Contents providing system, contents provider system, and contents user system

Abstract

To minimize a content use contract procedure with a content provider by grasping and specifying the content provider having the possibility of holding non-disclosed contents relating to a content user without omission before concluding a content use contract.SOLUTION: A contents provider environment prepares an individual directory for each contents user, and when closed contents related with the contents user are stored, a URL indicating a storage place is stored in the individual directory, and access permission setting to the individual directory is operated to the contents user. When a closed information holding inquiry request is received from the content user environment, an individual directory corresponding to the content user of a request source is searched, and when there is the individual directory and access permission setting is performed, a response that there is the holding possibility of the closed content to the closed information holding inquiry request is transmitted to the content user environment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content providing system, a content provider system, and a content user system. [Background technology]

[0002] A content provision system has been proposed that enables a content user to search for desired content, identify a content provider that can provide it, enter into a content usage contract with the content provider as necessary, and obtain the desired content from the content provider.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 states that "a gateway that accepts requests from a client terminal to a content providing server receives the digital certificate of the user of the client terminal from the client terminal, receives profile information of the client terminal corresponding to this digital certificate from a directory, and makes a content request to the content providing server based on this, thereby eliminating the need to authenticate access rights when requesting content."

[0004] Furthermore, the Cabinet Office's "Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) Phase 2" is working on developing a distributed inter-sector data collaboration platform as part of its research and development project on "Cyberspace Infrastructure Technology Utilizing Big Data and AI." This platform provides a mechanism for users to search for the content they desire, find providers, enter into content usage contracts as necessary, and obtain the content. The various technical requirements and specifications for realizing this mechanism are published on the website (https: / / github.com / CADDE-sip / documents). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-128651 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the case of general public content, the content can be searched for and obtained from the content provider in the content providing system described in the background art.

[0007] However, consider a case where there are many content providers who possess the desired content, and it is necessary to obtain the content from each of them, and the content is private content that can only be obtained by the content user himself.

[0008] Using a general public content search, it is possible to find content providers who have created data catalogs for desired content and obtain a list of such content providers, but it is not possible to identify which content providers in the list have private content that is only available to the user.

[0009] If a content usage agreement is required before obtaining content, content usage agreements must be concluded with all content providers who may have non-public content. In this case, contracts must also be concluded with content providers who do not have the desired content, resulting in a lot of unnecessary contract procedures.

[0010] In addition, the content user can individually specify the content provider to contract with based on their memory, but if the content user forgets the content provider with whom they should have contracted, they may forget to specify or contract with that content provider.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to search for all content providers who have private content that is only available to the user, and to support the process of obtaining the desired content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present application includes multiple means for solving at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and an example thereof is as follows: That is, a content provider system connected to one or more content user systems via a network includes: a storage unit, a creation unit that creates an individual directory for each content user in the storage unit, a storage unit that stores information indicating a storage location of private content for any of the content users in the individual directory corresponding to the content user, an authorization setting unit that sets access authorization for the content user to the individual directory when the information indicating the storage location of the private content is stored in the individual directory, and a response unit that, when receiving a private content possession inquiry request for the content user from any of the content user systems, checks whether access authorization is set for the individual directory corresponding to the content user, and, if access authorization is set for the individual directory, responds to the content user system that the content user system may possess private content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to thoroughly identify and specify content providers who may have private content that can only be accessed, referenced, and acquired by content users before entering into a content usage contract, thereby minimizing the procedures for entering into a content usage contract with content providers.

[0014] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a content providing system in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a content user environment in the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a content provider environment in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of a content preparation phase executed in the content providing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of a content provision phase executed in the content provision system in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a content user environment in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention, and for clarity of explanation, appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

[0017] The position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings. When there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description.

[0018] In the embodiments, there may be a description of processing performed by executing a program. Here, a computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., a CPU or a GPU), and performs processing defined by the program while using storage resources (e.g., a memory) and interface devices (e.g., a communication port). Therefore, the entity that executes the program and performs the processing may be the processor. Similarly, the entity that executes the program and performs the processing may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node that has a processor.

[0019] The processing performed by executing the program may be performed by a computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit for performing specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit may be, for example, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD).

[0020] A program may be installed on a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In addition, in an embodiment, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content providing system in the first embodiment.

[0022] In the content providing system of this embodiment, a content user environment 1, a content provider environment 2, and a cross-site search server 3 are connected via a network such as the Internet. Note that, although Fig. 1 shows one content user environment 1, one cross-site search server 3, and three content provider environments 2, there is no limit to the number of each environment or server, and the system is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure.

[0023] The content user environment 1 is an environment whose purpose is to search for a content provider environment 2 that has content that meets desired conditions and to obtain the content from the content provider environment 2. Specifically, the content user environment 1 is a system in which software that realizes the processes, functions, operations, etc. required to achieve the above purpose is installed on an information processing terminal or server device, such as a personal computer (PC), tablet, or smartphone, used by a content user (a general individual), and is usually composed of a single information processing terminal or server device, etc. The content user environment 1 is assumed to be used by a general individual, but is not particularly limited to this.

[0024] The content provider environment 2 is an environment designed to provide various content to content users in general. The content provider environment 2 can create, hold, or provide content related to content users and services related to (provided by) content users, for the purpose of directly providing services to content users, including but not limited to online services (various services provided via a network) and offline services (various services providing physical goods, support, etc.), or simply providing a service for sharing content files provided to content users. Specifically, the content provider environment 2 is a system in which software that realizes the processing, functions, operations, etc. necessary to achieve the above-mentioned purpose is installed on information processing terminals such as personal computers (PCs), tablets, and smartphones used by content providers (corporations, sole proprietors, etc.), and various server devices. The content provider environment 2 is composed of one or more information processing terminals and various server devices. The content provider environment 2 is intended for use by corporations, sole proprietors, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0025] There are multiple content providers offering various types of content, and accordingly, there are multiple content provider environments 2. Therefore, the content user environment 1 uses a content catalog search function to narrow down the candidates for content providers that have the desired content, and then, if necessary, enters into a usage contract with the content provider to acquire the content.

[0026] The cross-site search server 3 aggregates (collects) catalogs of content created, held, or provided in various content provider environments 2 and stores them in an internal storage device. The cross-site search server 3 provides content users with a service that enables them to search content catalogs and find content providers that offer desired content. By making inquiries to the cross-site search server 3 where the catalogs are aggregated, content users can efficiently find content providers that offer desired content without having to directly inquire with all content providers.

[0027] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content user environment 1 in the first embodiment. As described above, the content user environment 1 is a system made up of an information processing terminal, a server device, etc., on which necessary software is installed.

[0028] 2, the content user environment 1 includes a control unit 101, a memory unit 102, a communication unit 103, an output unit 104, an input unit 105, a catalog search means 111, a contract conclusion means 112, a content acquisition request means 113, an ID transmission means 121, and a non-public information possession inquiry means 122. As will be described below, the control unit 101, the memory unit 102, the communication unit 103, the output unit 104, and the input unit 105 are hardware in the above-mentioned information processing terminal, server device, etc., and the other components, the catalog search means 111, the contract conclusion means 112, the content acquisition request means 113, the ID transmission means 121, and the non-public information possession inquiry means 122, are configured as software installed in the above-mentioned information processing terminal, server device, etc.

[0029] The control unit 101 is hardware that controls the execution of various processes in the content user environment 1, and is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU).

[0030] The storage unit 102 is a data storage medium that stores data related to various processes in the content user environment 1. The storage unit 102 is, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0031] The communication unit 103 is a device that communicates with external parties in relation to various processes in the content user environment 1. For example, the communication unit 103 is used to send and receive content usage contracts and content acquisition requests by communicating with a communication unit 203 in the content provider environment 2 (described later), and is also used to send search criteria to the cross-site search server 3 and receive search results. Note that in the following explanation, when sending information from the content user environment 1 to the content provider environment 2 or the cross-site search server 3, or when receiving information from the content provider environment 2 or the cross-site search server 3 in the content user environment 1, the fact that the information is sent or received via the communication unit 103 may be omitted.

[0032] The output unit 104 is a data output device that displays data such as the results of various processes in the content user environment 1 and outputs the data to the outside, and is, for example, a display or a printer.

[0033] The input unit 105 is a data input device for inputting instructions and necessary information for various processes in the content user environment 1, and is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel display.

[0034] The catalog search means 111 receives search conditions for catalogs created by content providers that are input by the content user via the input unit 105, and transmits a request to the cross-site search server 3 via the communication unit 103 to instruct a catalog search based on the received search conditions. By searching multiple catalogs aggregated by the cross-site search server 3, the content user can identify the content provider of the desired content from the information about the content provider listed in each catalog.

[0035] The contract conclusion means 112 transmits to the content provider environment 2 via the communication unit 103 the contents of the expression of intent such as agreement or consent that the content user has input via the input unit 105 in response to the contract conditions transmitted and presented via the network from the content provider environment 2. This enables the content user to conclude a contract regarding content usage with the content provider.

[0036] The content acquisition request means 113 creates a content acquisition request based on a request for acquiring desired content input by the content user via the input unit 105, and transmits the content acquisition request to the content provider environment 2 via the communication unit 103.

[0037] The ID transmission means 121 transmits a content user ID, which is identification information for uniquely identifying a content user, to the content provider environment 2 via the communication unit 103 .

[0038] The private information possession inquiry means 122 sends a request to the content provider environment 2 via the communication unit 103 to inquire whether the content provider possesses private information about the content user (private content that only the content user can access, refer to, and acquire), along with the content user ID, a token proving the result of user authentication (user authentication token), etc. In response to this request, if the content provider environment 2 replies that it may possess private content about the content user, the content user can acquire the private content after concluding a content usage contract with the content provider that sent the reply, as necessary.

[0039] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content provider environment 2 in the first embodiment. As described above, the content provider environment 2 is a system made up of information processing terminals on which necessary software is installed, various server devices, etc.

[0040] The content provider environment 2 includes a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, a communication unit 203, an output unit 204, an input unit 205, a content management unit 206, a catalog creation and storage means 211, a content storage means 212, a contract conclusion means 213, a content authorization setting means 214, a content acquisition request response means 215, an ID receiving means 221, an individual directory creation means 222, an individual directory authorization setting means 223, and a non-public information retention response means 224. As explained below, the control unit 201, memory unit 202, communication unit 203, output unit 204, and input unit 205 are hardware in the above-mentioned information processing terminal, server device, etc., and the content management unit 206 is also hardware in the above-mentioned information processing terminal, server device, etc., or in a separate file server, etc., and the other components, such as the catalog creation and storage means 211, content storage means 212, contract conclusion means 213, content authorization setting means 214, content acquisition request response means 215, ID receiving means 221, individual directory creation means 222, individual directory authorization setting means 223, and non-public information holding response means 224, are composed of software installed in the above-mentioned information processing terminal, server device, etc.

[0041] The control unit 201 is hardware that controls the execution of various processes in the content provider environment 2, and is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU).

[0042] The storage unit 202 is a data storage medium that stores data related to various processes in the content provider environment 2. The storage unit 202 is, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0043] The communication unit 203 is a device that communicates with the outside in relation to various processes of the content provider environment 2. For example, the communication unit 203 is used to receive various requests and content acquisition requests from the content user environment 1, send and receive content usage contracts, and send content to the content user environment 1, by communicating with the communication unit 103 of the content user environment 1. Note that in the following description, when transmitting information from the content provider environment 2 to the content user environment 1 or receiving information from the content user environment 1 in the content provider environment 2, the fact that the information is transmitted or received via the communication unit 203 may be omitted.

[0044] The output unit 204 is a data output device, such as a display or a printer, that displays data such as the results of various processes in the content provider environment 2 and outputs the data to the outside. The output unit 204 is used for screen display when the content provider concludes a content usage contract with a content user or when setting authorization for the content user.

[0045] The input unit 205 is a data input device, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel display, for inputting instructions and necessary information for various processes in the content provider environment 2. The input unit 205 is used when the content provider concludes a content usage contract with a content user or when setting authorization for the content user.

[0046] The content management unit 206 is, for example, a file server or a data management server that stores (stores) content files. Here, the content management unit 206 is described as being included in the content provider environment 2, but it may also be a server device or the like installed outside the content provider environment 2. However, if the content management unit 206 is a server device or the like outside the content provider environment 2, it is not possible to enforce the content management method or operation method of the server device or the like. For example, there is a restriction that it is not possible to apply rules to the server device or the like, such as creating individual user directories to manage content.

[0047] The catalog creation and storage means 211 is a means for creating a catalog of content metadata, information about content providers, and the like, and storing the catalog in the memory unit 202. The catalog creation and storage means 211 creates a catalog at any timing for the content stored in the content management unit 206, and stores the catalog in the memory unit 202. The catalogs stored in the memory unit 202 are aggregated and stored by the cross-site search server 3, and become targets for search by content users. Note that although the description has been given assuming that the catalog creation and storage means 211 creates a catalog, it is also possible for a content provider to use the catalog creation and storage means 211 to create a catalog for content that it creates, owns, or provides, and store the catalog in the memory unit 202.

[0048] The content storage means 212 is a means for storing content in the content management unit 206. For example, the content storage means 212 reads out content temporarily stored in the memory unit 202 at any timing and stores it in the content management unit 206. When the content is stored in the content management unit 206, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like indicating the storage location of the content in the content management unit 206 is determined. The content storage means 212 stores the determined URL in the memory unit 202. This URL or the like is also listed in a catalog. Note that although the content storage means 212 has been described as storing content, a content provider may use the content storage means 212 to store content that it creates, owns, or provides in the content management unit 206, and may also use the content storage means 212 to obtain a URL or the like for accessing the content.

[0049] The contract conclusion means 213 is a means for concluding a contract with a content user for the use of content created, owned, or provided by a content provider. The contract conclusion means 213 presents the contract conditions regarding the use of the content to the content user environment 1 by transmitting the contract conditions to the content user environment 1. The contract conditions are, for example, conditions or plans that stipulate the amount and period for the content user to use, or the type and quantity of content that can be used. The number of contract conditions is not limited to one, and multiple contract conditions may be predefined. One or more predefined contract conditions are stored in the memory unit 202. The contract conclusion means 213 reads out the contract conditions from the memory unit 202 and transmits them to the content user environment 1.

[0050] In the content user environment 1, the one or more contract conditions received by the contract conclusion means 112 from the content provider environment 2 are displayed on the output unit 104. The content user refers to and confirms the one or more contract conditions presented by the content provider environment 2, and if the content user agrees to any of the contract conditions, selects the contract condition using the input unit 105. The contract conclusion means 112 transmits information on the contract conditions selected by the content user to the content provider environment 2.

[0051] The contract conclusion means 213 receives the information and transmits to the content user environment 1 detailed information on the contract conditions selected by the content user and information to allow the content user to agree (decide) to start using the content under those contract conditions or to cancel (cancel) the use.

[0052] The transmitted information is received by the contract conclusion means 112 and displayed on the output unit 104. The content user refers to and confirms the displayed information, decides whether to agree to the selected contract conditions (decide to start using the content) or cancel (cancel starting using the content), and inputs (selects) the decision result (agree or cancel) using the input unit 105. The contract conclusion means 112 transmits the information on agreement or cancellation input by the content user to the content provider environment 2.

[0053] The contract conclusion means 213 receives the information, and if the content user agrees to the contract conditions, it considers the contract conclusion to be complete and stores the contract conditions, etc. as contract-related information in the storage unit 202. If the content user cancels, the contract conclusion means 213 transmits one or more contract conditions regarding the use of the content to the content user environment 1 again.

[0054] In the above description, the contract conclusion means 213 transmits one or more predetermined contract conditions and subsequently exchanges information with the contract conclusion means 112. However, the content provider may also use the contract conclusion means 213, the output unit 204, the input unit 205, etc. to create or adjust the contract conditions, present them to the content user, and subsequently exchange information.

[0055] The content authorization setting means 214 is a means for setting access authorization for a content user to access content in accordance with the contract conditions in the contract-related information stored in the storage unit 202. The content authorization setting means 214 sets access authorization settings, such as permitting a specific content or a group of content to be downloaded only once or permitting unlimited downloads continuously for one year, based on the contract conditions stored in the storage unit 202, and stores the access authorization setting information in the storage unit 202. Note that although the content authorization setting means 214 has been described as setting access authorization settings, a content provider may refer to the contract conditions stored in the storage unit 202, set access authorization settings using the content authorization setting means 214 based on the contract conditions, and store the access authorization setting information in the storage unit 202.

[0056] When the content acquisition request response means 215 receives a content acquisition request transmitted from the content acquisition request means 113 of the content user environment 1, the content acquisition request response means 215 authenticates the content user who transmitted the content acquisition request and then checks whether access authorization to the requested content is granted based on the access authorization setting information stored in the storage unit 202. For example, if the content user verified by the user authentication has been granted valid access authorization to the requested content, the content acquisition request response means 215 acquires the requested content stored in the content management unit 206 and transmits it to the content user environment 1. On the other hand, if authentication of the content user fails or if valid access authorization to the requested content is not granted to the content user, the content acquisition request response means 215 does not acquire the requested content and transmits an error notification to the content user environment 1 indicating that the content user does not have access authorization to the requested content. The error notification may be prepared in advance or may be generated each time by the content acquisition request response means 215.

[0057] The ID receiving means 221 receives a content user ID for uniquely identifying a content user from the content user environment 1 via the communication unit 203, and stores the content user ID in the storage unit 202. The ID receiving means 221 is a means corresponding to the ID sending means 121 in the content user environment 1.

[0058] The individual directory creation means 222 is a means for creating an individual directory for each content user based on the content user ID received by the ID receiving means 221. The individual directory creation means 222 creates an individual directory for each content user ID (for each content user identified by the content user ID) in the storage unit 202. Note that although the individual directory creation means 222 has been described as creating an individual directory, the content provider may also use the individual directory creation means 222 to create an individual directory based on the content user ID.

[0059] As described above, the individual directory is not created in the content management unit 206 but is created in the storage unit 202. The individual directory does not store the content itself, but stores a URL for accessing the content, a content user ID, or access authorization setting information for a content user identified by the content user ID. Note that the content user ID may not be stored in the individual directory, but may be used as the name or identification symbol of the individual directory.

[0060] The individual directory authorization setting means 223 is a means for setting access authorization to an individual directory created for each content user for that content user. When a URL or the like is stored in any individual directory, the individual directory authorization setting means 223 sets access authorization to that individual directory for the content user corresponding to that individual directory. Note that although the individual directory authorization setting means 223 has been described as setting access authorization, the content provider may also set it. In this case, the content provider stores content related to one of the content users in the content management unit 206 using the content storage means 212, and when a URL or the like for accessing the content is obtained, the content provider stores the obtained URL or the like in the individual directory created for the content user related to the content using the content storage means 212. Thereafter, the content provider uses the individual directory authorization setting means 223 to set access authorization to the individual directory in which the URL or the like is stored for the content user corresponding to that individual directory.

[0061] As described above, the access authorization setting for an individual directory is performed after a URL, etc., is stored in the individual directory. If the individual directory authorization setting means 223 or the content provider follows this order, it becomes possible to infer that the content is stored in the content management unit 206 from the state of the access authorization setting for the individual directory.

[0062] When the non-public information possession response means 224 receives a request to inquire about whether non-public information is possessed, sent from the non-public information possession inquiry means 122 of the content user environment 1, via the communication unit 203, it authenticates the content user who sent the request and then obtains the access authorization setting status of the individual directory corresponding to the content user.

[0063] If access authorization to an individual directory is set, the private information possession response means 224 sends a response to the content user environment 1 via the communication unit 203 indicating that private content may be possessed or that access authorization to an individual directory is set.

[0064] On the other hand, if access authorization to the individual directory has not been set, the non-public information possession response means 224 does not respond to the content user environment 1. Alternatively, the non-public information possession response means 224 may explicitly send a response to the content user environment 1 stating that access authorization to the individual directory has not been set.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of the content preparation phase executed in the content providing system in the first embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows an example of a processing sequence in the content user environment 1 and the content provider environment 2 when a content user uses a service provided by a content provider for the first time.

[0067] 4, when a content user uses a service of a content provider, the ID transmission means 121 in the content user environment 1 transmits a content user ID to the content provider environment 2 (S301). The content user can transmit or provide the content user ID to the content provider environment 2 by the ID transmission means 121 via the communication unit 103, or by the content user directly inserting an ID card or the like that the content user owns into a device such as a card reader provided in the content provider environment 2, for example. In this case, the ID receiving means 221 in the content provider environment 2 receives the content user ID via the above device, or the ID receiving means 221 itself receives the content user ID as the above device.

[0068] In the content provider environment 2, the ID receiving means 221 receives the content user ID. Next, the individual directory creating means 222 creates an individual directory corresponding to the content user ID received by the ID receiving means 221 (S302). This individual directory is not created inside the content management unit 206, but is created in the storage unit 202 of the content provider environment 2. Furthermore, this individual directory does not store the content itself, but stores access authorization setting information for the content user corresponding to this individual directory. When the content user uses the offline service of the content provider, the content user provides the content provider with a content user ID, for example, in the form of a service use application form or a similar document, or by inserting an ID card or the like into a device such as a card reader provided by the content provider. The content provider stores the provided content user ID in the storage unit 202 as electronic data using the input unit 205 or the like in the content provider environment 2. Thereafter, the processing from S302 onwards is executed in the content provider environment 2.

[0069] Furthermore, the individual directory creation means 222 transmits information relating to the success or failure of the individual directory creation to the content user environment 1 as a transmission result of the content user ID.

[0070] In the content user environment 1, the ID transmission means 121 receives the transmission result of the content user ID (S303). Note that the process of transmitting and receiving the transmission result of the content user ID is not a particularly essential process in the content providing system of this embodiment.

[0071] When a content user uses a service provided by a content provider, the content provider uses the input unit 205 or the like in the content provider environment 2 to create content such as a service usage record by the content user and a usage history certificate. This content such as the service usage record and usage history certificate is created and stored as private information (private content related to the content user) that can be accessed, referenced, and obtained only by the content user who used the service. Meanwhile, the catalog creation and storage means 211 creates a catalog related to the created content and stores it in the memory unit 202 (S304). Note that when the content provider creates a catalog using the catalog creation and storage means 211, the order of creating the catalog and the content may be reversed.

[0072] Next, the content storage means 212 stores the created content (private content related to the content user) in the content management unit 206, and stores the URL etc., which indicates the storage location of the content, determined thereby, in an individual directory corresponding to the content user, which is created in the memory unit 202 (S305).

[0073] After the URL etc. is stored in the individual directory, the individual directory authorization setting means 223 sets access authorization for the content user to the individual directory, and stores the access authorization setting information in the individual directory in the storage unit 202 (S306).

[0074] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of the content providing phase executed in the content providing system in this embodiment.

[0075] Figure 5 shows an example of a processing sequence in content user environment 1 and content provider environment 2 when a content user inquires with multiple content providers about whether they hold private content, such as a certificate of usage history of the content user's services from each content provider, enters into a content usage agreement with a content provider that holds the private content, and obtains private content related to the content user from that content provider.

[0076] 5, the catalog search means 111 in the content user environment 1 accepts search conditions for desired content input by the content user using the input unit 105, and transmits a catalog search request based on the accepted search conditions to the cross-site search server 3 (S401). In this example, the search conditions for desired content are conditions for searching for content providers who can provide the desired service, and the content user inquires of the cross-site search server 3 about content providers who can provide the desired service.

[0077] Upon receiving a request from the content user environment 1, the cross-site search server 3 searches the catalog using the search criteria specified in the request, and transmits a list of content providers that match the search criteria to the content user environment 1. In the content user environment 1, the catalog search means 111 receives the content provider list as the search execution result from the cross-site search server 3 and stores it in the memory unit 102 (S402).

[0078] The non-public information possession inquiry means 122 in the content user environment 1 transmits a request (non-public information possession inquiry request) to each content provider environment 2 of one or more content providers listed on the content provider list to inquire whether they possess non-public content related to the content user, along with the content user ID, the user's authentication token, etc. (S403). Note that Fig. 5 illustrates one content provider environment 2 of one or more content providers listed on the content provider list, and the same applies to the following explanation.

[0079] When the private information possession response means 224 in the content provider environment 2 receives the private information possession inquiry request from the content user environment 1, it performs user authentication based on the user authentication token, etc., that it also received (S404). If the user authentication is successful, the private information possession response means 224 searches for an individual directory, among the individual directories created in the storage unit 202, that can be accessed by the content user (requesting content user) that sent the private information possession inquiry request. If no individual directory is found, the private information possession response means 224 determines that either no individual directory corresponding to the requesting content user has been created or that access authorization for the individual directory has not been set, and transmits a response to the content user environment 1. Note that if no individual directory is found, the private information possession response means 224 does not need to return any response. By preventing the content provider environment 2 in which no individual directory is found from returning a response, it is possible to reduce unnecessary communication on the network.

[0080] When an individual directory corresponding to the requesting content user is found by searching the individual directory in the memory unit 202, the private information possession response means 224 acquires the access authorization setting status of the individual directory, and if access authorization to the individual directory is set, sends a response indicating that there is a possibility that private content is possessed in the content user environment 1 or that access authorization to the individual directory is set (S405).

[0081] When the private information possession inquiry means 122 in the content user environment 1 receives a response from one or more of the one or more content provider environments 2 that sent the private information possession inquiry request that there is a possibility of private content being possessed or that access authorization is set for an individual directory, it aggregates the content providers corresponding to the one or more content provider environments 2 as private content possession providers and stores them in the memory unit 102 (S406).

[0082] The contract conclusion means 112 in the content user environment 1 transmits a request for a private content usage contract to the content provider environment 2 of one or more content providers aggregated as private content holder providers (S407).

[0083] The contract conclusion means 213 in the content provider environment 2 presents the contract conditions regarding the use of the private content to the requesting content user by transmitting the contract conditions to the content user environment 1. If the requesting content user agrees to the presented contract conditions (decides to use the private information), the contract conclusion means 112 in the content user environment 1 transmits information of agreement to the content provider environment 2. When the contract conclusion means 213 in the content provider environment 2 receives information of agreement to the contract conditions from the content user environment 1, it considers that the contract conclusion is complete and stores the contract conditions, etc. as contract-related information in the storage unit 202 (S408). If the requesting content user does not agree to the presented contract conditions, the contract conclusion means 213 terminates the contract conclusion process.

[0084] When the contract conclusion process with the requesting content user is completed, the content authorization setting means 214 in the content provider environment 2 sets access authorization to the content (private content related to the requesting content user) based on the agreed contract conditions, and stores the access authorization setting information in the storage unit 202 (S409). In addition, the content authorization setting means 214 transmits a completion notification of the access authorization setting to the content user environment 1.

[0085] The content acquisition request means 113 in the content user environment 1 transmits a content acquisition request for the private content related to the requesting content user to the content provider environment 2 (S410).

[0086] When the content acquisition request response means 215 in the content provider environment 2 receives a content acquisition request from the content user environment 1, it authenticates the requesting content user (S411).

[0087] If the authentication of the requesting content user is successful, the content acquisition request response means 215 checks whether or not access to the requested content is authorized by checking the access authorization setting information stored in the storage unit 202 (S412).

[0088] When it is confirmed that access authorization to the requested content has been set, the content acquisition request response means 215 acquires the requested content from the content management unit 206 and transmits it to the content user environment 1 (S413).

[0089] The content acquisition request means 113 in the content user environment acquires the requested content (non-public information about the requesting content user) from the content provider environment 2, and stores it in the storage unit 102 (S414).

[0090] As described above, according to the content provision system of the first embodiment, in the content provider environment 2, an individual directory for each content user is created in a location other than the content management unit 206 where content is stored. When content, such as private content, related to the content user is stored in the content management unit 206, a URL indicating the storage location within the content management unit 206 is stored in the individual directory corresponding to the content user, and access authorization to the individual directory is set for the content user. Then, when the content provider environment 2 receives a private information possession inquiry request from the content user environment 1, it searches for the individual directory corresponding to the requesting content user. If an individual directory corresponding to the requesting content user is found and access authorization to the individual directory is set, a response to the private information possession inquiry request indicating that private content may be possessed or that access authorization to the individual directory has been set is sent to the content user environment 1. By performing such processing in the content provider environment 2, the content user can use the content user environment 1 to thoroughly identify and specify content providers who may possess content, such as private content, related to the content user before entering into a content usage contract, thereby minimizing the process of content usage contracts with the content provider.

[0091] 5, in the content providing system of the first embodiment, the content user environment 1 receives a content provider list as a catalog search result from the cross-site search server 3, and transmits a non-public information possession inquiry request to the content provider environments 2 of all content providers listed on the content provider list. In this case, there is a possibility that a non-public information possession inquiry request will be transmitted even to content providers that are highly unlikely or impossible to have been used by the content user in the past.

[0092] Therefore, as a second embodiment, an example of a configuration in the content user environment 10 that makes it possible to narrow down content providers listed in the content provider list to which a non-public information possession inquiry request is to be sent will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content user environment 10 in the second embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same components as those in the content user environment 1 shown in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the following explanation, explanations of content that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be described.

[0093] 6, the content user environment 10, like the content user environment 1 in the first embodiment, includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an output unit 104, an input unit 105, a catalog search means 111, a contract conclusion means 112, a content acquisition request means 113, an ID transmission means 121, and a non-public information possession inquiry means 122, and further includes a request destination filtering means 123. Like the catalog search means 111, the contract conclusion means 112, the content acquisition request means 113, the ID transmission means 121, and the non-public information possession inquiry means 122, the request destination filtering means 123 is also configured by software installed in an information processing terminal, a server device, or the like.

[0094] The request destination filtering means 123 is a means for filtering one or more content providers listed in the content provider list received by the catalog search means 111 from the cross-site search server 3, for example, based on geographical conditions, time conditions, conditions of the content usage contract desired by the content user or content provider, and the like, to narrow down the content providers.

[0095] Geographical conditions include, for example, the content user's current place of residence or location, as well as information on places or regions where the content user is likely to use the content provider's services, such as previous places of residence, current place of work, previous places of work, hometown and surrounding areas.

[0096] Examples of time conditions include, for example, when the content desired by the content user proves the content or time of the online or offline service of the content provider used by the content user, the date, time, and period of use of the service.

[0097] Desired contract terms include, for example, financial terms (free, paid, price range or upper limit, etc.), content provision method, format or format, period for which content can be provided (expiration date for past content), and provision period (one month, etc.).

[0098] The content user uses the input unit 105 or the like to register the above geographical conditions, time conditions, desired contract conditions, etc., in the request destination filtering means 123. These conditions may be registered by the content user in advance (before starting a catalog search, etc.), or may be registered by the content user when the request destination filtering means 123 performs filtering.

[0099] The request destination filtering means 123 reads out the content provider list stored in the storage unit 102 by the catalog search means 111, and extracts, from one or more content providers listed on the content provider list, content providers that meet any or all of the various conditions registered by the content user, or excludes content providers that do not meet any of the various conditions. The list of content providers that remains without being extracted or excluded in this way is stored in the storage unit 102 as a request destination list.

[0100] The non-public information possession inquiry means 122 reads the request destination list stored in the memory unit 102 and sends a request (non-public information possession inquiry request) to each content provider environment 2 of one or more content providers listed on the request destination list to inquire whether they possess any non-public information regarding the content user, along with the content user ID, the user's authentication token, etc.

[0101] The subsequent processing is the same as the processing in the content provision phase in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0102] As explained above, according to the content user environment 10 of the second embodiment, the request destination filtering means 123 filters one or more content providers listed on the content provider list according to various conditions registered by the content user, and the non-public information possession inquiry means 122 can send a non-public information possession inquiry request only to the content providers narrowed down by the filtering, rather than to all content providers listed on the content provider list. This means that the non-public information possession inquiry means 122 does not need to send a non-public information possession inquiry request to content providers that are highly unlikely or impossible to have been used by the content user in the past, and can execute the inquiry process more efficiently.

[0103] Although the above describes various embodiments and variations of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments and includes various variations. For example, the above-described exemplary embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to those including all of the components described herein. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the components of one exemplary embodiment with the components of another exemplary embodiment. It is also possible to add the components of another exemplary embodiment to the components of one exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the components of each exemplary embodiment with other components. Furthermore, some or all of the above-described components, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Furthermore, the control lines and information lines in the figures are only those considered necessary for explanation, and not necessarily all are shown. It is also possible to consider that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1, 10: Content user environment 2: Content provider environment 3: Cross-search server 101: Control unit 102: Storage section 103: Communications Department 104: Output section 105: Input section 111: Catalog search tools 112: Means of concluding a contract 113: Content acquisition request means 121: ID transmission method 122: Non-public information possession inquiry means 123: Request destination filtering means 201: Control unit 202: Storage section 203: Communications Department 204: Output section 205: Input section 206: Content Management Department 211: Cataloging storage means 212: Content storage means 213: Means of concluding a contract 214: Content authorization setting means 215: Content acquisition request response means 221: ID receiving means 222: Individual directory creation method 223: Individual directory authorization setting means 224: Non-public information possession response means

Claims

1. A content providing system in which content desired by a content user is provided by a content provider, one or more content user systems used by content users; one or more content provider systems connected to the one or more content user systems via a network and used by content providers; Each of the one or more content provider systems comprises: A memory unit; a creating unit that creates an individual directory for each content user in the storage unit; a storage unit that stores information indicating a storage location of private content related to any one of the content users, which is stored in a location other than the storage unit, in an individual directory corresponding to the content user; an authorization setting unit that, when information indicating a storage location of the private content is stored in the individual directory, performs an access authorization setting for the content user to the individual directory; a response unit that, when receiving from any content user system a request for inquiry about possession of private content relating to a content user using the content user system, checks whether an individual directory corresponding to the content user exists, and if the individual directory has been created, checks whether access authorization to the individual directory has been set for the content user, and if access authorization to the individual directory has been set, responds to the content user system that has sent the request for inquiry about possession of private content to the effect that the content user system may possess private content; Content delivery system.

2. 2. The content providing system according to claim 1, when the creation unit receives user identification information that can uniquely identify a content user from any of the content user systems, it creates an individual directory for the content user identified by the user identification information. Content delivery system.

3. 2. The content providing system according to claim 1, When the private content is stored in a location other than the storage unit and information indicating the storage location is determined, the storage unit stores the information indicating the storage location in the individual directory. Content delivery system.

4. 2. The content providing system according to claim 1, When the response unit receives the private content possession inquiry request, it authenticates the content user, and if the authentication is successful, checks whether or not there is an individual directory corresponding to the content user. Content delivery system.

5. 2. The content providing system according to claim 1, Each of the one or more content user systems comprises: a search unit that searches a catalog of a plurality of contents that can be provided from each of the content provider systems according to search conditions specified by the content user; a request sending unit that sends the private content ownership inquiry request to one or more content provider systems that are used by one or more content providers that match the search criteria and that are extracted by the search, Content delivery system.

6. 6. The content providing system according to claim 5, Each of the content user systems is The system further includes a filtering unit that extracts content providers that meet the filtering conditions from among one or more content providers that meet the search conditions based on the filtering conditions registered by the content user. Content delivery system.

7. 7. The content providing system according to claim 6, the request sending unit sends the private content possession inquiry request to a content provider system used by the content provider extracted by the filtering unit. Content delivery system.

8. 7. The content providing system according to claim 6, The filtering conditions are at least any or all of a geographical condition, a time condition, and a desired contract condition. Content delivery system.

9. A content provider system that is connected to one or more content user systems used by content users via a network and provides content in response to requests from each content user system, A memory unit; a creating unit that creates an individual directory for each content user in the storage unit; a storage unit that stores information indicating a storage location of private content related to any one of the content users, which is stored in a location other than the storage unit, in an individual directory corresponding to the content user; an authorization setting unit that, when information indicating a storage location of the private content is stored in the individual directory, performs an access authorization setting for the content user to the individual directory; a response unit that, when receiving from any content user system a request for inquiry about possession of private content relating to a content user using the content user system, checks whether an individual directory corresponding to the content user exists, and if the individual directory has been created, checks whether access authorization to the individual directory has been set for the content user, and if access authorization to the individual directory has been set, responds to the content user system that has sent the request for inquiry about possession of private content to the effect that the content user system may possess private content; Content provider system.

10. 10. The content provider system of claim 9, when the creation unit receives user identification information that can uniquely identify a content user from any of the content user systems, it creates an individual directory for the content user identified by the user identification information. Content provider system.

11. 10. The content provider system of claim 9, When the private content is stored in a location other than the storage unit and information indicating the storage location is determined, the storage unit stores the information indicating the storage location in the individual directory. Content provider system.

12. 10. The content provider system of claim 9, When the response unit receives the private content possession inquiry request, it authenticates the content user, and if the authentication is successful, checks whether or not there is an individual directory corresponding to the content user. Content provider system.

13. A content user system connected via a network to one or more content provider systems used by a content provider that provides content, and allowing a content user to obtain desired content from the one or more content provider systems, a search unit that searches catalogs of multiple contents that can be provided from the one or more content provider systems according to search conditions specified by a content user; a request sending unit that sends a request for an inquiry about non-public content possession related to the content user to one or more content provider systems that are used by one or more content providers that match the search criteria and that are extracted by the search, Content Consumer System.

14. 14. The content user system of claim 13, The system further includes a filtering unit that extracts content providers that meet the filtering conditions from among one or more content providers that meet the search conditions based on the filtering conditions registered by the content user. Content Consumer System.

15. 15. The content user system of claim 14, the request sending unit sends the private content possession inquiry request to a content provider system used by the content provider extracted by the filtering unit. Content Consumer System.

Images