who originally owned the content.

[0180] The control unit 31 of the content server 3 receives an instruction to distribute the content in a manner associated with the user ID of the user from the user who is the creator of the content, and the control unit 31 of the content server 3 compares the creator ID included in the content data representing the content itself with the user ID of the user who provided the distribution instruction. In addition, when the creator ID and the user ID are consistent, the control unit 31 only needs to distribute the content according to the instruction.

[0181] Note that the control unit 31 of the content server 3 may provide an inquiry to the management server 1 and acquire the content ID indicating the identification information of the content for which the distribution instruction has been received and the registered user ID associated in the content list 121. Then, the control unit 31 may compare the acquired registered user ID with the user ID of the user who provided the instruction for distributing the content, and in the case where the registered user ID and the user ID coincide with each other, the control unit 31 may distribute the content in accordance with the instruction. In this case, the content data may not include the creator ID.

[0182] That is, the distribution unit 313 implemented by the control unit 31 in the modification example functions as a distribution unit that distributes content according to the instruction when it is determined based on the details stored in the storage unit that the user who has provided the instruction is the user who originally owns the content identified by the instruction.

[0183] <7>

[0184] Although in the foregoing embodiment, the management server 1 stores the content list 121 associating the hash value with the content ID in the storage unit 12, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the content list 121 may store the content data and the content ID in an associated manner.

[0185] In this case, control unit 11 of management server 1 may receive content data itself from content server 3. Control unit 11 may then compare the received content data with content data stored in content list 121 and determine whether the content for which content ID has been requested is new content.

[0186] In addition, the control unit 11 may receive an error detection code such as a checksum, a check digit, etc. of the content data, for example, from the content server 3. In this case, the control unit 11 may calculate the above error detection code for each content data item stored in the content list 121, compare the error detection code with the received error detection code, and make the above determination.

[0187] In addition, although the management server 1 identifies the content by the content ID, the content may be identified by a hash value calculated by performing an arithmetic operation of a hash function on the content data.

[0188] Furthermore, although the content list 121 associates the content ID with the registered user ID indicating identification information of the registered user of the content identified with the content ID, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the content list 121 may associate the content ID with the right holder ID indicating identification information of the right holder of the content identified with the content ID. In this case, when the right transfer of the content is performed between users who own the content, the management server 1 may update the content list 121 according to the agreement. The right of the content may be transferred to the user of the transfer destination along with the transfer of the content.

[0189] <8>

[0190] Although the in-organization system 8 has the log server 4 in the above exemplary embodiment, the in-organization system 8 may cause a plurality of external devices connected to the communication line 2 to store details corresponding to the log DB 421. In this case, the in-organization system 8 does not have to have the log server 4, and it is only necessary for a plurality of external devices to store details corresponding to the log DB 421 using a decentralized registry.

[0191] Note that in the case where the information processing system 9 does not have a plurality of external devices that store details corresponding to the log DB 421, for example, an audit mechanism such as a blockchain may be used to ensure the reliability of the details to be stored.

[0192] <9>

[0193] Although in the above exemplary embodiments, Figure 1 The illustrated information processing system 9 has one management server 1 and one communication line 2 and has a plurality of in-organization systems 8 , but the number of each of the communication line 2 and the in-organization systems 8 may be one or more in the information processing system 9 .

[0194] Furthermore, a plurality of management servers 1 may be provided in the information processing system 9 as long as synchronization of information to be exchanged with other devices is ensured.

[0195] Furthermore, although in the above exemplary embodiment Figure 2 The intra-organization system 8 shown has one content server 3 and one log server 4, but the number of each of the content server 3 and the log server 4 in the intra-organization system 8 may be one or more as long as synchronization of information to be exchanged with other devices is ensured.

[0196] <10>

[0197] In the information processing system 9, the programs executed by the control unit 11 of the management server 1, the control unit 31 of the content server 3, the control unit 41 of the log server 4, and the control unit 51 of the terminal 5 can be set to a state where the programs are stored in a recording medium readable by a computer device (for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape and a magnetic disk, an optical recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory). In addition, these programs can be downloaded via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0198] Note that various means may be applied as an exemplary control mechanism as well as the CPU, and for example, a dedicated processor or the like is used.

[0199] In addition, one computer may be used as the management server 1, the content server 3, and the log server 4 in the information processing system 9. In this case, one computer used as these components is an information processing device included in the information processing system. Then, the program executed by the control unit that controls the information processing device is a program that causes the computer to function as the following components: a first receiving unit that receives an instruction for distributing the content to the second user from the first user who owns the content; a distribution unit that distributes the content in response to the instruction; a storage control unit that causes the storage unit to store an event that the content has been distributed by the distribution unit; a second receiving unit that receives a request from a third user to use the content owned by the third user; and an execution unit that performs processing according to the request in the case where it is determined based on the details stored in the storage unit that the content identified by the request has been distributed only by the distribution unit.

[0200] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other persons skilled in the art can understand the various embodiments of the present invention and have various variations suitable for the intended specific use. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing system, the information processing system comprising: a first receiving unit, the first receiving unit receiving an instruction from a first user to distribute content owned by the first user to a second user; a distribution unit, configured to distribute the content to the second user based on the instruction; a storage unit storing information that the content is distributed by the distribution unit; a second receiving unit, the second receiving unit receiving, from a third user, a request for using content owned by the third user; as well as an execution unit that executes processing according to the request when the content identified by the request is determined to be content that has been distributed by the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit, The execution unit does not execute the processing when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, in, The execution unit deletes the content owned by the third user when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, in, When the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit, the execution unit notifies any user who already possesses the content that the content has been distributed without involving the distribution unit.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, in, In a case where the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed by the distribution unit, the execution unit notifies the request to a user having authority to permit the user to use the content.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, in, In a case where the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed by the distribution unit, the execution unit executes processing for permitting the third user to use the content.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, in, In a case where the content identified by the instruction is determined to have been distributed by the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit, the distribution unit distributes the content in accordance with the instruction.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, in, When the content identified by the indication is determined to have been distributed without involvement of the distribution unit, the distribution unit does not distribute the content.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, in, The storage unit also stores information of a user who originally owns the content, and In a case where the first user is determined as a user who originally owns the content identified by the instruction based on the information stored in the storage unit, the distribution unit distributes the content in accordance with the instruction.

9. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as: a first receiving unit, the first receiving unit receiving an instruction from a first user to distribute content owned by the first user to a second user; a distribution unit that distributes the content to the second user in response based on the indication; a storage control unit configured to store information that the content is distributed by the distribution unit in a storage unit; a second receiving unit, the second receiving unit receiving, from a third user, a request for using content owned by the third user; as well as an execution unit that executes processing according to the request when the content identified by the request is determined to be content that has been distributed by the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit, The execution unit does not execute the processing when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.

10. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, a method is performed, the method comprising the following steps: receiving an instruction from a first user to distribute content owned by the first user to a second user; distributing the content to the second user in response based on the indication; storing, in a storage unit, information that the content is distributed by a distribution unit; receiving a request from a third user to use content owned by the third user; as well as in a case where the content identified by the request is determined to be content that has been distributed by the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit, performing processing in accordance with the request, Wherein, when the content identified by the request is determined to have been distributed without involving the distribution unit based on the information stored in the storage unit, the processing is not performed.

Images