Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of calculating the use price of contents corresponding to a use form.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system including at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the following steps by reading a program, in the acceptance step, selection of used content by a performer from among a plurality of items of management content is accepted, the plurality of items of management content are managed in association with respective providers, and in the calculation step, a usage fee for the provider of the used content is calculated on the basis of a log relating to use of the used content by the performer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for tracking streaming playback of content such as music and video, and paying compensation to the content provider (right holder) based on the tracking information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,893,112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the user of the content is a performer, the content is mainly used as practice material, performance aid, etc. Therefore, various usage patterns are expected, such as repeated use of a single piece of content or repeated use of a portion of a single piece of content. However, with conventional technology, it is difficult to calculate the compensation for use of content according to the various usage patterns by performers.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a technique that can calculate the fee for using content according to the usage pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute each of the following steps by reading a program, wherein in a reception step, a performer's selection of content to be used from among a plurality of managed contents is received, and the plurality of managed contents are managed in association with their respective providers, and in a calculation step, a usage fee to be paid to the provider of the used content is calculated based on a log of the performer's use of the used content.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the payment of fees to content providers is calculated based on logs of content use by performers, thereby enabling the payment of fees to performers according to various usage patterns of content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 having a different configuration from that of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a performance device 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a provider terminal 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by an information processing device 2 (processor 23). FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the performance device 3 (processor 33). [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a content selection screen SD displayed on the performance device 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of display processing (part of use determination processing) of managed content when the performance device 3 is connected to a network. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of management content use start processing (part of use determination processing). [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for ending use of managed content. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for determining whether content is being used; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for calculating a usage fee. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of charging and remittance processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] Furthermore, various information processing according to an embodiment may realize input and output corresponding to the input. Here, the form of information referenced in such information processing (hereinafter referred to as reference information) is not limited as long as an output is obtained as a result of the input. The reference information may be, for example, rule-based information such as a database, a lookup table, or a predetermined function (including a decision formula such as a regression formula constructed using a statistical method), a trained model that has previously trained the correlation between input and output, or a large-scale language model that can output a desired result by inputting a prompt.

[0012] In one embodiment, a "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In one embodiment, various information is handled, and this information is represented, for example, by physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0013] Furthermore, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0014] 1. Hardware Configuration This section explains the hardware configuration.

[0015] <Information Processing System 1> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 2, a plurality of performance devices 3, and a plurality of provider terminals 4. The information processing device 2, the performance devices 3, and the provider terminals 4 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via telecommunications lines such as Ethernet, wireless LAN, or a mobile communication network. In one embodiment, the information processing system 1 is made up of one or more devices or components. For example, if the information processing system 1 is made up of only the information processing device 2, the information processing system 1 can be the information processing device 2. These components will be described below.

[0016] <Information processing device 2> 1, the information processing device 2 in the information processing system 1 may be configured with multiple server devices 2A, or may be configured with a single server device 2A. When the information processing system 1 includes multiple server devices 2A, a server device 2A is provided for each type of data and processing content handled by the information processing system 1. For example, the information processing device 2 may include a server device 2A that manages user accounts, a server device 2A that manages content (delivery processing such as storage, transmission and reception), a server device 2A that manages content rights information, and a server device 2A that executes payments.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 includes a communication bus 20, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a processor 23. The communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the processor 23 are electrically connected via the communication bus 20 inside the information processing device 2. When the information processing device 2 includes a plurality of server devices 2A, each of the server devices 2A includes the communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the processor 23.

[0018] <Communications Department 21> The communication unit 21 is preferably a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), wired LAN network communication, etc., but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) communication, etc. as needed. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of multiple communication means. In other words, the information processing device 2 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 21 and the network.

[0019] <Storage section 22> The storage unit 22 stores various pieces of information defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and the like related to the information processing device 2 executed by the processor 23, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the program operations. The storage unit 22 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the information processing device 2 executed by the processor 23.

[0020] <Processor 23> The processor 23 processes and controls the overall operations related to the information processing device 2. The processor 23 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 23 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 2 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the processor 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 23. That is, the processor 23 can execute a program to perform each functional unit. This will be described in further detail in the next section. Note that the processor 23 is not limited to being single, and multiple processors 23 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0021] The information processing device 2 may be an on-premise type or a cloud type. As the information processing device 2 in the cloud type, the above-mentioned functions and processes may be provided in the form of, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service) or cloud computing.

[0022] <Performance Device 3> The performance device 3 shown in FIG. 1 is a device used by a performer by logging in to their own user account. The performance device 3 is a device that plays, displays, etc. content provided from the information processing device 2 via the user account, and is also a device that the performer uses to play music. The performance device 3 is composed of, for example, a communication terminal 3A and an electronic musical instrument 3B. The communication terminal 3A is, for example, a general-purpose computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The electronic musical instrument 3B is connected to the communication terminal 3A via a wired or wireless connection, and is connected to a network via the communication terminal 3A.

[0023] 3 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system 1 having a different configuration from that shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the performance device 3 may be composed of a standalone electronic musical instrument directly connected to a network, or a standalone communication terminal. When the performance device 3 is a standalone communication terminal, the communication terminal itself may be used as a device used for performance (to input performance data) (for example, a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or as a device for acquiring performance sounds from an analog musical instrument 1).

[0024] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the performance device 3. As shown in Fig. 4A, the communication terminal 3A constituting the performance device 3 includes a communication bus 30, a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a processor 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the processor 33, the display unit 34, and the input unit 35 are electrically connected via the communication bus 30 inside the communication terminal 3A. The description of the communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, and the processor 33 is omitted here because they are the same as the description of each unit in the information processing device 2.

[0025] <Display section 34> The display unit 34 displays a screen of a graphical user interface (GUI) that can be operated by the user. The display unit 34 may be included in the housing of the performance device 3 or may be attached externally. Specifically, the display unit 34 may be implemented as a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a plasma display. It is preferable that these display devices are used appropriately depending on the type of performance device 3.

[0026] <Input section 35> The input unit 35 accepts operation inputs made by the user. The operation inputs are transferred as command signals to the processor 33 via the communication bus 30. The processor 33 can execute predetermined control or calculations based on the transferred command signals as necessary. The input unit 35 may be included in the housing of the performance device 3 or may be attached externally. For example, the input unit 35 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 34. When the input unit 35 is implemented as a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. to the input unit 35. Instead of a touch panel, the input unit 35 can be a switch button, a mouse, a trackpad, a QWERTY keyboard, etc.

[0027] 4B, the electronic musical instrument 3B constituting the performance device 3 includes a communication bus 30, a communication unit 31, a memory unit 32, a processor 33, a display unit 34, a performance input unit 36, an audio output unit 37, and an RTC 38. The communication unit 31, the memory unit 32, the processor 33, the display unit 34, the performance input unit 36, the audio output unit 37, and the RTC 38 are electrically connected within the electronic musical instrument 3B via the communication bus 30. The description of the communication unit 31, the memory unit 32, the processor 33, and the display unit 34 is omitted here because they are the same as the description of each unit in the communication terminal 3A.

[0028] <Performance Input Section 36> The performance input unit 36 ​​receives performance input from the performer. The performance input unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a physical input device used in a musical instrument, such as a keyboard, strings, pads, buttons, or switches.

[0029] <Audio output unit 37> The audio output unit 37 outputs sounds such as the playback sound of the content, the sound of a performer's performance, etc. As the audio output unit 37, for example, a speaker is used.

[0030] <rtc38> The RTC (Real Time Clock) 38 is a circuit configured to output accurate digital data of the date and time (year, month, date, and time). The RTC 38 has a power supply independent of the power supply of the electronic musical instrument 3B itself. Therefore, the RTC 38 continues to count the date and time even when the processor 33 of the electronic musical instrument 3B is stopped. The RTC 38 also continues to count the date and time even when the electronic musical instrument 3B is not connected to a network. When the electronic musical instrument 3B is connected to a network, the date and time of the RTC 38 is corrected to the accurate date and time using time information from a reliable NTP (Network Time Protocol) server.

[0031] The electronic musical instrument 3B does not necessarily have to have a display unit 34 and an audio output unit 37. For example, content provided by the information processing device 2 may be displayed or output as audio on the communication terminal 3A. Furthermore, the performance sounds of the electronic musical instrument 3B may be output from the communication terminal 3A or another output device. On the other hand, in a case where the electronic musical instrument 3B itself is used as the performance device 3 (a case where the electronic musical instrument 3B is directly connected to a network), the electronic musical instrument 3B may have an input unit 35 similar to that of the communication terminal 3A.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the provider terminal 4. As shown in Fig. 5, the provider terminal 4 includes a communication bus 40, a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a processor 43, a display unit 44, and an input unit 45. The communication unit 41, the storage unit 42, the processor 43, the display unit 44, and the input unit 45 are electrically connected via the communication bus 30 inside the provider terminal 4. The description of the communication unit 41, the storage unit 42, the processor 43, the display unit 44, and the input unit 45 will be omitted as they are the same as the description of each unit in the communication terminal 3A.

[0033] 2. Functional configuration This section describes the functional configuration of this embodiment. Information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the processor 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 23. The information processing system 1 functions as a system that returns appropriate usage fees for content provided for performance to content providers.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the information processing device 2 (processor 23). Specifically, the information processing device 2 (processor 23) includes a registration unit 231, a reception unit 232, a recording unit 233, an acquisition unit 234, an evaluation unit 235, a calculation unit 236, a remittance unit 237, and a billing unit 238. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the performance device 3 (processor 33). Specifically, the performance device 3 (processor 33) includes a performance output unit 331, a log creation unit 332, a license update unit 333, and a use determination unit 334.

[0035] <Registration Section 231> The registration unit 231 of the information processing device 2 is configured to register various information. Specifically, it registers user information (user account name (user ID), authentication information, name, contact information, payment method, bank account, etc.) of the performer who uses the information processing system 1 and information of the content provider (provider account name (provider ID), authentication information, name, contact information, payment method, bank account, etc.). In addition to the user information, the performer registers information (device ID, serial number, MAC address, etc.) of the performance device 3 (communication terminal 3A or electronic musical instrument 3B) of the performer who uses the information processing system 1. The performer information is registered in a performer database stored in, for example, the storage unit 22. The performer database also stores the performer's rights to use the content (whether or not there is a purchase, rental, joint charge (subscription contract), etc., as described below), the content usage history, etc.

[0036] The registration unit 231 also registers content provided by a content provider as part of multiple managed contents. Content registered as managed content (content license-managed by a delivery server) is made public by the delivery server included in the information processing system 1, and can be used by performers registered in the information processing system 1 on their own performance devices 3 while logged in to their user accounts. The registration unit 231 also registers association information (provider management information) such as a list or table linking identification information (content ID, rights holder information, title, identification information (identification code, data fingerprint, etc.), copyright information (token ID, copyright registration number), etc.) of each of the multiple managed contents with information about the content provider (name, contact information, account number, etc.) and license type (license conditions) in a provider database stored in, for example, the storage unit 22. The registration unit 231 also registers identification information of the managed content and the type of provision (whether or not options such as purchase or rental, which will be described later, can be selected) in the content management database. In this way, multiple managed contents are managed in association with their respective content providers.

[0037] Based on the provider management information registered by the registration unit 231 and the usage log (described later), royalties are paid to the content provider of the managed content according to the performer's use of the managed content. Note that the content provider includes not only the content creator (author) but also a right holder to whom the content creator has assigned or loaned the usage rights.

[0038] The content handled by the information processing system 1 (i.e., managed content and used content) is not particularly limited as long as it can be output (played, displayed, presented, etc.) or function on the performance device 3. The content handled by the information processing system 1 includes presentation content, the purpose of which is to output the content itself on the performance device 3, and audio processing content, the function of which is to assist the performer in their performance on the performance device 3.

[0039] The presentation content is primarily used for the purpose of training performers or as accompaniment during performance, and includes, for example, music piece data, sheet music data, performance training data, and the like.

[0040] Music data is waveform data that records the performance of a piece of music, or performance sequence data that includes symbols representing a series of notes included in a piece of music. Waveform data includes, for example, downmixed waveform data, multi-track waveform data before downmixing, waveform data of a portion of a piece of music phrase, and waveform data of a single note. Waveform data formats include, for example, wav, mp3, aac, wma, and FLAC. Performance sequence data is data that causes the performance device 3 to perform an automatic performance (to play a piece of music by having the performance device 3 perform it on behalf of a performer). Performance sequence data includes, for example, MIDI data (data in formats such as mid, seq, sng, and rcp), MML data, accompaniment sequence data, and note token strings. Music data is provided, for example, in units of a single song or a loop phrase. The music provided as music data includes not only music distributed in the music market but also music performed by a teacher for performance training purposes.

[0041] The musical score data is image data of the musical score of a piece of music (including vector data for drawing the musical score), or a combination of music data (music performance sequence data) and image data of the musical score. Music score data of a piece of music is provided, for example, on a song-by-song basis.

[0042] The performance training data is a combination of image data of the sheet music for the solo part that the performer practices, a model performance sequence, and corresponding accompaniment music data (waveform data or performance sequence data). The performance training data includes, for example, multiple stages of training data for a single piece of music. For example, the performance training data includes multiple music data, such as training data for phrase-based note-taking parts (model performance parts), training data for phrase-based rhythm practice parts, training data for section-based accompaniment practice parts, and training data for a performance test of the entire piece. A single piece of music is composed of multiple sections, such as an intro, an verse, an interlude, a verse, and an ending, and each section is composed of multiple phrases. Each part is composed of either a phrase, a section, or a piece of music. A typical configuration of performance training data is a combination of a note-taking part for each section, a rhythm practice part for each section, a practice part with accompaniment for the entire piece, and a performance test. A performer can repeatedly practice the same phrase or the same section. Furthermore, the performer can repeatedly perform performance tests of the piece of music until he or she obtains a satisfactory score.

[0043] The sound processing content is used for the purpose of outputting a specific performance sound from the performance device 3. The sound processing content includes, for example, tone color data, effector data, automatic accompaniment data, and the like.

[0044] The timbre data is a set of parameters for a timbre generation algorithm or a timbre conversion algorithm, or a learning model. The set of parameters constituting the audio data is, for example, a set of parameters constituting a predetermined generator (timbre generation algorithm) that generates audio with a desired timbre (such as an instrument sound or singing) from an input performance, or a set of parameters constituting a predetermined converter (timbre conversion algorithm) that converts the input audio into a desired sound quality (timbre). The learning model (audio generation model or audio conversion model) included in the timbre data is a model that has learned the relationship between the input audio and audio based on a registered sound quality through machine learning, and generates audio with a desired timbre (such as an instrument sound or singing) from the input performance, or converts the input audio into a desired sound quality (timbre). The audio input to and output from the generator or converter (learning model) constructed using the audio data is an instrument sound or singing. When a performer performs (plays or inputs audio) using the audio data (with the function enabled) on the performance device 3, audio with a desired sound quality (timbre) corresponding to the audio data is output from the performance device 3.

[0045] Effector data is a set of parameters or a learning model for a predetermined effector algorithm. The set of parameters constituting the effector data is, for example, a set of parameters constituting an effector algorithm that applies effects such as compressor, distortion, vacuum tube model, reverb, and 3D localization control processor to input audio (such as an instrument sound or vocals). The effector data also includes a set of parameters for an amplifier simulator. Such parameter sets include, for example, FIR coefficients and data constituting signal processing. The learning model (effect application model) included in the effector data is a model that has learned by machine learning the relationship between input audio and audio with a desired effect applied, and converts the input audio into audio with the effect applied and outputs it. When a performer performs using the effector data (with the function enabled), the effect of the effector data is applied to audio passing through a path where the effector is inserted.

[0046] The automatic accompaniment data is a set of parameters or a learning model for a predetermined automatic accompaniment process. The set of parameters constituting the automatic accompaniment data is, for example, a set of parameters constituting an algorithm for generating an accompaniment sequence (drum pattern, etc.) suited to an input performance (chords or melody) and for executing pitch conversion according to the chords. The learning model (automatic accompaniment generation model) included in the automatic accompaniment data is a model that has learned through machine learning the relationship between the input performance (chords or melody) and the accompaniment sequence, and automatically generates and outputs an accompaniment sequence suited to the input performance. When a performer performs using the automatic accompaniment data (with the function enabled), the automatically generated accompaniment sequence is output.

[0047] The content handled by the information processing system 1 is provided by a content provider who holds the right to grant licenses to others to use the content, the right to receive compensation for use by other companies (typically copyright), etc., and is registered by the registration unit 231 as described above. The content provider is typically the copyright holder of the content registered in the registration unit 231.

[0048] The rights information of the content may be recorded in a server (server device 2A) inside the information processing system 1, or may be registered in a rights management server (for example, a copyright ledger server) outside the information processing system 1. In addition, the rights information (copyright ledger) of the content may be distributed and stored in multiple external devices using a blockchain technology or the like that ensures the reliability of the data.

[0049] <Reception Department 232> The receiving unit 232 of the information processing device 2 is configured to acquire various information. Specifically, the receiving unit 232 receives a performer's selection of content to be used from among a plurality of managed contents. For example, the receiving unit 232 presents selectable managed contents to the performance device 3 according to various modes of use of the performer's services, and receives from the performance device 3 a selection operation of the managed content (content to be used) to be used on the performance device 3.

[0050] The service usage patterns (charging methods) in the information processing system 1 include a one-time purchase method, a rental method, a shared charging method, and a pay-per-use charging method.

[0051] The outright purchase method is a method in which a performer pays a usage fee for one or more individually selected managed contents and uses the one or more managed contents as usage content on the performance device 3. With the outright purchase method, a performer can basically use the usage content for which a fee has been charged once indefinitely. With the rental method, a performer pays a usage fee for individually selected managed content and uses the managed content as usage content on the performance device 3 for a specified period. The amount charged in the rental method is smaller than the amount charged in the outright purchase method. With the rental method, the usage content for which a fee has been charged becomes unusable after the specified period has elapsed.

[0052] In the outright purchase method and the rental method, the reception unit 232 presents the purchased or rented content to be used to the performance device 3 and receives from the performance device 3 a selection operation of the content to be used on the performance device 3. In addition, in the outright purchase method and the rental method, the reception unit 232 may present the managed content that has not been purchased or rented to the performance device 3 and receive an application to purchase or rent the managed content, or to apply for a common billing method or a pay-as-you-go billing method for the managed content.

[0053] The common charging method is a purchasing format (subscription method) that conforms to so-called subscription services, and multiple managed contents that are subject to the common charging method can be used for a certain period of time (e.g., one month, six months, one year, etc.) after the common charge (subscription fee) is paid in advance or in arrears. The subscription fee may be a flat rate that is unrelated to the amount of content used, or a pay-as-you-go fee that varies depending on the amount of content used. If the subscription fee is a flat rate, payment is made in advance or in arrears, and if the subscription fee is a pay-as-you-go fee, payment is made in arrears.

[0054] When a performer selects the common charging method, the reception unit 232 receives a selection of content to be used from multiple managed contents included in a common charging content group. The common charging content group is composed of content that the performer can use in exchange for a specified usage fee (subscription fee). The common charging method may be set with multiple plans that have different subscription fees and different contents in the common charging content group. For example, the common charging method may be set with a first plan and a second plan that has a higher subscription fee than the first plan and includes a larger number of contents in the common charging content group.

[0055] In the common charging method, content included in a common charging content group is presented to the performance device 3, and a selection operation of content to be used on the performance device 3 is accepted from the performance device 3. Note that the common charging content group may be modified, such as by adding new content or deleting existing content, depending on the contract with the content provider.

[0056] Furthermore, in the common charging method, the content included in the common charging content group may be changed based on the performer's content usage history, performance history, etc. For example, the reception unit 232 may add new training content to the performer's common charging content group (i.e., unlock training content that was not selectable before) based on the performer's performance level, lesson history, etc.

[0057] The pay-per-use method is a method in which a performer is charged a usage fee according to the amount of usage of managed content after that usage. In the pay-per-use method, the amount charged is determined according to the amount of usage (described later), and the performer is charged the total usage fee for the content used for that period at each predetermined time period (for example, one month).

[0058] The accepting unit 232 permits the performance device 3 to use the content in use in accordance with a license type set by the provider for each managed content. This configuration allows the content provider to control the license details for each piece of content. The license type includes the billing method for permitting content use (whether the content is permitted to be used in a one-time purchase, rental, shared billing, or pay-as-you-go format), the period during which the content is available, and the like. The license type is included in the provider management information.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a content selection screen SD displayed on the performance device 3. Specifically, the content selection screen SD is displayed on the performance device 3 connected to the network when a performer logs in to their own user account on the information processing device 2 using their own information (user ID, authentication information, etc.). The content selection screen SD displays a list of information on multiple managed contents MC. The information on the managed contents MC includes, for example, the content name (song title in the example of FIG. 8), the creator of the content (lyricist, composer, and performer in the example of FIG. 8), etc. Furthermore, each managed content MC is provided with at least one of a select button B1, a purchase button B2, a rental button B3, a subscription button B4, and a pay-per-use button B5.

[0060] The content selection screen SD may be displayed on the communication terminal 3A. Furthermore, while the performer is logged in to his / her user account, user information (user account information) and information related to the content being used (content management information) are cached (copied) in the memory unit 32 of the performance device 3 (communication terminal 3A and electronic musical instrument 3B), and the cached information is retained in the performance device 3 even after the network is disconnected. The cached user information includes information indicating the performer's usage rights for the content he / she has purchased. The information on the managed content MC displayed on the content selection screen SD is based on information obtained by the performance device 3 from a content management server. Furthermore, the selection button B1, purchase button B2, rental button B3, subscription button B4, and pay-per-use button B5 are displayed based on the license conditions and user information for each content item obtained by the performance device 3 from the server.

[0061] The selection button B1, purchase button B2, rental button B3, subscription button B4, and pay-as-you-go button B5 are objects that display the performer's usage rights or purchase options for the managed content MC. The selection button B1 is displayed for managed content MC for which the performer has usage rights (i.e., managed content MC that has been purchased or rented, managed content MC included in the group of common content for which the performer has paid, and free managed content MC ("Bird Song" in the example of FIG. 8)). The performer's input operation on the selection button B1 starts use of the managed content MC on the performance device 3. In addition, for managed content MC for which the performer does not have usage rights (i.e., for which no charge has been made), buttons for selecting selectable purchase options (billing methods) (purchase button B2, rental button B3, subscription button B4, and pay-as-you-go button B5) are displayed. In the example of FIG. 8, the "Hometown" content can be purchased, rented, or paid for with a common fee, and the "Sakura" content can be paid for or purchased with a pay-as-you-go fee.

[0062] FIG. 9 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of the display process (part of the use determination process) of managed content when the performance device 3 is connected to a network. The display process of managed content will be explained below along with each activity in FIG. 9. First, the performance device 3 sends a display request for managed content to the information processing device 2 (activity A110). Upon receiving the display request from the performance device 3, the information processing device 2 acquires content information of the managed content to be presented to the performance device 3 from a database of a content management server (activity A120). After acquiring the content information, the information processing device 2 checks the performer's usage rights for the managed content (activity A130). The performer's usage rights are confirmed, for example, by referring to the performer's user information.

[0063] If the performer has the right to use a certain managed content, the information processing device 2 assigns a "selection button" to the managed content (activity A140). As described above, the "selection button" is an operation object that allows the performer to use the managed content for which payment has been made.

[0064] On the other hand, if the performer does not have the right to use the managed content, the information processing device 2 attaches a "purchase button" to the managed content (activity A150). The "purchase button" is an operation object that allows the performer to purchase the managed content. Furthermore, if the managed content is available for rental (if the content management information includes information indicating that it is available for rental), the information processing device 2 also attaches a "rental button" to the managed content (activity A160). The "rental button" is an operation object that allows the performer to rent the managed content. Furthermore, if the managed content is included in a group of common charging contents (i.e., if it is eligible for the subscription service and the content management information includes information indicating that it is included in a group of common charging contents), the information processing device 2 also attaches a "subscription button" to the managed content (activity A170). The "subscription button" is an operation object that allows the performer to subscribe to the common charging method. Furthermore, if the managed content is subject to pay-per-use charges (if the content management information includes information indicating that the content is subject to pay-per-use charges), the information processing device 2 further assigns a "pay-per-use button" to the managed content (activity A180). The "pay-per-use button" is an operation object that allows the performer to use the managed content on a pay-per-use basis.

[0065] In the above example, all managed content MC is available for purchase, but for managed content MC that the content provider wishes to prohibit purchase, the purchase may be prohibited and the "Purchase button" may not be displayed.

[0066] After adding various option buttons, the information processing device 2 displays the managed content on the performance device 3. As a result, the managed content is displayed on the performance device 3 together with the option buttons (activity A190), as in the content selection screen SD of Fig. 8. The information processing device 2 executes the processes from activity A120 to activity A180 for each managed content that can be presented on the performance device 3. Some activities in the activity diagram of Fig. 9 may be executed simultaneously for multiple managed contents in a batch process.

[0067] Note that the performance device 3 caches content management information of the managed content and user information of the performer, so some or all of the activities A120-A180 may be executed in the performance device 3 using this information.

[0068] When the performer selects the content to be used, for example, by pressing the "select button," the content becomes available on the performance device 3. The content to be used may be streamed from a delivery server to the performance device 3, or may be downloaded to the performance device 3. The content to be used that has been downloaded and stored on the performance device 3 can be used based on the cached content management information even when the performance device 3 is not connected to the network (i.e., the "select button" is displayed). The storage unit 32 of the performance device 3 also stores content that is installed on the performance device 3 at the time of shipment, content that the performer has purchased or rented from services other than the information processing system 1, content that the performer has created himself, etc.

[0069] When a performer uses a content in use, content management information related to the content in use is transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the performance device 3 in addition to the data of the content in use itself (e.g., music data, etc.). The content management information includes the ID of the content in use, the token ID of the copyright token, description information, ownership (rights holder) information, license conditions, the performer's usage history, the performer's billing history, etc. The token ID, description information, ownership information, and license conditions are obtained, for example, from a copyright ledger. The content management information is stored, together with the data of the content in use, in the storage unit 32 of the performance device 3, for example. Furthermore, when the content in use starts, a copy of the license information described below is transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the performance device 3. The license information stored (cached) in the performance device 3 is updated with the license information obtained from the performer's user account when the performer logs in to the user account or when the license information is changed.

[0070] <Performance output unit 331> The performance output unit 331 of the performance device 3 is configured to output, as performance sounds, playback sounds based on data included in the content being used and generated sounds based on data generated in response to performance input by the performer. The performance sounds may be output from the performance device 3 as audio or as audio data.

[0071] <Log Creation Unit 332> The log creation unit 332 of the performance device 3 is configured to create a usage log regarding the use of content by the performer. The usage log will be described in detail in the description of the recording unit 233 below. The usage log is recorded, for example, in the memory unit 32 of the performance device 3. The usage log is data that is ultimately linked to the performer's user account (user information) and recorded on the server, but for example, when the performance device 3 is disconnected from the network, it is at least temporarily recorded in the memory unit 32 of the performance device 3.

[0072] <Recording Unit 233> The recording unit 233 of the information processing device 2 is configured to control the performance device 3 so that the usage log is recorded in association with the performer or the performance device 3 used by the performer for performance. With this configuration, it is possible to charge the performer a usage fee for the content used based on the usage log of the content used.

[0073] For example, when the used content is used, the recording unit 233 sends a command to the performance device 3 to create a usage log to the log creation unit 332 of the performance device 3. Alternatively, the recording unit 233 may send a command to create a usage log to the performance device 3 when the used content becomes available (when use is permitted). The command is sent to the performance device 3, for example, together with the used content and content management information. The usage log created by the log creation unit 332 in the performance device 3 is sent to the information processing device 2 at a predetermined timing together with the performer's user information (for example, information about the performance device 3) and stored in the storage unit 22 (log server) of the information processing device 2 in association with the user account. The predetermined timing is, for example, a certain period of several seconds, several tens of seconds, or several minutes when the performance device 3 is connected to a network, or is the timing when the performance device 3 is connected to a network when the performance device 3 is not connected to a network.

[0074] After the performance device 3 acquires the data of the used content and the content management information from the information processing device 2, the performer outputs (plays, displays, presents, etc.) the used content on the performance device 3 or activates the functions of the used content (musical sound synthesis, vocal synthesis, effect application, automatic accompaniment, automatic composition, etc.) on the performance device 3, thereby performing a performance using the performance device 3 while causing the performance device 3 to output the used content or perform the functions of the used content. Performance data obtained from the performance on the performance device 3 is linked to the used content (e.g., content ID) as part of a usage log and recorded in the memory unit 32 of the performance device 3. In other words, the usage log includes performance data. In addition to performance data that is the subject of the usage log, performance data that is not the subject of the usage log (i.e., performance data when the used content is not being used) may also be stored in the memory unit 32 of the performance device 3.

[0075] The performance data used in the usage log is a digitalized version of the performance given by the performer while using the content being used on the performance device 3. The performance data includes sound generation instruction data or performance waveform data for reproducing the performance given by the performer.

[0076] The sound generation instruction data is data including signals representing sounds included in a performance by a performer. Specifically, the sound generation instruction data includes sound generation instructions (note on events) for a series of notes included in a piece of music or a phrase, which are input from the performance input unit 36 ​​(e.g., a keyboard). The sound generation instruction for each note is provided with a sound generation timing (note on timing).

[0077] The performance waveform data is waveform data of a performance by a performer. Specifically, the performance waveform data is waveform data of a performance sound by a performer that is generated by the performance device 3 in response to a sound generation instruction, or waveform data of a performance sound by a performer on an analog instrument that is recorded (captured) by the performance device 3. The performance waveform data includes time information (such as a time code) indicating the time at which the performance sound was performed, the timing at which each sound was generated, and the like.

[0078] The performance data includes sound generation instruction data or performance waveform data, and usage information (playback history) of the content used. If the content used is content for presentation, the usage information includes, for example, the ID of the content used, and history information such as the time, duration, and number of times that output such as playback or display was performed. For example, the duration of musical score display may be counted as the length of the corresponding performance period within the display period of the musical score. If the content used is content for audio processing, the usage information includes, for example, the ID of the content used, the performance of outputting sound using the content used (the number of notes synthesized, the number of sounds generated, the duration of sound periods processed with effects, etc.), and history information such as the time of sound generation. Note that the time information included in the usage log is obtained from the RTC 38 of the performance device 3. In other words, the usage log is provided with a timestamp generated by the RTC 38.

[0079] <Acquisition part 234> The acquisition unit 234 of the information processing device 2 is configured to acquire performance data indicating the results of a performance by a performer. With this configuration, it becomes possible to calculate a usage fee for managed content provided to a performer according to the use involving performance. Specifically, the acquisition unit 234 acquires the performance data by referring to a usage log linked to a user account that is transmitted from the performance device 3 and stored in a log server. The performance data acquired by the acquisition unit 234 is used to calculate a usage fee by a calculation unit 236, which will be described later.

[0080] When the performance data in the usage log recorded by the recording unit 233 includes sound generation instruction data, the acquisition unit 234 acquires the sound generation instruction data as performance data to be referenced by the calculation unit 236. With this configuration, the performance sequence data output from the performance device 3 such as an electronic musical instrument can be used as a usage log for fee calculation.

[0081] When the performance data in the usage log recorded by the recording unit 233 includes performance waveform data, the acquisition unit 234 acquires the performance waveform data as performance data to be referenced by the calculation unit 236. With this configuration, waveform data of performance sounds of analog instruments that do not have an electronic output mechanism can be used as a usage log.

[0082] <Evaluation Department 235> The evaluation unit 235 of the information processing device 2 is configured to acquire the performer's evaluation of the content used. The evaluation acquired by the evaluation unit 235 is recorded, for example, in a log server in association with the user account.

[0083] The performer's evaluation is input, for example, by the performer from the performance device 3, and the evaluation unit 235 accepts the evaluation input on the performance device 3. The timing for accepting the evaluation as a questionnaire from the performer (the timing for displaying the evaluation input screen on the performance device 3) is, for example, when the performance of one song (one or more times) is completed (for example, when playback of the presentation content is completed, when the presentation content is closed, when another presentation content is selected, etc.). The evaluation unit 235, for example, causes the performance device 3 to display a questionnaire screen on which the performer can input the degree of satisfaction using parameters such as numerical values ​​or options.

[0084] When a performer performs using a plurality of used contents, it is possible to adopt a procedure such as accepting evaluations only once a day (e.g., for the first content used in a day, the nth content used (e.g., the third song), etc.), accepting evaluations every few songs (e.g., every five songs), or accepting evaluations all at once when the use of the information processing system 1 is finished (e.g., when an application program is closed, when the performance device 3 is powered off, etc.). This reduces the hassle for the performer to input evaluations for each song. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 235 may not accept evaluations for content that has been used in an amount less than a predetermined amount (questionnaire threshold).

[0085] The evaluation unit 235 may calculate an evaluation based on information included in the usage log. With this configuration, the usage fee can be determined using objective evaluation criteria for the content. Furthermore, instead of an evaluation input by the performer, an evaluation may be calculated based on the usage log. In addition to the performance data, "information included in the usage log" may include, for example, performance status information (video data or biometric data) of the performer acquired from a camera, sensor, etc. connected to the performance device 3. The performance status information is recorded together with the performance data as part of the usage log. The performance status information may include, for example, video data of the performer acquired by a camera, biometric data of the performer acquired by a sensor, etc. The video data may include, for example, the performer's facial expression. The biometric data may include, for example, brain waves, body temperature, heart rate, etc.

[0086] The evaluation unit 235 inputs a series of performance state information into the rating estimation model and causes the rating estimation model to output an instantaneous rating value. The rating estimation model is a learning model that receives performance state information as input and is trained to output an instantaneous rating value. For example, the rating estimation model is constructed by machine learning using, as training data, a combination of performance state information for learning and a rating (grand truth) entered by the performer himself / herself and linked to the performance state information. The evaluation unit 235 may use the instantaneous rating value output by the rating estimation model as the performer's rating directly, or may use a statistical value (e.g., an integrated value, an average value, a variance, a median value, a maximum value, a minimum value, or a combination thereof) of the instantaneous rating values ​​at multiple times as the performer's rating.

[0087] FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of the managed content use start process (part of the use determination process). Below, the managed content use start process when the performance device 3 is connected to a network will be described along with each activity in FIG. 10. First, the performance device 3 selects the content to be used from the displayed managed content (activity A210). At this point, in order to display the managed content, the performance device 3 has already acquired and stored content management information for the managed content from the information processing device 2 (content management server). The content to be used is selected, for example, by selecting managed content that the performer has the right to use (by pressing the "selection button" described above), or by selecting managed content that the performer needs to pay for, such as purchase, rental, or registration for a subscription service (by pressing a charging button such as the "purchase button," "rental button," "subscription button," or "pay-as-you-go button" described above).

[0088] When the charging button is pressed in activity A210, the information processing device 2 outputs the charging conditions to the performance device 3 (activity A220). As a result, the charging conditions (charge amount, service content, license conditions, etc.) are displayed on the performance device 3. The performer selects whether to accept or reject the charging conditions on the performance device 3 (activity A230). When consent to the charging conditions is input on the performance device 3, a charging process is executed for the user (performer) who owns the performance device 3, information indicating the usage rights of the managed content is added to the performer's user information, and the license information cache on the performance device 3 is updated (if the charging conditions are rejected, the process of starting use of the managed content ends).

[0089] When a performer purchases a managed content, the rights to use that managed content are added to the performer's user information along with a permanent expiration date. When a performer is charged for a managed content using a rental or shared charging method, the rights to use that managed content are added to the performer's user information along with a non-permanent trial expiration date. When a performer accepts pay-per-use charging for a managed content, the rights to use that managed content that are subject to pay-per-use charging are added to the performer's user information along with a permanent expiration date.

[0090] When the performer operates the selection button in activity A210 or inputs consent to the billing conditions, the information processing device 2 transmits data of the selected managed content and related information (e.g., license information, etc.) to the performance device 3, and updates the performer's management information for the managed content (whether or not the performer has permission to use the content, the usage period, etc.) (activity A240). The performance device 3 receives the managed content transmitted by the information processing device 2 as the used content, and starts using the used content based on the license information acquired from the information processing device 2 (activity A250). Furthermore, the performance device 3 starts recording a usage log (performance data) regarding the performer's use of the used content (activity A260). The performance device 3 also receives an evaluation of the used content from the performer at a predetermined timing (activity A270).

[0091] When the performance device 3 is not connected to the network and the performer operates the selection button (activity A210), if the selected content to be used is stored in the performance device 3, the performance device 3 starts using the content to be used (activity A250), starts recording a log (activity A260), and inputs an evaluation (activity A270). If the content to be used is not stored in the performance device 3, the content to be used cannot be used in the performance device 3.

[0092] FIG. 11 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of the process for ending use of managed content. The process for ending use of managed content will be described below along with each activity in FIG. 11. When the managed content (used content) being used by the performance device 3 reaches its expiration date or when the information processing device 2 receives an input from the performer requesting the end of use of the used content, the information processing device 2 updates the performer's management information for the managed content (whether or not the performer has permission to use it, the usage period, etc.) (activity A310). The information processing device 2 also notifies the performance device 3 of a request to end use of the used content. Upon receiving the request to end use of the used content, the performance device 3 stops using the used content (activity A320). Furthermore, the performance device 3 stops recording a usage log (performance data) related to the use of the used content (activity A330).

[0093] Specifically, when the use of the content being used is stopped, the performance device 3 records the end of use of the content being used in the cached usage log, and further, if the performance device 3 is connected to a network, based on the update of the cache, the performance device 3 updates the performance device's usage log in the information processing device 2. If the performance device 3 is not connected to a network, the performance device 3 updates the performance device's usage log in the information processing device 2 when the performance device 3 is connected to the network.

[0094] <License Update Department 333> The license update unit 333 of the performance device 3 is configured to update the license information of the content being used recorded on the performance device 3 with the license information recorded on the server device 2A (information processing device 2) when the performance device 3 used by the performer for performance is able to communicate with the server device 2A (information processing device 2). The license information includes the expiration date of the content being used, the license type of the content being used (usable type, usable range, and usable period), etc. The license information is registered in a license database stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, for example.

[0095] The license information of the content being used recorded on the performance device 3 is a copy of the license information registered in the license database, which is transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the performance device 3 when the content being used begins to be used. The license information registered in the license database may be changed due to changes in the contract between the service provider and the performer in the information processing system 1, or changes in the contract between the service provider and the content provider, etc. The copy of the license information recorded on the performance device 3 is updated (overwritten) by the license update unit 333 with a copy of the latest license information registered in the license database.

[0096] An expiration date (i.e., the lifetime of the copy) is set in the license information of the content being used that is recorded (cached) in the performance device 3. The expiration date of the license information is set, for example, after a predetermined period of time (e.g., one week) has elapsed since the initial acquisition or update, or at a predetermined timing. Examples of the predetermined timing include the timing of renewal of the contract period (e.g., one month or other billing period) of a common billing method, a predetermined day of each month (e.g., the 25th), a predetermined day of each week (e.g., Monday), etc.

[0097] If valid license information exists in the performance device 3, the use determination unit 334, which will be described later, permits the use of the content in the performance device 3. Valid license information is license information for which the expiration date of the license information itself has not passed and the date and time indicated by the RTC 38 is within the expiration date of the content in the license information (for example, the contract period of the subscription service, such as 3 days, 1 month, 6 months, or 1 year from the date of billing).

[0098] The license update unit 333 updates the license information cached in the performance device 3, for example, when the performance device 3 is connected to the network and becomes capable of communicating with the information processing device 2. The timing at which communication becomes possible is, for example, when the electronic musical instrument 3B constituting the performance device 3 is started up if the electronic musical instrument 3B is always connected to the network, or when the electronic musical instrument 3B does not have the function of directly connecting to the network and is connected to the network via the communication terminal 3A, when the electronic musical instrument 3B is connected to the network via the communication terminal 3A.

[0099] The RTC 38 of the performance device 3 is preferably protected so that the performer cannot change the date and time. This configuration improves the reliability of management of used content and compensation based on the date and time of the RTC 38. For example, the RTC 38 is implemented in the performance device 3 in a form that synchronizes only with a reliable time source, does not have an interface for changing the date and time, and is encrypted so that electrical analysis is impossible. A reliable time server is, for example, an NTP server with appropriate authentication protection.

[0100] The license update unit 333 may invalidate the license information recorded on the performance device 3 if the date and time indicated by the RTC 38 is outside the expiration date of the license information recorded on the performance device 3. This invalidation process is performed regardless of whether the performance device 3 is connected to a network. Note that if the performance device 3 is connected to a network, the cache is updated, so it is not expected that the cached license information will be invalidated in this situation.

[0101] <Usage determination unit 334> The usage determination unit 334 of the performance device 3 is configured to permit the performance device 3 to use the content being used if the date and time indicated by the RTC 38 possessed by the performance device 3 is within the usage period of the license information recorded in the performance device 3.

[0102] Specifically, the use determination unit 334 permits the performance device 3 to use the content in accordance with the license format included in the license information recorded on the performance device 3. With this configuration, the performer can be permitted to use the content offline in accordance with the license details set by the content provider.

[0103] If the date and time indicated by the RTC 38 for a specific content item falls outside the expiration date of the license information recorded in the performance device 3, the usage determination unit 334 does not permit the performance device 3 to use the content item corresponding to the license information (prohibits use of the content item). This configuration makes it possible to restrict use of the content item in an unlicensed state after the expiration date. Note that the "specific content item" here refers to, for example, content item that has been designated by the content provider as being prohibited from use outside the expiration date (such a condition is included in the license format).

[0104] Furthermore, when the date and time indicated by the RTC 38 for a specific content item falls outside the expiration date of the license information recorded in the performance device 3, the use determination unit 334 may permit the performance device 3 to use the content item corresponding to the license information in response to a specific provisional permission operation by the performer. This configuration allows the performer to continue using the content item in an unlicensed state after the expiration date has passed, while providing compensation to the content provider of the content item based on the provisional permission. Note that the "specific content item" here refers to content item for which provisional permission is available and for which provisional permission conditions have been set by the content provider.

[0105] The provisional license operation is performed, for example, when the provisional license conditions are presented and the performer inputs consent to the provisional license (for example, by inputting an input into an "Agree" button). The provisional license conditions include the usage period (usage expiration date), fee (compensation), and usage restrictions when the used content is continued to be used under the provisional license. The provisional license operation (agreement to the provisional license conditions) is stored in the performance device 3 and transmitted to the information processing device 2 when the performance device 3 is connected to the network. The information processing device 2 adds the contents of the provisional license to the performer's management information. Note that if the provisional license operation is recorded in the performance device 3, the use determination unit 334 permits the use of the used content that is the subject of the provisional license in the performance device 3.

[0106] Furthermore, if the license information is invalid (i.e., if the license information has been invalidated by the license update unit 333), the use determination unit 334 does not permit the performance device 3 to use the content corresponding to the license information. In other words, if the license information recorded in the performance device 3 is within its expiration date and the date and time of the RTC 38 is within the expiration date of the license information, the use determination unit 334 permits the performance device 3 to use the content. With this configuration, it is possible to restrict the performer's use of the content if the license information has not been updated for a certain period of time. Therefore, unauthorized use of the content is suppressed when the license is revoked or the license period is changed during the license contract period.

[0107] FIG. 12 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of the use determination process for used content. The use determination process for used content will be described below along with each activity in FIG. 12. The performance device 3 notifies the information processing device 2 of a request to update the license information of the used content at a predetermined timing (activity A410). The information processing device 2 receives the request to update the license information and transmits the latest license information to the performance device 3 (activity A420). The performance device 3 updates the license information recorded in the performance device 3 with the license information received from the information processing device 2 (activity A430). Note that if the performance device 3 cannot communicate with the information processing device 2, the license information update is skipped. Furthermore, activities A410-A430 are executed while the performance device 3 is connected to the network.

[0108] If the date and time indicated by the RTC 38 is within the expiration date of the license information recorded in the performance device 3, the performance device 3 permits the performer to use the content being used (activity A440). On the other hand, if the date and time indicated by the RTC 38 is outside the expiration date of the license information, the performance device 3 presents a provisional license to the performer (activity A450). If the performer accepts the provisional license, the performance device 3 permits the performer to use the content being used under the provisional license (activity A460). On the other hand, if the performer rejects the provisional license, the performance device 3 does not permit the performer to use the content being used (activity A470). Note that activities A440-A470 are executed when the performance device 3 is not connected to the network.

[0109] <Calculation unit 236> The calculation unit 236 is configured to calculate a usage fee to be paid to the content provider for the used content based on the usage log created by the performance device 3 and information (provider management information) associating each of the multiple managed contents with the content provider. Specifically, the calculation unit 236 tallies up the usage amount of the used content based on the usage log, and calculates the usage fee based on the tallied usage amount. With this configuration, it is possible to calculate a usage fee according to the use time, number of uses, etc. of the content used by the performer.

[0110] The usage amount of the used content is calculated individually for each used content, for example, based on the total usage time of the used content, the number of times of use, etc. The calculation unit 236 may calculate the performance time of the performer using the used content based on the performance data included in the usage log, and calculate the usage fee based on the calculated performance time. This configuration makes it possible to calculate the usage fee according to the performance time of the performer using the used content.

[0111] The method for counting the performance time of the content used is set according to the type of content used. In the case of presentation content (music data, musical score data, performance training data, etc.) that can be output itself, the performance time may be the output time of the presentation content (the time the performance device 3 presents the content to the performer) in addition to the performer's performance time included in the performance data. Furthermore, the performance time of the presentation content may be an absolute time length (for example, in units of minutes, seconds, etc.) or a musical time length (for example, in units of bars, beats, etc.).

[0112] When the content for presentation is user-driven content that is played back in accordance with the tempo of a performer, the performance data records usage information based on the progress (playback position) of the content for presentation. For example, in the case of content for presentation that detects a performance position on a musical score based on a performance input by a performer and scrolls to display the musical score at a position corresponding to the detected performance position, the performance time is tallied from the performance position included in the performance data.

[0113] In the case where the presentation content is rhythm-driven content that is played at a predetermined tempo defined by the fixed-time content and that the performer plays along with this tempo, the performance data records usage information based on whether or not the performer inputs performance input while the content is being output. For example, in the case of presentation content that plays an accompaniment sequence or a metronome at a predetermined tempo and displays a musical score according to the rhythmic progression (performance position) of that tempo, the performance time is tallied from the length of time during which the performer inputs performance input during the period in which the rhythm in the performance data is progressing.

[0114] In the case of audio processing content (tone data, effector data, automatic accompaniment data, etc.) that functions to assist performance, the performance time is defined as the cumulative amount of time during which performance input (audio output) using the audio processing content is made in a unit period of performance data, or the cumulative playback time or cumulative number of uses (e.g., the number of notes in an instrument sound, the number of times a pattern is repeated, etc.) of the output generated or converted by the audio processing content (e.g., an instrument sound of a specific sound quality, an accompaniment pattern, etc.).

[0115] The calculation unit 236 may calculate the usage fee based on the usage amount and a fee calculation rule that is set in advance for each of the plurality of managed contents. The fee calculation rule includes a correspondence relationship between the usage amount and the usage fee. With this configuration, it is possible to set a correspondence relationship between the usage amount and the usage fee for each managed content.

[0116] The compensation calculation rule is defined, for example, as a function, a conditional expression, etc., which indicates that the compensation for use paid to the content provider for the used content increases as the amount of use of the used content by the performer (for example, the performance time) increases. The compensation for use may be related to the usage fee charged to the performer, which will be described later (for example, the usage fee and the usage fee may be expressed by a predetermined relational expression), or the compensation for use may be calculated independently of the usage fee (i.e., without regard to the usage fee).

[0117] The calculation unit 236 may calculate a usage fee to be paid to the content provider for the used content based on the usage log, the association information (provider management information), and the performer's evaluation acquired by the evaluation unit 235. With this configuration, it becomes possible to reflect the user's evaluation of the used content in the usage fee for the used content.

[0118] The calculation unit 236 calculates the usage fee using fee calculation information including the relationship between the rating and the usage fee, such that, for example, the higher the rating of the used content, the higher the usage fee (standard fee) per unit performance time of the used content. The fee calculation information includes, for example, a table describing the relationship between the rating and the standard fee, a function of the standard fee with the rating as a variable, a function of the usage fee with the rating as a variable, etc.

[0119] When there are multiple usage logs for the same used content, the calculation unit 236 calculates the usage fee for all the usage logs based on, for example, a statistical value (for example, an average value) of the ratings of the multiple usage logs and a total value of the usage amounts (playing times) of the multiple usage logs. Also, when there are multiple usage logs for the same used content, the calculation unit 236 may calculate the usage fee for each of the multiple usage logs from the rating and the usage amount, and use the total value of the usage fees for the multiple usage logs as the usage fee for all the usage logs.

[0120] If the used content is included in a common charging content group, the calculation unit 236 may calculate the usage fee by allocating a predetermined amount to multiple managed contents included in the common charging content group according to the performer's usage. This configuration enables calculation of usage fees according to the performer's usage of managed content in a subscription contract or other contract in which a common charge is applied to multiple contents. The "predetermined amount" may be, for example, the amount charged to the performer under a common charging system. For example, if a monthly fee is set under the common charging system, the usage fee for each managed content may be calculated by dividing the total monthly fee for all performers who have selected the same common charging system plan among all managed content included in the common charging content group according to the performer's overall usage of each managed content. Alternatively, the usage fee for each managed content may be calculated by dividing the total monthly fee for each performer according to the performer's usage of each managed content for that month.

[0121] The calculation unit 236 calculates the fee (charge amount) for the content used to be charged to the performer based on the amount of use and the charging rule. The charging rule is defined, for example, as a function, conditional expression, etc., in which the fee increases as the amount of use by the performer (for example, performance time) increases. The charging rule also includes a rule that, for outright purchase and rental methods, the amount to be charged is, for example, the amount (sales price or rental price) presented by the content provider, regardless of the amount of use.

[0122] In particular, in a pay-per-use system, the billing rules may include a usage fee per unit of usage, and the usage fee may decrease as the usage amount increases. This configuration prevents excessive charges to performers when they repeatedly use the same content, making it easier for performers to use the content.

[0123] Furthermore, in a pay-per-use system where the fee is calculated (fees are charged to the performer) for each predetermined period (for example, one month), a usage unit price that takes into account the amount of usage (performance time) in the previous period may be used. For example, when the same content is used over multiple periods, the calculation unit 236 may calculate a reduced usage unit price using the cumulative amount of usage over those periods, and then calculate the fee for the current period using the reduced usage unit price and the amount of usage in the calculation period.

[0124] When the content used is music data, the calculation unit 236 may set a predetermined minimum amount as the usage fee if the performance time (playback time of the content used) in the usage log (performance data) is equal to or less than a threshold, and may set an amount obtained by multiplying the performance time by the usage price if the performance time exceeds the threshold. The usage price gradually decreases as the performance time increases.

[0125] When the content used is musical score data, the calculation unit 236 determines the performance time as the time spent performing the musical score data while the musical score data is displayed on the performance device 3, or the time during the performance that includes phrases from the musical score, counted in the usage log (performance data). As with music data, the calculation unit 236 may set a predetermined minimum amount as the usage fee when the performance time is equal to or less than a threshold, and may set an amount obtained by multiplying the performance time by the usage fee when the performance time exceeds the threshold. The usage fee gradually decreases as the performance time increases.

[0126] When the content used is performance training data, the calculation unit 236 may use the performance time in the performance test in which the performer's score is displayed or the number of times the performance test has been performed (the number of times the score has been displayed) in the usage log (performance data) to calculate the usage fee, but may not use the performance time in the pitch-reading part and the practice part to calculate the usage fee. Also, as in the case of music piece data, the calculation unit 236 may set a predetermined minimum amount as the usage fee when the performance time (number of times the performance test has been performed) is equal to or less than a threshold, and may set the usage fee as an amount obtained by multiplying the performance time (number of times the performance test has been performed) by the usage fee when the performance time (number of times the performance test has been performed) exceeds the threshold. The usage fee gradually decreases as the performance time (number of times the performance test has been performed) increases.

[0127] If the content used is timbre data, the calculation unit 236 detects an instruction to select timbre data (an instruction to enable a function) from the usage log (performance data), and determines the performance time as the time or number of notes (for example, the number of pronunciations counted by the number of note-ons (sound start instructions) input to the performance device 3) during which the function was used on the performance device 3 while the timbre data was selected (i.e., until the selection of the timbre data was deselected or until another timbre data was selected). The calculation unit 236 may set a predetermined lower limit as the usage fee if the number of pronunciations is equal to or less than a threshold, or may set an amount equal to the number of pronunciations multiplied by the usage fee if the performance time (number of pronunciations) exceeds the threshold. The usage fee gradually decreases as the performance time (number of pronunciations) increases.

[0128] If the content used is effector data, the calculation unit 236 detects an instruction to select the effector data (an instruction to enable a function) and the input level (waveform data) of the input signal to the effector from the usage log (performance data), and determines the effector processing time during which the input level of the input signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value while the effector data is selected (i.e., until the selection of the effector data is deselected or until different effector data is selected) as the performance time. If the performance time (effector processing time) is equal to or less than a threshold, the calculation unit 236 may set a predetermined lower limit amount as the usage fee, or if the effector processing time exceeds the threshold, the usage fee may be an amount obtained by multiplying the performance time (effector processing time) by the usage unit price. The usage unit price gradually decreases as the effector processing time increases.

[0129] The calculation unit 236 may calculate the fee for the used content based on the usage log of the used content and the performer's rating of the used content acquired by the evaluation unit 235. The calculation unit 236 calculates the fee using fee calculation information including the relationship between the rating and the fee, such that the fee (standard fee) per unit performance time (unit usage amount) increases as the rating increases. The fee calculation information includes, for example, a table describing the relationship between the rating and the fee, a function of the standard fee with the rating as a variable, a function of the fee with the rating as a variable, etc.

[0130] The calculation unit 236 may detect unauthorized use of unlicensed content at a predetermined timing based on the license information and usage log recorded in the server device 2A (information processing device 2) and calculate a fee for use for the unauthorized use. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress use of expired content and to compensate the content provider for use of expired content.

[0131] Unlicensed use is the use of content on the performance device 3 outside the expiration date of the license information. Unlicensed use is determined, for example, by a timestamp recorded by the RTC 38 in the usage log. Unlicensed use can occur when the performance device 3 is unable to communicate with the information processing device 2 (when the license information cannot be updated).

[0132] Unlicensed use includes, for example, use of the content used after the contract for the common charging method has become invalid, or use of the content used after the contract for the common charging method is valid but the content used has been excluded from the common charging content group (the right to use has expired) due to a license cancellation from the content provider, etc. The target period of unlicensed use is the period from immediately after the expiration of the usage period until the use of the content used is restricted or provisionally licensed by the usage determination unit 334.

[0133] The calculation unit 236 detects unauthorized use, for example, when the performance device 3 becomes able to communicate with the information processing device 2. The calculation unit 236 may also detect unauthorized use periodically. For example, the calculation unit 236 may detect unauthorized use when the contract period (e.g., a billing period such as one month) of the common billing method is renewed.

[0134] The calculation unit 236 calculates the additional fee to be charged to the performer according to the fee for the unauthorized use. With this configuration, it is possible to recover from the performer the funds to compensate the content provider for the use of the used content after the expiration date.

[0135] The calculation unit 236, for example, tallies the usage amount of the content used based on the usage log, in the same way as the normal usage fee and usage fee when the right of use is held, and calculates the usage fee and usage fee for unauthorized use based on the tallied usage amount. The usage fee and usage fee for unauthorized use are set to be higher than the normal usage fee and usage fee. The calculation conditions for the usage fee and usage fee for unauthorized use may be the same as those for the normal usage fee and usage fee (for example, a condition in which the usage price per unit usage amount decreases as the usage amount increases), or may be different calculation conditions.

[0136] The calculation unit 236 may deduct an amount corresponding to the fee for unauthorized use from a pre-prepared fund pool. With this configuration, compensation for additional use can be provided to the content provider without collecting additional fees from individual performers. The fund pool may be composed of, for example, a portion of the fees collected from all performers who have selected the common billing method, a portion of advertising revenues from the information processing system 1, etc. In other words, the fee for use paid to the content provider is paid from the fund pool.

[0137] FIG. 13 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of a usage fee calculation process. The following describes the usage fee calculation process along with each activity in FIG. 13. First, the information processing device 2 requests the performance device 3 to send a usage log at a predetermined timing (for example, always when connected to the network) (activity A510). The performance device 3 receives the usage log transmission request and transmits the usage log to the information processing device 2 (activity A520). At this time, the performance device 3 transmits only the difference from the previous usage log. The information processing device 2 receives the usage log from the performance device 3 (activity A530). Furthermore, the information processing device 2 updates the usage history (such as the performer who used the content, the usage period, etc.) of the managed content based on the received usage log (activity A540). Furthermore, the information processing device 2 calculates the usage fee to the content provider of the managed content based on the usage log (activity A550). Note that the process in FIG. 13 is mainly applied to usage under a shared billing system or a pay-per-use billing system. Details of activity A550 will be described later.

[0138] <Remittance Department 237> The remittance unit 237 is configured to remit an amount equivalent to the usage fee to the content provider. This configuration allows for the creation of an ecosystem that can provide content providers with usage fees according to various usage patterns of performers of the content they use. The remittance unit 237 transfers an amount equivalent to the usage fee to the account of the content provider, for example, periodically (e.g., monthly). Specifically, the remittance unit 237 transmits a payment request including the usage fee for each content and information about the content provider to an external settlement server that manages a predetermined bank account into which usage fees collected from performers are deposited. In response to this payment request, the settlement server transfers an amount equivalent to the usage fee to the bank account of the content provider.

[0139] <Charging Department 238> The charging unit 238 is configured to charge the performer the usage fee and additional usage fee calculated by the calculation unit 236. The charging unit 238 transmits a collection request including information on the amount charged to, for example, an external settlement server within the information processing system 1 or an external server that manages the performer's bank account. In response, the settlement server transfers the amount charged from the performer's bank account to a specified bank account.

[0140] When charging the performer for the use of the used content, the information processing device 2 may display on the performance device 3 which portion of the usage log is subject to the charge (for example, the portion corresponding to the performance time in which the used content was used). Furthermore, the information processing device 2 may accept an objection from the performer regarding the portion subject to the charge. The objection accepted by the information processing device 2 is subject to an examination of its appropriateness. Furthermore, if the examination determines that the charge is inappropriate (if the objection is determined to be appropriate), the performer may be compensated with a refund, a coupon, or the like.

[0141] FIG. 14 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of the charging and remittance process. The charging and remittance process will be described below in accordance with each activity in FIG. 14. First, the information processing device 2 tally up, at a predetermined timing (for example, every fixed period such as one month or every variable period such as several weeks), the usage status of all used content used by the performer for each used content during a predetermined period (for example, the period from the previous tally to the present) based on the usage log (activity A610). If the used content includes content used under a pay-per-use system, the information processing device 2 calculates the usage fee and usage charge based on the amount of use of the used content (activity A620). The information processing device 2 transmits the calculated usage charge as the billing amount (billing amount) to the performance device 3. The billing amount based on the pay-per-use system is then displayed on the performance device 3 (activity A630). The process in FIG. 14 is mainly applied to use under the shared billing system or the pay-per-use system. Activity A630 (displaying the billing amount) can be omitted. 13. Activities A610-A640 correspond to activity A550 in FIG.

[0142] Furthermore, if the used content includes content subject to a common charging method (subscription) (i.e., content included in a common charging content group), the information processing device 2 calculates a usage fee based on the usage amount of the used content and distributes the usage fee for each managed content included in the common charging content group using the procedure described above (activity A640).The information processing device 2 remits the usage fee calculated in activity A620 and / or activity A640 to the content provider, for example, using the settlement server as described above (activity A650).

[0143] 3. Information Processing Method This section describes an information processing method of the information processing device 2. This information processing method is executed by a computer with each unit of the information processing device 2 acting as each step.

[0144] The information processing method includes a receiving step and a calculation step. In the receiving step, a performer's selection of content to be used from a plurality of managed contents is received. In the calculation step, a fee for use to be paid to a provider of the content to be used is calculated based on a log of the performer's use of the content to be used.

[0145] The information processing method is realized by causing the information processing system 1 to execute each step by a program. That is, the program causes the computer to execute a reception step and a calculation step. In the reception step, a selection of content to be used by a performer from multiple managed contents is received. In the calculation step, a fee for use to be paid to the provider of the content to be used is calculated based on a log of the performer's use of the content to be used.

[0146] 4. Effect The operation of this embodiment can be summarized as follows: The fee for using the content to the content provider is calculated based on the usage log of the content used by the performer. This allows the fee for using the content to be calculated in accordance with various usage patterns by the performer.

[0147] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0148] 5.Other In the above embodiment, the information processing device 2 performs various storage and control functions, but multiple external devices may be used instead of the information processing device 2. That is, various information and programs may be distributed and stored in multiple external devices using block chain technology or the like.

[0149] The aspect of this embodiment is not limited to the information processing system 1, and may be an information processing method or a program. The information processing method includes each step of the information processing system 1. The program causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1.

[0150] The information processing system 1 may be an integrated system of the information processing device 2 and the performance device 3. In other words, the calculation process of the usage fee, usage fee, etc. may be performed in the performance device 3. Furthermore, the usage log does not necessarily have to be recorded in the information processing device 2 (log server), but may be recorded only in the performance device 3. Alternatively, the usage log may be recorded directly in the information processing device 2 (log server), and not in the performance device 3.

[0151] The usage log does not necessarily have to include performance data showing the results of a performance by a performer. In other words, the information processing system 1 does not necessarily have to calculate the usage fee, usage fee, etc. based on the performance data, but may calculate the usage fee, usage fee, etc. based on information included in the usage log other than the performance data.

[0152] The information processing system 1 does not necessarily have to include the evaluation unit 235. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 does not necessarily have to include the license update unit 333 and the use determination unit 334.

[0153] It may be provided in the following manner.

[0154] (1) An information processing system comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute each of the following steps by reading a program: in a reception step, a performer selects content to be used from among a plurality of managed contents, the plurality of managed contents being managed in association with their respective providers; and in a calculation step, a fee for use of the used content paid to the provider based on a log of the performer's use of the used content.

[0155] With this configuration, the fee for using the content to the content provider is calculated based on the log of the performer's use of the content, which allows the fee for using the content to be calculated in accordance with various usage patterns by the performer.

[0156] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, the recording step further controls so that the log is recorded in association with the performer or the performance device used by the performer for performance.

[0157] With this configuration, it is possible to charge performers a fee for using the content based on the log relating to the use of the content.

[0158] (3) In the information processing system described in (1) or (2) above, in the calculation step, the usage amount of the used content is aggregated based on the log, and the usage fee is calculated based on the aggregated usage amount.

[0159] With this configuration, it is possible to calculate the fee for use according to the duration of use of the content by the performer, the number of times of use, etc.

[0160] (4) In the information processing system described in (3) above, in the calculation step, the usage fee is calculated based on the usage amount and a fee calculation rule that is preset for each of the multiple managed contents, and wherein the fee calculation rule includes a correspondence relationship between the usage amount and the usage fee.

[0161] According to this configuration, it is possible to set a correspondence between the amount of use and the price for use for each piece of content.

[0162] (5) In the information processing system described in (3) or (4) above, the calculation step calculates the usage fee for the used content to be charged to the performer based on the usage amount and a charging rule, wherein the charging rule includes a usage price per unit usage amount, and the usage price decreases as the usage amount increases.

[0163] With this configuration, when a performer repeatedly uses the same content, it is possible to prevent excessive charges from being incurred by the performer, making it easier for the performer to use the content.

[0164] (6) In the information processing system described in (3) above, the receiving step receives a selection of the content to be used from the plurality of managed contents included in a common charging content group, wherein the common charging content group is composed of content that the performer can use by charging the performer a predetermined usage fee, and the calculation step calculates the usage fee by distributing a predetermined amount to the plurality of managed contents included in the common charging content group according to the amount of usage.

[0165] According to this configuration, in a subscription contract or the like in which a common charge is made for a plurality of contents, it becomes possible to calculate the usage fee according to the amount of content used by the performer.

[0166] (7) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the acquisition step further acquires performance data indicating the results of the performance by the performer, and the log includes the performance data.

[0167] With this configuration, it becomes possible to calculate a usage fee for the content according to the use that involves performance.

[0168] (8) In the information processing system described in (7) above, in the acquiring step, sound generation instruction data including signals representing sounds included in the performance by the performer is acquired as the performance data.

[0169] According to this configuration, the performance sequence data output from a performance device such as an electronic musical instrument can be used as a log for calculating compensation.

[0170] (9) In the information processing system described in (7) or (8) above, in the acquiring step, waveform data of the performance by the performer is acquired as the performance data.

[0171] With this configuration, the sounds played on analog instruments that do not have an electronic output mechanism can be used as a usage log.

[0172] (10) In the information processing system described in any one of (7) to (9) above, in the calculation step, the performance time by the performer using the used content is tallied based on the performance data, and the usage fee is calculated based on the tallied performance time.

[0173] With this configuration, it is possible to calculate the fee for use according to the performance time of the performer.

[0174] (11) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (10) above, further comprising, in the evaluation step, obtaining the performer's evaluation of the used content, and, in the calculation step, calculating the fee for use to the provider of the used content based on the log and the evaluation.

[0175] With this configuration, it is possible to reflect the evaluation of the user, the performer, in the usage fee.

[0176] (12) In the information processing system described in (11) above, in the evaluation step, the evaluation is calculated based on information included in the log.

[0177] According to this configuration, the usage fee can be determined using an objective evaluation of the content.

[0178] (13) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (12) above, in the reception step, the performer is permitted to use the content being used by the performance device used for performance in a license format set by the provider for each of the multiple managed contents.

[0179] With this configuration, the content provider can control the license details for each piece of content.

[0180] (14) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (13) above, in the license update step, when the performance device used by the performer for performance is able to communicate with a server device, the license information of the used content recorded on the performance device is updated with the license information recorded on the server device, wherein the license information includes a usage expiration date for the used content; in the usage determination step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC possessed by the performance device is within the usage expiration date of the license information recorded on the performance device, the performance device is permitted to use the used content; and in the calculation step, at a predetermined timing, unauthorized use of the used content that is not permitted is detected based on the license information and the log recorded on the server device, and the usage fee for the unauthorized use is calculated.

[0181] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the use of expired content, and to compensate the provider for the use of expired content.

[0182] (15) In the information processing system described in (14) above, the RTC is protected so that the performer cannot change the date and time.

[0183] This configuration improves the reliability of content management and compensation based on the RTC date and time.

[0184] (16) In the information processing system described in (14) or (15) above, the calculation step calculates an additional fee to be charged to the performer in accordance with the usage fee for the unauthorized use.

[0185] With this configuration, it is possible to recover from the performer the funds necessary to compensate the provider for the use of content whose usage period has expired.

[0186] (17) In the information processing system described in any one of (14) to (16) above, in the calculation step, an amount corresponding to the usage fee for the unauthorized use is subtracted from a pre-prepared funds pool.

[0187] According to this configuration, compensation for additional use can be provided to the content provider without collecting additional royalties from individual performers.

[0188] (18) In an information processing system described in any one of (14) to (17) above, in the license update step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC is outside the expiration date of the license information recorded in the performance device, the license information recorded in the performance device is invalidated, and in the usage determination step, if the license information is invalid, the performance device is not permitted to use the used content corresponding to the license information.

[0189] This configuration makes it possible to restrict the performer's use of the content if the license information has not been updated for a certain period of time, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the content in cases where the license is revoked or the license period is changed during the license contract period.

[0190] (19) In an information processing system described in any one of (14) to (18) above, in the usage determination step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC for a specific used content is outside the usage period of the license information recorded in the playing device, the information processing system does not allow the playing device to use the used content corresponding to the license information.

[0191] According to this configuration, it is possible to restrict the use of content in an unlicensed state after the expiration date of the usage period.

[0192] (20) In an information processing system described in any one of (14) to (18) above, in the usage determination step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC for a specified used content is outside the usage expiration date of the license information recorded in the performance device, the information processing system permits the performance device to use the used content corresponding to the license information in accordance with a specified provisional permission operation by the performer.

[0193] According to this configuration, it is possible to allow the performer to continue using the content in an unlicensed state after the expiration date of the usage period, while providing compensation to the content provider based on the provisional license.

[0194] (21) In an information processing system described in any one of (14) to (20) above, the license information includes a license type for the used content set by the provider, and in the usage determination step, the performance device is permitted to use the used content in the license type included in the license information recorded in the performance device.

[0195] With this configuration, performers can be permitted to use content offline under the license details set by the content provider.

[0196] (22) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (21) above, further comprising, in a registration step, registering the content provided by the provider as part of the plurality of managed contents, and, in a remittance step, remitting an amount equivalent to the usage fee to the provider.

[0197] This configuration makes it possible to build an ecosystem that allows content providers to offer usage fees according to the various usage patterns of performers.

[0198] (23) An information processing method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (22) above.

[0199] (24) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (22) above. Of course, this is not the case.

[0200] Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, they are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1: Information processing system 2: Information processing equipment 2A: Server device 3: Performance device 3A: Communication terminal 3B: Electronic Instruments 4: Provider terminal 20: Communication bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Processor 30: Communication bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Processor 34: Display section 35: Input section 36: Performance input section 37: Audio output section 38:RTC 40: Communication bus 41: Communications Department 42: Storage section 43: Processor 44:Display section 45: Input section 231: Registration Department 232: Reception 233: Recording section 234: Acquisition Department 235: Evaluation section 236: Calculation section 237: Remittance Department 238: Billing Department 331: Performance output section 332: Log Creation Department 333: License Renewal Department 334:Use judgment section B1: Selection button B2: Purchase button B3: Rental button B4: Subscription button B5: Pay-as-you-go button I: Analog Instruments MC: Managed Content SD: Content selection screen

Claims

1. An information processing system, The method includes at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program: In the receiving step, a selection of content to be used from a plurality of managed content items is received by the performer, and the plurality of managed content items are managed in association with respective providers; In the calculation step, the information processing system calculates a fee for use of the used content to be paid to the provider based on a log relating to the use of the used content by the performer.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, Furthermore, in the recording step, the information processing system controls so that the log is recorded in association with the performer or a performance device used by the performer for performance.

3. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the calculation step, the amount of use of the content used is tallied based on the log, and the fee for use is calculated based on the tallied amount of use.

4. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, In the calculation step, the usage fee is calculated based on the usage amount and a fee calculation rule that is preset for each of the multiple managed contents, wherein the fee calculation rule includes a correspondence relationship between the usage amount and the usage fee.

5. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, In the calculation step, a usage fee for the used content to be charged to the performer is calculated based on the usage amount and a charging rule, wherein the charging rule includes a usage price per unit usage amount, and the usage price decreases as the usage amount increases.

6. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3, the receiving step receives a selection of the content to be used from the plurality of managed contents included in a common charging content group, wherein the common charging content group is made up of contents that can be used by the performer by charging the performer a predetermined usage fee; In the calculation step, the consideration for use is calculated by allocating a predetermined amount to the plurality of managed contents included in the common chargeable content group according to the amount of use.

7. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, Furthermore, in the acquisition step, performance data indicating the results of the performance by the performer is acquired, An information processing system, wherein the log includes the performance data.

8. 8. The information processing system according to claim 7, In the acquiring step, sound generation instruction data including signals representing sounds included in the performance by the performer is acquired as the performance data.

9. 8. The information processing system according to claim 7, In the acquiring step, waveform data of the performance by the performer is acquired as the performance data.

10. 8. The information processing system according to claim 7, In the calculation step, the information processing system tallys up the performance time by the performer using the used content based on the performance data, and calculates the usage fee based on the tally of the performance time.

11. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, Furthermore, in the evaluation step, an evaluation of the performer for the used content is obtained, In the calculation step, the information processing system calculates the fee for use to be paid to the provider of the used content based on the log and the evaluation.

12. 12. The information processing system according to claim 11, In the evaluation step, the evaluation is calculated based on information included in the log.

13. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, In the receiving step, the information processing system permits the performer to use the content to be used by the performance device used for performance in accordance with a license format set by the provider for each of the plurality of managed contents.

14. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, Furthermore, in the license update step, when a performance device used by the performer for performance is able to communicate with a server device, license information of the content used recorded on the performance device is updated with the license information recorded on the server device, wherein the license information includes a usage period for the content used; Furthermore, in the use determination step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC of the performance device is within the usage period of the license information recorded in the performance device, use of the content by the performance device is permitted; In the calculation step, an information processing system detects unauthorized use of the unlicensed content based on the license information and the log recorded in the server device at a predetermined timing, and calculates the usage fee for the unauthorized use.

15. 15. The information processing system according to claim 14, An information processing system, wherein the RTC is protected so that the performer cannot change the date and time.

16. 15. The information processing system according to claim 14, In the calculation step, an additional fee to be charged to the performer is calculated in accordance with the fee for the unauthorized use.

17. 15. The information processing system according to claim 14, In the calculation step, an amount corresponding to the fee for the unauthorized use is subtracted from a fund pool prepared in advance.

18. 15. The information processing system according to claim 14, In the license update step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC is outside the expiration date of the license information recorded on the performance device, the license information recorded on the performance device is invalidated; In the use determination step, if the license information is invalid, the performance device is not permitted to use the content corresponding to the license information.

19. 15. The information processing system according to claim 14, In the usage determination step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC for a specific used content is outside the usage period of the license information recorded in the playing device, the information processing system does not allow the playing device to use the used content corresponding to the license information.

20. 15. The information processing system according to claim 14, In the usage determination step, if the date and time indicated by the RTC for a specific used content is outside the usage period of the license information recorded on the performance device, the information processing system permits the performance device to use the used content corresponding to the license information in accordance with a specific provisional permission operation by the performer.

21. 15. The information processing system according to claim 14, the license information includes a license form for the content to be used that is set by the provider, In the use determination step, the information processing system permits the performance device to use the content in question in accordance with a license format included in the license information recorded in the performance device.

22. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, Furthermore, in the registration step, the content provided by the provider is registered as part of the plurality of managed contents; Furthermore, in the remittance step, the information processing system remits an amount equivalent to the consideration for use to the provider.

23. An information processing method, comprising: An information processing method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. A program, A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

Images